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27 August 2018
Lackawanna Man Sentenced on Drug and Retaliation ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Sharon Thompson, 26, of Lackawanna, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, crack cocaine within 1000 feet of a public housing property, and conspiracy to retaliate against an informant, was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison by Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura A. Higgins, who handled the case, stated that on May 7, 2014, the defendant sold crack cocaine to a confidential informant working with the Lackawanna Police Department. The purchase occurred within 1000 feet of the Gates Housing Projects in Lackawanna. On October 11, 2014, Thompson and another individual assaulted another individual who they believed was cooperating with law enforcement officers. In addition, they stole cash and a cell phone from the victim while the victim was unconscious.
Thompson is one of 18 defendants arrested and convicted in a large scale drug trafficking operation that operated in and near the Gates Housing Project.The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Gary Loeffert, Special Agent-in-Charge.
Jeremiah Wolfe, Lawrencia Merrick and Natasha Wolfe sentenced for Second Degree Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Second Degree MurderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Jeremiah Wolfe, 20, Lawrencia Merrick, 22, and Natasha Wolfe, 39, were sentenced Friday, August 24, 2018, in Omaha, Nebraska, by United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., for the killing of William I. Redhorn, 39, in Winnebago, Nebraska in April of 2017. Jeremiah Wolfe and Merrick were both sentenced to fifteen years for second degree murder and Natasha Wolfe, Jeremiah’s mother, was sentenced to 14 years for conspiracy to commit second degree murder. There is no parole in the federal system. All three were given 5 years of supervised release to begin upon completion of their prison terms.
On April 23, 2017, Jeremiah Wolfe, Lawrencia Merrick, Natasha Wolfe and a juvenile were sitting inside a Chevy Tahoe parked in the lot of the Ho Chunk Incorporated building on the Winnebago Indian Reservation. They were using their phones while connected to the building’s free wireless internet. At nearly 5:00 a.m., William Redhorn was outside the building, looking for cigarettes. After verbally engaging Mr. Redhorn, all of the occupants inside the Chevy Tahoe got out of the car, approached Mr. Redhorn, and assaulted him. Mr. Redhorn turned to run away from the group, but was caught by Jeremiah Wolfe. Merrick caught up to Jeremiah Wolfe and the two proceeded to repeatedly hit and punch Mr. Redhorn. Jeremiah Wolfe put Mr. Redhorn’s neck into an arm-bar hold while Merrick continuously hit Mr. Redhorn. Natasha Wolfe struck Mr. Redhorn in the head three times with a flashlight. Mr. Redhorn lost consciousness and Jeremiah Wolfe let him go. Merrick then kicked Mr. Redhorn who fell face down after the assault, and never got back up. Jeremiah Wolfe and Merrick had no prior contact with Mr. Redhorn and did not know who he was. Only Natasha Wolfe knew who Mr. Redhorn was, but did not have a relationship of any kind with him. Mr. Redhorn’s body was discovered several hours later when a local resident on his way to church drove by the scene.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Winnebago Police Department.
Jefferson City Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Firearms After Officers Confiscate 50 WeaponsRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Jefferson City, Mo., man who tried to sell firearms to a local pawn shop pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally possessing firearms after law enforcement officers confiscated 50 weapons from him.
Jeremy L. Roark, 33, of Jefferson City, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps to being a felon in possession of firearms.
According to court documents, Roark attempted to sell six firearms to River City Pawn and Gun in Jefferson City on Dec. 15, 2017. The owner told police officers that Roark brought six firearms to the business: a Colt .45-caliber revolver, a Taurus .38-caliber revolver, a Sig Sauer .45-caliber pistol, a Ruger .22-caliber revolver, a Ruger .357-caliber magnum revolver and a Ruger .45-caliber revolver. Roark also discussed having as many as 70 additional firearms for sale that he could bring to River City Pawn and Gun. The owner didn’t pay Roark for the six guns that were left, and after having no contact with Roark, called the police on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2017.
The next day, investigators interviewed Roark, who acknowledged that he had taken the guns to River City Pawn and Gun. Law enforcement officers recovered approximately 50 firearms from Roark during the course of the investigation.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Roark has prior felony convictions for distributing or manufacturing a controlled substance and a prior felony conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Under federal statutes, Roark is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Lynn. It was investigated by the Jefferson City, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Jamestown Man Sentenced on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Matthew S. Jones, 32, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, five grams or more of methamphetamine, was sentenced to serve 100 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Higgins, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant was arrested on December 1, 2016, along with his brother Beau K.C. Jones, after a shipment of more than 360 grams of methamphetamine was delivered, via the U.S. mail, to the brothers at Matthew S. Jones’ residence at 70 Colfax in Jamestown. Shortly after the delivery, Beau K.C. Jones was arrested during a car stop by police and the parcel containing the methamphetamine was discovered in the backseat of his vehicle. Matthew S. Jones was arrested later that day during a separate car stop. A safe was found in the trunk of his car containing an additional quantity of approximately 80 grams of methamphetamine.
Beau K.C. Jones was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
Today’s sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of James J. Hunt, Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Field Division; the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Joseph Gerace, and the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Harry Snellings.
Iowa Falls Man Prohibited from Possessing Guns Because of Prior Misdemeanor Domestic Abuse Convictions Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
An Iowa Falls man who was prohibited from possessing guns because of prior misdemeanor domestic abuse convictions was sentenced August 24, 2018, to more than a year in federal prison.
Heath Allen Ziesman, age 35, from Iowa Falls, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 5, 2018, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a domestic abuser.
Court documents and evidence at the sentencing hearing showed that on June 18, 2015, police investigators executed a search warrant at Ziesman’s residence in Iowa Falls. Investigators recovered a loaded Rock Island Armory .45 caliber pistol and a box of .45 caliber ammunition in a dresser drawer by Ziesman’s bed. They also found a loaded rifle, a shotgun, detached shotgun barrels, boxes of ammunition, and numerous loose cartridges of ammunition in the basement.
In March 2010, Ziesman was convicted of first degree harassment for threatening his ex-girlfriend. Ziesman sent compromising photographs of his ex-girlfriend to her family members and threatened to send the photographs to the schoolboard where she worked.
In July 2012, Ziesman was convicted of domestic abuse assault for grabbing his ex-wife’s neck and choking her. While still on probation for this assault conviction, Ziesman pushed his ex-wife down three stairs, causing her to smash her forehead into a door frame and splitting open her skin. She needed 27 stitches to seal her wound. Ziesman received a second domestic abuse assault conviction in July 2013.
Ziesman was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. He was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment and must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Ziesman was released on conditions previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal on a date yet to be set.
The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorneys Erin Eldridge and Drew Inman and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-CR-98-LTS.
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Investigators Recover 55 Pounds of Methamphetamine During Traffic Stop in Hall County, NebraskaRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that on August 24, 2018, United States District Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., sentenced Juan Carlos Camacho to imprisonment for 108 months, to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Camacho was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846. On January 18, 2018, in Hall County, Nebraska, a Nebraska State Trooper stopped a black Ford Expedition for a traffic violation. Defendant was a passenger in the vehicle. Investigators searched the Expedition and recovered approximately 55 pounds of methamphetamine. Investigators subsequently executed a search warrant at an apartment in Hastings, Nebraska. Among the items seized from the apartment were narcotics packaging material, a scale, police scanners, ledgers, $17,820 in United States Currency, and an AR-15 firearm.
The case was investigated by the Central Nebraska Drug and Safe Streets Task Force.
Inmate at United States Penitentiary at Canaan Pleads Guilty to Assault of Correctional OfficerRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Orlando Hernandez, age 33, formerly of Florida, pleaded guilty on August 24, 2018, before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to the charge of assault on a correctional officer.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Hernandez, an inmate at USP Canaan, admitted to kicking and “head-butting” a correctional officer on January 27, 2017, during a disciplinary hearing at the prison. Hernandez was indicted by a grand jury in September 2017.
Judge Mannion ordered a presentence report to be completed. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Service. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is up to eight years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Identity thief sentenced for stealing money from victims’ bank accountsRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Justin Tony Walker has been sentenced to federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft for fraudulently accessing bank accounts and transferring more than $1.3 million from financial institutions into accounts held by his co-conspirators.
“Walker was crafty and knew no limits on how far he would go to commit fraud, even while on probation,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “We encourage citizens to regularly monitor their bank statements to ensure their accounts have not been compromised.”
“The FBI treats these types of financial crimes targeting individuals and the banking industry very seriously,” said J. C. “Chris” Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Atlanta Division. “Anyone considering this type of criminal activity should take heed of the punishment imposed in this case.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court: From July 2015 to March 2016, Walker ran a scheme to steal money from various financial institutions and their customers’ bank accounts by using fraudulently acquired personal information to impersonate the account holders.
Walker contacted customer service representatives at financial institutions using the true account holders’ personal information. He would then acquire additional information on customers’ accounts that he used to either take over existing accounts or create new accounts. Walker then would wire sums of money from these accounts to personal accounts held by his co-conspirators. Through this scheme, Walker defrauded financial institutions of more than $1.3 million.
Since 2007, Walker has been arrested on four separate occasions for various forms of fraud and identity theft, including financial transaction card fraud. In 2011 and 2015, Walker violated his probation by committing additional acts of fraud and identity theft, and the conduct in this case was in contravention of a previous judicial sentence.
Justin Tony Walker, 29, of Lawrenceville, Georgia was sentenced to seven years in prison to be followed by two years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Amy Totenberg on August 24, 2018. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $514,979.56. Walker pleaded guilty to the charges on May 29, 2018.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Atlanta Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bernita B. Malloy prosecuted the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Houston Men Sentenced for Tax Impersonation ScamRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Two men have been ordered to federal prison following their convictions of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in a scheme that involved more than over 200 victims, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick along with Special Agent in Charge Gary Smith of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). Vedas Engineer, 34, Bhavdip Sanghavi, 37, pleaded guilty in July and December 2017, respectfully.
Today, U.S. District Judge David Hittner ordered Sanghavi to serve 96 months in prison. Engineer received the same sentence May 30, 2018. Both were also ordered to serve three years of supervised release following their sentences and are to pay more than $1 million in restitution.
In imposing the sentence, the court considered the offense which involved more than 200 victims across the United States, some of whom were elderly.
The scheme involved victim tax-payers across the United States who were pressured to pay money to resolve alleged tax debts via wire transfers.
“Over the past five years, TIGTA has received reports of over 2.3 million impersonation related calls with over 14,000 victims reporting losses of almost $70 million, said Smith. “Victimizing taxpayers by impersonating IRS employees is a serious crime. TIGTA and our law enforcement partners are doing everything within our power to ensure that those involved in the impersonation of IRS employees are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Those who receive such calls are urged to report the numbers to TIGTA on the agency’s website.
TIGTA conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Celia Moyer is prosecuting the case.
