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5 September 2018
Mayport Navy Lieutenant Charged with Using the Internet to Entice and Meet A Child to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Michael Douglas McNeil (30, Jacksonville) has been arrested and charged by federal criminal complaint with using the internet to attempt to entice a child to engage in sexual activity. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison. McNeil is currently detained pending a detention hearing.
According to the
complaint , on August 27, 2018, a detective with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, who was posing online as a family member of a 12-year-old deaf child, received a message on a social media application from McNeil, who identified himself as “Mark.” McNeil expressed interest in having sex with the “child” and was advised that the “child” was 12 years old. Between August 27 and August 30, 2018, McNeil and the undercover detective discussed plans for McNeil to meet the “child” for sex. McNeil asked for several photos of the “child,” sent the undercover detective an explicit photo of himself, and asked specific questions about the “child’s” sexual experience and abilities. On August 30, 2018, McNeil drove to a coffee shop in Orange Park to meet the “child” for sex and was arrested.This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Mauk Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Steven Derek Dukes, age 35, of Mauk, Georgia, entered a guilty plea to Receipt of Child Pornography on September 5, 2018. The plea was entered before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Clay D. Land in Columbus, Georgia. This plea subjects Mr. Dukes to a mandatory minimum sentence of five (5) years, up to a maximum of twenty (20) years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. Furthermore, as a condition of his supervised release after he is released from federal prison, Mr. Dukes shall register with the state sex offender registration agency in any state where Mr. Dukes resides, is employed, works, or is a student.
In his plea agreement, Mr. Dukes admitted that he had exchanged emails with an individual under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in which the two discussed their past sexual experiences and fantasies involving young boys. Mr. Dukes also admitted to exchanging files of child pornography with the individual under FBI investigation. On May 5, 2018, FBI agents executed a search warrant and seized Mr. Dukes’ computer. Subsequent forensic analysis revealed numerous depictions of child pornography on electronic devices seized from Mr. Dukes’ residence. Thereafter, Mr. Dukes waived his Miranda rights and confessed to sending, receiving, and possessing child pornography.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Crawford Seals is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Massachusetts Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Planning ISIS Inspired AttackRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Adams, Mass. man was sentenced today in federal court in Springfield in connection with a plot to engage in terrorist activity inspired by and in the name of ISIS.
Alexander Ciccolo, a/k/a Ali Al Amriki, 26, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 20 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release. In May 2018, Ciccolo pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, one count of attempting to use weapons of mass destruction, one count of being a convicted person in possession of firearms, and one count of assaulting a nurse during a jail intake process by use of a deadly weapon causing bodily injury.
“Alexander Ciccolo planned to kill innocent civilians in the United States on ISIS’s behalf,” said United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts Andrew E. Lelling. “Even though he was born and spent most of his life in Massachusetts, Ciccolo decided to turn against his country and plotted to attack his fellow Americans. Thanks to the tireless investigation and swift response of our law enforcement partners, Ciccolo was unable to carry out his violent plan. The sentence handed down today reflects our commitment to bringing all those whose allegiance lies with terrorists to justice.”
“The National Security Division will not tolerate threats to our country and its people,” said Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers. “Not only did Ciccolo admit to supporting ISIS — a well-known terrorist group — but he also collected weapons and explosives in order to further their goal of murdering innocent Americans. This sentence holds him accountable for breaking our laws and putting American lives at risk.”
“Make no mistake, Alexander Ciccolo was a committed soldier of ISIS who wanted to kill innocent people at a United States university with assault rifles and pressure cooker bombs, not an unwitting dupe who didn’t understand the gravity of what he was doing,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. “He repeatedly expressed his desire to engage in acts of violent jihad against our country, and with this sentencing, he will now pay the price for conspiring with a foreign terrorist organization. I commend the hard work and collaboration of all involved, specifically the Western Massachusetts Joint Terrorism Task Force who successfully thwarted Ciccolo’s terroristic plot before any lives were lost. We all play a role in safeguarding our country, and this case not only highlights the importance of continued vigilance, but the significance that family, friends, or by-standers can play in reporting threats or suspicious activities.”
Alexander Ciccolo was a soldier of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization. Ciccolo heeded the call of ISIS to commit terrorist attacks in the United States. He intended to inflict maximum damage upon the United States and create mass casualties on behalf of ISIS. At the time of his arrest in July 2015, Ciccolo was planning to attack a university using firearms and improvised explosives, and attempted to recruit others to assist him in his attack plan. Even after being arrested, Ciccolo attacked a nurse who was merely trying to provide him medical care.
Until his arrest in July 2015, Ciccolo had spoken with a person who was cooperating with law enforcement in recorded conversations about his plans to commit acts of terrorism inspired by ISIS. The plans included setting off improvised explosive devices, such as pressure cookers filled with black powder, nails, ball bearings and glass, in places where large numbers of people congregate, like college cafeterias. Prior to his arrest, agents had observed Ciccolo purchase a pressure cooker similar to that used in the Boston Marathon bombings.
On July 4, 2015, Ciccolo was arrested after he received four firearms which he had ordered from a cooperating witness who had been communicating with Ciccolo about his plans to engage in a terrorist act. Ciccolo was arrested in possession of a Colt AR-15 .223 caliber rifle, a SigArms Model SG550-1 556 rifle, a Glock 17-9 mm pistol, and a Glock 20-10 mm pistol. Ciccolo had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by more than a year in jail and therefore was prohibited from possessing firearms.
In addition, several partially constructed “Molotov cocktails” were found in Ciccolo’s apartment after he was arrested. These incendiary devices contained what appeared to be shredded Styrofoam soaking in motor oil. Ciccolo had previously stated that this mixture would cause the fire from the exploded devices to stick to people’s skin and make it harder to put the fire out.
Shortly after his arrest, while he at the Franklin County Correctional Center, Ciccolo stabbed a nurse with a pen more than ten times, leaving a bloody gash on the top of the nurse’s head.
U.S. Attorney Lelling, Assistant Attorney General Demers, and FBI SAC Shaw made the announcement today. The investigation was conducted by members of the Joint Terrorism Task Force including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Springfield, Ludlow, Holyoke, West Springfield, Easthampton, and Pittsfield Police Departments; the Massachusetts State Police; and Homeland Security Investigations, with critical assistance from the Adams Police Department and the Massachusetts State Regional Hazardous Materials Response Team.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Deepika Bains Shukla and Kevin O’Regan of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office and Trial Attorney Andrew Sigler of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice prosecuted the case.
Massachusetts Man Inspired by ISIS Sentenced for Plotting to Engage in Terrorist ActivityRead the Press Release
Alexander Ciccolo, aka Ali Al Amriki, 26, of, Adams, Massachusetts, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni in Springfield, Massachusetts to 20 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release in connection with a plot to engage in terrorist activity inspired by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization. In May 2018, Ciccolo pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, one count of attempting to use weapons of mass destruction, one count of being a convicted person in possession of firearms, and one count of assaulting a nurse during a jail intake process by use of a deadly weapon causing bodily injury. Ciccolo has been detained since his arrest in July 2015.
The sentencing was announced by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling, and Special Agent in Charge Harold H. Shaw of the FBI’s Boston Field Office.
“The National Security Division will not tolerate threats to our country and its people,” said Assistant Attorney General Demers. “Not only did Ciccolo admit to supporting ISIS — a well-known terrorist group — but he also collected weapons and explosives in order to further their goal of murdering innocent Americans. This sentence holds him accountable for breaking our laws and putting American lives at risk.”
“Alexander Ciccolo planned to kill innocent civilians in the United States on ISIS’s behalf,” said U.S. Attorney Lelling. “Even though he was born and spent most of his life in Massachusetts, Ciccolo decided to turn against his country and plotted to attack his fellow Americans. Thanks to the tireless investigation and swift response of our law enforcement partners, Ciccolo was unable to carry out his violent plan. The sentence handed down today reflects our commitment to bringing all those whose allegiance lies with terrorists to justice.”
“Make no mistake, Alexander Ciccolo was a committed soldier of ISIS who wanted to kill innocent people at a United States university with assault rifles and pressure cooker bombs, not an unwitting dupe who didn’t understand the gravity of what he was doing,” said Special Agent in Charge Shaw. “He repeatedly expressed his desire to engage in acts of violent jihad against our country, and with this sentencing, he will now pay the price for conspiring with a foreign terrorist organization. I commend the hard work and collaboration of all involved, specifically the Western Massachusetts Joint Terrorism Task Force who successfully thwarted Ciccolo’s terroristic plot before any lives were lost. We all play a role in safeguarding our country, and this case not only highlights the importance of continued vigilance, but the significance that family, friends, or by-standers can play in reporting threats or suspicious activities.”
On July 4, 2015, Ciccolo received four firearms that he ordered from an individual, who was cooperating with law enforcement, and who had been communicating with Ciccolo about his plans to engage in a terrorist act. Ciccolo was arrested immediately after receiving the firearms, which included a Colt AR-15 .223 caliber rifle, a SigArms Model SG550-1 556 rifle, a Glock 17-9 mm pistol, and a Glock 20-10 mm pistol. Ciccolo had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by more than a year in jail and therefore was prohibited from possessing firearms.
Ciccolo had spoken with a cooperating witness in recorded conversations about his plans to commit acts of terrorism inspired by ISIS, including setting off improvised explosive devices, such as pressure cookers filled with black powder, nails, ball bearings and glass, in places where large numbers of people congregate, like college cafeterias. Prior to his arrest, agents had observed Ciccolo purchase a pressure cooker similar to the one used in the Boston Marathon bombings.
After his arrest, law enforcement recovered several partially constructed “Molotov cocktails” during a search of Ciccolo’s apartment. These incendiary devices contained what appeared to be shredded Styrofoam soaking in motor oil. Ciccolo had previously stated that this mixture would cause the fire from the exploded devices to stick to people’s skin and make it harder to put the fire out.
While Ciccolo was being processed after his arrest at the Franklin County Correctional Center, Ciccolo attacked and stabbed a nurse with a pen nearly a dozen times leaving a bloody gash on the top of the nurse’s head.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and a coalition of other Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Deepika Bains Shukla and Kevin O’Regan of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office and Trial Attorney Andrew Sigler of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted this case.
Maryland Man Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Trafficking a Minor for Commercial Sex and for Pandering an Adult for Commercial SexRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Primous Williams, Jr., 32, of Beltsville, Md., has been sentenced to four years in prison for trafficking a 16-year-old girl and for pandering an adult woman for commercial sex acts at a house in Southeast Washington, U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu announced today.
Williams pled guilty in February 2018, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to a charge of attempted sex trafficking of children and a charge of pandering. The plea, which was subject to the Court’s approval, called for a prison term of two to four years. The Honorable Ronna L. Beck accepted the plea on Sept. 4, 2018, and sentenced the defendant accordingly.
Upon completion of his prison term, Williams will be placed on three years of supervised release. He also will be required to register as a sex offender for a period of 10 years. This sentence is to run concurrent to a sentence in Prince George’s County, Md., for related conduct. Judge Beck also ordered Williams to pay restitution in the amount of $10,000 to the two victims, with $9,200 to be paid to the minor victim and $800 to be paid to the adult victim.
According to the government’s evidence, in May 2016, Williams met the minor victim through a young adult who worked for him. Beginning from the first day that he met her, Williams posted ads featuring the minor victim on Backpage.com. He set the prices for commercial sex acts that she performed at a house in Southeast Washington and kept all of the money that she earned. He kept her highly intoxicated with a combination of marijuana and “molly” (an illegal psychoactive drug), which he provided. The minor victim performed commercial sex acts for Williams’s benefit several times a day up until June 2016. Another woman, an adult, also worked for Williams, in the same capacity as the minor victim, at the house in Washington, D.C.
