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15 August 2018
Louisville Man Charged with Dealing Heroin That Resulted in Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A Louisville, Kentucky man has been charged with possession and distribution of heroin after a Bowling Green woman died of an overdose, announced United States Attorney Russell M. Coleman.
Damone Domonique Bell, age 22, of Bowling Green, was charged in a criminal complaint August 1, 2018 and subsequently charged by federal grand jury indictment on August 15, 2018.
“One pill or single dose of heroin can kill, “stated U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman. “Likewise, if as little as a single pill or dose causes death or an overdose, drug traffickers need be on notice that our office will bring charges carrying a mandatory penalty of twenty years to life in federal prison.”
According to the two-count federal indictment, on July 30, 2018, defendant Bell supplied K.M. and L.C. with heroin. K.M. was found July 30, 2018 by Bowling Green Police Department unresponsive beside a vehicle and efforts to resuscitate were unsuccessful. K.M. was pronounced dead at the Medical Center in Bowling Green. The previously filed Criminal Complaint alleges surveillance video from the gas station in Bowling Green where L.C. and K.M. purchased the heroin, along with text messages and other investigative measures which led police to defendant Bell.
Defendant Bell was arrested during a traffic stop by Kentucky State Police on his way to deliver heroin on July 31, 2018, according to the Criminal Complaint. Troopers searched defendant Bell’s vehicle after detecting the odor of marijuana, and found a small bag of suspected marijuana and two small plastic bags which field-tested positive for the presence of heroin.
If convicted of both offenses at trial, defendant Bell could be sentenced to no less than 20 years and no more than life in prison, fined $2,000,000 and ordered to serve no less than 3 years and up to life of supervised release.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jo E. Lawless in coordination with the Warren County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, and is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Bowling Green Police Department and the Kentucky State Police.
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The indictment of a person by a Grand Jury is an accusation only and that person is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty
Leader of Large Drug Trafficking Organization, Armed Career Criminal, and Three Members of Large Drug Trafficking Network Plead GuiltyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today the convictions of five individuals charged in Operation Hidden Fee in connection with an extensive federal, state, and local investigation by the Middle District Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) aimed at a drug trafficking network based and operating in Baton Rouge. The Indictment filed in this matter charged significant drug trafficking offenses involving heroin, methamphetamine, and crack cocaine, as well as several firearm offenses.
On July 10, 2018, JAMES C. HULL a.k.a. “Fat Boy,” age 40, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, appeared before U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles and pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine base, distribution of methamphetamine and heroin, and four counts of unlawful use of communication facilities. As part of his plea, Hull admitted to being the head of a narcotics distribution ring involving 21 subordinate drug dealers who operated throughout the Baton Rouge area. Hull and the members of his organization acquired and distributed large quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, and crack cocaine throughout Baton Rouge.
On August 15, 2018, each of the following defendants appeared before U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson and pled guilty for their roles in the drug trafficking network:
- William W. Lipscomb, age 52, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine base. Lipscomb admitted to using his home as a place for Hull to store and distribute narcotics and to selling narcotics on behalf of Hull. Lipscomb faces a mandatory minimum of five years in federal prison.
- HEATHER R. WEBBER, age 35, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine base. Webber admitted to obtaining and distributing methamphetamine on behalf of Hull during the conspiracy. Webber faces a mandatory minimum of five years in federal prison.
- BRANDON S. KINAMORE, age 41, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine base and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Kinamore admitted to obtaining and distributing methamphetamine on behalf of Hull during the conspiracy. Kinamore, a multi-time felon, also admitted to possessing a firearm. Due to his extensive criminal history, Kinamore is classified as an Armed Career Criminal. Kinamore faces a mandatory minimum of ten years for the drug conspiracy charge and faces an additional mandatory minimum penalty of fifteen years in prison for the firearm charge.
- STACY TAYLOR, age 40, of Walker, Louisiana, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine base. Taylor admitted to obtaining and distributing methamphetamine on behalf of Hull during the conspiracy. Taylor faces a mandatory minimum of five years in federal prison.
According to documents filed in connection with the guilty pleas, Hull was the organizer and leader of a drug trafficking organization responsible for the distribution of heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine base in and around the Baton Rouge area. Lipscomb stored and sold heroin, cocaine base and methamphetamine at Hull’s direction. Webber regularly purchased methamphetamine from Hull and sold methamphetamine to others. Kinamore distributed methamphetamine at Hull’s direction and recruited another to sell methamphetamine for Hull. Taylor obtained methamphetamine from Hull to sell to others.
U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “Today’s convictions are another step towards our goal of removing lethal drugs and those who traffic in them from our streets. We will continue to use every resource available to dismantle these types of organizations and keep our people safe. They deserve nothing less. I want to thank our prosecutors and federal, state and local law enforcement partners for their outstanding efforts in this very important matter.”
DEA Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge Brad L. Byerley stated, “Our neighborhoods deserve to exist without fear and intimidation inflicted by violent drug trafficking organizations. These indictments should serve as a warning and send a clear message that we will relentlessly pursue violent criminals as well as the drug traffickers plaguing our communities and bring them to justice.”
East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux stated, “These cases are a result of a lot of hard work by local, state and federal agencies to get drugs and drug dealers off our community streets. These men make money by peddling death to our youth. I’m proud of our agents that have worked so hard and risked so much to make these cases. I'm also grateful to the U.S. Attorney's Office for their hard work and dedication in prosecuting them. We will continue to aggressively work to eradicate these types of enterprises from our community.”
The investigation is yet another effort by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Program, which was established in 1982 to mount a comprehensive attack against organized drug traffickers. Today, the OCDETF Program is the centerpiece of the United States Attorney General’s drug strategy to reduce the availability of drugs by disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations and money laundering organizations and related criminal enterprises. The OCDETF Program operates nationwide and combines the resources and unique expertise of numerous federal, state, and local agencies in a coordinated attack against major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations.
These ongoing investigations were led by the Drug Enforcement Administration with invaluable assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Baton Rouge City Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police. Other agencies also assisted in apprehending the defendants, including the U.S. Marshal’s Service, and the Sheriffs’ Offices in Ascension, Iberville, and West Baton Rouge Parishes.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Piedrahita and Cal Leipold.
Lawrence Man Arrested for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence man was arrested yesterday and charged in federal court in Boston with distributing fentanyl.
Luis Pimentel, 29, was charged with one count of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Pimentel appeared in federal court yesterday and was ordered detained pending a detention hearing.
According to the complaint unsealed yesterday, in May 2018, federal agents identified Pimentel as a fentanyl distributor in the Lawrence area. During the course of this investigation, agents seized over 160 grams of fentanyl from the defendant.
The charge of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl carries a minimum mandatory sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew Lelling and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Division, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the complaint are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lanier County Felon Sentenced for Manufacturing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that on August 15, 2018, Wallace H. “Wally” Hendley, age 55, of Lakeland, Georgia, was sentenced to 65 months in federal prison for Manufacture of Methamphetamine before Senior U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson in Valdosta.
At his plea hearing, Mr. Hendley admitted that a search warrant was executed at his home on March 30, 2017. The search warrant was related to a Lanier County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) investigation that the property was being used to manufacture and sell methamphetamine. In the kitchen, officers found items used to produce methamphetamine. A pickle jar filled with a clear liquid with white particles was also found, and the liquid tested positive for methamphetamine. Officers also found a loaded Remington, model 597, semi-automatic rifle in a bedroom.
On April 7, 2017, Mr. Hendley was taken into custody, waived his Miranda rights, and gave a recorded statement. Mr. Hendley stated that he lived alone and everything in the house belonged to him. Mr. Hendley admitted to intentionally manufacturing methamphetamine.
“People who manufacture methamphetamine are producing poison,” said United States Attorney Charles E. Peeler. “I appreciate the efforts of the Lanier County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI to halt the further production of such poison and to send Mr. Hendley to federal prison.”
The case was investigated by the Lanier County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Sonja Profit 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.
Kirkland, Washington Tax Defier Convicted of Two Decade Scheme to Avoid Paying Income TaxesRead the Press Release
The owner of a Kirkland, Washington interior design business was convicted August 10, 2018 in U.S. District Court in Seattle of 25 counts related to a nearly twenty-year scheme to avoid paying more than $560,000 in income taxes, announced U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. Following a four-day jury trial DANIEL NIX, 58, was convicted of thirteen counts of tax evasion, eleven counts of providing fictitious financial obligations, and one count of corrupt interference with the administration of the Internal Revenue Code. The jury deliberated for a day. U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik scheduled sentencing for November 9, 2018.
According to the indictment and testimony at trial, NIX operates Dannix Design, an interior design firm for medical offices. As early as 1998 and from 2000 to 2013, NIX refused to pay his taxes on $3.9 million in gross income, and $1.9 million in net profit. NIX sought to avoid more than $560,000 in federal income and self-employment taxes by setting up shell companies to hide his income and assets, by filing false bankruptcy claims, and by filing false claims against the government. For tax years 2010-2013, NIX continued to use a variety of strategies to hide his income and avoid any tax assessments. He set up sham religious entities and transferred assets into the names of those sham religious entities, in order to frustrate IRS efforts to put liens on his assets.
NIX enjoyed a lavish lifestyle with the proceeds of his crime. He owns a Kirkland home assessed for more than $1 million. He bought and owned at least 16 luxury vehicles over the years, including a Porsche, a Jaguar, a BMW, a Ford F-150, multiple Mercedes-Benz, Harley Davidsons, and other imported motorcycles.
In February 2013, NIX sent eleven fake money orders to the IRS to make it appear he was paying his tax obligations. The total face value of the eleven fake money orders exceeded a million dollars. On several occasions, NIX harassed IRS and Department of Revenue agents, filing fraudulent liens against them. He also called other unrelated individuals who were subject to IRS liens and falsely claimed the liens filed by the government were invalid.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seungjae Lee and Mark Parrent.
KCK Man Charged with Stealing Dozens of Firearms from Independence Gun StoreRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Kan., man was charged in federal court today with stealing dozens of firearms from an Independence, Mo., gun store.
Keyon D. Johnson, 21, was charged in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., with one count of stealing firearms from a federal licensee and one count of transporting stolen firearms across state lines. Johnson remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing on Aug. 20, 2018.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Johnson stole 64 firearms from Armory KC, 10531 E. US 40 Hwy. in Independence. The firearms were stolen during a break-in at the business that occurred about 1:50 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018.
The store’s video surveillance shows a group of thieves smashing out the glass on the front door of the business, the affidavit says, then attaching a chain to the front door of the business and to the rear of a pickup truck in order to rip the door off. The thieves entered the store and used hammers to break the glass on the display cases, then placed the firearms in bags.
A cooperating source identified Johnson as one of the thieves, according to the affidavit. On Monday, Aug. 13, 2018, investigators located a vehicle connected to the theft and attempted to conduct a traffic stop in the area of 27th Street and Parallel Parkway. The vehicle fled the area and was later found parked in a driveway. An officer saw two persons flee the area on foot and run into a wooded area. Additional officers responded to the area to assist and located Johnson, who was placed under arrest.
Officers located a Glock 9mm handgun laying near where Johnson was arrested. It was determined that the firearm had been among those stolen from Armory KC. Investigators searched Johnson’s apartment and found eight additional firearms, all of which had been stolen during the Aug. 9, 2018, burglary of Armory KC.
The charges contained in this complaint are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alison Dunning. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the ATF-KCPD Illegal Firearms Squad and the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department.
KC Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a meth-trafficking conspiracy.
Marcell Shavers, 27, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Greg Kays to 40 years in federal prison without parole.
On March 1, 2018, Shavers was convicted by a trial jury of participating in a conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
On Jan. 1, 2014, Kansas City, Mo., police officers responded to a reported shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered the body of Jose Medellin, who had been fatally shot. They also found several shell casings at the scene as well as two plastic bags containing more than 55 grams of methamphetamine in Medellin’s possession.
The person who reported the shooting had gone to Discount Smokes on Independence Avenue to obtain some cigarettes. While at the store, he was approached by co-defendant James P. Roberts, 27, of Kansas City, Mo., who asked about obtaining methamphetamine. He replied that he knew a source and would set up a meeting.
The witness contacted Medellin, then picked up Roberts at Discount Smokes and they drove to Medellin’s apartment building. He told Medellin that Roberts wanted to buy $1,000 of methamphetamine, and Medellin told him to bring Roberts inside the apartment building. The three men met in the laundry room on the ground floor, but when a car alarm went off, the witness went out to shut it off. He could not re-enter the laundry because it locked automatically and could only be opened from the inside.
