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Thursday 23 August 2018
Alien Smugglers Arrested Following High-Speed CrashRead the Press Release
PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK – Rudin Lopez-Lopez, age 20, and Jose Lopez-Hernandez, age 20, citizens of Guatemala residing in Providence, Rhode Island, were arrested Wednesday and charged with alien smuggling following a high-speed crash on New York State Route 11 near Ellenburg, New York; no one was hurt.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Robert N. Garcia, Acting Chief Patrol Agent, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector.
Early Wednesday morning, Border Patrol agents assigned to the Burke and Champlain Stations arrested Lopez-Lopez and Lopez-Hernandez, both Guatemalan citizens, and five Romanians, after a failed smuggling attempt. The charges in the complaints are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
According to the criminal complaints, a Border Patrol Agent pulled over a Texas-plated sedan that was observed along the border at the same time that several people were suspected of illegally crossing the border. The car initially yielded to the Border Patrol Agent and pulled over, but as the Agent attempted to speak with the occupants of the car, it sped off east on New York State Route 11 at a high rate of speed. Agents lost contact with the vehicle but came upon it when the damaged car was found embedded in a guardrail at the intersection of State Routes 11 and 190. All seven occupants of the car had fled.
An immediate search of the area revealed two people hiding under a nearby bridge. Agents found three more people in a wooded area. Agents determined all were illegal aliens. At approximately 10 a.m., two more people, later determined to be Lopez-Lopez and Lopez-Hernandez, were located and arrested.
Lopez-Lopez and Lopez-Hernandez are each charged with transporting aliens unlawfully present in the United States for the purpose of commercial advantage and private financial gain. Each appeared today before United States Magistrate Judge Gary L. Favro and was detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for August 28.
Of the smuggled aliens, one is charged with the felony offense of re-entry of a removed alien and two are charged with the misdemeanor offense of entry without inspection. They also appeared before Judge Favro this afternoon and were detained pending detention hearings at a later date.
The charges filed against Lopez-Lopez and Hernandez-Lopez carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case is being investigated by Border Patrol and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Grogan.
Akron man sentenced to life in prison -- and ordered to pay funeral expenses -- for selling fentanyl that killed Akron womanRead the Press Release
An Akron man was sentenced to life in prison for selling fentanyl and heroin that resulted in the death of a 23-year-old Akron woman.
Ryan Sumlin, 29, was convicted by a jury earlier this year on charges of distribution of fentanyl and heroin that resulted in death, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute heroin.
U.S. District Judge Donald C. Nugent sentenced Sumlin to life in prison on the first two counts and 30 years in prison on the third count. He also ordered Sumlin to pay restitution in the amount of $4,639.85 – the cost of Carrie Dobbins’ funeral.
Sumlin sold a mix of fentanyl and heroin to Dobbins on March 28, 2015. Sumlin mixed fentanyl – which is far more powerful – with heroin but did not tell his customers. The fentanyl he obtained originally came from China, according to court documents and trial testimony.
Akron police detectives found more than 220 grams of fentanyl at Sumlin’s home when he was arrested. He continued to sell drugs after Dobbins died and while he was out on bond facing state criminal charges, according to court documents and trial testimony.
“This defendant is responsible for the death of a young woman in Akron after he sold her fentanyl that came from China,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “We will prosecute cases that target this epidemic from all fronts, whether it’s doctors irresponsibly overprescribing, dealers profiting off the misery of their neighbors, or suppliers shipping drugs around the globe.”
“Sumlin’s drug trafficking caused a fatal overdose that will forever affect the Akron community," said DEA Special Agent in Charge Timothy Plancon. "The men and women of DEA along with our law enforcement partners are committed to improving the communities we love and live in, and never give up on our efforts to put the most heinous drug dealers in jail.”
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliott Morrison. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Akron Police Department and the Fairlawn Police Department.
2 Pittsburgh Men Charged with Gun Crimes, Trafficking Heroin, Fentanyl and CrackRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – Marvin Dennis and Malik Martinez have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for committing drug trafficking and firearm crimes, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The indictment, returned on August 21 and unsealed today, charges Dennis, age 22, and Martinez, age 21, both of Pittsburgh, with (1) conspiring to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine from September 2017 to April 3, 2018; (2) possession with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine from September 2017 to April 3, 2018; and (3) possession of a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy from September 2017 to April 3, 2018.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of at least five years and up to life in prison and a fine of up to $2,250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal histories, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorneys Caitlin A. Loughran and Craig W. Haller are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. 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.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Wednesday 22 August 2018
Young Laredo Woman Sentenced for Conspiracy to Import Multiple DrugsRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 19-year-old Laredo woman has been ordered to federal prison following her conviction of conspiracy to import methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin from Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Valeria Yazmin Santos-Perez pleaded guilty April 25, 2018.
Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia-Marmolejo handed Santos-Perez a 60-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. Before sentencing Santos-Perez, the court asked her if she had given any thought to the harm that would be caused by bringing a large quantity of narcotics into the United States. Santos-Perez admitted she had not given that any thought
At the time of her plea, Santos-Perez admitted to driving a Mercedes-Benz SUV across the Lincoln-Juarez Bridge with bundles of narcotics hidden beneath the center console and beneath the floorboards of the vehicle. She said she had smuggled narcotics in a similar manner once previously and was paid $6,000 to drive the vehicle to Fort Worth.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents spent several hours extracting all the narcotics from the vehicle. The total included nine bundles of cocaine with a gross weight of 9.54 kilograms, two bundles of brown heroin with a gross weight of 1.22 kilograms, five bundles of black tar heroin with a gross weight of 1.16 kilograms and 168 bundles of methamphetamine with a gross weight of 19.04 kilograms.
She has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and CBP conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Bukiewicz is prosecuting the case.
Woman Arrested at KC Bus Station Charged with Possessing FentanylRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A woman carrying more than five pounds of fentanyl in her suitcase as she traveled through Kansas City, Mo., was charged in federal court today.
“Synthetic drugs, such as fentanyl, are among the deadliest substances being trafficked across the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Tim Garrison. “I commend our law enforcement partners for their diligent work to identify and disrupt the distribution networks used by drug traffickers.”
Evelyn C. Sanchez, 33, was charged in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., with possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute. Sanchez remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing, which has not yet been scheduled.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaint, Sanchez was traveling from Los Angeles, Calif., en route to New York, N.Y. Her bus stopped briefly at a Kansas City bus station on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018. After Kansas City police detectives interviewed Sanchez at the bus station, they became suspicious that she was not being truthful about her trip and purpose for going to New York. A K-9 alerted to a grey, hard-sided suitcase under one of the seats near where Sanchez had been seated on the bus, and she eventually acknowledged that that suitcase belonged to her.
When detectives searched Sanchez’s suitcase, the affidavit says, they found two bundles wrapped in several layers of plastic, which contained a total of 5.3 pounds or 2.4 kilograms of N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] propanamide, commonly known as fentanyl.
“I’m proud that the members of the DEA Interdiction Task Force, working collaboratively with the Kansas City Police Department, were able to make a difference by seizing 1.5 million lethal doses of fentanyl from the streets,” DEA St. Louis Division Special Agent in Charge William Callahan said. “We task these interdiction groups with an increasingly difficult task ... to seize drugs before they hit the streets of our communities. Today, they made an impact. They kept this poison out of our neighborhoods and potentially saved countless lives. We are extremely grateful to our state, local, and federal counterparts who contribute to these interdiction efforts.”
“Our Interdiction Unit did an excellent job,” Kansas City Police Chief Richard C. Smith said. “This was a huge amount of fentanyl capable of killing thousands of people. I’m very proud of our detectives and of how our excellent working relationships with our federal partners are keeping dangerous drugs like this off the streets and holding traffickers accountable.”
The charge contained in this complaint is simply an accusation, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charge must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Q. McCarther. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
Wister Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm Possession in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Michael Talon Barnes, age 27, of Wister, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to Possession Of A Firearm In Furtherance Of A Drug Trafficking Crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A), punishable by not less than 5 years and up life imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, or both.
The Indictment alleged that on or about the March 11, 2018, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma the defendant, Michael Talon Barnes, a/k/a Michael Tallon Barnes, did knowingly possess a firearm, that is, One (1) Jennings Firearms Inc., Mo. J22, .22 Caliber Semi-Auto Pistol, serial number 268516, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime for which he may be prosecuted in a court of the United States.The charges arose from an investigation by the Sallisaw Police Department 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 Kristin Harrington represented the United States.
Windsor Man Sentenced to 12 Months in Prison for Defrauding the Veterans AdministrationRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – William Michael Andrews was sentenced today to 12 months in prison, and ordered to pay $26,300 in restitution to the U.S. government after pleading guilty to theft of government property, announced United States Attorney Alex G. Tse and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Inspector General Special Agent in Charge James Wahleithner. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable James Donato, U.S. District Judge.
Andrews, 50, of Windsor, Calif., pleaded guilty on April 25, 2018. According to the plea agreement, from December 2015 until October 2016, Andrews used his position as a case-worker at an East Bay non-profit agency to acquire the personal information of homeless veterans. He then used that information to steal grant money from the VA and use it pay his personal expenses. Specifically, Andrews used the veterans’ personal information, including their social security numbers, to illegally direct VA grant money to his landlord to pay his own rent, rather than its intended purpose of paying for short-term rental apartments to help homeless veterans get off the streets. In total, Andrews stole more than $26,000 in VA grant funds.
A federal grand jury indicted Andrews on February 8, 2018. He was charged with theft of government property, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 641, and aggravated identity theft. Pursuant to the guilty plea, Andrew pleaded guilty to the theft charge and the identity theft charge was dismissed.
Judge Donato also sentenced the defendant to a three-year period of supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution to the U.S. government in the amount of $26,300. The defendant will begin serving the sentence on November 16, 2018.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ross Weingarten is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Marina Ponomarchuk. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the VA Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigations Division.
Wife of Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 50 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Elkhart, Indiana, has been sentenced in federal court to 50 months in jail on her conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Jenny Eileen Urrutia, 37.
According to information presented to the court, from in and around June 2013 to January 2015, Urrutia and her co-defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distributed multiple kilograms of cocaine and multiple ounces of pure methamphetamine. Urrutia’s husband and co-conspirator, Ignacio Montes Leon, was a leader and organizer of the drug trafficking organization and he used Urrutia to conduct drug deliveries and to provide other assistance in the conspiracy.
Assistant United States Attorney Marshall J. Piccinini prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, U.S. Border Patrol, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation; the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Organized Crime Section, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, and the Arkansas State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Urrutia.
