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22 August 2018
Hartford Man Sentenced to More Than 8 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Drug RingRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GERARD BROWN, also known as “Goldie,” 38, of Hartford, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 100 months of imprisonment, followed by five years supervised release, for his role in a cocaine and crack cocaine distribution ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department that targeted a drug trafficking organization operating in Hartford’s North End. The investigation revealed that David Gil-Grande, of Manchester, received shipments of cocaine, secreted in sealed coffee cans, from Puerto Rico. He then supplied the cocaine to BROWN, Anthony “Pretty” Shelton, who is BROWN’s brother, and Trevon “B.J.” Terry. BROWN, Shelton and Terry then converted much of the cocaine into crack and distributed both forms of the drug in the area of Barbour Street in Hartford.
Twenty individuals were charged and convicted as a result of the investigation.
BROWN has been detained since his arrest on January 21, 2016. On that date, a search of BROWN’s Kensington Street residence revealed items used to process and package narcotics for street sale, and a search of BROWN’s person revealed $2,693 in cash.
On April 10, 2017, BROWN pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine
BROWN has forfeited the cash that was seized from him at the time of his arrest.
BROWN’s criminal history includes state firearm and drug convictions, and a robbery conviction for which he was sentenced to 18 years of incarceration, suspended after seven years.
Gil-Grande, Shelton and Terry previously pleaded guilty to related charges. On January 31, 2017, Gil-Grande was sentenced to 70 months of imprisonment, on December 18, 2017, Terry was sentenced to 57 months of imprisonment and, on August 7, 2018, Shelton was sentenced to 110 months of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, which includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division and the Drug Enforcement Administration have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
Gun Trafficker Sentenced to 10 years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Damien S. Pinckney, 36, of Goose Creek, South Carolina, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to the maximum penalty of 120 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. He was also ordered to pay an $8,000 fine.
Pinckney and a co-conspirator offered to trade money and high-caliber firearms for drugs to take back to South Carolina from Gulfport, Mississippi. During the transaction in Gulfport, agents seized the money and firearms offered by Pinckney and his co-conspirator. Pinckney, who has prior felony drug convictions in South Carolina, was subsequently arrested and convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Gulfport Man Pleads Guilty to Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Ronald David Barker, 40, of Gulfport, entered a guilty plea today before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Barker faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the firearm charge. He further faces fines of up to $250,000 along with 3 years of supervised release. He will be sentenced by Judge Ozerden on December 3, 2018, at 10:00 a.m.
Barker was previously convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking in 2008, in New Orleans. On December 30, 2016, Barker pawned a rifle in Harrison County, Mississippi. On January 4, 2017, the owner noticed the firearm was missing and reported it stolen. Harrison County Sheriff’s Department enforcement discovered Barker had pawned it and that he was a convicted felon on supervised release for his prior felony.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Gulfport Man Pleads Guilty to Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Keith Bernard Gardner, 24, of Gulfport, entered a guilty plea today before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Gardner faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the firearm charge. He further faces fines of up to $250,000 along with three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced by Judge Ozerden on December 6, 2018, at 9:00 a.m.
Gardner was convicted in Harrison County Circuit Court in 2014 of transfer of a controlled substance. On November 26, 2016, Gulfport Police responded to an apartment parking lot for shots fired. They found Gardner and others in a car with the obvious smell of marijuana. On searching the car, police found cocaine, marijuana, digital scales and two hand guns. Gardner admitted a Ruger pistol with an obliterated serial number was his.
The Gulfport Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Guatemalan National Pleads Guilty to Making False Statement on Passport Application and to Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RINA PAOLA CONDE GARCIA, age 37, a citizen of Guatemala, pleaded guilty today to a two-count indictment for making false statements on a passport application, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1542, and for illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to the indictment, on or about April 6, 2017, CONDE GARCIA applied for a passport and falsely stated that she was born in Puerto Rico, when in fact she was not. Further, on or about July 24, 2017, CONDE GARCIA was found in the United States after having been officially deported and removed on or about January 4, 2006.
CONDE GARCIA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of three years, and a mandatory $100 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan will sentence CONDE GARCIA on October 3, 2018.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.
Guatemalan National Pleads Guilty to Illegal Reentry After DeportationRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Guatemalan national pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to illegally reentering the United States after being deported.
Julio Cantoral Monterroso, 39, a Guatemalan national previously residing in Great Falls, R.I., pleaded guilty today to one count of illegal reentry of a deported alien. U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for Nov. 13, 2018.
On May 17, 2018, law enforcement officers in Dedham encountered Monterroso and determined him to be illegally present in the United States. Monterroso was previously deported on Aug. 21, 2002, and again on May 12, 2011.
Monterroso faces a sentence of no greater than two years in prison, one year of supervised release, a fine of $250,000, and will be subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Rebecca Adducci, Interim Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Four Aliens Indicted on Illegal Reentry Charges and Unlawful Flight to Avoid ProsecutionRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned indictments charging JUAN CHAVEZ-MORALES, age 42, of Mexico, GUADALUPE VASQUEZ, age 34, of Mexico, and VICTOR RODOLFO RIOS-LOPEZ, age 30, of Mexico, with illegal reentry of a deported alien.
Additionally, a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned an indictment charging JESUS MENDEZ-ROCHA, age 40, of Mexico, with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
If convicted of illegal reentry of a deported alien, CHAVEZ-MORALES, previously deported three times and found in Johnston County, would face maximum penalties of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of illegal reentry subsequent to a felony conviction, VASQUEZ, previously deported four times and found in New Hanover County after being convicted of possession/purchase for sale narcotic/controlled substance, and RIOS-LOPEZ, previously deported three times and found in Wake County after being convicted of reentry of a previously removed alien, would face a maximum imprisonment term of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
According to a criminal complaint, MENDEZ-ROCHA was wanted in Brunswick County on charges of Incest and Sex Acts by a Substitute Parent. Court records further indicate that MENDEZ-ROCHA had returned to Mexico soon after being confronted with the allegations. MENDEZ-ROCHA was charged in a criminal complaint with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution after being arrested by the United States Border Patrol under the name “Jesus Mendez-Bellanira” for illegally entering into the United States. If convicted, MENDEZ-ROCHA would face a maximum imprisonment term of 5 years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The cases are being investigated by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and the United States Marshals Service.
Founder of Lee County-Based Company Pleads Guilty to Securities FraudRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – On Wednesday, August 22, 2018, Kyle Geoffrey Sandler, 42, of Auburn, Alabama, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of securities fraud, announced Louis V. Franklin, Sr., U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama, James E. Jewell, Special Agent in Charge for the FBI, and Joseph P. Borg, Director of the Alabama Securities Commission.
The charges stemmed from Sandler soliciting and accepting over $1.8 million dollars from more than 50 investors in a scheme to defraud them. According to court records, from 2015 through 2016, Sandler founded and managed The Roundhouse LLC (Roundhouse), based in Lee County, Alabama. Throughout the Auburn and Opelika communities, Sandler advertised that Roundhouse was a business incubator company that helped develop new and startup companies by providing services such as venture capital, office space, 1-gigabit internet and management training.
During the course of business, Sandler made numerous misrepresentations and failed to share important information about his past. For example, he held himself out as a successful entrepreneur and former employee of Google, which, according to Sandler, paid him millions of dollars for his work during the time he worked there. Investors, relying on Sandler’s represented experience and expertise, turned over approximately $1.8 million dollars in investment funds to be used to further the business of Roundhouse. However, Sandler never actually worked for Google and he was using the investor funds for personal expenses such as childcare services, rent payments, purchases of automobiles and other personal needs.
In exchange for the fraudulently obtained investments, Sandler issued stock in Roundhouse and oversold the equity by approximately one hundred percent. Further, Sandler had prior felony convictions based on fraudulent conduct. He was required by law to disclose these prior felonies to potential investors.
Sandler faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment on each count of wire fraud and securities fraud, and a fine of not more than $5,000,000 on securities fraud.
“Sandler led people to believe he was a legitimate business man,” stated U.S. Attorney Franklin. “He took advantage of a community that trusted him as a business leader. We hope that this prosecution sends a clear message that such conduct will not be tolerated.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge James Jewell stated, “The FBI will continue to partner with the Alabama Securities Commission to ensure the victims of fraudulent investment schemes receive their full measure of justice. This justice is made possible through our strong relationships with agencies like the 37th Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office and the Opelika Police Department.”
Joseph P. Borg, Director of the Alabama Securities Commission said, “The Commission is always proud to partner with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Middle District of Alabama, and the FBI, to protect Alabama investors and prevent the corruption of our capital markets. Sandler abused the trust of the community and we will continue to devote our efforts and resources to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who abuse that confidence.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Alabama Securities Commission, with assistance from the District Attorney’s Office for the 37th Judicial Circuit and the Opelika Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Steven H. Lee and Denise O. Simpson, and Special Assistant United States Attorneys Amanda W. Senn and Stephen P. Feaga.
Former Swiss Bank Executive Pleads Guilty to Role in Billion-Dollar International Money Laundering Scheme Involving Funds Embezzled from Venezuelan State-Owned Oil CompanyRead the Press Release
The former managing director and vice chairman of a Swiss bank pleaded guilty today for his role in a billion-dollar international scheme to launder funds embezzled from Venezuelan state-owned oil company Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA).U.S. Attorney Benjamin Greenberg of the Southern District of Florida, Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Special Agent in Charge Mark Selby of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami Field Office made the announcement.
