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Friday 22 June 2018
Quebec Man Pleads Guilty to Oxycodone Conspiracy Following Extradition from CanadaRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Robert Jon Lazore, age 42, of Snye, Quebec, pled guilty today to conspiracy to distribute oxycodone on the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Reservation in Franklin County.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith; Kevin M. Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo Field Office; Matthew Rourke, Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Chief; Rose M. Brophy, Director of Field Operations, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Buffalo Field Office; and James J. Hunt, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
As part of his plea, Lazore admitted that between 2008 and November 2012, he operated a drug trafficking organization that distributed oxycodone on the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Reservation, which straddles the United States and Canadian border along the Saint Lawrence River. Lazore obtained 5,000 oxycodone tablets at a time from Canadian suppliers for distribution on the reservation. Lazore used at least 8 couriers and runners to coordinate the distribution of oxycodone to his customers. These couriers and runners included Carrie Lazore, Teri Jo Lazore, Travis Adams, Todd Edwards, and James Labarr. Lazore regularly provided each courier with 100 to 200 tablets of oxycodone to sell to customers in both Canada and the United States.
In December 2017, Lazore was extradited from Canada to the United States following a term of imprisonment in Canada.
As part of the same case, the following people have pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, and been sentenced by United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino, as follows:
Name
Age
Residence
Sentence
Carrie Lazore
31
Snye, Quebec
33 months
Terri Jo Lazore
25
Akwesasne, Ontario
87 months
Travis Adams
33
Hogansburg, NY
78 months
Todd Edwards
28
Akwesasne, Ontario
46 months
James Labarr
25
Bombay, NY
46 months
Robert Jon Lazore faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 3 years and up to life when Judge D’Agostino sentences him on October 22, 2018. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case is the result of close cooperative efforts of HSI, led by the Massena Residence Office, in conjunction with CBP, DEA, and the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police. These agencies worked closely with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Akwesasne Mohawk Tribal Police, Ontario Provincial Police, Sûreté du Québec, and the Canada Border Services Agency, as well as U.S. Border Patrol, the New York State Police, St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, Canton Police Department, Potsdam Police Department, and Plattsburgh Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth R. Rabe. Lazore was extradited to face charges in the Northern District of New York with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs.
Providence Man and Dominican National Charged with Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Providence man and a Dominican national were arrested yesterday and charged in federal court in Boston today with fentanyl conspiracy.
Dario Bier Romero, 27, of Providence, R.I., and Luis Cirino, 35, a Dominican national residing in Lawrence, were arrested and charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
On June 21, 2018, investigators seized approximately three kilograms of fentanyl from Romero and Cirino during a federal investigation in Woburn. During the execution of a search at Romero’s residence in Providence, investigators seized an additional kilogram of fentanyl and drug packaging paraphernalia.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl carries a minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of $10 million. Cirino will be subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of any sentence imposed. 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 today. Assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police Department, Woburn Police Department, and Providence (R.I.) Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Pocatello Man Sentenced for Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Michael Simmons, 33, of Pocatello, Idaho, was sentenced Wednesday to 210 months in federal prison for distribution of a controlled substance analogue resulting in death, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. Simmons was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pocatello on September 13, 2017. He plead guilty to the offense on March 20, 2018.
According court records, on June 17, 2016, Simmons distributed a Schedule I synthetic opioid commonly known as U-47700 to the victim, in Pocatello, Idaho. Simmons admitted that he knew U-47700 was a prohibited substance when distributed for human consumption, and that he knew it would have the same effect on the central nervous system as an illegal substance. Simmons distributed the analogue for the victim’s consumption. The victim consumed the analogue, which caused his death.
Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Simmons to pay $20,071.52 in restitution, as well as serve five years of federal supervised release. The supervised release will be served after Simmons completes his 210-month sentence.
“Our nation is in the midst of an opioid epidemic and Idaho is not immune,” U.S Attorney Davis said. “Attorney General Sessions and the Department of Justice have rightly made combatting the opioid crisis a priority. This case is an outstanding example of local, state, and federal law enforcement’s efforts to diligently investigate and firmly prosecute those who peddle their poisons in Idaho.”
“Opioids are a leading cause of fatal drug overdoses, and they have had devastating effects on communities across the country,” said Brad Bench, Special Agent in Charge of ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations Seattle, which oversees Idaho. “While our investigative work cannot bring back a lost life, we can ensure that justice is served.”