Wetzel County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Joseph Harrison, of Pine Grove, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Harrison, age 48, pled guilty to one count of “Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition.” Harrison, having previously been convicted of a felony, is accused of having a .22 caliber revolver, and rounds of ammunition for the firearm in October 2017 in Wetzel County.
Harrison faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Wetzel County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided.
West Virginia Man Charged with Illegally Possessing Heroin and FentanylRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A resident of the Charleston area of Kanawha County, West Virginia, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count indictment, returned on August 21, named Jonathan Wayne Dillon, age 36, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, on March 22, 2018, Dillon possessed with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, and 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
The defendant faces a maximum total penalty of not less than five years and not more than 40 years in prison, a fine of not more than $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case with valuable assistance from the West Homestead Police Department and the Pennsylvania State Police.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
West Haven Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Murder, Attempt to Destroy Body with Pipe BombRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CHRISTOPHER MILLER, 43, of West Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 360 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for a drug-related murder and a subsequent attempt to destroy the body with a pipe bomb on July 4, 2015.
According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 11:00 a.m. on July 4, 2015, an explosion took place on Wintergreen Avenue in Hamden. Responding law enforcement located a deceased white male, who had been wrapped in plastic garbage bag material and bound by rope material, in a wooded area close to where the explosion had occurred. An explosive-type device and debris were also located in close proximity to the body. The victim, who had also sustained three apparent gunshot wounds, was subsequently identified as Edward Brooks, 39, of West Haven.
After West Haven Police informed investigators that Brooks had been residing with MILLER at 59 Front Avenue in West Haven, and that MILLER and other residents of 59 Front Avenue were subjects of an ongoing narcotics investigation, investigators executed a state narcotics search and seizure warrant at 59 Front Avenue and seized numerous items, including pipe bomb making materials that were consistent with the materials found at the Wintergreen Avenue explosion scene, approximately 16 grams of cocaine base (“crack cocaine), approximately 10.6 grams of methamphetamine and narcotics packaging material. Investigators also seized a surveillance DVR, which captured video surveillance from eight cameras placed around the residence.
The investigation revealed that, in the early morning hours of July 4, 2015, MILLER shot Brooks three times with a firearm that was equipped with a silencer, at their residence. MILLER and Maurice Wearing then wrapped Brooks’ body in plastic, drove the body to the wooded area in Hamden, placed a pipe bomb that MILLER had fabricated underneath Brooks’ body, and detonated the pipe bomb in an attempt to destroy evidence.
The investigation further revealed that in the year prior to Brooks’ murder, MILLER distributed at least 1.6 kilograms of crack cocaine, as well as other narcotics.
MILLER has been detained since his arrest on July 4, 2015. On April 5, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm and explosive device in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Wearing pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack cocaine”) and one count of possession of an explosive by a convicted felon. He awaits sentencing.
MILLER and Wearing also were charged with related state offenses.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut State Police and West Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa Richards in coordination with the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of Ansonia-Milford.
Warren County Doctor Pleads Guilty to Illegally Distributing Opiods and Medicare FraudRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Dr. Philip Dean, 62, a resident of Warren County, Missouri, pled guilty today to two felony charges, illegally distributing opiate medications and making a false statement to the Medicare program.
According to his plea agreement, Dr. Dean operated a medical office in Warren County, Missouri. Dr. Dean had personal relationships with three women, living with these women for some time periods. While engaging in personal relationships with these women, Dr. Dean also prescribed them with prescription opioid pain relief medications, including Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, and several forms of Fentanyl. The two felony charges from Dr. Dean’s plea agreement involve two of these women, referred to by their initials in the plea agreement as R.W. and C.H.
Regarding patient R.W., before his prescribing decisions at issue in this case, Dr. Dean was aware that R.W. had lost her health care provider license after experiencing serious prescription drug abuse problems. Dr. Dean was also aware that R.W. had been involved in motor vehicle accidents and traffic stops by police after driving while intoxicated because of prescription drugs. Nevertheless, during 2015-16, Dr. Dean prescribed R.W. with assorted opioid medications, including a fentanyl medication that was only approved for medical use by cancer patients with break-through pain. R.W. does not have cancer. R.W. repeatedly consumed her thirty day supplies of these prescription drugs before thirty days had elapsed. Recognizing that prescribing R.W. with duplicative and overlapping prescriptions for thirty day supplies of opiates would raise suspicion, Dr. Dean repeatedly prescribed R.W. with additional opiate prescriptions using the name of R.W.’s family member. Medicare funded these prescriptions, not knowing that R.W. was ending up with these medications. Dr. Dean personally picked up and paid a co-payment for one of these hydrocodone prescriptions that he wrote for R.W. using another patient’s name.
Regarding C.H., defendant issued her a prescription for Codeine, an opiate pain medication and controlled substance, on March 31, 2017 after exchanging text messages of a personal nature with her. Dr. Dean did not examine C.H. before issuing the prescription on March 31, 2017. According to medical records seized during the execution of a search warrant at the medical office, C.H. had not visited Dr. Dean’s office since January 24, 2017.
Dr. Dean admitted in his plea agreement that his opioid prescribing decisions exposed these patients to a risk of serious bodily injury, given the potency and side effects of the drugs he was prescribing and the patients’ histories of drug problems.
Dr. Dean pled guilty before Senior United States District Judge E. Richard Webber. Sentencing has been set for November 20, 2108. He now faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and/or fines up to $500,000, for the drug distribution, and a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000 for the false statement to Medicare. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
“This is an outrageous violation of the trust our society commits to physicians. Dr. Dean violated that trust and exploited his drug dependent patients. On top of it all, the taxpayers were forced to foot the bill for his crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen.
Steve Hanson, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Kansas City Region, stated, “Regarding our agency’s ongoing efforts in combating our nation’s opioid crisis, our office will continue to aggressively pursue those who misuse their positions and recklessly prescribe medication to our beneficiaries.”
“Prescription opioids serve an important purpose when used legitimately for patients suffering from chronic pain and illness. In this particular case, we had a doctor with the power to write prescriptions misrepresenting the truth, supplying narcotics to people with serious addiction issues that he was aware of and bilking all of us who pay taxes while doing it. The Drug Enforcement Administration will continue to pursue these bad actors to bring them to justice. Addiction to opioids is a serious illness and we will not allow doctors to abuse their authority for personal gain,” said Special Agent in Charge William J. Callahan of the Drug Enforcement Administration.
This case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Warrenton Police Department, and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Missouri Attorney General’s Office.
Virginia State Police Special Agent Arrested on Federal Criminal ComplaintRead the Press Release
Abingdon, VIRGINIA – A Virginia State Police Special Agent, formerly assigned to the Tazewell County High Intensity Drug Task Force, was arrested this morning on a federal criminal complaint charging him with lying to a federal agent. United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen and Special Agent in Charge Adam S. Lee of the FBI’s Richmond Division made the announcement.
Shade Workman, 46, of Bluefield, Va., was arrested this morning and charged in a federal criminal complaint with one count of lying to a federal agent.
“By engaging in this criminal conduct and lying to the FBI, this trooper betrayed the trust of the esteemed Virginia State Police and the citizens he was sworn to protect,” U.S. Attorney Cullen stated. “The United States Attorney’s Office, along with our partners at the FBI, are committed to investigating and prosecuting allegations of corruption by law-enforcement officers.”
“The Virginia State Police is one of the nation's premier law enforcement agencies. The FBI works closely with VSP's outstanding leadership and its superlative men and women to keep the Commonwealth safe and to mitigate the most serious criminal and national security threats, every day. They partner with us even when those threats come from within,” Special Agent Lee said today. “Workman made a series of poor choices which were inconsistent with the high ethical rigor of an agency like VSP and which violated federal law. It is my hope that this case makes clear to our Virginia communities that they are protected by the best - and only the best.”
According to the criminal complaint and affidavit, Workman made false statements to agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation who were investigating allegations of Workman’s inappropriate relationships with confidential informants. As stated in the affidavit, when questioned, Workman falsely denied having inappropriate and sexual relationships with confidential informants and also denied instructing a confidential informant to destroy evidence of those relationships.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee will prosecute the case for the United States.
A criminal complaint is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the government to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Virginia Man Sentenced to More Than Eight Years for Transporting and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. has sentenced Michael Paige Palmer (41, Virginia) to eight years and one month in federal prison for transportation and possession of child pornography. Palmer was also ordered to serve 10 years of supervised release and register as a sex offender.
Palmer was charged by a criminal complaint on December 24, 2017. He pleaded guilty on April 17, 2018.
According to court documents and evidence presented during the sentencing hearing, Palmer initially came to the attention of Canadian law enforcement officials when they identified him during an investigation as someone who had shared child pornography with others. As a result, Palmer was identified when he disembarked a cruise ship in Port Canaveral (Florida). During a routine border search of Palmer’s electronic devices, law enforcement located five videos containing child pornography. In total, Palmer possessed 84 images and 254 videos of child pornography, some of which included the sexual abuse of young children.
“HSI’s border search authority allowed us to stop this child predator in his tracks,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. “This significant sentencing underscores the severity of this crime and should serve as a warning to anyone who thinks they can harm children and get away with it.”
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Bayliss, on assignment from the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor, ICE.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Van Buren Man Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement from Tribal OrganizationRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jessie Lee Ross, age 44, of Van Buren, Arkansas, pled guilty to Embezzlement And Theft From Indian Tribal Organization, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1163, punishable by not more than 5 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, or both.
The Indictment alleged that from on or about September 1, 2014 to on or about September 25, 2014, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did steal, embezzle and knowingly and willfully convert to her own use goods, assets, and other property, with a value in excess of $1,000.00, which had been entrusted to her custody and care as an employee of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Casino gift shop, an Indian tribal organization.The charges arose from an investigation by the Choctaw Nation Tribal Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Edward Snow represented the United States.
Two Plead Guilty to Host of Violent Crimes in J.C. Napier NeighborhoodRead the Press Release
Eight-Month Violent Crime Spree Included Multiple Shootings, Robberies &Two Dead
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – August 22, 2018 – Two Nashville, Tennessee men pleaded guilty on Monday in U.S. District Court, to a series of violent crimes committed in and around the J.C. Napier neighborhood, including crimes that resulted in the murders of two individuals, announced U.S. Attorney Don Cochran for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Terrance Christopher Kimbrough, aka Lil Chris, aka Rampage, 22, pleaded guilty to two counts of using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence resulting in death; Hobbs Act robbery; and other federal firearms offenses.
Michael Calloway, Jr., aka Oso, 23, pleaded guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of ammunition, charges which resulted from an incident on November 23, 2014, where he shot into a vehicle occupied by three adults and a young child in the J.C. Napier area. Calloway is currently serving a 15-year sentence resulting from federal charges relating to another shooting in the J.C. Napier neighborhood in April 2015.
