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Thursday 16 August 2018
Former New York City Police Department Official Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Bribe Police Officers in Connection with Gun License Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today the guilty plea of PAUL DEAN, to his role in a scheme to obtain approval of gun licenses by the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”) License Division in exchange for cash payments and non-monetary bribes. DEAN, once second-in-command of the License Division, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery before U.S. District Judge Edgardo Ramos.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Paul Dean betrayed his duty as a former leader within the New York City Police Department to protect and serve the public. Instead of assuring the integrity of the License Division he oversaw – a division charged with protecting the public safety by restricting access to firearms – he sought to corrupt it by bribing the very officers once under his command. This Office will continue to stop such corruption which undermines the public’s confidence in the law enforcement officers and institutions sworn to serve us all.”
According to the Indictment and Complaint filed in this case, other public filings, and statements made during the plea proceeding:
DEAN was a member of the NYPD from 1994 through 2016, and was assigned to the License Division from 2008 through 2016. DEAN, a lieutenant, was one of the highest-ranking members of the License Division and, from approximately November 2014 through November 2015, regularly ran the day-to-day operations of the License Division. Robert Espinel was a member of the NYPD from 1995 through his retirement in 2016, and was assigned to the License Division from 2011 through 2016.
From at least 2013 through 2016, multiple NYPD officers in the License Division serving under DEAN’s command, including David Villanueva and Richard Ochetal, solicited and accepted bribes from gun license expediters in exchange for providing assistance to the expediters’ clients in obtaining gun licenses quickly and often with little to no diligence. They obtained bribes from at least three expediters: Gaetano Valastro, a/k/a “Guy,” Frank Soohoo, and Alex Lichtenstein, a/k/a “Shaya.” Valastro was a former NYPD detective who retired in 1999, and who operated a gun store out of which he sold guns, gun paraphernalia, and gun safety courses.
The bribes included cash payments, paid vacations, food and liquor, the services of prostitutes, and free guns, among other things. In exchange, Villanueva, Ochetal, and the other officers approved, expedited, and upgraded licenses for clients of Valastro, Lichtenstein, and Soohoo. They did so by foregoing standard License Division diligence, including by failing to interview the applicants and failing to investigate the business-based need for applicants to carry guns. They approved licenses for individuals with substantial criminal histories, including arrests and convictions for crimes involving weapons or violence, and for individuals with histories of domestic violence.
In 2015, dissatisfied with the fact that private gun expediters were profiting thousands of dollars per gun license applicant when DEAN and others did the work to approve those applications, DEAN and Espinel decided to retire and go into the expediting business themselves. In order to ensure the success of their business, DEAN and Espinel planned to bribe Villanueva and Ochetal, who were still in the License Division, to enable their clients to get special treatment. They also agreed with Valastro to run their expediting and bribery scheme out of Valastro’s gun store. According to the plan, Valastro would benefit from the scheme because DEAN and Espinel would steer successful applicants to Valastro’s store to buy guns. They also tried to corner the expediting market by forcing other expediters to work through them. DEAN and Espinel attempted to coerce Frank Soohoo, another gun license expediter, into sharing his expediting clients with them by threatening to use their influence in the License Division to shut down Soohoo’s expediting business if Soohoo refused to work with, and make payments to, DEAN and Espinel.
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DEAN, 44, of Wantagh, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. The charge carries a maximum term of five years in prison. DEAN is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Ramos on November 15, 2018. The maximum potential penalty is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Berman praised the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Police Department, Internal Affairs Bureau.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Russell Capone and Kimberly Ravener are in charge of the prosecution.
Former Employee Sentenced for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 28-year-old former employee of BP America Inc. has been ordered to federal prison for attempting to extort money from the company, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. George Koutsostamatis pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud April 16, 2018.
Today, U.S. District Judge Sim Lake ordered Koutsostamatis to serve 27 months in federal prison and furter ordered he pay $552,651.00 in restitution. Koutsostamatis will also serve three years of supervised release following completion of his prison term.
Koutsostamatis admitted that in June 2017 he sent an email to BP falsely claiming that he had infiltrated the company’s computer network system and obtained the personal information of BP employees and their families. He threatened to release internal documents and the personal identifying information if BP did not pay him 125 bitcoins. In truth, Koutsostamatis obtained BP documents while employed there.
Koutsostamatis is on bond pending his reporting date to the bureau of prisons.
The FBI Houston Cyber Task Force investigated this case. The FBI Houston Cyber Task Force is a multi-agency task force responsible for investigating, pursuing and defeating cyber criminals who seek to exploit our nation’s most significant computer systems, networks and critical infrastructure. The Houston field office of the FBI led the investigation with assistance from U.S. Attorney’s Offices in Houston and Chicago, FBI – Chicago field office and the National Crime Agency in the United Kingdom. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rodolfo Ramirez is prosecuting the case.
Five Men Sentenced on Federal Charges Following Investigation of Drug Sales in Southwest WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON –Five people, all from Washington, D.C., have been sentenced this week following guilty pleas to federal charges following an investigation into the trafficking of PCP, crack cocaine and heroin in Southwest Washington.
The sentences, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, were announced by U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu, Thomas L. Chittum III, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Peter Newsham, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
The sentences followed an investigation by ATF and MPD targeting the area near the King Greenleaf Recreation Center, in the 200 block of N Street SW. The investigation began in early 2017 after authorities noticed an increase in drug sales and violent activity in the area, which is in MPD’s First Police District. According to the government’s evidence, in addition to the area near the recreation center, drug sales took place in various alleys and corners, including near a church in the 1300 block of First Street SW, near a food market in the 1300 block of Half Street SW, and near a convenience store in the 1100 block of South Capitol Street SW.
The drug trafficking activity admitted to by the defendants took place within a one-block radius of the corner of Half Street SW and Q Street SW, one block west of Nationals Stadium.
All five defendants were indicted in March 2018 and pled guilty in May 2018 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. They were sentenced by the Honorable Senior Judge Thomas F. Hogan.
The most recent sentencing took place today. Jerome Fuller, 33, was sentenced to 63 months in prison after earlier pleading guilty to distribution of PCP.
Others sentenced this week include:
-Kione Banks, 21. He was sentenced on Aug. 13 to a 33-month prison term following his guilty plea to conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute PCP. Banks also is awaiting sentencing in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland after pleading guilty to the use of a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime in connection with a string of armed robberies at convenience stores in Prince George’s County.
-Raymond Boston, 27. He was sentenced on Aug. 14 to two years in prison following his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute PCP.
-Damion Littman, 32. He was sentenced on Aug. 14 to 37 months of incarceration following his guilty plea to distribution of PCP.
-Morriko Washington, 24. He was sentenced on Aug. 15 to five years in prison following his guilty plea to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
Three additional defendants pled guilty to charges and are awaiting sentencing.
In announcing the sentences, U.S. Attorney Liu, Special Agent in Charge Chittum, and Chief Newsham commended the work of those who investigated the case from the ATF and MPD. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Legal Assistant Katie Cowley. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin L. Rosenberg and William Schurmann, of the Violent Crime and Narcotics Trafficking Section, who are investigating and prosecuting the matter.
Felon in Prison Pleads Guilty to Possessing HeroinRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Lywayne Marquis Scott, 35, of St. Louis, pled guilty to two counts – one count of felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin. He appeared in federal court on Wednesday afternoon before U.S. District Judge Henry Autrey.
According to court documents, prior to October 20, 1016, members of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department were informed that Scott was in possession of an AK-47 type firearm while occupying a vacant house on Bacon. After officers executed a search warrant, Scott was present in the house and found on the table was a loaded ROMARM SA/Cugir, WASR-10 semi-automatic firearm (a AK-47 type) and other firearms. He admitted possessing that firearm.
On September 25, 2017, Scott was incarcerated in the Jennings jail for the above conduct. During the guards’ investigation of an inmate using a contraband cell phone in the yard of the facility, a search of Scott’s pants revealed a golf ball size amount of white powder which fell to the ground. The white powder was analyzed and found to be 20 grams of heroin.
Scott faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine or both on the felon in possession of a firearm count and faces not more than 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine or both on possession with intent to distribute heroin. Sentencing has been set for November 14, 2018. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
This case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. United States Attorney Tom Mehan is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Federal charges filed in Carmel synagogue hate incidentRead the Press Release
Cloverdale man spray-painted Nazi flags and started fire on Synagogue property
PRESS RELEASE
Indianapolis-United States Attorney Josh Minkler, FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Grant Mendenhall and Carmel Police Chief Jim Barlow announced today an arrest in the recent Carmel Jewish Synagogue graffiti and fire incident. Nolan Brewer, 20, Cloverdale, was charged today in federal court on criminal complaint with conspiracy to violate civil rights.
“Federal civil rights laws protect our rights to worship freely without threats or intimidation,” said Minkler. “Those who choose to deny anyone those rights by spreading hate and bigotry will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of federal law.”
In the early morning hours of July 28, 2018, anti-Semitic symbols – namely two Nazi flags and two Iron Crosses – were spray-painted on a brick structure of the Congregation Shaarey Tefilla, a Jewish Synagogue in Carmel. The images measured over a foot in height and were painted on two sides of the structure. In addition to the graffiti, several areas of the grass and ground around the structure were burned, leaving visible black burn residue on one side of the structure. The Congregation Shaarey Tefilla immediately contacted law enforcement.
Carmel Police received information linking Brewer to the graffiti and fire at Congregation Shaarey Tefilla, which they shared with the FBI. The FBI and Carmel Police investigated and discovered evidence linking Brewer and a co-conspirator to the Synagogue incident, including surveillance video showing Brewer and his co-conspirator, the day before the incident, purchasing red and black spray paint and bandanas from Wal-Mart.
On August 15, 2018, the FBI and Carmel Police executed search warrants at Brewer’s residence and vehicle and found additional evidence of the crime, including the cans of spray paint and items consistent with the burned areas around the structure. Brewer was arrested at that time on federal charges of conspiracy to violate civil rights. His co-conspirator has also been arrested by Carmel Police.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and the Carmel Police Department.
"The FBI takes allegations of potential hate crimes very seriously and will not tolerate this type of criminal activity and intimidation directed towards members of our Jewish community," stated Greg Massa, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, FBI Indianapolis. "This office, with the assistance of our law enforcement and community partners, will aggressively prosecute those who commit hate crimes of any kind."
“The Carmel Police Department is proud to have been a part of such a dedicated team that was focused on finding out who vandalized the Congregation Shaarey Tefilla in Carmel. We hope the apprehension of these suspects sends a clear message that hate has no place in Carmel and that anyone who tries to desecrate property or send a hate message in our community will be found and prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” said Carmel Police Chief Jim Barlow.
“We put all available resources on this investigation because we do not take these actions lightly. I am very proud of our police department and the other law enforcement agencies that worked together for this successful conclusion. As difficult as this incident was, it was gratifying to see the public show of support for the Congregation Shaarey Tefilla, that was targeted by this hate crime,” said Mayor Jim Brainard.
A criminal complaint is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Nick Linder and Matthew Rinka. The charge of conspiracy to violate civil rights carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
Brewer had his initial appearance hearing today and remains in the custody of the United States Marshal Service. His detention hearing is set for August 21, 2018, at 3:00 p.m., before a magistrate judge.
In October 2017, United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced a Strategic Plan designed to shape and strengthen the District’s response to its most significant public safety challenges. This prosecution demonstrates the Office’s firm commitment to prosecuting criminal violations of civil rights laws and partnering with state and local law enforcement to do so. See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan 7.1–7.2.
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Federal Grand Jury Returns Superseding Indictment Charging Former Pasco County Schools Transportation Manager with Child Enticement and Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – A federal grand jury has returned a
superseding indictment charging William Matthew Napolitano (35, New Port Richey) with enticement of a minor and with producing, distributing, and possessing child pornography. If convicted on all counts, Napolitano faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.According to the indictment, between 2015 and January 2017, Napolitano enticed and coerced a minor to engage in sexual activity. In June 2015, Napolitano also persuaded a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
Any person who was a victim, or has knowledge of someone who may have been a victim, is urged to contact U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations at 1-866-DHS-2ICE (347-2423) or at http://www.ice.gov/webform/hsi-tip-form.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Murray.
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.
Executive Office for Immigration Review Announces Largest Immigration Judge Investiture Since at Least 2010, Hiring Times Reduced by More Than 50%Read the Press Release
The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) on Friday held the investiture of 23 new immigration judges, which increases the total number of immigration judges to 351. Since the end of January 2017, 82 immigration judges have been sworn in, and EOIR anticipates three additional hiring classes this fall that will total at least 75 more immigration judges.
As part of a series of common-sense reforms to the immigration court system, Attorney General Jeff Sessions last year introduced a “streamlined hiring plan” emphasizing clear deadlines for ensuring immigration judge candidates move efficiently through the hiring process. Due to this effort, some of the immigration judges sworn-in on Friday were hired in approximately 266 days, down from an average of 742 days just one year ago.
The investiture was announced by EOIR Director James McHenry, and Principal Deputy Chief Immigration Judge Christopher A. Santoro presided over the investiture during a ceremony held Aug. 10, 2018, at the Department of Justice’s Great Hall in Washington, D.C.
“Hiring more immigration judges and reducing the time it takes to hire a judge are two key elements reducing the pending caseload of immigration court cases,” said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. “EOIR Director James McHenry should be commended for making tremendous progress on both fronts since he became Acting Director in May 2017. Under his leadership, we are making great strides toward having an immigration court system that serves the national interest.”
After a thorough application process, Attorney General Jeff Sessions appointed Stuart D. Alcorn, Robert A. Fellrath, Kathleen French, Daniel B. Gilbert, Lena Golovnin, Cynthia Gordon, Nathan L. Herbert, Howard C. Hom, Natalie B. Huddleston, David C. Koelsch, W. Scott Laragy, Zakia Mahasa, Michael G. McFarland, Patrick M. McKenna, Nancy E. Miller, Angela Munson, Jonathan W. Owens, Kaarina Salovaara, Eric J. Tijerina, Nelson A. Vargas-Padilla, Michael G. Walleisa, George J. Ward Jr., and Jason R. Waterloo to their new positions.
Biographical information about each new judge is found in a notice issued by EOIR.East Texas U.S. Attorney Supports Justice Department’s Opioid Reduction PlanRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas- Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown touted today’s announcement from the Department of Justice and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) proposing a reduction for controlled substances that may be manufactured in the U.S. next year. Consistent with President Trump’s “Safe Prescribing Plan” that seeks to “cut nationwide opioid prescription fills by one-third within three years,” the proposal decreases manufacturing quotas for the most six frequently misused opioids for 2019 by an average ten percent as compared to the 2018 amount. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) marks the third straight year of proposed reductions, which help reduce the amount of drugs potentially diverted for trafficking and used to facilitate addiction.