Although he could not reenter the building, the witness could see through the windows and saw Roberts with an unknown man, later identified as Shavers. He witnessed Medellin being shot. Medellin tried to run from the shooter but was unable to escape. Medellin was shot in the abdomen, turned to run, was shot in the right buttock, fell to the ground and was shot in the back while on the ground. After Medellin fell, the witness ran to a nearby Quik Trip and called the police.
Shavers later told another person that he and Roberts had met with Medellin to conduct a drug deal.
Roberts pleaded guilty on Feb. 1, 2018, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, which resulted in the killing of Medellin. Roberts admitted that, while he possessed a handgun during the drug transaction, he never fired at Medellin. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Roberts will be sentenced to between 20 and 30 years in federal prison without parole.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey Valenti and Joseph M. Marquez. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Justice Department Files Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Michigan School DistrictRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the Allegan Area Educational Service Agency (AAESA), a government agency providing support, cooperative educational programs, and services to local school districts in Allegan County, Michigan. The lawsuit alleges that AAESA subjected two female teachers to sexual harassment and a hostile work environment in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VII is a federal statute that prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, and religion.
The Department’s complaint, filed today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan, alleges that AAESA discriminated against two female teachers when they were regularly subjected to sexual harassment in the workplace by their supervisor, a former principal at the school where they all worked. According to the complaint, the sexual harassment of the teachers included verbal abuse as well as unwanted physical touching that escalated to physical assaults. The principal was later convicted of criminal assault of the teachers. The complaint alleges that AAESA did not take reasonable steps to prevent his unlawful acts.
“All Americans are entitled to a workplace that is free of unlawful harassment based on sex,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division. “The types of discriminatory acts alleged in this lawsuit, resulting in these public sector employees suffering years of verbal and emotional abuse and ending with physical assaults, can be prevented only when employers cultivate workplace environments where workers know that such misconduct will not be tolerated.”
Both teachers filed charges of discrimination with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC investigated the charges and found that there was a reasonable basis to believe that violations of Title VII had occurred. After unsuccessful conciliation efforts by the EEOC, the charges were referred by the EEOC to the Justice Department.
Through this lawsuit, the United States seeks monetary relief for each of the teachers and injunctive relief to require AAESA to develop and implement policies that would prevent sex discrimination and harassment in the future.
Today’s lawsuit is part of the Civil Rights Division’s Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Initiative announced in February 2018. The Initiative is aimed at eradicating sexual harassment in state and local government workplaces. It focuses on litigation, outreach, and development of effective remedial measures to address and prevent future sex discrimination and harassment.
Attorneys assigned to the Employment Litigation Section of the Civil Rights Division represent the United States in this matter.
Additional information about Title VII and other federal employment laws is available on the Civil Rights Division’s website at https://www.justice.gov/crt
Jury Convicts Saratoga County Man of Lying During Attempt to Buy a GunRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK - A jury voted yesterday to convict Michael Bramer, Jr., age 32, of Saratoga County, New York, of providing a false statement to a licensed dealer in connection with the attempted acquisition of a firearm.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), New York Field Division.
Evidence presented during the 2-day trial established that on October 24, 2016, Bramer knowingly made a false statement on a Firearms Transaction Record (also known as an ATF Form 4473) at a store in Gloversville, New York, in connection with his attempt to buy a Savage .243 Axis rifle.
In response to the question on ATF Form 4473 “Are you subject to a court order restraining you from harassing, stalking, or threatening . . . an intimate partner?” Bramer responded “No,” when he knew that 11 days earlier, on October 13, 2016, he was issued a Temporary Order of Protection in Malta Town Court ordering him to refrain from assault, harassment, stalking, threats and any criminal offense against an intimate partner. Bramer’s court order stated that he was advised of the issuance and contents of the order and was personally served with the order by a Malta Town Court Judge, and both Bramer and the judge signed the order.
Bramer faces up to 10 years in prison, a maximum $250,000 fine, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of up to 3 years when he is sentenced on December 10, 2018 by Senior United States District Judge Gary L. Sharpe. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
The case was investigated by the ATF. The case was prosecuted to indictment by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Rabe and prosecuted at trial by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia Giglio Suarez.
Iraqi National Wanted for Murder in Iraq Arrested in SacramentoRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Omar Ameen, 45, an Iraqi national, wanted on a murder charge in Iraq, appeared before a federal magistrate judge in Sacramento today in connection with proceedings to extradite him to face trial in Iraq. Ameen settled in Sacramento as a purported refugee and attempted to gain legal status in the United States.
The arrest was announced by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott for the Eastern District of California, Assistant Director Michael McGarrity of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division, and Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan of the FBI’s Sacramento Field Office.
An arrest warrant charging Ameen with the 2014 murder of an Iraqi police officer was issued on May 16, by a judge of the Baghdad Federal Al-Karkh Inquiry Court.
In accordance with its treaty obligations with Iraq, the United States filed a complaint in Sacramento seeking a warrant for Ameen’s arrest based on the extradition request. U.S. Magistrate Judge Edmund F. Brennan issued the warrant on Tuesday, and Ameen was arrested by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force in Sacramento today. At his initial appearance today, a new court date was set for August 20 at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Brennan.
The Iraqi arrest warrant and extradition request allege that after the town of Rawah, Iraq fell to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) on June 21, 2014, Ameen entered the town with a caravan of ISIS vehicles and drove to the house of the victim, who had served as an officer in the Rawah Police Department. On the evening of June 22, 2014, after the caravan arrived at the victim’s house, Ameen and other members of the convoy allegedly opened fire on the victim. Ameen then allegedly fired his weapon at the victim while the victim was on the ground, killing him.
Ameen, originally of Rawah, in the Anbar province of Iraq, fled Iraq following the alleged murder, and later settled in Sacramento as a purported refugee. It is alleged that Ameen’s family supported and assisted the installation of al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) in Rawah, and that Ameen was a member of AQI and ISIS. It is also alleged that he participated in various activities in support of those terrorist organizations, including helping to plant improvised explosive devices, and committing the murder that is the subject of the extradition request. Ameen concealed his membership in those terrorist groups when he applied for refugee status, and later when he applied for a green card in the United States.
Today’s arrest and the subsequent extradition are the product of a coordinated effort by the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of State, the Federal Bureau of Investigation—in particular the FBI Sacramento Field Office, which provided considerable resources to further this investigation and ensure the safety of the American people throughout — and ICE-Homeland Security Investigations. The details contained in the charging document are allegations and have not been proven in court.
Iraqi National Wanted for Murder in Iraq Arrested in CaliforniaRead the Press Release
Omar Ameen, 45, an Iraqi national, wanted on a murder charge in Iraq, appeared before a federal magistrate judge in Sacramento, California today in connection with proceedings to extradite him to face trial in Iraq. Ameen settled in Sacramento as a purported refugee and attempted to gain legal status in the United States.
The arrest was announced by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott for the Eastern District of California, Assistant Director Michael McGarrity of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division, and Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan of the FBI’s Sacramento Field Office.
An arrest warrant charging Ameen with the 2014 murder of an Iraqi police officer was issued on May 16, by a judge of the Baghdad Federal Al-Karkh Inquiry Court. In accordance with its treaty obligations with Iraq, the United States filed a complaint in Sacramento seeking a warrant for Ameen’s arrest based on the extradition request. U.S. Magistrate Judge Edmund F. Brennan issued the warrant on Tuesday, and Ameen was arrested by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force in Sacramento today.
The Iraqi arrest warrant and extradition request allege that after the town of Rawah, Iraq fell to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) on June 21, 2014, Ameen entered the town with a caravan of ISIS vehicles and drove to the house of the victim, who had served as an officer in the Rawah Police Department. On the evening of June 22, 2014, after the caravan arrived at the victim’s house, Ameen and other members of the convoy allegedly opened fire on the victim. Ameen then allegedly fired his weapon at the victim while the victim was on the ground, killing him.
Ameen, originally of Rawah, in the Anbar province of Iraq, fled Iraq following the alleged murder, and later settled in Sacramento as a purported refugee. It is alleged that Ameen’s family supported and assisted the installation of al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) in Rawah, and that Ameen was a member of AQI and ISIS. It is also alleged that he participated in various activities in support of those terrorist organizations, including helping to plant improvised explosive devices, and committing the murder that is the subject of the extradition request. Ameen concealed his membership in those terrorist groups when he applied for refugee status, and later when he applied for a green card in the United States.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations and have not been proven in court.
Today’s arrest and efforts to initiate the extradition process are the product of a coordinated effort by the U.S. Department of Justice — in particular the Criminal Division's Office of International Affairs, which played a significant role — the U.S. Department of State, the FBI — in particular the FBI Sacramento Field Office which provided considerable resources to further this investigation and ensure the safety of the American people throughout it — and ICE-Homeland Security Investigations.
Investigation into Puente 13 Street Gang Leads to Federal Charges Against 17 Defendants on Narcotics, Fraud and Identity Theft ChargesRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – Federal authorities have arrested 12 defendants on federal narcotics and fraud charges stemming from an investigation into the Puente 13 street gang. Those arrested last night and this morning are among 17 defendants named in a series of indictments returned by a federal grand jury that allege various offenses, including narcotics, bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. The other five charged defendants were already in federal and state custody.
The investigation into the Mexican Mafia-affiliated Puente 13 street gang was led by the United States Secret Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration, and included a series of wiretaps that revealed criminal activity by gang members, gang associates and others.
The 17 defendants are charged in 12 indictments and one criminal complaint that allege a wide range of crimes, including possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, felon in possession of a firearm, bank fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, illegal possession of access devices (credit cards), possession of access device making equipment, and possession of stolen mail.
The investigation began when authorities learned that Puente 13 member Victor Ponce De Leon was allegedly involved in drug trafficking, with intercepted communications indicating he was willing to sell methamphetamine. One of the indictments that names Ponce De Leon specifically alleges a drug transaction in which he sold a quarter ounce of methamphetamine while armed with a 9mm handgun.
As the investigation expanded, authorities also uncovered an identity theft ring. While most of the participants are charged in separate cases, stolen credit cards and personal identifying information from numerous common victims were found in the possession of multiple defendants.
During the five-month investigation, law enforcement also uncovered a scheme to smuggle narcotics into the Pitchess Detention Center in Castaic. That conduct is captured in an indictment alleging that Ricky Lee Thornburg, another Puente 13 member who was an inmate at the Pitches Detention Center, planned to receive smuggled methamphetamine from fellow co-conspirators and distribute the drugs to other inmates. This indictment, which charges the alleged supplier of the drugs and a woman who allegedly attempted to smuggle the methamphetamine into the facility, alleges that more than two ounces of methamphetamine and some heroin, all of which was concealed in plastic drinking straws, was intercepted as the woman was preparing to visit De Leon at Pitchess in May.
The 17 defendants charged as a result of this investigation are:
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Victor Ponce De Leon, a convicted felon also known as “Dopey,” 26, of La Puente, who in charged in two indictments with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, distributing methamphetamine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, being a felon in possession of a firearm, bank fraud, conspiring to commit bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and possessing stolen mail;
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James W. Butcher, 54, of Covina, who allegedly agreed to purchase methamphetamine from Ponce De Leon for redistribution;
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Ricky Lee Thornburg, also known as “Shorty,” 39, of Glendora, who is charged in two indictments with orchestrating the plot to smuggle narcotics into Pitchess, as well as possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it and carrying a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking;
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Beatris Gomez, 39, of Glendora, who allegedly supplied the narcotics to be smuggled into the jail and drove to the facility, is also charged with possessing an access device reader/encoder;
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Patricia Marie Jimenez, 32, of La Puente, who is charged in two indictments with attempting to smuggle the narcotics into the Pitchess by hiding the drug-laden straws in her boots, as well as possessing counterfeit currency, possessing unauthorized access devices, aggravated identity theft and possession of stolen mail;
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Melody Basye, 38, of San Bernardino, who allegedly possessed methamphetamine with intent to distribute it, possessed counterfeit access devices and possessed an access-device maker;
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Joseph Anthony Castro, 37, of Azusa, who allegedly possessed with intent to distribute heroin, possessed counterfeit access devices (including social security numbers), committed aggravated identity theft, and possessed approximately $4,650 in counterfeit currency;
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Matthew Burciaga, also known as “Porky,” 32, of La Puente, who allegedly possessed an access device reader/encoder;
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Yvonne Marie Estrada, 35, of Covina, who allegedly possessed with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
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Maribel Gomez, 25, of Azusa, who allegedly committed bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and possessed with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
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Elizabeth Joyce McDowell, also known as “Lilly,” 23, of West Covina, who allegedly conspired to commit bank fraud, and committed aggravated identity theft;
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Priscilla Telles, also known as “Babydoll,” 31, of La Puente, who allegedly conspired to commit bank fraud and committed aggravated identity theft;
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David Ortega, also known as “No-No,” 23, of Hacienda Heights, who allegedly possessed unauthorized access devices, committed aggravated identity theft, and possessed stolen mail;
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Ulices Ramon Soto, also known as “Uli,” 36, of Whittier, who allegedly was a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, possessed unauthorized access devices, committed aggravated identity theft, possessed device-making equipment, and possessed stolen mail;
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Thomas Arroyave, 34, of Azusa, who allegedly possessed unauthorized access devices, committed aggravated identity theft, possessed with intent to use or transfer at least five identification documents, possessed access device-making equipment, possessed stolen mail, and was a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition;
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Edward Padilla, also known as “Spunks,” 24, of Chino Hills, who allegedly was a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition; and
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Ruby Escarcega, 22, of Chino Hills, who allegedly aided and abetted a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition;
The 12 defendants arrested last night and today are expected to be arraigned this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. The other five – Thornburg, Basye, Arroyave, Maribel Gomez and Jimenez – are expected to be brought into federal court for arraignments in these cases in the near future.