Matthias Krull, 44, a German national and Panamanian resident, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 29 by U.S. District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga of the Southern District of Florida, who accepted his plea today.
As part of his plea, Krull admitted that in his position with the Swiss bank, he attracted private clients, particularly clients from Venezuela, to the bank. In this role, Krull’s clients included Francisco Convit Guruceaga, who was indicted on money laundering charges on Aug. 16. Krull’s clients also included three unnamed conspirators described in the Aug. 16 indictment.
Krull admitted that the conspiracy began in December 2014 with a currency exchange scheme that was designed to embezzle around $600 million from PDVSA, obtained through bribery and fraud, and the conspirators’ efforts to launder a portion of the proceeds of that scheme. By May 2015, the conspiracy had doubled in amount to $1.2 billion embezzled from PDVSA. PDVSA is Venezuela’s primary source of income and foreign currency (namely, U.S. Dollars and Euros). Krull joined the conspiracy in or around 2016, he admitted, when a co-conspirator contacted him to launder the proceeds of a PDVSA foreign-exchange embezzlement scheme.
Ultimately, Krull joined the conspiracy to launder $1.2 billion worth of funds that were embezzled from PDVSA, he admitted. Krull and members of the money laundering conspiracy used Miami, Florida real estate and sophisticated false-investment schemes to conceal that the $1.2 billion was in fact embezzled from PDVSA. Krull also admitted that surrounding and supporting these false-investment laundering schemes are complicit money managers, brokerage firms, banks and real estate investment firms in the United States and elsewhere, operating as a network of professional money launderers.
Krull’s co-conspirators indicted on Aug. 16 include former PDVSA officials, professional third-party money launderers, and members of the Venezuelan elite, sometimes known as “boliburgués.”
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force’s (OCDETF) “Operation Money Flight,” a partnership among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The OCDETF mission is to identify, investigate and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking enterprises, bringing together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement.
Mr. Greenberg and Mr. Benczkowski commended the investigative efforts of HSI Miami, HSI London, HSI Rome and HSI Madrid in this matter. This case is being prosecuted by Southern District of Florida Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francisco R. Maderal of the International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section and Michael Nadler of the Economic and Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant Chief David Johnson and Trial Attorney Gwendolyn Stamper of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nalina Sombuntham of the Southern District of Florida is handling the asset forfeiture.
The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance in this matter, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection; the National Crime Agency of the United Kingdom; and Italian, Spanish and Maltese law enforcement authorities provided assistance.
The Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting all Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa.
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 at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Former Swiss Bank Executive Pleads Guilty to Role in Billion-Dollar International Money Laundering Scheme Involving Funds Embezzled from Venezuelan State-Owned Oil CompanyRead the Press Release
The former managing director and vice chairman of a Swiss bank pleaded guilty today for his role in a billion-dollar international scheme to launder funds embezzled from Venezuelan state-owned oil company Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA).
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Benjamin Greenberg of the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Mark Selby of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami Field Office made the announcement.
Matthias Krull, 44, a German national and Panamanian resident, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 29 by U.S. District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga of the Southern District of Florida, who accepted his plea today.
As part of his plea, Krull admitted that in his position with the Swiss bank, he attracted private clients, particularly clients from Venezuela, to the bank. In this role, Krull’s clients included Francisco Convit Guruceaga, who was indicted on money laundering charges on Aug. 16. Krull’s clients also included three unnamed conspirators described in the Aug. 16 indictment.
Krull admitted that the conspiracy began in December 2014 with a currency exchange scheme that was designed to embezzle around $600 million from PDVSA, obtained through bribery and fraud, and the conspirators’ efforts to launder a portion of the proceeds of that scheme. By May 2015, the conspiracy had doubled in amount to $1.2 billion embezzled from PDVSA. PDVSA is Venezuela’s primary source of income and foreign currency (namely, U.S. Dollars and Euros). Krull joined the conspiracy in or around 2016, he admitted, when a co-conspirator contacted him to launder the proceeds of a PDVSA foreign-exchange embezzlement scheme.
Ultimately, Krull joined the conspiracy to launder $1.2 billion worth of funds that were embezzled from PDVSA, he admitted. Krull and members of the money laundering conspiracy used Miami, Florida real estate and sophisticated false-investment schemes to conceal that the $1.2 billion was in fact embezzled from PDVSA. Krull also admitted that surrounding and supporting these false-investment laundering schemes are complicit money managers, brokerage firms, banks and real estate investment firms in the United States and elsewhere, operating as a network of professional money launderers.
Krull’s co-conspirators indicted on Aug. 16 include former PDVSA officials, professional third-party money launderers, and members of the Venezuelan elite, sometimes known as “boliburgués.”
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force’s (OCDETF) “Operation Money Flight,” a partnership among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The OCDETF mission is to identify, investigate and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking enterprises, bringing together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement.
HSI Miami, HSI London, HSI Rome and HSI Madrid investigated this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant Chief David Johnson and Trial Attorney Gwendolyn Stamper of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francisco R. Maderal of the Southern District of Florida’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section and Michael Nadler of the Southern District of Florida’s Economic and Environmental Crimes Section. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nalina Sombuntham of the Southern District of Florida is handling the asset forfeiture.
The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance in this matter, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection; the National Crime Agency of the United Kingdom; and Italian, Spanish and Maltese law enforcement authorities provided assistance.
The Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting all Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa.
Former St. John Resident Sentenced for Committing Postal FraudRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Shaquan Brodie, 21, formerly of St. John, was sentenced today on an information that charged him with making fraudulent insurance claims against the United States Postal Service, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
District Court Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller sentenced Brodie to 3 years probation, and 6 months of home detention. Magistrate Miller also ordered Brodie to perform 80 hours of community service and pay $14,227.01 in restitution to the postal service.
According to court documents, Brodie filed 201 fraudulent claims for insurance against the postal service totaling in excess of $47,000. Brodie represented to the postal service that the items were either lost, stolen or damaged when he knew that his claims were false. The postal service paid Brodie $14,227.01 on his fraudulent claims.
This case was investigated by the USPS-Office of Inspector General and the US Postal Inspection Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
Former Saint John, Indiana Resident Was Sentenced to 78 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND –Christopher Raciti, age 48, formerly of Saint John, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen on his guilty plea to possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Raciti was sentenced to 78 months in prison, 5 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $15,000 in restitution along with the forfeiture of electronic devices associated with his crime.
According to documents filed in the case, between November 7, 2015 and continuing through March 9, 2016, Raciti knowingly possessed more than 600 visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct on his computer. In January 2018, Raciti was charged by Information and immediately entered a plea of guilty to the charge.
This information results from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with the case being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Toi Denise Houston.
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Former Paramedic Supervisor Who Stole Narcotics Out of Ambulances, Replaced Them with Saline Solution, Sentenced to 9 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
On August 21, 2018, Jason Laut, 41, a resident of O’Fallon, Illinois, and a former paramedic supervisor for MedStar Ambulance Inc., was sentenced to 111 months imprisonment (9 years and 3 months) for stealing and tampering with ambulance narcotic supplies, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Steven D. Weinhoeft, announced today. A jury in East St. Louis, Illinois, previously convicted Laut after a two-week trial on all 38 counts of the federal indictment, which charged Laut with wire fraud, falsifying medical records, aggravated identity theft, and tampering with a consumer product. Laut has been detained since his conviction.
Between January 2013 and May 2015, Laut changed, altered, and falsified documents and records to conceal his theft of two federally controlled substances – fentanyl and morphine – out of MedStar ambulances. Laut’s most egregious conduct concerned fentanyl, an incredibly powerful opioid narcotic used to treat severe pain. Narcotics boxes on ambulances contain only two vials of fentanyl because they are typically used on only the most severely injured trauma patients. Laut tampered with the fentanyl vials by removing the fentanyl with a syringe and replacing it with saline or some other solution. By this method, Laut made it appear as though the vials were still full and unopened, making his theft almost impossible to detect. These altered fentanyl vials were then placed back in the narcotics box and returned to ambulances. In 2015, 26 out of 28 vials on Medstar Ambulances were found to have tampered fentanyl vials.
As a result of this case, the procedures for handling narcotics boxes have changed. But before Laut’s crimes were discovered, narcotics boxes were regularly shared among the ambulance companies in the area, which meant that the vials Laut altered were also reintroduced by unsuspecting pharmacists and paramedics onto ambulances owned and operated by companies other than MedStar. During the proceedings, prosecutors presented 82 such vials that were discovered and removed from active duty ambulances throughout the Southwest EMS Region. Investigators were unable to determine definitively whether or to what extent any patients may have received treatment from the altered vials. However, at Laut’s sentencing, a representative of Memorial Hospital informed the court that paramedics in the field had reported occasions when the fentanyl they were administering appeared to be ineffective at relieving pain.
Representatives from both Memorial and Medstar advised the court that the harm caused by the defendant’s crimes was not just the risk that seriously injured patients received saline instead of fentanyl. They also noted that as a result of Laut’s actions, medical directors were forced to remove fentanyl from ambulances for three years because of diversion concerns. One paramedic advised the court at sentencing that, over those three years, he recalled five patients who could not receive morphine because of allergies. Those patients received virtually no pain relief because the fentanyl had been removed.