“To address the opioid crisis in America, we have to attack not only those who illegally distribute drugs, but we also have to address the flood of narcotics from manufacturers and pharmacies that make it so easy for addicted people to get access,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown. “I am glad to see some movement on reducing the number of pills that have contributed to so many deaths.”
On July 11, 2018, the Justice Department announced that DEA was issuing a final rule amending its regulations to improve the agency’s ability consider the likelihood of whether a drug can be diverted for abuse when it sets annual opioid production limits. The final rule also promotes greater involvement from state attorneys general, and today’s proposed reduction will be sent to those offices.
In setting the aggregate production quote (APQ), DEA considers data from many sources, including estimates of the legitimate medical need from the Food and Drug Administration; estimates of retail consumption based on prescriptions dispensed; manufacturers’ disposition history and forecasts; data from DEA’s own internal system for tracking controlled substance transactions; and past quota histories.
The DEA has proposed to reduce more commonly prescribed schedule II opioids, including oxycodone, hydrocodone, oxymorphone, hydromorphone, morphine, and fentanyl:
Ultimately, revised limits will encourage vigilance on the part of opioid manufacturers, help DEA respond to the changing drug threat environment, and protect the American people from potential addictive drugs while ensuring that the country has enough opioids for legitimate medical, scientific, research, and industrial needs.
"The opioid epidemic that we are facing today is the worst drug crisis in American history," Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. "President Trump has set the ambitious goal of reducing opioid prescription rates by one-third in three years. We embrace that goal and are resolutely committed to reaching it. According to the National Prescription Audit, we have already made significant progress in reducing prescription rates over the past year. Cutting opioid production quotas by an average of ten percent next year will help us continue that progress and make it harder to divert these drugs for abuse. The American people can be confident that federal law enforcement and the Trump administration are taking action to protect them from dangerous drugs. These smarter limits bring us one big step closer to President Trump's goal of finally ending this unprecedented crisis. I congratulate Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon and his team for taking action.”
“We’ve lost too many lives to the opioid epidemic and families and communities suffer tragic consequences every day,” said DEA Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon. “This significant drop in prescriptions by doctors and DEA’s production quota adjustment will continue to reduce the amount of drugs available for illicit diversion and abuse while ensuring that patients will continue to have access to proper medicine.”
Once the aggregate quota is set, DEA allocates individual manufacturing and procurement quotas to those manufacturers that apply for them. DEA may revise a company’s quota at any time during the year if change is warranted due to increased or decreased sales or exports, new manufacturers entering the market, new product development, or product recalls.
When Congress passed the Controlled Substances Act, the quota system was intended to reduce or eliminate diversion from “legitimate channels of trade” by controlling the quantities of the basic ingredients needed for the manufacture of controlled substances.
The Proposed Aggregate Production Quotas for schedule I and II controlled substances published in the Federal Register reflects the total amount of controlled substances necessary to meet the country’s medical, scientific, research, industrial, and export needs for the year and for the establishment and maintenance of reserve stocks. DEA establishes an APQ for more than 250 schedule I and II controlled substances annually.
In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued guidelines to practitioners recommending a reduction in the prescribing of opioid medications for chronic pain. DEA and its federal partners have increased efforts in the last several years to educate practitioners, pharmacists, manufacturers, distributors, and the public about the dangers associated with the misuse of opioid medications and the importance of proper prescribing.
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Durable Medical Equipment Provider Lincare Pays $5.25 Million to Resolve False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
Lincare, Inc., has paid $5.25 million to resolve allegations that it violated the federal False Claims Act and the Anti-Kickback Statute by offering illegal price reductions to Medicare beneficiaries, U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft announced today. Headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, Lincare is one of the nation’s largest providers of oxygen and other respiratory therapy services to patients in the home, with approximately 1,000 locations across the United States.
The government alleged that, from 2011 to 2017, Lincare attempted to gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace by unlawfully waiving or reducing co-insurance, co-payments, and deductibles for beneficiaries who participated in a Medicare Advantage Plan operated through a private insurer. Lincare’s practices violated the Anti-Kickback Statute, and further caused the submission of false claims for payments to Medicare.
"Medicare is a promise to protect the elderly and disabled by providing health insurance to those who need it most. This office will aggressively defend Medicare to ensure that entities participating in government sponsored healthcare programs do so lawfully," said U.S. Attorney Weinhoeft. "This settlement reflects our commitment to maintain the integrity of the Medicare program."
"The Office of Inspector General will continue to aggressively investigate and pursue those who defraud public health care programs," said Steven Hanson, Special Agent in Charge Kansas City Regional Office, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. "Greed at the expense of our most vulnerable citizens will not be tolerated."
The allegations were first brought to light in a 2015 whistleblower lawsuit filed by Brian Thomas, a former billing supervisor at Lincare. The False Claims Act permits private individuals to sue on behalf of the government for false claims and to share in any recovery. The civil lawsuit was filed in the Southern District of Illinois and is captioned United States ex rel. Brian Thomas v. Lincare Inc., Case No. 15-cv-00730-DRH. Mr. Thomas will receive $918,750 from the settlement proceeds.
This matter was handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois, the Justice Department’s Civil Division, and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General.
Deputy Leader of Violent Grape Street Crips Gang Sentenced to 45 Years in Prison for Murder, Attempted Murders, Plot to Kill Witness, as Part of Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – The second-in-command of the New Jersey set of the Grape Street Crips street gang was sentenced today to 540 months in prison for his role in committing a murder, participating in numerous attempted murders, plots to kill a state witness and to kidnap a heroin trafficker, and conspiring to distribute heroin, all as part of a racketeering conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Kwasi Mack, a/k/a “Welches,” 29, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in Newark federal court to eight counts of the sixth superseding indictment, which charged him with murder and attempted murders as part of a RICO conspiracy, assaults with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to assault with a dangerous weapon, and conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Mack admitted that as the second-in-command of the NJ Grape Street Crips he committed the following violent acts in furtherance of the RICO conspiracy:
- In August 2006, Mack used two firearms simultaneously to kill a rival gang-member and, in the process, severely injured an individual who was with the rival.
- On Oct. 10, 2011, during an outdoor cookout, Mack used an assault rifle to attempt to kill a gang-member who had previously cooperated in a murder investigation and whose loyalty to the gang was in question. Mack shot eight individuals, at least two of whom suffered permanent or life-threatening injuries.
- After being charged by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office with the Oct. 10, 2011, attempted murder, Mack was provided during the discovery process with the identity of the only witness against him. Mack ordered fellow gang-members to kill that witness. Gang-members took substantial steps to carry out Mack’s orders, but the murder never took place.
- In 2013, Mack and others planned to kidnap a major heroin-trafficker in order to rob him.
- On Oct. 5, 2013, Mack ordered the murder of a person identified in the indictment as “Victim-1.” On Oct. 27, 2013, following Mack’s orders, several gang-members repeatedly shot Victim-1 and Victim-4.
- On Oct. 7, 2013, Mack and others participated in the attempted murder of rival gang-members in retaliation for the murder of a fellow gang-member.
Mack also admitted to participating in a conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, possessing firearms in furtherance of the RICO and narcotics conspiracies, using minors to commit these offenses, and engaging in these offenses as a pattern of criminal conduct engaged in as a livelihood.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Arleo sentenced Mack to five years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Valerie A. Nickerson, and special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie, for the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked prosecutors and detectives of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino, police officers and detectives of the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose, and the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Armando B. Fontoura, for their work on the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Osmar J. Benvenuto and Barry Kamar of the Criminal Division, and Richard J. Ramsay of the Office’s Appeals Division in Newark.
This case was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Department of Justice Acting Associate Attorney General Jesse Panuccio and Ovw Acting Director Katharine Sullivan to Deliver Keynote Remarks at Two-Day Conference on Violence Against Women Tribal ConsultationRead the Press Release
****** MEDIA ADVISORY ******
WASHINGTON - U.S. Department of Justice's Acting Associate Attorney General Jesse Panuccio and Office on Violence Against Women’s (OVW) Acting Director Katharine Sullivan will join federal and tribal officials, including U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons for the District of South Dakota, at the 13th annual Government-to-Government conference to solicit recommendations from tribal leaders on enhancing safety and strengthening federal law enforcement efforts to the crimes of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking and sex trafficking of American Indian and Alaskan Native women, and administering funds and programs for tribal governments established by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and subsequent legislation.
The conference will take place Tuesday and Wednesday, AUGUST 21 and 22, 2018 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The U.S. Departments of Justice, Health and Human Services and the Interior, and tribal leaders of federally-recognized Indian Tribes will participate in the two-day event focused on federal administration of tribal funds and programs established under VAWA.Opening remarks, keynote address and traditional ceremony on Tuesday are OPEN PRESS.
WHO:Acting Associate Attorney General Jesse Panuccio, U.S. Department of Justice
Katharine Sullivan, Acting Director, OVW
Ron Parsons, U.S. Attorney, District of South Dakota
Kenya Fairley, Acting Director, Division of Family Violence Prevention and Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Cmdr. Angela Fallon, Deputy Director, Office of Clinical and Preventive Services, Indian Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Cmdr. Nancy Mautone-Smith, Deputy Director, Health Resources and Services Administration, Office of Women’s Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
WHAT:
Opening Prayer and Traditional Ceremony:
Sherriann Moore, Deputy Director, Tribal Affairs, OVW
Roxanne Sazue, Former Chairwoman, Crow Creek Sioux TribeShawl Ceremony:
Carmen O’Leary, Director, Native Women’s Society of the Great PlainsOpening Remarks and Federal Agency Introductions and Keynote address:
Darla Black, Vice-President, Oglala Sioux Tribe
Katharine Sullivan, Acting Director, OVW
Acting Associate Attorney General Jesse Panuccio, U.S. Department of JusticeWHEN:
Tuesday, August 21, 2018, 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. CDTWHERE:
Sioux Falls Convention Center
Exhibit Hall 1
1201 Northwest Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57104OPEN PRESS
(Camera Preset: 7:30 a.m. CDT // Final access time for print media without gear: 8:15 a.m. CDT // The program begins at 8:30 a.m. CDT)
NOTE: All media must RSVP and present government-issued photo I.D. (i.e., driver’s license) as well as valid media credentials. Media representatives may begin to arrive at 7:00 a.m. RSVPs, and request for one-on-one interviews with speakers should be directed to DOJ spokesperson Nicole Navas Oxman at [email protected] and Jeremy Edwards at [email protected]. Inquiries regarding logistics should be directed to Aleah Parker, Tribal Event Coordinator, Chenega Logistics LLC at (703) 888-6063 or [email protected] and Nikia Johnson, Sr. Communication Specialist, OVW, at [email protected].
Convicted Felon with Gun Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison as Armed Career CriminalRead the Press Release
HUNTSVILLE – A federal judge on Wednesday sentenced a Jackson County man to 15 years in prison for illegal gun possession after determining the man was an armed career criminal based on prior convictions, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson.
U.S. District Judge Abdul K. Kallon sentenced RICHARD GRADY ROMANS, 52, of Flat Rock, for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm on Jan. 13, 2016, in Jackson County. Romans pleaded guilty to the charge in May, acknowledging that he had possessed a Remington .22-caliber rifle, a Marlin Firearms 30-30 caliber rifle, and a Savage 93R17 rifle. The judge upheld the government’s argument that Romans should be sentenced under the Armed Career Criminal Act because he has three prior federal felony drug convictions.
“The Armed Career Criminal Act is designed for defendants like Mr. Romans who, after spending significant time behind bars, continue their criminal activity once released back into society,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Becher Sr., who prosecuted the case. “Now, because of Mr. Romans’ ongoing criminal behavior, he will spend the next 15 years in a federal prison.”
“ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence focuses on reducing the violent crime and disrupting the shooting cycle that negatively impact our neighborhoods,” Watson said.
Court records show that Romans was convicted in federal court in Tennessee in 2005 for conspiracy to distribute cocaine from 1994 through 1999, for distributing cocaine on Jan. 15, 1999, and for distributing cocaine on Feb. 26, 1999.
ATF investigated the case.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced for Heroin and Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Portsmouth man was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for distributing heroin mixed with fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
“Walker had enough fentanyl for a lethal dose for about 13,620 people,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Distributing this deadly narcotic into the community would have placed many lives in extreme grave danger if they came in contact with this dangerous substance. Investigating and prosecuting heroin and fentanyl trafficking crimes is a top priority of this office as we continue to battle this deadly epidemic. I want to thank our investigative partners at ATF for their terrific work on this important case.”
According to court documents, Taron D. Walker, trafficked heroin and fentanyl throughout Portsmouth. Overall, Walker distributed 1.5 kilograms of heroin, over 13.5 kilograms of marijuana, 500 grams of cocaine, 27 grams of fentanyl, and about two grams of amphetamine.
Walker also conspired to straw-purchase firearms. As a felon prohibited from purchasing guns himself, Walker used his brother to buy guns for him. Walker’s decision to involve his brother in a criminal conspiracy exposed his brother to federal gun charges as well.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Thomas L. Chittum, III, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Rebecca Beach Smith. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin M. Comstock and William B. Jackson prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:18-cr-22.
Chicago, Illinois, Man SentencedRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND - Gregory Brown, age 37, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for his role in a heroin distribution conspiracy and wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch
Brown was sentenced to 235 months imprisonment followed by 4 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, between January and April 2016, Brown and others distributed heroin in the Michigan City area. Combined, these conspirators distributed between one and three kilograms of heroin. Also in April, Brown and others posted bond for a person who was housed at the LaPorte County Jail using a stolen credit card number. Brown has previously been convicted of murder, aggravated battery, unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, and possession of a controlled substance all in Illinois.
This case was investigated by ATF with assistance from the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office and the Michigan City Police Department. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Molly Donnelly and Frank Schaffer.
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Charleston Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Charge and Possession of Counterfeit U.S. CurrencyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that Joshua Hicks, 35, of Charleston, pled guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of counterfeit U.S. currency. Stuart praised the investigation conducted by the St. Albans Police Department, the United States Secret Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
“On a daily basis, federal investigative agencies work in partnership with our state and local law enforcement personnel to protect the citizens of West Virginia,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Their tireless efforts remove repeat offenders like Hicks from our communities and put them behind bars.”
Hicks admits that he possessed a Glock, .40 caliber pistol on January 29, 2018 in St. Albans. He had previously purchased the gun from an acquaintance and had it in his vehicle when he was stopped by an officer with the St. Albans Police Department. Hicks further admitted to possessing an assault rifle and a derringer pistol. Hicks has several prior felony convictions. Law enforcement officers searched his bedroom and found counterfeit currency he had purchased on the internet and then washed and manipulated to make it look more real so he could pass it off as genuine currency.
Hicks faces up to ten years in prison on the gun charge and up to 20 years in prison for possession of counterfeit U.S. currency when sentenced on November 29, 2018.
Assistant United States Attorney Steve Loew is handling the prosecution. United States District Judge Irene Berger presided over the plea hearing.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart
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California Woman Pleads Guilty to Heroin Trafficking Charge Arising Out of Nearly 11-Pound Heroin Seizure in New MexicoRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Angelica Denise De La O, 26, of Lake Elsinore, Calif., pled guilty today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to a heroin trafficking charge. De La O entered the guilty plea without the benefit of a plea agreement.