Henry County Paving Company Owner Sentenced for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – A Galva, Ill., man, Tony L. Porter, has been sentenced to nearly four years in prison, (46 months,) for tax evasion. U.S. District Judge Sara Darrow sentenced Porter, 42, an owner of Porter Paving, on Aug. 24, 2018. In addition, Judge Darrow ordered Porter to pay $566,571 in unpaid taxes and interest to the IRS. Porter was ordered to report to the federal Bureau of Prisons on Oct. 1, 2018, to begin serving his prison sentence. Following his prison sentence, Porter was ordered to serve three years of supervised release.
On March 22, 2018, Porter plead guilty to tax evasion. According to court documents, Porter underreported or failed to report income he received from customers of his paving business in 2009, 2010, and 2011. Rather than deposit customers’ checks, Porter cashed the checks at the customer’s bank and failed to report the income on his tax returns. Porter failed to report income of $112,439 for 2009; $429,064 for 2010; and, $579,261 for 2011. As a result, Porter did not pay $384,206 in tax for the three years. With interest, the court ordered that Porter pay taxes and interest to the IRS in the amount of $566,571 for tax years 2009, 2010, and 2011.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hilary W. Frooman prosecuted the case. The IRS, Criminal Investigation Division conducted the investigation.
Fourth Individual Sentenced on Corruption Charge Arising from Opa Locka Municipal Corruption InvestigationRead the Press Release
An individual who had a pending agreement to purchase a Miami-based licensed towing company (“the Towing Company”) was sentenced to prison after previously pleading to participating in a conspiracy to pay bribes in order to obtain a contract with the City of Opa Locka.
Benjamin G. Greenberg, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Robert F. Lasky, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, and Michael J. De Palma, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), made the announcement.
Raul Sosa Sr. (“Sosa Sr.”) pled guilty before United States District Judge Jose E. Martinez to conspiring to commit Federal programs bribery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371 and 666(a)(2) (Count 1 of the Superseding Indictment). On August 24, 2018, Judge Martinez sentenced Sosa Sr. to 30 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Judge Martinez ordered that the full sentence be served consecutively to the 78-month sentence Sosa Sr. is currently serving for an unrelated federal tax conviction in 2016.
According to the court record, Sosa Sr. and his son Raul Sosa Jr. (“Sosa Jr.), who was the manager of the Towing Company, conspired with then-Opa Locka City Commissioner Luis Santiago and his associate, Dante Starks, to pay Santiago and Starks a $10,000 bribe so that Santiago and Starks would use their positions and influence to ensure that the Towing Company was selected to receive a city towing contract.
The illegal agreement was finalized at an April 19, 2015 meeting between Sosa Sr., Santiago, and Starks, during which Sosa Sr. paid the first installment of the bribe and designated his son, Sosa Jr., as the person who would work with Santiago and Starks to carry out the illegal arrangement. Over the next month, Sosa Jr., who also pled guilty to conspiring to commit bribery in this case, made additional bribe payments with cash provided by Sosa Sr., and Starks arranged for an Opa Locka city employee to assemble and prepare the Towing Company’s bid package. After this bid was submitted, Starks violated the City’s purchasing Cone of Silence by contacting a member of the City’s committee ranking the towing bids and directing that individual to rank the Towing Company as the number one company. To complete the illegal arrangement, Santiago used his position as a City Commissioner to move and vote in favor of the June 24, 2015 resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into towing contracts with the Towing Company and three other companies. The next day, Sosa Jr. paid the final installment of the $10,000 bribe to Starks. Sosa Jr.’s sentencing is set for September 7, 2018, before Judge Martinez.
In related cases, arising from the Opa Locka corruption investigation, Santiago previously pled guilty to conspiring to commit Federal programs bribery and Hobbs Act extortion under color of official right (Case No. 16-20971-CR-WILLIAMS) and was sentenced to 51 months in prison. His sentence was recently reduced to 30 months in prison. Starks pled guilty to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act extortion under color of official right and to commit Federal programs bribery; and to failure to file income tax returns and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 7, 2018. (Case No. 18-20313-CR-MARTINEZ). Former Opa Locka City Manager David Chiverton pled guilty to conspiring to commit Federal programs bribery and Hobbs Act extortion under color of official right and was sentenced to 38 months in prison (Case No. 16-20596-CR). Former Opa Locka Assistant Public Works Director Gregory Harris pled guilty to conspiring to commit Federal programs bribery and Hobbs Act extortion under color of official right (Case No. 16-20589-CR-BLOOM). Harris was the first defendant to plead guilty to charges arising from this investigation, and received a sentence of probation.
Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of the FBI Miami Area Corruption Task Force and IRS-CI in this matter. Mr. Greenberg thanked the Miami-Dade Police Department and Hialeah Police Department for their assistance. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Edward N. Stamm and Maurice Johnson.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Four Members of the Seven Mile Bloods Street Gang Convicted of Racketeering and Other Related OffensesRead the Press Release
After a 10-week trial, a federal jury in the Eastern District of Michigan convicted four members of the Seven Mile Bloods Street Gang today for their participation in various criminal acts, including racketeering conspiracy and related firearm offenses.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider of the Eastern District of Michigan and Special Agent in Charge Timothy R. Slater of the FBI’s Detroit Division made the announcement.
“The Seven Mile Bloods and its rival conducted a gang war on the east side of Detroit, leading to an increase in murders and shootings in that part of the city,” said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. “We commend our prosecutors and law enforcement partners for their hard work to hold members of the gang accountable for their crimes. Today’s verdict sends a strong message that the Department of Justice and its partners will use every tool available as we continue our work to disrupt and dismantle violent street gangs like the Seven Mile Bloods.”
“These guilty verdicts are a tremendous victory for the Detroit community that was plagued by the violence, drug dealing and mayhem inflicted by this violent street gang,” said U.S. Attorney Schneider. “The jury’s guilty verdicts highlight that our community has no tolerance for the senseless murders and violence spread by gang members.”
“The FBI, our Task Force partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, will continue to vigorously combat gang, drug and gun crimes in our neighborhoods so that all residents of the City of Detroit can live in an environment that is safe and free of violence,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Slater.
The trial was conducted before U.S. District Judge George Caram Steeh in Detroit, Michigan. The jury deliberated approximately seven days before reaching their verdicts. Amongst those convicted are:
- Corey Bailey, aka “Sonny,” “Cocaine Sonny,” 30, of Detroit, was convicted of RICO conspiracy; murder in aid of racketeering; attempted murder in aid of racketeering; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence;
- Arlandis Shy, aka “Grymee,” “Vil,” 29, of Clinton Township was convicted of RICO conspiracy and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence;
- Robert Brown II, aka “R.O.,” 36, of Warren, Michigan, was convicted of RICO conspiracy, attempted murder in aid of racketeering; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; and
- Keithon Porter, aka “KP,” 32, of Detroit; was convicted of RICO conspiracy; murder in aid of racketeering; attempted murder in aid of racketeering; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
A fifth defendant, Eugene Fisher, aka “Fes,” 38, of Detroit, was convicted of two counts of felon in possession of a firearm.
According to evidence presented during the trial, the Seven Mile Bloods gang operates on the east side of Detroit, between Gratiot Avenue and Kelly Road and between Seven and Eight Mile Roads. Seven Mile Bloods or “SMB” members have claimed this area as their territory and refer to it as the “Red Zone.” The area is in zip code 48205, which SMB members refer to as “4-8-2-0-Die” in some of their rap lyrics.
Evidence presented at trial showed an ongoing gang war between the Seven Mile Bloods and an alliance of other gangs operating on Detroit’s east side stemming from a murder that occurred in July 2014. These rival gangs have been violently attacking one another and have posted respective “hit lists” on social media. This shooting war has led to increased homicides and non-fatal shootings on Detroit’s east side.
This case was the work of the Detroit One Initiative. Investigators were able to bring together separate probes into various members of this organization and its criminal activities into one encompassing investigation. Partners include the Detroit Police Department Gang Intelligence Unit, the FBI Violent Gang Task Force, which consists of representatives of Detroit Police Department, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Michigan Department of Corrections and Michigan State Police, with the cooperation of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The investigation further resulted in the seizure of more than 20 firearms, including several high-powered assault rifles.
The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Julie A. Finocchiaro of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin Wechsler, Mark Bilkovic and Tare Wigod of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan.Four Members of the Seven Mile Bloods Street Gang Convicted of Racketeering and Other Related ChargesRead the Press Release
After a 10-week trial, a federal jury in the Eastern District of Michigan convicted four members of the Seven Mile Bloods Street Gang today for their participation in various criminal acts, including racketeering conspiracy and related firearm offenses.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider of the Eastern District of Michigan and Special Agent in Charge Timothy R. Slater of the FBI’s Detroit Division made the announcement.
“The Seven Mile Bloods and its rival conducted a gang war on the east side of Detroit, leading to an increase in murders and shootings in that part of the city,” said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. “We commend our prosecutors and law enforcement partners for their hard work to hold members of the gang accountable for their crimes. Today’s verdict sends a strong message that the Department of Justice and its partners will use every tool available as we continue our work to disrupt and dismantle violent street gangs like the Seven Mile Bloods.”
“These guilty verdicts are a tremendous victory for the Detroit community that was plagued by the violence, drug dealing and mayhem inflicted by this violent street gang,” said U.S. Attorney Schneider. “The jury’s guilty verdicts highlight that our community has no tolerance for the senseless murders and violence spread by gang members.”
“The FBI, our Task Force partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, will continue to vigorously combat gang, drug and gun crimes in our neighborhoods so that all residents of the City of Detroit can live in an environment that is safe and free of violence,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Slater.
The trial was conducted before U.S. District Judge George Caram Steeh in Detroit, Michigan. The jury deliberated approximately seven days before reaching their verdicts. Amongst those convicted are:
- Corey Bailey, aka “Sonny,” “Cocaine Sonny,” 30, of Detroit, was convicted of RICO conspiracy; murder in aid of racketeering; attempted murder in aid of racketeering; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence;
- Arlandis Shy, aka “Grymee,” “Vil,” 29, of Clinton Township was convicted of RICO conspiracy and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence;
- Robert Brown II, aka “R.O.,” 36, of Warren, Michigan, was convicted of RICO conspiracy, attempted murder in aid of racketeering; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; and
- Keithon Porter, aka “KP,” 32, of Detroit; was convicted of RICO conspiracy; murder in aid of racketeering; attempted murder in aid of racketeering; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
A fifth defendant, Eugene Fisher, aka “Fes,” 38, of Detroit, was convicted of two counts of felon in possession of a firearm.
According to evidence presented during the trial, the Seven Mile Bloods gang operates on the east side of Detroit, between Gratiot Avenue and Kelly Road and between Seven and Eight Mile Roads. Seven Mile Bloods or “SMB” members have claimed this area as their territory and refer to it as the “Red Zone.” The area is in zip code 48205, which SMB members refer to as “4-8-2-0-Die” in some of their rap lyrics.