“We appreciate the hard work the members of the Pocatello Police Department, and the supporting agencies did on this case,” stated Captain Roger Schei of the Pocatello Police Department. “Their efforts assisted in providing answers to local families, and at the same time held Simmons accountable and prevented any further incidents from occurring. The members of the Pocatello Police Department will continue to work in collaboration with the surrounding agencies combating this epidemic.”
This case was investigated through the cooperation of the Pocatello Police Department, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho, the Eastern Idaho SAUSA Partnership, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Idaho State Police and the Pocatello Fire Department.
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Pittsford Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Purchase of Shotgun Used to Kill His FatherRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - Charles J. Tan, age 22, of Pittsford, New York, and a citizen of Canada, pled guilty today to crimes related to the unlawful purchase of a firearm that was used to kill his father in 2015, announced 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.
As part of his guilty plea to the crime of receiving a firearm in interstate commerce intending to use it in the commission of a felony, Tan admitted that in February 2015 he caused a fellow Cornell University student to make an unlawful “straw purchase” of a 12-gauge shotgun for him. Tan admitted to falsely telling the fellow student that he needed the firearm for hunting, when his actual intent was that it be used to shoot his father.
United States Attorney Grant Jaquith said, “Thanks to the perseverance and collaboration of federal and local law enforcement, Charles Tan is being held accountable for arranging for the unlawful purchase of a shotgun so he could use it to shoot his father. We will continue to work diligently with ATF and other federal, state, and local partners to fulfill our commitment to combat violent crime.”
“Mr. Tan circumvented the law and illegally obtained a firearm. Crimes involving illegal possession of firearms lie at the heart of ATF’s mission to protect the public from violent crime. I would like to thank our law enforcement partners that stand with ATF as one united front to protect our citizens from individuals that choose to disobey laws intended to preserve public safety. I would also like to extend my gratitude to the United States Attorney’s Office for their work in prosecuting the case,” said Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives-New York Field Division
Tan also pled guilty to two offenses related to misrepresentations made to the federally licensed firearms dealer at the time of the “straw purchase” of the shotgun. In entering these guilty pleas, Tan admitted that he knew his fellow Cornell University student would have to lie on a background check form as to the true identity of the actual purchaser (Charles Tan). This form, known as the Department Of Justice – Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Form 4473, required that Tan’s fellow Cornell University student falsely sign and certify he was the actual purchaser in order to buy the shotgun. This was false because the purchase was actually and truly being made for Charles Tan, who supplied the money for the sale. In pleading guilty today, Charles Tan admitted to aiding, abetting and causing his fellow Cornell University student to make the false statement on the ATF Form 4473 as to the identity of the actual purchaser, a fact material to the lawful purchase of the firearm.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 18, 2018 in Syracuse. The defendant faces a sentence of up to 25 years in prison. 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 ATF and the Monroe County (New York) Sheriff’s Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lisa M. Fletcher and Miroslav Lovric.
Passaic County, New Jersey, Woman Admits Role in Crime Spree that Included Robbing Bergen County BankRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Passaic County, New Jersey woman today admitted her role in a month-long crime spree that included attempting to rob a Citizens Bank, in Tannersville, Pennsylvania, at gunpoint, conspiring to rob a Keystone Bank in Scotrun, Pennsylvania, and robbing a Spencer Savings Bank in Garfield, New Jersey, at gunpoint, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Melisa Aquino Arias, 23, of Passaic, New Jersey, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stanley R. Chesler in Newark federal court to an information charging her with one count of attempted bank robbery, one count of attempted conspiracy to steal from a bank, and one count of bank robbery. On April 5, 2018, her co-defendant, Swahilys Pedraza-Rodriguez, 19, of New Haven, Connecticut, pleaded guilty before Judge Chesler in Newark to an information charging her with the same offenses.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Aug. 28, 2017, Arias and Pedraza-Rodriguez, both disguised in nuns’ habits, entered a Citizens Bank in Tannersville, Pennsylvania. While inside, Arias acted as a lookout as Pedraza-Rodriguez took out what appeared to be gun and demanded money from a bank teller. Arias signaled to Pedraza-Rodriguez that they should leave the bank and the women fled empty-handed.
On Sept. 20, 2017, Arias and Pedraza-Rodriguez agreed to steal money from the drive-through ATM machine at a Keystone Bank in Scotrun, Pennsylvania. Arias drove them, both wearing hijabs, to the ATM machine and again acted as a lookout while Pedraza-Rodriguez attempted to pry open the ATM machine with a screwdriver. Those attempts were unsuccessful, and the women again fled the scene.