Indictments and criminal complaints contain allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
If convicted, those facing narcotics offenses general face mandatory minimum sentences of five years in federal prison and maximum possible sentences of 40 years. Those charged with fraud offenses face a range of penalties, with bank fraud carrying a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and aggravated identity theft carrying a mandatory consecutive two-year sentence.
These cases are the result of an investigation by the United States Secret Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration. Substantial assistance was provided by the Glendora Police Department and the Culver City Police Department.
These case are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Scott M. Lara, William M. Rollins, Veronica M.A. Alegría, Julia S. Choe and Sara B. Milstein of the General Crimes Section.
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Husband of Former FDOT Employee Sentenced for Theft of More Than $370,000 in Federal Grant FundsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Mary Scriven today sentenced Alejo Tronco-Diaz (52, Lakeland) to 12 months and one day in federal prison for conspiracy to commit federal program theft. As part of his sentence, Tronco-Diaz was also ordered to pay $295,891.65 in restitution. The court also entered a money judgment in the amount of $373,602.42, representing the total proceeds of the charged criminal conduct.
Tronco-Diaz pleaded guilty on May 14, 2018.
According to court documents, Tronco-Diaz’s wife, Tracy Dean Tronco, worked as a Transit Coordinator and Passenger Operations Specialist at the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) District 7 office in Tampa from May 2010 through August 2015. Tronco was responsible for administering transportation projects and funds that were intended to benefit Florida residents and taxpayers. As part of her work, she had a role in awarding federal grant funds that the U.S. Department of Transportation provided to the FDOT.
Tronco-Diaz, who married Tronco in 2012, was an FDOT grant applicant who operated an alleged church, Ministerio A Gran Voz De Trompeta Campus, Inc., in Hillsborough and Polk Counties. Ministerio purported to provide transportation services for underserved populations, such as elderly, disabled, and unemployed individuals.
Tronco used her position at FDOT to award more than $370,000 in federal funds to Ministerio and another religious ministry that claimed to be partnering with Ministerio to provide transportation services. The grant money was supposed to be used to purchase and renovate a commercial property in Hillsborough County, to provide job and transportation-related services, to purchase three new vehicles, and to reimburse the operation’s vehicle maintenance costs. Instead, the funds and vehicles were kept and used by Tronco, her husband, and other co-conspirators. Tronco also failed to disclose to FDOT her personal relationship with Tronco-Diaz, which constituted a conflict of interest that would have prevented her from handling the grant awards.
Tronco resigned from FDOT in lieu of termination on April 27, 2016. She was charged in the same indictment and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit federal program theft on October 18, 2017.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Florida Department of Transportation - Office of Inspector General, with assistance from the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Transportation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Scruggs.
Houston Man Convicted of Robbing Traveling Jewelry SalesmanRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 30-year-old resident of Houston had pleaded guilty to cconspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Gabriel Ocampo-Mayorquin admitted in federal court yesterday that he was part of a violent robbery crew that would rob traveling jewelry salesmen during their travels to Houston.
On Sept. 11, 2009, Ocampo-Mayorquin and Columbian co-conspirators robbed an off-duty Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission (TABC) officer and an interstate traveling jeweler at gunpoint at 3201 Sage Road in Houston. Ocampo-Mayorquin and Santos Diaz-Soto, 32, approached the TABC officer while he was waiting in his car on the salesman. Diaz-Soto had the gun and Ocampo-Mayorquin a “glass punch” used to break the windows of the car.
After Ocampo-Mayorquin broke the window, Diaz-Soto held the officer at gunpoint, at which time they attempted to steal several watches. The officer fired shots resulting in injuries to both. Diaz-Soto was shot in the back and arms, while Ocampo-Mayorquin was shot in the arm.
The men then fled into a green Acura that Juan Carlos Valencia, 35, was driving. Immediately thereafter, witnesses observed three suspicious vehicles enter into the Gables Apartment Complex located at 3300 Sage Road to change license plates and switch cars. Ocampo-Mayorquin fled to Mexico after this robbery under an alias, while the others, all Columbian nationals, were charged and sentenced for their various roles in this robbery.
Ocampo-Mayorquin spent eight years in a Mexican prison, after which the FBI brought him back to the United States face these charges. He will remain in custody pending sentencing, at which time he faces up to 20 years in prison and a possible $250,000 fine.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Elmilady is prosecuting the case.
Head of Drug Trafficking Organization “Little DTO” Sentenced Today to 34 Years’ ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
Philadelphia – U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain announced today that Leon Little, 38, of Cherry Hill, NJ, was sentenced today by the Honorable Cynthia M. Rufe to 408 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release for his role as the leader of a large scale oxycodone pill conspiracy that caused nearly 400,000 oxycodone pills and other drugs to be released illegally on the streets of Philadelphia, Delaware, and elsewhere. This is the largest sentence ever received in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania in a federal pill-trafficking case. Little was charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and was found guilty by a jury in December 2016.
Little recruited several people to perpetrate his drug distribution scheme, including at least 55 “pseudo-patients”—individuals who posed as patients in order to acquire prescription drugs from a licensed physician in Philadelphia. Many of these pseudo-patients were recruited from the Raymond Rosen Projects, a government-assisted housing development located in North Philadelphia. Little provided the cash required to pay for all doctor’s appointments, the costs of filling prescriptions received from the doctor as well as forged prescriptions and payment to the pseudo-patients and drivers for their services. Little also recruited several others to carry out the scheme: Heather Herzstein, the receptionist at the doctor’s office who arranged the office visits; Brendin Strand, a customer who purchased the drugs; and Colise Harmon, James Alexander, and John Baldwin—all drivers who recruited and transported pseudo-patients to the doctor’s office.
Once Little fraudulently acquired the drugs, he collected and stored the filled prescriptions, packaged the drugs for re-distribution, and distributed to them to his customers. Little sold the oxycodone pills and other prescriptions drugs and profited over $3,000,000. He used those proceeds to perpetuate the scheme; purchase vehicles, real estate and a UPS franchise; and gamble over $1 million dollars at various casinos.
“Today, the streets of Philadelphia and our region are safer now that Leon Little will be behind bars for years to come,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “This defendant was the mastermind behind a massive scheme involving highly addictive drugs, and he lived high on the hog at the expense of other peoples’ misery. The opioid crisis is hitting our region hard, and we are taking action. I commend the hardworking prosecutors from my office and our law enforcement partners for putting this case together and holding this defendant accountable for the destruction he caused.”
“Little ran a prescription drug trafficking ring that was responsible for the distribution of more than 380,000 tablets of controlled substances in and around Philadelphia. He was also responsible for recruiting numerous people from government-assisted housing developments to act as “pseudo-patients” to fraudulently obtain these prescription drugs in furtherance of his criminal activities,” said Jonathan A. Wilson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division. “After being found guilty of numerous federal drug and money laundering charges, Little has received a sentence that is appropriate for drug traffickers that seek to exploit some of the most vulnerable members of our society.”
“We continue to see the devastating effects illegal prescription drugs are having on our society,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Guy Ficco. “Today’s sentencing of Leon Little demonstrates how IRS-CI, along with our federal law enforcement partners, and the Department of Justice will band together in the fight against prescription opioid abuse.”
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation Health Care Fraud Task Force, Philadelphia Police Department, and North Coventry Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tomika N.S. Patterson.
Government Seeks to Forfeit Assets of Pittsford Psychiatrist Obtained Through FraudRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051
ROCHESTER, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a civil forfeiture complaint has been filed against Dr. Muhammad A. Cheema, 45, of Pittsford, NY, to forfeit assets allegedly obtained through fraud and that were involved in money laundering.According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Grace M. Carducci, who is handling the civil case, the complaint seeks the forfeiture of:
• $806,871.91 from three separate bank accounts held by the defendant; • A 2015 Audi A8; • A 2017 Mercedes Benz; and
• The defendant’s residence at 9 Bromsgrove Hill, in Pittsford, NY.On July 30, 2018, Dr. Cheema, a licensed physician who provides psychiatric services at his private practice, Upstate Psychiatry in Pittsford, as well as at Rochester Regional Health, and various nursing homes, was charged by criminal complaint with health care fraud and making false statements relating to health care matters.
According to the criminal complaint, Dr. Cheema routinely billed health insurance providers the highest leve1 of evaluation and management services for new patient visits, and his medical notes were missing the documentation to support the level of evaluation and management services for his established patients. The defendant is also accused of routinely upcoding office visits of patients, improperly billing health care benefit programs for services that he did not provide, and, on more than one occasion, prescribing drugs to an undercover patient without performing an physical exam or psychotherapy.
In addition, Dr. Cheema, as alleged in the criminal complaint, submitted a fraudulent certificate which purported to show him to be board certified in Psychiatry. In fact, the defendant was not board certified in Psychiatry, has never passed the ABPN certifying examination in Psychiatry or Neurology. The investigation determined that the document submitted by the defendant was fraudulent, and was generated on his desktop computer using a valid Certificate belonging to a psychiatrist in Arizona.
“As I stated at the time of the defendant’s arrest, our office is committed to ensuring that those who seek unjustly to enrich themselves by perpetrating frauds against the health care system are brought to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “While the criminal complaint holds Dr. Cheema criminally responsible for his actions, this civil complaint seeks to divest him of his ill-gotten gains.”
The civil complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert, and the New York State Department of Financial Services, under the direction of Superintendent Maria T. Vullo.
If convicted of the criminal charges, Dr. Cheema faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Gardner Man Sentenced for Firearm and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Gardner man was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester for illegally possessing ammunition and distributing fentanyl.
Travis Miller, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 80 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In March 2018, Miller pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition and one count of distribution of fentanyl. In November 2017, Miller and another individual, Edwin Labaw, were arrested after being charged in a criminal complaint.
According to court documents, Miller met with an undercover federal agent on Sept. 19, 2017, in Gardner, and the agent purchased a double-barrel 12-gauge shotgun, a 9mm Kel-Tech Sub 2000 rifle, and 11 rounds of 12-gauge shotgun ammunition in exchange for $1,200. Miller again met with an undercover agent on Sept. 27, 2017, in Fitchburg, and the agent purchased a 7.62x39mm caliber SKS rifle, along with ammunition and magazines, in exchange for $1,800. Miller engaged in communications with the undercover agent and a cooperating source regarding other firearms, including a sniper rifle and the potential assembly of a fully automatic AR-style rifle.
Subsequently, Miller sent text messages to the undercover agent offering to sell fentanyl patches and OxyContin pills. On Nov. 3, 2017, Miller met with the agent in Worcester and sold him a .38 caliber revolver with an obliterated serial number, .38 caliber ammunition, 39 fentanyl patches, and 65 OxyContin pills.