Using his administrator access for MedStar, Laut altered records, known as patient care reports, to falsely indicate that controlled substances were given to patients when, in fact, they were not. Laut also made false statements on narcotics logs submitted to Memorial Hospital. Narcotics logs are used by paramedics to record the administration of narcotic drugs, including fentanyl and morphine, while treating patients. To cover his tracks, Laut claimed to have given fentanyl and morphine to patients who did not exist or to patients who did not actually receive the drugs. On at least two occasions, Laut unlawfully used the name of a former doctor at Memorial Hospital on a narcotics log as authorization for administering fentanyl and morphine, when neither was actually administered to the patient.
The theft of the drugs and acts to conceal the theft caused a loss to Memorial Hospital, which was financially responsible for keeping the ambulance narcotics boxes filled.
There is no parole in the federal prison system. After he finishes serving his sentence, Laut will spend three years on supervised release.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Sparta, Illinois Police Department, the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department, and Diversion Investigators of the Drug Enforcement Administration. MedStar Ambulance Inc. in Sparta and Memorial Hospital in Belleville also provided extensive assistance throughout the investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ranley R. Killian and Michael J. Quinley.
Former Milford Youth Coach Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Trevor Palladino, 29, of Milford, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty today to possessing child pornography.
According to court documents and statements in court, Palladino coached a youth softball team in Milford. He used Instagram to communicate with a minor victim who was previously on a softball team that he coached. During some of the communications, the defendant requested that the minor victim send him sexually explicit photographs of herself. She did so. In turn, the defendant sent the minor victim sexually explicit photographs of himself. A search warrant was executed at the defendant’s residence and his cell phone was seized. A forensic examination of the phone by the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force revealed sexually explicit photographs of the minor victim.
Palladino will be sentenced on November 28, 2018.
“Protecting the innocence of children is one of the most important jobs of the law enforcement community,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Because of the harm that these crimes cause to their youthful victims, we will aggressively investigate and prosecute those who are engaged in child pornography offenses.”
This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Milford Police Department, and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which includes members of several other police departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana L. Konesky.
In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Former Massachusetts State Trooper Indicted by Grand JuryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former lieutenant with the Massachusetts State Police (MSP) was indicted today in federal court in Boston in connection with the ongoing investigation of overtime abuse at the Massachusetts State Police.
Former Lieutenant David Wilson, 57, of Charlton, was indicted on one count of embezzlement from an agency receiving federal funds. Wilson was previously charged by a criminal complaint and arrested on June 27, 2018. An arraignment date has not yet been scheduled.
Wilson was assigned to Troop E of the MSP, which was responsible for enforcing criminal and traffic regulations along the Massachusetts Turnpike, Interstate I-90. Wilson served as the Officer-in-Charge of several overtime shifts and is alleged to have received overtime pay for shifts that he either did not work at all or from which he departed early.
The alleged conduct involves overtime pay for the Accident and Injury Reduction Effort program (AIRE). That initiative was intended to reduce accidents, crashes, and injuries on I-90 through an enhanced presence of MSP Troopers who were to target vehicles traveling at excessive speeds. Wilson was required to work the entire duration of the shift – four hours – and truthfully report the date, time and sector of deployment on the citations issued during the shift. As alleged, Wilson concealed the fraud by submitting citations that were issued outside of the overtime shifts, altered citations to create the appearance that the citation was issued during an overtime shift, and/or submitted citations that were never issued and never took place.
According to court documents, investigators were able to corroborate the alleged conduct through information maintained concerning the usage of MSP cruiser radios, RMV records, and records of when driver history checks were run on ticketed drivers.
In 2016, Lt. Wilson earned approximately $230,000, claiming to have worked approximately 170 AIRE overtime shifts – equating to about $68,000 in overtime pay. In court documents, it is alleged that Lt. Wilson earned approximately $12,450 in overtime pay for hours that he did not work.
In 2015 and 2016, MSP received annual benefits from the U.S. Department of Transportation in excess of $10,000, which were funded pursuant to numerous federal grants.
The charge of theft of government funds provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Wilson was charged and arrested along with Trooper Gary Herman, 45, of Chester; and former Trooper Paul Cesan, 50, of Southwick. On July 2, 2018, former Trooper Gregory Raftery, 47, of Westwood was charged and pleaded guilty. On July 25, 2018, retired Trooper Daren DeJong, 56, of Uxbridge, was also charged. On Aug. 17, suspended Trooper Kevin Sweeney, 40, of Braintree, was charged and has agreed to plead guilty.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Douglas Shoemaker, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dustin Chao and Mark Grady of Lelling’s Public Corruption Unit and Neil Gallagher of Lelling’s Economic Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Grand Juror Sentenced to Prison for Obstructing JusticeRead the Press Release
A former federal grand juror was sentenced to prison today for obstructing justice.
Benjamin G. Greenberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida and Robert F. Lasky, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.
Leslie Lynn Heburn, 37, Miami, previously pled guilty to obstruction of justice, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1503. U.S. District Judge Marcia G. Cooke sentenced Heburn to one year and one day in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release.
According to the court record, on January 19, 2017, Heburn was sworn in as a federal grand juror and advised of the rules concerning grand jury secrecy, including that a grand juror is not to disclose matters occurring before the grand jury. Heburn was also advised of the possible criminal consequences of making any unauthorized disclosure of grand jury information.
On May 4, 2017, Heburn was present during the United States Attorney’s Office presentation to the federal grand jury of a proposed indictment for Rocky Dejesus Molina. Copies of the proposed indictment for Molina were distributed to the members of the grand jury, but they were not supposed to leave the grand jury chamber. Later that day, the grand jury returned an indictment against Molina (Case Number 17-20304-CR-ALTONAGA).
On May 10, 2017, prior to Molina’s arrest, Heburn used an alias Facebook account to contact Molina’s girlfriend via Facebook Messenger. During the course of their communication, Heburn advised Molina’s girlfriend that she was serving as a grand juror and had seen Molina’s name on an indictment. Heburn then warned Molina’s girlfriend that Molina had been set up by a “snitch” since March 2016.
After Molina’s arrest on May 24, 2017, Molina’s girlfriend contacted Heburn at the alias Facebook account to ask more questions. Heburn sent the girlfriend photos of the proposed indictment for Molina that was part of the secret grand jury proceedings. Heburn continued to tell Molina’s girlfriend that Molina had been set up on a number of occasions by a confidential informant. Heburn acknowledged during their communications that she knew she could get into trouble for disclosing information regarding the grand jury proceedings.
On October 20, 2017, Molina pleaded guilty to dealing in firearms without a license and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was sentenced to 180 months in prison on January 3, 2018.
Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of the FBI in this matter. He also thanked the FBI Miami Area Corruption Task Force, Miami-Dade Police Department, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their assistance. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Dobbins.
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.
Former Brazilian Soccer Official Sentenced to Four Years’ Imprisonment for Racketeering and Corruption OffensesRead the Press Release
Former Brazilian soccer federation president José Maria Marin was sentenced today, in federal court in Brooklyn, by United States District Judge Pamela K. Chen to four years’ imprisonment following his trial convictions of conspiratorial racketeering, wire fraud and money laundering offenses. The crimes of conviction related to Marin’s participation in schemes to accept millions of dollars in bribes in exchange for the media and marketing rights to various soccer tournaments. The Court also ordered Marin to pay $3,335,593 in forfeiture and imposed a fine of $1,200,000. A hearing on victim restitution is scheduled for October 4, 2018.
At the time of his arrest in May 2015, Marin was the former head of the Brazilian soccer federation, known as the Confederação Brasileira de Futebol, or CBF, a member of various FIFA standing committees, and a representative to CONMEBOL, the confederation responsible for soccer in South America. Marin was convicted of racketeering conspiracy, three counts of wire fraud conspiracy and two counts of money laundering conspiracy following a six-week trial in November and December of 2017.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and R. Damon Rowe, Special-Agent-in-Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Los Angeles Field Office (IRS CI), announced the sentence.
“Marin, like his co-conspirators, sold out the sport he was meant to serve to satisfy his own greed,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “Now he has been brought to justice and punished for his criminal conduct. Today’s sentence shows that for all their power and prestige, the soccer officials who corrupted ‘the beautiful game’ are not above the law.” Mr. Donoghue expressed his grateful appreciation to governments around the world, particularly the governments of Switzerland, Brazil and Paraguay for their significant assistance in this case. Mr. Donoghue also thanked the Office of International Affairs and the Organized Crime and Gang Section of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division in Washington, D.C., for their assistance in this prosecution.
“At each point along the food chain, these soccer officials had their fingers in the pot because they made millions of dollars, thinking no one noticed,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney. “But they’ve each reached the point where they got caught, and now they’re facing justice for their crimes. Today’s sentencing of Mr. Marin is just one step in a wide-ranging investigation of these corrupt officials, and shows the FBI and our law enforcement partners are continuing our pursuit of those who used the game of soccer to pad their bank accounts.”
“Jose Maria Marin’s brazen attempts to hide the bribes he received while serving as a FIFA official, have come back full circle as he finds himself facing a prison sentence,” stated IRS-CI Special Agent-in-Charge Rowe. “As these sports officials are sentenced one-by-one, we are finally purging the game of soccer of the corruption that engulfed it for decades. IRS Criminal Investigation continues to investigate financial crimes and join their fellow national and international law enforcement partners to follow the money wherever it may lead.”As proved at trial, FIFA and its six continental confederations, together with affiliated regional federations, national member associations and sports marketing companies, constitute an enterprise of legal entities associated in fact for purposes of the federal racketeering laws. The principal, and entirely legitimate, purpose of the enterprise is to regulate and promote the sport of soccer worldwide. The enterprise financed its efforts in significant part by commercializing the media and marketing rights associated with various soccer events and tournaments, often through the sale of multi-year contracts covering multiple editions of the tournaments.