On Sept. 27, 2017, Pedraza-Rodriguez and Arias entered a Spencer Savings Bank in Garfield, New Jersey, and asked a bank teller for information about opening a bank account. Arias, who was wearing a blue hijab, took out what appeared to be a black handgun and demanded money, while Pedraza-Rodriguez stood guard by the bank manager. After a bank teller handed them some cash, the defendants left the bank and employees immediately alerted the police. Law enforcement officers responded to the scene, but did not immediately locate the robbers.
On Oct. 15, 2017, Pedraza-Rodriguez and Arias entered an NVE Bank in Teaneck, New Jersey. Arias wore an orange hijab and Pedraza-Rodriguez wore a black head covering. They approached a bank employee and requested information about opening a bank account. The employee recognized the women as the alleged perpetrators of the Garfield bank robbery. As the employee went to alert the police, the women left the bank. Pedraza-Rodriguez and Arias were apprehended soon after by law enforcement officers.
The bank robbery and attempted bank robbery counts each carry maximum potential penalties of up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. The conspiracy to commit bank larceny count carries a maximum potential penalty of one year in prison. Sentencing for Arias is scheduled for Sept. 12, 2018. Sentencing for Pedraza-Rodriguez is scheduled for Aug. 15, 2018.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents with the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark; the Garfield Police Department, under the direction of Chief Raymond Kovach; the Teaneck Police Department, under the direction of Chief Glenn M. O'Reilly; the Leonia police department, under the direction of Chief Thomas P. Rowe; and the Pocono Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief Kent Werkheiser with the investigation leading to the guilty pleas.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua L. Haber of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
Operator of Loxahatchee Facility Pleads Guilty to Inhumane Slaughter PracticesRead the Press Release
Benjamin G. Greenberg, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Larry S. Hortert, Regional Director, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food Safety & Inspection Service (FSIS), announced that Victor H. Gonzalez, 53, of Loxahatchee, Florida, pled guilty yesterday for his involvement in the inhumane slaughter of swine and the sale of swine meat for human consumption, in violation of the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act (HMSA), Title 71, United States Code, Section 1902(a) and the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA), as amended, Title 21, United States Code, Section 610(b).
Gonzalez pled guilty before United States District Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks. Sentencing is scheduled for August 27, 2018, at 10:30 a.m., in West Palm Beach. Gonzalez faces a maximum possible sentence of 3 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and a year of supervised release.
According to the court record, including a Joint Factual Statement, Gonzalez was the president of El Milagro Nursery, Inc. (“Milagro”), a company with its principal place of business in Loxahatchee, Florida. Gonzalez was responsible for the day-to-day management and oversight of its activities, and engaged in the slaughtering, processing, handling, storing, and selling of meat and meat food products in commerce, for human consumption, including swine.
On December 17, 2016, federal officers conducted a surveillance and inspection visit at the Milagro facility. Employees were observed engaged in the slaughter and processing of swine for customers. The premises lacked proper, operable equipment to stun or otherwise render the animals insensible to pain, as required by law. The business practices at Milagro, as directed by Gonzalez, were not humane.
The HMSA established as the public policy of the United States, that the slaughtering or handling for slaughter of livestock, including swine, may only be carried out by humane methods. The law requires that such animals be rendered insensible to pain by one of the methods described in the law, prior to the animal being shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut. Title 7, United States Code, Sections 1901-1902(a).
Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of the USDA FSIS, Office of Program Evaluation, Enforcement and Review, Compliance & Investigations Division and thanked the Palm Beach County Agricultural Unit for their assistance. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Watts-FitzGerald.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Nigerian National Admits Role in Phishing Scheme that Victimized Glastonbury School EmployeesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that DANIEL ADEKUNLE OJO, 34, a citizen of Nigeria residing in Durham, N.C., pleaded guilty yesterday in New Haven federal court to fraud and identity theft offenses stemming from a scheme to obtain the personal identifying information of school employees in Connecticut and elsewhere, and to file false tax returns in the names of those identity theft victims.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2017, an employee of the Glastonbury Public Schools received an email that appeared to be sent by another Glastonbury school system employee. The email contained a request to send W-2 tax information for all employees of the school system. The recipient of the email responded by sending copies of the W-2 information for approximately 1,600 Glastonbury Public Schools employees. After the W-2 information was emailed, approximately 122 suspicious Forms 1040 were filed electronically with the IRS in the names of victims of the Glastonbury phishing scheme. The 122 tax returns claimed tax refunds totaling $596,897. Approximately six of the returns were processed, and $36,926 in fraudulently-obtained funds were electronically deposited into various bank accounts.