According to court documents, Miller has prior felony convictions and is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
Labaw pleaded guilty on March 5, 2018, to being a felon in possession of a firearm and is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 29, 2018.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division, made the announcement. This case was investigated with assistance from the Worcester, Gardner, and Fitchburg Police Departments, and the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Abely of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Fulton County Deputy Jailer Indicted for Assaulting InmateRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Paducah, Kentucky, returned a one-count indictment today charging James Eakes, a deputy jailer at the Fulton County Detention Center, with violating the civil rights of an inmate by assaulting him with a dangerous weapon.
The indictment alleges that on Aug. 14, 2016, Eakes willfully deprived an inmate of the right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment. Specifically, the indictment alleges that Eakes assaulted the inmate with a dangerous weapon, resulting in bodily injury to the inmate.
If convicted of the civil rights charge, Eakes faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Madison Sewell of the Western District of Kentucky and Trial Attorneys Sanjay Patel and Zachary Dembo of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
Fort Smith Man Found Guilty of Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Nowlin Lee Waugh, Jr, age 35, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, was found guilty by a federal jury of Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine. The jury trial began with testimony on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 and concluded on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 with the guilty verdict.
Evidence at trial proved that on March 23, 2018, Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers attempted to stop a vehicle driven by the defendant on Interstate 40 in Okmulgee County. During the pursuit that ensued, the troopers could see the defendant moving erratically inside the vehicle. When the vehicle stopped the troopers saw bags that contained methamphetamine, a trash can that had methamphetamine and bleach in it, and an open bottle of bleach. There were also several open plastic baggies that had methamphetamine residue inside. Troopers recovered over 50 grams of methamphetamine that the defendant had not been able to destroy with bleach. The Drug Enforcement Agency assisted with the investigation.
“Despite the defendant’s best efforts to destroy the evidence of his crime, Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers were able to process the crime scene and collect the evidence needed to prove to the jury that Waugh intended to distribute methamphetamine. The car stop and resulting investigation prevented thousands of dosage units from being distributed into Oklahoma communities, and will allow Waugh to be held accountable for his unlawful acts,” said United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester. “I would like to thank the jurors for giving their time and attention to this case. Jury duty can be an inconvenience to jurors, but it is essential to the American Justice System.”
The Honorable Ronald A. White, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the trial and ordered the completion of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled following its completion.
Assistant United States Attorney Edward Snow represented the United States.
Former ICE Special Agent Arrested on Federal Civil Rights Charges that Allege He Sexually Assaulted Two WomenRead the Press Release
RIVERSIDE, California – A former special agent with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) was arrested this morning on federal civil rights charges that allege he sexually assaulted one woman and twice raped another woman after abusing his official position to convince them not to report his violent conduct.
John Jacobs Olivas, 43, of Riverside, was arrested this morning without incident by special agents from FBI and ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility.
Olivas, who was arrested pursuant to a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury on August 1, was arraigned this afternoon in United States District Court in Riverside. Olivas entered a not guilty plea, was ordered released on a $50,000 bond, and was ordered to stand trial on October 9.
Olivas – who began with his career with ICE in 2007 and resigned in September 2015 after working as an HSI special agent for just over six years – allegedly sexually assaulted the two victims in 2012.
The indictment alleges that Olivas attempted to rape one victim in January 2012 after making it clear to her “that the police would not be responsive to any report she may make about defendant Olivas because of defendant Olivas’ position as a federal law enforcement officer.” Olivas allegedly violated the victim’s constitutional right to be free from deprivations of liberty without due process, which includes the right to bodily integrity.
The indictment also alleges that Olivas raped another victim in September 2012 and then again in November 2012. Olivas allegedly also made clear to this woman that police would not respond to any report she might make about attacks by Olivas.
Olivas is charged with three counts of deprivation of rights under color of law, each of which carries a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The case against Olivas is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Office of Professional Responsibility. Anyone who has information about Olivas’ conduct, or who believes they may have been a victim, is encouraged to call the FBI at 855-324-7257.
This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph B. Widman, Chief of the Riverside Branch Office.
Former Evansville man sentenced in fraud schemeRead the Press Release
Stole over $837,000 from Carmi, Illinois energy company
PRESS RELEASE
Evansville –United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced today that a former Evansville resident who worked as the business manager of a Carmi, Illinois, oil and gas company was sentenced for his role in a massive fraud scheme. Kent W. Cutchin, 62, Gilbertsville, Kentucky, pleaded guilty to possessing forged securities, money laundering and filing false tax returns and was sentenced to 46 months imprisonment (nearly four years) by U.S. District Court Judge Richard L. Young.
“White collar crime affects all of us in the form of higher product costs and lost tax revenue,” said Minkler. “This sentence is a strong message to those who feel like they are above the law to think again.”
Cutchin was the office manager for R Energy, a company headquartered in Carmi, Illinois which performs oil and gas field services in multiple states, including Indiana. Cutchin was responsible for paying bills, maintaining office payroll, ordering supplies, and purchasing inventory.
Between December 2011 and February 2015, Cutchin forged the signature of R Energy’s company president on over 500 checks. He wrote the checks to himself and purchased items for his personal use rather than buying items in the ordinary course of business. He used the fraudulently obtained funds for his personal benefit, including making home improvements on his residence in Evansville and purchasing an all-terrain utility vehicle. In total, the amount of theft equaled approximately $837,251.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation.
“Mr. Cutchin filed three false federal tax returns to conceal his illegal income from the IRS. No matter what the source of income, all income is taxable,” said Gabriel Grchan, IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge. “The prosecution of individuals who intentionally conceal income and evade taxes is a vital element of the IRS' enforcement strategy."
“For years, Cutchin enriched himself by abusing his position and the trust of his company by stealing thousands of dollars through a scheme of fraud and deceit, said Grant Mendenhall, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Indianapolis Field Office. “Today’s sentence is a testament to the dedication of the special agents, analysts and prosecutors who work tirelessly to bring white collar criminals to justice.”
According to Assistant United States Attorney Kyle M. Sawa, who prosecuted this case for the government, Cutchin must make full restitution to his former employer and repay over $237,000 to the IRS.
In October 2017, United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced a Strategic Plan designed to shape and strengthen the District’s response to its most significant public safety challenges. This prosecution demonstrates the Office’s firm commitment to prosecuting those who commit large-scale fraud schemes. See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan 5.1
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Former City of Atlanta deputy chief of staff pleads guilty to accepting bribesRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Evelyn Katrina Taylor-Parks has pleaded guilty to conspiring to accept bribe payments while serving as the City of Atlanta’s Deputy Chief of Staff to the Mayor for approximately eight years.
“Parks was trusted to serve the citizens of Atlanta, but opted instead to betray that confidence when she accepted bribes from a vendor,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. Pak. “Unfortunately, she is not alone. Parks represents the fifth defendant to enter a guilty plea in this investigation. We remain resolute in our commitment to root out those who seek to profit personally at the expense of the public’s trust.”
“Parks plea should strike fear in any public official who chooses to cash in on the trust of the people they are sworn to serve,” said J. C. Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Though a bribe to make easy money may be tempting, know this: Public corruption investigations are a top priority for the FBI and we are committed to holding accountable anyone who chooses to disregard the public’s trust.”
“Parks must be held accountable for her crimes in order to restore public trust in city governance,” said Thomas J. Holloman, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-Criminal Investigation. “IRS-CI will continue to leverage its skilled workforce in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to eradicate public corruption by recommending prosecution on any elected official or employee involved in criminal activity under the guise of serving the public.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges, and other information presented in court: From approximately January 2010 to May 2018, Parks served as the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Mayor of the City of Atlanta, Georgia. As the Deputy Chief of Staff, Parks had various responsibilities, including managing core City of Atlanta operations, coordinating with the Mayor and the executive staff to execute the administration’s policies, and facilitating the procurement process.
In her position, Parks signed an annual Financial Disclosure Statement attesting that she was not self-employed or employed by any business or entity other than the City of Atlanta, and that she had not received more than $5,000 in annual income from any source other than the City of Atlanta. Parks executed the Financial Disclosure Statements, under penalty of perjury, in 2011, 2012, and 2013, stating she was not employed outside the City of Atlanta.
A vendor, who was an executive with a firm in Atlanta during Parks’ tenure as the Deputy Chief of Staff, sought work through his businesses with the City of Atlanta, and the City of Atlanta awarded one project to the vendor’s firm worth $99,999.
From late-2011 to mid-2013, Parks met privately with the vendor on multiple occasions. During these meetings, Parks and the vendor discussed various topics, including the vendor’s desire to obtain work with the City of Atlanta, the idea of sole-source contracting, and the process by which the vendor could obtain a sole-source contract with the City of Atlanta. At the time of these meetings, the vendor was actively seeking projects and work with Atlanta, and at times was performing work for the City of Atlanta.
The vendor paid Parks thousands of dollars and paid for various services on Parks’ behalf, while seeking work with the City of Atlanta. In return for these bribe payments, Parks knew that the vendor wanted her to use her position and power as the Mayor’s Deputy Chief of Staff to assist the vendor with the City of Atlanta’s contracting and procurement process, and to assist the vendor in the future when needed.
In exchange for accepting money from the vendor:
1. Parks met regularly with the vendor, took the vendor’s calls, and responded to the vendor’s emails.
2. She organized and arranged meetings between the vendor and high-ranking employees within the City of Atlanta and with a member of the City Council. Based on the high-level nature of her position, Parks knew that when she contacted City of Atlanta employees, on behalf of the vendor, those employees would feel compelled to comply with her requests.
3. Parks provided the vendor with information and advice regarding the processes and procedures to obtain a sole-source contract with the City of Atlanta.
4. She assisted the vendor in obtaining a City Council Resolution allowing the City of Atlanta to negotiate a sole-source contract with the vendor that was possibly worth millions of dollars. Parks believed that the vendor intended to use the resolution in an attempt to obtain government contracts outside of Atlanta.
5. She also facilitated and expedited the process for the vendor to get paid for work the vendor had completed for the City of Atlanta.
Parks never disclosed her ongoing financial relationship with the vendor and/or the vendor’s firm on her Financial Disclosure Statements to the City Atlanta. In total, from January to July 2013, the City of Atlanta issued payments of $19,900, $11,750, $15,000, $17,200, and $36,149 to the vendor’s firm.
On November 16, 2017 and on February 15, 2018, Parks was interviewed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. During those interviews, Parks falsely stated that she had never taken money from the vendor.
On August 8, 2018, Evelyn Katrina Taylor-Parks, 49, of Douglas County, Georgia, was charged in a criminal information with one count of conspiratorial bribery.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey W. Davis, Chief of the Public Integrity and Special Matters Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill E. Steinberg, Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Florida Man Sentenced to Sixty Months in Federal Prison for Fraudulent Tax Refund SchemeRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that on August 15, 2018, Tony Cherenfant, age 34, of Miami, Florida, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson in Valdosta to 60 months in federal prison and ordered to make restitution to the United States Treasury in the amount of $582,751 for his involvement in a conspiracy to steal government funds through a fraudulent tax refund scheme.
In his plea agreement, Mr. Cherenfant admitted that he was stopped on Interstate 75 for a traffic violation. During a probable cause search of the car, deputies found the personal identifying information of approximately 1500 individuals, including names, birth dates, and social security numbers, as well as tax refund documents. Mr. Cherenfant subsequently admitted his involvement in a conspiracy which resulted in the filing of approximately 400 fraudulent federal tax returns with the IRS which claimed refunds of $1,285,729. Actual refunds paid on those claims filed without the knowledge or permission of the taxpayers whose identities were used totaled $582,751.
“Mr. Cherenfant used the identities of innocent taxpayers to steal money from the United States,” said United States Attorney Charles E. Peeler. “I thank the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and IRS-Criminal Investigations for helping to send Mr. Cherenfant to federal prison.”
The case was investigated by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and IRS-Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. McCullers 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.
Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Scheme to Market Dietary SupplementsRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Jacksonville, Fla., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in a scheme with two Nixa, Mo., residents to market an all-natural male enhancement supplement that actually contained the same active ingredient found in Viagra.
Michael S. Schindele, 43, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to one count of wire fraud and one count of delivering adulterated or misbranded food.
Schindele, the owner and operator of Executive Image International, operated a website that sold dietary supplements and drugs to the general public. He worked through businesses owned and operated by co-defendants John G. Schindele, 41 (his brother), and Jennifer S. Travis, 45, both of Nixa, Mo., to sell dietary supplements, which they claimed contained only all-natural ingredients. John Schindele and Travis both pleaded guilty, in separate but related cases, on Feb. 21, 2018.