The DEA arrested De La O in Aug. 2017, after seizing approximately 4.9 kilograms (10.8 pounds) of heroin from her luggage during an interdiction investigation on Aug. 10, 2017, in Albuquerque. De La O was indicted on Sept. 6, 2017, and was charged with possession of heroin with intent to distribute on Aug. 10, 2017, in Bernalillo County, N.M.
At sentencing, De La O faces a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of ten years and a maximum of life in federal prison. She remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eva Fontanez is prosecuting the case as part of the New Mexico Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Education (HOPE) Initiative. The HOPE Initiative was launched in January 2015 by the UNM Health Sciences Center and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in response to the national opioid epidemic, which has had a disproportionately devastating impact on New Mexico. Opioid addiction has taken a toll on public safety, public health and the economic viability of our communities. Working in partnership with the DEA, the Bernalillo County Opioid Accountability Initiative, Healing Addiction in our Community (HAC), the Albuquerque Public Schools and other community stakeholders, HOPE’s principal goals are to protect our communities from the dangers associated with heroin and opioid painkillers and reducing the number of opioid-related deaths in New Mexico.
The HOPE Initiative is comprised of five components: (1) prevention and education; (2) treatment; (3) law enforcement; (4) reentry; and (5) strategic planning. HOPE’s law enforcement component is led by the Organized Crime Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the DEA in conjunction with their federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners. Targeting members of major heroin and opioid trafficking organizations for investigation and prosecution is a priority of the HOPE Initiative.
Businessman, Former State Senator Charged with Bank Fraud, Tax CrimesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – The owner of two Rhode Island durable medical equipment companies has been charged in federal court in Providence with allegedly executing a “check-kiting” scheme which defrauded three banks, and with tax evasion.
Businessman and former State Senator James E. Doyle, II, 46, of Pawtucket, was charged by way of an information with thirty-one counts of bank fraud and one count each of filing a false tax return and failing to file a tax return.
Mr. Doyle resigned as a Rhode Island State Senator in January 2018.
The filing of an information and plea agreement in this matter is announced by United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch, Kristina O'Connell, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.
According to court documents, it is alleged that beginning in as early as 2013, and lasting until February 2016, Doyle, as owner of Doyle Respiratory, LLC and Doyle Sleep Solutions, LLC, executed a check-kiting scheme that defrauded three banks.
“Check-kiting” consists of drawing checks on an account in one bank and depositing them in an account in a second bank when neither account has sufficient funds to cover the amounts drawn. Just before the checks are returned for payment to the first bank, the kiter covers them by depositing checks drawn on the account in the second bank. Due to the delay created by the collection of funds by one bank from the other, known as the “float” time, an artificial balance is created.
It is alleged that over three years Doyle created inflated balances in checking accounts at three banks by writing tens of thousands of checks in order to obtain funds which otherwise would not have been available to him. It is alleged that on a single day in February 2016, Doyle deposited thirty-one worthless checks totaling approximately $300,000 into one bank drawn from a checking account at a different bank. There were insufficient funds in the accounts to cover the checks.
According to court documents, Doyle defrauded the banks of between $250,000 and $550,000.
It is also alleged in court documents that in tax year 2015, Doyle and his spouse failed to report to the IRS $326,862 in income received from the check-kiting scheme and his businesses, and that he failed to file a tax return for tax year 2016 in which he received gross income of $255,812.
According to court documents, the tax loss to the IRS for tax years 2013 thru 2016 amounts to $305,426. In total, Doyle and his wife failed to report more than $1 million dollars in income.
An information is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Bank fraud is punishable by statutory penalties of up to thirty years in federal prison, a term of supervised release of up to five years, and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Filing a false tax return is punishable by statutory penalties of up to three years in federal prison, a term of supervised release of up to one year, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the pecuniary gain or loss. Failure to file a tax return is punishable by statutory penalties of up to one year in federal prison, a term of supervised release of up to one year and a fine of up to $100,000.
The matter was investigated by Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dulce Donovan.
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Buncombe Co. Man Sentenced to More Than 11 Years on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray announced today that Timothy Lane Plemmons, 35, of Fairview, N.C. was sentenced to 138 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Martin Reidinger also sentenced Plemmons to five years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. Plemmons’ previous convictions in North Carolina, including numerous assault convictions, contributed to his sentence.
“After multiple encounters with our justice system, the Court determined that Plemmons’ drug dealing and repeated criminal conduct pose a danger to our community, and handed down a lengthy prison term. My Office is committed to increasing public safety by identifying repeat offenders for federal prosecution, and removing them from our streets by securing lengthy prison terms,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.
According to today’s sentencing hearing and documents filed with the Court, on October 26, 2016, during a probation search at Plemmons’ residence, law enforcement discovered methamphetamine and digital scales. An analysis of the seized methamphetamine by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) determined that it weighted more than 290 grams and had a purity level of over 99%. Plemmons pleaded guilty to the drug charge on February 28, 2018.
Plemmons is currently in custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons to begin serving his sentence upon designation of a federal facility. All federal sentences are served without the possibility of parole.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Murray thanks the DEA, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Carolina Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice for their investigation of this case.
Assistant United States Attorney John Pritchard of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted the case.
Brockton Man Sentenced for KidnappingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for the armed kidnapping of a Quincy man and two children.
Diego Pires, 23, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Patti B. Saris to 201 months in prison and five years of supervised release. In February 2018, Pires pleaded guilty to kidnapping.
In January 2018, co-defendant Malik Bangura, 20, was sentenced to 17 years in prison and two years of supervised release. In March 2018, co-defendant Sedrick Oliveira, 26, of Stoughton, pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 23, 2018. In December 2017, co-defendant Yesenia Diaz, 23, of Brockton, pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 14, 2018.
On Oct. 8, 2016, at approximately 10:25 p.m., a 30-year-old man was kidnapped from the driveway of his Quincy home after being struck in the head with a revolver as he got out of his truck, and dragged into a nearby sedan. The victim had two children strapped into car seats in his truck, as well as approximately 30 pounds of marijuana, at the time he was assaulted.
Once the victim was in the sedan, two masked perpetrators, later identified as Pires and Bangura, drove the victim’s truck, with the children still inside, to a secluded location where they unloaded the marijuana and $20,000 from the victim’s truck, into the sedan. The victim, who was face-down in the backseat of the sedan at gunpoint, begged for his life and the life of the two children who were still in their car seats in the back of his truck.
Pires, Bangura, Diaz, and Oliveira then drove the sedan with the drugs, cash and the victim, from Quincy to Brockton and called the victim’s wife demanding $100,000. Law enforcement officers spotted the sedan as it drove through Brockton, recognized the vehicle from a drive-by shooting that occurred in August 2016, and began to follow it. After the defendants recognized the police, they attempted to flee, but ultimately abandoned the sedan in a Brockton driveway. The victim escaped, flagged down law enforcement officers, and described to them the secluded location where the truck had been deserted. Law enforcement located the truck with the children inside, who were unharmed.
Diaz was subsequently found standing by the sedan and arrested. Oliveira was arrested in October 2017 in Stoughton; Bangura was arrested in April 2017; and Pires was a fugitive until he was apprehended in October 2017.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Brockton Police Chief John Crowley; and Quincy Police Chief Paul Keenan, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily O. Cannon of Lelling’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
Bridgeport Grocery Store Owner Sentenced to Prison for Failing to Pay Taxes on Embezzled IncomeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SAMIR FATTAH, 55, of Oxford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to three months of imprisonment, three months of home confinement and one year of supervised release for filing false tax returns.
According to court documents and statements made in court, FATTAH and his father jointly own Abu-Goush Market, doing business as International Farmers Market (“AGM”), a grocery store in Bridgeport. FATTAH was responsible for AGM’s day-to-day operations, including making cash deposits to AGM’s business bank accounts. During 2011, 2012 and 2014, without his father’s knowledge and approval, FATTAH deposited hundreds of thousands of dollars of AGM’s net cash receipts into his personal bank accounts. FATTAH used some of the funds to pay AGM’s business expenses, but embezzled a total of $213,086 through this scheme.
FATTAH failed to pay federal income taxes on the embezzled income for the 2011, 2012 and 2014 tax years resulting in a total tax loss of $54,067.
As part of his sentence, FATTAH has paid $54,067 in back taxes, plus penalties and interest.
On May 24, 2018, FATTAH pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return.
FATTAH, who is released on bond, was ordered to report to prison on November 15, 2018.
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Boulder Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
DENVER – Robert Dean Mason, age 46, of Boulder, Colorado, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Christine M. Arguello to serve 97 months (over 8 years) in federal prison for possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Bob Troyer and FBI Denver Division Special Agent in Charge Calvin Shivers announced. Following his prison sentence, Mason was ordered to serve 10 years on supervised release. The defendant, who appeared at the hearing on bond, was ordered to voluntarily surrender to a facility designated by the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
Mason was first charged by Information on January 29, 2018. He pled guilty before Judge Arguello on March 21, 2018. He was sentenced on August 14, 2018.
According to court documents, including the stipulated facts in the plea agreement as well as the government’s sentencing statement, in March of 2015, a FBI-Dallas Child Exploitation Task Force Officer, utilizing an undercover internet connection, operated software capable of receiving files of child pornography from BitTorrent network. BitTorrent is a type of peer-to-peer program that allows individuals to download files from other servers. In October 2016, FBI agents in Denver learned that Mason was known through other investigations as a person who was sharing files of child exploitation material using BitTorrent. From March 21, 2016 through October 8, 2016, ten separate investigators had downloaded 94 “files of interest” from a device utilizing Mason’s home IP address.
On November 3, 2016, FBI agents received a flash drive from a Larimer County Sheriff’s Deputy who had received downloads from Mason while acting in a covert online capacity. The flash drive contained video files and log reports of files received from the defendant’s home IP address, downloaded on July 23, 2016 and September 26, 2016. On November 10, 2016, FBI agents executed a search warrant at Mason’s home. A forensic review of the digital items seized pursuant to the search warrant revealed an encrypted folder containing thousands of images of child pornography, including 4,800 video files.
“The internet can be a playground for child predators,” said U.S. Attorney Bob Troyer. “Our prosecutors, our partners at the FBI, and local law enforcement work tirelessly – with incredible technologic expertise – to find these predators and bring them to justice.”
"Combating the exploitation and victimization of children is one of the FBI's top priorities," said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Calvin Shivers. “This sentence demonstrates our commitment to ensuring those responsible for exploiting innocent children are vigorously investigated and brought to justice.”
This case was investigated by the FBI, with assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Boulder Police Department, the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, and multiple divisions of the FBI. The defendant was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Valeria Spencer and Alecia Riewerts.
Biloxi Man Sentenced to over Nine Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Christopher Bryan Smith, 45, of Biloxi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to serve 109 months in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles with U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New Orleans. Smith was also ordered to pay restitution to a known victim in the amount of $5,000, a fine in the amount of $5,000, and an additional assessment of $5,000 under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015.
An investigation conducted by HSI, the Wiggins Police Department, and the Gulf Coast Cyber Crime Task Force resulted in the identification of an internet protocol address belonging to Smith and his use of a computer file sharing program. Thereafter, a federal search warrant was executed in July 2017 at Smith’s Biloxi home. Smith’s electronic devices were seized and forensic examinations were conducted. The examination reports, as well as the submissions of the visual depictions found and submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, resulted in a finding that Smith knowingly possessed visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, to include visual depictions of a minor who had not attained 12 years of age.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Gulf Coast Cyber Crime Task Force, and the Wiggins Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.
Baltimore Felon Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute HeroinRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Demetrius William Harris, a/k/a “Demetrius Diggs,” age 34, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty on August 15, 2018, to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Diggs had five previous convictions for drug distribution or violent crimes.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Rob Cekada of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; and Interim Police Commissioner Gary Tuggle of the Baltimore Police Department.
According to his plea agreement, at 11 p.m. on September 11, 2017, Baltimore Police officers in an unmarked vehicle saw Diggs driving a car with temporary Texas tags traveling at an extremely high rate of speed. The officers activated their vehicle’s emergency lights and sirens to initiate a traffic stop but Diggs sped away in an attempt to flee from police. Officers followed, but terminated their pursuit after Diggs drove his car across the median into a lane of oncoming traffic. Shortly thereafter, Diggs crashed his car head-on into another vehicle, then attempted to back up. Diggs’s car became stuck when he reversed it onto a grassy median between the lanes of traffic. As officers arrived on the scene, a man exited from the passenger side of Diggs’s car and ran away. Officers removed Diggs from the driver’s seat and took him into custody. Officers recovered two cell phones from Diggs. A search of Diggs’s vehicle recovered a black hat, black ski mask, and black trench coat on the floor next to the front passenger seat; two additional cell phones from the center console, as well as two clear plastic sandwich bags that held 49 clear gel capsules containing heroin. On the grass just outside the passenger side of Diggs’s vehicle, officers found two loaded firearms: a 9mm semi-automatic pistol and a 12-gauge shotgun. The pistol had been reported stolen from a home in Fayetteville, North Carolina on June 27, 2017.
According to court documents, the man who fled from Diggs’s car was located by police in a nearby neighborhood and subsequently identified as Percy Eugene Johnson, age 29, of Baltimore. Johnson pleaded guilty on July 24, 2018 to being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett has scheduled Johnson’s sentencing on October 23, 2018, at 3:00 p.m.
Diggs and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts the plea agreement, Diggs will be sentenced to between eight and 10 years in prison. U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett has scheduled sentencing for November 26, 2018 at 3:00 p.m.
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.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the ATF and the Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey J. Izant and Patricia C. McLane, who are prosecuting the case.
Allegan Online Child Predator Sentenced to over 20 YearsRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN - United States Attorney Andrew Birge announced that James Theodore Pyle, 27, of Allegan, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 245 months’ imprisonment for sexual exploitation of a minor. The Court also ordered that he spend ten years on supervised release and pay a fine of $2,500.
In 2014, Pyle posed as "Roman Kalhart" on Facebook, claiming he was 15 years old. He befriended numerous young teens and persuaded them to send him sexually explicit photographs. In sentencing Pyle, Chief U.S. District Judge Robert Jonker commented on the sheer number of victims, noting that the investigation showed Pyle had obtained photographs from as many as 50 to 70 minors, at least 20 of whom were outlined in the presentence investigation report. At the time of the offense, Pyle was on probation for accosting a child for immoral purposes. His probation was revoked and on January 25, 2015, he was sentenced in Allegan County Circuit Court to 33 to 48 months in prison. Chief Judge Jonker ordered that his federal sentence be served consecutively to his state sentence, which will be completed on November 20, 2018.
"The U.S. Attorney’s Office takes very seriously cases involving child predators," said U.S. Attorney Birge. "Those people who would use the internet to hide their true identity to befriend and exploit children deserve the fullest punishment the law provides."