Evidence presented at trial showed an ongoing gang war between the Seven Mile Bloods and an alliance of other gangs operating on Detroit’s east side stemming from a murder that occurred in July 2014. These rival gangs have been violently attacking one another and have posted respective “hit lists” on social media. This shooting war has led to increased homicides and non-fatal shootings on Detroit’s east side.
This case was the work of the Detroit One Initiative. Investigators were able to bring together separate probes into various members of this organization and its criminal activities into one encompassing investigation. Partners include the Detroit Police Department Gang Intelligence Unit, the FBI Violent Gang Task Force, which consists of representatives of Detroit Police Department, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Michigan Department of Corrections and Michigan State Police, with the cooperation of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The investigation further resulted in the seizure of more than 20 firearms, including several high-powered assault rifles.
The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Julie A. Finocchiaro of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin Wechsler, Mark Bilkovic and Tare Wigod of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan.
Final Four Defendants Sentenced for Roles in Federal Heroin Conspiracy in Wood CountyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The final four defendants implicated in a federal heroin conspiracy were sentenced today, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Stuart commended the collaborative investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Parkersburg Drug Task Force, the West Virginia State Police, the Wood County Sheriff’s Department, and the Police Departments of the cities of Parkersburg, Vienna, and Williamstown.
“Teamwork. Partnership. Those two words define the cooperation of federal, state and local law enforcement in identifying, arresting, and prosecuting heroin networks like the one that’s now ‘out of business’ in Wood County,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Drug thugs and drug traffickers are diabolical sinister forces that prey on the families and the social fabric of our communities. We have a sense of urgency to take down every single drug network and lock up every single drug dealer as long as possible in the inn they deserve - a federal prison.”
Debra Martin, Sirpritis Williams, and Kennedy Walker of Parkersburg were sentenced today to 96, 60, and 3 months in prison, respectively, for guilty pleas each previously entered for their involvement in a conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. Heather Wells received a sentence of probation for five years.
All four defendants previously admitted to their involvement with several other individuals in distributing heroin at various locations throughout the Parkersburg area. The group was responsible for distributing between one and three kilograms of heroin.
Assistant United States Attorney John Frail is in charge of the prosecutions. The plea hearings were held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.
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Felon Sentenced to 15 Years for Possessing Loaded FirearmRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: A Savannah man with a long history of felony arrests and convictions has been sentenced to federal prison after his conviction for possessing a semi-automatic rifle with a high-capacity magazine.
United States District Judge Lisa Godbey Wood on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2018, sentenced Savannah resident Darryl Washington, 34, to 15 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. There is no parole in the federal system, and upon release, he will be placed on court supervision for an additional 5 years.
Mr. Washington was arrested March 1, 2017, when Savannah Police Department officers responded to a complaint that a man was waving a long gun at people in the area of West 32nd and Jefferson streets. As outlined in court records and public documents, officers detained Mr. Washington and later seized a loaded .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle with a high-capacity magazine containing 23 rounds of ammunition. As a convicted felon, Mr. Washington was prohibited from possessing the firearm and ammunition. Felons, drug users, illegal aliens, dishonorably discharged individuals, and others, are prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition.
Mr. Washington was no stranger to the criminal justice system, starting with arrests as a young teenager for burglary, trafficking cocaine and criminal trespass. As an adult, his convictions included obstructing justice, dispensing cocaine, battery of a police officer, and multiple convictions for terroristic threats. Those convictions included threatening to take an officer’s gun and shoot him with it; threatening – after his release from prison – to get his “chopper and start chopping people up”; and threatening to burn down an apartment complex.
“The Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are not going to tolerate felons possessing firearms,” said Southern District U. S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine. “We are going to prosecute felons who possess firearms with extreme vigor. Let this 15-year sentence serve as a warning to others felons who may consider having a gun: Don’t. Put the guns down, or we will lock you up for as long as possible.”
“Felons in possession of guns is one of this department’s highest priorities,” said Savannah Police Chief Mark Revenew. “In an effort to stop violence in our community, Savannah Police Department will continue to partner with our federal colleagues to ensure these offenders receive the stiffest sentence available.”
This case was investigated and prosecuted under the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN is a team of local and federal law enforcement entities devoted to making neighborhoods safe again.
This case was investigated by the Savannah Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Marcela Mateo and Greg Gilluly.
For any questions, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422.
Federal Inmate Charged with Possession of A WeaponRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Demitri Reese, age 26, an inmate at the United States Penitentiary, Allenwood (USP Allenwood), Pennsylvania, was indicted on August 23, 2018, for possession of a weapon in prison.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that on October 14, 2017, Reese was found in possession of a homemade piece of plastic, commonly referred to as a “shank,” that was designed to be used as a weapon.
The case was investigated by officers at USP Allenwood and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Alisan VanFleet is prosecuting the case.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The defendant is facing a maximum of five years of incarceration and a $250,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Federal Indictment Charges Two Southern Maryland Men with Three Counts of Distributing Fentanyl Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
Contact MARCIA MURPHY
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4854
Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury today returned a superseding indictment charging Rodney Mondell Coby, a/k/a “Cuz,” age 29, of Waldorf, Maryland, and Steven Jerome, of Leonardtown, Maryland, with distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. Coby is also charged with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and with being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Coby was initially indicted on the drug distribution and gun charges on May 21, 2018. The superseding indictment added Jerome as a new defendant and three counts of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death.
The superseding indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Acting Special Agent in Charge Scott Hoernke of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division; St. Mary’s County Sheriff Tim Cameron; and Charles County Sheriff Troy D. Berry.
U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur stated, “We are determined to reduce the number of opioid overdose deaths in Maryland. We’re particularly targeting those who sell fentanyl, the drug that is killing the most of our citizens. Drug traffickers are on notice that dealing in fentanyl increases their odds of federal prosecution.”
The six-count superseding indictment alleges that Coby and Jerome distributed fentanyl to an individual on September 6, 2017, resulting in death. Further, the indictment charges Coby and Jerome individually with distributing fentanyl on November 29, 2017 and March 27, 2018, respectively, resulting in death. Coby is also charged with possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and illegally possessing five semi-automatic pistols and 159 rounds of various types of ammunition.
If convicted, Coby and Jerome face a mandatory minimum of 20 years and up to life in prison for each of two counts of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. Coby also faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances; a maximum of life in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and a maximum of 10 years in prison for being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Coby has been in custody since his arrest on April 13, 2018. Jerome is also detained on unrelated state charges. The defendants are expected to have an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt, but no date has been set.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the DEA and the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregory Bernstein and Erin Pulice, who are prosecuting the case.
Fairfield Man Sentenced for Owning Images of Sexual Abuse of ChildrenRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Richard Jay Sharp, 55, formerly of Fairfield, Ohio, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 120 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release for possession of child pornography.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Steve Francis, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), announced the sentence handed down today by U.S. District Judge Timothy S. Black.
According to court documents, Sharp engaged in sexually graphic conversation with an undercover Australian Federal Police Officer and discussed sexual behavior the defendant was engaged in or sought to engage in with prepubescent girls.
Sharp directed the undercover officer to a chatroom that included several images of child pornography. For example, two images depicted an adult male sexually abusing a prepubescent female. In the images, the child victim had her mouth and hand on the naked adult male’s penis.
As part of the investigation, it was learned that the FBI also had an ongoing investigation on the defendant. Federal authorities had been alerted after Shaw returned a company-owned laptop and other employees discovered a number of images and file names that were of child pornography.
A review of those images from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) found 13 of the images recovered were from 13 different known child victims.
Sharp was arrested in November 2016 in Pittsburgh, where he had recently relocated. His personal items were left with his landlord, who contacted agents concerning two computers and seven thumb drives. The electronic devices contained more than 1,300 images and videos of child erotica.
Sharp pleaded guilty in August 2017 to two counts of possessing child pornography, one charged in this District and one transferred from the Western District of Pennsylvania.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the cooperative investigation by HSI, FBI and the Australian Federal Police, as well as Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Oakley, who is representing the United States in this case.
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FBI and Local Law Enforcement Busts Cuban Fraud RingRead the Press Release
Card Skimming Devices and Stolen Checks Results in Eight Defendants Charged in Bank Fraud Conspiracy
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – August 27, 2018 – Eight members of a Cuban fraud ring have been charged with conspiracy and bank fraud for operating a fraudulent scheme which resulted in more than $700,000 in financial loss, announced U.S. Attorney Don Cochran for the Middle District of Tennessee. All of the defendants have pleaded guilty and all but three have been sentenced.
According to court documents, between July 2014 and July 2016, the defendants traveled from the Miami, Florida area and elsewhere to the middle Tennessee area for the purpose of stealing identities and bank account information. This was accomplished by placing card skimming devices on numerous gas pumps around the greater Nashville area. Once the skimming devices captured account information from customer’s cards, the fraud ring used the stolen account numbers to create re-encoded bankcards and then used the re-encoded bankcards to purchase electronics and other goods from retailers.
The fraud ring also stole business checks from customer mail boxes and then infiltrated the business bank accounts and used the stolen information to create fraudulent business checks. The fraudulent checks were made payable to defendants’ aliases and cashed at various financial institutions in the middle Tennessee area and elsewhere.
All of the defendants were charged during November and December 2017 and have pleaded guilty. Charged in the conspiracy are:
Alexis Salgueiro-Rodriguez, 27, sentenced to 60 months in prison;
Yasel Nodarse, 29, sentenced to 25 months in prison;
Daniel Martinez-Mazon, 39, and Luis Enrique Vazquez-Pedroso, 31, each sentenced to 23 months in prison; and
Alain Rivero-Rodriguez 37, sentenced to 22 months in prison.
Yuseff Antonio Elias, 32, Emilio Rafael-Gomez, 31, and Oscar Diaz de la Cruz, 30, are awaiting sentencing.
This case was investigated by the FBI; the LaVergne Police Department; and the Murfreesboro Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Siji Moore and Stephanie N. Toussaint are prosecuting the case.
Eastern Panhandle man sentenced to 22 years for drug distribution and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Gregory Keith Clinton, of Kearneysville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 264 months incarceration for drug and firearm charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
After a three-day trial in April 2018, a jury found Clinton, age 57, guilty of one count of “Armed Career Criminal Act,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base,” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride.” He was also found guilty of one count of “Possession of Cocaine Base” and one count of “Possession of Cocaine.” Clinton, having previously been convicted of three felony drug charges, illegally possessed a .45-caliber pistol and possessed crack cocaine and coke in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties in July 2016.