OJO controlled or used an aol.com email account and a gmail.com email account involved in this phishing scheme. A search of OJO’s gmail account revealed emails implicating him in the scheme. One email contained six W-2 forms of employees of Glastonbury Public Schools, and the employees’ personal identifying information.
This ongoing investigation by special agents from the FBI’s cybercrime squad in New Haven and the IRS includes phishing incidents that victimized the Groton Public Schools, and the Bloomington Independent School District in Bloomington, Minnesota.
OJO pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of aggravated identity theft, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least two years. Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for September 13, 2018.
OJO has been detained since his arrest on August 3, 2017. The investigation revealed that OJO entered the U.S. on a visitor’s visa in May 23, 2016, and failed to depart on his scheduled departure date of June 8, 2016.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, with the assistance of the Durham (N.C.) Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarala V. Nagala.
Midland Woman Charged with Conspiracy and Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Midland, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person.
Angelica Dolloff, age 30, was indicted on June 12, 2018. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on June 19, 2018, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison and/or a $10,250,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and up to $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about June 1, 2013, and continuing through June 12, 2018, Dolloff knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed with others to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. The Indictment also alleges that Dolloff, who is an unlawful user of, and addicted to a controlled substance, knowingly received and possessed ammunition, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce and foreign commerce.
The charges are merely accusations and Dolloff is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Drug trafficking is an inherently violent activity. Firearms are tools of the trade for drug dealers. It is common to find drug traffickers armed with guns in order to protect their illegal drug product and cash, and enforce their illegal operations.
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 Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.
Dolloff was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Merrimack Man Pleads Guilty to Theft of Public MoneyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - David Laughton, 52, of Merrimack, pleaded guilty in federal court to two counts of theft of public money, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.
According to court documents and statements made in court, at the time of her death in June 2005, Laughton's mother was receiving widow’s benefits from the Social Security Administration ("SSA") and federal pension benefits from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC"), a wholly-owned United States government corporation. After her death, SSA and PBGC continued to deposit these monthly benefits into her bank account. Though he was not an account holder, Laughton gained access to his mother's bank account and knew that SSA and PBGC made regular deposits to the account. However, Laughton did not advise SSA or PBGC that they were making erroneous payments to his deceased mother and instead, for over a decade, he withdrew the money from the account to pay for his own personal expenses. As a result, Laughton converted approximately $118,031 in Social Security benefits and $54,376 in federal pension benefits to his own use.
Laughton is scheduled to be sentenced on September 28, 2018.
“Federal benefit programs serve an important purpose,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “We work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify instances of fraud and abuse in these programs to ensure that these benefits only go to those who are entitled to receive them.”
Special Agent in Charge Scott Antolik said: Protecting the Social Security Trust Fund is one of my office’s highest priorities. I thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their partnership in prosecuting those who seek to defraud the government”. I strongly encourage the public to report suspected instances of Social Security fraud to the OIG's Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271 or https://oig.ssa.gov/report."
This matter was investigated by the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew T. Hunter and Karen B. Burzycki.
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Memphis man sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and heroinRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A Memphis man has been sentenced to 120 months imprisonment for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, in November 2017, Savino Juarez-Cabrales, 45, coordinated a shipment of heroin via the United States Postal Service to Memphis, TN. He also arranged to have 15 kilograms of cocaine transported to Cordova in a multi-vehicle carrier. On December 4, 2017, an inspector with the United States Postal Inspection Service seized the suspected package that contained 1 kilogram of heroin. On December 8, 2017, the multi-vehicle carrier was stopped in Oklahoma en route to Cordova containing approximately 15 kilograms of cocaine.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Drug distribution conspiracies are not victimless crimes. Heroin and cocaine cause significant human pain, loss, and destruction in countless ways, including addiction, injuries, and deaths. Those who exploit the sanctity of the U.S. Mail system and use other transportation logistics to victimize citizens of the Western District of Tennessee will pay the price for such lawlessness."
On December 19, 2017, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin both in violation of Title 21 United States Code Section 846.
On June 21, 2018, United States District Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Cabrales to the mandatory minimum sentence of 120 months imprisonment.
The defendant is an illegal alien and is subject to deportation after completion of his sentence in the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Kimbril-Parks prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf.
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Massachusetts Man Sentenced to 80 Months for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Rafael Buli, 24, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge Jon D. Levy to 80 months in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl, and aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. The sentence is to be run consecutively to a three year sentence that Buli is currently serving in Massachusetts for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Buli pled guilty on February 2, 2018.