According to court documents, beginning in November 2014, Kimbrough was one of two individuals who robbed two men in the J.C. Napier area. During this robbery, the men targeted were ordered to strip and were then robbed of their clothing, drugs, money and identification.
On November 16, 2014, Kimbrough attempted to rob another individual, known to be a street-level drug dealer in the J.C. Napier area and shot the individual as he attempted to flee. Kimbrough chased the individual through the neighborhood and fired several rounds at him, causing him to be treated at a hospital for gunshot wounds and other injuries sustained while fleeing.
On November 26, 2014, Kimbrough participated in the robbery of Brendon Leggs, at a market near the J.C. Napier area. During this robbery, Kimbrough and Calvin Starks approached Leggs as he sat in his car and demanded drugs and money. As Leggs attempted to drive away, Kimbrough and Starks fired a total of 18 rounds at Leggs, striking him twice and killing him. Starks was sentenced last year to 35 years in prison.
A week later, on December 3, 2014, Kimbrough and a juvenile shot and killed Monte Watson, near the intersection of Lewis and Robertson Streets, in the J.C. Napier area. Kimbrough was aware that Watson had witnessed him murder Leggs and had been searching for him in order to silence him.
On February 23, 2015, Kimbrough fired multiple rounds into the engine compartment of an occupied car, in the J.C. Napier neighborhood, because the driver refused to give him a ride.
Finally, Kimbrough pleaded guilty to charges resulting from an incident on July 4, 2015, where he shot a member of the Bloods Gang on Porter Road in Nashville and another incident on July 17, 2015, where Kimbrough participated in a shootout between two rival groups, in the J.C. Napier neighborhood. During this shootout, two women were stuck by gunfire and were treated for gunshot wounds at a hospital.
Pursuant to their plea agreements, Kimbrough faces between 40 - 45 years in prison and Calloway faces up to an additional 20 years in prison when they are sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Waverly D. Crenshaw, Jr., on November 20, 2018.
Since 2015, more than 40 defendants have been charged and convicted as a part of this lengthy and on-going investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department’s Gang Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sunny A.M. Koshy and Philip H. Wehby are prosecuting the cases.
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Two Nigerian Men Sentenced for Spearphishing Email SchemeRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that two Nigerian men were sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Geoffrey Crawford for their role in a conspiracy to steal personal financial information from employees of local governments, including the State of Vermont. Earlier this month, Eneye Dania, 31, of Nigeria was sentenced to a 17-month term of imprisonment, and Osariemen Isibor, 32, was sentenced to approximately 14 months he had spent in custody prior to his sentencing. Following the completion of their sentences, both men are expected to be removed from the United States and returned to Nigeria.
The conspiracy involved sending employees of local governments, colleges, and universities, "spearphishing" emails designed to look like they were sent by the employer's human resources departments. The emails advised the employee to click on a link to log into the employer's human resources webpage in order to access payroll and tax withholding data. Rather than connecting the employee to the employer's HR webpage, however, the employee was sent to a page operated by members of the conspiracy. When employees attempted to log on with their usernames and passwords, those log on credentials were captured by members of the conspiracy. Using those credentials, members of the conspiracy accessed the employees' real data, and attempted to file fake tax returns on behalf of the employee, with the hope of receiving a fraudulent tax refund. The IRS detected most of the fraudulent tax filings before refunds issued.
In Court filings, the United States Attorney emphasized that both men participated in the crime while more than 5,000 miles away, in Nigeria, then traveled to the United States after participating in this scheme, apparently unaware that the Federal Bureau of Investigation Cyber Agents were on their case.
The case was investigated by Vermont-based cyber agents of the FBI Albany Cyber Task Force, and the Criminal Investigations division of the Internal Revenue Service, also located in Vermont.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael Drescher was the prosecutor. Dania was represented by Robert Sussman, Esq. Isibor was represented by Paul Volk, Esq.
Two Nashville Men Facing Federal Charges for Rite Aid RobberyRead the Press Release
Security Guard Shot During Inside-Job Robbery
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – August 22, 2018 – A criminal complaint was unsealed yesterday charging two Nashville, Tennessee men with federal crimes relating to the armed robbery of the Rite Aid on West End Avenue in October 2017, announced U.S. Attorney Don Cochran for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Carlos Valcarcel Arocho, 22, and Deonte Breedlove, 24, were each charged with robbery affecting commerce. Breedlove was also charged with using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
According to the complaint, on October 9, 2017, at approximately 4:00 a.m., an individual later identified as Deonte Breedlove, entered the Rite Aid on West End Avenue and shot the security guard in the chest at close range. Breedlove then went to the office area of the store, pointed a handgun at the two employees and ordered them to place money in a bag. Breedlove then fled the store with the bag of money.
During the subsequent investigation, investigators determined that one of the Rite Aid employees, Carlos Valcarcel Arocho, was texting Breedlove on a cell phone just prior to the robbery and were able to establish a relationship between Arocho and Breedlove. Metro Nashville Police Department detectives obtained a search warrant for Arocho’s residence and subsequently located evidence from the robbery inside his apartment.
Arocho and Breedlove were subsequently arrested on October 19th and October 20, 2017, respectively, and charged in state court with aggravated robbery.
If convicted of the federal charges, Breedlove faces up to life in prison and Arocho faces up to 20 years in prison.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip H. Wehby and Van Vincent are prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Two Chinese nationals charged with operating global opioid and drug manufacturing conspiracy resulting in deaths in AkronRead the Press Release
Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced the unsealing of a 43-count indictment in federal court in Cleveland, which charges two Chinese citizens with operating a conspiracy that manufactured and shipped deadly fentanyl analogues and 250 other drugs to at least 25 countries and 37 states. The indictment also alleges the drugs sold by the group directly led to the fatal overdoses of two people in Akron, Ohio.
Fujing Zheng, aka Gordon Jin, 35, and his father Guanghua Zheng, 62, both of whom reside in Shanghai, China, are charged with conspiracy to manufacture and distribute controlled substances, conspiracy to import controlled substances into the United States, operating a continued criminal enterprise, money laundering and other crimes. The charges carry a potential sentence of life imprisonment because the drugs involved resulted in death, and the defendants’ conduct qualifies for an enhancement under the kingpin statute.
The indictment was announced by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski for the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman for the Northern District of Ohio, Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Special Agent in Charge Timothy Plancon of DEA’s Detroit Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Steve Francis of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for Michigan and Ohio and Special Agent in Charge Ryan Korner of IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) Cincinnati Field Office.
“Fentanyl and its analogues are the number one killer drug in America today, and most of them come from China,” said Attorney General Sessions. “That’s why the Department of Justice under President Donald Trump has taken historic new steps against the threat of Chinese fentanyl. In October, we announced the first-ever indictments of Chinese nationals for fentanyl trafficking; 32 defendants have been charged in those cases. Today we are announcing an indictment of the leaders of the Zheng drug trafficking organization based in China, who the indictment alleges sold drugs that have killed at least two Ohioans. I want to thank U.S. Attorney Herdman and his fabulous Assistant U.S. Attorneys, our Criminal Division, DEA, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and IRS Criminal Investigation special agents and our Postal Inspectors for all of their hard work on this case. By cutting off fentanyl and its analogues at the source, we can save American lives.”
“As detailed in this indictment, the trail from at least two dead bodies in Akron, Ohio, leads to the Zhengs,” said U.S. Attorney Herdman. “This group has shipped deadly fentanyl analogues and other drugs around the globe for a decade. Law enforcement will follow the evidence wherever it leads, including overseas, to stop the flow of drugs that have caused so much heartbreak and destruction in Ohio.”
“DEA will relentlessly pursue anyone shipping deadly fentanyl analogues to the United States wherever they may be and bring them to justice,” said DEA Acting Administrator Dhillon. “These Chinese drug traffickers are directly responsible for the deaths of U.S. citizens and we will hold them accountable in a U.S. court of law.”
“This case clearly shows that our collaborative efforts with law enforcement at every level continue to have an impact,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Francis. “These efforts exhibit the combined resources of American law enforcement agencies’ resolve to ending this deadly epidemic.”
“Today’s indictments, which include charges related to the defendants’ smuggling drug profits in and out of the United States, are a victory for the American public and a defeat to drug traffickers everywhere,” said IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Korner. “The special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation continue in their mission to disrupt the flow of ill-gotten gains that are the life-blood for these criminals.”
According to the indictment:
The Zhengs and others used numerous companies, including Global United Biotechnology, Golden Chemicals, Golden RC, Cambridge Chemicals, Wonda Science, and others, to manufacture and distribute hundreds of controlled substances, including fentanyl analogues such as carfentanil, acetyl fentanyl, furanyl fentanyl, and others. They created and maintained numerous websites to advertise and sell illegal drugs in more than 35 languages.
From 2008 to the present, the Zheng drug trafficking organization (Zheng DTO) engaged in this conspiracy from its base of operations in Shanghai. The organization claimed to ship “over 16 tonnes of chemicals every month” from its “own laboratory” and to “synthesize nearly any chemical on a bespoke basis in any quantity.”
The Zheng DTO touted its ability to create custom-ordered drugs and avoid detection from customs and law enforcement when shipping the drugs. The Zheng DTO explained in emails and online that it had “special ways” to “go through customs safely” in “USA, Russia, Europe,” and other locations around the world. If customs still managed to seize the parcels, the DTO promised it would “re-ship free.”
The Zheng DTO used co-conspirators in other countries, including the United States, to receive, repackage, and redistribute the drug shipments, thereby hiding their Chinese origin. For example, it used companies run by Massachusetts-based co-conspirator Bin Wang to smuggle drugs past customs agents in China and the United States. Wang then shipped the drugs to customers across the country.
Wang has pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy and is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 13.
The Zheng DTO has sent millions of lethal doses of fentanyl analogues and other drugs linked to overdoses in the United States and around the world.
On Feb. 15, 2015, Akron, Ohio resident, Leroy Steele, emailed the Zheng DTO saying he “would like to purchase Acetyl fentanyl.” The Zheng DTO explained in its correspondence with Steele that it was “a professional acetyl fentanyl manufacturer in China” and that “a lot of U.S. and Europe customers purchase largely from us monthly.” The acetyl fentanyl that the Zheng DTO distributed to Steele resulted in the overdose deaths in Ohio of Thomas Rauh, 37, and Carrie Dobbins, 23, on or about March 21 and 28, 2015.
Steele was subsequently convicted of drug offenses and is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence.
Despite the deadly consequences of its actions, the Zheng DTO continued manufacturing and distributing drugs. In 2015, it advertised that it delivered “to all 50 USA states” and “worldwide to Australia, Europe, Asia and Africa.”