Evidence presented at trial, publicly filed documents and statements made in court established that Marin and his co-conspirators engaged in a conspiracy to corrupt the enterprise through racketeering activity. Specifically, Marin and his co-conspirators corrupted the FIFA enterprise through the offer and receipt of tens of millions of dollars in bribes and kickbacks paid by sports marketing companies to soccer officials. Marin accepted, or agreed to accept, millions of dollars in bribes in exchange for the media and marketing rights to: (a) multiple editions of the CONMEBOL-sponsored Copa América soccer tournament played periodically by South American national teams, including the Copa América Centenario, a special edition of the tournament played in the United States in 2016; (b) multiple editions of the CONMEBOL-sponsored Copa Libertadores soccer tournament played annually by South American club teams and (c) multiple editions of the Copa do Brasil, a soccer tournament sponsored by the CBF for Brazilian soccer clubs.
The government’s investigation is ongoing.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s FIFA Task Force. Assistant United States Attorneys Samuel P. Nitze, M. Kristin Mace and Keith D. Edelman are in charge of the trial prosecution, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kaitlin T. Farrell and Brian D. Morris.
The Defendant:
JOSÉ MARIA MARIN
Age: 86
Citizenship: BrazilE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 15-CR-252 (S-2) (PKC)
Felon in Possession of Sawed Off Shotgun Sentenced to over 9 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced DUSTIN JACK MALONE, a 34-year-old resident of French Settlement, Louisiana, to 110 months in federal prison following his conviction of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The Court further sentenced Malone to 3 years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment. The Court also ordered that the firearm possessed by Malone be forfeited.
On September 7, 2017, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Deputies responded to a domestic dispute about a man with a gun at a residence. Shortly thereafter, Deputies conducted a traffic stop on a white pickup truck being driven by Malone and saw in plain view, a 12-gauge shotgun with a barrel of less than 17 inches within the reach of Malone.
Additional investigation revealed that Malone had already been convicted of at least one felony offense. During the sentencing, after an extensive hearing, the Judge enhanced Malone’s sentence, finding that Malone possessed in the truck, a second sawed off shotgun with an obliterated serial number. In handing down the 110 month sentence, the Judge found that Malone had pointed the sawed off 12-gauge shotgun at one of the persons involved in the domestic dispute, that Malone has an “extensive criminal history and extensive prior [illegal] drug use.”
U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “Domestic disputes involving guns are one of the most volatile situations in our society for both the participants and for law enforcement. The defendant introduced a gun into an already volatile situation which could have ended tragically. Thankfully, no one was injured and it ended with the defendant being held accountable for his actions. This prosecution and sentence should serve as a stark reminder that felons with guns have our attention and will be aggressively pursued and prosecuted with great vigor. I sincerely appreciate the effort of our prosecutors, the ATF and the EBRSO – this is yet another example of how local and federal collaboration yields positive results for our community.”
ATF Resident Agent-in-Charge Antonio L. Pittman stated, “The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with our law enforcement partners continue to serve our communities by focusing our efforts on removing armed violent felons from our streets. I am proud of the work we are conducting in conjunction with our community. We will continue to work diligently to protect our citizens by presenting relevant investigative work to our Middle District of Louisiana US Attorney’s Office for federal prosecution.”
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lyman E. Thornton III.
Felon from Las Cruces Charged with Violating Federal Firearms LawsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – This morning, a U.S. Magistrate Judge sitting in Las Cruces, N.M., found probable cause to support a criminal complaint charging Dominic C. Garcia, 28, of Las Cruces, with violating the federal firearms laws by being a felon in possession of a firearm. Garcia was remanded into custody pending trial, which has yet to be scheduled.
The FBI arrested Garcia on Aug. 14, 2018, in Las Cruces after Task Force Officers of the FBI’s Southern New Mexico Safe Streets Violent Gang Task Force came upon him while seeking to execute an arrest warrant for another individual. According to the criminal complaint, Task Force Officers allegedly observed Garcia pull a firearm out of his waistband as he attempted to flee from the Officers. The complaint alleges that the Task Force Officers subsequently found a firearm on the roof of a nearby residence, and allegedly found ammunition in Garcia’s pocket during a search incident to his arrest.
According to court documents, Garcia is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of his felony conviction in Sept. 2011, for drug trafficking.
If convicted, Garcia faces a maximum statutory penalty of ten years in federal prison. Charges in complaints are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty in a court of law.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Southern New Mexico Safe Streets Violent Gang Task Force, which is comprised of Special Agents from the FBI’s office in Las Cruces, N.M., Agents of the U.S. Border Patrol, and Officers of the Las Cruces Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Davenport of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The FBI’s Safe Streets Violent Gang Task Force is the vehicle through which all federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies collaboratively address violent crime plaguing communities. The FBI’s Safe Streets and Gang Unit administers 160 Violent Gang Safe Streets Task Forces nationwide. The task forces pursue violent gangs through sustained, proactive, coordinated investigations to obtain prosecutions on violations such as racketeering, drug conspiracy, and firearms violations. The Safe Streets Task Force concept expands cooperation and communication among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, increasing productivity and avoiding duplication of investigative efforts.
Federal Prisoner Charged with Attempted MurderRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Wesley Mark Smith, age 51, an inmate at United States Penitentiary Allenwood (USP Allenwood), Pennsylvania, was indicted on August 21, 2018, by a federal grand jury on attempt to commit murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and assault causing serious bodily injury.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that Smith was an inmate at USP Allenwood on March 15, 2015, when he assaulted his cellmate and struck him about the head and face with a wheelchair.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and officers of the Bureau of Prisons. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd K. Hinkley is prosecuting the case.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses are 40 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Federal Jury Convicts Raleigh Man on Federal Drug and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that, ANDREW HARGETT, JR. 46, of Raleigh, NC, was convicted in federal court following a two day jury trial before Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever III. The jury found HARGETT guilty of possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and felon in possession of a firearm.
The evidence presented at trial established that HARGETT regularly traveled to Atlanta, Georgia to obtain kilogram amounts of cocaine and transported them back to Raleigh, North Carolina for distribution. The investigation resulted in the seizure of over 2 ½ kilograms of cocaine, crack cocaine, $142,000.00 and a firearm.
At sentencing set for the November 26, 2018 term of court, HARGETT faces not less than 15 years imprisonment and up to life imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release and up to an 8 million dollar fine.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), Nash County Sheriff’s Office, Wilson Police Department, Raleigh Police Department, and the Rocky Mount Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney James Kurosad prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States
Federal Jury Convicts Four Family Members on Charges Related to an Arson and Insurance Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that a federal jury sitting in Charleston returned guilty verdicts following the trial of four family members from southern West Virginia. The jury found Windel Lester, 67, his ex-wife Georgetta Lester Kenney, 42, and Windel Lester’s sons, James “Punkin” Lester, 48, and Greg Lester, 41, guilty of various charges related to an arson and insurance fraud scheme. The guilty verdicts came after a five day jury trial before Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber. The West Virginia Insurance Commission, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation.
“I couldn’t be more pleased with the verdict,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Insurance fraud and arson are serious matters that cause insurance premiums to be inflated, the destruction of property, and the very real risk that good folks could die as a result. I applaud the excellent work of the investigators in this case, as well as Assistant United States Attorneys Phil Wright and Greg McVey, and the rest of my team. We appreciate the attention of the jury in this matter.”
Windel Lester was found guilty of 17 felony charges and faces 340 years imprisonment. James “Punkin” Lester was found guilty of 23 felony charges and faces 475 years imprisonment. Georgetta Lester Kenney was found guilty of 7 felony charges and faces 140 years imprisonment. Greg Lester was found guilty of 4 felony charges and faces 80 years imprisonment. Sentencing hearings for the defendants are scheduled for December 20, 2018.
Between April of 2012 and January of 2016, the defendants, along with others, participated in various ways in three separate but interrelated schemes involving arson, mail and wire fraud, and money laundering. Their overall purpose was to enrich themselves by fraudulently obtaining insurance proceeds on houses they intentionally burned. The houses were insured for amounts greatly exceeding their value and the value of any contents. The houses were located at Matoaka in Mercer County, Huntington in Cabell County, and Ikes Fork in Wyoming County.
Others involved included Dudley Bledsoe, Ricky Gleason, and James Browning, all of whom pled guilty and cooperated in the prosecution of the Lester family.
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Erie Man Conspired to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Rafael Vazquez Valentin, 38, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Valentin and two co-defendants conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than a kilogram of cocaine.
Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for January 2, 2019 at 12:45 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Marshall J. Piccinini is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The EAGLE task force, which is comprised of members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Bureau of Narcotics Investigation and the Erie Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Valentin.
Ecuadorian Man Sentenced for Transporting an AlienRead the Press Release
UTICA, NEW YORK – Marco Avila, age 34, an Ecuadorian citizen living in Newark, New Jersey, was sentenced today to time served (361 days) for transporting an alien.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Robert N. Garcia, Acting Chief Patrol Agent, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector.