Court records reveal that in 2016, Buli conspired with Wender Santos, a/k/a “Carlos,” and others to distribute fentanyl in the Lawrence area. Maine drug customers contacted Santos who directed Buli to meet with them to consummate the drug transactions. On September 1, 2016, federal and state agents stopped a Maine customer after Buli sold about 400 grams of fentanyl to the customer. During the conspiracy, Buli was being electronically monitored (“EM”) by the Massachusetts Department of Probation, and the EM bracelet placed him at several controlled transactions conducted by federal agents. Santos pled guilty on April 3, 2018 to the same charges and awaits sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Maine State Police and prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Strategy to Combat the Opioid Epidemic.
Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Credit Card Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Sean Trim, 33, of Stoughton, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court to conspiracy to commit credit card fraud, use of a counterfeit credit card, and possession of fifteen or more counterfeit credit cards.
Court records reveal that between November 2016 and February 2017, Trim conspired with Tishon Singh to commit credit card fraud. On January 6, 2017, officers from the Windham Police Department conducted a traffic stop of a car occupied by Trim and Singh. Inside the car, the officers found a black toiletry bag containing over 160 credit cards, many of which were counterfeit. Subsequent investigation revealed that both men had used counterfeit credit cards to make purchases at a Hannaford Store in North Windham, Maine. On February 16, 2017, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence in Stoughton, Massachusetts, that was occupied by Trim and Singh. The police ultimately seized from the residence over 500 counterfeit credit cards, materials used for manufacturing counterfeit credit cards, nearly $7,000 in cash, and laptop computers and a thumb drive that contained credit card data.
Trim faces up to five years on the conspiracy count, and up to 10 years on each of the remaining counts. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000 on each count. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. Singh pleaded guilty on May 11, 2018 to using of a counterfeit credit card and possession of fifteen or more counterfeit credit cards and awaits sentencing.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, the Windham and Biddeford Police Departments, and the Stoughton, Massachusetts Police Department.
Maryville Resident Arrested for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn..- On June 21, 2018, George Robert Everhart, 29, of Maryville, Tennessee, was arrested following the return of a four-count indictment by a federal grand jury on June 19, 2018, alleging that Everhart committed child pornography offenses. Counts One and Two of the indictment, on file with the U.S. District Court, allege that Everhart used two minors, ages seven- and 10-years-old, to produce and attempt to produce child pornography in the Eastern District of Tennessee. The indictment also alleges that Everhart distributed child pornography in interstate commerce and that he possessed child pornography depicting prepubescent minors or minors who had not attained 12 years of age.
A trial date of August 28, 2018, before the Honorable Chief District Judge Thomas A. Varlan was set. Everhart was detained in U.S. Marshal’s Service custody pending trial.
If convicted of the use of a minor to produce or attempt to produce child pornography, Everhart faces a minimum mandatory 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, at least five years up to life of supervised release, a fine of $250,000, and forfeiture and a $5,100 special assessment per count. The punishment for distributing child pornography in interstate commerce is a minimum mandatory five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years up to life of supervised release, a fine of $250,000, and forfeiture and a $5,100 special assessment. The punishment for possessing child pornography is up to 20 years in prison, at least five years up to life of supervised release, a fine of $250,000, and forfeiture and a $5,100 special assessment.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment constitutes only charges and that every person is presumed innocent until his or her guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation leading to the indictment was conducted by the Knoxville Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Morris will represent the United States in court proceedings.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Maryland Drug Dealer Sentenced to More Than 15 Years for Heroin Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK – Jimolo Coates, a.k.a. “Lo,” Marlo,” “Brodie,” age 25, of Annapolis, Maryland, was sentenced today to 188 months in prison, to be followed by 8 years of supervised release, for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith; Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, New York Division, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); and Clinton County Sheriff David Favro.
In pleading guilty, Coates admitted to regularly selling 40 grams of heroin to Melissa Kusalonis in Annapolis for $4,000. Kusalonis then transported the heroin to Plattsburgh, New York, and sold it in personal-use quantities. Initially, and beginning in June 2016, Coates sold the heroin directly to Kusalonis. Following his arrest and detention on Maryland state charges in early September 2016, Coates directed two couriers, Tynaejah Thompson and Kiara Scott, to provide the heroin to and collect payment from Kusalonis. Coates also admitted to selling distribution-quantities of heroin to Charles Adams, who frequently transported heroin from Annapolis to Plattsburgh with Kusalonis, following Coates’s release from pretrial detention in Maryland in early March 2017.