“When firearms are combined with drug distribution, bad things happen. Our prosecution once again made clear that we will relentlessly pursue this type of criminal conduct. The sentence is significant and we will continue to be aggressive with our prosecutions,” said Powell.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski and Special Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Elizabeth D. Grant, also with the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office, prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.Eastern Idaho Partnership Announces July 2018 Special AUSA Program ReportRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – United States Attorney Bart M. Davis and Bingham County Prosecuting Attorney Cleve B. Colson have announced that from January 2016 through July 13, 2018, the U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted an additional 105 offenders for firearm, illegal alien, child porn, violent crime, and drug-related crimes committed in eastern Idaho through the Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA) program.
Thus far, 65 of the 105 charged have been convicted and received federal sentences for a total of 3,882 months, averaging 5 years per criminal sentence. The 105 cases indicted were referred from 14 cities and 10 counties. It is estimated that the charges represent over $2.4 million in drugs seized and 73 illegally possessed firearms.
Presently, the average cost of incarceration per Idaho prison inmate per year is approximately $25,400, or $2,117 per month. Thus, the 3,882 months of federal sentences represents over $8.2 million in cost avoidance to the Idaho Department of Correction if the Idaho Department of Correction were to bear the costs.
Bannock County Prosecuting Attorney Stephen Herzog said, “The Partnership exemplifies what good things can happen when people work together toward the common goal of improving community safety.”
Power County Commissioner Bill Lasley said, “It’s amazing what materializes when our cities, counties, state and federal agencies join together in a collaborative unified front; maximizing resources against criminal activities across jurisdictional lines.”
“The collaborative effort of the partners has been instrumental to community safety and the dismantling of criminal networks throughout Eastern Idaho,” said Bingham County Prosecuting Attorney Cleve Colson.
“The Idaho Department of Correction is a proud partner of the Eastern Idaho Partnership. The SAUSA program has had amazing success improving the community safety in Eastern Idaho,” said Idaho Department of Correction Director Henry Atencio.
The eastern Idaho SAUSA program is sponsored by the Eastern Idaho Partnership (EIP), a coalition of local city and county officials in eastern Idaho. The EIP provides approximately 30 percent of the SAUSA’s salary and benefits; the State of Idaho through the Idaho Department of Correction contributes the remaining 70 percent. The project allows law enforcement to utilize federal sentences to see that persistent and violent criminals receive stiffer penalties than they might in state courts. Federal sentences are served out of-of-state, helping to disrupt criminal networks.
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Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 70 Months’ Jail for Distributing 1 Pound of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that on August 24, 2018, United States District Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., sentenced Leonides Carreno to imprisonment for 70 months, to be followed by a 4-year term of supervised release. Carreno was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846. On December 13, 2016, investigators used a confidential source to purchase approximately 1 pound of methamphetamine from defendant in exchange for $5,000.00. Investigators conducting surveillance observed and recorded the transaction, which occurred in Omaha, Nebraska. The transaction was arranged telephonically through a third party.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Omaha Field Division.
Dozens of Felons and Gang Members Convicted in Joint Federal, State, and Local InvestigationRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH GA: Nearly three dozen convicted felons have been removed from the streets of Savannah now that a joint law enforcement operation has resulted in the guilty plea of one of the final defendants.
In less than a year after dozens of indictments were handed down by a federal grand jury in late November 2017, more than 30 defendants have been convicted in federal court. On Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, Darryl McRae, 45, pled guilty to the distribution of crack cocaine, Southern District U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine announced.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the Savannah Police Department (SPD), and other agencies united to combat gang violence and “open air” drug sales in the historic Cuyler-Brownsville neighborhood in Savannah, Ga. As outlined in court documents and at various hearings, law enforcement agencies responded to neighborhood residents who complained about the ongoing crime and their fear of being shot while sitting on their own porches. These law enforcement agencies targeted and investigated dozens of criminals, resulting in federal indictments and convictions against 32 defendants.
During this operation, agents seized dozens of firearms, along with body armor, marijuana, cocaine, MDMA (commonly referred to as Ecstasy), heroin, methamphetamine and prescription pills. Many of the stolen firearms that were seized were linked to other crimes. For example, one of the firearms seized by law enforcement was used in 11 prior shootings. Another firearm was used in four shootings, including the shooting of the defendant found by investigators in possession of the firearm.
Combined, these defendants have decades of criminal history, with more than 100 prior state convictions; many of the defendants were on parole or probation at the time they committed the federal crimes. Additionally, some of the defendants were tied to national gangs, including the Bloods and the Crips, while some others were tied to local gangs, including CBV, or Cuyler Brownz Ville 39-41.
Many of the defendants have already been sentenced, including Deandre Davis, 31, who was sentenced to 188 months of in prison for distributing crack cocaine; and Trishon Collins, 23, who was sentenced to 130 months in prison for distributing crack cocaine and for being a felon in possession of a firearm. There is no parole in the federal system. Both Davis and Collins will be under court supervision for six years following their release from prison. Many defendants are awaiting sentencing and face potential maximum sentences of up to life in prison.
“We conducted the Cuyler-Brownsville investigation because this historic neighborhood was plagued with drug-dealing and gun violence,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “Parents and grandparents were afraid to let children play in their own yards because they feared stray bullets. Neighborhood residents worked with law enforcement to root out the troublemakers, and the strategy worked brilliantly. This collaboration between good, law-abiding citizens and law enforcement is a recipe for success.”
“The strong partnership between ATF, the USAO, GBI, SPD, USMS and Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, as well as the neighborhood residents, is integral to stopping violent individuals from terrorizing law-abiding citizens,” said Resident Agent-in-Charge Timothy Graden of the ATF. “This investigation is a testament to this successful collaboration. I am proud of the commitment that all participants have shown to this case.”
“Many of our citizens were aware and complained of the illegal and sometimes violent crimes committed by this organization,” said Savannah Police Department Chief Mark Revenew. “We partnered with our state and federal agencies to target and investigate these offenders. We are continuing our efforts to take these and other criminal groups down until they are all eradicated from our city.”
The following Savannah residents were convicted:
Jamal Brightwell, age 22,
Frederick Brown, a/k/a “Freddie B,” age 36,
Derrick Butler, a/k/a “Rico,” age 29,
Animahaun Cole, age 43,
Trishon Collins, age 23,
Andre Cooper, a/k/a “Minuteman,” a/k/a “Coop,” age 30,
Deandre Davis, age 31,
Omesimus Franklin, age 42,
Baheem Frazier, age 25,
Jadonte Gadsden, a/k/a “Jadonte Hood,” age 20,
George Graham, age 38,
Lorenzo Graham, a/k/a “Zo,” age 31,
Eshon Grant, age 25,
Dennis Grubbs, a/k/a “Lil Red,” age 33,
Julian Harris, a/k/a “Ju Ju,” age 50,
Nathaniel Harvey, age 20,
Robert Jivens, age 30,
Darrell McRae, a/k/a “General,” a/k/a “Ghetto,” age 44,
George Truman Polite, age 29,
Joseph Price, age 32,
Emmitt Scott, a/k/a “Scooda,” 32,
John Scott, age 20,
Shawn Seibert, age 26,
Leonard Washington, a/k/a “Guzzi,” age 38,
Floyd Williams, a/k/a “Ricardo Williams,” age 65,
Brandon Williams, a/k/a “Lil’ B,” age 26,
Raheem Williams, a/k/a “Bucket,” age 25,
Raynard Williams, age 20,
Tyrone Williams, a/k/a “T Y,” age 42,
Quentin Wright, age 35,
Deonta Young, a/k/a “Fluid,” a/k/a “Flow,” a/k/a “Lil D,” a/k/a “D”, age 27, and
Larry Young, age 39,
This case was investigated by ATF, GBI, SPD, and the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the United States Marshals and the Chatham County District Attorney’s Office. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Greg Gilluly, Tania Groover, and Matt Josephson. For questions, please contact Barry Paschal, Public Affairs Officer (Contractor), at 912-652-4422.
Douglas Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Douglas man was sentenced in federal court in Worcester on Friday, Aug. 24, 2018, for possession of child pornography.
Bryan Larson, 46, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 11 years in prison and five years of supervised release. In November 2017, Larson pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography.
A search of Larson’s home in June 2015 resulted in the recovery of thousands of images of child pornography on his computer. The images and videos primarily depicted girls aged 4-8 engaged in sexual acts - including oral, anal and vaginal sex - with adult men. Approximately 4,000 of the images contained known victims, and many of those victims submitted impact statements for the Court to consider at sentencing. Larson was previously convicted of three counts of rape of a child in 1995.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Douglas Police Chief Nick Miglionico made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karin M. Bell, Deputy Chief of Lelling’s Criminal Division, prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
District Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Brazen Robberies of Spanish-Speaking WorkersRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Tyquise Powell, 19, of Washington, D.C., has been sentenced to a 10-year prison term for his role in an armed robbery and a robbery, both in broad daylight, that targeted Spanish-speaking workers in two neighborhoods over a 48-hour period in November of 2017, U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu announced today.
Powell pled guilty in June 2018 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to one count of armed robbery and one count of robbery. The plea, which was contingent upon the Court’s approval, called for a prison sentence of seven to 11 years. The Honorable José M. López accepted the plea and sentenced Powell accordingly on Aug. 24, 2018. Following his prison term, Powell will be placed on five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, on Nov. 27, 2017, Powell took part in an armed robbery at approximately 11:50 a.m. targeting a crew of Spanish-speaking landscapers who were working at a church on the 2800 block of Bladensburg Road NE. During that robbery, Powell and two unidentified associates approached the workers, brandishing a firearm, and demanded their property. While one of the three robbers held the firearm, the other two went through the victim’s pockets and removed their person property. Also, Powell and the two associates discharged a firearm in an attempt to scare off several of the victims who attempted to pursue the suspects as they fled from the scene of the robbery.
Then, on Nov. 29, 2017, Powell and an unidentified accomplice took part in a robbery at 10:30 a.m., this time targeting Spanish-speaking construction workers who were renovating a home in the 3600 block of Camden Street SE, robbing the workers at gunpoint and taking an iPhone and wallet containing bank and credit cards.
Powell was arrested on Jan. 5, 2018, and has been in custody ever since.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Liu commended the work of the Metropolitan Police Department, including the officers in the Fifth and Sixth Districts who quickly investigated and arrested Powell. She also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Kerkhoff and Kathryn Rakoczy, and Paralegal Specialist Antoinette Sakamsa. Finally, she commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Crane, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Detroit Man Sentenced for Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man who was caught with a firearm after a bar fight in Huntington in April of 2013 was sentenced today to 30 months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. James Anthony Mitchell, 25, previously pled guilty to prohibited possession of a firearm by a felon. U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Huntington Police Department and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
“What do you call a felon from Detroit with an illegal firearm who gets in a bar fight in Huntington? An inmate,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Nothing good ever happens after midnight. And nothing good happens at a bar at 3:00a.m. either. A prior felon, this wise guy decides to travel to Huntington with a prohibited firearm and get in a fight at a bar. Not such a wise guy after all.”