When China would ban a synthetic narcotic, the Zheng DTO would use its chemical expertise to create an analogue of the drug with a slightly different chemical structure but the same or even more potent effect. In this manner, the DTO entirely bypassed China’s restrictions on international narcotics sales.
Last month, the Zheng DTO agreed to manufacture adulterated cancer medication, creating counterfeit pills that replaced the active cancer-fighting ingredient with dangerous synthetic drugs. It also created and shipped counterfeit Adderall pills that were adulterated with deadly bath salts.
The Zheng DTO laundered its drug proceeds by using digital currency such as Bitcoin, transmitted drug proceeds into and out of bank accounts in China and Hong Kong, and bypassed currency restrictions and reporting requirements.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This investigation was conducted by the DEA, HSI, and IRS-CI. The following agencies assisted in the investigation: U.S. Postal Inspection Service, FBI, Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force, Special Operations Division, the Medway Drug Task Force, Akron Police Department, federal law enforcement on assignment at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing and federal law enforcement in the following districts: District of Massachusetts, Middle District of Florida, District of Colorado, District of Missouri, District of Minnesota and Western District of Texas. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided assistance. The Chinese Ministry of Public Security provided assistance during the course of the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Cronin of the Northern District of Ohio and Justice Department Criminal Division Trial Attorneys Adrienne Rose of the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section and Deputy Unit Chief Stephen Sola of the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.Two Chinese Nationals Charged with Operating Global Opioid and Drug Manufacturing Conspiracy Resulting in DeathsRead the Press Release
While in Cleveland, Ohio, Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced the unsealing of a 43-count indictment in federal court in Cleveland, which charges two Chinese citizens with operating a conspiracy that manufactured and shipped deadly fentanyl analogues and 250 other drugs to at least 25 countries and 37 states. The indictment also alleges the drugs sold by the group directly led to the fatal overdoses of two people in Akron, Ohio.
Fujing Zheng, aka Gordon Jin, 35, and his father Guanghua Zheng, 62, both of whom reside in Shanghai, China, are charged with conspiracy to manufacture and distribute controlled substances, conspiracy to import controlled substances into the United States, operating a continued criminal enterprise, money laundering and other crimes. The charges carry a potential sentence of life imprisonment because the drugs involved resulted in death, and the defendants’ conduct qualifies for an enhancement under the kingpin statute.
The indictment was announced by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski for the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman for the Northern District of Ohio, Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Special Agent in Charge Timothy Plancon of DEA’s Detroit Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Steve Francis of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for Michigan and Ohio and Special Agent in Charge Ryan Korner of IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) Cincinnati Field Office.
“Fentanyl and its analogues are the number one killer drug in America today, and most of them come from China,” said Attorney General Sessions. “That’s why the Department of Justice under President Donald Trump has taken historic new steps against the threat of Chinese fentanyl. In October, we announced the first-ever indictments of Chinese nationals for fentanyl trafficking; 32 defendants have been charged in those cases. Today we are announcing an indictment of the leaders of the Zheng drug trafficking organization based in China, who the indictment alleges sold drugs that have killed at least two Ohioans. I want to thank U.S. Attorney Herdman and his fabulous Assistant U.S. Attorneys, our Criminal Division, DEA, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and IRS Criminal Investigation special agents and our Postal Inspectors for all of their hard work on this case. By cutting off fentanyl and its analogues at the source, we can save American lives.”
“As detailed in this indictment, the trail from at least two dead bodies in Akron, Ohio, leads to the Zhengs,” said U.S. Attorney Herdman. “This group has shipped deadly fentanyl analogues and other drugs around the globe for a decade. Law enforcement will follow the evidence wherever it leads, including overseas, to stop the flow of drugs that have caused so much heartbreak and destruction in Ohio.”
“DEA will relentlessly pursue anyone shipping deadly fentanyl analogues to the United States wherever they may be and bring them to justice,” said DEA Acting Administrator Dhillon. “These Chinese drug traffickers are directly responsible for the deaths of U.S. citizens and we will hold them accountable in a U.S. court of law.”
“This case clearly shows that our collaborative efforts with law enforcement at every level continue to have an impact,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Francis. “These efforts exhibit the combined resources of American law enforcement agencies’ resolve to ending this deadly epidemic.”
“Today’s indictments, which include charges related to the defendants’ smuggling drug profits in and out of the United States, are a victory for the American public and a defeat to drug traffickers everywhere,” said IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Korner. “The special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation continue in their mission to disrupt the flow of ill-gotten gains that are the life-blood for these criminals.”
According to the indictment:
The Zhengs and others used numerous companies, including Global United Biotechnology, Golden Chemicals, Golden RC, Cambridge Chemicals, Wonda Science, and others, to manufacture and distribute hundreds of controlled substances, including fentanyl analogues such as carfentanil, acetyl fentanyl, furanyl fentanyl, and others. They created and maintained numerous websites to advertise and sell illegal drugs in more than 35 languages.
From 2008 to the present, the Zheng drug trafficking organization (Zheng DTO) engaged in this conspiracy from its base of operations in Shanghai. The organization claimed to ship “over 16 tonnes of chemicals every month” from its “own laboratory” and to “synthesize nearly any chemical on a bespoke basis in any quantity.”
The Zheng DTO touted its ability to create custom-ordered drugs and avoid detection from customs and law enforcement when shipping the drugs. The Zheng DTO explained in emails and online that it had “special ways” to “go through customs safely” in “USA, Russia, Europe,” and other locations around the world. If customs still managed to seize the parcels, the DTO promised it would “re-ship free.”
The Zheng DTO used co-conspirators in other countries, including the United States, to receive, repackage, and redistribute the drug shipments, thereby hiding their Chinese origin. For example, it used companies run by Massachusetts-based co-conspirator Bin Wang to smuggle drugs past customs agents in China and the United States. Wang then shipped the drugs to customers across the country.
Wang has pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy and is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 13.
The Zheng DTO has sent millions of lethal doses of fentanyl analogues and other drugs linked to overdoses in the United States and around the world.
On Feb. 15, 2015, Akron, Ohio resident, Leroy Steele, emailed the Zheng DTO saying he “would like to purchase Acetyl fentanyl.” The Zheng DTO explained in its correspondence with Steele that it was “a professional acetyl fentanyl manufacturer in China” and that “a lot of U.S. and Europe customers purchase largely from us monthly.” The acetyl fentanyl that the Zheng DTO distributed to Steele resulted in the overdose deaths in Ohio of Thomas Rauh, 37, and Carrie Dobbins, 23, on or about March 21 and 28, 2015.
Steele was subsequently convicted of drug offenses and is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence.
Despite the deadly consequences of its actions, the Zheng DTO continued manufacturing and distributing drugs. In 2015, it advertised that it delivered “to all 50 USA states” and “worldwide to Australia, Europe, Asia and Africa.”
When China would ban a synthetic narcotic, the Zheng DTO would use its chemical expertise to create an analogue of the drug with a slightly different chemical structure but the same or even more potent effect. In this manner, the DTO entirely bypassed China’s restrictions on international narcotics sales.
Last month, the Zheng DTO agreed to manufacture adulterated cancer medication, creating counterfeit pills that replaced the active cancer-fighting ingredient with dangerous synthetic drugs. It also created and shipped counterfeit Adderall pills that were adulterated with deadly bath salts.
The Zheng DTO laundered its drug proceeds by using digital currency such as Bitcoin, transmitted drug proceeds into and out of bank accounts in China and Hong Kong, and bypassed currency restrictions and reporting requirements.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This investigation was conducted by the DEA, HSI, and IRS-CI. The following agencies assisted in the investigation: U.S. Postal Inspection Service, FBI, Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force, Special Operations Division, the Medway Drug Task Force, Akron Police Department, federal law enforcement on assignment at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing and federal law enforcement in the following districts: District of Massachusetts, Middle District of Florida, District of Colorado, District of Missouri, District of Minnesota and Western District of Texas. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided assistance. The Chinese Ministry of Public Security provided assistance during the course of the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Cronin of the Northern District of Ohio and Justice Department Criminal Division Trial Attorneys Adrienne Rose of the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section and Deputy Unit Chief Stephen Sola of the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.Two Additional Venezuelan Nationals Plead Guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance on Board a Vessel Following Apprehension of a Go-Fast Vessel Carrying Multiple Kilos of MarijuanaRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Felix Gomez, age 38, and Rosauro Morao, age 43, of Venezuela, both pled guilty on August 22, 2018, in District Court to one count of Possession of a Controlled Substance on Board a Vessel, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
This federal offense carries a possible sentence of up to 40 years in prison, a maximum fine of up to $5,000,000 dollars, and a term of supervised release of at least 2 years. Sentencing is set for December 21, 2018.
According to court documents, on May 8, 2017, at approximately 7:50 pm, a patrol aircraft associated with the Joint Inter-Agency Task Force South located a northbound go-fast vessel (GFV) approximately 105 nautical miles west of Martinique traveling at a speed of 25 knots. The vessel was located in a known drug trafficking route. It had five outboard engines and contained multiple fuel barrels and suspicious packages visible on deck. The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Donald Horsley was directed to intercept the vessel. Upon arrival, the crew of the GFV were observed tossing the suspicious packages and fuel barrels overboard. Ultimately, the crew of the Cutter Donald Horsley recovered 8 bound packages, which contained approximately 162 kilograms (357 pounds) of marijuana. The defendants were two of 7 Venezuelan national crew onboard the GFV. Defendant Gomez was observed to be the operator of the boat.
Co-defendant Juan Rodriguez previously entered a guilty plea on August 13, 2018, and co-defendants Jesus Garcia and Jhoan Gomez entered a guilty plea on August 15, 2018.
The Coast Guard Cutter Donald Horsley is a 154-foot Fast Response Cutter homeported in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The case was investigated by the United States Coast Guard and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Huston.
Twin Bridges Man Sentenced to 120 Months in Prison for Drug Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – Martin James Walsh, a 53-year-old resident of Twin Bridges, Montana, was sentenced to 120 years in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge Dana Christensen handed down the sentence.
Beginning in October 2016, the South West Montana Drug Task Force (Task Force) purchased an “8-ball” or 3.5 grams of methamphetamine from Walsh. The next month the Task Force again made a purchase of ¼ ounce of methamphetamine from Walsh. In June 2017, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office purchased a small amount of heroin from Walsh. Based upon the purchases, sheriff’s deputies obtained a search warrant for Walsh’s residence in Twin Bridges. When the deputies searched Walsh’s home they found a digital scale, several glass smoking pipes, a large box containing four bags of a white crystalline substance that tested positive for methamphetamine. Walsh was home at the time of the search. He was detained and read his Miranda rights. Walsh stated that he had been selling ounces of meth in Madison County as well as Bozeman and Butte. The amount of methamphetamine found in Walsh’s residence was approximately 260 grams or 2080 dosing units.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan R. Whittaker and investigated by the FBI, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, South West Montana Drug Task Force, and the Missouri River Drug Task Force.