Coates was charged along with nine other people in two related indictments relating to a heroin distribution ring that transported heroin from Annapolis and Schenectady, New York, and sold it in the Plattsburgh area. In addition to Coates, the following eight defendants have pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin:
- Kyle Touchstone, age 30, of Plattsburgh;
- Melissa Kusalonis, a.k.a. “Mel,” “Liss,” age 36, of Plattsburgh;
- Tynaejah Thompson, a.k.a. “Naee,” age 20, of Annapolis, Maryland;
- Kiara Scott, age 29, of Annapolis, Maryland;
- Anthony DeFilippo, a.k.a “Flip,” age 36, of Schenectady;
- Charles Adams, a.k.a. “Chuck,” age 32, of Peru, New York;
- Travynn Ippolito, a.k.a “Trav,” age 30, of Plattsburgh; and
- Luke Kiroy, age 33, of Saranac, New York.
The tenth defendant, Danielle Conners, age 32, of Plattsburgh, is scheduled for trial on August 27, 2018. The charge against Conners is merely an accusation, and she is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The charges are the result of a nearly yearlong investigation led by the DEA Task Force in Plattsburgh, which consists of law enforcement officers from the DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Border Patrol, New York State Police, Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, Essex County Sheriff’s Office, and the Plattsburgh Police Department. The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision also assisted in the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cyrus P.W. Rieck and Katherine Kopita.
Martin Man Sentenced for Assault by Striking, Beating, and WoundingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Martin, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault by Striking, Beating, and Wounding was sentenced by Daneta Wollmann, U.S. Magistrate Judge.
Jeremy Takes War Bonnett, age 31, was sentenced on June 18, 2018, to 12 months in federal prison, and ordered to pay a $25 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Takes War Bonnett was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury in November 2015. The conviction stems from Takes War Bonnett stabbing another individual.
This case was investigated by the Martin Police Department, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
Takes War Bonnett was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Man Sentenced to Prison for $1.1 Million Email Phishing ScamRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A New York man was sentenced today to 32 months in prison for defrauding a Virginia-based trade association out of more than $1.1 million in an email phishing scam.
According to court documents, Olajide Abraham Eyitayo, 46, of Hempstead, opened three banking accounts in January 2016 using a company that he formed in New York. From January through April 2016, the accounts were essentially dormant, and as of April 25, 2016, the combined balances of the three accounts were less than five dollars. On that day, a Virginia-based trade association approved a payment of more than $280,000 intended for a travel vendor, but the payment went to one of Eyitayo’s accounts. The association had changed the payment information for the vendor the month before, when a “spoof” email impersonating that vendor requested the payment information be changed to the account number that belonged to Eyitayo.
Over the next several months, Eyitayo received two more payments into his account that were intended for the association’s travel vendor. In total, Eyitayo received more than $1.1 million in fraudulent proceeds. Eyitayo spent and laundered the money in a variety of ways designed to conceal the scheme and the recipients of the crime’s proceeds. For example, Eyitayo purchased cars that he sent to his brother in Nigeria, wired money to and from various bank accounts and third parties, and spent other proceeds on personal expenses.
After the fraud was discovered, Eyitayo told a variety of false and misleading stories to bank officials and law enforcement, and claimed that he worked in the lingerie business and falsely claimed that the first fraudulent deposit was for that business.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Nancy McNamara, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jamar K. Walker and Ryan S. Faulconer are prosecuting 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. 1:17-cr-269.
Man Believed to be “Skinny Bandit” Arrested and ChargedRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Mario Peia (619) 546-9706
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – June 22, 2018
SAN DIEGO – Terry Lee Taylor was indicted by a federal grand jury this morning on four counts of bank robbery and attempted bank robbery. His alleged accomplice, Trinity Arvin Keara Jones, was also charged.
According to the indictment, Taylor robbed three area banks and attempted to rob a fourth between June 9, 2018 and June 18, 2018.
On June 9, 2018, Taylor is alleged to have robbed the US Bank located at 9400 Mira Mesa Boulevard in San Diego, California. During that robbery, Taylor passed a note to the teller that demanded $3,000 in $100 denominations. Taylor’s note specified that he had a gun and was willing to shoot everyone in the bank if his demands were not met. Taylor robbed the bank of approximately $1,879.
Three days later, on June 12, 2018, Taylor is alleged to have robbed the Chase Bank located at 1467 Main Street in Ramona, California. He presented a note to the bank teller which informed her that he had a gun and that he wanted all the money in the top drawer. The note again threatened the lives of everyone in the bank if his demands were not met. After receiving $4,696, Taylor fled the bank.