In June 2016, the minor victim and the adult victim were recovered from a hotel in Prince George’s County during an anti-human trafficking sting operation. Both were engaged in commercial sex at the direction of Williams.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Liu commended the work of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), which investigated the case. She also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Victim/Witness Advocate Lezlie Richardson and Paralegal Specialists Tiffany Jones and T.J. McPhail. Finally, she expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenya K. Davis and Stuart D. Allen, who investigated and prosecuted the case, and who serve as the co-chairs of the D.C. Human Trafficking Task Force.
Man Indicted for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - A federal grand jury in Alexandria, Virginia returned an indictment today charging a Hamilton, Virginia man with production of child pornography.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger of the Eastern District of Virginia, and Assistant Director in Charge Nancy McNamara of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, made the announcement.
According to court documents, in November 2017, Logan Roy McCauley, 25, drove to West Virginia, picked up a minor female he had met online, and drove her to his residence in Hamilton. The minor female’s family reported her missing, and law enforcement was able to locate her at McCauley’s residence by tracing Internet activity associated with one of the minor female’s social media accounts. McCauley admitted to law enforcement that he had engaged in sexual intercourse with the minor and had used his Apple iPhone to record one of the sexual encounters.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, which is comprised of agents of the FBI, U.S. Marshals, and detectives from the Prince William County Police, Fairfax County Police, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, Metropolitan Police, Alexandria City Police, Arlington County Police, Leesburg Police, Virginia State Police and the Offices of Inspector General of several federal agencies. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office also assisted in the investigation. Trial Attorney Gwendelynn Bills of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Berrang of the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case.
The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the 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.justice.gov/psc.
Maine Man Sentenced to 27 Months for Distribution of HeroinRead the Press Release
CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Timothy G. Zani, 39, of Berwick, Maine was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for distribution of heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in spring 2015, law enforcement officers received information that Zani was distributing heroin in the Berwick, Maine, and Somersworth, New Hampshire areas. On three occasions between May 7 and June 10, 2015, Zani sold heroin to cooperating individuals at locations in Somersworth, New Hampshire,
“The distribution of heroin and fentanyl pose a great threat to public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “We will continue to work closely with all of our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who are distributing these deadly substances in the Granite State.”
“Heroin and fentanyl are causing deaths in record numbers and DEA’s top priority is to aggressively pursue and bring to justice anyone who distributes these poisons,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Zani accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are fueling the opioid epidemic.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Berwick (ME) Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Dronzek.
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Long Island Man Sentenced to 18 Years’ Imprisonment for Cocaine Trafficking and ArsonRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Matthew Aichroth was sentenced by United States District Judge Denis R. Hurley to 18 years’ imprisonment for conspiring to possess and distribute cocaine and committing an arson in furtherance of that conspiracy. The Court also ordered Aichroth to forfeit approximately $3.4 million as proceeds of the cocaine trafficking conspiracy. Aichroth pleaded guilty to the charges in July 2017.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; James J. Hunt, Special Agent-in-Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New York Division; Geraldine Hart, Commissioner, Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD); Errol D. Toulon, Jr., Suffolk County Sheriff; and Paul Johnson, Chief of Police, Hempstead Police Department (HPD), announced the sentence.
“Aichroth used arson, guns and threats of violence to perpetrate his crimes while he poured dangerous drugs into our communities,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “Thanks to the outstanding work of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners, it’s his freedom and future that have now gone up in flames.” Mr. Donoghue thanked the Suffolk County Police Department for their assistance during this investigation.
“This sentencing summarizes the gravity of Aichroth’s crimes,” stated DEA Special Agent-in-Charge Hunt. “By heading a bi-coastal drug trafficking operation, Aichroth pushed product into Long Island communities and users’ hands.”
“Today’s sentencing is an example of the ongoing effort by the Suffolk County Police Department and our law enforcement partners, including the Eastern District of New York, to protect our residents from drug and firearm trafficking," stated SCPD Commissioner Hart. "The Suffolk County Police Department has a zero tolerance policy towards this behavior, and those involved should know if they commit crimes in the county that they will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest of the law. Today’s news provides closure to those who been affected by Mr. Aichroth’s actions as he is being held accountable for his crimes.”
“This defendant utilized violence in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities,” stated Suffolk County Sheriff Toulon. “The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office is committed to continuing to work with our law enforcement partners in support of these types of investigations to help rid the community of the problems that have been plaguing our neighborhoods and our nation.”
“The defendant’s arrest demonstrates the hard work and dedication of our law enforcement officers,” stated HPD Chief Johnson. “Keeping dangerous individuals off the street and protecting our citizens is our interminable mission.”
According to court filings and facts presented during court proceedings, between February 1, 2015 and September 26, 2016, Aichroth engaged in a bi-coastal cocaine trafficking conspiracy. As part of the investigation, law enforcement officers tracked Aichroth and his associates from Long Island to California and observed a rental car that Aichroth used being loaded onto a car carrier in Downey, California. The officers tracked that car to a shipping lot in New Jersey, where they observed Aichroth retrieve a duffle bag containing more than 10 kilograms of cocaine from the vehicle. The cocaine was then transported by a co-conspirator to a residence in Islip, New York, where it was seized by law enforcement. During the execution of a search warrant at the Islip location, law enforcement recovered seven firearms, ammunition, drug packaging material, numerous pills and approximately 200 grams of cocaine. A search of an apartment that Aichroth used in California yielded 234 grams of cocaine, a 9-millimeter pistol and ammunition.
During the conspiracy, Aichroth set fire to a vehicle parked in front of the residence of an associate in an attempt to intimidate the associate and prevent him from cooperating with law enforcement. The fire also caused extensive damage to the associate’s residence.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Bradley T. King and Madeline O’Connor are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
MATTHEW AICHROTH
Age: 35
East Islip, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 16-CR-605 (S-1) (DRH)
Leader of “We the Best” Cedar Rapids Heroin Ring Sentenced to More Than 30 Years’ ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
A man who led a long-running heroin distribution organization in Cedar Rapids known by customers as “We the Best” was sentenced today to more than 30 years in federal prison.
Antonio Alonzo Outlaw, age 40, from Chicago, Illinois, and Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 11, 2017 jury verdict finding him guilty of conspiring to distribute a kilogram or more of heroin and aiding and abetting the distribution of heroin. In September 2017, Outlaw pleaded guilty to two counts of distributing heroin in 2013.
The evidence at trial showed that Outlaw ran a heroin distribution operation in Cedar Rapids from at least 2013 through January 2017. Witnesses testified that Outlaw’s operation was commonly known to customers as “We the Best” because of a signature line commonly included on text messages sent out by members of the group. After making a phone call to the “We the Best” phone, customers would meet with Outlaw or one of his “runners” to purchase the heroin. The evidence showed that Outlaw’s group distributed over two kilograms of heroin during the course of the conspiracy.
Other evidence at the sentencing hearing showed that in the fall of 2017, while in federal custody awaiting trial on the heroin charges, Outlaw participated in an attempted jail break from the Bremer County Jail in Waverly, Iowa. The evidence showed that Outlaw and another federal inmate, Jose Valencia, planned to break out of the jail by having another individual tamper with the exterior of the window to Outlaw’s cell. Jail staff noticed significant damage to the exterior of the window and ended the attempt before the window was breached.
Outlaw was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade. Outlaw was sentenced to 365 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a ten-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
During the sentencing hearing, the court noted that the trial evidence, which included approximately two dozen customers of “We the Best,” was a “parade of human misery” that showed that Outlaw’s crime significantly impacted the Cedar Rapids community. The court noted trial evidence that showed that Outlaw’s customers often stole items from retail stores to support their drug habits, and that some of those thefts were requested by Outlaw and other members of “We the Best.”
“Even the smallest dose of heroin can kill, and Outlaw pushed kilograms of this poison into our community for years,” said U.S. Attorney Peter E. Deegan, Jr. “Today, through the tireless efforts of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners, Outlaw was brought to justice in a court of law.”
Outlaw is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force consisting of the DEA; the Linn County Sheriff's Office; the Cedar Rapids Police Department; the Marion Police Department; the Iowa City Police Department; and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Chatham and Emily Nydle.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 16-CR-91-LRR.
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Las Vegas Felon Sentenced to 18 Years for Violent Armed CarjackingsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas felon was sentenced today to a total of 216 months in prison for his involvement in two violent armed carjackings that resulted in bodily injury to the victims, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada.
Uriah Zamir Crain, 29, pleaded guilty to one count each of carjacking, carjacking resulting in serious bodily injury, discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and felon in possession of a firearm. United States District Judge Richard F. Boulware II presided over the sentencing hearing.
According to the criminal complaint and plea agreement, on June 22, 2017, co-defendant Nicole Nowak asked the victim to drive her home and invited the victim into the house. Later that night at the house, Crain and another man hit the victim in the head with handguns and stole the victim’s money, wallet, and Ford F-150 truck. Then, on June 25, Crain and Nowak committed a second carjacking. Crain shot the victim in the leg after the victim tried to escape. Crain and Nowak then stole the victim’s Lincoln Navigator and other property. At the time of his arrest, Crain had a stolen Glock 9mm handgun and a 30-round Glock magazine in his possession. Crain was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to his prior Utah felony conviction in 2008 for Injury to a Child and his prior Nevada felony convictions in 2012 for Conspiracy to Commit Robbery and Attempt Robbery.
Co-defendant Nicole Elizabeth Nowak, 24, was previously sentenced on March 21, 2018 to seven years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. She previously pleaded guilty to carjacking, carjacking resulting in serious bodily injury, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Phillip N. Smith, Jr. and Alexandra M. Michael prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a nationwide commitment by the Department of Justice to reduce gun and gang crime in America by networking local programs that target gun and gun crime and providing these programs with additional tools necessary to be successful. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv.
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Kaysville Man Charged with Operating Financial Fraud Scheme Called “the Project”Read the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY – A federal indictment unsealed Thursday charges Robert Glen Mouritsen, age 71, of Kaysville, with using a position of prominence to induce friends and fellow church members to give him money to further a financial fraud scheme he called “The Project.” The fraud scheme started in 2006 and continued through Aug. 29, 2018, the indictment alleges.
According to the indictment, Mouritsen represented to victims that The Project involved a series of complicated international transactions that would replace fiat money (legal tender by government decree) with an asset-backed currency system – for example, the U.S. dollar tied to the value of a commodity like gold. Mouritsen represented to victims that The Project involved governments in Asia and Europe and required the help of attorneys and bankers. He also told them it was expensive to keep The Project moving forward. The indictment also alleges Mourtisen told investors The Project was subject to extremely strict confidentiality agreements and he could not disclose many details.
The indictment charges Mouritsen with three counts of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering. The indictment outlines representations made to three victims of the alleged fraud scheme.
The indictment alleges he told an individual identified as Victim #1 that the investment would be short term and would yield significant investment returns. When Mouritsen failed to return the initial investment in a short amount of time, he attempted to lull Victim #1 into a false sense of security about the investment by representing that The Project was almost done, but he needed additional money to continue. Over the years, Victim #1 provided a total of $326,399.51 to Mourtisen for The Project with the most recent investment occurring in and around 2016.
The indictment alleges that in or around 2017, Mouritsen asked Victim #2 to provide money for The Project. He told the victim that The Project was nearing completion. He told the victim that compensation was being held up by the Patriot Act because the money was overseas. He represented that the money would arrive “any day now,” according to the indictment. Mouritsen also asked Victim #2 for more money to keep the attorneys working on getting his money into the United States. Over the years, Victim #2 provided a total of $165,000 to Mourtisen for the project.
According to the indictment, Mouritsen asked Victim #3 to invest in The Project in late July 2008. He provided the victim with a promissory note with a 12 percent annual return due in one year. When Mourtisen failed to repay Victim #3 within one year, he told the victim he needed more money to pay attorneys to complete The Project. He told the victim that attorneys were working to bring money into the United States, but they were having difficulty due to issues with Homeland Security. For years, according to the indictment, Mouritsen represented that money would be coming soon. Over the years, Victim #3 provided $33,000 to Mourtisen for The Project, with the most recent investment occurring on or about Sept. 19, 2013.