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, county prosecutor’s offices, the Internet Crimes Against Children task force, and federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies are working closely together to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children. The partners in Project Safe Childhood work to educate communities about the dangers of online child exploitation and to teach children how to protect themselves. More information is available at www.projectsafechildhood.gov. Individuals with information or concerns about possible child exploitation should contact local law enforcement officials.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexis Sanford and investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Michigan Department of Corrections and the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety.
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Additional Charges Filed Against Three Indiana Men for Armed Pharmacy RobberyRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Additional charges were filed against three Indiana men who were indicted by a federal grand jury today for the armed robbery of a Walgreens pharmacy in Jefferson City, Mo.
Jerome Scott King, 19, of Speedway, Indiana, and Raymond Allen Craig, 20, and Daijahn Antwan Reed,19, both of Indianapolis, Indiana, were charged in a seven-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Jefferson City, Mo. Today’s indictment replaces a criminal complaint that was filed against the three men on Aug. 16, 2018, and contains additional charges.
Today’s indictment alleges that King, Craig and Reed committed an armed robbery on July 25, 2018. The indictment alleges they pointed a loaded firearm at two store employees and tied one employee’s hands behind his back with zip-ties. They allegedly stole $9,264 worth of drugs, including more than 3,000 oxycodone/acetaminophen tablets.
In addition to the robbery, King, Craig and Reed are each charged with one count of using a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly brandishing a Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun.
King, Craig and Reed are charged together in one count of committing an armed robbery that involved the theft of a controlled substance. They are charged together in one count of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and one count of possessing oxycodone with the intent to distribute.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, Jefferson City police officers responded to Walgreens, located at 2002 Missouri Blvd., Jefferson City, in reference to a robbery in progress on July 25, 2018. Craig, Reed and an unidentified man allegedly had entered the store wearing medical masks over the faces and medical style gloves on their hands.
Officers arrived as King, Craig, Reed, and another person ran out of the business. Three of the four men fled the scene in a vehicle. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle, the affidavit says, but King, the driver, led officers on a pursuit eastbound on U.S. Highway 54. Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers deployed spike strips, which caused the vehicle to slow, leave the highway, cross the outer road and crash near Jazel Lane in Holts Summit, Mo. King and Craig ran from the vehicle but were apprehended. The third man, who remains unidentified, was not apprehended.
A witness called the police later that afternoon to report that Reed had knocked on his door and asked to use the telephone. Officers located Reed on the roof of O’Reilly Auto Parts, 1010 Missouri Blvd. in Jefferson City, and arrested him.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. Oliver. It was investigated by the Jefferson City, Mo., Police Department.
6 Defendants Charged in White Plains Federal Court with Cellphone Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and David E. Beach, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the United States Secret Service (“USSS”), announced charges today against six individuals in a fraud conspiracy from December 2017 through July 2018. BRIAN CAPELLAN, NELSON ALBA DEJESUS, JEAN MEDINA, JONTHAN MORA, JESUS ALBERTO REMOND, EMMANOL DIONIS BAEZ RODRIGUEZ, and their associates allegedly engaged in a scheme to fraudulently obtain cellular phones from a cellular phone provider by accessing victim accounts online and adding names as authorized users of the accounts. Five defendants were arrested in the Southern District of New York and will be presented today before United States Magistrate Judge Paul E. Davison. DEJESUS remains at large.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “The defendants allegedly accessed cellphone user accounts to fraudulently obtain cellphones worth more than $750,000. Thanks to the Secret Service, the defendants’ mobile phone scam has been immobilized.”
According to the allegations in the Complaint unsealed today:[1]
From at least in or about December 2017 through and including July 2018, BRIAN CAPELLAN, NELSON ALBA DEJESUS, JEAN MEDINA, JONTHAN MORA, JESUS ALBERTO REMOND, and EMMANOL DIONIS BAEZ RODRIGUEZ, together and with others, perpetrated a scheme to fraudulently obtain cellular phones. During the scheme, the defendants added their names as authorized users on existing accounts with a telecommunications company that provides cellular telephone services (the “Victim Accounts”). The registered owners of these Victim Accounts did not know or authorize these additions. Once the names were added as authorized users, the defendants purchased cellular phones in person as part of a handset upgrade and charged the cost of the cellular phones to the Victim Accounts. The six defendants alone are responsible for over $750,000 in losses for their roles in the scheme.
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CAPELLAN, 22, of the Bronx, New York, DEJESUS, 25, of Yonkers, New York, MEDINA, 19, of the Bronx, New York, MORA, 27, of the Bronx, New York, REMOND, 27, of the Bronx, New York, and BAEZ RODRIGUEZ, 31, of Hollywood, Florida, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of New York Field Office Electronic Crimes Task Force of the United States Secret Service and the Special Agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, as well as the DEA New York Drug Enforcement Task Force, for their assistance.
The case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Bagliebter is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
2nd Lightfoot/Mendoza DTO Member Pleads Guilty: Acknowledges Responsibility for Trafficking up to 50 Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Pittsburgh, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to narcotics and firearm charges, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Monty Grinage, age 39, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon before United States District Judge Mark Hornak.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Grinage was a co-conspirator in one of the largest drug trafficking conspiracies in Western Pennsylvania history. Grinage conspired with multiple members of the indictment to import multiple kilograms of cocaine into Southwestern Pennsylvania. Grinage would then personally receive large kilogram amounts of cocaine and redistribute them by selling them to other co-conspirators. In total, Grinage acknowledged that he was responsible for up to 50 kilograms of cocaine. Additionally, Grinage pled guilty to possessing a 9mm handgun when investigators from the Drug Enforcement Agency executed a search warrant at his home on December 12, 2017.
Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for December 14, 2018. The law provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison up to a maximum of life, a fine of $10,000,000 or both. Due to his prior record for drug trafficking offenses, Grinage will face increased penalties and be sentenced as a career offender. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior record, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation - The Monongahela Valley Residential Agency, the Drug Enforcement Agency – Pittsburgh Division and the Pennsylvania State Police, with assistance from the South Strabane Police Department, the Elizabeth Borough Police Department, the Penn Hills Police Department and the Perryopolis Police Department, conducted the investigation that led to the guilty plea in this case.
28 Arrested in Killeen and Waco on Federal Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
This morning, federal and state authorities arrested 22 individuals for their alleged roles in a narcotics distribution activities in the Waco and Killeen areas, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash; Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Will Glaspy, Houston Division; FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs; Waco Police Chief Ryan Holt; Killeen Police Chief Charles Kimble; McLennan County Sheriff Parnell McNamara; and Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven McCraw.
Those arrested today, along with six others who were already in custody, are charged in two separate federal grand jury indictments unsealed today in Waco.
GABRIEL LUNA, et al. INDICTMENT – W18cr259
This indictment charges nine defendants with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances including cocaine, “crack” cocaine or methamphetamine. Individuals charged in this indictment include:
Name Age Residence Statutory Maximum Penalty
Gabriel Luna 30 Katy, TX 10 years to life imprisonment
Samuel Earl Smith 44 Killeen 10 years to life imprisonment
Jomar Kenyatta Bush 44 Killeen 10 years to life imprisonment
Jeffrey Ellis 33 Killeen 5-40 years imprisonment
Donovan Lafurd Ray Jacobs 25 Killeen 5-40 years imprisonment
Joshua Deanthony Bailey 29 Killeen up to 20 years imprisonment
Derrick L. Jacques (aka “Flexx”) 41 Killeen 5-40 years imprisonment
Terrell Jefferson 32 Killeen 5-40 years imprisonment
**Leonta Odell Gladden 30 Killeen 5-40 years imprisonmentThe defendants are all Gangster Disciples members, led by Derrick Jacques, or their associates. The indictment alleges that these defendants distributed narcotics in Killeen and the surrounding areas since October 2015. Defendants Luna, Smith, Bush, Ellis and Jacobs allegedly conspired to distribute methamphetamine. Defendants Luna, Smith, Jacobs and Bailey allegedly conspired to distribute cocaine. Defendants Smith, Jacques, Jefferson, and Gladden allegedly conspired to distribute “crack” cocaine.
DANIEL LOUIS LOPEZ, et al. INDICTMENT – W18cr257
This indictment charges 19 defendants with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Individuals charged in this indictment include:
Name Age Residence Statutory Maximum Penalty
**Daniel Louis Lopez 38 Waco 10 years to life imprisonment
Ruben Ceja-Sanchez 31 Dallas 10 years to life imprisonment
Gary Keith Mahan, Jr. 37 McGregor, TX 10 years to life imprisonment
Michael Trinidad Carbajal 38 Waco 10 years to life imprisonment
**Amy Michelle Tedder 32 Waco 10 years to life imprisonment
Joe Victor Monzon 35 Waco 10 years to life imprisonment
**Ruben Arnold Mondragon 32 Waco 10 years to life imprisonment
Patricia Ann Navarro-Eaton 46 Waco 5 to 40 years imprisonment
Michael Martinez 47 Waco 5 to 40 years imprisonment
**Cory Allen Kussmaul 28 Waco 5 to 40 years imprisonment
Darnell O’Shea McCoy 35 Waco 5 to 40 years imprisonment
Charlotte Nicole O’Neal 33 Waco 5 to 40 years imprisonment
Augustin Ariel Camacho 36 Waco 5 to 40 years imprisonment
Daniel Alan Tummins 35 Waco 5 to 40 years imprisonment
Francisco Farias, III 55 Waco 5 to 40 years imprisonment
Magan Danielle Shuemake 29 Waco 5 to 40 years imprisonment
Polly Estes 42 Waco up to 20 years imprisonment
Stephanie Nicole Davis 31 Midlothian, TX up to 20 years imprisonment
**Trey Allen Cartwright 36 Waco up to 20 years imprisonment** Already in custody prior to today
Authorities allege that since May 2017, these defendants were responsible for the distribution of large amounts of methamphetamine throughout the Waco and Central Texas areas.
In addition to the arrests, these investigations have resulted in the seizure of approximately $16,000 in U.S. Currency, over five pounds of methamphetamine and 22 firearms.
All of the defendants remain in federal custody pending detention hearings expected to occur next week before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Manske in Waco.
The DEA, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, Texas Department of Public Safety, Waco Police Department, Killeen Police Department and the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office investigated these cases. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Frazier, Christopher Blanton and Stephanie Smith-Burris are prosecuting these cases on behalf of the Government.
The principal mission of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering operations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
22 Charged with Smuggling Millions of Dollars of Counterfeit Luxury Goods from China into the United StatesRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, six indictments and one criminal complaint were unsealed charging a total of 22 defendants with illegally bringing into the United States millions of dollars of Chinese-manufactured goods by smuggling them through ports of entry on the East and West Coasts. The defendants were arrested this morning, and their initial appearances and arraignments are scheduled this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Lois Bloom.
The charges include conspiracy to traffic, and trafficking, in counterfeit goods; conspiracy to smuggle, and smuggling, counterfeit goods into the United States; money laundering conspiracy; immigration fraud and unlawful procurement of naturalization. In addition, the government restrained nine real properties in Queens, Staten Island and Brooklyn, New York, belonging to the defendants.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Brian A. Benczkowski, Assistant Attorney General for the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, Angel M. Melendez, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New York, and James P. O’Neill, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the charges.
“As alleged, the defendants used many forms of deception to smuggle large quantities of counterfeit luxury brand goods from China into the United States, and then profited by distributing and selling the fake merchandise,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “This Office, working with our law enforcement partners, is committed to securing our country’s ports of entry, as well as to protecting the integrity of intellectual property upon which free and fair international trade and markets depend.” Mr. Donoghue extended his grateful appreciation to the HSI Intellectual Property Group and the HSI Border Enforcement Security Task Force and the NYPD. Mr. Donoghue also extended his thanks to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the New York State Police and the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office for their assistance.
“The defendants allegedly smuggled millions of dollars of counterfeit luxury goods into our country, depriving companies of their valuable and hard-earned intellectual property,” stated Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. “The illegal smuggling of counterfeit goods poses a real threat to honest businesses, and I commend our federal prosecutors and partners at HSI and the NYPD for their outstanding work on this important investigation. The Department of Justice is committed to holding accountable those who seek to exploit our borders by smuggling counterfeit goods for sale on the black market.”
“This investigation exposed the global nature of intellectual property crimes, allegedly being executed by those arrested today. Counterfeit goods manufactured and smuggled from China with a suggested value north of half a billion dollars, were intended to make its way into U.S. markets and into the hands of unsuspecting consumers,” said HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Melendez. “This investigation should be a crystal clear message that counterfeiting and intellectual property rights violations is anything but a victimless crime as it harms legitimate businesses, consumers and governments.”
“Today’s indictments demonstrate our resolve to ensure a level playing field for all, and serve as a reminder that selling fake goods is never a victimless crime,” stated NYPD Commissioner O’Neill. “Everything about these activities undermines public trust. And the NYPD, in close collaboration with all of our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively combat and prosecute the evasive practices of the individuals and companies who attempt to operate outside our laws and regulations.”
According to the court filings, the defendants played various roles in the trafficking of counterfeit goods manufactured in China, brought by ocean-going ships to the United States in 40-foot shipping containers, smuggled through ports of entry disguised as legitimate imports and distributed throughout the country. The counterfeit goods included items such as fake Louis Vuitton and Tory Burch handbags, Michael Kors wallets, Hermes belts and Chanel perfume. The defendants’ roles included:
Importers
Qi Feng Liang, Wo Qi Liu, Zhi Ming Zhang and Yu Ming Wong served as shipping container importers. They arranged to smuggle counterfeit goods into the United States through the Port of New York/New Jersey and elsewhere. They fraudulently used the names, addresses and other identifying information of legitimate import companies and falsified the descriptions of the containers’ contents on U.S. customs paperwork associated with the containers of counterfeit goods. They used “burner” phone numbers and “burner” email accounts—obtained by using false or incomplete information—in order to conceal their true identities. The counterfeit goods were transported by trucks to self-storage facilities in Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island, New York, where the goods were unloaded and stored. Qi Feng Liang, Wo Qi Liu, Zhi Ming Zhang and Yu Ming Wong smuggled or attempted to smuggle 23 40-foot shipping containers into the country loaded with counterfeit items. The estimated Manufacturers’ Suggested Retail Price of these items, had they been genuine, would have been more than $450 million.
Wholesale Distributors
Josstina Lin, Xue Wei Qu, Xi Quan Huang, Yun Lei Huang, Yun Wu Huang, Si Lung Chung, Le Wei Zheng, Xiao Ying Huang, Qiong Chan Mu, Ren Zhong Zhu, Cheng Xu Yu, Jin Hua Zhang, Jian Hua Zhu, Yong Lin Dong and Cai Ying Lin managed the receipt, storage and distribution of counterfeit goods smuggled into the United States by the importers. They resold the counterfeit items to other wholesale and retail sellers in New York, California and elsewhere in the United States.