At approximately 3:00a.m. on April 7, 2013, officers with the Huntington Police Department were dispatched to the Rehab bar located in the 1200 block of 4th Avenue in Huntington to respond to a large fight in the bar’s parking lot. The caller also reported that an individual was injured at the scene. When an officer arrived at Rehab, a bystander provided a description of a male who had just left the area of the fight in possession of a gun. The officer radioed the description to other officers in the area and a separate officer observed Mitchell, who matched the suspect description, walking in front of the Greyhound bus station away from Rehab. The officer conducted a frisk of Mitchell and located a loaded Taurus .38 caliber pistol that Mitchell had concealed in his waistband. Officers also discovered that Mitchell had previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses, including the offense of assault during the commission of a felony in Cabell County Circuit Court, and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution. The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
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Defendant Charged with Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute Imitation Designer DrugRead the Press Release
Alfredo Rodriguez was arraigned this morning before United States Magistrate Judge Vera M. Scanlon at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn on a two-count indictment charging him with conspiring to distribute, and with attempting to possess with the intent to distribute, N-ethylpentylone, a Schedule I controlled substance analogue. The indictment was filed on August 17, 2018, and the case is assigned to United States District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis. Rodriguez was arrested on August 2, 2018, and at his initial appearance in court on August 3, 2018 was ordered detained.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Angel M. Melendez, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New York, and Frank Russo, Acting Director, New York Field Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), announced the charges.
“The proactive efforts of our law enforcement partners slammed the door shut on the defendant’s efforts to obtain this dangerous drug, shipped by mail from China, to be sold on our streets,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “This indictment demonstrates the commitment by the Department of Justice and our partners in law enforcement to combat the drug epidemic in our nation, enforcing zero tolerance for controlled substances, whether they are grown in a field or created in a laboratory.” Mr. Donoghue extended his grateful appreciation to ICE-HSI’s Border Enforcement Task Force and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) for their investigative work and assistance in the case.
“This is another case where interagency cooperation has stopped the attempted international distribution of a dangerous ‘designer’ drug, in this case one mimicking Ecstasy,” stated ICE HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Melendez. “Whether via the Internet or regular mail, HSI and cooperating agencies are penetrating these operations, no matter how big or how small, on a regular basis and bringing the individuals involved to justice.”
“This case serves as a great example of collaborative law enforcement efforts to combat international narcotics trafficking conspirators,” stated CBP Acting Director Russo. “U.S. Customs and Border Protection thanks our partners at HSI and ICE for their continued cooperation.”
According to the indictment and other court filings, Rodriguez purchased what he believed to be “Molly” – the street name for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, also commonly referred to as “MDMA” or “ecstasy” – from a supplier in China, which he intended to sell to another individual for distribution. CBP intercepted the package when it arrived in the United States in July 2018, and upon examination found over 2,000 grams of N-ethylpentylone, a controlled substance analogue. N-ethylpentylone can resemble Molly in appearance and has been sold on the street as such.
After removing the N-ethylpentylone from the package and replacing it with a product that resembled the controlled substance, law enforcement personnel, including agents of the USPIS, delivered the package to an address in Jamaica, Queens, where Rodriguez was arrested after accepting the package.
If convicted, Rodriguez faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment on each count of the indictment.
The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section. Assistant United States Attorney Justina L. Geraci is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
Alfredo Rodriguez
Age: 33
Carteret, New JerseyE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-444 (NGG)
Correctional Officer Sentenced to over 4 Years in Federal Prison for A Racketeering Conspiracy at Eastern Correctional InstitutionRead the Press Release
Contact MARCIA MURPHY
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4854
Baltimore, Maryland – Chief U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Correctional Officer Rachelle Hankerson, age 28, of Salisbury, Maryland, on August 24, 2018, to 52 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for a racketeering conspiracy operating at the Eastern Correctional Institution in Westover, Maryland, and for deprivation of rights under color of law for participating in the stabbing of an inmate.
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; Postal Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division; Secretary Stephen T. Moyer of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services; and Colonel William M. Pallozzi, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.
“As demonstrated by today’s sentence, public servants who violate their duty for personal gain will be held accountable. We will continue to work closely with state officials to root out and prosecute correctional officers who bring cell phones, drugs and other contraband into correctional facilities,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur.
According to court documents, the Eastern Correctional Institution (ECI) is the largest state prison in Maryland, operating since 1987 near Westover, in Somerset County, on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. During the conspiracy, Hankerson was a Correctional Officer (CO) at ECI.
Hankerson admitted that she accepted payments from facilitators and inmates to smuggle contraband into ECI, including narcotics, cell phones and tobacco. Hankerson charged at least $500 per package of contraband she smuggled into ECI. Hankerson also admitted that she approached a co-defendant who was a member of the Bloods gang at ECI for whom she smuggled contraband, and asked the inmate to confront inmate D.S., with whom Hankerson had had a verbal dispute. Hankerson twice allowed her co-defendant onto the tier where D.S. was housed. The second time that the co-defendant entered D.S.’s cell he violently attacked D.S., stabbing him multiple times. Another inmate told Hankerson about the violent confrontation, but rather than notifying prison authorities, Hankerson left the area. She later told an inmate to provide a false story to prison authorities that Hankerson had not been on the tier when the attack occurred. Law enforcement intercepted multiple calls in which Hankerson and others working with her discussed contraband, arranging meetings with correctional officers, and payment for contraband.
Of the 80 defendants charged in this case, 77 have been convicted, including 16 of the 18 correctional officers charged. All the defendants who have been sentenced to date have been ordered to serve a term of imprisonment, ranging from a year and a day in prison to 65 months in prison.
The U.S. Attorney expressed appreciation to Secretary Moyer, whose staff initiated the ECI investigation and who has made the full resources of the DPSCS available to assist the three-year investigation. U.S. Attorney Hur also commended the efforts of the Maryland Prison Task Force which has brought together federal, state and local agencies in meetings to generate reforms in prison procedures and facilitate joint investigations of prison corruption and prison gangs. Mr. Hur thanked the members of the Maryland Prison Task Force and the other agencies who assisted in this investigation and prosecution.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the Baltimore Police Department, and the Maryland State Police for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leo J. Wise, Robert R. Harding, and Daniel C. Gardner, who are prosecuting this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.
Connecting Dots, Providing Investigative Leads:Read the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY – In June, law enforcement officials in Utah announced the formation of the Crime Gun Intelligence Center (GCIC) in Utah that brings together cutting-edge technologies and local, state, and federal law enforcement resources to give law enforcement officers real-time data and investigative leads to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms.
Utilizing tools like the ATF National Tracing Center and ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and forensics experts are focusing on the “trigger pullers” in Utah and other violent criminals. The goal of the CGIC is to connect the dots and provide actionable investigative leads in a real-time manner that will result in the arrest of suspects before they can commit additional shootings or other violence crimes.
How is the new initiative working?
A recently unsealed federal case, which started with an individual firing multiple shots from his vehicle at a residence in South Salt Lake City, offers a graphic example of the important role the NIBIN network and the CGIC are playing in piecing together a trail of violent crime that touched at least two Utah neighborhoods.
A criminal complaint filed Aug.15, 2018, charges Rory Curtis Cordova, aka “Joker,” age 50, of Ogden, with two counts of possessing a firearm following a felony conviction. The complaint alleges that close to midnight on June 30, 2018, South Salt Lake City police officers responded to reports of gunfire at a residence. Officers learned that an unidentified individual had fired multiple shots at the residence from a vehicle. Eight bullets struck the residence. Two individuals were inside the home at the time.
Evidence was gathered from a home surveillance camera. Based on the video information and additional information provided by a resident of the home, law enforcement officers were able to identify Rory Cordova as a suspect in the case. An attempt to locate Cordova was issued to police agencies. At approximately, 3:15 a.m., the complaint says, law enforcement officers from multiple agencies located Cordova’s vehicle in Ogden and took him into custody.
During the course of the investigation, officers recovered several shell casings from inside Cordova’s vehicle where they also located a stolen Glock 26 9mm handgun. During their investigation, officers also obtained surveillance of Cordova purchasing two boxes of 9 mm ammunition at a Walmart prior to the shooting.
The spent shell casings from the South Salt Lake shooting and shell casings from Cordova’s car – as well as the stolen 9mm handgun – were sent to the CGIC for entry into the ATF NIBIN network.
Firearms leave unique markings on ammunition and casings as it is discharged from the firearm. NIBIN stores images of those markings, which identify the signature of the firearm. These images are analyzed and compared against other NIBIN entries for matches or “hits.” A “hit” indicates that the markings are the same on the ammunition or casings and would have been fired from the same firearm.
Since purchasing the NIBIN machine in August 24, 2017, DPS has entered more than 1,200 shell casings, resulting in 56 groups of hits totaling 75 case associations. Fifteen of the 56 group hits involve three or more shootings linked to serial shooters.
According to the complaint, the NIBIN analysis revealed that the markings on the spent shell casings recovered from the scene of the South Salt Lake shooting matched the spent shell casings recovered from Cordova’s car.
The NIBIN analysis also linked the Glock handgun recovered from Cordova’s vehicle to spent shell casings recovered from the scene of a shots fired call in Ogden on June 8, 2018.
According to the complaint, the Ogden incident involved a man pulling up in front of a residence where a child’s birthday party was taking place. As shots were fired at the residence from the vehicle, witnesses described grabbing children and running from the residence. Officers located several bullet holes and marks on the exterior of the residence, the front window of the residence, and the windshield of a vehicle parked in the driveway at the residence. Witness statements describing the shooter and the vehicle he was driving were consistent with Cordova’s driver’s license photo and matched a vehicle registered to Cordova.
Cordova is a documented Ogden Trece gang member and has numerous felony convictions, leading to his restricted status under federal law firearms laws, according to the complaint. The potential maximum penalty for each of the two counts in the complaint is 10 years in federal prison.
Other examples:
US v Llewelyn: On January 20, 2018, Justin Gary Llewelyn, age 34, of Herriman, Utah, opened fire on a Unified Police officer when the officer made contact with Llewelyn near an apartment complex in Herriman. After firing at the officer, who was not physically injured, Llewelyn fled and broke into a unit at the apartment complex where he shot the apartment resident and stole his vehicle.
On January 24, 2018, officers located Llewelyn driving a stolen vehicle in Provo. Llewelyn fled from officers, who pursued him through Provo, Springville, and Spanish Fork.
Ultimately, Llewelyn was taken into custody when a Utah County Sheriff’s Deputy successfully disabled the stolen vehicle he was driving. Within the stolen vehicle, officers located a .45 ACP caliber pistol and were able to make NIBIN comparisons between the spent shell casings recovered from the Herriman crime scene and a test fired round from the .45 ACP pistol recovered from the vehicle driven by Llewelyn. The NIBIN analysis confirmed that the .45 ACP spent shell casings at the Herriman crime scene matched the .45 ACP test fired spent shell casing.