Three Wilkes-Barre Men Indicted for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Dwayne Romail Brown, age 38, Michael Rinaldi, age 41, and Andrew Henry, age 44, all of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, were indicted on August 21, 2018, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that Brown, Rinaldi and Henry conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine between May and August 2018, in the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni.
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.
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 maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 40 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Three Sentenced for Transporting Drugs via LanchaRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Three Mexican nationals have been sentenced for conspiring to import 611 kilograms of marijuana into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Julio Cesar Cruz-Amaro, 31, Tito Mar-Herrera, 35, and Miguel Angel Ender-Diaz, 56, pleaded guilty March 1, 2018, for their involvement in conspiring to import marijuana into the United States while on board a vessel.
Today, U.S. Circuit Judge Gregg Costa, sitting by designation, sentenced Cruz-Amaro to a 60-month-term of imprisonment, while Mar-Herrera and Ender-Diaz both received terms of 36 months. Not U.S. citizens, all are expected to face deportation proceedings following their sentences.
On Dec. 13, 2017, authorities detected and captured a Mexican lancha boat crew illegally transporting narcotics while in federal waters off southern Texas. Cruz-Amaro, Mar-Herrera and Ender-Diaz were interdicted in the vicinity of Packery Channel near Port Aransas along with one lancha and 30 bales of marijuana totaling 611 kilograms.
U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) originally detected the vessel offshore traveling northbound towards the United States which was then intercepted with the assistance of Custom and Border Protection (CBP) approximately nine nautical miles offshore.
They had admitted a criminal organization hired them to bring the drugs into the United States through Corpus Christi.
A lancha is a fishing boat used by Mexican fishermen that is approximately 20-30 feet long with a slender profile, typically has one outboard motor and is capable of traveling at speeds exceeding 30 mph.
All three have been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
USCG conducted the investigation with the assistance of CBP. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Jeffrey S. Miller and AUSA David Paxton prosecuted the case.
Three Men Convicted of 2009 Kidnapping and Murder of West Hartford ManRead the Press Release
United States Attorney John H. Durham, Chief State’s Attorney Kevin T. Kane, Acting Special Agent in Charge Erin Joe of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Hartford Police Chief David Rosado, today announced that a federal jury in Bridgeport has found has found three men guilty of the kidnapping, robbery and the execution-style murder of Charles Teasley, 35, of West Hartford, in January 2009.
HAROLD COOK, also known as “Oink,” 41, of Bloomfield, GERUND MICKENS, also known as “Breeze,” 42, of Bloomfield, and TERRELL HUNTER, also known as “Rell” and “Killer,” 36, of Hartford, were each found guilty of one count of kidnapping resulting in death, one count of using a firearm during a kidnapping and causing a death, and one count of using a firearm during a Hobbs Act robbery and causing a death.
The trial before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill began on August 6, 2018, and the jury returned the guilty verdicts late yesterday afternoon.
At sentencing, each defendant faces a mandatory term of life imprisonment without parole.
This matter stems from an investigation conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, Hartford Police Department and the Cold Case Homicide Unit of the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney.
According to evidence presented during the trial, on January 12, 2009, Hartford Police responded to Colebrook Street in response to a 911 call concerning a dead body being found in the back seat of a vehicle parked on the street. Upon arrival, Charles Teasley was found dead in the back seat of his own vehicle, a 1999 Acura TL. He had suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his head and face, and his hands were zip-tied behind his back.
The investigation revealed that Cook, Mickens, Hunter and Jesus Ashanti were involved in committing armed robberies of persons they believed to be drug dealers operating in the greater Hartford area. On January 9, 2009, an individual advised Cook that he had arranged to conduct a cocaine transaction with Charles Teasley, also known as “Man.” The individual provided the particulars of the planned transaction to Cook so that Teasley could be kidnapped and robbed of drugs and money. After the individual met with Teasley at the approximate time and location he had provided to Cook, Cook, Mickens, Hunter and Ashanti went to the location and kidnapped Teasley by using zip-ties to bind his hands and forcing him back into the rear seat of his own vehicle. In the vehicle, they threatened Teasley at gunpoint, assaulted him and forced him to make a telephone call directing his girlfriend to bring to Cook, Mickens, Hunter and Ashanti a safe that Teasley had kept at his and his girlfriend’s West Hartford residence. They drove to the residence and acquired the safe. Cook, Mickens and Hunter then drove Teasley to the Colebrook Street area of Hartford, and Ashanti followed them in a separate car. On the way, Hunter and Cook shot Teasley in the head causing his death. After arriving on Colebrook Street, Cook, Mickens and Hunter left the Acura and Teasley’s body, and then fled the area in the car driven by Ashanti.
Cook, Mickens and Hunter have been detained since their arrests on April 4, 2017.
On July 16, 2018, Ashanti, also known as “Black,” 42, of Hartford, pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping resulting in death, one count of using a firearm during a kidnapping and causing a death, and one count of using a firearm during a robbery and causing a death. Ashanti is currently incarcerated in Massachusetts state custody after committing a series of bank robberies since 2010.
“I thank our partners in the FBI Task Force, Hartford Police Department and Chief State’s Attorney’s Office for their excellent investigative work in bringing to justice the men responsible for this brutal murder,” said U.S. Attorney Durham. “The citizens of Hartford and family members of victims have benefited by this collaboration and the diligent work of the Cold Case Homicide Unit of the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney, formerly headed by Patrick Griffin, now State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of New Haven. The Justice Department, through it Project Safe Neighborhoods program, is committed to reducing violent crime in our cities by prosecuting dangerous offenders. We also will continue to work with our state counterparts in their ongoing efforts to solve other cold case murders, and provide justice for victims’ families.”
“I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the agencies involved in this matter,” said Chief State’s Attorney Kane. “It is yet another example of how through collaboration government at all levels can accomplish much, which is particularly important in the current budget climate.”
“The Hartford Police Department is committed to working collaboratively with our state, local, and federal partners in addressing violent crimes in our cities,” said Chief Rosado. “This is another great example of this partnership resulting in getting our most violent offenders off the street and making our communities safer.”
Chief State’s Attorney Kane noted that the unsolved homicide of Charles “Man” Teasley was included in cold case playing cards sold to inmates in Connecticut’s state correctional facilities. Each card in the deck features a photograph and brief details about a homicide or missing person case and lists telephone, mail and e-mail contacts that inmates can use to supply information.
The FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction.
The case is being prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Durham, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis and Peter D. Markle, and Assistant State’s Attorney Andrew Reed Durham, who has been cross-designated as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in this matter.
Stamford Man Sentenced to 77 Months in Federal Prison for Trafficking Cocaine and MarijuanaRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CARL HUBBARD, 35, of Stamford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 77 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine and marijuana.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2017, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Stamford Police Department made one controlled purchase of cocaine from HUBBARD, and two controlled purchases of crack cocaine from an associate of HUBBARD after HUBBARD had arranged the two sales. A subsequent court-authorized wiretap investigation confirmed that HUBBARD was receiving marijuana from William Reyes of Stamford, and cocaine from other sources, and was distributing the drugs to individuals in Fairfield County.
HUBBARD and Reyes were arrested on July 26, 2017. On that date, investigators seized $2,933 in cash from HUBBARD’s person and $9,450 in cash that HUBBARD kept at a family member’s residence. Investigators also seized approximately 18 grams of cocaine and approximately 658 grams of marijuana from an individual who HUBBARD had given the drugs for safekeeping. In addition, a court-authorized search of Reyes’ Stamford residence revealed approximately 18 kilograms of marijuana, paraphernalia associated with narcotics distribution, and $71,004 in cash, and a search of a residence in Lagrangeville, N.Y., that Reyes and another individual used to grow, process and distribute marijuana, revealed 140 marijuana plants and related equipment.
HUBBARD has been detained since his arrest. On May 30, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and a quantity of marijuana.
Reyes pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana and, on March 29, 2018, was sentenced to 41 months of imprisonment.
This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Stamford Police Department and New York State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Sarala V. Nagala.
Springfield Woman Pleads Guilty to Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., woman who was arrested with a half-pound of heroin and six pounds of methamphetamine in her possession has pleaded guilty in federal court to her role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Greene County, Mo.
Kathy J. Alexander, 62, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018, to the charge contained in a Jan. 23, 2018, federal indictment.
Alexander was arrested while driving through Amarillo, Texas, on Jan. 11, 2016, with a half-pound of heroin and six pounds of methamphetamine that she was transporting from Arizona to Springfield. Alexander admitted that she had traveled to Arizona and met with co-conspirators to receive the heroin and methamphetamine. After the drugs were repackaged for distribution, she began driving back to Springfield to deliver them to another co-conspirator.
Alexander had also been stopped, but not arrested, on Dec. 2, 2014, by law enforcement officers in Oklahoma while she was transporting five ounces of heroin hidden in her underwear.
Alexander admitted that she had made 14 drug transporting excursions, averaging one trip each month, for which she was paid $500 per trip. The drug-trafficking conspiracy lasted from Dec. 2, 2014, to Jan. 23, 2018.
Co-defendant Davetta F. Hicks, 31, of Springfield, has also pleaded guilty to her role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy. Hicks was arrested on Dec. 9, 2014, by Kingsville, Texas, police officers for the possession of a half-pound of methamphetamine found in her purse. Hicks admitted that she made three trips to Texas to transport cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine to Springfield.
Under federal statutes, Alexander is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abram McGull II. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the Combined Ozarks Multijurisdictional Enforcement Team (COMET).
Spokane Man Sentenced to 4 Years for MethRead the Press Release
MISSOULA - Phillip Devon Johnson, 26, of Spokane, WA, was sentenced today to 48 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Johnson pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge Dana L. Christensen handed down the sentence.
On April 26, 2017, after members of law enforcement received information that Johnson was coming to Montana to deliver approximately eight ounces of methamphetamine, he was stopped in his vehicle by Montana Highway Patrol. A canine alerted to drugs in his vehicle and a later search revealed 190.4 grams of pure methamphetamine. This converts to over 1,500 dosage units which would have otherwise reached users in Montana.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Elliott and investigated by the Northwest Drug Task Force.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime. Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
Serial Fraudster Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – Ronald L. Coleman, age 70, of Baltimore, Maryland, pleaded guilty on August 21, 2018, to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. Coleman has four previous federal convictions—one for mail fraud and three for access device fraud and related crimes.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur and Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.