Among the many supplements sold by Michael Schindele was Silver Bullet, marketed as an “all-natural male performance enhancer,” an “Extreme Male Stimulant,” and a “dietary supplement.” In reality, Silver Bullet contained materially different ingredients than what was listed, including sildenafil, a synthetic pharmaceutical ingredient that was not disclosed to consumers purchasing the product.
Sildenafil is the active pharmaceutical that is commonly used in the erectile dysfunction drug Viagra. The labeling for Silver Bullet failed to provide adequate warnings about the use of a sildenafil-containing product, which is only legally available with a prescription from a doctor. Michael Schindele was not authorized or licensed to sell this pharmaceutical.
Silver Bullet was purchased and shipped from a supplier in the People’s Republic of China, then resold by Michael Schindele and others to consumers throughout the United States and worldwide.
Michael Schindele’s misrepresentations resulted in him, Executive Image International, Schindele Enterprises, and Midwest Wholesale obtaining money in the amount of at least $150,000 from consumers. Michael Schindele, personally, received at least $47,930, which must be forfeited to the government.
According to his plea agreement, John Schindele fraudulently received $210,000 for the misrepresented and mislabeled dietary supplements from April 16, 2012, to July 8, 2015. According to her plea agreement, Travis fraudulently received $152,862 for the misrepresented and mislabeled dietary supplements from June 2, 2014, through Jan. 31, 2017.
During the time of the fraud scheme, which operated from Oct. 11, 2011, through Jan. 6, 2014, Michael Schindele also pleaded guilty in a separate and unrelated case to the misdemeanor offense of introducing an unapproved animal drug. Schindele admitted that he sold heartworm tablets that were produced in Australia and had not been approved for sale in the United States, and which required a veterinarian’s prescription. Federal agents seized 1,368 doses of the heartworm tablets from Schindele’s EZBody store in Springfield. Schindele was sentenced on July 17, 2012, to one year of unsupervised probation.
Under federal statutes, Michael Schindele is subject to a sentence of up to 23 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nhan D. Nguyen and Patrick Carney. They were investigated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Federal Jury Convicts Wilson Man of Drug PossessionRead the Press Release
NEW BERN – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that, BONDURANT AKEEM RUFFIN, 34, of Wilson, NC, was convicted in federal court following a three day jury trial before United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The jury found RUFFIN guilty of possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and 28 grams or more of cocaine base (crack).
According to the evidence presented at trial, on November 24, 2016, the Wilson Police Department began investigating a vehicle break-in. They utilized a canine to track the vehicle break-in suspect which led them to RUFFIN who was standing near a handicap ramp at a home. Officers observed a bag underneath the handicap ramp near to where RUFFIN was standing. The bag contained 879 grams of powder cocaine and 74 grams of cocaine base (crack). This bag also contained a digital scale, a spoon and packaging materials. At the time of his arrest, RUFFIN possessed over $2,000 in U.S. currency.
Investigation of this case was conducted by the Wilson Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Dena King and Special Assistant United States Attorney James Saunders represented the government. Mr. Saunders is a prosecutor with the Prosecutorial District 3-A District Attorney’s Office encompassing Pitt County. District Attorney Kimberly Robb has assigned him to the United States Attorney’s Office to prosecute federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force criminal matters.
Federal Jury Convicts Man for Robbing Bank One Day After He Was Released from Prison for Similar CrimeRead the Press Release
DALLAS — A federal jury today convicted a 47-year-old man of a bank robbery he committed just one day after being released from custody for a similar bank robbery, announced U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox of the Northern District of Texas.
During trial, the jury heard evidence that Derrick Adrian Johnson, disguised in a painter’s suit from a nearby construction site, covered his face with a towel and robbed a Wells Fargo bank in Dallas, Texas, on July 9, 2016.
The day before, Johnson had been released from federal custody for a 2008 bank robbery conviction, which also involved Johnson covering his face with a towel and attempting to rob a Wells Fargo bank.
Johnson faces a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment for this bank robbery. He also faces an additional term of imprisonment for committing this offense while on supervised release for the 2008 bank robbery conviction.
U.S. District Judge David C. Godbey presided over the trial and will set sentencing at a later date. The FBI and the Dallas Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie L. Hoxie is prosecuting the case.
Federal Judge Sends Raymondville Man to Prison for Meth DistributionRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 21-year-old Raymondville man has been ordered to prison for his conviction of conspiracy to import and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. A federal jury sitting in Brownsville returned its verdicts against Zack Anthony Sayas Oct. 24, 2017, following two days of trial and less than two hours of deliberation.
Today, U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera considered the lack of criminal history and handed Sayas a 144-month sentence to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release.
During trial, the jury heard that Sayas had recruited and conspired with Jose Angel Reyes Jr., 24, also of Raymondville, to travel from Raymondville to Mexico with the intention of smuggling the methamphetamine and transporting it to Houston.
On Dec. 8, 2015, at approximately 6:15 a.m., Reyes attempted to enter the United States via the Veterans Port of Entry as the driver and single occupant of a silver Chevy Aveo. The car was randomly selected for secondary inspection, at which time officers discovered bundles wrapped in tape hidden in each door panel. The substance in the bundles tested positive for crystal methamphetamine and weighed approximately 11.94 kilograms. He was taken into custody at that time.
While detained, agents observed his cell phone receiving continuous messages from the same number. They were also able to obtain an extraction report that included previously deleted text messages from the same sender.
Reyes identified the individual that recruited him to go to Mexico as Sayas. Reyes was to travel to Brownsville where Sayas would take possession of his car and travel to Mexico where the vehicle would be loaded with drugs. Then both Reyes and Sayas would drive the car back to Houston to deliver the drugs. However, there was a slight change of plans and Reyes agreed to drive the car through the port of entry by himself and pick up Sayas on the U.S. side of the border. However, Reyes was intercepted at the Veteran’s Port of Entry.
Evidence showed that the phone number associated to Sayas was the same as the one that sent messages and voicemail to Reyes. The jury also heard that Sayas had driven the Chevy Aveo into Mexico through the Gateway Port of Entry on Dec. 7, 2015, and he re-entered the U.S. via the pedestrian lane the following day.
During the trial, Sayas attempted to convince the jury he was working the case as a confidential informant. However, the jury heard rebuttal testimony to the contrary, did not believe his claims and convicted him on all counts as charged.
He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Reyes previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and later received a 100-month sentence.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Coronado and Ana Cano are prosecuting the case.
Federal Grand Jury IndictmentsRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina----United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated today that a Federal Grand Jury in Charleston, South Carolina, returned Indictment(s) against the following:
North Charleston Man Indicted for Tax Fraud. Benjamin Bligen, age 40, of North Charleston, South Carolina, was charged in a 1-count Indictment with Fraudulent Tax Return Preparation, a violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206. The maximum penalty that Bligen could receive is 3 years imprisonment. The case was investigated by agents of the Internal Revenue Service and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Rhett DeHart of the Charleston office for prosecution.
Mexican Man Indicted for Immigration Offense. Jose Prado-Palma, age 40, of Mexico, was charged with the Illegal Reentry of a Removed Alien, a violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326. The maximum penalty that Prado-Palma could receive is 2 years imprisonment. The case was investigated by agents of ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Rhett DeHart of the Charleston office for prosecution.
North Charleston Woman Charged with Theft of Mail by a Postal Employee. Regina Fludd, age 35, of North Charleston, South Carolina, was charged in a 1-count Indictment with Theft of Mail by a Postal Employee in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1709. The maximum sentenced that Fludd could receive is 5 years imprisonment. The case was investigated by agents of the United States Postal Inspection Service, and it is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Rhett DeHart of the Charleston office for prosecution.
Walterboro Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Quentin John Fishburne, a/k/a “Quinton John Fishburne”, a/k/a “Q”, age 37, of Walterboro, South Carolina, was charged in a 1-count indictment. Fishburne was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of Title 18, U. S. C. §922(g). The maximum penalty Fishburne could receive is 10 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000. The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Walterboro Police Department and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Chris Schoen and Special Assistant United States Attorney Carra Henderson of the Charleston office for prosecution.
Folly Road Bank Robber Federally Indicted. Quinton Allen Manigault, age 30, of Wando, South Carolina, was charged in a 2-count indictment arising from the March 27, 2018 robbery of the Pinnacle Bank on Folly Road. Manigault is charged with armed bank robbery, a violation of Title 18, U. S. C. §2113(a) and (d) and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, a violation of Title 18, U. S. C. §924(c). The maximum penalty Manigault could receive is life in prison and a fine of $250,000. The case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Charleston Police Department and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Chris Schoen of the Charleston office for prosecution.
The United States Attorney stated that all charges in indictments are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Dorchester Man Arrested for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dorchester man was arrested yesterday and charged in federal court today with distributing fentanyl.
Snolbert Ramirez-Sandoval, 21, was charged with one count of distribution of fentanyl. He appeared in federal court today and was ordered detained pending a detention hearing.
According to the complaint unsealed yesterday, Ramirez-Sandoval sold fentanyl on July 26, 2018, by directing the buyer to go to an apartment in Roslindale. It is alleged that once there, two young boys (one between 11-and-14-years-old and another between 3-and-6-years-old) led the buyer to the room in which Ramirez-Sandoval had left the fentanyl. The buyer paid the older child for the substance and left. It is further alleged that on Aug. 2, 2018, the buyer returned to the Roslindale apartment to purchase additional fentanyl from Ramirez-Sandoval. Again, the buyer was greeted by the two children, who informed the buyer that Ramirez-Sandoval was not home but would be back shortly. Approximately 30 minutes later, Ramirez-Sandoval and another individual arrived at the apartment and sold the buyer the fentanyl.
The charge of distribution of fentanyl carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. Ramirez-Sandoval will be subject to deportation proceedings. 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; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division, and Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Estes of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the complaint are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Dominican National Sentenced for International E-Mail Impersonation and Fraud ScamRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with his role in a conspiracy that defrauded victims by pretending to be employees of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Leonel Alexis Valerio Santana, 28, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 63 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution of $105,869. In May 2018, Valerio Santana pleaded guilty to two conspiracies: a conspiracy to commit money laundering, and a separate conspiracy to commit wire fraud, to impersonate a federal employee, and to misuse a government seal. In January 2018, Valerio Santana was arrested and charged by criminal complaint along with co-conspirator Frank Gregory Cedeno, 27, of Ocoee, Florida. Cedeno was indicted in March 2018 and has pleaded not guilty.
For approximately two years beginning no later than June 2015, Valerio Santana conspired with others to defraud victims by pretending to be employees of the SEC. In that guise, members of the conspiracy demanded money from victims and directed them to send it to members of the conspiracy, including members in Boston. The conspirators who received the money generally withdrew it from bank accounts quickly, then forwarded much of it to individuals in the Dominican Republic, including to Valerio Santana. In one common version of the scam, victims received e-mails that used official-seeming documentation with the SEC seal to support a false claim that the victim must pay a fee in order to receive a portion of a legal settlement. In another version of the scheme, victims received e-mails and official-seeming documents labeling the victim as a defendant in a civil lawsuit alleging that the victim owed tens of thousands of dollars in supposed disgorgement, penalties and fees. The documents gave the victim a choice of either appearing in court to contest the lawsuit or paying a smaller fee. The e-mails in this scheme came from e-mail addresses designed to look official, addresses including, for example, [email protected] and [email protected].
Valerio Santana was responsible for recruiting people who received money transfers from victims and then forwarded the money to conspirators in the Dominican Republic, including, at times, to Valerio Santana himself. Valerio Santana recruited several of these money couriers, primarily in the Boston area. Over the course of Valerio Santana’s participation in the scheme, the couriers he recruited received $105,869 in victim funds; however, the total solicitations from those victims were even greater, reaching approximately $283,874 in intended loss.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Carl W. Hoecker, Inspector General of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Office of Inspector General; and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian A. Pérez‑Daple of Lelling’s Criminal Division is prosecuting the cases.
The details contained in the court documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Dollar General Robber Indicted on Federal Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Lawrence K. Patterson, 25, of St. Louis, was charged in a federal indictment charging him with one felony count of interference with commerce by threats or violence and one felony count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
According to the indictment, on or about July 16, 2018, Lawrence Patterson walked into a Dollar General Store and approached two employees with a firearm. Patterson demanded that they open the store safe and give him the money contained therein. Patterson was arrested by the St. Louis Police Department in the 5900 block of Delmar on the city’s west side shortly after the robbery.
If convicted, the charge of interference with commerce by threat or violence carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine and the charge of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence carries a penalty of not less than 7 years, not more than life, consecutive to all other counts.