Llewelyn is charged in two separate federal indictments with possession of a firearm following a felony conviction.
He faces up to 10 years in prison for each count of felon in possession of a firearm. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is scheduled for trial in the cases in September.
US v Cruz: Lee Donald Cruz, age 39, of Ogden, is charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition in a federal indictment returned in July. The firearm was located in the tank of a toilet during a search of a home in connection with a law enforcement investigation. NIBIN analysis of a test-fired round from the gun produced a “hit” on the gun for a shooting involving a rival gang member a week earlier.
Cruz has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is scheduled for a two-day trial starting Oct. 9, 2018, before U.S. District Judge Robert J. Shelby. He faces separate charges for aggravated burglary and aggravated kidnapping in state court.
Complaints and indictments are not findings of guilt. Individuals charged in these documents are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in court.
Columbus Felon Sentenced to More Than Eight Years in Prison for Possession of A Firearm Under Project Safe NeighborhoodsRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS: United States Attorney Charles E. Peeler announces that Watkins Brown, age 25, of Columbus, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 103 months in prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. The sentence was handed down by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Clay D. Land on August 21, 2018.
Mr. Brown was found guilty following a jury trial June 13-14, 2018. Evidence presented at the trial showed that on September 5, 2017, officers with the Columbus Police Department and the Department of Community Supervision were attempting to serve probation violation warrants on Mr. Brown when he fled. After a short chase, Mr. Brown was apprehended, and a loaded.380 handgun was found adjacent to his leg. Mr. Brown had previously been convicted of Robbery by Snatching, Sale of Marijuana, and Burglary, and he was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
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.
“My office will vigorously seek to prosecute felons with firearms,” said United States Attorney Charles E. Peeler. “I commend the Columbus Police Department, the Georgia Department of Community Supervision and the FBI for their work in this case.”
This case was investigated by the Columbus Police Department, the Georgia Department of Community Supervision and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Melvin E. Hyde, Jr. prosecuted 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.
Columbia, Tennessee Man Facing Federal Firearms and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – August 27, 2018 – Jacob Michael Goethe, 26, of Columbia, Tennessee, was charged in a criminal complaint on Friday with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and possession and distribution of heroin, after he purchased a 9mm handgun from an undercover officer, announced U.S. Attorney Don Cochran of the Middle District of Tennessee.
According to the criminal complaint, Goethe had been the target of a drug trafficking investigation in Maury County, Tennessee and had sold heroin to an undercover officer on prior occasions. At the conclusion of one drug transaction, Goethe asked the undercover officer if he could get him a pistol and specified that he was interested in a small compact handgun.
On August 22, 2018, Goethe texted the undercover officer and arranged to purchase a handgun by negotiating a trade for approximately 3.5 grams of heroin. On August 24, 2018, ATF agents made a controlled delivery of a Glock 9mm handgun to Goethe in exchange for the heroin. Goethe was immediately taken into custody.
If convicted, Goethe faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the ATF; the Maury County Sheriff’s Department; the 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force; the 22nd Judicial District Drug Task Force; and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynne T. Ingram is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Church Pastor Pleads Guilty to Setting Fire to His Apartment in Scam to Collect Insurance MoneyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jamel Carelock, 28, the pastor of a Baltimore church, pled guilty today to setting fire to an apartment he rented in Southeast Washington in a plan to collect insurance money, announced U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu, Thomas L. Chittum III, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Peter Newsham, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Carelock, pastor of Lead Church, pled guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to charges of arson, felony destruction of property, and second-degree insurance fraud. The trial in the case was scheduled to begin on Aug. 28, 2018. The Honorable Jennifer A. Di Toro scheduled sentencing for Oct. 26, 2018.
According to the government’s evidence, on Dec. 17, 2017, at approximately 1 a.m., Carelock intentionally set fire to his apartment unit in a complex in the 2500 block of R Street SE. Carelock soaked his mattress with gasoline and lit the mattress on fire, causing the fire to burn and causing extensive damage to his unit and the surrounding apartments.
The apartment complex includes 94 units, and the residents included small children and elderly individuals, who were home at the time of the fire and forced to evacuate. The fire caused more than $40,000 worth of damage and rendered at least one of the neighboring apartments uninhabitable. A law enforcement investigation revealed that Carelock had applied for an insurance policy eight days prior to the fire. He later filed a claim for more than $11,000 in damage to his property, with the intent to defraud the insurance company.
In making the insurance claim, the evidence showed, Carelock presented materially false information. He misrepresented that he was not responsible for the fire, falsely claimed that he was in Georgia at the time of the blaze, and falsely claimed that he lost personal items, to include suits and a television. In fact, Carelock had removed those items from the unit before the fire and he still had them at the time that he made the insurance claim.
The investigation also determined that Carelock’s cell phone was one mile away from the fire, five minutes after the fire alarm was pulled. Carelock was arrested on Jan. 19, 2018 and has been in custody ever since.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Liu, Special Agent in Charge Chittum, and Chief Newsham commended the work of those who investigated the case from the ATF and MPD. They also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the District of Columbia Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services and the FBI’s Cellular Analysis Survey Team. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Elizabeth Trosman, Chief of the Appellate Division; Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chrisellen Kolb, Julianne Johnston, John Hill, and Veronica Sanchez; Librarian Lisa Kosow, and Paralegal Specialist Debra McPherson.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristina Wolf, Alissa Kempler and Melissa Price, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Chris Jones and Kezia Dover Sentenced to Prison for Their Roles in Johnson City Eastman Credit Union RobberyRead the Press Release
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – Two individuals have been sentenced for their roles in the April 2016 robbery of the Eastman Credit Union (credit union) in Johnson City, Tennessee. On August 16, 2018, Kezia Dover, 37, of Johnson City, Tennessee, was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison. Chris Jones, 29, of Johnson City, Tennessee, was sentenced on August 27, 2018, to serve 98 months in federal prison.
In March 2017, a federal grand jury charged both Dover and Jones with conspiracy to commit bank robbery and bank robbery. Jones was also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Dover pleaded guilty in April 2018 to one count of conspiracy to commit bank robbery. Jones also pleaded guilty in April 2018 to conspiracy to commit bank robbery, bank robbery and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to their plea agreements on file with U.S. District Court, Dover and Jones conspired to rob the credit union and split the proceeds. Dover drove Jones to the credit union in a borrowed vehicle and parked in a nearby parking lot. Jones entered the credit union and gave the teller a note that said, “got BoomB NO Cop’s No Dye PACK’s Put MONey in Bag.” He subsequently put a white bag on the counter, in which the teller placed money and handed it back to him. Jones exited the building and departed in the vehicle that Dover was waiting in to drive them away.
On the day following the credit union robbery, Jones took possession of a Smith & Wesson 9mm semi-automatic pistol and ammunition, knowing he was not permitted to possess a firearm because of a prior felony conviction. The following day Dover and Jones were involved in a high-speed pursuit by the police in which Dover lost control and crashed the vehicle that she and Jones occupied. After the crash, Jones ran from the passenger side of the vehicle, carrying the firearm and ammunition. He was pursued on foot by the police and eventually apprehended, still in possession of the firearm and ammunition.
These charges and subsequent sentencings were the result of an investigation by the FBI, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and Johnson City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney TJ Harker represented the United States in court proceedings.
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Cheektowaga Man Sentenced for Operating A Cocaine Conspiracy Near A Buffalo SchoolRead 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 Aaron Hill, 31, of Cheektowaga, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 500 grams or more of cocaine, was sentenced to serve 37 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan A. Tokash, who handled the case, stated that the defendant conspired with Stevie Alejandro who operated the Barberians Barber Shop at 1132 East Lovejoy Street, which is located directly across from Buffalo Public School #43, the Lovejoy Discovery School. Between May 2017 and October 18, 2017, the defendant participated in the cocaine conspiracy with co-defendants Alejandro, Cleophus Dentmond, Gilbert Guzman, Catherine Ramos, and others, to distribute cocaine in the Lovejoy District.
During the conspiracy, Alejandro conducted negotiations with an undercover law enforcement officer regarding the sale, cost, amount, and delivery of cocaine. Then, Hill, or one of his co-conspirators, would conduct the drug transaction with the undercover officer. All proceeds went back to Alejandro. The defendant was involved in a total of 14 cocaine sales, either direct hand to hand sales, or by facilitating the distribution via other co-conspirators.
Defendants Alejandro, Guzman, and Dentmond were previously convicted. Charges are pending against Catherine Ramos. 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.
Today’s sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of James J. Hunt, Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Field Division; the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood; the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Zak; and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Howard
California Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Role in Drug Conspiracy and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that on Aug. 23, 2018, Enrique Ayon Duenas, 61, of California, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess to serve 10 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy that brought controlled substances, including heroin and methamphetamine, from California into Alaska. Duenas pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and money laundering charges on Oct. 5, 2017.
According to court documents, between August 2015 to July 2016, Duenas entered into an agreement with co-conspirators to obtain controlled substances, including 1000 grams or more of heroin and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, from sources in California, which were then to be distributed in Alaska. Additionally, Duenas and others laundered the proceeds from the illegal sale of narcotics through financial institutions located in Alaska and California, with the purpose of concealing the true nature of the money. For example, the money was laundered by transferring it between Alaska and California by various means, including bank deposits made in Alaska into bank accounts in other people’s names, and thereafter by withdrawals in California.
Two additional co-conspirators were indicted for criminal conduct related to this drug conspiracy. The following defendants have pleaded guilty to criminal charges and have been sentenced to the following prison terms:
- Juan Carlos Hernandez, sentenced to 44 months in prison on April 14, 2018, for drug conspiracy;
- Oscar Josue Maldonado, sentenced to two years in prison on Feb. 27, 2018, for drug conspiracy.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephan A. Collins.
California Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and Trading Cocaine for FirearmsRead the Press Release
MEDFORD, Ore. – Gonzalo Manzo, Jr., 33, of Fresno, California, pleaded guilty today to one count each of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, in 2017, Manzo coordinated the shipment of a kilogram of cocaine from California to Southern Oregon. Manzo and his co-conspirators sold the cocaine to undercover agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in Oregon in exchange for firearms and $21,000 in cash. Manzo intended for the firearms and cash to be transported back to California but agents arrested Manzo and his co-conspirators and the firearms were seized by law enforcement.
Manzo faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, a $5 million fine and four years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on January 24, 2019 before U.S. District Court Judge Ann Aiken. Co-defendants Jonathan Ochoa and Rodolfo Quevedo also face criminal charges; their cases are pending in federal court.