According to his plea agreement, from at least July 23, 2015 to May 7, 2017, Coleman used the personal identifying information of more than 10 victims to request that financial institutions send replacement credit and debit cards, and to apply for new credit cards. Coleman had the cards sent to addresses in Baltimore where he lived or had access. Most of the requests were made by phone and some of those requests were recorded. When calling financial institutions, Coleman pretended to be the account holder and used the name, birthdate, social security number, address and telephone number of the true account holder, which Coleman had fraudulently obtained and was not authorized to use. Coleman also admitted that he made some requests online through the Internet. Using the victims’ identifying information, Coleman successfully obtained and sought to obtain more than two dozen credit cards from financial institutions and other entities.
In addition, in February 2015, Coleman fraudulently obtained a vehicle loan totaling approximately $22,132, which he used to purchase a Mercedes Benz SL. On the loan documents, Coleman falsely represented that he had resided at an address in Baltimore for 15 years, and had been employed for eight years at a graphics company in “sales.” In fact, in February 2015 Coleman was completing his sentence for a federal fraud conviction for which he had been incarcerated since December 2011. Coleman subsequently defaulted on the loan, causing the loan company a loss of approximately $9,600.
Coleman’s fraudulent activities resulted in an actual loss of at least $11,076.34, and an intended loss of more than $39,000.
Coleman and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts the plea agreement, Coleman will be sentenced to between five and 10 years in prison. U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm has scheduled sentencing for Coleman on January 30, 2019, at 2:30 p.m.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI for its work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dana J. Brusca and Tamera L. Fine, who are prosecuting the case.
Seabrook Woman Pleads Guilty to Participating in Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Darlene Tirone, 42, of Seabrook, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the course of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation that included wiretaps of certain telephones, investigators learned that on March 14, 2018, Tirone intended to travel from New Hampshire to a location in Massachusetts to purchase a quantity of fentanyl. Agents observed Tirone arrive in a vehicle and meet with a known drug runner. A New Hampshire State Trooper subsequently stopped the vehicle Tirone was in and Tirone admitted to concealing fentanyl within her body. Tirone retrieved 44 grams of fentanyl. The intercepted calls revealed that between February 23, 2018, and March 14, 2018, Tirone ordered approximately 712 grams of fentanyl from the drug trafficking organization.
Tirone is scheduled to be sentenced on November 28, 2018.
“Stopping the flow of fentanyl into New Hampshire is a top priority of this office,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “This dangerous drug continues to cause deaths and extensive damage to the overall wellbeing of our citizens. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to prosecute traffickers and shut down their illegal drug businesses.”
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 case was supported 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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Salinas Resident Pleads Guilty to Drug Dealing and Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE – Frank Miranda Carrillo pleaded guilty in federal court today to distributing crystal methamphetamine and illegally possessing unregistered firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Alex G. Tse and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Jill Snyder. The guilty plea was accepted by the Honorable Lucy H. Koh, U.S. District Judge.
According to his plea agreement, Carrillo, 30, of Salinas, Calif., admitted he was a methamphetamine dealer. Carrillo admitted that, on March 27, 2018, he attempted to sell 443.2 grams of crystal methamphetamine to an undercover agent. Carrillo also admitted that between June of 2017 and March of 2018, he sold approximately 598 grams of crystal methamphetamine in numerous transactions including the following four sales: (1) on July 12, 2017, he sold 15.4 grams of crystal methamphetamine; (2) on July 26, 2017, he sold 111.1 grams of crystal methamphetamine; (3) on September 6, 2017, he sold 0.6 grams of crystal methamphetamine; and (4) on October 4, 2017, he sold 27.7 grams of crystal methamphetamine.
In addition to selling drugs, Carrillo admitted he possessed and sold numerous firearms– even though he was a previously-convicted felon and he had no license to deal in firearms. In his plea agreement, Carrillo itemized more than three dozen items that he either sold or of which he was in possession between June 7, 2017, and March 27, 2018, the date of his arrest.
On July 18, 2018, Carrillo was charged by information with one count each of distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), and illegal possession of unregistered firearms, in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 5861(d). Pursuant to today’s plea agreement, Carrillo pleaded guilty to both charges.
Carrillo has been in custody since the date of his arrest. Judge Koh scheduled his sentencing for December 5, 2018. Carrillo faces a statutory maximum of life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000,000 for the drug distribution charge. In addition, Carrillo faces a mandatory minimum statutory sentence of 10 years in prison for the drug distribution charge. With respect to the gun possession charge, Carrillo faces a statutory maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The court also must impose a five-year term of supervised release to follow his prison term. However, any sentence will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
The Organized Crime Strike Force Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation conducted by the ATF and the Salinas Police Department.
Romanian Nationals Plead Guilty in ATM Skimming ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that ALEXANDRU-NICUSOR NITA, age 27, a Romanian national, pled guilty today to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. On August 9, 2018, Nita’s co-conspirator, DANIELA-STEFANI IANEV, age 31, also a Romanian national, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. As a result of their convictions, both NITA and IANEV face significant terms of imprisonment, fines, and periods of supervised release.
From November to late December 2017, NITA and IANEV conspired with others to commit bank fraud. NITA and IANEV installed ATM skimming devices on ATM machines at several financial institutions around the Baton Rouge area, among other locations in Louisiana. These ATM skimming devices captured the financial information of hundreds of customers using the ATM machines. The stolen bank account information was subsequently encoded onto blank debit cards and gift cards.
NITA and IANEV also installed overhead cameras on these ATM machines to capture the personal identification numbers (“PIN”) of the customers. The debit cards and gift cards were used by others, in combination with the corresponding PIN access codes, to make unauthorized withdrawals from the victims’ bank accounts, including at financial institutions in the Baton Rouge area.
U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “Anyone who attempts to undermine the American people’s confidence in our financial systems through fraudulent criminal activity will be prosecuted vigorously. These defendants preyed upon unsuspecting victims by stealing and using their personal financial information in an effort to enrich themselves and today they have been held accountable. I sincerely appreciate the hard work and collaborative efforts of our prosecutors, the Secret Service, EBRSO and the Gonzales PD in their quest to bring these criminals to justice.”
Tara McLeese, Resident Agent in Charge of the Secret Service Office in Baton Rouge stated, “The Secret Service’s founding mission was to investigate and counter threats to the financial payment systems of the United States. Financial crimes investigations in the Baton Rouge area in particular benefit from an established Financial Crimes Task Force, which is comprised of Federal, State and local investigators. Members of this Task Force were instrumental in the successful investigation of this case. The Secret Service will continue to prioritize cases that have economic impact to the community and those that involve emerging technologies.”
“When criminals use fraudulent means, such as theft, to obtain prescription drugs illegally, they place all U.S. consumers at risk,” said Justin D. Green, Special Agent in Charge, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations’ Miami Field Office. “We will continue to pursue and bring to justice those who put the public health at risk.”
This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, the U.S. Secret Service, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, Financial Crimes Unit, and Gonzales Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brad Casey.
Roff Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Material Involving Sexual Exploitation of Minors, Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Dalton Wayne Woods, age 25, of Roff, Oklahoma, pled guilty to Possession Of Certain Material Involving The Sexual Exploitation Of Minors, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(4)(B) and 2252(b)(2), Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2, punishable up to 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, or both.
The Indictment alleged that between on or about March 19, 2017, to on or about May 5, 2017, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did knowingly possess, attempt to possess and access with intent to view matters which contained visual depictions, as that term is defined in Title 18, United States Code, Section 2256(5), the production of said visual depictions involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, as that term is defined in Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2256(2)(A)-(B), and said visual depictions were of such sexually explicit conduct and had been transported in interstate commerce by computer.The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Edward Snow represented the United States.
Ricky James Bennefield Sentenced to Serve Ten Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Commit Wire and Mail Fraud,Theft of Government Property, and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On August 22, 2018, Ricky James Bennefield, 53, of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, was sentenced by the Honorable Thomas W. Phillips, U.S. District Judge, to serve 96 months for mail and wire fraud and theft of government money, followed by a consecutive sentence of 24 months for aggravated identity theft, for a total of 120 months in federal prison. Additionally, his federal sentence will run consecutive to a four-year sentence Bennefield is currently serving in the state system on unrelated charges.
Ricky Bennefield pleaded guilty in March 2018 to a three-count indictment charging him with mail and wire fraud, theft of government money and aggravated identity theft. Documents on file with U.S. District Court detail the conspiracy committed by Bennefield and his wife, Erika Nicole Bennefield. Erika Bennefield previously pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated identity theft and was sentenced to serve two years in federal prison.
During a December 2016 state investigation of Ricky Bennefield, on unrelated charges, local agents uncovered evidence that he engaged in theft of funds from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and committed aggravated identity theft involving his father-in-law. A subsequent investigation by agents with the SSA Office of Inspector General revealed that the victim had passed away on a family trip in 2010 and Ricky Bennefield buried his body along the side of the road. After driving away for approximately an hour and a half, with his wife and minor children in the car, he returned to the location where the body was buried, removed it, placed it back in the car, and drove to another location, where he reburied the body. This was all done to conceal the victim’s death so that Ricky and Erika Bennefield could receive his Social Security benefits. From approximately June 2010 through December 2016, the Bennefields continued to fraudulently receive Social Security benefits along with a monthly pension, also belonging to the victim, and deposited the funds in their own accounts or cashed the checks for their personal use.
In handing down the lengthy sentence, Judge Phillips noted that Ricky Bennefield’s actions “were disturbing and beyond imagination,” adding that they were “truly outrageous.”
Agencies involved in this investigation included the SSA Office of Inspector General, Gatlinburg Police Department and Pigeon Forge Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Kolman represented the United States in court proceedings.
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Richmond Man Pleads Guilty to Dealing Heroin Mixed with FentanylRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – Paris Moore, 32, of Richmond, pleaded guilty today to distributing approximately 400 grams of heroin in the central Virginia area.
“When drug traffickers seek to increase their profit margins by mixing deadly synthetic opioids, like fentanyl, with traditional street drugs, the risk of overdose skyrockets,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “That is precisely why investigating and prosecuting offenses involving the trafficking of this poison is a top priority in this district.”
According to court documents, on two separate occasions in January 2018, DEA agents used a confidential source to purchase nearly ten grams of heroin, mixed with detectable amounts of fentanyl, from Moore in Henrico County and Richmond. Following these controlled purchases, on February 22, 2018, DEA agents executed a search warrant at Moore’s Glen Allen, Va. residence, where they recovered approximately 2.4 grams of crack cocaine, .88 grams of heroin mixed with a detectable amount of fentanyl, and a digital scale.
As part of his plea, Moore pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of heroin and admitted to distributing the equivalent of 400 grams of heroin. At the time of these offenses, Moore was on federal supervised release after a 2009 conviction for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.