As is always the case, charges set forth in the indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives with assistance from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Roy is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
District Man Sentenced to 80 Months in Prison on Charges Involving Open Drug Market from D.C. BarbershopRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Darryl Smith, 41, the manager of a Southeast Washington barbershop, was sentenced today to 80 months in prison on federal narcotics and firearms offenses stemming from an investigation into drug trafficking at the business and surrounding area, announced U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu, Thomas L. Chittum III, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Peter Newsham, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Smith pled guilty in May 2018, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and one count of possession with the intent to distribute PCP. The plea, which was contingent upon the Court’s approval, called for an 80-month prison term, to be followed by five years of supervised release. The Honorable Judge Amit P. Mehta accepted the plea and sentenced Smith accordingly.
The charges against Smith stemmed from two separate arrests in the 2400 block of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue SE, where Smith managed the Next Level Cuts barbershop that was used by multiple individuals to traffic narcotics.
According to the government’s evidence, on Dec. 24, 2017, Smith was arrested by MPD while in the possession of a loaded firearm and packaged capsules of fentanyl after he fled officers following a drug transaction on the street. Smith was also arrested on additional charges following a search warrant executed at the barbershop and surrounding property on Feb. 1, 2018. In addition to recovering three firearms from the barbershop and adjoining property, law enforcement seized more than $7,000 in cash, more than 800 grams of PCP, more than 300 grams of heroin, and boxes of Suboxone strips.
Anthony Fields, 44, of Washington, D.C., was also arrested and charged by indictment in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia with drug trafficking offenses arising from the Feb. 1, 2018 seizure; he faces trial in November 2018. James Venable, 40, of Fort Washington, Md., pled guilty on Aug. 10, 2018, to narcotics and firearms charges stemming from his commission of two separate drug trafficking offenses while in the possession of loaded firearms. Venable’s sentencing has been scheduled for Oct. 16, 2018.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Liu, Special Agent in Charge Chittum, and Chief Newsham commended the work of those involved in the case. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who are handled the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Macchiaroli and Paralegal Specialist Candace Battle.
Defendants Charged in Prison Drug Conspiracy Plead GuiltyRead the Press Release
DAYTON – Seven defendants involved in a conspiracy to smuggle methamphetamine into a state prison, including a former corrections officer, have pleaded guilty to conspiracy and related charges in U.S. District Court.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Angela L. Byers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, Col. Paul A. Pride, Superintendent, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Gary Mohr, Director, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction and members of the Warren County Drug Task Force announced the pleas entered into before U.S. District Judge Walter H. Rice.
The defendants were charged in September 2017 in a three-count indictment.
James Barlage, Jr., 31, of Chillicothe, a former corrections officer at Chillicothe Correctional Institution, and Anthony Scott Blankenship, 32, of Columbus, each pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Mario Evans, 40, formerly of Dayton, Edward E. Bellman, 45, formerly of Miamisburg, and Moses M. Stevens, 53, formerly of Xenia, who were inmates at CCI, and Jamey L. Naegele, 47, of Brookville, each pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. Jon Christopher Birt, 50, of Dayton, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in a separate case.
According to court documents, the defendants conspired with each other to smuggle methamphetamine into CCI. As part of the conspiracy, the defendants used an unauthorized cellular telephone from within the prison to communicate regarding the payment and transportation of the methamphetamine. On July 14, 2017, Barlage was stopped by law enforcement while in possession of approximately 13 grams of methamphetamine intended for delivery into CCI. On July 18, 2017, Blankenship was stopped by law enforcement while in possession of approximately 34 grams of methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the FBI, FBI, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, Ohio State Highway Patrol and Warren County Drug Task Force, as well as Assistant United States Attorneys Dominick S. Gerace, Amy M. Smith, and Elizabeth R. Rabe, who are prosecuting the case.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to Prison for Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced today to 52 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
“Convicted felons who possess firearms present a significant danger to the safety of our law enforcement partners and the communities they serve,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Together with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners we remain steadfastly committed to removing illegally possessed firearms from our streets and reducing violent crime in our communities. The facts of this case exemplify the grave dangers our brave women and men in law enforcement may face every time they initiate a routine traffic stop.”
According to court documents, Slimero Grimes, 43, was a passenger in a vehicle driven by another individual, which disregarded stop signs, eluded police, and collided with a marked patrol vehicle. The police located Grimes in the front passenger seat wrestling with a shotgun that was in his lap as he attempted to exit the vehicle. Grime has prior convictions for abduction, robbery, and malicious wounding, and was convicted in 2010 for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
“Removing dangerous felons in possession of illegal firearms from our streets is a task that ATF engages in daily,” said Thomas L. Chittum, III, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division. “ATF actively partners with its federal, state and local law enforcement partners to reduce crime and keep communities safe.”
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Thomas L. Chittum, III, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge M. Hannah Lauck. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Holli R. Wood and Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia Norman prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:18-cr-33.
Clifton Park Man Pleads Guilty to Making a False Statement to the FBIRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Thomas Ruchlicki, age 62, of Clifton Park, New York, pled guilty today to one count of making a false statement, announced United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and James N. Hendricks, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
As part of his guilty plea, Ruchlicki admitted that on January 3, 2018, when questioned by FBI Special Agents, he falsely told the agents that his financial dealings with an owner/operator of a property construction and development company involved the purchasing of a car.
Ruchlicki faces up to 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case was investigated by the FBI, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Belliss.
Cleveland man sentenced to 32 years in prison for armed robberies of Dollar Tree stores in ClevelandRead the Press Release
A Cleveland man was sentenced to more than 32 years in federal prison for armed robberies of Dollar Tree stores in 2016.
Williams Holmes, 22, was sentenced to 389 months in federal prison. Holmes was convicted of brandishing a firearm during robberies of the Dollar Tree store at 12900 Miles Road on June 4 and at 2892 East 116th Street on June 19, as well as robbing the Miles Road store on May 14.
Holmes entered the Miles Road store on the evening of June 4, held a handgun to an employee’s head and told the employee to disarm the alarm. Holmes took approximately $1,500 from the store, according to court documents and trial testimony
One day after that robbery, Holmes posted a photo of himself on Facebook holding a stack of money in one hand and a handgun in the other. The next day he posted a photograph of several stacks of money, a black pistol and candy laying on a table. Holmes captioned the photo: “Money guns n snacks is life,” according to court documents and trial testimony.
U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said: “This defendant is a predator who pointed a loaded gun at the head of someone just trying to do their job, then bragged about it on social media. We will continue to target these violent criminals and work together to make our community a safer place to live, work and play.”
“ATF and the Cleveland Division of Police continue our joint effort to remove violent criminals from the streets of Cleveland,” said Trevor Velinor, ATF’s Special Agent in Charge for the Columbus Field Division. “No one should face the threat of violence as they conduct their daily lives. ATF, CPD, and all of our law enforcement partners are united in sending a clear message that firearms violence is unacceptable and those who threaten our communities will be punished.”
Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams said: “Once again, a partnered effort between local and federal law enforcement and the federal justice system has resulted in the successful conviction of violent offenders. It is my hope that this sets an example for other young people in our communities considering committing offenses like these, as there are severe consequences for these actions.”
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, 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.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carol M. Skutnik and Megan Miller following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Cleveland Division of Police.
Brooklyn Brothers Sentenced for Counterfeit Credit Card SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – Two residents of Brooklyn, New York, have been sentenced in federal court on their conviction of conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentences on William O. Candelaria, 30, and Christopher T. Candelaria, 26. William O. Candelaria received 24 months’ incarceration, three years supervised release and restitution in the amount of $109,485.26. Christopher T. Candelaria received three years of probation and restitution in the amount of $109,485.26.
According to the information presented to the court, in June, 2016, the Candelarias and conspirators used counterfeit credit cards at multiple stores in Western Pennsylvania to purchase gift cards and merchandise which totaled approximately $91,000.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Western Pennsylvania Financial Crimes Task Force (WPFCTF) conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of these defendants. The WPFCTF was established as a collaborative, multi-agency effort to effectively combat financial crimes, including identity fraud, in Western Pennsylvania. Partnering in this effort are the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the United States Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Department of Homeland Security, the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office, the Allegheny County Police Department, the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Robinson Township Police Department.
Bronx Man Sentenced in Manhattan Federal Court to over 24 Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking of A MinorRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that JAMEL GODDARD, a/k/a “Payroll,” was sentenced today by United States District Judge Loretta A. Preska to 292 months in prison for his role as the leader of a sex trafficking conspiracy. GODDARD pled guilty on February 26, 2018, to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “For years, Jamel Goddard preyed on vulnerable victims and exploited them for financial gain. For his brazen and violent conduct, Goddard now faces a substantial prison term. Today’s sentence should serve as a powerful message to the sex trafficking industry that such reprehensible conduct will not be tolerated.”
According to the Indictment filed in Manhattan federal court, previous court filings, and statements made at public court proceedings:
Between approximately 2012 until approximately July 2017, GODDARD operated and led a sex trafficking and prostitution enterprise (the “Enterprise”) that recruited vulnerable women and a 15-year-old girl and subsequently exploited them for GODDARD’s personal financial gain. GODDARD typically recruited victims who lacked education, a stable home, and family support. He required the women he trafficked to engage in sex acts with multiple customers in a single day, operating from hotel rooms in the Bronx, Brooklyn, upstate New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Florida, and using classifieds websites to advertise for commercial sex. GODDARD kept all or most of the victims’ earnings, which sometimes amounted to thousands of dollars in a single day, for himself.
Throughout the course of the Enterprise, GODDARD employed physical violence and threats of force to exert control over his victims. On multiple occasions, GODDARD hit or punched victims for, among other things: being, in GODDARD’s view, disrespectful; owing GODDARD money; or holding back their earnings from commercial sex from GODDARD.
During prior periods of imprisonment, GODDARD continued to operate the Enterprise while incarcerated, communicating directives and threats to his victims by phone. On one such occasion, GODDARD warned a victim to “watch what I do when I get out.”
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In addition to his prison sentence, GODDARD, 32, was sentenced to 10 years of supervised release.
Mr. Berman praised the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Police Department.
This matter is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth A. Hanft, Sagar K. Ravi, and Alexandra N. Rothman are in charge of the prosecution.
Boonville man found guilty at trial of producing and possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
Pornography of female teen found on his cell phone
PRESS RELEASE
Evansville-United States Attorney Josh Minkler announced today that a Boonville man was found guilty of production and possession of sexually explicit material involving a minor after a trial before U.S. District Court Judge Richard L. Young. Jimmy R. Mitchell, age 53, remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshal and has a sentencing date of November 13, 2018.
“Protecting minors from sexual predators will remain a top priority in my office,” said Minkler. “Those who don’t have the capacity to protect themselves deserve our attention and can rely on federal law enforcement to advocate for them.”
In May 2016, the victim reported the abuse to the Warrick County Sheriff’s Department. Court testimony showed that Mitchell was a truck driver who took photographs of the victim while on a work trip to Illinois. Further evidence showed Mitchell also produced pornography of the victim while in Boonville.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Warrick County Sheriff’s Department.
“Today’s conviction demonstrates the danger of an individual who lured and took advantage of a child,” said Grant Mendenhall, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Indianapolis Field Office. “Along with our partners, the FBI is committed to apprehending individuals who sexually exploit minors and we will continue to diligently work together to identify these predators and their victims.”
According to Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Sawa, Mitchell faces at sentencing up to 30 years imprisonment on each count of production and up to 10 years imprisonment on the possession count.
In October 2017, United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced a Strategic Plan designed to shape and strengthen the District’s response to its most significant public safety challenges. This prosecution demonstrates the Office’s firm commitment to prioritizing cases where individuals produce and possess child pornography. See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan 4.1
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Beaumont Residents Guilty in Federal Drug Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – The final six defendants in a Jefferson County drug trafficking conspiracy have pleaded guilty to violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown today.
Eric Paul Coleman, 32; Clayton Devonne Howard, 41; Jason Wright, 32; Leroy Hills, 33; and Arthur Jenkins, 46; all of Beaumont, each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine. Coleman also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering, carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking offense, and use of fire to commit a federal felony (aiding and abetting.) Jenkins also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to carry a firearm during a drug trafficking offense. Ivy Chatman, 31, of Beaumont, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to use fire to commit a federal felony (aiding and abetting.)
The plea hearings were held on Aug. 14, 2018, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Giblin.