The case was investigated by ATF and is being prosecuted by Nathan J. Lichvarcik and Adam E. Delph, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Erick Pizarro, 37, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charges carry mandatory minimum of five years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Astorga, who is handling the case, stated that on June 9, 2015, the Buffalo and Lackawanna Police Departments a search warrant at the defendant’s Schuele Avenue residence. Officers recovered bags of heroin, a digital scale with heroin residue, a sifter with heroin residue, a spoon with heroin residue, a bottle of cutting agent, ammunition, and a loaded firearm.
On April 9, 2003, Pizarro was convicted of Attempted Robbery in the Second Degree in Erie County Court and sentenced to 30 months in prison. As a result, he is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Gary Loeffert, Special Agent-in-Charge, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ashan Benedict, the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood, and the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Michel.Sentencing is scheduled for January 4, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. before judge Vilardo.
Buffalo Man Charged with Selling Crack Cocaine Near Senior Housing in LackawannaRead 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 Nafese J. Sanford, 26, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, crack cocaine. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura A. Higgins, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, the Lackawanna Police Narcotics Unit has been investigating the narcotics trafficking activities of the defendant since June 2018. The investigation determined that Sanford is a street-level crack cocaine distributor with a large customer base in the Buffalo area who operated around the Parkview Towers, a federally funded senior housing unit on Ridge Road in Lackawanna.
Between July 13, 2018, and August 22, 2018, the Lackawanna Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration made three undercover purchases of crack cocaine from the defendant.
The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder and is being detained.
The complaint is the culmination of an investigation by the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Michel, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division.
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.
Bronx Man Sentenced on Heroin 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 Eriel Rivera, 42, of Bronx, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, was sentenced to serve 41 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura A. Higgins, who handled the case, stated that on July 8 and July 22, 2017, the defendant sold a quantity of cocaine to a confidential source working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Rivera was arrested on September 29, 2017, in a coffee shop in Niagara Falls, NY. At the time, the defendant was in possession of $1,885 in cash and a quantity of suspected heroin.
The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ashan Benedict.
Boulder Doctor Pleads Guilty to Bankruptcy FraudRead the Press Release
DENVER – Cathleen Van Buskirk, age 55, from Erie, Colorado, a doctor and surgeon from Boulder, Colorado, pled guilty Friday before U.S. District Court Judge William J. Martinez to Bankruptcy Fraud, U.S. Attorney Bob Troyer and FBI Denver Division Special Agent in Charge Calvin Shivers announced. Van Buskirk appeared and was released on bond. She is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Martinez on November 28, 2018. She was indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver on December 4, 2017.
When Van Buskirk filed for bankruptcy in August 2014, she deliberately failed to disclose certain assets and took various steps to conceal her interest in those concealed assets. By her efforts, Van Buskirk concealed somewhere between $250,000-$500,000 worth of property that should have been part of her bankruptcy estate. Among the things, Van Buskirk concealed her property by giving a friend gold and silver coins, foreign currency, a diamond ring, and $48,000 in cash to hold for her. She also routed $170,000 through various shell companies that were registered in the names of others but which Van Buskirk actually controlled.
This case was investigated by the FBI. The defendant was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Pegeen Rhyne and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Burrows.
Big Lake Man Convicted of Attempted Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that on Aug. 23, 2018, U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Gleason found Stephen Christopher Howe, 44, of Big Lake, guilty of attempted production and receipt of child pornography, attempted enticement of a minor, and attempted transfer of obscene matter to a minor. Howe had previously pled guilty to possession of child pornography.
Howe was found guilty after a four-day bench trial before Judge Gleason. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 7, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. in Anchorage. As a result of his convictions, Howe faces a sentencing range of not less than 15 years in prison up to life. Each conviction carries a maximum fine of up to $250,000, terms of supervised release of five years to life, and a $100 special assessment.
According to evidence presented at trial, Howe responded to an undercover online advertisement posted by a law enforcement officer posing as a minor. Over the next 48 hours, the undercover officer and Howe exchanged 475 text messages. In these messages, the undercover and Howe discussed meeting to engage in sexual acts together. Howe told the undercover that he was an “ebhebophile,” that is “[someone] who like[s] post-pubescent adolescents),” and a pedophile, that is, an “adult who is attracted to children.” Howe also sent two images of his penis to the undercover, and repeatedly asked the undercover to take a photograph of his penis and send it to him.
This case was investigated by the Anchorage Police Department, Crimes Against Children Unit (CACU), with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Reardon.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices nationwide and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Baltimore Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Assaulting A Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
Contact MARCIA MURPHY
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4854
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Devin Braxton, age 28, of Baltimore, to five years in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for assaulting a federal officer.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Rob Cekada of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; and Interim Police Commissioner Gary Tuggle of the Baltimore Police Department.
“Law enforcement officers—including members of ATF and the Baltimore Police Department—routinely put their lives on the line for the sake of public safety,” said United States Attorney Robert K. Hur. “Those who assault these brave men and woman will be held accountable.”
“ATF Special Agents and Task Force Officers risk their safety and lives every day investigating violent offenders, including those who push drugs onto Baltimore’s streets. We do this to protect the community, and remove criminals and violence from their neighborhoods,” said ATF Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Rob Cekada. “Devin Braxton and Earl Williams showed no regard for human life when they violently beat our Task Force Officer, a member of our ATF family. We are immensely grateful that this TFO has made a full recovery and that these men are being held responsible for their crime.”
According to Braxton’s plea agreement, on January 18, 2017, an ATF Task Force Officer (TFO) was working undercover in an investigation of a drug dealer in Baltimore.
While wearing an audio recording device, the TFO met the target drug dealer in front of a carryout store in the 1800 block of North Gay Street in Baltimore, where the drug dealer gave the TFO packaged crack cocaine in exchange for cash. While the TFO was engaged in the transaction, Braxton’s co-defendant, Earl Williams, approached the TFO and poked his finger into the TFO’s hand that was holding the crack cocaine. The TFO attempted to excuse Williams, who persisted in his confrontation and began threatening the TFO. Braxton and Williams then blocked the exit to the business. The TFO attempted to push Williams into the corner of the store, but, as the TFO struggled with Williams, Braxton began striking the TFO. Williams then wrestled the TFO to the ground, where Braxton and Williams punched and kicked the TFO, causing serious injuries. Hearing the commotion over the TFO’s audio recording device, ATF agents rapidly responded to the scene. Before agents could arrive, Braxton and Williams left the store. As they fled, Williams took the TFO’s cell phone and Braxton took the TFO’s service weapon.
ATF agents apprehended Braxton and Williams a short time later. They also recovered the TFO’s phone and service weapon. The TFO was taken to the hospital for treatment of his injuries.
Earl Williams, age 30, of Baltimore, also pleaded guilty to assaulting a federal officer. If the Court accepts the plea, Williams will be sentenced to 66 months in prison, at his sentencing before Judge Bennett on September 12, 2018 at 3:00 p.m.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the ATF and the Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Sippel, who is prosecuting the case.
Another Cardenas Family Member Sent to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The son of the former Gulf Cartel leader has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of illegally possessing a firearm and impersonating a U.S. Marshal, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Osiel Cardenas Jr., 26, pleaded guilty May 22, 2018.
Today, U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr., handed Cardenas a 27-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. The court also ordered Cardenas to pay a $15,000 fine.
On March 14, 2018, authorities responded to the SKY Bar and Lounge in Brownsville in response to reports of an individual within the club brandishing a firearm. That person was identified as Cardenas. He was found next to his vehicle within the SKY Bar and Lounge parking lot and arrested for public intoxication. At the time of his arrest, Cardenas informed officers he was a U.S. Marshal and asked them to look at his badge. Hanging on his neck, under his shirt, officers located a gold colored Cameron County District Attorney’s badge. Officers also found a Bersa, .380 caliber firearm inside his vehicle which also contained his identification documents and U.S. currency.
Witnesses identified Cardenas as the individual inside the nightclub brandishing the firearm. They also identified the firearm recovered from his vehicle as the firearm they had seen Cardenas brandish within the nightclub. They indicated Cardenas had also displayed a gold colored badge and identified himself as a U.S. Marshal. The witnesses indicated Cardenas ordered patrons to leave the nightclub or they would be arrested for failure to follow his commands.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Brownsville Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel Castro is prosecuting the case.
Ambulance Company and its Municipal Clients Agree to Pay over $21 MillionRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas – Seven ambulance industry defendants have agreed to pay the government a total of over $21 million to settle a False Claims Act lawsuit alleging that they knowingly submitted claims to the Medicare and Medicaid programs that violated the Anti‑Kickback Statute, announced Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown today.
The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering, paying, soliciting, or receiving remuneration to induce referrals of items or services covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and other federally funded programs. The Anti-Kickback Statute is intended to ensure that medical providers’ judgments are not compromised by improper financial incentives and are instead based on the best interests of their patients.
The settlements announced today resolve allegations brought in a whistleblower action filed under the False Claims Act in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas by Stephen Dean. Dr. Dean alleged that East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System, Inc. and East Texas Medical Center Regional Health Services, Inc. (together, “the ETMC Defendants”), and their affiliated ambulance company, Paramedics Plus, LLC (“Paramedics Plus”), offered kickbacks to several municipal entities to secure their lucrative ambulance business, including Emergency Medical Services Authority (“EMSA”), Alameda County, California, and Pinellas County Emergency Medical Services Authority in Florida (“Pinellas EMSA”). The False Claims Act authorizes private parties to file suit for false claims on behalf of the United States, and permits the United States to intervene in such suits, as it did here in part.
Prior to intervening in Dr. Dean’s lawsuit, the United States settled with Alameda County and Pinellas EMSA. Alameda County agreed to pay the government $50,000, and Pinellas EMSA agreed to pay the United States $66,000, plus an additional $5,200 to the State of Florida. After filing suit against the ETMC Defendants, Paramedics Plus, EMSA, and its former president and CEO, Herbert Stephen Williamson, the United States settled with the ETMC Defendants and Paramedics Plus for $20.649 million and EMSA for $300,000. Williamson agreed to pay the United States and the State of Oklahoma $80,000. The latter two settlements were based on the defendants’ ability to pay.
“The United States’ efforts in this case ended abusive practices in the ambulance industry,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad A. Readler, for the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “These settlements demonstrate our commitment to ensuring that health care decisions are made based on patient needs, not a health care provider’s financial interests.”
“Paramedics Plus paid millions of dollars in illegal inducements over the course of a number of years,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown. “Williamson allegedly received gifts and also directed Paramedics Plus to make political contributions to local Oklahoma politicians, which EMSA could not do on its own. Sophisticated health care companies do not simply give away millions of dollars to referral sources without expecting something in exchange. Quid pro quo arrangements for the referral of health care business are illegal.”
The matters alleged in Dr. Dean’s action were investigated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas, the Civil Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and the states of California, Florida, Indiana, and Oklahoma. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Gillingham and Joshua Russ as well as Department of Justice Trial Attorney Claire Norsetter primarily handled the matter for the United States.