As part of his plea, Avila admitted that on August 27, 2017, he and Julio Morales-Flor drove from New Jersey to the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Reservation to pick up a friend whom they knew was illegally entering the United States from Canada and bring him to New Jersey. After picking up the friend, Avila was stopped by Border Patrol. None of the three people in the car had legal status in the United States.
Morales-Flor pled guilty to conspiracy to transport an alien and was sentenced on November 16, 2017 to time served (102 days in jail).
The case was investigated by the United States Border Patrol and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer.
East Montpelier Man Pleads Not Guilty to Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Michael Bernier, age 34, from East Montpelier, Vermont, pleaded not guilty today to firearms charges before United States Magistrate Judge John M. Conroy in Burlington. A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Bernier with possession of firearms while being an unlawful user of heroin and cocaine base and making false statements regarding his drug use when purchasing the firearms. Magistrate Judge Conroy has ordered Bernier detained pending trial.
According to court records, Bernier purchased two of the same type of make, model, and caliber semi-automatic pistols from R&L Archery in Barre, Vermont over the course of two days on June 22 and 23, 2018. The make and model that Bernier purchased are commonly used by firearm traffickers in the area. When agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives contacted Bernier about the purchases days later, Bernier told them that the firearms had been stolen out of his vehicle. Investigation has revealed that Bernier was a user of heroin and cocaine base at the time of the purchases.
The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty. If he is convicted, Bernier faces a maximum possible term of imprisonment of ten years. The actual sentence would be determined with reference to the federal sentencing guidelines.
In addition to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the U.S. Attorney’s Office lauded the work of the Montpelier Police Department in assisting with the case. The United States is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Cate. Bernier is represented by Kevin Henry, Esq.
U.S. Attorney Christina Nolan noted that this prosecution 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.
Eagle Butte Man Sentenced for AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault With a Dangerous Weapon was sentenced on August 20, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Benjamin Morrison, age 37, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Morrison was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 13, 2018. He pled guilty on June 22, 2018.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on February 25, 2018, when Morrison and an individual were in a vehicle together and got into an argument. Morrison pulled the vehicle over, got out, pulled the passenger out of the vehicle, and hit her with his fist. The woman fell to the ground, and Morrison continued punching her and then began to kick her.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Morrison was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Durant Man Pleads Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Ronnie Ray Neihart, age 68, of Durant, Oklahoma, pled guilty to Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, punishable by not more than 20 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00 or both.
The Indictment alleged that beginning on or about June 3, 2010, and continuing through on or about August 31, 2017, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendant, knowingly and with the intent to defraud, devised and executed a scheme by making false statements to investors in order to sell them units of ownership in OG Land & Mineral, LLC, and EX-OG Energy, LLC.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
First Assistant United States Attorney Douglas A. Horn represented the United States.
Dual Citizen of the Dominican Republic and U.S. Charged with Criminal Conspiracy and Theft of Government PropertyRead the Press Release
Philadelphia, PA – U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain announced today that Domingo Hernandez, 55, of the Dominican Republic, was arrested pursuant to an indictment charging him with criminal conspiracy to defraud the government and theft of government property. The indictment alleges that the defendant used the stolen identities of others to file fraudulent tax returns which resulted in a theft of approximately $80,397.89 from the United States Treasury and attempt to steal an additional $312,321.89 more.
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, four years’ supervised release, and a special assessment of $200.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Priya DeSouza
An Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Detroit Felon Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Antonio Parnell, 42, from Detroit, Michigan, pled guilty today to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Stuart praised the investigation by the Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
“Parnell was a threat to the safety of our citizens and our police officers,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “That’s why I am committed to locking up persons who ignore federal gun laws away from our communities.”
On April 14, 2018, Parnell got into a violent altercation with two victims and with officers from the Charleston Police Department. Parnell had a firearm in his possession that he threw when the officers approached him. He was arrested and has been in custody since that day. Parnell has three felony convictions under three different names. He faces up to ten years in prison when he is sentenced on December 5, 2018.
United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the plea hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Steve Loew is handling the prosecution.
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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Deceitful Tax Preparer Headed to PrisonRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Asmerom “Ace” Keleta was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment on conspiring to defraud the United States through tax fraud and prepared fraudulent tax returns. He was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $662,645.
According to court documents, Keleta operated University City Tax Service starting in 2012. He conspired with employees Miyoshi Lewis and Teklom Paulos to prepare fraudulent tax returns for clients. He directed the employees to fraudulently inflate client tax refunds by listing false American Opportunity educational tax credits and federal fuel tax credits as well as creating false Schedule C income in order to fraudulently maximize the Earned Income Credits. Keleta also prepared false tax returns for clients. Keleta, as the owner of University City Tax Service, received a percentage of the clients’ inflated tax returns.
Keleta, 33, of St. Louis, was found guilty by a federal jury on conspiring to defraud the United States through tax fraud and preparing fraudulent tax returns. He appeared before U.S. District Judge Ronnie White.
“This tax preparer exploited tax credits designed to assist the working poor and middle class families who seek higher education,” said U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen. “This stiff sentence will help protect the integrity of our voluntary tax system.”
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Dianna Collins.
Dana Point Man Charged with Scheme to Send Export-Controlled Computer Servers to IranRead the Press Release
SANTA ANA, California – A Dana Point man has been charged in a recently unsealed indictment with participating in a conspiracy to procure and illegally ship export-controlled computer servers to Iran.
Johnny Paul Tourino, 64, was named in a 23-count grand jury indictment filed on March 7 and unsealed by a federal judge on August 17. Federal prosecutors today learned that the case had been unsealed.
The indictment accuses Tourino and Spectra Equipment, Inc., which Tourino owned and operated, with violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which controls and restricts the export of certain goods from the United States to foreign nations. Tourino and Spectra are also charged with conspiracy, smuggling goods out of the United States and money laundering.
According to the indictment, from January 2014 through July 2017, Tourino, Spectra, and at least two others purchased and sent computer servers to Iran without obtaining licenses from the U.S. government that are required under IEEPA. The computer servers were dual-use commercial goods, meaning they had both a commercial application and a military or strategic one. The computers were controlled by the Commerce Control List for anti-terrorism and national security reasons.
Tourino allegedly falsely told the manufacturer that the computer servers were intended for Kuwait and Slovenia, when he knew they were intended for Bank Mellat, an Iranian financial institution. On one occasion, according to the indictment, Tourino forwarded an email to the manufacturer after removing references to “Tehran” and “Iran.”
Under IEEPA, it is a crime to willfully export or attempt to export items to Iran without a license from the U.S. government. These are items authorities have determined could be detrimental to regional stability and national security.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
Tourino was arrested in this case on February 7 and was released on bond. Following the indictment, he was arraigned and pleaded not guilty on March 12. A trial is currently scheduled for March 5, 2019.
If convicted of the 23 charges in the indictment, Tourino would face up to a statutory maximum sentence of 430 years in prison, and Spectra would face fines that could total as much as $13.25 million.
This case is the result of an ongoing investigation being conducted by the FBI, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement, and IRS Criminal Investigation.
The case against Tourino is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Takla of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section.
Customs Broker Sentenced to Prison in Connection with Scheme to Evade Federal Excise Tax on Southern District of FloridaRead the Press Release
Alberto Rodriquez, 65, of Briarwood, New York, was sentenced to prison today after previously pleading guilty today to mail fraud in connection with a scheme to evade federal excise tax on imported cigars.
Benjamin G. Greenberg, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida and Ron Hancock, Acting Assistant Administrator for Field Operations, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), made the announcement.
According to information contained in the court record, from as early as July 2013, Rodriguez operated as a customs broker in the State of New York. Rodriguez contracted with two tobacco importers to import large cigars into the United States. In an effort to defraud the United States of excise tax due on the imported cigars, Rodriguez created false and fraudulent documents, including United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Forms 7501 ("Entry Summaries"), which misrepresented, among other things, the quantities of large cigars imported into the United States and the Federal tobacco excise tax due for those importations. In addition to consistently underreporting and evading the Federal tobacco excise tax, Rodriguez transmitted false and fraudulent documents to CBP using the United States Postal Service mail.
To profit from the scheme, Rodriguez sent invoices to the two tobacco importers reflecting the true quantities of imported large cigars and the properly calculated Federal tobacco excise tax due, which resulted in the importers paying Rodriguez more than what he paid to CBP.
To conceal the scheme, Rodriguez altered documents, including importer invoices and bank records, and provided these altered documents to TTB agents and employees, all for the purpose of misleading TTB and pretending that he had correctly calculated and paid to CBP the Federal tobacco excise tax due on the large cigars imported by the two importers.
Rodriguez previously pled guilty to an information charging him with mail fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341. In total, Rodriguez evaded approximately $503,681.15 in Federal Tobacco Excise Tax. U.S. District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga sentenced Rodriguez to 10 months in prison, to be followed by 6 months of house arrest and 3 years of supervised release. Rodriguez was also ordered to pay $503,681.15 in restitution to CBP.
Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of TTB in this matter. He also thanked Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation and CBP for their assistance. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher B. Browne.
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.
Columbus Man Pleads Guilty to Break-In and Theft of Firearms from Columbus Gun DealerRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Devante Patterson, age 24, of Columbus, Georgia, entered a guilty plea to the offense of Theft of Firearms from a Federal Firearms Licensee before Chief United States District Judge Clay Land in Columbus on August 21, 2018.