According to information presented in court, since December 2012, the defendants were involved in a drug trafficking organization that distributed both powder and crack cocaine in the Beaumont, Texas, area. Eric Coleman received powder cocaine from Christopher Dudley, who brought it to Beaumont from Houston. Clayton Howard assisted Dudley in transporting cocaine from Houston to Beaumont. Coleman distributed both powder and crack cocaine, and manufactured crack cocaine, from residences he owned in Beaumont’s North End. He did the same from the home of his mother, Minnie Coleman, who also helped Eric Coleman distribute powder and crack cocaine. Jordan Marshall, Arthur Jenkins, Patrice Stoker, Jason Wright, Lee Roy Hills and Ivy Chatman participated in distributing Coleman's narcotics.
Eric Coleman, Minnie Coleman, and Patrice Stoker agreed to take cash proceeds from the narcotic sales and deposit them in a bank. To protect his narcotics operation, Coleman and associates, such as Jordan Marshall and Lee Roy Hills, carried firearms to protect territory from rival drug dealers. Coleman also agreed to use physical violence to aid in his narcotics operation. On multiple occasions Coleman agreed to pay set fees to Arthur Jenkins to physically assault customers who were behind on drug debt payments. On Nov. 28, 2017, Coleman agreed to pay Arthur Jenkins $2,000 to kill an unknown person. Coleman told Jenkins he wanted the person dead and instructed Jenkins to shoot through the side of the person's vehicle rather than the front. The defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury on Jan. 10, 2018 and charged with multiple drug trafficking and firearms related violations.
“These were major players in the drug world in Southeast Texas,” said Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown. “This was a violent group, and it is good to get them off the street. We appreciate the cooperation from all of the local and state partners that helped make this case.”
“The investigation and conviction of these individuals is a great example of what can occur when local and federal law enforcement agencies work together to combat major drug trafficking and violent crimes,” said Beaumont Police Chief James P. Singletary. “Some of these individuals were the most dangerous narcotic traffickers we had in Beaumont and in the surrounding areas. The Beaumont Police Department is proud of its relationship with the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Eastern District of Texas and all of the federal agencies we work with on a daily basis.”
Under federal statutes, the defendants each face at least 10 years and up to life in federal prison at sentencing. The minimum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing hearings will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) as a joint investigation. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, weapons trafficking offenders, money laundering organizations, and those individuals responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Beaumont Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Beaumont Fire Department, the Baytown Police Department, and the Texas Department of Public Safety . This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher T. Rapp.
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Baton Rouge Man Pleads Guilty to Possession with the Intent to Distribute Thirty Pounds of MarijuanaRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that THANH TRAN, age 41, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty to one count of possession with the intent to distribute marijuana. As a result of his conviction, TRAN faces a significant term of imprisonment, fine, and a period of supervised release.
In September 2017, Baton Rouge Police Department (“BRPD”) narcotics detectives received information that TRAN was involved in the distribution of controlled substances. On September 14, 2017, BRPD narcotics detectives conducted surveillance of TRAN at an apartment complex in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. They observed TRAN place two large black trash bags in the back of his BMW SUV and then drive away. When TRAN began driving his BMW SUV erratically, the BRPD officers conducted a traffic stop in the 11300 block of Archery Drive in Baton Rouge.
TRAN told the BRPD officers that he had 15 lbs. of marijuana in his vehicle. When the officers searched the BMW SUV, they found approximately 30 lbs. of suspected marijuana and about $10,000 cash in the vehicle. The officers also found approximately $5,000 cash in TRAN’s pockets.
At the time of his arrest, TRAN was on supervised release from a previous federal conviction of conspiracy to distribute MDMA.
U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “This conviction is yet another example of our office’s commitment to fighting the illegal drug trade and those who willingly violate our federal drug laws. I appreciate the hard work of the DEA and the Baton Rouge Police Department in their efforts along with our prosecutors who, together, worked diligently on this and many other important matters.”
This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Baton Rouge Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brad Casey.
Attorney General’s Advisory Subcommittee on Native American Issues Meets in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Discuss Crime Reduction Strategies in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
The Attorney General’s Advisory Subcommittee on Native American Issues (NAIS) met in Tulsa, Oklahoma from August 13-15 to discuss crime reduction strategies in Indian Country, the Department of Justice announced today. U.S. Attorney Trent S. Shores the Northern District of Oklahoma, who also serves as Chairman of the NAIS, and Principal Chief of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation James Floyd gave remarks. On Tuesday, August 14, the NAIS visited and met with the Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
Fighting violent crime and combating the drug epidemic are two of Attorney General Jeff Sessions’s top priorities. The Department is actively addressing violence against women and children in Indian country through partnerships with federal, tribal, state, and local law enforcement, investigating and prosecuting crimes, grant programs, training and technical assistance, and information sharing with tribes.
Earlier this month, the Department announced the expansion of the Tribal Access Program (TAP), which provides federally recognized tribes with the ability to access and exchange data with the national crime information databases for both civil and criminal purposes. The Department is accepting new applications for this program until October 1, 2018. Interested tribes may apply by using this link: www.justice.gov/tribal/tribal-access-program-fy-2019-application.
Through TAP, tribes may enter information directly into federal databases. So far, tribes have contributed nearly 600 sex offender registrations and over 550 sex offender check-ins; nearly 300 instances of data entry that would prohibit someone from being able to purchase a firearm; over 1,000 orders of protection entered or modified; and over 4,200 finger-print based record checks for civil purposes that include employment, tribal housing placement, and personnel/volunteers who have regular contact with or control over Indian children.
American Indian and Alaska Native people suffer from high rates of victimization in our nation. Crimes range from domestic violence to sexual assault and to those devastated by the drug trade and the opioid epidemic. In June, the Department announced it had set aside $110 million in a program to provide assistance to crime victims in tribal communities. The FY 2018 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Program can be used to provide a wide range of victims’ services for victims of human trafficking, crime victimization related to the opioid and drug crisis, child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, homicide, and assault, among other crimes.
U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and law enforcement components are responsible for investigations, prosecutions, and victim services in the 49 judicial districts across the nation that include Indian country. Federal prosecutors have primary criminal jurisdiction for 70 million acres of Indian lands. That spans across about 200 Indian country territories. Our law enforcement work requires strong partnerships with tribal law enforcement, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and state and local law enforcement.
Approximately 85 percent of the Department’s pending Indian country investigations relate to violent crime. The most investigated crimes include child sexual abuse, violent assaults, and adult sexual assaults, followed by homicide, other forms of child abuse, drug, and property crimes. Native women and girls suffer a high rate of violence, including murder. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that American Indian and Alaska Native women experienced some of the highest rates of homicide based on an analysis from 18 states.
The Department’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) has funded Tribal Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys (SAUSAs) to enhance prosecution of Indian country cases and strengthen relationships and cooperation between federal and tribal law enforcement. OVW’s Tribal Governments Program enhances the ability of tribes to respond to violent crimes against Indian women, improve victim safety, and develop education and prevention strategies. In fiscal year 2018, OVW funds for tribal governments and tribal nonprofits totaled nearly $56 million.
The Department’s Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) has released the FY2018 Supporting Innovation: Field Initiated solicitation that focuses on several priorities including addressing innovative approaches to crime including violent crime associated with tribes and tribal members. BJA anticipates that it will be supporting a range of strategies including assistance for tribal prosecutors to prosecute violent crimes such as murder and crime associated guns, gangs and drug activity as well as training for tribes on violent crime and prosecuting violent crimes. In fiscal year 2018, BJA funds for tribal governments and tribal partners will total over $35 million dollars.
Native American communities have been hit particularly hard by the Opioid and drug epidemic. According to the CDC, American Indian and Alaska Native people had the highest drug overdose death rate in 2015. In 2017, the Department awarded nearly $59 million in tribal grants to strengthen drug court programs. The Bureau of Justice Assistance runs the Department’s Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Program, which aims to reduce opioid misuse and the number of overdose deaths. The program uses prescription drug monitoring to prevent the misuse and diversion of controlled substances.
Through its National Indian Country Training Program, the Department trains investigators and assists in the cross-deputization of tribal law enforcement. Better investigations lead to better cases, more prosecutions, and more convictions, all of which increase public safety and confidence in law enforcement.
The NAIS is made up of U.S. Attorneys from across the United States whose districts contain Indian country or one or more federally recognized tribes. The NAIS focuses exclusively on Indian country issues, both criminal and civil, and is responsible for making policy recommendations to the Attorney General regarding public safety and legal issues that affect tribal communities.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Honored at ATF AwardsRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is the recipient of the ATF Director’s Honor Award, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Warner, who has served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Northern District of West Virginia for 19 years, will receive the award from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) on Thursday, August 16 at the 2018 ATF Annual Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C.
“One of our primary missions is to protect the citizens of this district. Steve Warner has utilized his experience and doggedness to accomplish that goal. With limited resources, Steve has dedicated himself to reducing the number of illegal firearms and drug traffickers in the district. Steve is a dedicated prosecutor and this award is well-deserved. Our office is very proud of Steve, and we are thankful he is part of our team,” said Powell.
“Each year, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives recognizes its employees and external partners who contribute significantly to our mission,” stated Stuart Lowrey, Special Agent in Charge, Louisville Field Division of ATF. “AUSA Steve Warner has been a key federal partner to ATF in several multi-defendant Federal prosecutions in the Northern District of West Virginia. The regional impact of the prosecution and conviction of 52 defendants in 2017 in terms of the disruption and dismantling of two multi-state armed drug trafficking organizations; their illicit acquisition, trafficking and use of firearms; and the reduction in the supply of controlled substances plaguing the West Virginia mountain region, cannot be overstated. I fully endorsed the nomination of Mr. Warner for his outstanding abilities and perseverance. He is truly deserving of this prestigious award.”
Warner is being recognized, in part, because of 52 successful prosecutions over the past two years involving significant amounts of methamphetamine and firearms.
“The cooperative partnership of ATF and AUSA Warner (has) led to the recovery of 90 stolen firearms, the seizure of an additional 140 firearms, over 75 narcotics seizures, and the Federal conviction of 52 defendants. Due to AUSA Warner’s efforts, the communities of Buckhannon and Elkins, WV are better places to live,” said Dewayne Haddix, Resident Agent in Charge, ATF Clarksburg.
Albuquerque Felon Sentenced to Seven Years for Unlawfully Possessing a Loaded FirearmRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Jeremias Robertson, 26, of Albuquerque, N.M., was sentenced late yesterday afternoon in federal court to 84 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Robertson will be on supervised release for three years after completing his prison sentence.
Albuquerque Police Department (APD) officers arrested Robertson on Aug. 18, 2017, after he brandished a loaded firearm at an APD officer. According to the criminal complaint, the officer had been dispatched to downtown Albuquerque in response to a call reporting that a man was pointing a firearm at people in the area. When the officer arrived in the area, he observed Robertson holding a firearm. When the officer ordered Robertson to drop the firearm, he pointed the firearm at the officer. After Robertson continued to disregard the officer’s commands and brandished the firearm at the officer, the officer shot Robertson. After Robertson was arrested, APD recovered the firearm, which was loaded with eight rounds of ammunition.
Robertson subsequently was indicted on Sept. 21, 2017, and was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition on Aug. 18, 2017, in Bernalillo County, N.M. According to the indictment, Robertson was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of his prior felony convictions for aggravated battery resulting in great bodily harm and fleeing a police officer. Robertson pled guilty to the indictment on Jan. 16, 2018, without the benefit of a plea agreement.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and APD and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard Thomas. The case was prosecuted as part of a federal anti-violence initiative that targets violent, repeat offenders for federal prosecution. Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies work with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders primarily based on their prior criminal convictions for federal prosecution offenders with the goal of making communities in New Mexico safer places for people to live and work.
Acting Captain of the Bonanno Crime Family Sentenced to 14 Years’ Imprisonment for Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Ronald “Ronnie G” Giallanzo, an acting captain in the Bonanno organized crime family of La Cosa Nostra, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Dora L. Irizarry to a total of 14 years’ imprisonment for racketeering conspiracy, including predicate acts of extortionate extension and collection of credit, as well as a related violation of the conditions of supervised release imposed for a prior racketeering conviction. As part of his plea agreement with the government, the Court also ordered Giallanzo to pay $1.25 million in forfeiture and sell his mansion in Howard Beach, Queens, which was constructed using the criminal proceeds of the defendant’s loansharking business. Giallanzo was also ordered to pay $268,000 in restitution to his victims. Giallanzo pleaded guilty in March and June 2018.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the sentence.