The False Claims Act claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. The case is captioned United States ex rel. Dean v. Paramedics Plus, LLC, et al., 4:14-CV-203. Dr. Dean will receive over $4.9 million as his share of the settlements.
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Ambulance Company and its Municipal Clients Agree to Pay over $21 Million to Settle Allegations of Unlawful Kickbacks and Improper Financial RelationshipsRead the Press Release
Seven ambulance industry defendants have agreed to pay the government a total of over $21 million to settle a False Claims Act lawsuit alleging that they knowingly submitted claims to the Medicare and Medicaid programs that violated the Anti‑Kickback Statute, the Justice Department announced today.
The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering, paying, soliciting, or receiving remuneration to induce referrals of items or services covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and other federally funded programs. The Anti-Kickback Statute is intended to ensure that medical providers’ judgments are not compromised by improper financial incentives and are instead based on the best interests of their patients.
The settlements announced today resolve allegations brought in a whistleblower action filed under the False Claims Act in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas by Stephen Dean. Dr. Dean alleged that East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System, Inc. and East Texas Medical Center Regional Health Services, Inc. (together, “the ETMC Defendants”), and their affiliated ambulance company, Paramedics Plus, LLC (“Paramedics Plus”), offered kickbacks to several municipal entities to secure their lucrative ambulance business, including Emergency Medical Services Authority (“EMSA”), Alameda County, California, and Pinellas County Emergency Medical Services Authority in Florida (“Pinellas EMSA”). The False Claims Act authorizes private parties to file suit for false claims on behalf of the United States, and permits the United States to intervene in such suits, as it did here in part.
Prior to intervening in Dr. Dean’s lawsuit, the United States settled with Alameda County and Pinellas EMSA. Alameda County agreed to pay the government $50,000, and Pinellas EMSA agreed to pay the United States $66,000, plus an additional $5,200 to the State of Florida. After filing suit against the ETMC Defendants, Paramedics Plus, EMSA, and its former president and CEO, Herbert Stephen Williamson, the United States settled with the ETMC Defendants and Paramedics Plus for $20.649 million and EMSA for $300,000. Williamson agreed to pay the United States and the State of Oklahoma $80,000. The latter two settlements were based on the defendants’ ability to pay.
“The United States’ efforts in this case ended abusive practices in the ambulance industry,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad A. Readler for the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “These settlements demonstrate our commitment to ensuring that health care decisions are made based on patient needs, not a health care provider’s financial interests.”
“Paramedics Plus paid millions of dollars in illegal inducements over the course of a number of years,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown for the Eastern District of Texas. “Williamson allegedly received gifts and also directed Paramedics Plus to make political contributions to local Oklahoma politicians, which EMSA could not do on its own. Sophisticated health care companies do not simply give away millions of dollars to referral sources without expecting something in exchange. Quid pro quo arrangements for the referral of health care business are illegal.”
The matters alleged in Dr. Dean’s action were investigated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas, the Civil Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and the states of California, Florida, Indiana, and Oklahoma.
The False Claims Act claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. The case is captioned United States ex rel. Dean v. Paramedics Plus, LLC, et al., 4:14-CV-203. Dr. Dean will receive over $4.9 million as his share of the settlements.
After Four Deportations, Mexican Citizen SentencedRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Mexican citizen who has been deported four times, Jorge Carrillo-Hernandez, 36, was sentenced today to 57 months in federal prison for unlawfully returning to the United States, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said. He was also sentenced to an additional term of 24 months in prison, to be served consecutively, because he was still on supervised release in another case when he unlawfully returned.
Records filed in court prior to his sentencing showed that between 2003 and 2013, he was convicted of aggravated assault, aggravated battery, domestic battery, three times for driving under the influence, and twice in federal court for unlawful re-entry following deportation subsequent to convictions for aggravated felonies.
In the present case, he came to the attention of Immigration and Customs Enforcement after his fourth arrest for DUI in April 2017.
McAllister commended Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon Patton for their work on the case.
25 August 2018
Sentencings Completed in Nineteen-Defendant Des Moines Drug and Firearms Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA – On August 24, 2018, sentencings were completed in the federal prosecution of nineteen defendants charged with methamphetamine trafficking and firearms offenses, stemming from the investigation of a multi-state drug trafficking organization announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Investigation of the methamphetamine and firearms trafficking organization began in April 2017, following the arrest of Shannon Paxton, age 47, on a violation of his federal supervised release. While Paxton was in custody at the Polk County Jail, he utilized the jail phone system to continue to operate his organization, directing the sale of methamphetamine, storage and movement of firearms, and collection of drug proceeds. Paxton also maintained contact with Fidel Rios, Jr., age 35, his methamphetamine source of supply in Pasco, Washington. Rios and Paxton met while incarcerated together in federal prison – Paxton was incarcerated for a 2013 conviction for possessing a firearm as a felon, and Rios was incarcerated for a 2013 conviction for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
The investigation culminated in the execution of 25 federal search warrants in Iowa and Washington in June 2017. In total, the organization was responsible for the distribution of over 300 pounds of methamphetamine in the Southern District of Iowa between January and June 2017; and nearly forty firearms were seized as result of the investigation. All defendants charged pleaded guilty and all defendants were sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose, with the exception of Casey Lee Hildebrand, who was sentenced by United States District Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger.
• Shannon Lee Paxton, 47, of Des Moines, sentenced to a total term of imprisonment of 390 months
• Fidel Rios, Jr., 35, of Pasco, Washington, sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 306 months
• Stacy Lynn Comstock, 45, of Des Moines, sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 240 months
• Kerry Drew Haegele, 48, of Des Moines, sentenced to a total term of imprisonment of 204 months
• Kira Leanne Fallis, 27, of Elkhart, sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 144 months
• Misty Marie Langrehr, 24, of Des Moines, sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 120 months
• Steven Lee Hooper, 47, of Maxwell, sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 151 months
• Kenneth Edward Williams, 54, of Des Moines, sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 204 months
• James Oren Phillips, 40, of Centerville, sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 78 months
• John Thomas Archer, 53, of Des Moines, sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 72 months
• Charles Astley, 64, of Des Moines, sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 48 months
• Marti Rai Miller, 52, of Des Moines, sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 160 months
• Marty Lee Belew, 52, of Des Moines, sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 72 months
• Charles Garrett Nielsen, 54, of Des Moines, sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 144 months
• Cary Mark Hollingsworth, 41, of Grimes, sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 114 months
• Richard Jason Martin, 42, of Des Moines, sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 132 months• Kendall Edward Barrett, 39, of Des Moines, sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 72 months
• Christina Marie Wright, 31, of Des Moines, sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 120 months
• Casey Lee Hildebrand, 39, of Des Moines, sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 188 months
This investigation was conducted by the Des Moines Police Department, United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the significant assistance of numerous state and local agencies, including the Iowa State Patrol, Mid-Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force, and the Central Iowa Drug Task Force. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions Statement on the Passing of Senator John McCainRead the Press Release
Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued the following statement on the passing of Senator John McCain:
"For John McCain, his country was his life. He was tireless in its service. Courage, determination, and relentless drive made him a great leader.
"To me, having served with him in the Senate for 20 years, his support for President Bush's surge in Iraq at a time when things had been going badly and public support had eroded, was one of the most dramatic, important, patriotic, and selfless actions I had the honor to witness in that body. His presidential aspirations were entirely set aside. He totally deployed his considerable strength and energy to what he believed was best for his country—and in service to those then fighting valiantly for the mission the nation had given them. It was a very contentious debate. His personal dedication and leadership moved a very uncertain decision to a favorable outcome.
"His ferocious tenacity for his country was unmatched. America has lost one of its greatest patriots."
24 August 2018
Wood County Man Pleads Guilty to Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Wood County man pled guilty today to child pornography crimes, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Nathan Kelley entered his guilty plea to one count of distribution or attempted distribution of child pornography, and one count of possessing child pornography. Stuart commended the investigative work of the Parkersburg Police Department and the West Virginia State Police.
“The sexual exploitation of children is disgusting,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Protecting our most vulnerable is my top priority and these horrific crimes will not be tolerated. Child sex offenders will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Kelley admitted to using his phone to send images depicting child pornography through Twitter to another person on November 18, 2017, at his residence in Wood County. He also admitted to possessing about 220 images and one video depicting child pornography on December 27, 2017, also at his residence in Wood County. He indicated that he acquired all of the images and the video from the Internet and stored them on his phone in an app called Keepsafe. Many of the images involved prepubescent children being subjected to sexually explicit conduct.
Kelley faces at least 5 and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on December 18, 2018. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Rada Herrald and Emily Wasserman are handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Wilson County Man Sentenced to 42 Months in Prison for Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced TROY LEE NEWSOME, JR., a/k/a “Slim,” 30 from Wilson, North Carolina, to 42 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
NEWSOME, was named in an eight-count Indictment filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina on November 29, 2017. Count 1 charged Conspiracy to Possess With the Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Heroin from November 2016 to June 2017, in violation of 21 U.S.C § 846. Counts 2 through 8 charged Distribution and Possession With Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Heroin on November 29, 2016; November 30, 2016; December 15, 2016; January 27, 2017; February 8, 2017; February 10, 2017; and May 30, 2017; respectively, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1).
The investigation revealed that in November of 2016, NEWSOME, became the target of a narcotics investigation by the Wilson Police Department and Wilson County Sherriff’s Office (WCSO). Investigators conducted a series of controlled purchases of heroin from NEWSOME.
On February 10, 2017, a search warrant was executed at NEWSOME’S Wilson residence. Officers encountered NEWSOME in a vehicle parked in the driveway, seated in the driver’s seat. A quantity of marijuana was located in the front of the vehicle. In the trunk of the vehicle, officers recovered 300 bags (3 grams) of heroin stamped with the label “Hot Sauce.” NEWSOME was charged in state court with two counts of Trafficking in Heroin, and was subsequently released on bond.
On May 30, 2017, officers with the WCSO attempted to perform a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by NEWSOME. NEWSOME, who had outstanding felony warrants, led officers on a two-mile high-speed chase, at times driving into oncoming traffic and endangering civilians. During the pursuit, NEWSOME drove directly toward a WSCO deputy in his patrol vehicle, which nearly resulted in a head-on collision with the officer.
From the investigation, law enforcement determined NEWSOME is accountable for trafficking heroin and marijuana between September 2016 and June 2017. He was also responsible for possessing a dangerous weapon.
Mr. Higdon commented: “Troy Lee Newsome, Jr. has been poisoning the streets of Wilson, North Caroloina and Wilson County for more than a decade. But now, with the imposition of a 42 months sentence, those communities can begin to recover from the effects of his crime. The Court’s sentence gives these communities that opportunity and we are very pleased that the United States Department of Justice could play a role in achieving that result. I want to commend the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wilson Police Department, for their excellent work in this case.”
The case is a federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) criminal matter and was investigated by the Wilson Police Department, Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Edward Gray prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.