On June 14, 2018, Taylor allegedly attempted to rob the Bank of America located at 1407 Main Street in Ramona, California. Thanks to the diligence of a bank employee, who recognized a security photograph from the Chase Bank robbery, this robbery failed. After recognizing Taylor, a bank employee immediately pressed the alarm and called 911. Taylor, who appeared nervous, fled the bank without money.On June 18, 2018, Taylor allegedly robbed the US Bank located at 12265 Scripps Poway Parkway in Poway with the assistance of Jones. Jones scouted the bank by entering the bank and speaking with a teller. Jones then left the bank, and Taylor entered the bank. Taylor presented a note to the bank teller. The note threatened deadly force and demanded money. Taylor then fled with $2,295. Jones allegedly drove the getaway vehicle with Taylor in the passenger seat.
Subsequent investigation identified Taylor as the robber. He was arrested on June 18 in San Diego and is scheduled to be arraigned on July 3, 2018 at 10 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen S. Crawford. Jones was taken into custody on June 19 in Ramona.
During the investigation, the FBI nicknamed the unidentified robber as the “Skinny Bandit” based on his description.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 18-cr-2991-JM
Terry Lee Taylor Age: 23 San Diego, CA
Trinity Arvin Keara Jones Age: 18 Ramona, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Bank Robbery – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2113(a)
Attempted Bank Robbery– Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2113(a)
Maximum penalty: 20 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine
AGENCIES
Federal Bureau of Investigation
San Diego Sheriff’s Department
San Diego Police Department
MS-13 Gang Members Charged in Connection with Murders of JuvenilesRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A federal indictment was unsealed today charging 11 members and associates of MS-13 in connection with the 2016 murders of two juveniles in Fairfax County.
According to allegations in the indictment, in August 2016, Elmer Zelaya Martinez, Erick Palacios Ruiz, Ronald Herrera Contreras, and Josue Vigil Mejia conspired together and with others to lure a 17 year-old male, who they suspected was a member of a rival gang, to a park in Fairfax County in order to attack and kill him. After killing him and to conceal evidence linking them to the juvenile’s disappearance and murder, these four defendants and their co-conspirators buried the juvenile’s remains.
The indictment further alleges that in September 2016, Elmer Zelaya Martinez, Erick Palacios Ruiz, Ronald Herrera Contreras, Henry Zelaya Martinez, Oscar Contreras Aguilar, Yonathan Melgar Martinez, Pablo Miguel Barrera Velasco, Anderson Villatoro, Francisco Avila Avalos, and Fredys Baires Abarca conspired together and with others to lure a 14 year-old male to the same park in Fairfax County where he was attacked and killed because he was thought to be cooperating with law enforcement. This juvenile’s remains were also buried.
The below table lists the name of each defendant, at least one alias, age, country of origin, and the charge(s).
Name
Age, Country of Origin
Charges
Elmer Zelaya Martinez, aka “Killer”
27, El Salvador
Conspiracy to Kidnap
Erick Palacios Ruiz, aka “Cara de Malo”
20, El Salvador
Conspiracy to Kidnap
Ronald Herrera Contreras, aka “Speedy”
20, El Salvador
Conspiracy to Kidnap
Josue Vigil Mejia, aka “Horror”
21, El Salvador
Conspiracy to Kidnap
Henry Zelaya Martinez, aka “Certero”
24, El Salvador
Conspiracy to Kidnap
Oscar Contreras Aguilar, aka “Atrevido”
20, El Salvador
Conspiracy to Commit Murder in Aid of Racketeering; Conspiracy to Kidnap
Yonathan Melgar Martinez, aka “Oso”
21, El Salvador
Conspiracy to Kidnap
Pablo Miguel Barrera Velasco, aka “Oscuro”
20, El Salvador
Conspiracy to Kidnap
Anderson Villatoro, aka “Enterrado”
21, El Salvador
Conspiracy to Kidnap
Francisco Avila Avalos, aka “Picador”
20, El Salvador
Conspiracy to Kidnap
Fredys Baires Abarca, aka “Lil Clandestino”
20, El Salvador
Conspiracy to Kidnap
If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
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 case was also investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Operation Devils's Background. The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Nancy McNamara, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Colonel Edwin C. Roessler Jr., Fairfax County Chief of Police, made the announcement after the indictment was unsealed. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebeca H. Bellows, J. Tyler McGaughey, and Alexander E. Blanchard are prosecuting 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. 1:18-cr-123.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
MEDIA ADVISORY-- U.S. Department of Justice Opioid Coordinator Mary Daly and U.S. Attorney John C. Anderson to Meet with Tribal Leaders in Northern New Mexico to Discuss Impact of Heroin and Opioid Epidemic on New Mexico’s Tribal CommunitiesRead the Press Release
Media Availability to Follow Consultation
ALBUQUERQUE – U.S. Department of Justice Opioid Coordinator Mary Daly and U.S. Attorney John C. Anderson will consult with Tribal Leaders from Pueblos in northern New Mexico which have been deeply affected by the heroin and opioid epidemic. The consultation, undertaken as part of the New Mexico Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Education (HOPE) Initiative, a partnership between the UNM Health Sciences Center and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, will take place at 1:00 pm on June 25, 2018, at the offices of the Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Council (ENIPC) in Ohkay Owingeh, N.M.