“Moore has repeatedly shown his disregard for the well-being of his community with his drug-dealing activities,” said Scott W. Hoernke, Acting Special Agent in Charge for DEA’s Washington Field Division. “DEA will continue to work with our state and local law enforcement partners to bring to justice the most dangerous offenders who are responsible for fueling the ongoing opioid epidemic in our communities.”
Moore faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison when sentenced on November 30, 2018. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Scott W. Hoernke, Acting Special Agent in Charge for DEA’s Washington Field Division, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:18-cr-71.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Failure to RegisterRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on August 20, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Troy Sampson, age 40, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Sampson was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 20, 2018. He pled guilty on June 10, 2018.
Between December 2017 and January 2018, Sampson, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a sex offender by reason of conviction under federal law, did knowingly fail to register and update his registration.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Sampson was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Raleigh County Teenager Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearm Theft ChargeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Raleigh County teenager who stole twenty-four firearms was sentenced to federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Dillon Jackson, 19, of Beckley, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison for stealing firearms from the premises of a person licensed to engage in the business of dealing in firearms. Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, and the Beckley Police Department.
“Just days before committing this crime, Jackson turned 18 years old,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “As a result, he will be spending the first few years of young adulthood in a federal prison. Tragic.”
At his plea hearing in May, Jackson admitted that in the early morning hours of July 11, 2017, he and an accomplice, used a crow bar to break the glass door of a federally licensed firearm dealer near Fairdale, West Virginia. Jackson admitted to entering the store with the accomplice and stealing pistols and rifles that were in the inventory of the licensed dealer. In total, Jackson and the accomplice stole twenty-four guns. Jackson further admitted to trading the stolen guns for money and drugs. At least one of the firearms stolen was capable of receiving a high capacity magazine.
Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy D. Boggess and Clint Carte handled the prosecution. The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.
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.
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Portland Man Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Prison for Dealing Meth While on Federal Pretrial ReleaseRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore. – Stephen Gregory Rowell, 37, of Portland, was sentenced today to 147 months in federal prison for dealing methamphetamine in Portland. Upon completion of his prison sentence, Rowell will be on supervised release for 5 years.
Rowell previously pleaded guilty on April 25, 2018 to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, on November 15, 2016, Rowell was arrested and found in possession of at least 180 grams of methamphetamine that were intended for further distribution. At the time of his 2016 arrest, Rowell was on federal pretrial supervision following his arrest and indictment for distributing methamphetamine on June 24, 20l5. Today’s sentencing resolved both cases.
The Clackamas County Interagency Taskforce, Oregon City Police Department, and Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case. It was prosecuted by Peter D. Sax, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Ponchatoula Turtle Farmer Pleads Guilty to Lacey Act ViolationRead the Press Release
KEITH D. BOUDREAUX, age 56, of Ponchatoula pleaded guilty today to a one-count bill of information charging him with illegally shipping false map turtles in violation of Title 16, United States Code, Sections 3372(d)(2) and 3373(d)(3)(A).
According court documents, BOUDREAUX submitted falsified export documents in connection with a shipment of 1500 false map turtles that he exported to a buyer in the Netherlands.
BOUDREAUX faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than five years, not more than three years on supervised release, a fine of $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00. U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey will sentence BOUDREAUX on November 27, 2018.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.
Pittsburgh Man Charged with Committing Drug Trafficking and Firearm CrimesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A superseding indictment was returned by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh against Kevin Livsey for committing drug trafficking and firearm crimes, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The superseding indictment, returned on August 21, charges Livsey, age 31, of Pittsburgh, with (1) possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, carfentanil, and heroin on May 9, 2018; (2) possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on May 9, 2018; (3) possession of a firearm after a felony conviction also on May 9, 2018; and (4) distribution of fentanyl and heroin on April 11, 2018. Livsey was on federal supervised release in 2018 following a prison sentence for prior federal convictions for distributing heroin.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 20 years and up to life in prison, and a fine of up to $4,500,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Caitlin A. Loughran and Craig W. Haller are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the superseding indictment in this case
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 a 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.
A superseding indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pierre Woman Sentenced for Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pierre, South Dakota, woman convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer was sentenced on August 20, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Toni Ladeaux, age 21, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Ladeaux was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 13, 2018. She pled guilty on June 12, 2018.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on February 9, 2018. On that date, Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services officers responded to a report of a domestic disturbance at a home in the North Antelope Community near Mission, South Dakota, and subsequently arrested Ladeaux for domestic abuse. As she was being transported to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Adult Corrections Facility (ACF), Ladeaux began kicking the window of the patrol vehicle. The transporting officer pulled over and a second officer arrived to assist in placing Ladeaux in leg restraints. While the officers were attempting to secure her, Ladeaux kicked one officer and bit the other officer’s pant leg. Ladeaux continued to be combative after she arrived at the ACF, kicking a corrections officer as she was being secured in a restraint chair.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Ladeaux was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pearlington Man Sentenced to 220 Months in Prison for Drug and Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Jonathan Jarvis, 30, of Pearlington, Mississippi, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to serve 160 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and 60 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm in futherance of a drug trafficking crime, followed by 5 years of supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Derryle Smith with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Judge Ozerden ordered the sentences to run consecutive for a total of 220 months with the probation to run concurrently. Jarvis was also ordered to pay a $7,500 fine.
On October 24, 2017, a Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol Trooper stopped a 2006 Chevrolet Impala on Interstate 10 for a traffic violation. The trooper identified the driver as Jonathan Jarvis and the passenger as Aaliyah Williamson. The trooper found hidden on Williamson 247 grams of methamphetamine. In the vehicle, he found Alprazolam, Acetaminophen/Oxycodone, marijuana, promethazine syrup, digital scales, plastic baggies, two cell phones, and a stolen Smith and Wesson pistol.
Jarvis pled guilty on May 5, 2018. Williamson pled guilty on May 11, 2018, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a stolen firearm, and will be sentenced by Judge Ozerden on November 18, 2018.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shundral H. Cole.
Operation Darkness Falls results in arrest of one of the most prolific dark net fentanyl vendors in the worldRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced several arrests, charges and guilty pleas as a result of “Operation Darkness Falls,” a joint operation targeting people and organizations that sell fentanyl and other drugs over the dark net.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions was joined by U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio Justin Herdman and other Justice Department officials in Cleveland today to make the announcement, which included, at the time of their arrest in April, the most prolific dark net fentanyl vendor in the United States and the fourth most prolific in the world—MH4Life.
Making the announcement, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said, “Today’s announcements are a warning to every trafficker, every crooked doctor or pharmacist, and every drug company, every chairman and foreign national and company that puts greed before the lives and health of the American people: this Justice Department will use civil and criminal penalties alike and we will find you, put you in jail, or make you pay.”
“The mechanics of drug dealing has changed, and law enforcement has changed with it,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “These cases demonstrate that those who think they are hiding behind a cloak of anonymity on the dark net will be uncovered and brought to justice for selling the drugs killing our friends and neighbors.”
According to court documents, MH4Life—Matthew Roberts and Holly Roberts, both 35 and of San Antonio—were charged earlier this year with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and other crimes.
The Roberts’ created and operated several dark net marketplace accounts, including MH4LIFE, TRAPPEDINTIME, FASTFORWARD and MRHIGH4LIFE. They operated these accounts on dark net marketplace websites including Dream Market, Silk Road, AlphaBay, Darknet Heroes League, Nucleus and several others.
They used these accounts between 2011 and May 12, 2018 to possess and distribute fentanyl, MethoxyAcetylFentanyl (MAF), other fentanyl analogues, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA, LSD, marijuana, Xanax, Oxycodone and other drugs.
The Roberts’ MH4LIFE vendor account on Dream Market had 2,800 verified transactions with a 4.89/5 rating as of May 2018. Dream listed that MH4LIFE had 500 verified transactions on the Agora marketplace and 719 transactions on the Nucleus marketplace. The only products listed for sale by MH4LIFE were illegal narcotics.
MH4LIFE had the highest number of verified transactions worldwide of any fentanyl vendor based upon a review of Dream Market.
The Roberts’ used private messaging, encryption software, Virtual Private Networks and proxies through the TOR network to provide security for the criminal organization. They used decoys, such as glow bracelets and other mundane items, to hide the fact they were mailing narcotics. They also purchased postage from third parties with cryptocurrency in an effort to conceal their activities.
Customers used digital currency to purchase narcotics, which the defendants sent to digital currency exchangers, where the funds were converted into official fiat currency and spent on person goods and services, as well as prepaid Visa and gift cards.
Their criminal case, filed in U.S. District Court in Cleveland, is pending.
Other cases charged as part of Operation “Darkness Falls” include:
DF44: Robert Kiessling was the third-largest fentanyl vendor in North America as of early this year, based on number of sales. Kiessling was arrested in coordination with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Canada. A search of his residence uncovered fentanyl and other narcotics tied to the dark net scheme. He was released on bond in Canada and committed suicide.
The Source, BonnieNClyde: Nick Powell is charged with being a Xanax distributor and dark net money launderer. Powell was arrested and agents seized $438,000 in Bitcoin. He has been charged in federal court in Cleveland with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. The case is pending.
Dark King 22: Antoin Austin, of Euclid, recently pleaded guilty to operating a dark net fentanyl business from an apartment cohabitated with children and within a short distance from an elementary school. He is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 5.
MotleyFool: James Halpin recently pleaded guilty to his role as a national dark net fentanyl vendor.
Panachecak: Ryan Kluth recently pleaded guilty to crimes involving fentanyl and child pornography via the dark net. His plea agreement calls for a sentence of approximately 10 years in prison.
“HSI and our partners are proud to be at the tip of the spear combating illicit activities and financial crimes on the dark net,” said Steve Francis, special agent in charge of HSI for Michigan and Ohio. “Criminals groups who continue to peddle their illegal contraband via the dark net are increasingly learning that they do not escape the reach of law enforcement.”
“Postal Inspectors and their law enforcement partners will spare no resource or expense to shine a light on the sale and distribution of illicit and dangerous items on the dark net, that serve to destroy the lives of many through addiction and despair,” said Postal Inspector in Charge Tommy Coke. “Our law enforcement partnership and operation sends a strong message to those who choose this illegal path, we are watching and will bring you to justice for your crimes against the American public.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony said: “Criminals who think they can use the dark net and cryptocurrencies to hide their actions are wrong, we will continue to work with, and leverage the capabilities of, our partner agencies. The FBI is proud to have partnered with Postal Inspection, HSI and others to identify and disrupt this criminal organization.”