“Today’s sentence punishes a violent mobster for running a massive loansharking operation that victimized a community and earned him millions in illicit profits,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “Giallanzo is headed to prison, forced to sell his mansion built on ill-gotten proceeds and held responsible for brazenly committing many of his crimes from behind bars while serving another organized crime-related sentence. Together with our law enforcement partners, this Office will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute members and associates of organized crime.” Mr. Donoghue thanked the Queens County District Attorney’s Office, the New York City Police Department and the U.S. Probation Department of the Eastern District of New York for their assistance in the investigation.
“Members of these mafia families continue to prey upon the people of their communities, lining their pockets on the backs of victims through intimidation and acts of violence,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney. “While these criminals lead lavish lifestyles, their victims struggle through years of financial distress and the constant fear of what will happen to them when they can no longer pay. The FBI New York Joint Organized Crime Task Force has been doggedly tracking members of the mafia for decades, and our work to round them up and put them in prison will not stop.”
Between 1998 and 2017, including eight years while incarcerated on a prior racketeering conviction and for nearly two years while on supervised release, Giallanzo ran a loansharking operation in which he loaned millions of dollars in cash at exorbitant weekly interest rates. Giallanzo then directed a crew of Bonanno family soldiers and associates to enforce the collection of the debts through violence and threats of physical injury. Giallanzo used more than $1 million of the extortion proceeds to purchase, reconstruct and furnish a mansion, which featured five bedrooms and five bathrooms, radiant heated floors, high-end appliances, a built-in aquarium, wine cellar, home gym, three kitchens and a salt water pool with a waterfall.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Lindsay K. Gerdes and Keith D. Edelman are in charge of the prosecution.
Defendant Sentenced Today:
RONALD GIALLANZO
Age: 48
Queens, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 17-CR-155 (S-1) and 06-CR-181 (DLI)
Defendants Previously Sentenced:
EVAN GREENBERG (also known as “The Jew”)
Age: 46
Queens, New YorkRICHARD HECK (also known as “Richie”)
Age: 46
Queens, New YorkMICHAEL HINTZE (also known as “Mike”)
Age: 52
Queens, New YorkROBERT TANICO (also known as “Chippy” and “Chip”)
Age: 50
Queens, New YorkANTHONY CUMINALE (also known as “Cubo”)
Age: 28
Queens, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 17-CR-155 (S-1) and 06-CR-181 (DLI)
Defendants Pending Sentence:
MICHAEL PADAVONA (also known as “Mike”)
Age: 50
Queens, New YorkMICHAEL PALMACCIO (also known as “Mike”)
Age: 47
Queens, New YorkCHRISTOPHER BOOTHBY (also known as “Bald Chris”)
Age: 39
Brooklyn, New YorkNICHOLAS FESTA (also known as “Pudgie”)
Age: 40
Oceanside, New YorkROBERT PISANI (also known as “Rob”)
Age: 45
Queens, New YorkANGELO MOCCIA
Age: 44
Queens, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 17-CR-155 (S-1) (DLI)
90 Kilos of Meth Gets Elsa Man 14 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas - A 21-year-old Elsa man has been ordered to federal prison for his part in a methamphetamine smuggling conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Guillermo Calderon Jr. pleaded guilty in November 2017.
Today, U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez sentenced Calderon to 168 months in prison to be followed by a three-year-term of supervised release.
The investigation began in September 2017 when a tractor trailer crossed the border through the Pharr Port of Entry. The trailer was later found to have approximately 90 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed within its tires. Law enforcement followed the tractor trailer and later saw Calderon drive to the area where it had been parked. Calderon admitted he coordinated the delivery of narcotics in the trailers and sending money south in the trailers.
Calderon will remain in custody pending transfer to U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from Customs and Border Protection – Office of Field Operations and the Pharr Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Joseph Leonard and former AUSA U.S. Attorney Lynn Wang prosecuted the case.
22 Individuals Named in Federal Indictments Charging Money Laundering and Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Trent Shores announced that a federal Grand Jury indicted 22 people for their roles in drug trafficking and money laundering operations that included the use of Casa Herrera, a local money remitter business.
The two Indictments charged Alfredo Herrera, 73, of Bartlesville, Domingo Aguirre, 60, of Tulsa, and Javier Passement, 53, of Tulsa, with violating federal money laundering and drug conspiracy statutes. Herrera is the owner and operator of Casa Herrera. Aguirre and Passement worked as employees of Casa Herrera. The Grand Jury also indicted Pedro Perez, Jr., 65, of Broken Arrow, who owns and operates Servicios Perez, another local money remitter business alleged to have laundered drug proceeds to a Mexican source of supply. The Indictments allege that these money remitter businesses distributed large quantities of methamphetamine throughout Tulsa and surrounding areas. According to the Indictments, drug proceeds would be transmitted by wire transfer to a Mexican source of supply using “nominee names.” A “nominee name” is used to hide the true recipient of the money.
United States Attorney Shores stated, “Drug abuse in our country is an epidemic. We must dismantle the criminal organizations bringing drugs into our communities. This Indictment is a step toward disrupting the flow of methamphetamine from Mexican sources of supply into Tulsa. Methamphetamine has inflicted too much damage on Oklahomans. My office will seek to hold these drug dealers accountable in a federal court.”
These Indictments are the result of a joint investigation involving the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and Tulsa Police Department.
“The Drug Enforcement Administration appreciates the extensive collaborative effort of our local, state, and federal partners that resulted in the successful federal indictment of 22 defendants in this multi-jurisdictional case which targeted a Mexico-based methamphetamine distribution organization with direct ties to Mexican Cartel sources. The dismantlement of this drug trafficking organization represents yet another outstanding example of what can be accomplished when law enforcement resources at all levels are combined and focused on a common goal,” said Richard W. Salter Jr., Assistant Special Agent in Charge DEA – Oklahoma.
Kathryn Peterson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI-Oklahoma City Division, further stated, “The Federal Bureau of Investigation remains committed to working with our local, state, and federal partners to protect the citizens of Oklahoma against organized crime and criminal actors whose illegal activities threaten the stability of the communities we serve.”
Chief Chuck Jordan of the Tulsa Police Department said, “The Tulsa Police Department will continue to protect its citizens from these violent drug cartel organizations operating in Tulsa by working in partnership with all of our federal law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office on cases such as this. The men and women of the Special Investigations Division, especially, contributed a lot of time and hard work towards this case and I’m proud of their efforts.”
The cases will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn A. McCormick. AUSA McCormick serves as the lead attorney for the United States Attorney’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces.
An Indictment is a formal statement of charges or alleged violations of law. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
14 August 2018
Woman Convicted for Selling Pounds of Methamphetamine in Cedar RapidsRead the Press Release
A woman who sold at least five pounds of ice methamphetamine pled guilty August 9, 2018, in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Lauren Nicole Ward, age 30, originally from Newport News, Virginia, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
At a previous court hearing, evidence showed that, beginning in August 2017, Ward lived with a roommate in a house in Cedar Rapids. Ward’s roommate was receiving approximately 10 to 15 pounds of methamphetamine per month from Mexican sources during this time. While she was living at the house, Ward sold at least five pounds of her roommate’s methamphetamine. Ward’s roommate also directed Ward to use Wells Fargo and Western Union to wire thousands of dollars to Mexico. Ward was paid $100 each time she wired money for her roommate.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Ward was taken into custody by the United States Marshal after the guilty plea and will remain in custody pending sentencing. She faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Drew O. Inman and was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Marion Police Department, Cedar Rapids Police Department, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Linn County Sheriff’s Office. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov. The case file number is 18-CR-66-LRR.
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Wichita Pharmacy Owner Indicted in Rx Opioid CaseRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita pharmacist was indicted today on charges of unlawfully dispensing prescription opioids, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Ebube Otuonye, 45, Bel Aire, Kan., pharmacist and owner of Neighborhood Pharmacy at 2251 E. 21st North in Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of conspiracy unlawfully to dispense prescription drugs, one count of unlawfully dispensing prescription drugs, and two counts of health care fraud.
The indictment alleges Otuonye unlawfully distributed 21,681 tablets of Oxycodone, 48,683 tablets of Methadone, 18,049 tablets of Hydromorphone and 7,890 tablets of Alprazolam. The prescriptions, written by Wichita physician Steven R. Henson, were issued outside the usual course of professional medical practice and without a legitimate medical purpose, the indictment alleges. Henson is set for trial Oct. 2 on charges of unlawfully prescribing prescription drugs.
Today’s indictment alleges Otuonye filled large numbers of prescriptions in return for cash payments. He filled prescriptions for multiple patients presenting at one time or back-to-back and patients from the same family with identical prescriptions. The large quantities should have put him on notice as a pharmacist of the potential danger to customers of abuse or overdose. The indictment alleges Otuonye filled prescriptions that one of his fellow pharmacists refused to fill. It also alleges Otuonye posted a sign at the pharmacy telling customers that they had to have three non-narcotic prescriptions filled in order to have their narcotic prescriptions filled.
The indictment alleges Otuonye defrauded Medicare and Medicaid by submitting claims for illegally filling prescriptions.
The indictment seeks to forfeit more than $122,000 in proceeds from the crimes, as well as Utuonye’s retail pharmacy license and his DEA registration number.
If convicted, Otuonye faces penalties of up to 20 years in federal prison and fines up to $1 million on the drug charges and up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the health care fraud charges.
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Rodebaugh are prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Timothy B. Riggans, 55, is charged with one count of bank robbery. The indictment alleges that on July 30, 2018, he robbed the Emprise Bank at 257 N. Broadway in Wichita. According to court records, Riggins was taken into custody by a bank guard immediately after the robbery.
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Wichita Police Department and the FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting.
Addison Lewis, 39, a U.S. Army veteran, and Brandi Lewis, 25, both of Hutchinson, Kan., are charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the government and two counts of theft of government funds.
The indictment alleges Addison Lewis pretended to be blind in order to receive benefits from the Veterans Administration and Social Security. While receiving benefits, he maintained a Kansas driver’s license and was seen operating motor vehicles, a tractor and a lawn mower. It is alleged Brandi Lewis accompanied him to a vision exam and pretended to be guiding him.
If convicted, they face up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the conspiracy charge and up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the theft charges. The Veterans Administration – Office of Inspector General and the Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst is prosecuting.
Juan Carlos Carmona, 36, Houston, Texas, is charged in a superseding indictment with five counts of producing child pornography. The new counts are in addition to an indictment in May that charged him with one count of traveling from Texas to Kansas to have sex with a minor and one count of transporting a minor from Kansas to Texas to have sex with her.
If convicted, Carmona faces a penalty of not less than 15 years on each production count, up to 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the travel count and not less than 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the transportation count. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting.
Ashley N. Wilson, 27, Wichita, Kan., is charged with deliberately failing to deliver mail that was in her custody while she worked as a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. The crime is alleged to have occurred during March through May 2018, in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, she faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000, The U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith is prosecuting.
Corey R. Detter, 27, Great Bend, Kan., and Adrian N. Boeck, 32, Great Bend, Kan., are charged with one count of counterfeiting. In addition, Detter is charged with two counts of possessing counterfeit currency. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Jan. 3 and 4, 2018, in Barton County, Kan.
Upon conviction, each count carries a penalty of up to 20 years and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Secret Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.
Alejandro Aguilar-Montespioca, 41, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with one count of unlawfully transporting illegal aliens within the United States and one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. The crime is alleged to occurred July 7, 2018, when his car was stopped in Haskell County Kan. Three passengers including Julio Castaneda-Ruiz, 34, Mateo Lucas-Pablo, 33, and Cesar Lopez-Perez, 18, are charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported.
Upon conviction, the transportation count carries a penalty of up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000, and the other counts carry a penalty of up to two years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Homeland Security Investigations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Two Mission Men Charged in ShootingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that two Mission, South Dakota, men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault With a Dangerous Weapon, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Using and Carrying a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.
William J. Waukechon, age 19, and Jesse J. Waukechon, age 21, were indicted on June 12, 2018. Jesse Waukechon appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on June 19, 2018, and William Waukechon appeared on August 13, 2018. Both pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on June 3, 2018, William and Jesse Waukechon assaulted an individual with a pistol with intent to do bodily harm and the assault resulted in serious bodily injury.
The charges are merely accusations and William and Jesse are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
William Waukechon was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. Jesse Waukechon was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has been set for October 16, 2018.