The indictment alleges Mourtisen failed to tell investors, among other things, that The Project had failed to produce any returns in over a decade and that he used a significant portion of investor money for his own personal use and benefit.
The indictment seeks a forfeiture judgement of approximately $1.5 million representing the proceeds traceable to the scheme to defraud.
A federal arrest warrant was issued for Mouritsen based on the charges in the indictment. He had an initial appearance Thursday. He entered a plea of not guilty to the charges. A one-week jury trial was set for Nov. 4, 2018, before U.S. District Judge Tena Campbell. Mouritsen was released from custody on conditions of pretrial release. The potential maximum penalty for each count of wire fraud is 20 years in federal prison. Money laundering has a potential penalty of 10 years per count.
Indictments are not findings of guilt. Individuals charged in indictments are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in court.
Special agents of the FBI and the IRS-Criminal Investigation Division are investigating the case. Attorneys in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Salt Lake City are prosecuting the case.
Kanawha County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Methamphetamine ChargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Kanawha County man pled guilty today to a federal methamphetamine crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Shane Steven Thaxton, 41, of Sissonville, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Atlanta Division.
“Meth is a deadly, dangerous drug that is returning as a serious menace,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We are working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that meth does not become the diabolical force that it was to our communities just a few years ago. We’re not going back to the future.”
Thaxton admitted that in early May of 2016, he drove from West Virginia to Georgia to pick up methamphetamine for distribution. He further admitted that before driving back to West Virginia, he concealed the drugs in the spare tire of the vehicle. During a traffic stop in the Hurricane area on the return trip, law enforcement searched the vehicle and discovered the methamphetamine hidden in the spare tire. The drugs were later analyzed by a DEA laboratory and determined to be methamphetamine with a weight of over 800 grams.
Thaxton faces at least 10 years and up to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 7, 2019.
Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy D. Boggess and Clint Carte are responsible for the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
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Huntington Woman Pleads Guilty to Assisting Methamphetamine SaleRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington woman who helped set up a methamphetamine sale in January of this year pled guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Casey Marie Porter, 20, entered her guilty plea to aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine in federal court in Huntington. U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department.
“The example of a tragicness of the drug epidemic,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “A 20 year girl voluntarily pleading to aiding and abetting, being a distributor of the poisons of death. It’s sad. It’s very sad. But this is a serious crime and we’ll deal with it seriously.”
Porter admitted that on January 31, 2018, a confidential informant called her to arrange the purchase of methamphetamine. Porter told the informant that the informant could come to Porter’s residence to meet another individual to purchase the meth. The informant then went to Porter’s residence where the other individual distributed 15 grams of meth to the informant in exchange for $350. Porter was arrested on February 2, 2018, after a search warrant was executed at her residence where additional quantities of meth and heroin were seized. Porter admitted as part of her plea agreement that she had been involved in assisting the other individual distributing meth and heroin in the Huntington area.
Porter faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on January 7, 2019.
Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is responsible for the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
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Honduran National Charged with Assaulting Border Patrol AgentsRead the Press Release
In Del Rio, federal authorities filed a criminal complaint against 48–year-old Honduran National Leivin Pineda for allegedly assaulting a Border Patrol agent over the weekend near Eagle Pass, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division.
The criminal complaint alleges that on September 2, 2018, Border Patrol agents observed the defendant, who they believed to be an illegal alien, walking along FM 1907 in Maverick County. According to the complaint, the agents attempted to approach Pineda, but he fled on foot into the brush. At several points during the foot chase, Pineda threw softball-sized rocks at a high velocity towards the agents’ heads. During the pursuit, the agents repeatedly gave verbal commands to stop, but Pineda refused. The complaint further states that due to Pineda’s actions and that the rocks thrown at the agents could cause serious physical injury or death, a pursuing agent drew his firearm and shot Pineda in the upper chest/left upper arm area in order to neutralize the threat.
Pineda is currently in federal custody following medical treatment and release from a hospital. A detention hearing is scheduled for 1:00pm on September 11, 2018, before United States Magistrate Judge Victor Roberto Garcia in Del Rio. Upon conviction, Pineda faces up to 20 years in federal prison on the assault charge.
The FBI, Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (DHS OIG) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility (CBP OPR) are investigating this case. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Watters is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
It is important to note that a criminal complaint is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Holly Hill Area Men Plead Guilty to Conspiracy to Smuggle WildlifeRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated today that Joseph Logan Brooks, age 29, formerly of Holly Hill, Matthew Tyler Fischer, age 25, of Holly Hill, and Matthew Harrison Kail, age 30, of Pomona Park, Florida, pled guilty to Conspiracy to Smuggle Wildlife, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, § 371. William Fischer, age 48, of Harleyville, pled guilty to Wildlife Trafficking, a violation of Title 16, United States Code, § 3372(a), a misdemeanor. Senior Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr., accepted the pleas and will sentence the defendants at a later date.
Evidence presented at the hearing established that the four participated in a syndicate of wildlife smugglers exchanging turtles protected by international agreements back and forth between the United States and China. The conspiracy was led by Steven Baker, age 38, of Holly Hill, who pled guilty in June 2018. The activity took place from January through June 2016. Baker obtained protected turtles from Hong Kong to distribute here in the United States, and he shipped protected turtles from the United States to Asia. Brooks accepted delivery of international packages containing protected turtles. Matthew Fischer gave Baker access to his bank account to receive international wire transfers of funds. Kail provided, bought, and sold protected turtles. William Fischer negotiated for the purchase of two protected turtles.
The transactions were set up using the Facebook text messaging feature. Shipments were made internationally through the United States Postal Service. Several packages were intercepted entering the United States at John F. Kennedy International Airport
The maximum penalty faced by Brooks, Matthew Fischer, and Kail is imprisonment for five years, with a potential fine up to $250,000. The maximum penalty faced by William Fischer is imprisonment of one year and a fine of $10,000.
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Winston David Holliday, Jr., of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.
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Henderson Man Sentenced for Felon in Possession of a Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today in federal court, United States Chief District Judge James C. Dever, III sentenced XAVIER RAMONE JUDD, 32, of Henderson to 36 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
JUDD was named in a two-count Indictment filed on December 20, 2017. On April 19, 2018, JUDD pled guilty to one-count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
On November 7, 2017, officers with the Henderson Police Department conducted a traffic stop. As officers approached the vehicle, they observed JUDD in the passenger seat. JUDD tried to encourage the driver to leave, but the driver refused. JUDD exited the vehicle and began walking away from the scene. When officers attempted to arrest JUDD, he resisted slightly but was eventually arrested without further incident. In the passenger area where JUDD, a convicted felon, had been sitting, officers seized a 9mm handgun.
This case was part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative which encourages federal, state, and local agencies to cooperate in a unified “team effort” against gun crime, targeting repeat offenders who continually plague their communities.
The Henderson Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney S. Katherine Burnette handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Groveland Man Indicted for Assaulting Customs and Border Protection Officer at Orlando International AirportRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return of an indictment charging John Craig Myrick (67, Groveland) with forcible assault of a federal officer. Myrick faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
According to the criminal complaint, on August 11, 2018, Myrick arrived at the Orlando International Airport from Bogota, Colombia. While passing through customs, a Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO) referred Myrick into the baggage control seating area. While in the seating area, after a brief interaction, Myrick moved towards another CBPO, who attempted to control Myrick by grabbing Myrick’s arm. Myrick resisted, striking the CBPO in the back of the head or neck. Myrick then fell on top of the CBPO, striking him in the back of the head several times. The CBPO suffered a fractured ankle in the process.
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.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It will be prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Brandon Bayliss.
Graham Mitchell Clark, A/K/A “Molly Poppins” Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – On August 29, 2018, Graham Mitchell Clark, a/k/a “Molly Poppins,” pleaded guilty before the Honorable Susan Lee, U.S. Magistrate Judge, to possessing with the intent to distribute MDMA and LSD at the Bonnaroo Music Festival (Bonnaroo), in Manchester, Tennessee.
Sentencing is set for November 30, 2018, in U.S District Court, Chattanooga. Clark faces a federal prison term of up to 40 years and at least four years supervision by U.S. Probation upon his release from prison.
According to documents on file with the U.S. District Court, agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) conducted an undercover drug buy from Clark at the 2017 Bonnaroo. At the time, Clark was known to federal law enforcement as an individual who distributed drugs at various music festivals under the trade name “Molly Poppins.” After his arrest, officers inventoried his car and found approximately a half-pound of MDMA and over five gross grams of LSD. In his plea agreement, Clark admitted that he used cryptocurrency to purchase the drugs via the “dark web.”
This investigation was conducted by the TBI, FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Wilson represented the United States in court proceedings.
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Ghanian Fraudster Sentenced to over 10 Years for a $1.4 Million Conspiracy to Commit Bank and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland –U.S. District Judge George L. Russell, III sentenced Mohammed “Kofi” Kwaning, age 37, of Laurel, Maryland late on September 4, 2018, to 121 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, as well as bank and wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. The sentence was imposed in connection with a fraud scheme in which Kwaning and his co-conspirators attempted to steal nearly $1.4 million in funds from the personal, retirement, and business accounts of various victims. Kwaning is a lawful permanent resident of the United States and a citizen of Ghana. A federal jury convicted Kwaning and two co-defendants on November 2, 2017.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Acting Special Agent in Charge Cardell T. Morant of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, Baltimore Office; and Chief Terrence B. Sheridan of the Baltimore County Police Department.
According to evidence at presented at his 10-day trial, in 2014, Mohammed Kwaning and other conspirators acquired account information of individual victims, including from investment account management firms, as well as forged checks containing bank account information of both individual and corporate victims from across the United States.
Co-conspirator Issah Mohammed then recruited individuals, including Mark Dennis, Charles Mensah, and others, who registered corporate shell entities with the state of Maryland. The recruits then set up bank accounts at multiple banking institutions in the names of these shell entities. Mohammed Kwaning then either directed that the funds from the compromised accounts be wired into the bank accounts opened in the names of the shell entities or provided altered or fabricated checks from compromised accounts to Issah Mohammed. Mohammed then provided the checks to Mark Dennis, Charles Mensah, and the other recruits to be deposited into the shell entities’ bank accounts. The recruits would then attempt to withdraw the stolen funds before the banks discovered that the source of the funds were compromised accounts.
Some of the accounts were compromised by individuals who called investment firms pretending to be the actual account holders, and then eventually providing enough correct answers in order to reset the password for the account. Individuals also hacked the e-mails of victims and, posing as the account holders, requested funds be wired from their retirement accounts to the bank accounts of the shell corporations controlled by the conspirators. The attempted loss during the nine months of the scheme was over $1.3 million, and the conspirators were able to withdraw over $229,000 of stolen funds, which they then split amongst themselves.
Mark Dennis, age 30, of Laurel, Maryland, and Charles Mensah, age 32, of the Bronx, New York, were also convicted at trial and sentenced to 27 months and 30 months in prison, respectively, each followed by five years of supervised release. Issah Mohammed, age 31, of Laurel, previously pleaded guilty to his role in the scheme and is awaiting sentencing.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended HSI Baltimore and the Baltimore County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Judson T. Mihok and Paul E. Budlow, who prosecuted this case.
Georgia Man Charged with Fraud and International Money Laundering Conspiracies, Aggravated Identity Theft, and Naturalization FraudRead the Press Release
A Georgia man is charged with fraud and money laundering conspiracies and related offenses, according to an 18-count indictment unsealed today. The charges were announced by Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Byung J. Pak of the Northern District of Georgia, Special Agent in Charge Chris Hacker of the FBI’s Atlanta Division and Special Agent in Charge Nick Annan of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Atlanta Field Office.