These cases are the result of a joint investigation involving Homeland Security Investigations, U.S Postal Inspection Service, the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations. Federal agents around the country, including in the Western District of Texas, Western District of Pennsylvania, Middle District of Florida and elsewhere, have assisted in the ongoing operation.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Cronin and Daniel J. Riedl.
If convicted, a defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to the case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.Operation Darkness Falls Results in Arrest of One of the Most Prolific Dark Net Fentanyl Vendors in the WorldRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced several arrests, charges and guilty pleas as a result of “Operation Darkness Falls,” a joint operation targeting people and organizations that sell fentanyl and other drugs over the dark net.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions was joined by U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio Justin Herdman and other Justice Department officials in Cleveland today to make the announcement, which included, at the time of their arrest in April, the most prolific dark net fentanyl vendor in the United States and the fourth most prolific in the world—MH4Life.
Making the announcement, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said, “Today’s announcements are a warning to every trafficker, every crooked doctor or pharmacist, and every drug company, every chairman and foreign national and company that puts greed before the lives and health of the American people: this Justice Department will use civil and criminal penalties alike and we will find you, put you in jail, or make you pay.”
“The mechanics of drug dealing has changed, and law enforcement has changed with it,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “These cases demonstrate that those who think they are hiding behind a cloak of anonymity on the dark net will be uncovered and brought to justice for selling the drugs killing our friends and neighbors.”
According to court documents, MH4Life—Matthew Roberts and Holly Roberts, both 35 and of San Antonio—were charged earlier this year with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and other crimes.
The Roberts’ created and operated several dark net marketplace accounts, including MH4LIFE, TRAPPEDINTIME, FASTFORWARD and MRHIGH4LIFE. They operated these accounts on dark net marketplace websites including Dream Market, Silk Road, AlphaBay, Darknet Heroes League, Nucleus and several others.
They used these accounts between 2011 and May 12, 2018 to possess and distribute fentanyl, MethoxyAcetylFentanyl (MAF), other fentanyl analogues, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA, LSD, marijuana, Xanax, Oxycodone and other drugs.
The Roberts’ MH4LIFE vendor account on Dream Market had 2,800 verified transactions with a 4.89/5 rating as of May 2018. Dream listed that MH4LIFE had 500 verified transactions on the Agora marketplace and 719 transactions on the Nucleus marketplace. The only products listed for sale by MH4LIFE were illegal narcotics.
MH4LIFE had the highest number of verified transactions worldwide of any fentanyl vendor based upon a review of Dream Market.
The Roberts’ used private messaging, encryption software, Virtual Private Networks and proxies through the TOR network to provide security for the criminal organization. They used decoys, such as glow bracelets and other mundane items, to hide the fact they were mailing narcotics. They also purchased postage from third parties with cryptocurrency in an effort to conceal their activities.
Customers used digital currency to purchase narcotics, which the defendants sent to digital currency exchangers, where the funds were converted into official fiat currency and spent on person goods and services, as well as prepaid Visa and gift cards.
Their criminal case, filed in U.S. District Court in Cleveland, is pending.
Other cases charged as part of Operation “Darkness Falls” include:
DF44: Robert Kiessling was the third-largest fentanyl vendor in North America as of early this year, based on number of sales. Kiessling was arrested in coordination with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Canada. A search of his residence uncovered fentanyl and other narcotics tied to the dark net scheme. He was released on bond in Canada and committed suicide.
The Source, BonnieNClyde: Nick Powell is charged with being a Xanax distributor and dark net money launderer. Powell was arrested and agents seized $438,000 in Bitcoin. He has been charged in federal court in Cleveland with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. The case is pending.
Dark King 22: Antoin Austin, of Euclid, recently pleaded guilty to operating a dark net fentanyl business from an apartment cohabitated with children and within a short distance from an elementary school. He is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 5.
MotleyFool: James Halpin recently pleaded guilty to his role as a national dark net fentanyl vendor.
Panachecak: Ryan Kluth recently pleaded guilty to crimes involving fentanyl and child pornography via the dark net. His plea agreement calls for a sentence of approximately 10 years in prison.
“HSI and our partners are proud to be at the tip of the spear combating illicit activities and financial crimes on the dark net,” said Steve Francis, special agent in charge of HSI for Michigan and Ohio. “Criminals groups who continue to peddle their illegal contraband via the dark net are increasingly learning that they do not escape the reach of law enforcement.”
“Postal Inspectors and their law enforcement partners will spare no resource or expense to shine a light on the sale and distribution of illicit and dangerous items on the dark net, that serve to destroy the lives of many through addiction and despair,” said Postal Inspector in Charge Tommy Coke. “Our law enforcement partnership and operation sends a strong message to those who choose this illegal path, we are watching and will bring you to justice for your crimes against the American public.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony said: “Criminals who think they can use the dark net and cryptocurrencies to hide their actions are wrong, we will continue to work with, and leverage the capabilities of, our partner agencies. The FBI is proud to have partnered with Postal Inspection, HSI and others to identify and disrupt this criminal organization.”
These cases are the result of a joint investigation involving Homeland Security Investigations, U.S Postal Inspection Service, the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations. Federal agents around the country, including in the Western District of Texas, Western District of Pennsylvania, Middle District of Florida and elsewhere, have assisted in the ongoing operation.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Cronin and Daniel J. Riedl.
If convicted, a defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to the case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.Olney Man Sentenced to 8 Years on Methamphetamine-Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Brandon L. Atwood, 33, of Olney, Illinois, was recently sentenced to 97 months in federal prison on methamphetamine related charges, Steven D. Weinhoeft, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today. Atwood had previously pleaded guilty to three counts of a federal indictment.
During court proceedings, Atwood admitted that from 2015 to 2017, he conspired with others to knowingly and intentionally distribute methamphetamine in violation of federal law. The total amount of methamphetamine involved in the conspiracy was five (5) grams or more of crystal methamphetamine, commonly referred to as "Ice." Atwood further admitted that he had distributed methamphetamine on two occasions in November 2017. All of Atwood’s crimes were committed in Richland County, Illinois.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office.
Okmulgee Man Pleads Guilty to Assault in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Michael Shawn Mayberry, age 24, of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to Assault With A Dangerous Weapon In Indian Country, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 113(a)(3) and 1153, punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, or both.
The Indictment alleged that beginning in or about December 2017, and continuing until in or about February 2018, within Indian County, as defined by Title 18, United States Code Section 1151, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, an Indian, did assault B.B., with dangerous weapons, with intent to do bodily harm.The charges arose from an investigation by the Muscogee Creek Nation Lighthorse Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
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 Kristin Harrington represented the United States.
Oklahoma Man Indicted for Unlawfully Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jeffrey R. Boyd, age 55, a resident of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was indicted on August 21, 2018, by a federal grand jury for unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that on or about July 31, 2018, Boyd was subject to an Order of Protection that prohibited him from, among other things, harassing, stalking, or threatening another person, and which specifically required Boyd to surrender all firearms. The Indictment further alleges that Boyd was found in possession of a .45 caliber pistol and multiple rounds of .45 caliber ammunition on July 31, 2018, within Columbia County.
The charges stem from a joint investigation conducted by the Department of Homeland Security - United States Secret Service, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
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 maximum penalty under federal law for the crimes charged in the Indictment is 20 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Ohio Woman Pleads Guilty to Straw Purchasing Firearm for Massachusetts ManRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Keri Horan, 37, an Ohio resident who was formerly a resident of Salem, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court today to purchasing a firearm for Massachusetts man, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 2, 2015, while living in Salem, New Hampshire, Horan purchased a 9 millimeter handgun from a gun store in Plaistow, New Hampshire, for Justin Weldy, a Massachusetts resident. In making the purchase, Horan falsely claimed that she was purchasing the weapon for herself. Weldy previously pleaded guilty to criminal charges related to this incident in Essex County, Massachusetts.
Horan is scheduled to be sentenced on November 29, 2018.
“Those who make straw purchases of firearms often are putting guns in the hands of criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to combat crime and protect public safety, we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who unlawfully buy guns for others.”
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with assistance from the police departments of Haverhill, Massachusetts, and Salem, New Hampshire. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shane B. Kelbley.
The case is part of ATF’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, a federally-funded program intended to reduce gun violence through law enforcement training, public education, and aggressive law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute gun-related crimes.
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North Versailles Man with Outstanding PFA Against Him Pleads Guilty to Multiple Gun Law ViolationsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of North Versailles, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Brandon Mlinac, age 27, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, one count of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, one count of possession of an unregistered firearm, and two separate counts of possession of a firearm by a drug user or addict on January 1-6, 2018, and December 9, 2017, before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on January 6, 2018, the White Oak Police responded to a 911 call requesting assistance removing Mlinac from his then-girlfriend’s residence. The caller reported that Mlinac was high on crystal meth and informed law enforcement that Mlinac had a firearm stored under the mattress in the bedroom. When officers arrived at the residence, they recovered an unregistered New England Firearms 20 gauge sawed-off shotgun, with an obliterated serial number, and a Remington 20 gauge shell. They also observed drug paraphernalia. Officers were advised that Mlinac had possessed that firearm at the residence on or about January 1, 2018. Mlinac was prohibited from possessing a firearm at that time due to an outstanding protection from abuse order entered against him on December 12, 2017.
The court was further advised that on December 9, 2017, Mlinac was subject to a traffic stop and a Savage Arms 17 caliber rifle was found in the backseat of his car. A hospital blood test following the traffic stop was positive for methamphetamine.
Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for December 19, 2018, at 9:30 am. The law provides for a total sentence of 45 years in prison, a fine of $1,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Mlinac remains detained pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Christy C. Wiegand is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with the White Oak Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment of Mlinac. 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.
North Las Vegas Man Indicted for Selling Firearms Including Assault Rifles Without A Federal Firearms LicenseRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A federal grand jury indicted a North Las Vegas man today for illegally purchasing and reselling firearms over a two-year period, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Jill Snyder of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Charles Martin Ellis, 64, an unlicensed dealer in firearms, was charged with one count of engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license and one count of the transfer or sale of a firearm to a non-resident.
The charges stem from an ATF investigation conducted after a convicted felon shot and killed a Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department Deputy and shot and wounded two California Highway Patrol Investigators. The shooter used a Zastava 7.62mm caliber pistol sold by Ellis to another individual. The investigation also revealed guns sold by Ellis were used in other crimes in Nevada and California.
According to allegations contained in the indictment, from January 1, 2016, to February 1, 2018, Ellis bought and quickly resold over 250 firearms, such as AR-15 and AK-47 style assault pistols, without a Federal Firearms License (FFL). He is alleged to have sold firearms to Nevada residents and to individuals he knew or had reasonable cause to know were residents of other states.
The maximum statutory penalty is 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being investigated by the ATF’s Sacramento field office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Burns is prosecuting the case.
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