At his plea hearing, Mr. Patterson admitted that during the early morning hours of November 24, 2017, he entered the premises of Shooters of Columbus, a Federal Firearms Licensee, to steal guns. After several attempts, Mr. Patterson was successful in cutting through a locked roll up door and smashing a glass door to enter the store. Once inside, Mr. Patterson stole six pistols and three rifles, including two assault weapons. Mr. Patterson was later encountered by officers at another firearms business, and officers discovered evidence linking him to the first break-in and theft. Ultimately, officers were able to recover eight of the nine stolen firearms.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
The Columbus Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Michael T. Solis is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Chicago Man Guilty of Illegally Selling More Than a Dozen FirearmsRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A convicted felon from Chicago has pleaded guilty to federal firearm charges for illegally selling more than a dozen handguns and rifles.
JYMIL CAMPBELL, 31, admitted in a plea agreement that he sold ten handguns, four large-capacity magazines and three rifles during a nine-month period that ended with his arrest in August 2016. Most of the sales occurred in Campbell’s residence in the North Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago. The sales netted Campbell a total of $8,700 in cash, the plea agreement states. Unbeknownst to Campbell, the two buyers were confidential informants working on behalf of law enforcement. They provided the guns to law enforcement after each sale.
Campbell pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of willfully dealing firearms without a license and one count of illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The convictions carry a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. U.S. District Judge Robert W. Gettleman set sentencing for Nov. 15, 2018.
The guilty plea was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Celinez Nunez, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Devlin N. Su.
Campbell acknowledged in his plea agreement that he could not legally possess or deal firearms because he had previously been convicted of two felonies – home invasion and armed robbery – and he lacked a federal firearms license.
According to the plea agreement, one of the gun buyers put Campbell on notice that the guns would be used in illegal gun violence. Campbell nonetheless made the sale. Campbell also admitted telling the buyer that although Campbell had personally fired one of the rifles, the firearm was essentially “brand new” and had not yet been “shot shot, like in a war.”
Centralia Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison for Selling MethRead the Press Release
Bobby J. Bryan, 52, formerly of Centralia, Illinois, was recently sentenced to 108 months in federal prison for distributing and conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, Steven D. Weinhoeft, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today. Bryan had previously pleaded guilty to a three-count federal indictment that charged him with knowingly distributing methamphetamine in Clay County, Illinois, on two occasions in July 2017, and with conspiring to distribute fifty (50) grams or more of methamphetamine beginning as early as 2015.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Flora Police Department, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Illinois State Police Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force.
Canadian Sentenced to 3+ Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Export Restricted Goods and Technology to IranRead the Press Release
Ghobad Ghasempour, 38, a Canadian national, was sentenced on Aug. 20, in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 42 months in prison for conspiracy to unlawfully export U.S. goods to Iran.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu for the District of Columbia and U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes for the Western District of Washington made the announcement.
“This sentencing exemplifies the outstanding investigative work by HSI special agents in conjunction with other law enforcement and government partners locally and abroad,” said HSI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Dave Shaw. “The illegal export of U.S.-origin items to prohibited countries is harmful to U.S. national security and will not be tolerated. HSI will continue to aggressively pursue those that seek to violate these laws and jeopardize our nation’s safety.”
Ghasempour was arrested on March 28, 2017 as he entered the United States at Blaine, Washington. An investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations in San Diego, California, revealed that Ghasempour had used front companies in China and co-conspirators in Iran, Turkey and Portugal to illegally export restricted technology products to Iran.
At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge James L. Robart noted that Ghasempour was solely motivated by greed and money, and that the unlawful export of goods and technology was to the “the Department of Defense for Iran -- the very group that would be the most harmful to the United States.”
According to records filed in the case, between 2011 and 2017, Ghasempour and his co-conspirators illegally exported and attempted to export goods and technology to Iran that have both military and non-military uses. Ghasempour exported a thin film measurement system, manufactured by a California company, that is essentially a microscopic tape measure for liquid coatings and parts that are used in cell phones and missiles; he attempted to export an inertial guidance system test table, manufactured by a North Dakota company, used to test the accuracy of gyroscopes that assist in flying commercial and military airplanes; and the conspirators exported two types of thermal imaging cameras, manufactured by an Oregon company, that can be used in commercial security systems and military drones. Some of the items Ghasempour sought to export were intercepted by law enforcement. The conspirators falsified shipping documents and lied to U.S. manufacturers by claiming that the restricted items were being shipped to customers in Turkey and Portugal, knowing that the true destination of these goods was Iran. The Iranian customers paid the Chinese front companies owned by Ghasempour and a co-conspirator.
Ghasempour pleaded guilty in April 2018.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. The criminal case was originally filed in the District of Columbia in Washington D.C., but was resolved in the Western District of Washington. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frederick Yette for the District of Columbia, Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie Dalton for the Western District of Washington, and Trial Attorney Amy Larson, of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.Canadian Sentenced to 3+ Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Export Restricted Goods and Technology to IranRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Ghobad Ghasempour, 38, a Canadian national, was sentenced on Aug. 20, in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 42 months in prison for conspiracy to unlawfully export U.S. goods to Iran.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu for the District of Columbia and U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes for the Western District of Washington made the announcement.
“This sentencing exemplifies the outstanding investigative work by HSI special agents in conjunction with other law enforcement and government partners locally and abroad,” said HSI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Dave Shaw. “The illegal export of U.S.-origin items to prohibited countries is harmful to U.S. national security and will not be tolerated. HSI will continue to aggressively pursue those that seek to violate these laws and jeopardize our nation’s safety.”
Ghasempour was arrested on March 28, 2017 as he entered the United States at Blaine, Washington. An investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations in San Diego, California, revealed that Ghasempour had used front companies in China and co-conspirators in Iran, Turkey and Portugal to illegally export restricted technology products to Iran.
At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge James L. Robart noted that Ghasempour was solely motivated by greed and money, and that the unlawful export of goods and technology was to the “the Department of Defense for Iran -- the very group that would be the most harmful to the United States.”
According to records filed in the case, between 2011 and 2017, Ghasempour and his co-conspirators illegally exported and attempted to export goods and technology to Iran that have both military and non-military uses. Ghasempour exported a thin film measurement system, manufactured by a California company, that is essentially a microscopic tape measure for liquid coatings and parts that are used in cell phones and missiles; he attempted to export an inertial guidance system test table, manufactured by a North Dakota company, used to test the accuracy of gyroscopes that assist in flying commercial and military airplanes; and the conspirators exported two types of thermal imaging cameras, manufactured by an Oregon company, that can be used in commercial security systems and military drones. Some of the items Ghasempour sought to export were intercepted by law enforcement. The conspirators falsified shipping documents and lied to U.S. manufacturers by claiming that the restricted items were being shipped to customers in Turkey and Portugal, knowing that the true destination of these goods was Iran. The Iranian customers paid the Chinese front companies owned by Ghasempour and a co-conspirator.
Ghasempour pleaded guilty in April 2018.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. The criminal case was originally filed in the District of Columbia in Washington D.C., but was resolved in the Western District of Washington. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frederick Yette for the District of Columbia, Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie Dalton for the Western District of Washington, and Trial Attorney Amy Larson, of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Canadian Sentenced to 3+ Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Export Restricted Goods and Technology to IranRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Ghobad Ghasempour, 38, a Canadian national, was sentenced on Aug. 20, in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 42 months in prison for conspiracy to unlawfully export U.S. goods to Iran.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu for the District of Columbia and U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes for the Western District of Washington made the announcement.
“This sentencing exemplifies the outstanding investigative work by HSI special agents in conjunction with other law enforcement and government partners locally and abroad,” said HSI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Dave Shaw. “The illegal export of U.S.-origin items to prohibited countries is harmful to U.S. national security and will not be tolerated. HSI will continue to aggressively pursue those that seek to violate these laws and jeopardize our nation’s safety.”
Ghasempour was arrested on March 28, 2017 as he entered the United States at Blaine, Washington. An investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations in San Diego, California, revealed that Ghasempour had used front companies in China and co-conspirators in Iran, Turkey and Portugal to illegally export restricted technology products to Iran.
At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge James L. Robart noted that Ghasempour was solely motivated by greed and money, and that the unlawful export of goods and technology was to the “the Department of Defense for Iran -- the very group that would be the most harmful to the United States.”
According to records filed in the case, between 2011 and 2017, Ghasempour and his co-conspirators illegally exported and attempted to export goods and technology to Iran that have both military and non-military uses. Ghasempour exported a thin film measurement system, manufactured by a California company, that is essentially a microscopic tape measure for liquid coatings and parts that are used in cell phones and missiles; he attempted to export an inertial guidance system test table, manufactured by a North Dakota company, used to test the accuracy of gyroscopes that assist in flying commercial and military airplanes; and the conspirators exported two types of thermal imaging cameras, manufactured by an Oregon company, that can be used in commercial security systems and military drones. Some of the items Ghasempour sought to export were intercepted by law enforcement. The conspirators falsified shipping documents and lied to U.S. manufacturers by claiming that the restricted items were being shipped to customers in Turkey and Portugal, knowing that the true destination of these goods was Iran. The Iranian customers paid the Chinese front companies owned by Ghasempour and a co-conspirator.