Domestic Shippers
Wei Mei Gao, Sheng Miao Xia and Jie Mei Chen used private shipping businesses they controlled to distribute the counterfeit goods smuggled into the United States by the importers and handled by the wholesale distributors. The domestic shippers also facilitated payments by the wholesale and retail counterfeit goods sellers to the wholesale distributors.
As alleged in the indictments, some defendants additionally conspired to launder the proceeds from the sale of counterfeit goods, and others illegally concealed their involvement in the trafficking of counterfeit goods when applying for immigration benefits.
The charges in the indictments and criminal complaint are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The government’s cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys William P. Campos and Temidayo Aganga-Williams of the Eastern District of New York, Special Assistant United States Attorney Robert Kaftal of the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office and Senior Counsel James S. Yoon of the U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS). Assistant United States Attorney Claire S. Kedeshian is handling the forfeiture aspect of this case. The investigation was previously led by Senior Counsel Evan Williams of CCIPS.
The Department of Justice’s Task Force on Intellectual Property (IP Task Force) contributed to this case. The IP Task Force is led by the Deputy Attorney General to combat the growing number of domestic and intellectual property crimes, to protect the health and safety of American consumers and to safeguard the nation’s economic security against those who seek to profit illegally from American creativity, innovation and hard work. To learn more about the IP Task Force, go to https://www.justice.gov/iptf. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny.
The Defendants:
QI FENG LIANG (also known as “Alex” and “Mike Sotire”)
Age: 34
Brooklyn, New YorkWO QI LIU (also known as “Louis,” “Qi,” “Woqi” and “Big Elephant”)
Age: 43
Brooklyn, New YorkZHI MING ZHANG (also known as “Jordan” and “Four B”)
Age: 43
Staten Island, New YorkJOSSTINA LIN (also known as “Tina”)
Age: 42
Brooklyn, New YorkXUE WEI QU
Age: 51
Queens, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-419 (WFK)
XI QUAN HUANG
Age: 58
Queens, New YorkYUN LEI HUANG
Age: 32
Queens, New YorkYUN WU HUANG
Age: 34
Queens, New YorkWEI MEI GAO
Age: 35
Queens, New YorkSHENG MIAO XIA
Age: 44
Queens, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-408
SI LUNG CHUNG (also known as “Allan”)
Age: 42
New York, New YorkLE WEI ZHENG
Age: 42
New York, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-407 (CBA)
XIAO YING HUANG (also known as “Linda”)
Age: 53
Nassau County, New YorkQIONG CHAN MU (also known as “Rosanna”)
Age: 26
Nassau County, New YorkREN ZHONG ZHU
Age: 31
Nassau County, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-423 (DLI)
YONG LIN DONG
Age: 43
Queens, New YorkCAI YING LIN
Age: 43
Queens, New YorkCHENG XU YU (also known as “Vic”)
Age: 29
Queens, New YorkJIAN HUA ZHU
Age: 52
Queens, New YorkJIN HUA ZHANG
Age: 55
Queens, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-396 (JBW)
JIE MEI CHEN (also known as “Jenny”)
Age: 33
Queens, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-409 (BMC)
YU MING WONG
Age: 36
Queens, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-MJ-752
22 Charged with Smuggling Millions of Dollars of Counterfeit Luxury Goods from China into the United StatesRead the Press Release
Earlier today, six indictments and one criminal complaint were unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn, New York, charging a total of 22 defendants with illegally bringing into the United States millions of dollars of Chinese-manufactured goods by smuggling them through ports of entry on the East and West Coasts. One defendant is also charged with unlawful procurement of naturalization. Twenty-one defendants were arrested this morning, and their initial court appearances and arraignments are scheduled before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lois Bloom.
The charges include conspiracy to traffic, and trafficking, in counterfeit goods; conspiracy to smuggle, and smuggling, counterfeit goods into the United States; money laundering conspiracy; immigration fraud and unlawful procurement of naturalization. In addition, the government restrained nine real properties in Queens, Staten Island and Brooklyn, New York belonging to the defendants.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Richard P. Donoghue for the Eastern District of New York, Special Agent in Charge Angel M. Melendez of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York and Commissioner James P. O’Neill of the New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the charges.
“The defendants allegedly smuggled millions of dollars of counterfeit luxury goods into our country, depriving companies of their valuable and hard-earned intellectual property,” said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. “The illegal smuggling of counterfeit goods poses a real threat to honest businesses, and I commend our federal prosecutors and partners at HSI and the NYPD for their outstanding work on this important investigation. The Department of Justice is committed to holding accountable those who seek to exploit our borders by smuggling counterfeit goods for sale on the black market.”
“As alleged, the defendants used many forms of deception to smuggle large quantities of counterfeit luxury brand goods from China into the United States, and then profited by distributing and selling the fake merchandise,” said U.S. Attorney Donoghue. “This Office, working with our law enforcement partners, is committed to securing our country’s ports of entry, as well as to protecting the integrity of intellectual property upon which free and fair international trade and markets depend.”
“This investigation exposed the global nature of intellectual property crimes, allegedly being executed by those arrested today. Counterfeit goods manufactured and smuggled from China with a suggested value close to half a billion dollars, were intended to make its way into U.S. markets and into the hands of unsuspecting consumers,” said HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Melendez. “This investigation should be a crystal clear message that counterfeiting and intellectual property rights violations is anything but a victimless crime as it harms legitimate businesses, consumers and governments.”
According to the court filings, the defendants played various roles in the trafficking of counterfeit goods manufactured in China, brought by ocean-going ships to the United States in 40-foot shipping containers, smuggled through ports of entry disguised as legitimate imports and distributed throughout the country. The counterfeit goods included items such as fake Louis Vuitton and Tory Burch handbags, Michael Kors wallets, Hermes belts and Chanel perfume. The defendants’ roles included:
Importers
Qi Feng Liang, Wo Qi Liu, Zhi Ming Zhang and Yu Ming Wong served as shipping container importers. They arranged to smuggle counterfeit goods into the United States through the Port of New York/New Jersey and elsewhere. They fraudulently used the names, addresses and other identifying information of legitimate import companies and falsified the descriptions of the containers’ contents on U.S. customs paperwork associated with the containers of counterfeit goods. They used “burner” phone numbers and “burner” email accounts—obtained by using false or incomplete information—in order to conceal their true identities. The counterfeit goods were transported by trucks to self-storage facilities in Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island, New York, where the goods were unloaded and stored. Qi Feng Liang, Wo Qi Liu, Zhi Ming Zhang and Yu Ming Wong smuggled or attempted to smuggle 23 40-foot shipping containers into the country loaded with counterfeit items. The estimated Manufacturers’ Suggested Retail Price of these items, had they been genuine, would have been more than $450 million.
Wholesale Distributors
Josstina Lin, Xue Wei Qu, Xi Quan Huang, Yun Lei Huang, Yun Wu Huang, Si Lung Chung, Le Wei Zheng, Xiao Ying Huang, Qiong Chan Mu, Ren Zhong Zhu, Cheng Xu Yu, Jin Hua Zhang, Jian Hua Zhu, Yong Lin Dong and Cai Ying Lin managed the receipt, storage and distribution of counterfeit goods smuggled into the United States by the importers. They resold the counterfeit items to other wholesale and retail sellers in New York, California and elsewhere in the United States.
Domestic Shippers
Wei Mei Gao, Sheng Miao Xia and Jie Mei Chen used private shipping businesses they controlled to distribute the counterfeit goods smuggled into the United States by the importers and handled by the wholesale distributors. The domestic shippers also facilitated payments by the wholesale and retail counterfeit goods sellers to the wholesale distributors. Jie Mei Chen is also charged with unlawful procurement of naturalization.
As alleged in the indictments, some defendants additionally conspired to launder the proceeds from the sale of counterfeit goods, and others illegally concealed their involvement in the trafficking of counterfeit goods when applying for immigration benefits.
The charges in the indictments and criminal complaint are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The investigation was conducted by HSI Intellectual Property Group and HSI Border Enforcement Security Task Force and the NYPD Border Security Enforcement Task Force. Assistance was provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the New York State Police and the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office. The government’s cases are being prosecuted by Senior Counsel James S. Yoon of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS), Assistant U.S. Attorneys William P. Campos and Temidayo Aganga-Williams of the Eastern District of New York and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Kaftal of the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Claire S. Kedeshian is handling the forfeiture aspect of this case. The investigation was previously led by Senior Counsel Evan Williams of CCIPS.
The Department of Justice’s Task Force on Intellectual Property (IP Task Force) contributed to this case. The IP Task Force is led by the Deputy Attorney General to combat the growing number of domestic and intellectual property crimes, to protect the health and safety of American consumers and to safeguard the nation’s economic security against those who seek to profit illegally from American creativity, innovation and hard work. To learn more about the IP Task Force, go to https://www.justice.gov/iptf.
The Defendants:
QI FENG LIANG (aka “Alex” and “Mike Sotire”)
Age: 34
Brooklyn, New YorkWO QI LIU (aka “Louis,” “Qi,” “Woqi” and “Big Elephant”)
Age: 43
Brooklyn, New YorkZHI MING ZHANG (aka “Jordan” and “Four B”)
Age: 43
Staten Island, New YorkJOSSTINA LIN (aka “Tina”)
Age: 42
Brooklyn, New YorkXUE WEI QU
Age: 51
Queens, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-419 (WFK)
XI QUAN HUANG
Age: 58
Queens, New YorkYUN LEI HUANG
Age: 32
Queens, New YorkYUN WU HUANG
Age: 34
Queens, New YorkWEI MEI GAO
Age: 35
Queens, New YorkSHENG MIAO XIA
Age: 44
Queens, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-408
SI LUNG CHUNG (aka “Allan”)
Age: 42
New York, New YorkLE WEI ZHENG
Age: 42
New York, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-407 (CBA)
XIAO YING HUANG (aka “Linda”)
Age: 53
Nassau County, New YorkQIONG CHAN MU (aka “Rosanna”)
Age: 26
Nassau County, New YorkREN ZHONG ZHU
Age: 31
Nassau County, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-423 (JBW)
YONG LIN DONG
Age: 43
Queens, New YorkCAI YING LIN
Age: 43
Queens, New YorkCHENG XU YU (aka “Vic”)
Age: 29
Queens, New YorkJIAN HUA ZHU
Age: 52
Queens, New YorkJIN HUA ZHANG
Age: 55
Queens, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-396 (JBW)
JIE MEI CHEN (aka “Jenny”)
Age: 33
Queens, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-409 (BMC)
YU MING WONG
Age: 36
Queens, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-MJ-752
12 Dominican Nationals Indicted on Identity Theft ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – 12 Dominican nationals were indicted today in federal court in Boston with various charges of aggravated identity theft and false representation of a Social Security number. All 12 defendants were previously charged by criminal complaints on July 26, 2018, in a federal document and benefit fraud sweep and are currently in custody.
The following defendants were each indicted on one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of false representation of a Social Security number:
Alejandra Eulalia Baez Arias, 40, of Lawrence;
Saddan Rafael Bautista Diaz, 27, of Dorchester;
Robert Crisologo Bobadilla Baez, 43, of Mattapan;
Fernando Cedeno Carpio, 34, residing in Houston, Texas, with legal permanent resident status;
Ramon Lara Martinez, 45, of Hyde Park, was also indicted on one count of being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm;
Viterbo Enrique Minaya Melo, 30, of Lawrence;
Ulises Francisco Mota Carmona, 35, of Lawrence;
Yhoan Alexis Nivar Rodriguez, 29, residing in Mattapan with legal permanent resident status, was also indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl;
Randy Manuel Percel Arias, 23, of Lawrence;
Jose Mercedes Polanco Guerrero, 47, of Dorchester; and
Carmen Sanchez Garcia De Martinez, 64, a dual Dominican and Venezuelan national residing in Springfield.
Erika Bautista Diaz, 30, was indicted on one count of false representation of a Social Security number.
The charge of aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory two-year sentence that must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed, up to one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. False representation of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of being an alien in possession of a firearm provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General; Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division; Christina Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Regional Office; Michael Mikulka, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations; William B. Gannon, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office; Raymond Moss, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Massachusetts State Auditor Suzanne M. Bump made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Marshals Service Puerto Rico Violent Offender Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine Wichers, Karen Burzycki, Rachel Hemani and Patrick Callahan are prosecuting the cases.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
12 Alleged Members of MS-13 in Santa Cruz Charged Federally with Racketeering Conspiracy, Murder, Arson, Extortion, and Other CrimesRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE- A federal grand jury indicted twelve South Bay residents for a broad range of racketeering crimes including murder, arson, extortion by force, and drug trafficking, announced United States Attorney Alex G. Tse and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Ryan L. Spradlin. The Second Superseding Indictment handed down today amends the charges previously brought against the defendant in April of this year. The defendant all are alleged to be MS-13 gang members and the new charges now specifically include allegations that certain defendants conspired to commit, attempted to commit, and ultimately succeeded in committing murder.
“MS-13 has presented a violent threat in the Santa Cruz area for years,” said U.S. Attorney Tse. “The gang targeted many, including other immigrants from El Salvador, and they instilled fear in everyone who experienced or witnessed their brutality.”
The indictment alleges the following defendants conspired to engage in racketeering activities:
Velarmino Escobar-Ayala (aka Meduza)
Tomas Rivera (aka Profugo, aka Caballo)
Ismael Alvarenga-Rivera (aka Casper)
Willfredo Ayala-Garcia (aka Chino)
Jose David Abrego-Galdamez (aka Largo)
Melvin Lopez (aka Sharky)
Alexander Martinez-Flores (aka Pocar)
Gerber Morales (aka Choco, aka Chuki)
Emilio Escobar-Albarnga (aka Diablo)
Josue Alcedis Escobar-Cerritos (aka Penguino, aka Chui)
Erick Escalante-Torres (aka Deceptico, aka Problematico)
Jose Noe Ramirez-Avelar (aka Chepito, aka Sparky)
According to the indictment, the defendants all engaged in racketeering for the purpose of preserving the power, territory, reputation, and profits of the MS-13 gang. The indictment describes how members of MS-13 met regularly to discuss issues such as disciplining members and planning crimes. The indictment provides a list of dates on which the defendants allegedly met and conspired to commit a broad array of crimes, including murder, to further the purposes of the gang.
According to the indictment, differing members of the enterprise met at times to discuss targeting rival gang members for murder and deciding which gang members had an interest in murdering the targets. For example, the indictment alleges Escobar-Ayala, Rivera, Lopez, Martinez-Flores, Escalante-Torres, and Ramirez-Avelar conspired to commit a murder, and that all these defendants, except Lopez, actually committed the murder. Similarly, the indictment alleges Escalante-Torres attempted to commit the murder of a separate victim. In addition, the indictment describes how some members met to create plans to commit murder while other members actually attempted or succeeded in committing murder, and how still others attempted to destroy proof of the gang’s crimes by burning evidence.