Onosemeraja Idodo-Umeh, 41, a native of Nigeria who was residing in Atlanta, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, 10 counts of wire fraud, five counts of aggravated identity theft, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and one count of unlawful procurement of naturalization. He was arraigned on the charges earlier today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Janet King. Idodo-Umeh was indicted by a federal grand jury on Aug. 7.
“Onosemeraja Idodo-Umeh allegedly perpetrated multiple fraudulent schemes over many years, including by conspiring with violent gang members, and then laundered the illicit proceeds,” said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. “He also allegedly obtained U.S. citizenship only after lying to immigration authorities. These extremely troubling charges once again demonstrate the Department of Justice’s resolve to protect the American people and our financial system from transnational fraud.”
“This Defendant has allegedly moved a substantial amount of money out of the United States to Nigeria, and he did so with the help of gang members already indicted by my Office,” said U.S. Attorney Pak. “By prosecuting not only the gang members but those who reaped the financial benefit of their crimes, we will dismantle the entire criminal network.”
The indictment alleges a conspiracy spanning roughly seven years, in which Idodo-Umeh and his co-conspirators perpetrated fraud schemes using stolen identities, compromised credit card numbers, and stolen and counterfeit checks. The alleged conspiracy involved, among other tactics, the creation of fake businesses to which Idodo-Umeh and his co-conspirators, including members of the gang the Gangster Disciples, would make credit card payments using stolen credit card numbers. The indictment also alleges the use of forged checks written for tens of thousands of dollars each. Idodo-Umeh would allegedly funnel the fraud proceeds through bank accounts belonging to a network of subordinates who he recruited and paid on commission, transfer dirty money back and forth between the United States and Nigeria, and take other steps to launder his criminal income.
The indictment also alleges that Idodo-Umeh unlawfully obtained his naturalized U.S. citizenship by falsely telling immigration authorities he had not committed any crimes when in fact he was engaged in the charged fraud.
“This gang not only threatened our communities with violence, but as a criminal enterprise, victimized innocent civilians by stealing their identities and money,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Hacker. “FBI investigators are determined to uncover every facet of their illegal activity, and this defendant’s arrest exemplifies that determination.”
“This case illustrates the complexity of financial crimes transnational criminal networks seek to exploit,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Annan. “With this indictment, HSI special agents in collaboration with our DOJ partners have taken an important action to increase the security of our nation by dismantling a significant transnational criminal organization.”
The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by FBI Atlanta’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force with assistance from the Cobb County Police Department, and by HSI and IRS Criminal Investigation. Trial Attorney Conor Mulroe of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim S. Dammers, Chief of the Organized Crime and Gang Section of the Northern District of Georgia, are prosecuting the case.
Gardner Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Gardner man was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester for a federal firearm offense.
Edwin Labaw, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 39 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In March 2018, Labaw pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Labaw was arrested in November 2017.
On Sept. 19, 2017, Labaw and another individual, Travis Miller, sold an undercover agent a double-barrel 12-gauge shotgun, a 9mm Kel-Tech Sub 2000 rifle, and 11 rounds of 12-gauge shotgun ammunition in exchange for $1,200. Miller and Labaw met again with an undercover federal agent on Sept. 27, 2017, and sold the agent a 7.62x39mm caliber SKS rifle, along with ammunition and magazines, in exchange for $1,800.
According to court documents, Labaw has prior felony convictions and is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
Miller was also arrested in November 2017 and subsequently convicted in federal court with being a felon in possession of ammunition and with distributing fentanyl. Miller was sentenced last month to 80 months in prison and three years of supervised release.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Valuable investigative assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Worcester, Gardner, and Fitchburg Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Abely of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Fraudster Sentenced to More Than Four Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – John Bryan Murphy was sentenced today to 51 months in prison, and ordered to pay $897,464.50 in restitution for wire fraud and money laundering, announced United States Attorney Alex G. Tse and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Charles R. Breyer, U.S. District Judge.
Murphy, 44, of Hyannis, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty on April 27, 2018, to wire fraud and money laundering charges. According to the plea agreement, Murphy admitted that between at least 2012 and continuing up until his arrest in 2017, he executed a scheme to defraud victims in order to obtain money and property from them by making false representations and promises. Specifically, Murphy admitted he solicited investments from over a dozen victims on the false and fraudulent premise that he would professionally invest their money through an entity he controlled known as Capital Park, LLC. Instead of investing their money, he used his victims’ money to support his lifestyle, to speculate on the stock market, and to partially repay other victims. With respect to his partial payments to victims, he admitted that he made them to lull his victims into a false sense of security, to lead them to believe that the promises he made were true when in fact they were not, to postpone or prevent them from complaining to law enforcement, and to induce new victims to “invest” their money with him. Murphy also admitted that he acted with the intent to defraud his victims during the entire scheme. Finally, Murphy admitted that his scheme caused at least $890,000 in losses to his victims.
A federal grand jury indicted Murphy on November 30, 2017, charging him with ten counts of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343, and two counts of money laundering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1957. Murphy pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. The remaining counts were dismissed.
“Today’s just and significant sentence is a reminder that fraud will not be tolerated and instead punished to the fullest extent of the law,” said US Attorney Tse. “The defendant hid behind his lies and fraud to friends who trusted him with their hard earned investments. Today’s sentence will hopefully bring some closure and relief to these victims of fraud.”
In addition to the prison term and restitution, Judge Breyer also ordered the defendant to serve a three-year period of supervised release to follow his prison term. The defendant has remained in custody since his arrest and will begin serving his sentence immediately.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert David Rees is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Bridget Kilkenny. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Franklin Man Sentenced to 8 1/2 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Brian R. Sanborn, 53, of Franklin, was sentenced to serve 102 months in federal prison for methamphetamine trafficking, said United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 8, 2017, the New Hampshire State Police executed a search warrant at Sanborn’s residence in Franklin and located approximately 17 grams of nearly pure methamphetamine in the basement of the house. On the same day, Sanborn, who previously had been convicted of felonies, possessed seven firearms, including four revolvers, two shotguns, and an SKS rifle.
Sanborn previously pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on May 15, 2018.
“Methamphetamine is a dangerous drug that is appearing with increasing frequency in the Granite State,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to protect the public, we will work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute methamphetamine traffickers, particular those who endanger the community by possessing firearms while engaging in the drug trade. I want to thank the law enforcement officers whose efforts stopped this individual’s criminal activities.”
This matter was investigated by the New Hampshire State Police, Franklin Police Department, DEA, and ATF. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John S. Davis and Shane B. Kelbley.
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Frankfort Nurse Practitioner Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Obtain Drugs with Forged PrescriptionsRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Tiffany Miller, 39, of Frankfort, Ky., pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiring to obtain controlled substances by fraud.
In her guilty plea, Miller admitted that she agreed with others to use stolen prescriptions, which she had obtained from hospitals where she worked, to obtain the drugs. Miller forged the doctor’s names on stolen prescription forms for Ritalin and Adderall. Miller and others presented the forged prescriptions to numerous pharmacies in Central Kentucky. The prescription forms were taken from Baptist Health, in Lexington; Fleming County Hospital, in Flemingsburg; and Manchester Memorial, in Clay County. Miller and others were able to obtain more than 2,000 pills using the forged prescriptions. Miller was indicted by a grand jury in July of 2018.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Christopher Evans, Special Agent in Charge, D.E.A.; and Richard Sanders, Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the guilty plea.
The investigation was conducted by D.E.A. and Kentucky State Police. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney Roger W. West.
Miller is currently scheduled to appear for sentencing, before Senior United States District Judge Joseph M. Hood, in Lexington, on December 3, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. She faces a maximum prison sentence of 4 years. However, any sentence following conviction will be imposed by the Court after consideration of the United States Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of sentences.
Former NASA Contractor Arrested on Charges Alleging Hacking and Online Threats Made to Obtain Nude Photos of Female VictimsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – Federal authorities this morning arrested a Los Angeles man on federal charges that allege he targeted seven women with online threats to publish nude photos unless the victims provided him with additional explicit pictures.
Richard Gregory Bauer, 28, a former contractor at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center, and who used several aliases including “Steve Smith,” “John Smith,” and “Garret,” was arrested by special agents with NASA’s Office of Inspector General.
Bauer was arrested at his Mid-Wilshire residence without incident pursuant to a 14-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury on August 28. The indictment charges Bauer with stalking, unauthorized access to a protected computer, and aggravated identity theft.
The indictment alleges that over the past several years, Bauer, who until recently lived in the High Desert communities of Palmdale and Lancaster, harassed the victims on Facebook and through emails. In the communications in which Bauer masked his identity, Bauer claimed to possess nude photos of the victims, which he did in relation to six of the seven victims discussed in the indictment. Bauer sent the victims nude photos of themselves, claimed to have additional photos, and threatened to post the nude photos of the victims online unless the women sent him additional photos in various stages of undress.
Bauer is also charged in the indictment with unauthorized access to computers and accounts owned by victims. During the course of the alleged stalking, according to the indictment, Bauer, using his true identity, contacted some victims on Facebook and posed a series of questions, purportedly as part of a project he was working on for his “human societies class.” Some of the questions included typical questions used to reset online passwords, such as the name of your first pet or the city where your parents met.
In other instances, again using his true identity, Bauer allegedly convinced victims to install malware by claiming that he needed the victims’ help in testing software he claimed to have written. The malware gave Bauer unauthorized access to the computers, and allowed him, among other things, to capture from the victims’ computers passwords for web sites and e-mail accounts. On at least two instances, Bauer is alleged to have used logins and passwords belonging to victims to log on to their Facebook and Google email accounts.
Bauer is expected to be arraigned on the indictment this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted of the 14 charges in the indictment, Bauer would face a statutory maximum sentence of 64 years in federal prison.
This case is the result of an ongoing investigation being conducted by NASA’s Office of Inspector General. Members of the public who have information about Bauer’s online activities or believe they may be victims of his activities are encouraged to contact NASA OIG Special Agent Joseph Bennett at (818) 354-9768.
This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Khaldoun Shobaki of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section.
Former L.A. County Public Official Who Steered Contracts to Bribe-Paying Developer and Contractor Agrees to Plead GuiltyRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A former public official in Los Angeles County’s Real Estate Division involved in awarding contracts to real estate developers and contractors has agreed to plead guilty to lying to FBI agents and subscribing to a false tax return in an effort to cover up his receipt of illegal bribes.
In a plea agreement filed today, Thomas M. Shepos, 68, of Palmdale, agreed to plead guilty to two felony offenses – making false statements in which he denied receiving bribes and kickbacks while working for the county, and subscribing to a false tax return for the year 2014 in which he failed to report $139,400 in income, including more than $100,000 in bribe payments. In the plea agreement, Shepos admits that he failed to report a total of $434,000 in income he received over a seven-year period.
As part of his plea agreement, Shepos has agreed to cooperate with an ongoing federal investigation.
For approximately 20 years, until he retired last year, Shepos worked in the county’s Real Estate Division, where he negotiated leases and contract terms with private developers and contractors. According to the plea agreement, because of his seniority, Shepos had “significant autonomy to contractually bind the county.”
In the plea agreement, Shepos admitted accepting bribes from Arman Gabaee, a Beverly Hills real estate developer who was indicted in May on bribery and wire fraud charges in connection with his attempts to secure a $45 million county lease in the Hawthorne Mall. Beginning in 2010 or 2011, Gabaee began giving Shepos monthly bribe payments of $1,000 or more in exchange for Shepos providing Gabaee with non-public information and preferential treatment, according to the plea agreement filed today.
The plea agreement further states that Gabaee offered to buy a million-dollar property in Northern California as a bribe for Shepos. In exchange for the property, Gabaee sought Shepos’ assistance securing a lease for the county’s Department of Public Social Services in the Hawthorne Mall, which Gabaee owned and was redeveloping.
Shepos also admitted in the plea agreement that he accepted bribes totaling $250,000 to $300,000 from an unnamed electrical contractor in exchange for Shepos’ assistance securing five to seven county contracts ultimately awarded to the contractor.