Ghasempour pleaded guilty in April 2018.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. The criminal case was originally filed in the District of Columbia in Washington D.C., but was resolved in the Western District of Washington. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frederick Yette for the District of Columbia, Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie Dalton for the Western District of Washington, and Trial Attorney Amy Larson, of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
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Buffalo Man Sentenced to Ten Years for Possession of Child PornographyRead 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 Donald Egan, 52, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography, was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan P. Cantil, who handled the case, stated that while on supervised release, the defendant was found with a cellular telephone containing over 30 images of child pornography involving prepubescent minors. This is the defendant’s third conviction for possession of child pornography. He was previously convicted in 2002 and 2006 for possessing child pornography.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-In-Charge Gary Loeffert and the United States Probation & Pretrial Services Office, under the direction of Chief U.S. Probation Officer Anthony San Giacomo.
Brighton Man Charged with Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brighton man was arrested and charged today in federal court in Boston with receipt and possession of child pornography.
Hanford Chiu, 28, was charged with one count each of receipt and possession of child pornography. Chiu appeared before Magistrate Judge Donald L. Cabell, who ordered him detained pending a probable cause and detention hearing scheduled for Aug. 24, 2018.
According to court records, a search warrant was executed at Chiu’s residence in Brighton and preliminary on-scene forensic analysis of one of several pieces of computer equipment seized pursuant to the warrant revealed thousands of images of child pornography.
The charge of receipt of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison. Both charges also provide for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 fine. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Paruti, Lelling’s Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and member of the Major Crimes Unit, is prosecuting the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
Beckley Man Sentenced on Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
Beckley, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that a Beckley man was sentenced to 12 months in prison on a federal firearm charge. Jeffrey Alpaugh, 47, pled guilty in April to dealing firearms without a license. Stuart commended the efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Beckley Police Department.
“This is how guns get into the wrong hands,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Alpaugh was selling guns without a license. Criminals get their guns from guys like Alpaugh. To ensure public safety, this United States Attorney will aggressively enforce federal firearms laws to keep bad guys from using those guns to hurt good people.”
Alpaugh admitted that from in or about February 2017, to on or about October 30, 2017, at or near Beckley and elsewhere, he willfully engaged in the business of dealing firearms without a license. Specifically, during that time frame he offered firearms for sale at flea markets and gun shows in Raleigh and Monroe Counties on almost a weekly basis. At all relevant times, Alpaugh was not licensed under the provisions of Chapter 44 of Title 18 of the United States Code as a manufacturer, importer, or dealer in firearms. On October 30, 2017, ATF agents executed a search warrant at Alpaugh’s home and seized 152 firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition. Any and all such firearms and ammunition will be forfeited and abandoned by him as set out in the plea agreement.
United States District Judge Irene Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States John File handled the prosecution.
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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Athens Felon Sentenced to More Than Fifteen Years in Prison for Possessing A Firearm Under Project Safe NeighborhoodsRead the Press Release
MACON: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that today, Bryan Shamar Little, age 38, of Athens, Georgia, was sentenced to 188 months’ imprisonment for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon by United States District Judge C. Ashley Royal in Macon. There is no parole in the federal system.
At his plea hearing on March 8, 2018, Mr. Little admitted he was arrested by officers with the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, following tips from concerned citizens that he was selling cocaine from his residence in Athens. During Mr. Little’s arrest, police recovered crack cocaine, powder cocaine, marijuana, oxycodone pills, and a loaded .38 caliber revolver. Mr. Little was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to convictions for Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute Cocaine in Athens-Clarke Superior Court in 2014, 2007, 2005 and 2001. As a result of his multiple serious drug convictions, Mr. Little was subject to enhanced sentencing penalties pursuant to the Armed Career Criminal Act.
“If you are an armed drug dealer in Middle Georgia, you can expect to face stiff punishment,” said United States Attorney Charles E. Peeler. “I commend the Athens-Clarke County Police Department for their hard work bringing Mr. Little to justice.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
The case was investigated by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Peter D. Leary 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.
Aryan Circle gang leader and two subordinate gang members plead guilty to accessory-after-the-fact to racketeering murder, among other chargesRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – A senior leader of the Aryan Circle (AC) and a subordinate gang member pleaded guilty today and yesterday to being an accessory-after-the-fact to racketeering murder, announced U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph of the Western District of Louisiana and Assistant Attorney General Bryan A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.
David Wayne Williams, 38, of Sulphur, Louisiana, a senior leader in the gang, and Leland Hamm, 43, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to being accessories-after-the-fact in the violent crimes in aid of racketeering murder of Clifton Hallmark, 51, before U.S. District Court Judge Dee D. Drell in the Western District of Louisiana. Williams also pleaded guilty to narcotics trafficking and weapons possession.
On July 25, Richard Alan Smith, 47, of Little Rock, Arkansas, also pleaded guilty to the accessory-after-the-fact charge in the racketeering murder of Clifton Hallmark.
According to the plea agreements of the defendants, the AC is a powerful race-based, multi-state organization that operates inside and outside of state and federal prisons throughout Texas, Louisiana, and the United States. The AC was established in the mid-1980s within the Texas prison system. Recently, the AC’s structure and influence expanded to rural and suburban areas throughout Texas, Louisiana, and Missouri. The AC emerged as an independent organization during a period of turmoil within the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas. The AC was relatively small in comparison to other prison-based gangs, but grew in stature and influence in the 1990s, largely through violent conflict with other gangs.
The plea agreements further state that the AC enforces its rules and promotes discipline among its members, prospects and associates through murder, attempted murder, assault, robbery and threats against those who violate the rules or pose a threat to the organization. Members, and oftentimes associates, are required to follow the orders of higher-ranking members without question.
By pleading guilty to the accessory charge, Williams, Hamm, and Smith admitted to being members of the AC criminal enterprise. Williams admitted to being a senior leader of the gang.
Sentencing for Williams and Hamm has been scheduled for Nov. 20 and Dec. 13, respectively, before Judge Dee D. Drell. Sentencing for Smith has been scheduled for November 20.
This case is being investigated by an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force consisting of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; Federal Bureau of Prisons; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, FBI, Louisiana State Police; Evangeline Parish, (Louisiana) Sheriff’s Office; Evangeline Parish District Attorney’s Office; Texas Department of Public Safety; Houston Police Department-Gang Division; Texas Department of Criminal Justice; New Jersey State Prison; Montgomery County (Texas) Precinct 1 Constable’s Office; Indiana State Police; Indiana Department of Corrections; the Carrollton (Texas) Police Department; Waller (Texas) Police Department; Montgomery County (Texas) Sheriff’s Office; Travis County (Texas) Sheriff’s Office and the Tarrant County (Texas) Sheriff’s Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominic Rossetti of the Western District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney David Karpel of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section.
Aryan Circle Gang Leader and Two Subordinate Gang Members Plead Guilty to Accessory-After-the-Fact to Racketeering Murder, Among Other ChargesRead the Press Release
A senior leader of the Aryan Circle (AC) and a subordinate gang member pleaded guilty today and yesterday to being an accessory-after-the-fact to racketeering murder, announced Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph of the Western District of Louisiana.
David Wayne Williams, 38, of Sulphur, Louisiana, a senior leader in the gang, and Leland Hamm, 43, of Tulsa, Oklahoma pleaded guilty to being accessories-after-the-fact in the violent crimes in aid of racketeering murder of Clifton Hallmark, 51, before U.S. District Court Judge Dee D. Drell in the Western District of Louisiana. Williams also pleaded guilty to narcotics trafficking and weapons possession.
On July 25, Richard Alan Smith, 47, of Little Rock, Arkansas, also pleaded guilty to the accessory-after-the-fact charge in the racketeering murder of Clifton Hallmark.
According to the plea agreements of the defendants, the AC is a powerful race-based, multi-state organization that operates inside and outside of state and federal prisons throughout Texas, Louisiana, and the United States. The AC was established in the mid-1980s within the Texas prison system (TDCJ). Recently, the AC’s structure and influence expanded to rural and suburban areas throughout Texas, Louisiana, and Missouri. The AC emerged as an independent organization during a period of turmoil within the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT). The AC was relatively small in comparison to other prison-based gangs, but grew in stature and influence within TDCJ in the 1990s, largely through violent conflict with other gangs, white and non-white alike.
The plea agreements further state that the AC enforces its rules and promotes discipline among its members, prospects and associates through murder, attempted murder, assault, robbery and threats against those who violate the rules or pose a threat to the organization. Members, and oftentimes, associates, are required to follow the orders of higher-ranking members without question.
By pleading guilty to the accessory charge, Williams, Hamm, and Smith admitted to being members of the AC criminal enterprise. Williams admitted to being a senior leader of the gang.
Sentencing for Williams and Hamm has been scheduled for Nov. 20 and Dec. 13, respectively, before Judge Dee D. Drell. Sentencing for Smith has been scheduled for Nov. 20.
This case is being investigated by an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force consisting of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; Federal Bureau of Prisons; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, FBI, Louisiana State Police; Evangeline Parish, (LA) Sheriff’s Office; Evangeline Parish District Attorney’s Office; Texas Department of Public Safety; Houston Police Department-Gang Division; Texas Department of Criminal Justice; New Jersey State Prison; Montgomery County (TX) Precinct 1 Constable’s Office; Indiana State Police; Indiana Department of Corrections; the Carrollton (TX) Police Department; Waller (TX) Police Department; Montgomery County (TX) Sheriff’s Office; Travis County (TX) Sheriff’s Office and the Tarrant County (TX) Sheriff’s Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney David Karpel of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominic Rossetti of the Western District of Louisiana.