The indictment also describes how certain defendants conspired to extort property from drug dealers in Santa Cruz by threatening violence against the dealers and other persons close to them. According to the indictment, from February 2013 through at least February of 2017, Escobar-Ayala, Rivera, Alvarenga-Rivera, Ayala-Garcia, Abrego-Galdamez, Lopez, and Martinez-Flores engaged in the extortion and threatened force, violence, and fear to obtain money that was demanded.
Also, the indictment alleges all the defendants were engaged in a conspiracy engage in drug trafficking. According to the indictment, from April 2012 until the present, the defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams of more of a mixture of substance containing methamphetamine.
According to additional court papers filed by the government, the current charges in this case stem from a multi-year investigation into the activities of a violent Santa Cruz street gang known as Santa Cruz Salvatrucha Locos 13 (SCSL13). The government’s papers state that “SCSL13 is a subset of the larger Mara Salvatrucha 13 (MS-13) gang organization.” According to the government, the defendants all are alleged to be either active members or recruits performing criminal tasks on behalf of SCSL13.
In sum, the charges pending against each defendant are as follows:
Defendant
Age
Charges
Maximum Statutory Penalty
All Defendants
Racketeering Conspiracy
18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)
Life in prison
5 years of supervised release
Fine of the greater of $250,000, twice the gain to the defendant, or twice the loss inflicted on another
Velarmino Escobar-Ayala (aka Meduza)
38
Conspiracy to Commit Extortion by Force
18 U.S.C. § 1951(a)
Life in prison
3 years supervised release
Fine of the greater of $250,000, twice the gain to the defendant, or twice the loss inflicted on another
Conspiracy to Commit Murder in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(5)
10 years in prison
3 years supervised release
Fine of the greater of $250,000, twice the gain to the defendant, or twice the loss inflicted on another
Tomas Rivera (aka Profugo, aka Caballo)
25
Conspiracy to Commit Extortion by Force
18 U.S.C. § 1951(a)
Life in prison
3 years supervised release
Fine of the greater of $250,000, twice the gain to the defendant, or twice the loss inflicted on another
Conspiracy to Commit Murder in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(5)
10 years in prison
3 years supervised release
Fine of the greater of $250,000, twice the gain to the defendant, or twice the loss inflicted on another
Ismael Alvarenga-Rivera (aka Casper)
39
Conspiracy to Commit Extortion by Force
18 U.S.C. § 1951(a)
Life in prison
3 years supervised release
Fine of the greater of $250,000, twice the gain to the defendant, or twice the loss inflicted on another
Willfredo Ayala-Garcia (aka Chino)
33
Conspiracy to Commit Extortion by Force
18 U.S.C. § 1951(a)
Life in prison
3 years supervised release
Fine of the greater of $250,000, twice the gain to the defendant, or twice the loss inflicted on another
Jose David Abrego-Galdamez (aka Largo)
38
Conspiracy to Commit Extortion by Force
18 U.S.C. § 1951(a)
Life in prison
3 years supervised release
Fine of the greater of $250,000, twice the gain to the defendant, or twice the loss inflicted on another
Melvin Lopez (aka Sharky)
26
Conspiracy to Commit Extortion by Force
18 U.S.C. § 1951(a)
Life in prison
3 years supervised release
Fine of the greater of $250,000, twice the gain to the defendant, or twice the loss inflicted on another
Conspiracy to Commit Murder in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(5)
10 years in prison
3 years supervised release
Fine of the greater of $250,000, twice the gain to the defendant, or twice the loss inflicted on another
Alexander Martinez-Flores (aka Pocar)
29
Conspiracy to Commit Extortion by Force
18 U.S.C. § 1951(a)
Life in prison
3 years supervised release
Fine of the greater of $250,000, twice the gain to the defendant, or twice the loss inflicted on another
Conspiracy to Commit Murder in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(5)
10 years in prison
3 years supervised release
Fine of the greater of $250,000, twice the gain to the defendant, or twice the loss inflicted on another
Murder in Aid of Racketeering (18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(1))
Death penalty eligible
Mandatory life in prison
5 years of supervised release
Fine of the greater of $250,000, twice the gain to the defendant, or twice the loss inflicted on another
Use/Possess/Brandish/Discharge of Firearm in Furtherance of Crime of Violence
18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)
Life in prison
5 years supervised release
Fine of the greater of $250,000, twice the gain to the defendant, or twice the loss inflicted on another
Use of Firearm in Furtherance of Crime of Violence Resulting in Death 18 U.S.C. § 924(j)(1)
Death penalty eligible
Life in prison
5 years supervised release
Fine of the greater of $250,000, twice the gain to the defendant, or twice the loss inflicted on another
Gerber Morales (aka Choco, aka Chuki)
30
Conspiracy to Possess With Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(A)(viii)
Life in prison
(minimum 10 years)
Lifetime of supervised release
(minimum 5 years)
Fine of $10,000,000
Emilio Escobar-Albarnga (aka Diablo)
37
Conspiracy to Possess With Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(A)(viii)
Life in prison
(minimum 10 years)
Lifetime of supervised release
(minimum 5 years)
Fine of $10,000,000
Josue Alcedis Escobar-Cerritos (aka Penguino, aka Chui)
30
Conspiracy to Possess With Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(A)(viii)
Life in prison
(minimum 10 years)
Lifetime of supervised release
(minimum 5 years)
Fine of $10,000,000
Erick Escalante-Torres (aka Deceptico, aka Problematico)
23
Accessory After the Fact to Murder in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. § 3
(2 counts)
15 years in prison
3 years supervised release
Fine of the greater of $250,000, twice the gain to the defendant, or twice the loss inflicted on another
Use of Fire in Commission of Felony 18 U.S.C. § 844(h)
(2 counts)
10 years in prison
(mandatory and consecutive to any other term of imprisonment)
3 years supervised release
Fine of the greater of $250,000, twice the gain to the defendant, or twice the loss inflicted on another
Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. §1959(a)(5)
10 years in prison
3 years supervised release
Fine of the greater of $250,000, twice the gain to the defendant, or twice the loss inflicted on another
Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(3)
20 years in prison
3 years supervised release
Fine of the greater of $250,000, twice the gain to the defendant, or twice the loss inflicted on another
Use/Possess/Brandish/Discharge of Firearm in Furtherance of Crime of Violence
18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)
(2 counts)
Life in prison
3 years supervised release
Fine of the greater of $250,000, twice the gain to the defendant, or twice the loss inflicted on another
Conspiracy to Commit Murder in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(5)
10 years in prison
3 years supervised release
Fine of the greater of $250,000, twice the gain to the defendant, or twice the loss inflicted on another
Murder in Aid of Racketeering (18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(1))
Death penalty eligible
Mandatory life in prison
5 years of supervised release
Fine of the greater of $250,000, twice the gain to the defendant, or twice the loss inflicted on another
Use of Firearm in Furtherance of Crime of Violence Resulting in Death 18 U.S.C. § 924(j)(1)
Death penalty eligible
5 years of supervised release
Fine of the greater of $250,000, twice the gain to the defendant, or twice the loss inflicted on another
Jose Noe Ramirez-Avelar (aka Chepito, aka Sparky)
28
Conspiracy to Commit Murder in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(5)
10 years in prison
3 years supervised release
Fine of the greater of $250,000, twice the gain to the defendant, or twice the loss inflicted on another
Murder in Aid of Racketeering (18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(1))
Death penalty eligible
Mandatory life in prison
5 years of supervised release
Fine of the greater of $250,000, twice the gain to the defendant, or twice the loss inflicted on another
Use/Possess/Brandish/Discharge of Firearm in Furtherance of Crime of Violence
18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)
Life in prison
3 years supervised release
Fine of the greater of $250,000, twice the gain to the defendant, or twice the loss inflicted on another
Use of Firearm in Furtherance of Crime of Violence Resulting in Death 18 U.S.C. § 924(j)(1)
Death penalty eligible
5 years of supervised release
Fine of the greater of $250,000, twice the gain to the defendant, or twice the loss inflicted on another
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
In addition, any sentence following conviction would 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.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Alioto and Jeffrey Backhus are prosecuting the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the HSI.
"Route 128 Bandit" Sentenced for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for robbing 10 banks in the greater Boston area.
Paul B. Landrum, dubbed the “Route 128 Bandit,” 38, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to 57 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In May 2018, Landrum pleaded guilty to 10 counts of bank robbery. In November 2017, Landrum was arrested and charged in federal court and has been in custody since.
Between July 31, 2017, and Oct. 6, 2017, eight banks were robbed in the Greater Boston area. After each robbery, the tellers described the perpetrator as a light-skinned black man, 30-to-45-years-old, wearing a baseball hat, sunglasses and a long-sleeved collarless shirt. Based on the descriptive similarities, law enforcement suspected that the same individual was involved in each robbery.
Between Oct. 17, 2017, and Oct. 19, 2017, two more banks were robbed in the Greater Boston area. Following these robberies, the tellers described the robber, later determined to be Tamea Chambers, as a black woman, 30-to-35-years-old, wearing a wig. Based on the similar descriptions by the tellers, law enforcement suspected that the same individual was involved in these two robberies.
During their investigation of the latter robberies, law enforcement obtained video footage from a business connected to one of the banks that captured images of the female robber in the company of a light-skinned black male. Upon comparison of this video footage with the video footage of the first eight robberies, law enforcement determined the man to be the Route 128 Bandit.
An investigation into the robber’s get-away vehicle led law enforcement to identify Landrum as the suspect, and on Oct. 24, 2017, Landrum and Chambers were arrested in Boston. Landrum admitted to robbing eight banks individually, and assisting Chambers with the final two robberies.
Chambers pleaded guilty in May 2018 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 17, 2018.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office, made the announcement today. The Massachusetts State Police and the Boston, Brookline, Medford, Somerville, and Wellesley Police Departments assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Wednesday 15 August 2018
Woman Responsible for Macon-Area Daycare Bomb Threats Sentenced to More Than Fifteen (15) Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
MACON: United States Attorney Charles E. Peeler announces that Jasmine Jaquel Bradley, age 27, of Macon, Georgia, was sentenced to serve more than fifteen (15) months in prison for conveying false information and perpetuating a hoax related to bomb threats made to a Macon-area daycare. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Marc T. Treadwell on August 15, 2018.
Through her guilty plea, Ms. Bradley admitted that on April 24, 2017, she posted a bomb threat on the corporate Facebook page of the Child Care Network School on Northside Drive in Macon, Georgia. Specifically, Ms. Bradley posted that a bomb had been planted underground three months ago, and the center would be blown up the next day. Ms. Bradley also admitted to sending several other threats to Macon-area daycares which were being investigated by law enforcement at the time of her arrest.
In addition to her more than 15 months imprisonment, Ms. Bradley was ordered to spend two years under the supervision of the United States Probation Office upon her release from prison.
“The actions of Ms. Bradley caused fear, panic, and unnecessary pain to the children, parents, and staff of these daycares,” said United States Attorney Charles E. Peeler. “Ms. Bradley also caused the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and federal law enforcement to expend precious resources investigating serious threats to life and limb that thankfully turned out to be hoaxes. Threats of these kind, whether real or false, will be fully investigated and the perpetrators will be brought to justice on behalf of the victims they have harmed.”
This case was investigated by the Macon Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney C. Shanelle Booker prosecuted the case for the United States.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 752-3511.
Wetzel County man admits to connection to a drug distribution operation in Wetzel and Tyler CountiesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Doug William Matthews, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, has admitted to his involvement in methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin distribution that spanned multiple states, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Matthews, age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine in Proximity to a Protected Location.” Matthews admitted selling methamphetamine near Magnolia High School in March 2018 in Wetzel County.
Matthews faces up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert H. McWilliams, Jr., and Shawn M. Adkins are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol; Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Marshall County Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office; the Wetzel County Sheriff’s Office; the Sistersville Police Department; the Paden City Police Department; and the New Martinsville Police Department investigated. The Columbus, Ohio, Police Department Gang Crimes Unit assisted in the case.
The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
Valley Couple Sentenced After Violent Dispute over NarcoticsRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 21-year-old man and an 18-year-old woman have both been ordered to federal prison following a drug dispute between the two that ended in violence and an attempted escape from custody, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Ricardo Gonzalez and his former girlfriend Violeta Torres, both of Brownsville, pleaded guilty Sept. 21 and Aug. 10, 2017, respectively.
Today, U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera ordered Gonzalez to serve a 120-month term of imprisonment to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release, while Torres received a term of 87 months followed by four years of supervised release.
Gonzalez and Torres were initially working together to distribute approximately 22 pounds of cocaine in the Brownsville area. Law enforcement ultimately recovered approximately 8.5 pounds of the narcotics.
During the course of the conspiracy, a dispute between the couple caused Torres to leave Gonzalez’s home. Thereafter, she then hired at least one other individual to break into her ex-boyfriend’s home, physically restrain him, tie him up and steal the cocaine.
The next day, Gonzalez travelled to the home where his ex-girlfriend resided and attempted to retrieve the cocaine by force, discharging his firearm during the altercation. After law enforcement arrived on scene in response to the gunfire, Gonzalez escaped police custody and fled into the south Texas brush. Authorities apprehended Gonzalez, who was hiding in the brush, shortly thereafter.
Both will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Brownsville Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Corley prosecuted the case.
United States Resolves False Claims Act Investigation AgainstLandlord Charging Housing Voucher Tenants Excess RentsRead the Press Release
Edward R. Daniel, a/k/a Edward Daniels, Judy Daniel, and the Edward R. Daniel Revocable Living Trust (collectively “Daniel”), a landlord participating in the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Housing Choice Voucher/Section 8 (HCV) Program has paid the United States $50,000.00 to resolve civil claims. The claims against Daniel, pursued under the False Claims Act, arise from the landlord’s alleged impermissible charging of parking fees as well as excessive rents to certain HCV Recipient tenants, while accepting federally subsidized Housing Assistance Payments (“HAP”).
Benjamin G. Greenberg, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida and Nadine Gurley, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General (HUD-OIG), made the announcement.
Through Section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937, as amended, HUD distributes federal funds to local public housing agencies to assist eligible low income families in obtaining decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private rental market. To receive federally subsidized rents, landlords participating in the HCV Program contractually agree to comply with HUD requirements, to charge only the rent authorized by the local public housing agency and to not raise rents or change lease terms without the written approval of the local public housing agency.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our partners take very seriously any abuses of our federal housing programs that may deprive those in need of access to affordable homes,” stated U.S. Attorney Benjamin G. Greenberg. “We will continue to investigate and prosecute False Claims Act allegations in order to ensure that all landlords comply with federal housing requirements and protect our local tenants and taxpayers.”
“HUD will not tolerate landlords who violate the rules and seek to gain at the expense of the very low income families we serve through the Section 8/HCV Program,” said David Woll, HUD’s Deputy General Counsel for Enforcement. “Taxpayers have every reason to be outraged when those choosing to do business with the government and receiving federally subsidized rent by entering into HAP Contracts and agreeing to abide by federal regulations, violate those obligations by overcharging impoverished, elderly and disabled tenants.”