When interviewed by federal agents in November 2016, Shepos lied about the bribery schemes, falsely claiming that he had never received anything of value from anyone doing business with the county. He also lied about numerous unexplained deposits into his bank accounts, claiming that the funds were gambling proceeds, as opposed to bribes or kickbacks.
“Corrupt officials who abuse their power to line their own pockets undermine the public’s trust in government,” said United States Attorney Nick Hanna. “We are committed to ending these backroom deals and bringing these criminals to justice.”
“Public officials like defendant Shepos, who misuse their position of trust for personal gain, undermine the integrity of their office and deny honest services to the residents they purport to serve,” said Paul Delacourt, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “The FBI will continue to work with our partners to restore the public’s trust in our county officials.”
In relation to the tax charge, Shepos admitted that he received a total of $434,400 from 2010 through 2016 that he failed to report on his federal income tax returns. Shepos has agreed to file corrected tax returns and pay back taxes – estimated to be approximately $110,000, plus a yet-to-be-determined fraud penalty.
“Public officials need to be reminded of the trust and duty bestowed upon them by the taxpayers to serve the public’s interest, not their own,” said Special Agent in Charge R. Damon Rowe, IRS Criminal Investigation. “IRS Criminal Investigation stands committed to weeding out individuals who abuse the privilege of their positions for personal gain, while dodging the federal tax system.”
Shepos will be summonsed to appear for an arraignment in United States District Court, likely later this month.
Once he enters the guilty pleas to the two charges, Shepos will face a statutory maximum sentence of eight years in prison.
Gabaee is currently scheduled to go on trial on February 26, 2019.
The case against Shepos is part of an ongoing investigation being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and IRS Criminal Investigation.
This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ruth C. Pinkel and Lindsey Greer Dotson of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section.
Former Bucks County Official Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering and Extortion ChargesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Robert P. Hoopes, 71, of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and four counts of Hobbs Act extortion under color of official right. From February 2016 until December 2016, Hoopes was the Director of Public Safety in Lower Southampton Township, Pennsylvania. In this position, Hoopes had authority over all police, fire, and emergency operations in the township. Hoopes previously operated a legal practice in the Doylestown, Pennsylvania area.
“Our citizens have the right to expect that public officials conduct themselves in a fair, honest, and impartial manner,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “The defendant violated the trust placed in him by his community, placing his own greed above the needs of others. Our Office will always seek to root out corruption and hold public officials accountable for their actions.”
From 2014 to 2016, Hoopes solicited, extorted, and attempted to extort bribes and kickbacks from individuals and businesses in exchange for his influence over Lower Southampton Township’s Board of Supervisors, Solicitor, officers, and employees. For example, Hoopes solicited bribe payments from Robert A. DeGoria, who was then the vice-president of an outdoor advertising company, in exchange for offering his influence to reduce lease payments that the company owed to Lower Southampton Township.
In November 2016, Hoopes and co-defendant Bernard T. Rafferty, who was then a Deputy Constable in Bucks County, accepted a bribe of $1,000, as well as the promise of other fees, in exchange for Hoopes and Rafferty using their positions as public officials to “fix” a traffic case in Bucks County Magisterial District Court.
Additionally, from June 2016 to August 2016, Hoopes, Rafferty, and co-defendant Kevin M. Biedmeran, who was then a business development manager at Philadelphia Federal Credit Union, laundered $400,000 in cash, represented to be proceeds from health care fraud and illegal drug trafficking, and accepted money laundering fees totaling $80,000 in cash.
Hoopes faces a maximum possible sentence of 100 years in federal prison for his crimes. He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 17, 2018.
Rafferty previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and honest services mail fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on November 9, 2018.
Biederman previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and bank bribery. He is scheduled to be sentenced on November 8, 2018.
DeGoria previously pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement to federal agents. DeGoria is scheduled to be sentenced on November 6, 2018.
In a related case, Michael J. Savona, an attorney who also served as Solicitor in Lower Southampton Township, previously pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement to federal agents. Savona is scheduled to be sentenced on November 7, 2018.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Pennsylvania State Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Vineet Gauri.
Former Arkansas State Senator Sentenced to More Than 18 Years in Prison for Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
A former Arkansas State Senator was sentenced today to 220 months in prison for organizing and leading a bribery scheme in which state funds were directed to non-profit entities in exchange for kickbacks, many of which were funneled through a consultant’s business, announced Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Duane “DAK” Kees for the Western District of Arkansas.
On May 3, a jury found Jonathan E. Woods, 41, of Springdale, Arkansas, guilty of 15 counts, including conspiracy, honest services wire and mail fraud, and money laundering. In addition to his prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Timothy L. Brooks of the Western District of Arkansas sentenced Woods to serve three years of supervised release and ordered Woods to pay restitution in the amount of $1,621,500 to the State of Arkansas and two economic development districts including the Northwest Arkansas Economic Development District and forfeit $1,097,005.
“Jonathan Woods abused his position as an Arkansas State Senator and betrayed the public trust by taking bribes and kickbacks,” said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. “This conviction demonstrates the commitment of the Department of Justice and our federal partners to investigate and prosecute public officials who misuse their authority to benefit themselves at the expense of the citizens they pledged to serve.”
“Today’s sentence is the result of very hard work by the assigned Assistant U.S. Attorneys and the special agents from the IRS and the FBI,” said U.S. Attorney Kees. “We both respect and appreciate the judgment of the Court and the sentence that Judge Brooks ordered today. This sentence should send a message to the people who would abuse the trust of Arkansas voters and citizens. It should serve as a serious warning to those who would intentionally steal money from taxpayers and use their elected office to both commit and conceal their crimes. As I stated after the jury trial concluded, my office, along with the Criminal Division from the Department of Justice, will continue to investigate, pursue and prosecute public corruption cases in Arkansas in order to ensure the fairness and justice that the people of Arkansas deserve.”
According to the evidence presented at trial, Woods served as an Arkansas State Senator from 2013 to 2017. Between approximately 2013 and approximately 2015, Woods used his official position as a senator to appropriate and direct government money, known as General Improvement Funds (GIF), to two non-profit entities by, among other things, directly authorizing GIF disbursements and advising other Arkansas legislators – including former State Representative Micah Neal, 43, of Springdale, Arkansas – to contribute GIF to the non-profits. Specifically, Woods and Neal authorized and directed the Northwest Arkansas Economic Development District, which was responsible for disbursing the GIF, to award a total of approximately $600,000 in GIF money to the two non-profit entities. The evidence further showed that Woods and Neal received bribes from officials at both non-profits, including Oren Paris III, 50, of Springdale, Arkansas, who was the president of a college. Woods initially facilitated $200,000 of GIF money to the college and later, together with Neal, directed another $200,000 to the college, all in exchange for kickbacks. To pay and conceal the kickbacks to Woods and Neal, Paris paid a portion of the GIF to a consulting company controlled by Randell G. Shelton Jr., 39, of Alma, Arkansas. Shelton then kept a portion of the money and paid the other portion to Woods and Neal. Paris also bribed Woods by hiring Woods’s friend to an administrative position at the college.
Shelton also was found guilty by a jury on May 3. He was convicted of 12 counts, including conspiracy and honest services wire and mail fraud, and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 6. Paris pleaded guilty on April 5, before Judge Brooks to one count of honest services wire fraud, and he is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 12. Neal pleaded guilty on Jan. 4, 2017, before Judge Brooks to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, and he is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 13.
The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Trial Attorney Sean F. Mulryne of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Elser and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kyra Jenner and Aaron Jennen of the Western District of Arkansas prosecuted the case.
Florida Residents Sentenced for Credit Card Fraud OffensesRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Alejandro Caal, 46, of Tampa, Florida; Adrian Teruel, 26, of Orlando, Florida; and Olga Valido, 52, of Kissimmee, Florida, were sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Chief Judge Nancy Torresen for access device fraud and conspiracy to commit access device fraud. Caal was sentenced to 10 months in prison, Teruel was sentenced to 1 year, and Valido was sentenced to nine months. The defendants were also ordered to serve three years of supervised release upon their release from prison. The defendants pleaded guilty on January 3.
Court records show that between October 2016 and March 2017, the defendants used stolen credit and debit card numbers belonging to Maine residents to fraudulently purchase merchandise and gift cards at Maine stores.
A fourth defendant, Zulairam Ramos, pleaded guilty on January 3 and is scheduled to be sentenced on December 4.
The case was investigated by the Falmouth, Augusta, Scarborough, South Portland and Winthrop Police Departments, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Secret Service
Five previously deported aliens arrested in Sabine Parish plead guilty to re-entering the U.S.Read the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that four illegal aliens from Mexico and one from Guatemala pleaded guilty Tuesday to re-entering the United States after having been previously removed.
Jose Benjamin Duran-Tovar, 32, of Mexico; Ricardo Garcia-Herrera, 26, of Mexico; Adrian Valadez-Martinez, 27, of Mexico; Jorge Armando Venegas-Sanchez, 28, of Mexico; and Mario Orlando Lopez-Tzoy, 26, of Guatemala, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to one count of illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien. According to the guilty pleas, Sabine Parish Sheriff’s deputies arrested the defendants who were all riding together on June 21, 2018 near Many, Louisiana.
After further investigation, law enforcement agents discovered that:
Duran-Tovar had been previously removed seven times. He was first arrested on June 8, 2009 in Beaumont, Texas, and removed to Mexico on June 9, 2009. After that, he was arrested six more times and removed to Mexico each time;
Garcia-Herrera had been previously removed twice. He was first arrested on July 19, 2011, near Hebbronville, Texas, and voluntarily returned to Mexico. He was arrested again on February 2, 2013 in Pike County, Mississippi, and later removed;
Valadez-Martinez was previously removed once before. He was arrested on September 7, 2015 near Carrizo Springs, Texas, and removed on September 8, 2015, at the Del Rio, Texas Port of Entry;
Venegas-Sanchez was previously removed once before. He was arrested on November 25, 2015 near Harlington, Texas, and was removed to Mexico on November 26, 2015; and
Lopez-Tzoy was previously removed once before. He was arrested and later removed on April 27, 2010. He re-entered the country on February 28, 2013, near Hidalgo, Texas.
The defendants were sentenced at the guilty plea hearing to time served and are to be deported.
United States Border Patrol and the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Ayo is prosecuting the case.
Five Charged in Fraud Schemes Linked to Hurricane HarveyRead the Press Release
HOUSTON ‐ A total of six Houston-area residents have been charged with varying offenses related to disaster assistance in their alleged efforts to defraud the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Small Business Administration (SBA).
U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick made the announcement just after the Gulf Coast region marked the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Harvey, the costliest storm in United States history.
“These types of cases are no different than looting during and after a storm,” said Patrick. “Some people try to exploit natural disasters by taking things that aren’t theirs. It is white collar storm looting, and fewer people who actually need assistance get it.”
Five are charged in separate indictments linked to Hurricane Harvey with a sixth stemming from the Houston-area Memorial Day weekend flood in 2015.
The first indictment charges Clinton Booker, 51, of Houston, with engaging in a scheme to defraud the SBA when he applied for and received a disaster loan from the SBA. He allegedly claimed property damage from Hurricane Harvey in August 2017, but his residence had not sustained damage as claimed. According to the indictment, Booker submitted or caused others to submit falsified records to make the claim appear legitimate. Booker received $25,000 from the fraudulent SBA loan. He is charged with one count of fraud in connection with a major disaster and one count of wire fraud for which he faces up to 30 and 20 years in federal prison, respectively.
In a separate, but similar case, Randal Radack, 44, of Spring, allegedly engaged in a scheme to defraud the SBA and FEMA when he applied for and received disbursements, claiming property damage from Hurricane Harvey. However, he actually he did not reside at the property during Hurricane Harvey as claimed, according to the allegations. Radack allegedly received $115,100 from the fraudulent SBA loan and $16,541.38 in fraudulent disbursements from FEMA. Radack is charged with two counts of fraud in connection with a major disaster and five counts of wire fraud for which he faces up to 30 and 20 years in federal prison, on each count, respectively.