Arizona Man Indicted for Illegally Engaging in the Business of Manufacturing Ammunition Without A LicenseRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A federal grand jury sitting in Las Vegas indicted Arizona resident Douglas Haig today with one count of engaging in the business of manufacturing ammunition without a license, announced United States Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI’s Las Vegas Division.
The investigation of Haig, 55, of Mesa, Arizona, arose out of the investigation of the October 1, 2017 mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest music festival in Las Vegas. Haig is scheduled for an initial court appearance on the Indictment before U.S. Magistrate Judge George Foley Jr. on September 5, 2018, in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was previously charged in a criminal complaint.
According to allegations in the indictment, from July 2016 to October 19, 2017, Haig, who did not have a federal firearms license to manufacture ammunition, was illegally conducting business as a manufacturer of various ammunition types. Haig previously operated “Specialized Military Ammunition,” an Internet business selling high explosive armor piercing incendiary ammunition, armor piercing incendiary ammunition, and armor piercing ammunition. Business records reveal that Haig sold armor piercing ammunition throughout the United States, including Nevada, Texas, Virginia, Wyoming, and South Carolina.
During an interview with investigators, Haig told investigators that he reloads ammunition, but does not offer reloaded cartridges for sale to his customers and none of the ammunition recovered in Las Vegas crime scenes would have tool marks on them consistent with his reloading equipment. Reloaded ammunition refers to ammunition that is manufactured from component parts, including previously fired cartridge cases. Based on a forensic examination of rounds recovered inside the suspect’s rooms at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino following the mass shooting, Haig’s fingerprints were found on reloaded, unfired .308 caliber cartridges. Forensic examination also revealed that armor piercing ammunition recovered inside of the shooter’s rooms had tool marks consistent with Haig’s reloading equipment.
The public is reminded that an indictment contains only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Burns, Nicholas D. Dickinson, and Cristina D. Silva.
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Albany Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Counterfeit CurrencyRead the Press Release
ALBANY: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Kirkland P. Coleman, Jr., age 23 of Albany, Georgia, pled guilty to Passing Counterfeit Federal Reserve Notes before District Court Judge W. Louis Sands in Albany, Georgia on August 21, 2018. This plea subjects Mr. Coleman to a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both. Mr. Coleman was in custody at the time of his guilty plea, and he will remain in custody pending his sentencing.
In his plea agreement, Mr. Coleman admitted to buying iPhones on two occasions from Albany residents knowingly using counterfeit currency. Those Albany residents later attempted to use the currency they had obtained from Mr. Coleman to purchase items, only to have businesses refuse the money as counterfeit and contact the police.
Mr. Coleman is scheduled to be sentenced in Albany on October 25, 2018, following a pre-sentence investigation and report.
This case was investigated by the Albany Police Department, the Dougherty County Police Department and the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney Jim Crane 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.
21 August 2018
“Tacony Dungeon” Defendant Jean McIntosh Sentenced to 40 Years ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain announced today that Jean McIntosh, 38, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 40 years imprisonment by United States District Judge Cynthia Rufe. McIntosh previously pleaded guilty to a multi-count indictment arising from the defendant’s participation in a decade-long racketeering enterprise led by her mother and co-defendant Linda Weston. Weston, McIntosh, and other members of the “Weston Family” defrauded the Social Security Administration by targeting extremely vulnerable, mentally ill adults qualified to receive disability benefits, confining and physically abusing them, then stole the victims’ benefits, and converted them for use by the Weston Family. Two of their victims, Donna Spadea and Maxine Lee, died as a result of the Weston Family’s intentional mistreatment of them. Weston previously received a sentence of life imprisonment plus an additional 80 years.
From approximately 2001 through October 2011, McIntosh and other co-conspirators loyal to Weston (all of whom comprised the racketeering enterprise charged in the indictment) lured mentally handicapped individuals into locations rented by Weston, McIntosh, and others in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Killeen, Texas; Norfolk, Virginia; and West Palm Beach, Florida. Once in captivity, the Weston Family often moved the mentally challenged captives from state to state in order to elude detection by social service and law enforcement agencies.
The Weston Family targeted victims who were estranged from their families and offered them a place to stay. Once Weston convinced them to move in, she became their representative payee with Social Security and began to receive their disability benefits and in some instances, their state benefits.
During the sentencing proceedings, the government produced victim impact statements that detailed the horrific conditions of the victims’ confinement. In order to ensure that they would be able to control their victims, Weston, McIntosh, and other Weston Family members confined these individuals to, among other areas, locked rooms, basements, closets, attics, and apartments. While confined to these locations, the captives were often kept isolated and in the dark, sedated with drugs, and poorly fed. When the victims tried to escape, steal food, or otherwise protest their confinement, members of the Weston Family punished them by slapping, punching, kicking, stabbing, burning and hitting them with closed hands, belts, sticks, bats, and hammers, among other instruments.
“It is hard to fathom this kind of disregard for the dignity of human life,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “The stomach-turning details of this case and unspeakable acts of cruelty McIntosh inflicted on her helpless victims serve as a stark reminder that pure evil does exist in the world. My sincere hope is that today’s sentence brings some measure of closure to the victims and their families.”
“The actions of Jean McIntosh and ‘The Weston Family’ were nothing short of monstrous,” said Michael T. Harpster, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “With money as their motive, they used and abused some of society’s most vulnerable. The torture inflicted upon their victims is unthinkable; the pain and the fear they caused, incalculable. Right now, my thoughts are with all who suffered at their hands—the survivors, as well as those who lost their lives.”
“This case remains the most appalling example of Social Security representative payee fraud and abuse the Office of the Inspector General has encountered,” said Michael McGill, Special Agent-in-Charge of the SSA OIG Philadelphia Field Division. “Justice has been served with this significant sentence. We thank our law enforcement partners for contributing to this investigation, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for prosecuting the individuals involved in this horrific conspiracy.”
“The sentence handed down today highlights the seriousness of the defendant’s conduct,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Guy Ficco. “Jean McIntosh demonstrated a blatant disregard for human life and caused immeasurable hardship to innocent victims. We, along with our law enforcement partners, and the United States Attorney's Office will continue to hold those who engage in similar conduct accountable.”
“The Weston racketeering enterprise committed unspeakable acts against innocent and vulnerable members of our community,” said Richard Ross Jr., Philadelphia Police Commissioner. “An intensive inter-agency investigation resulted in the arrests and successful prosecutions of multiple offenders. With the arrest, conviction, and impending sentencing of Jean McIntosh, we sincerely hope that a feeling of closure can commence for the victims and their families.”
This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General (SSI-OIG), and Philadelphia Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Faithe Moore Taylor and Richard Barrett.
Woman Sentenced for Supplying Heroin That Caused OverdoseRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas City woman was sentenced today to seven years in federal prison for selling heroin to a user who suffered a near-fatal overdose, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Loretta Gilliard, 35, Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin. The investigation began when a user from Overland Park, Kan., bought heroin from Gilliard and then overdosed and lost consciousness. Emergency medical technicians responded and saved the user’s life by administering an opioid reversing agent called Narcan. Investigators learned that Gilliard had sold heroin to the user more than 100 times, usually two to four times a week. Investigators made controlled buys from Gilliard.
McAllister commended the Overland Park Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri Catania for their work on the case.
Williamson County Resident Sentenced for Methamphetamine-Related OffensesRead the Press Release
On August 15, 2018, Erin K. Wright, a/k/a "Erin Shannon," "Erin Tennyson," and "Erin Atchison," 48, of Creal Springs, was sentenced to federal prison for methamphetamine-related offenses, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois Steven D. Weinhoeft announced today. Wright, who had previously pled guilty to a two-count indictment charging conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and possession of pseudoephedrine knowing that it would be used to manufacture methamphetamine, was sentenced to 48 months of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release. Wright was also fined a total of $400.00.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Wright was involved with others in the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine. At sentencing, the district court found that Wright was responsible for the possession of 86.4 grams of pseudoephedrine and the distribution of 370.7 grams of "ice." Ice is methamphetamine which has a purity level of at least 80 percent. The indictment alleged that the offenses occurred between September 2012 and April 2015, in Franklin, Williamson, and Jackson Counties.
The investigation was conducted by the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force and Southern Illinois Enforcement Group. The Williamson County States Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
Whiting Man Sentenced for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
A man who filed false and fraudulent tax returns was sentenced August 20, 2018, to two years’ probation.
Kurt Neldeberg, 65, from Whiting, Iowa, received the sentence after a February 28, 2018, guilty plea to making a false and fraudulent tax return.
At the guilty plea hearing, Neldeberg admitted that from at least 2009 through 2012, he failed to report a total of approximately $315,512 in income from grain sales which resulted in over $100,000 in unpaid and taxes due and owing for those tax years. Neldeberg admitted he deposited proceeds from farm grain sales into personal bank accounts, and willfully failed to inform his bookkeeper and his tax preparer he had done so. Neldeberg knew that the farm receipts reported on Schedule F of his joint federal tax returns were incorrect, resulting in underreported income for each of the tax years 2009-2012 and tax losses therefrom.
Neldeberg was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett. Neldeberg was sentenced to 24 months’ federal probation and ordered to complete 120 hours of community service. He was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment. Finally, Neldeberg was ordered to make full restitution to the Internal Revenue Service, including any and all interest and penalties determined to be due and owing. Neldeberg had previously posted a $125,000 cash bond to the IRS for restitution purposes.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by the Internal Revenue Service.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 18-4012. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.