“This settlement demonstrates the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General’s continuing efforts to hold individuals accountable whose practices victimize America’s most vulnerable communities. HUD-OIG is committed to collaborating with the Department of Justice to ensure government rules are not manipulated for personal gain,” said Nadine Gurley, Special Agent in Charge, HUD-OIG.
The rents of most of Daniel’s tenants in over 12 apartment buildings in Miami, are subsidized through the HCV Program. Presently, over 120 federally subsidized HCV Tenants reside in Daniel’s residential units in Miami under the administration of five HCV Programs in Miami-Dade County, Florida: Miami-Dade County’s Public Housing & Community Development (“PHCD”), Hialeah Housing Authority (“HHA”), the Housing Authority of the City of Miami Beach (“HACMB”), Carrfour Supportive Housing, Inc. and Citrus Health Network, Inc.
The False Claims Act investigation into Daniel began in September 2015, when representatives of PHCD and PHCD’s HCV Program Contractor reported alleged abuses of the HCV Program within certain federally assisted units Daniel owned. Investigators initially received reports that one or more of Daniel’s HCV subsidized tenants were not occupying the properties and at least one unit was allegedly occupied by an individual other than the authorized tenant, even though Daniel was receiving HAP payments for those units. As the investigation expanded, investigators received information that Daniel allegedly also received unlawful excessive rent subsidies and in several instances, double subsidies from different Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) for overlapping periods, for different tenants. During the investigation, the double subsidy payments were recovered from Daniel. In addition, investigators uncovered evidence that Daniel allegedly charged at least 36 HCV tenants excessive rent and unauthorized parking fees.
Although Daniel did not admit liability, Daniel entered into a Settlement Agreement with the United States wherein the landlord agreed to and has paid the United States $50,000 to settle the allegations that Daniel violated the False Claims Act by accepting federally subsidized HAP Payments while charged parking fees and rents in excess of those permitted. Daniel also represented to the United States Attorney’s Office that he reimbursed certain tenants that were charged higher than approved rents. In addition, through the Settlement Agreement, Daniel agreed to comply with all laws, regulations, rules, directives, ordinances, agreements, certifications and contracts governing the HCV Program. Moreover, Daniel is prohibited from charging a tenant a parking fee or more than the amount a PHA approves as the Tenant’s appropriate share of rent. The investigation was hindered by Daniel’s poor record-keeping, including failure to maintain certain records. The Settlement Agreement requires Daniel to maintain tenant records, including receipts, for a specified period of time and to retain a bookkeeper or accountant to maintain a ledger or account for each of the Dwelling Units leased through the assistance of the HCV Program. Further, in addition to annually providing each federally subsidized Tenant with a Statement of Account of amounts Daniel charged to the HCV Tenant in the prior calendar year and amounts collected from the Tenant, together with the Security Deposit held, Daniel is required to provide annual notifications to Tenants that they should not pay more than the amount determined by the PHAs.
The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, HUD-OIG, and HUD. Mr. Greenberg also commended the significant assistance provided by Miami-Dade County’s Public Housing and Community Development office, Miami-Dade Police Department, Hialeah Housing Authority, and the City of Miami Beach Housing Authority. Assistant United States Attorney James A. Weinkle investigated this matter and negotiated the settlement.
A copy of this press release and the Settlement Agreement may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls.
United States Attorney Announces the Appointment of Two New Federal ProsecutorsRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced the appointment of two new federal prosecutors.
Chad Rhoades most recently served as legal counsel to United States Senator Thom Tillis handling issues related to criminal and constitutional law. He is a graduate of North Carolina State University and the Campbell University School of Law. Mr. Rhoades will be assigned to the Violent Crime Section within the United States Attorney’s Office.
Lori Warlick will serve the District as a Special Assistant United States Attorney from her position as a Trial Attorney, Appellate, in the Civil Division’s Office of Immigration Litigation. She previously clerked at the Miami Immigration Court. She is a Raleigh native and graduated from North Carolina Central University School of Law in 2007. She will be assigned primarily to the Civil Division within the United States Attorney’s Office and will also assist with immigration-related criminal prosecutions.
“It’s my privilege to lead an office filled with incredibly talented and dedicated people who work tirelessly to carry out our mission of justice and fulfill our promises to the people of the Eastern District to reduce violent crime and reduce drug trafficking levels,” said U.S. Attorney Higdon. “We are proud to welcome these fine individuals to our office. I know they will make an immediate impact in our District and serve the citizens of the United States with honor and distinction.”
Two 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 – Jesus Garcia, age 35, and Jhoan Gomez, age 28, of Venezuela, both pled guilty on August 15, 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 14, 2018.
According to court documents, on May 8, 2017, at approximately 7:50 pm, a Joint Inter-Agency Task Force South Patrol Aircraft located a northbound go-fast vessel (GFV) approximately 105 nautical miles west of Martinique. The vessel was located in a known drug trafficking route. It 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 the 7 Venezuelan national crew onboard the GFV. Co-defendant Juan Rodriguez previously entered a guilty plea on August 13, 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.
Two Men Sentenced for Separate Incidents of Attempting to Sexually Exploit Minors OnlineRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO, N.C. – Two men who, in separate incidents, attempted to entice minors to engage in sexual activity were sentenced today, announced Matthew G.T. Martin, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina.
CHRISTOPHER JAMES WILSON, 36, of Cana, Virginia, pleaded guilty on April 9 2018, to one count of enticement of a minor and one count of attempted enticement of a minor. He was sentenced by United States District Judge Loretta Copeland Biggs to 250 months of imprisonment, followed by 20 years of supervised release.
When WILSON committed the federal offense last year, he had twice been convicted of state sex offenses against minors, in 2003 and 2006, and was already a registered sex offender. In June 2017, a Stokes County mother reported that WILSON used Facebook to send her 12-year-old daughter a picture of WILSON’S genitalia, and a request that the girl send WILSON nude images of herself. Stokes County Deputy Sheriff Christopher Lawson received permission to take over the minor’s account in an undercover capacity, and Investigator Lawson then communicated with WILSON from June 15, 2017 to August 4, 2017. The messages WILSON sent to what he believed to be the 12-year-old girl contained sexually explicit content and direction to engage in sexual activity.
This case was investigated by the Stokes County Sheriff’s Office, a member of the North Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
ADRIAN RODRIGUEZ, 33, of Jamestown, North Carolina, pleaded guilty on April 9 2018, to one count of attempted enticement of a minor. He was sentenced by United States District Judge Loretta Copeland Biggs to 151 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release.
RODRIGUEZ was identified by the Alamance County Sheriff’s Office during an undercover operation on a social media messaging application popular with minors. In March 2017, Deputy Sheriff Zachary Neefe created an undercover persona of a 13-year-old girl from Alamance County and joined a teen chat group. RODRIGUEZ later sent direct-messages to this 13-year-old girl persona and, over the course of several days, RODRIGUEZ repeatedly expressed his desire to perform sexual acts with what he believed to be the 13-year-old. RODRIGUEZ planned to meet the minor on March 21, 2017, for the purpose of engaging in sex acts. When RODRIGUEZ arrived in Alamance County, he was arrested by investigators. A subsequent examination of RODRIGUEZ’S phone revealed that he possessed approximately 40 videos containing child pornography, and had recently engaged in numerous sexual chats with individuals who purported to be minors.
This case was investigated by the Alamance County Sheriff’s Office, a member of the North Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Homeland Security Investigations assisted with the identification of victims.
These cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric L. Iverson and were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat online 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 better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Two KC Men Sentenced to Multiple Life Terms for Kidnapping, MurderRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Two Kansas City, Mo., men were sentenced in federal court today on charges related to the kidnapping and murder of another man.
Raynal King, 27, and Howard R. Ross, III, also known as “Lil’ Howard” and “Shooter,” 23, each were sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Greg Kays to multiple life terms in federal prison without parole.
On Feb. 12, 2018, King and Ross each were found guilty at trial of multiple counts related to the carjacking, kidnapping and murder of Jaime Patton on Sept. 6, 2016.
King and Ross were convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping, one count of aiding and abetting a kidnapping resulting in death, one count of using a firearm in furtherance of a kidnapping that resulted in a first degree felony murder, one count of robbery of a motor vehicle (carjacking) resulting in death, one count of using a firearm in furtherance of carjacking that resulted in a first degree felony murder, and one count of aiding and abetting each other as felons in the possession of a firearm.
Patton was returning home from the hospital, where he had been caring for a family member, sometime after 5 a.m. that day when King and Ross kidnapped him and stole his 2014 Jeep Patriot. They held Patton at gunpoint and drove him around in his Jeep to ATM machines, attempting to force him to provide his PIN number for his debit card so they could withdraw cash from his bank account.
Patton was unable to provide a working PIN number to withdraw cash. While held at gunpoint by King and Ross in the Mazuma Credit Union parking lot, he called his wife to obtain the working PIN number, but was he unable to do so. King and Ross became upset with the lack of cooperation from Patton and shot him in his upper thigh to make sure he knew they were not playing around.
King and Ross then drove Patton in his Jeep south on Holmes Road while they discussed what to do with him. At approximately 6:30 a.m., shortly after traveling south on Holmes Road through the intersection with 135th Street and further out of the city, Patton jumped out of his Jeep while it was moving. Patton was shot multiple times while attempting to jump and he fell to the roadway. King and Ross then fled from the area in Patton’s Jeep, leaving him to die on the side of the road.
According to evidence introduced during the trial, King and Ross began planning to commit a robbery a couple of days earlier. King had recently purchased a silver Pontiac Grand Prix but was unable to make his car payments or pay the sales tax fees. Text messages between King and Ross (recovered from their phones) shows that only days before the kidnapping King communicated with Ross about his problems and about a potential robbery.
Ross, who was on state probation for robbery at the time of the crime, was held in the Jackson County Jail after his arrest. While in the Jackson County Jail, Ross made multiple recorded phone calls to others regarding disposing of various items of evidence. Ross discussed with friends and family the location of his iPhone, which led to search warrants and the recovery of Ross’s iPhone and further evidence on his iPhone.
Investigators recovered evidence from Ross’s iPhone that showed weeks before the kidnapping Ross had a Springfield Armory .45-caliber pistol. Patton was murdered with a .45-caliber bullet. Ross took photos of himself carrying the pistol; he messaged those photos to others and posted photos on social media sites. Shortly after the murder, Ross attempted to sell the pistol to an acquaintance.
When forensic examiners were able to search King’s Android phone, several messages, photographs, and relevant Internet searches were recovered as evidence. King took photos of the stolen Jeep and messaged with others in an attempt to sell the Jeep to obtain sufficient money to make his own car payment on his Silver Pontiac Grand Prix before it would be repossessed.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jess E. Michaelsen and Patrick C. Edwards. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the FBI.
Two District Men Found Guilty of Charges in Crime Spree in the District of Columbia and MarylandRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - David Sutton, 22, and Dacquan Gregory, 20, both of Washington, D.C., have been found guilty by a jury of charges stemming from a broad daylight, 100-minute crime spree that included the theft of a car and three armed robberies and that finally ended with a car crash that seriously injured a woman, U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu announced today.
Both men were found guilty on Aug. 14, 2018, of one count each of conspiracy to commit robbery, theft, and unauthorized use of a vehicle to commit a crime of violence, two counts each of armed robbery and assault with a dangerous weapon, and related firearms offenses. Sutton also was found guilty of charges of aggravated assault while armed and unlawful possession of a firearm. The verdict was returned following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Ronna L. Beck scheduled sentencing for Oct. 26, 2018. The defendants face a range of 15 years to more than 30 years in prison.
According to the government’s evidence, the chain of events began at about 3:55 p.m. on Aug. 30, 2016. At that time, Sutton and Gregory stole a running Nissan Rouge SUV in the 3400 block of Holmead Place NW. They then used that vehicle to approach three victims with a firearm, robbing them at gunpoint. The robberies took place within just 25 minutes in the 1400 block of Rock Creek Church Road NW, the 1400 block of Tuckerman Street NW, and the 700 block of Sheridan Street NW.
Following these crimes, Sutton and Gregory drove into Maryland, where they tried to rob a former police officer in Mount Rainier at gunpoint. He was able to disarm them and take the magazine out of the gun. They then fled back into the District of Columbia, where they ran red lights and stop signs, and sped through a residential area. They finally crashed into another vehicle at about 5:35 p.m. in the 2600 block of 18th Street NE. The driver of the car they struck was a woman on her way home from work; she was transported to the hospital and had her spleen, gallbladder and part of her liver removed. She was in the hospital for two weeks.
Gregory was found by police within minutes of the crash, crawling on the ground, with a gun on him. Sutton was arrested three days later. Both have been in custody ever since.
Video surveillance captured the vehicle traveling throughout the city, and surveillance video showed defendant Sutton following one victim into his apartment building. DNA evidence tied the defendants to the robberies and the Nissan Rogue
In announcing the verdicts, U.S. Attorney Liu commended those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. She also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences and the Prince George’s County, Md. Police Department.
U.S. Attorney Liu commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittany Keil and Melissa Jackson, who investigated and prosecuted the case. Finally, she acknowledged the efforts of those who provided assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregory Rosen and Ahmed Baset; Paralegal Specialist Antoinette Sakamsa; Litigation Technology Specialists Kimberly Smith and Anisha Bhatia, and Victim/Witness Services Coordinator La June Thames.
Two Defendants Charged in White Plains Federal Court with CarjackingRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Shawn Harris, Commissioner of the Mount Vernon Police Department (“MVPD”), announced today the unsealing of a complaint charging two defendants with allegedly engaging in carjacking and, in furtherance of the carjacking, possessing, brandishing, and discharging firearms. The defendants, CHESTER BROWN and TRAVIS SINCLAIR, were presented in White Plains federal court this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Paul E. Davison and ordered detained. BROWN was taken into federal custody on August 15; SINCLAIR was previously in federal custody based on prior pending criminal charges.
As alleged in the Complaint unsealed today in White Plains federal court[1]:
On or about July 27, 2018, BROWN and SINCLAIR, the defendants, entered a car in Mount Vernon carrying guns. The defendants threatened and punched the driver; BROWN hit the driver with his gun, which discharged. When the driver ran from his vehicle, at least one of the defendants fired gun shots toward him. These shots injured a person sitting in another car.
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BROWN and SINCLAIR each face a maximum term of life in prison, and a mandatory term of 10 years in prison.
The statutory maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencings of the defendants would be determined by the judge.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI Westchester County Safe Streets Task Force and the Mount Vernon Police Department.
These cases are being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Jamie Bagliebter and Samuel L. Raymond are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Troy Man Pleads Guilty to Intending to Distribute Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jaquan Walker, age 23, of Troy, New York, pled guilty yesterday to possessing and intending to distribute crack cocaine.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and James N. Hendricks, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Walker admitted that on September 2, 2017, while in Troy, he possessed approximately 47 grams of crack cocaine, which he intended to distribute.