According to additional allegations, Humble resident Robert Kaitho, 55, also engaged in a scheme to defraud the SBA. He applied for and received a disaster loan from the SBA, claiming property damage from Hurricane Harvey when his residence had not sustained damage as claimed. According to the indictment, Kaitho used some of the proceeds from the fraudulent SBA loan to pay a credit card company. Kaitho received $53,000 from the fraudulent SBA loan, according to the charges. He is charged with one count of fraud in connection with a major disaster, two counts of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering. If convicted of the disaster fraud, he faces up to 30 years in prison, while wire fraud and money laundering carry a punishment of up to 20 and 10 years in federal prison, respectively.
Christopher Howard, 45, of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, did not even reside at his Crosby property at the time of Hurricane Harvey. Nevertheless, he allegedly applied for and received FEMA disbursements, claiming property damage. Howard received $30,586.45 in fraudulent disbursements from FEMA as a result of the claim, according to the allegations. He is charged with one count of fraud in connection with a major disaster and four counts of wire fraud for which he faces up to 30 and 20 years in federal prison, respectively.
Patricia Rodriguez, 38, of Houston, also allegedly engaged in a scheme to defraud when she applied for and received FEMA disbursements, claiming property damage from Hurricane Harvey. She was not even the owner of the property as claimed, according to the indictment. However, Rodriguez allegedly received $33,300 in fraudulent FEMA disbursements. She also faces a maximum of 30 and 20 years in federal prison, respectively, upon conviction of one count each of fraud in connection with a major disaster and wire fraud.
The final indictment alleges David Boniface claimed property damage from the Memorial Day flood in 2015, when his residence had not sustained damage as he had reported. Boniface, 60, of League City, applied for and received a disaster loan from the SBA totaling $64,200. He submitted or caused others to submit falsified records to make the claim appear legitimate. Boniface is charged with one count of fraud in connection with a major disaster and two counts of wire fraud which carry 30 and 20-years maximum federal prison terms, respectively.
“Fraud cases take time to investigate,” Patrick explained. “One year after the storm my office is actively engaged with DHS and other agencies in similar investigations. This is just the first of what will probably be many cases related to Hurricane Harvey.”
All six people charged today are expected to make their initial appearances before a U.S. magistrate judge in the near future.
The SBA-Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Department of Homeland Security –OIG conducted the investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Day is prosecuting the cases.
Members of the public are reminded to apply a critical eye and do their due diligence before trusting anyone purporting to be working on behalf of disaster victims and before giving contributions to anyone soliciting donations on behalf of disaster victims as well as being extremely cautious before providing personal identifying or financial information to anyone, especially those who may contact you after a natural disaster. Solicitations can originate from e-mails, websites, door-to-door collections, mailings and telephone calls, and similar methods. Members of the public who suspect fraud, waste, abuse or allegations of mismanagement involving disaster relief operations, or believe they have been the victim of fraud from a person or organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of disaster victims, should contact the National Disaster Fraud Hotline toll free at (866) 720-5721. The telephone line is staffed by live operators 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also fax information to the Center at (225) 334-4707 or email it to [email protected] (link sends e-mail). Learn more about the NCDF at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud and watch a public service announcement here. Tips for the public on how to avoid being victimized of fraud are at https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/tips-avoiding-fraudulent-charitable-contribution-schemes.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.Federal Inmates Sentenced on Weapon ChargesRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that two inmates at the Federal Correctional Institution at McDowell were sentenced on weapon charges. The cases were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
“Two more prisoners and two more shanks,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Shanks pose a threat to other inmates and prison staff. The only thing you get with a shank is a longer prison sentence.”
Marlon Briceno, 32, was sentenced to 15 months in prison for possessing a weapon in the prison. Briceno pled guilty in April, admitting that on October 7, 2017, he possessed a handcrafted weapon commonly known as a “shank.” A staff member at the prison found the weapon in his shoe. Briceno’s sentence will run consecutively to the sentence he is now serving.
Bryan Casey, 32, was sentenced to 15 months in prison for possessing a shank. He pled guilty in April and admitted that a staff member found the weapon in his pants pocket during a search on November 11, 2017. Casey’s sentence will also run consecutively to the sentence he is presently serving.
The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney John File. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentences.
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Father and Son Plead Guilty in Large Scale Vehicle Odometer Roll Back SchemeRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Mark Longgrear, 53, of Jackson, and his son, Zachary Longgrear, 29, of Madison, both pled guilty before United States District Judge Carlton W. Reeves to conspiring to reset and alter the odometers of motor vehicles and to giving or causing to be given false statements relating to odometers, announced United States Attorney Mike Hurst and Deputy Administrator Heidi King with the U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Mark Longgrear also pled guilty to six counts of securities fraud.
From 2014 through at least February 2018, Mark Longgrear, along with his son, Zachary Longgrear, both individually and under their company Southern Auto Buyers LLC, bought a large number of late model, high mileage vehicles from numerous sources, and thereafter illegally altered the odometers of these vehicles to show lower mileage. In furtherance of the conspiracy, the defendants forged and fraudulently created paperwork to secure new titles showing false lower mileage on these vehicles, and then sold the vehicles directly to individuals and automobile dealerships at much higher prices. Some of these rolled-back vehicles were subsequently sold by the dealerships to consumers in Mississippi and elsewhere.
Judge Reeves set sentencing for December 12, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. The count of conspiracy carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Each securities fraud violation carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Restitution may also be ordered.
“Odometer fraud costs American consumers more than $1 billion annually, said NHTSA Deputy Administrator King. “We will continue to work with Department of Justice and state DOT partners to investigate odometer fraud, deter tampering, and inform consumers of the potential signs and dangers associated with this crime.”
NHTSA has established a special hotline to handle odometer fraud complaints. Individuals who have information relating to odometer tampering should call (800) 424-9393 or (202) 366-4761. Individuals can also file a complaint online at www.NHTSA.gov/Equpment/Odometer-Fraud.
The case is the result of an investigation by the United States Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Odometer Fraud Investigation, with assistance from the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the U.S. Marshals Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Keesha Middleton.
Executive of $50 Million Mail Fraud Scheme Sentenced to over 11 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Chief U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Eric Epstein, age 58, of Pompano Beach, Florida (previously of Owings Mills, Maryland) today to 135 months in prison for conspiracy to commit mail fraud and conspiracy to defraud the Internal Revenue Service, and sentenced co-conspirator Andrew Stafford, age 58, of Bel Air, Maryland, to six years in prison for conspiracy to commit mail fraud, each followed by three years of supervised release. Epstein, Stafford, and their co-conspirators admitted perpetrating a nationwide fraudulent telemarketing scheme designed to ship unwanted and vastly over-priced light bulbs and cleaning supplies to thousands of businesses and non-profit organizations. Epstein and Stafford were leaders in the scheme in which they and their co-conspirators obtained more than $50 million.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Acting Special Agent in Charge Kelly R. Jackson of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Division; and Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Washington Division.
“Eric Epstein and his co-conspirators preyed on churches, schools, homeless shelters, and businesses to steal more than $50 million through a sophisticated scheme that involved sham sales of light bulbs and cleaning supplies,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur. “Not only did he not pay taxes on much of the money, but Epstein used the ill-gotten gains to fund a lavish lifestyle including luxury vehicles, a million-dollar home, and extravagant jewelry. Federal agents and prosecutors will pursue perpetrators of such fraud schemes to recover money stolen from the victims and from the United States Treasury.”
“Eric Epstein’s conspiracy was a scheme motivated by pure greed. Through false and fraudulent business practices, Epstein not only personally enriched himself, but cheated several businesses out of more than $50 million in the process, ” said Kelly R. Jackson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation, in partnership with our law enforcement partners, will continue to investigate corporate fraud and hold corporations and their executives accountable when failing to comply with the law.”
According to Epstein’s and Stafford’s plea agreements and other court documents, in 2003, Epstein co-founded a Maryland-based telemarketing business, Midway Industries, LLC and Johnson Distributing, LLC and incorporated them in Maryland, each with the stated purpose to engage in the retail sale of light bulbs and cleaning supplies, among other activities. Between July 22, 2008 and April 18, 2014, Epstein and Brian Wallen incorporated additional shell entities, in Maryland and Florida. Midway, Johnson Distributing, and the shell entities will be collectively referred to here as “Midway.”
Epstein, Stafford, and other co-conspirators obtained tens of millions of dollars from thousands of victim businesses by deceiving the businesses into paying exorbitant prices for light bulbs and cleaning supplies, as well as paying for products that the businesses never ordered. Victims of the scam included global conglomerates, small family-run businesses, government agencies, churches, schools, homeless shelters, and other non-profits.
In 2012, Epstein sold a majority financial interest in Midway to Brian Wallen for $15 million, but he retained an ownership stake, received a regular paycheck, and continued to advise and supervise Midway employees, along with Brian Wallen and Andrew Stafford.
Specifically, from 2003 through 2014, Midway employees would cold-call businesses making false representations, including that the business had an existing business relationship with Midway. During these cold-calls, the conspirators sought to obtain the personal information of an “authorized representative” for the business, which the Midway collections department could use later to justify an order. The conspirators concealed Midway’s true locations in Reisterstown, Maryland and in Florida, as well as the price of the products and the quantity of any shipment. Often the conspirators would tell the victim businesses that Midway would send a “half box” of light bulbs. In fact, the “half box” was a deceptive technique used to understate the volume and price of shipments, and disguise unwanted future shipments. As long as the victims continued paying the Midway invoices, in subsequent calls Epstein, Wallen, Stafford, and the conspirators misrepresented that the balance of the victim’s order, or their “regular seasonal order” had recently been shipped, despite no order having been made by the victim business, and no actual shipment having yet been sent.
When the authorized representative at a business could not be reached, Epstein, Wallen, Stafford, and the conspirators would simply send the product and an inflated invoice to the victim, without the victim placing an order. The conspirators referred to this practice as “just ship.” If the authorized representative had quit, been fired, or even passed away, the conspirators sent a product and inflated invoice to the victim business knowing that the victim would be unable to dispute the validity of the order. This practice was referred to by the Midway conspirators as a “down the road.” The Midway conspirators regularly sought the approval of Epstein, Wallen and Stafford, as their supervisors, to engage in the practices of “just ship,” or “down the road.”
Epstein, Wallen, Stafford, and the conspirators ordered the light bulbs and cleaning supplies from a company located in New Jersey (supplier). They instructed the supplier to ship the products to the victim without an invoice, and to send the invoices directly to Midway. Epstein, Wallen, Stafford, and the conspirators then sent inflated invoices to the billing departments of the victims, that were regularly 900% greater than the prices Midway paid for the supplies, and sometimes greater than 8,000% above the supplier’s prices. When victims did not remit payment, the collections department at Midway repeatedly called the victims in order to force them to pay the inflated invoices. If the victim threatened to contact law enforcement or the Better Business Bureau, Epstein, Wallen, Stafford and the conspirators offered to revise the invoice to a discounted rate, or take back a product for either a “re-stocking fee” or “at cost,” which was still substantially greater than the cost of the products purchased from the supplier.
As a result of the fraud scheme, Midway sent fraudulent invoices to victim companies for more than $100 million and received more than $50 million in payments on those invoices.
Further, Epstein admitted that he caused victims’ checks payable to Midway corporate entities to be cashed at money remitters, while Epstein personally kept and used the money. Epstein and others at Midway also used Midway credit cards for lavish personal expenditures, such as luxury furniture and vehicles.
Co-conspirators Robert Chesser, age 46, of Dundalk, Maryland; Brandon Johnston, age 38, of Catonsville, Maryland; Alan Landsman, age 36, of York, Pennsylvania; Steven Phillips, age 64, of Pikesville, Maryland; Brandon Riggs, age 34, of Baltimore; and Thomas Wishon, age 54, of Cockeysville, Maryland, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud in connection with their roles in the scheme, and were sentenced to between 30 months and 72 months in prison.
Charges against Brian Wallen were dismissed after his death.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur thanked the FBI, the IRS, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for their work on the investigation. Mr. Hur commended Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean R. Delaney and Harry M. Gruber, who prosecuted the case.
Executive Wallace Tang and Three Corporations Plead Guilty to Defrauding NASA, National Science Foundation, and Energy DepartmentRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Wallace Tang, age 55, of Alamo, California, appeared in federal court in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and pleaded guilty to Wire Fraud before U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier. Three Bay Area corporations also appeared in federal court before Judge Schreier and pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud. Laserlith Corporation, Black Hills Nanosystems Corporation, and Blue Sky Engineering, Incorporated, entered their guilty pleas by and through Tang, Gina Kim, and Sine Chao, respectively, who are the corporate representatives. As part of the plea agreements filed with the Court, the defendants also paid restitution totaling $1,084,418.60. The restitution was paid before the time each defendant appeared to plead guilty. The amount of criminal restitution represents the monies derived from the defendants’ fraudulent conduct perpetrated against the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (“NASA”), the National Science Foundation (“NSF”), and the Department of Energy (“DoE”).
“Since its inception, the space program has been a symbol of American hope and progress,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “When these defendants defrauded NASA and other governmental departments committed to the advancement of scientific knowledge, they were not only ripping off the American taxpayer, they were stealing a part of our future.”
“The NASA Office of Inspector General (“OIG”) will aggressively investigate any attempt to defraud NASA grants, contracts, and operations,” said NASA Inspector General Paul Martin. “The NASA OIG appreciates the cooperative efforts of the entire investigative and prosecution team during this multi-year investigation.”
“The Small Business Innovation Research Program and Small Business Transfer Technology Research Program are valuable tools in advancing NSF’s mission to promote the progress of science by increasing opportunities for small businesses to undertake cutting-edge scientific research, and it is essential to protect the integrity of this program,” commented Allison Lerner, the Inspector General for NSF. “The NSF Office of Inspector General is committed to vigorously pursuing oversight of these taxpayer funds and I commend the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our investigative partners for their strong support in this effort.”
“The SBIR Program is an essential Department of Energy program that supports scientific excellence and technological innovation,” stated April G. Stephenson, Department of Energy Acting Inspector General. “These convictions serve as a reminder that fraud in the SBIR Program will not be tolerated. The Office of Inspector General remains committed to ensuring the integrity of our programs by holding accountable those who attempt to hide behind sophisticated schemes. We appreciate the efforts of the DOJ in pursuing this matter and will continue to work aggressively with our investigative partners to pursue those who seek to defraud government programs.”
At the times relevant to this case, NASA, NSF, and DoE participated in the Small Business Innovation Research (“SBIR”) Program and Small Business Transfer Technology Research (“STTR”) Program through which Defendants sought and obtained federal funds. Federal SBIR and STTR grant and contract award payments were electronically transferred from the associated federal agency, through the United States Department of the Treasury, and then wired to a business bank account identified by the defendants. The defendants also used wires to transmit interstate communications to and from South Dakota.
Beginning in approximately 2012, and continuing through 2016, within the State and District of South Dakota and elsewhere, Blue Sky Engineering, Black Hills Nanosystems, and Laserlith unlawfully and knowingly conspired and agreed together to devise a scheme to defraud and obtain money and property from NASA, NSF, and DoE. The defendants defrauded these federal agencies through false and fraudulent representations and by sending electronic wire communications in interstate and foreign commerce. The purpose of the corporate-defendants’ conspiracy was to obtain federally-funded projects by and through material misrepresentations, statements, and omissions, thereby depriving the United States the ability to fund other small businesses and resulting in the enrichment of Blue Sky Engineering, Black Hills Nanosystems, Laserlith, and Tang.
According to the parties’ plea agreements, the corporate-defendants committed the following acts, as well as others, in South Dakota and elsewhere: - The corporate-defendants applied for and received federal awards for essentially equivalent work, or portions thereof, concealing the existence of the awards and the relationships between related companies from the awarding agencies. - During the application process, the corporate-defendants misrepresented the existence and use of distinct company facilities, equipment, and operations in South Dakota and North Dakota, and elsewhere outside of California. These representations and statements were false in that all of the companies were co-located in a common facility in Richmond, California, sharing the same resources and performing essentially equivalent work, or portions thereof. - The corporate-defendants’ fraudulent conduct included the preparation and submission of proposals for awards under the NSF, NASA, and DOE programs, specifically involving costs, employees, the eligibility of principal investigators, suitability of facilities, location of facilities, subcontractors, consultants, letters of support, and certifications submitted to NSF, NASA, and DOE. As a result of the corporate-defendants’ conduct, fraudulently-obtained NSF, NASA, and DOE contracts were awarded, totaling $1,084,418.60 between Blue Sky Engineering, Black Hills Nanosystems, Laserlith, and others.
As to Tang’s individual guilty plea, on January 28, 2015, Tang executed the aforementioned scheme to defraud the United States and its agencies and to obtain money and property by means of false representations, and promises relating to material facts. Specifically, Tang knowingly sent a wire communications in interstate or foreign commerce as follows: a wire communication from MicroAssembly, by and through Defendant Blue Sky as general contract and with Black Hills Nano serving as subcontractor, containing NASA proposal numbered H8.03-8999, entitled “Low Cost Multi-Junction Photovoltaic Panels.” This proposal was fraudulent and contained material representations in that it contained “essentially equivalent work,” or a portion thereof, to proposals submitted as part of the conspiracy, as set forth above and as alleged in the Information, between Defendants Blue Sky, MicroAssembly, Laserlith, and Black Hills Nano. After transmitting this wire containing fraudulent and material representations, Defendant Tang withdrew the proposal from NASA. Although NASA proposal numbered H8.03-8999 was later withdrawn, Defendant Tang submitted the proposal with the intent to defraud NASA.
The maximum penalties that the corporations face for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud are a $500,000 fine, a $400 special assessment to the Victim’s Assistance Fund, restitution, and forfeiture. The maximum penalties that Tang faces for Wire Fraud are 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both imprisonment and a fine, a term of 3 years of supervised release, a $100 special assessment to the Victim’s Assistance Fund, restitution, and forfeiture. The defendants’ sentencing hearing is set for December 3, 2018.
This case was investigated by NASA OIG, NSF OIG, and DoE OIG. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri.
Department of Defense Employee Charged with Attempting to Entice A Minor to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Mohammad Abdul Malek (67, St. Marys, GA) has been arrested and charged by federal criminal complaint with attempted enticement and coercion of a minor. If convicted, he faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison.
According to the
complaint , between August 23 and August 26, 2018, Malek engaged in email and text communications with an undercover agent acting as a 13 year-old girl. Malek asked for photos of the “child” and told her that he wanted to teach her about “making love.” Malek was advised and acknowledged that the “child” was a minor and suggested that he and the girl meet to engage in sex. On August 26, 2018, Malek traveled to Jacksonville to meet the “child” and was arrested by officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.A criminal complaint is merely an allegation that a defendant has violated one or more federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington.
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.
Defendants Plead Guilty to $3.5 Million Sweepstakes Scam Targeting ElderlyRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Silvia Sanchez Valverde, Rodolfo Orozco Aguilar, Priscilla Sibaja, Daniel Sibaja, and Elpelice Figueroa Rosales have pleaded guilty to conspiracies to commit mail fraud and money laundering for their roles in a sweepstakes scam that targeted the elderly.
“These defendants stole the life savings of dozens of elderly victims and received more than $3.5 million,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “These schemes unfortunately are all too common and citizens should be wary of contests that require upfront payments to receive a prize.”
“Scammers – whether U.S.-based or abroad -- who mistakenly believe they can avoid accountability for their criminal actions by transferring ill-gotten proceeds outside the country should know they are not immune from federal prosecution,” said Special Agent in Charge of ICE Homeland Security Investigations Atlanta Nick S. Annan. “This case shows an international border is no defense for those who defraud senior citizens, and HSI is committed to using its unique cross-border authority to investigate and hold accountable persons who commit such crimes.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court: From February 2016 through September 2017, dozens of victims, most of whom were elderly, were contacted by telephone and told that they had won a sweepstakes or lottery. The victims were told that they could receive their sweepstakes winnings after they paid various expenses, such as taxes and fees. The victims were directed to pay the expenses to various companies controlled by the defendants, such as J.G. Services, RF Financial Services, and Master Builders. The victims would then mail payments via personal and cashier’s checks to addresses that were linked to mailboxes rented by the defendants. The defendants deposited the checks, totaling over $3.5 million, into their bank accounts and then transferred the majority of the funds to Costa Rican bank accounts.
The defendants will appear before U.S. District Judge Leigh Martin May for sentencing as follows:
Rodolfo Orozco Aguilar, 44, of Costa Rica is scheduled to be sentenced on November 7, 2018, at 2:00 p.m.
Daniel Sibaja, 28, of Buford, Georgia is scheduled to be sentenced on November 15, 2018, at 10:00 a.m.
Elpelice Figueroa Rosales, 62, of Buford, Georgia is scheduled to be sentenced on November 19, 2018, at 10:00.
Silvia Sanchez Valverde, 47, of Buford, Georgia is scheduled to be sentenced on November 19, 2018, at 2:00 p.m.
Priscilla Sibaja, 21, of Buford, Georgia is scheduled to be sentenced on November 20, 2018, at 10:00 a.m.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly K. Connors and Cassandra J. Schansman are prosecuting the case.
The Department of Justice Elder Justice Initiative promotes investigations and prosecutions of financial scams targeting the elderly. For more information regarding the Elder Justice Initiative, please visit www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Convicted Sex Offender Found Guilty of Charges in 2010 Armed Rape and KidnappingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON –Cardell Torney, Jr., 47, formerly of Washington, D.C., has been found guilty by a jury of sexually attacking a woman, a stranger, in December 2010 in the front yard of a residence in Northwest Washington, U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu announced today.
Torney was found guilty of first-degree sexual abuse while armed, with aggravating circumstances, and kidnapping while armed. The verdict, on Sept. 4, 2018, followed a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Danya A. Dayson scheduled sentencing for Nov. 16. 2018. Torney, who remains held, could face a life prison term.
According to the government’s evidence at trial, the victim met friends on U Street NW on the evening of Dec. 11, 2010 to listen to music and socialize at two U Street clubs. Early Dec. 12, at the end of the night, the victim – who, at the time, was in her early 30s and worked at the U.S. State Department – walked back to her home in the 2200 block of 12th Street NW. Evidence showed that it took about eight minutes to walk from the U Street club to her home.
When she reached her house and was about to unlock her door, a stranger approached her from behind, stuck a sharp object in her back, told her that he was holding a knife, and demanded money. The victim told the attacker that she had no money, but offered him her credit cards and promised she would neither cancel them nor report them stolen. Unsatisfied, the stranger – Torney – forced her at knifepoint into the neighbor’s front yard, forced her onto the cold, wet ground, pulled down her pants and underwear, and raped her anally.
Following the rape, Torney ran away. The victim had no idea who the rapist was. She ran into her home and immediately called 911. The police took the victim to Medstar Washington Hospital Center, where she submitted to a forensic exam by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. Swabs that were taken from her body contained the attacker’s DNA and, in 2012, that DNA led the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to Torney. He was arrested in May 2012 and has been in custody ever since.
About a month prior to this attack, Torney had been released from the District of Columbia Jail, where he was serving a sentence for misdemeanor sexual abuse of a child. That prior conviction constituted an aggravating circumstance that exposes Torney, in this case, to the possibility of a sentence of life in prison. Although the prior sexual assault conviction required that Torney register as a sex offender, the present conviction will require that upon his release from jail he register quarterly for life.