Walker faces at least 5 years and up to 40 years in prison, a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 4 years, and a maximum $5 million fine when he is sentenced by Senior United States District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy on December 10, 2018. 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 was investigated by the FBI and the Troy Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia Giglio Suarez.
Troy Man Admits to Cocaine and Crack ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Tyrone D. Marshall, age 37, of Troy, New York, pled guilty today to conspiring to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine in Albany and Rensselaer Counties.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and James N. Hendricks, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Marshall admitted that from February 2017 to April 2017, he worked with others to acquire cocaine; cook and otherwise convert the cocaine into cocaine base (a/k/a crack cocaine); and sell crack cocaine and cocaine in Albany and Rensselaer Counties. Marshall admitted that a co-conspirator typically acquired cocaine from a source of supply in the City of Albany and then brought the cocaine to his residence in Troy, where they would cook the cocaine into crack for resale.
Marshall, who has 3 prior drug felony convictions, faces up to 30 in prison, and at least 6 years of post-imprisonment supervised release, when he is sentenced by United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino on December 10, 2018. 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 was investigated by the FBI and the New York State Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.
Three people indicted for firearms crimesRead the Press Release
Three people were indicted in federal court for firearms crimes.
Indicted are: Shane Carabello, 31, of Cleveland; Dashaun Martin, 31, of Cleveland, and Carl Hundley, Jr., 45, of Akron.
Caraballo was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition and one count of possession of cocaine. Caraballo on May 23 had cocaine and 35 rounds of .25-caliber ammunition, despite previous convictions for felonious assault with a firearms specification, having weapons under disability, attempted robbery, felonious assault and discharge of a firearm near prohibited premises, according to the indictment.
Martin was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He possessed a Smith & Wesson .40-caliber pistol and six rounds of ammunition on June 21, despite three prior convictions for drug trafficking, according to the indictment.
Hundley was charged with a being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition and possession of a stolen firearm. Hundley had a stolen Ruger LC9 pistol and stolen ammunition on April 10. He was prohibited from having a firearm due to previous convictions for heroin trafficking and trafficking marijuana and heroin, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The Carabello and Martin cases were investigated by the ATF and Cleveland Division of Police and are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret Kane. The Hundley case was investigated by the FBI, Akron Police Department, and ATF, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Katz.
These cases are being prosecuted as part of "Project Safe Neighborhoods," a gun violence reduction program administered by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio. The program targets armed criminals for federal prosecution.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The burden of proof is always on the government to prove a defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Three Individuals Sentenced to Prison for Migratory Bird TraffickingRead the Press Release
Three Miami-based wildlife traffickers were recently sentenced to prison for trapping and selling migratory birds.
Benjamin G. Greenberg, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida; Edward Grace, Acting Assistant Director of the Office of Law Enforcement, United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Office of Law Enforcement, Southeast Region; Alfredo Escanio, Major/Regional Commander, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Division of Law Enforcement, South B Region; Martin G. Wade, Director, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations, Miami Air and Marine Branch; Pedro Ramos, Superintendent, Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks (NPS); and Antonio J. Gomez, Postal Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Miami Division made the announcement.
In April of this year, law enforcement announced the filing of federal charges against six individuals, in six separate cases, for their involvement with the trafficking of over 400 migratory birds. Each of the six defendants pled guilty to various criminal offenses involving migratory birds. Three of the defendants, Juan Carlos Rodriguez, a/k/a “El Doctor,” Miguel Loureiro and Hovary Muniz were recently sentenced to prison for their crimes. The three other defendants, Corbo Martinez (Case No. 17-CR-20596-WILLIAMS), Reynaldo Mederos (Case No. 18-CR-20140-LENARD) and Carlos Hernandez (Case No. 17-CR-20759-MARTINEZ), are pending sentencing.
- United States v. Juan Carlos Rodriguez, a/k/a “El Doctor,”
Case No. 18-CR-20141-MOORE
On July 30, 2018, Juan Carlos Rodriguez, 54, of Homestead, was sentenced to six months in prison. Previously, he pled guilty to three counts of selling, offering for sale, bartering, and offering to barter migratory birds.
According to court documents, between May 2014 and November 2016, Rodriguez trafficked in migratory birds, including Puerto Rican Spindalises (Spindalis portoricensis), Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis), Puerto Rican Bullfinches (Loxigilla portoricensis), Yellow-faced Grassquits (Tiaris olivaceus), Blue Grosbeaks (Passerina caerulea), Indigo Buntings (Passerina cyanea), Cooper’s Hawks (Accipiter cooperii), Bobolinks (Dolichonyx oryzivorus), Red-shouldered Hawks (Buteo lineatus), Gray Catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis), Painted Buntings (Passerina ciris), Summer Tanagers (Piranga rubra), Screech-Owls (genus Megascops), and Sharp-shinned Hawks (Accipiter striatus).
Rodriguez used an array of methods to trap migratory birds. Rodriguez deployed wooden-and-wire bird traps with multiple pitfall doors baited with seed and a “bait bird.” Rodriguez positioned these traps at numerous regional collection points throughout Miami-Dade County. Rodriguez employed limesticks coated in adhesive materials known as “pega” to catch particular species of birds. Rodriguez also erected ten-foot high, 100-foot long mist nets at the edge of fields during migration season. He flushed birds into the mist net by driving his truck across the field towards the nets, and, while many of the birds did not survive this process, the mist nets captured large numbers of migratory birds. Rodriguez captured these migratory birds to sell them. He sold hundreds of birds to undercover agents. After a determination that the release of the seized wildlife was safe and appropriate, USFWS released the birds into the wild. Rodriguez also shot hawks and sold their frozen corpses. In total, undercover agents purchased approximately 181 birds from Rodriguez.
Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of the USFWS, FWC, CBP, CBP Air and Marine Operations and USPIS in this matter. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaime Raich.
- United States v. Miguel Loureiro,
Case No. 18-CR-20164-MARTINEZ
On August 10, 2018, Miguel Loureiro, 27, was sentenced to nine months in prison. Previously, he pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to traffic in migratory birds.
According to court documents, beginning in January 2016 and ending in December 2017, Loureiro and a co-conspirator trafficked in migratory birds, including Indigo Buntings (Passerina cyanea), Blue Grosbeaks (Passerina caerulea), Rose-breasted Grosbeaks (Pheucticus ludovicianus), Painted Buntings (Passerina ciris), White-crowned Sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys), Clay-colored Sparrows (Spizella palida), and Grasshopper Sparrows (Ammodramus savannarum). Loureiro deployed sixteen wire and wooden bird traps augmented by solar-powered electronic birdcall broadcasting systems in order to trap migratory birds. Three of those traps were in secluded areas of forest near Everglades National Park. He sold his illegally captured migratory birds to buyers throughout the United States. During the execution of a search warrant at Loureiro’s residence, law enforcement discovered over 100 illegally-captured migratory birds in cages. After a determination that the release of the seized wildlife was safe and appropriate, USFWS returned these birds into the wild.
In the course of his migratory bird trafficking, Loureiro forcefully threw a Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) against a wall because he believed it was a threat to his inventory of migratory birds for sale. He then affixed it to a wooden cross. Loueriro filmed this activity and uploaded the images onto a private internet chat group that he used to advertise migratory birds for sale.
Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of the USFWS, FWC, and NPS. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaime Raich.
- United States v. Hovary Muniz,
Case No. 18-CR-20355-UNGARO
On July 23, 2018, Hovary Muniz, 42, of Miami, was sentenced to a total of fifteen months in prison. Previously, he pled guilty to five counts of knowingly selling and offering migratory birds for sale.
According to court documents, Muniz pled guilty in 2016 to smuggling migratory birds from Cuba into the United States in a fanny pack. In 2017 and 2018, while on probation for that wildlife trafficking offense, Muniz offered Yellow-faced Grassquits (Tiaris olivacea) and other migratory birds for sale.
Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of the USFWS and CBP in this matter. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jaime Raich and Tom Watts-FitzGerald.
The public is encouraged to report any instances of illegal wildlife trapping and trafficking to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service at (305) 526-2610 or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at 888-404-3922 or by email or text to [email protected].
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov.
- United States v. Juan Carlos Rodriguez, a/k/a “El Doctor,”
Three Charged in Ongoing Identity Theft, Fraud InvestigationsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – Three more individuals have been charged in federal court in Providence in a series of ongoing investigations into schemes to steal and use the personal identifying information of others to defraud, among others, banks, finance companies, car dealerships and retailers.
To date, six individuals have been charged in related cases. The investigations are continuing.
The latest charges include a 21-count indictment which alleges that a New Jersey man and a New Jersey woman conspired together, and with others, to use the stolen identities of several individuals to create fraudulent driver’s licenses and other documents. The documents were allegedly used by the defendants and others to open bank accounts, apply for and receive financing for automobiles, and make purchases at retailers in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.
In a separate but related matter, a Rhode Island man is charged by way of a federal criminal complaint that alleges that he participated in schemes to use stolen personal identifying information of others to open bank accounts and to deposit and withdraw fraudulently obtained funds. Additionally, it is alleged that he participated in schemes where stolen identities were used by individuals posing as both the sellers and the buyers of vehicles when fraudulently applying for and receiving bank financing.
To date, investigations, led by the U.S. Secret Service, with the assistance of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General/Office of Investigations; United States Postal Inspection Service; the East Providence, Warwick, and Pawtucket, R.I. Police Departments; Seekonk and Mansfield, MA, Police Departments; and the Rhode Island State Police, have resulted in criminal charges against six individuals who allegedly participated in various conspiracies and schemes to steal and use individuals personal identifying information to defraud banks, finance companies and retailers of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The investigations and charges brought in these cases are announced by United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch; Stephen Marks, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service; and Scott E. Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Office of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General/Office of Investigations.
In the most recent cases, a federal grand jury returned a 21-count indictment charging Octavio Andres Difo-Castro, 27, of Edgewater, N.J., and Patricia Peralta, 27, of Patterson, N.J., with conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, wire fraud, and fraudulent use of a Social Security number. It is alleged that the defendants participated in schemes to create and use fraudulent documents using stolen identities to purchase goods at retailers in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. It is also alleged that Difo-Castro and Peralta conspired together to execute schemes to defraud a finance company and two credit unions for the purchase of one vehicle, the leasing of a second vehicle and the purchase of a motorcycle.
Difo-Castro is detained in federal custody. Peralta is released on unsecured bond and G.P.S. monitoring.
In a separate court filing, a criminal complaint charges Jeffry Rodriguez, 37, of Providence, with conspiracy, bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. According to court documents, it is alleged that Rodriguez opened bank accounts using stolen personal identifying information of others. The accounts were allegedly used to deposit and withdraw car loan funding obtained fraudulently with the use of stolen identifying information. It is alleged that the conspirators posed as both the sellers and the buyers of vehicles when applying for car loans from banks and credit unions. It is alleged that Rodriguez and others withdrew the funds by visiting several bank branch offices around Rhode Island.
Rodriguez was released on $50,000 unsecured bond and pretrial release supervision.
Other individuals charged as a result of these ongoing investigations include
- Reynaldo Martinez, 25, of Providence, who pleaded guilty in November 2017 to four counts of aggravated identity theft, two counts of access fraud, and one count each of bank fraud, conspiracy to commit fraud, attempted access fraud, and interstate transportation of stolen goods. Martinez was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to 48 months in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution totaling $38,126.62 to businesses he defrauded;
- Jason McDonald, 37, of Attleboro, MA, pleaded guilty in March 2018 to conspiracy, attempted bank fraud, fraudulent use of a Social Security number, and aggravated identity theft. Martinez was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to 39 months in federal prison; and
- Donald Wicklund, 33, of Pawtucket, pleaded guilty on April 12, 2018, to two counts of wire fraud, five counts of fraudulent use of a Social Security Number, five counts of aggravated identity theft and three counts of bank fraud. Wicklund is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., on September 20, 2018.
An indictment and a criminal complaint are merely allegations and are not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William J. Ferland.
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Texas Mexican Mafia Members Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Role in 2014 Death of Balcones Heights Police Officer Julian PesinaRead the Press Release
In San Antonio today, United States District Judge Xavier Rodriguez sentenced Texas Mexican Mafia (TMM) members Jesse Santibanez and Alfredo Cardona to life in federal prison for their roles in the murder of Balcones Heights Police Officer Julian Pesina in 2014, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash; FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division; Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw; and, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus.
In November 6, 2017, a federal jury convicted Santibanez, age 30, and Cardona, age 37, of one count of murder in aid of racketeering and one count of discharging a firearm during a murder in aid of racketeering. On November 9, 2017, Judge Rodriguez sentenced 38-year-old former TMM Sergeant Jerry Idrogo to 20 years in federal prison after he pleaded guilty to a racketeering conspiracy charge that included Pesina’s murder. Another TMM member, Ruben Reyes (aka “Menace”), pleaded guilty in July 2016 to similar charges that included this murder and four others. Reyes is currently serving five consecutive life-imprisonment sentences.
Evidence presented during trial revealed that acting upon an order by Reyes, Santibanez and Cardona murdered Pesina on May 4, 2014, in front of his business, the Notorious Ink Tattoo and Piercing Studio, located on Hillcrest Drive.
Testimony during trial revealed that Pesina had claimed membership in the TMM, was selling narcotics and paying the “dime” (the 10% street tax) to the TMM, when the TMM learned that Pesina was a Balcones Heights Police Officer. On May 4, 2014, Idrogo contacted Pesina and arranged for pickup of the “dime” outside of Pesina’s tattoo shop. Just before meeting Pesina, Idrogo dropped off Santibanez and Cardona on the side of the building. Once Pesina walked up to the car and handed Idrogo the “dime” payment money, Santibanez and Cardona came around the corner and shot and killed Pesina.
The FBI together with the Texas Department of Public Safety, the San Antonio Police Department and the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case.
Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that KALIQUE HARDIN, age 22, of Dallas Texas, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman to three counts of an indictment charging him with, respectively, conspiracy to distribute heroin; possession of heroin with intent to distribute; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. He faces 20 years imprisonment on the heroin charges, and a mandatory five year prison term on the firearms count, to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed on him.
HARDIN was arrested by Louisiana State Police troopers on February 8, 2016, Lundi Gras, in a vehicle parked in a lot in the 1000 block of Bienville Street, along with Lilbear George, Sidney LeBanks, and Basin Wells. HARDIN was sitting on a located Ruger 9mm pistol with an extended magazine containing 24 live rounds. Troopers also discovered other guns, heroin, and about $11,000 in cash in the car.
Wells had already pleaded guilty and has been sentenced. George and LeBanks are awaiting trial in this case; Lilbear George also under indictment for the December 18, 2015 murder of Loomis security guard Hector Trochez at the Chase Bank located at Carrollton and Claiborne Avenues.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Louisiana State Police in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Michael E. McMahon was in charge of the prosecution.