In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Liu commended the work of the Sexual Assault Unit of the Metropolitan Police Department, and the District of Columbia Forensic Nurse Examiners. She also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Michael Ambrosino, Special Counsel for DNA and Forensic Evidence Litigation, Deputy Chief Sharon Donovan of the Homicide Section, Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Zubrensky, and Forensic Operation/Program Specialist Benjamin Kagan-Guthrie, who assisted with DNA issues; Deputy Chiefs Chrisellen Kolb and Suzanne Curt of the Appellate Division, Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Smith; Paralegal Specialists Michelle Wicker and Brenda C. Williams; Victim/Witness Advocate Lezlie Richardson; Victim/Witness Service Coordinators Katina Adams-Washington and La June Thames; Litigation Technology Specialists Anisha Bhatia, Jeanie Latimore-Brown and Kimberly Smith; Intelligence Specialists William Hamann, Shannon Alexis and Sharon Johnson; and former Summer Interns Megan Hughes, Jill Rogowski, Lanie Miliotes and Leon Stern.
Finally, U.S. Attorney Liu commended the work of former Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Cook and Assistant United States Attorneys Jodi Lazarus and Elana Suttenberg for the initial investigation of the case and Assistant United States Attorneys Kathleen A. “Katie” Kern and Peter V. Taylor, who investigated and tried this case.
Connecticut Woman Sentenced for Federal Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Connecticut woman was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester for her role in a federal drug conspiracy.
Melissa Rock, 40, of Woodstock, Conn., formerly of Pemaquid, Maine, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to one year and one day in prison and three years of supervised release. In May 2018, Rock pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin and cocaine, specifically cocaine. In 2017, Rock and four others, Vito Nuzzolilo, of Worcester; Kristin Little, of Worcester; Thomas Walker, of Pemaquid, Maine; and Ricardo Ortega-Vasquez, a Dominican national residing in New York City, were indicted for their roles in the conspiracy.
According to court documents, a court-authorized wiretap intercepted Rock and Walker speaking with Nuzzolilo about purchasing cocaine for re-distribution in Maine. On April 10, 2017, Rock contacted Nuzzolilo to ask if he would “front” a quantity of cocaine; she then traveled to Nuzzolilo’s apartment in Worcester. On April 27, 2017, Walker spoke with Nuzzolilo about obtaining additional cocaine, promising that his “workers” had cash to cover it. Rock and Walker then traveled to Nuzzolilo’s Worcester apartment, and, after leaving the apartment, were stopped by law enforcement and found in possession of more than 50 grams of cocaine.
Little pleaded guilty to his role in the drug conspiracy and, in June 2018, was sentenced to 30 months in prison. Walker and Ortega-Vasquez have also pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Nuzzolilo has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting further court hearings.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Abely of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the cases.
The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Columbus Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of A Firearm by A Convicted Felon Under Project Safe NeighborhoodsRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Reginald Miller, age 35, of Columbus, Georgia, pled guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Clay D. Land in Columbus, Georgia on September 5, 2018. This plea subjects Mr. Miller to a maximum sentence of ten (10) years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.
On November 16, 2017, officers with the Columbus Police Department found Mr. Miller in possession of a Glock handgun during a traffic stop. Mr. Miller was prohibited from possessing a gun based on his prior convictions for Theft by Taking and for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, both in Superior Court in Muscogee County.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
The case was investigated by the Columbus Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford Seals.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Columbus Man Pleads Guilty to Narcotics and Firearms Charges Under Project Safe NeighborhoodsRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Clint Walker, age 27, of Columbus, Georgia, pled guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute in an amount over 50 grams before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Clay D. Land in Columbus, Georgia, on September 5, 2018. This plea subjects Mr. Walker to a mandatory minimum of ten years in federal prison, up to a maximum sentence of life in prison, a $10 million fine, or both, for possession of the methamphetamine and a maximum ten year sentence for the possession of the firearm.
On December 19, 2017, officers with the Columbus Police Department found Mr. Walker in possession of methamphetamine and a Star semi-automatic handgun during a traffic stop. Mr. Walker was prohibited from possessing a gun based on his prior convictions for (1) Robbery by Force, (2) Possession of a Sawed-off Shotgun and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, (3) Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute and Possession of Xanax with Intent to Distribute, all in Superior Court in Muscogee County.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
The case was investigated by the Columbus Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford Seals.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Colorado man admits to drug chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Johnny L. Morgan, of Walsenburg, Colorado, has admitted to a drug charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Morgan, age 66, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute Marijuana, Tetrahydrocannabinol, and Methamphetamine ,” one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine,” one count of “Distribution of Tetrahydrocannabinol,” and one count of “Distribution of Marijuana.” Morgan admitted to distributing marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol, and methamphetamine in June and July 2017 in Braxton County.
Morgan faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each count. 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. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration, The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Cleveland man admits to drug chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Anthony Walter Rogers, of Cleveland, Ohio, has admitted to cocaine distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Rogers, age 27, pled guilty to three counts of “Distribution of Cocaine Base” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base.” Rogers admitted to selling cocaine in Marshall County in August 2017 and April 2018.
Rogers faces up to 30 years incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000 for each distribution count and faces up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $8,000,000 for the possession count. 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. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr., is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr., presided.
Clairton “Drug Runner” Sentenced to More than 2 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Clairton, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 28 months’ imprisonment, followed by six years’ supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute narcotics, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Terrence Wade, 49.
According to information presented to the court at the time he entered a guilty plea, Wade was a "runner" for his codefendants, Skyler Carter and Courtney Carter, and at their instruction regularly made deliveries of heroin and crack cocaine, as well as collected payment from Carter’s customers. Wade acknowledged that he was responsible for the distribution of at least 28 grams of cocaine base and at least 20 grams of heroin in the Clairton, Pennsylvania area. Wade suffered from long-standing mental health issues and a crack cocaine condition, and the court stated that it considered those factors in imposing sentence. Wade is the eighth of 21 defendants charged in the conspiracy to be sentenced.
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, the Allegheny County Police Department, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Clairton Woman Pleads Guilty in Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA. - A resident of Clairton, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiring to distribute narcotics, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Dana McDougald, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring with 20 other individuals, between March and June 2017, to distribute narcotics. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that McDougald, at the direction of her codefendant, Elliot Page, packaged, stamped and stored bags of fentanyl at her residence. Page paid for her services by assisting in the payment of her rent. McDougald acknowledged that she was responsible for the distribution of between 40 and 160 grams of fentanyl in the Clairton area. She is the eighteenth of 21 defendants charged in the case to enter a plea of guilty.
Judge Arthur J. Schwab scheduled sentencing for January 8, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $1 million, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will depend upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. McDougald remains on bond pending the sentencing hearing.
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, the Allegheny County Police Department, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Civic Center Heroin Dealer Sentenced to Four Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Richard Sollid was sentenced today to 48 months in prison for possessing with the intent to distribute heroin announced United States Attorney Alex G. Tse and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Chris Nielsen. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Charles R. Breyer, Senior U.S. District Judge.
Sollid, 56, of San Francisco, pleaded guilty to the charges on June 14, 2018. According to his plea agreement, Sollid admitted that San Francisco Police Department officers arrested him on October 27, 2017. The arrest occurred in San Francisco’s Civic Center neighborhood. Sollid was found with approximately 95 grams of heroin and $7,840 in cash. Solid admitted he intended to distribute the drugs.
On April 19, 2018, a federal grand jury indicted Sollid, charging him with one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C). Sollid pleaded guilty to the charged offense.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Breyer ordered Sollid to serve a three-year period of supervised release. Sollid is currently in custody and will begin serving his sentence immediately.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Vieira is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Kimberly Richardson. The prosecution is the result of collaboration between the DEA and the San Francisco Police Department.
Buffalo Man Who Attempted to Flee from Police Facing Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Demetrius Parker, 36, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth T. Molisani, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on October 10, 2017, an individual called 911 and reported a road rage incident that had occurred near the intersection of Hertel and Delaware Avenues in Buffalo. The caller (victim) reported that the driver of a green minivan had pulled alongside his vehicle, pointed a gun at him, and threatened to shoot him. The victim described the driver as a black male with a beard wearing a black hat, and the gun as a black handgun with a square-shaped nozzle and orange sights.
Approximately 30 minutes later, two Buffalo Police officers on patrol located the green minivan on Olympic Avenue in Buffalo and initiated a traffic stop after the minivan turned on to Alma Avenue. An officer approached the minivan being driven by the defendant. While speaking with the officer, Parker put the vehicle into gear and attempted to flee the scene with the officer hanging halfway in the vehicle. The minivan crossed Alma Avenue and drove up over the curb in front of a residence and came to a stop. Following a physical struggle, officers secured and detained the defendant.
Subsequently, officers recovered a loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol, next to the driver's seat in the minivan. The victim was transported to the scene on Alma Avenue by officers and immediately identified the minivan as the vehicle involved in the road rage incident, and Parker was positively identified him as the driver who threatened him with a gun.
The defendant was previously convicted of Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree in Erie County Court on March 30, 2006, and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Parker made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder and is being detained.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ashan Benedict, New York Field Division, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Bristol Man Sentenced to 63 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Scott Cripe, 31 years old, of Bristol, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. after pleading guilty of theft of firearms from a federally licensed firearms dealer and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U. S. Attorney Kirsch.
Cripe was sentenced to 63 months in prison, 2 years supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $6,435.53.
According to documents in the case, Cripe broke into a federally licensed firearms dealer, in July of 2017. He stole six firearms but was caught by police with one of the stolen firearms less than a day and a half after the theft. Cripe has prior misdemeanor and felony convictions for offenses including burglary, theft, and operating vehicles while intoxicated.
This case was investigated by the ATF with assistance from the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department, Middlebury Police Department, and South Bend Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Molly E. Donnelly.
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Bluefield Man Sentenced on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that a Bluefield man was sentenced to federal prison on drug charges. The case was investigated by the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force.
“We are doing everything within our power to shut down illegal pill trafficking,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “One by one, we will take these pill dealers down.”
Johnathan Damron, 41, was sentenced to 27 months on two counts of distributing hydromorphone. Damron pled guilty in April, admitting that he sold hydromorphone to an informant in Bluefield on November 9 and November 13, 2017.
Assistant United States Attorney John File handled the prosecution. The sentence was imposed by Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber.
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Bay Area Doctor Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Transportation of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – John D. Warbritton, III was sentenced today to 84 months in prison for transportation of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Alex G. Tse, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Ryan L. Spradlin, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Chris Nielsen, and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Acting Special Agent in Charge Tara Sullivan. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Charles R. Breyer, U.S. Senior District Judge.
Warbritton, 64, a former resident of Orinda, Calif., and an orthopedic surgeon, pleaded guilty to the charge on May 16, 2018. According to his plea agreement, on March 27, 2016, Warbritton traveled from Bangkok, Thailand, to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) with electronic devices containing child pornography. Specifically, Warbritton was traveling with a laptop and a cellular telephone, both of which contained images depicting children under the age of 12 engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The plea agreement describes some of the images that were on the devices, including depictions of grown men engaged in sexual acts with girls under the age of 12. Warbritton stipulated that between 150 and 300 images of child pornography were on his electronic devices as he traveled to SFO.
A federal grand jury indicted Warbritton on October 13, 2016, charging him with one count of transportation of child pornography and access with intent to view child pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 2252A(a) and (b). Warbritton pleaded guilty to the charge.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Breyer also ordered Warbritton to serve a seven-year term of supervised release to begin after the prison term ends.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheila Armbrust is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Ana Guerra. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by HSI, DEA, and IRS-CI.
If members of the public have any information relevant to this investigation or to suspected child predators or suspicious activity, they should contact Homeland Security Investigations through the toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or complete the online tip form at: https://www.ice.gov/webform/hsi-tip-form. These tip lines are staffed around the clock by investigators. Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may also be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, via its toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-800-THE-LOST.