The consultation will provide tribal leaders and officials an opportunity to discuss the devastating impact heroin and opioids have had on tribal communities in northern New Mexico. Ms. Daly and U.S. Attorney Anderson will discuss the Justice Department’s programs and initiatives for combatting the opioid crisis, particularly in Indian Country.
Tribal Leaders, Ms. Daly and U.S. Attorney Anderson will be available to meet with the media at 2:30 p.m. at the ENIPC offices in Ohkay Owingeh following the consultation.
WHO:
Tribal Leaders, Ms. Daly and U.S. Attorney Anderson will be available to meet with the media at 2:30 pm following the consultation.
Participants in Consultation (in formation)
Mary Daly, U.S. Department of Justice Opioid Coordinator
U.S. Attorney John C. Anderson
Governor J. Michael Chavarria of Santa Clara Pueblo, Chairman of ENIPC
Governor Phillip A. Perez of Nambe Pueblo
Governor Joseph Talachy of Pojoaque Pueblo
Governor Perry Martinez of San Ildefonso Pueblo
WHAT:
Media Availability following DOJ Consultation with Tribal Leaders
WHEN:
Monday, June 25, 2018 at 2:30 p.m.
WHERE:
ENIPC Offices
327 Eagle Drive
Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, NM
OPEN PRESS
NOTE: Media representatives must present government-issued photo I.D. (i.e., driver’s license) as well as valid media credentials. Media representatives may begin to arrive at 8:00 a.m. RSVPs and inquiries regarding logistics should be directed to USAO Media Coordinator Alyssa Ferda, contractor, at (office) 505-224-1480, (cell) 505-366-1463, or [email protected].
The HOPE Initiative was launched in January 2015 by the UNM Health Sciences Center and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in response to the national opioid epidemic, which has had a disproportionately devastating impact on New Mexico. Opioid addiction has taken a toll on public safety, public health and the economic viability of our communities. Working in partnership with the DEA, the Bernalillo County Opioid Accountability Initiative, Healing Addiction in our Community (HAC), the Albuquerque Public Schools and other community stakeholders, HOPE’s principal goals are to protect our communities from the dangers associated with heroin and opioid painkillers and reducing the number of opioid related deaths in New Mexico. The HOPE Initiative is comprised of five components: (1) prevention and education; (2) treatment; (3) law enforcement; (4) reentry; and (5) strategic planning.
MEDIA ADVISORY- Department of Justice Opioid Coordinator Mary Daly to Join U.S. Attorneys for New Mexico and Montana, Other Federal and Tribal Law Enforcement and Health Officials, for Two-Day Conference on Drug Trafficking in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – U.S. Department of Justice Opioid Coordinator Mary Daly will join federal and tribal officials, including U.S. Attorneys John C. Anderson for the District of New Mexico and Kurt G. Alme for the District of Montana, at a two-day training conference aimed at strengthening law enforcement efforts to fight opioids and other dangerous drug trafficking in Indian Country.
The training, entitled “Investigative Techniques Related to the Enforcement of Illicit Drug Trafficking in Indian Country” will take place Tuesday and Wednesday, JUNE 26 and 27, 2018, in Albuquerque, N.M. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services, FBI, and tribal police officials will participate in the two-day event focused on drug identification for dangerous drugs, such as fentanyl, and strengthening law enforcement investigations and responses. Opening remarks on both days are OPEN PRESS.
WHEN:
Tuesday, June 26, 2018, 8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. MST
Opening Remarks
John C. Anderson, United States Attorney, District of New Mexico
Mary Daly, Opioid Coordinator, Office of the Deputy Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice
Kyle Williamson, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, El Paso Field Division
Charles Addington, Director, BIA Office of Justice Services
Derek Fuller, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, FBI Albuquerque
Robert Kennedy, Staff Coordinator, DEA
Wednesday, June 27, 2018, 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. MST
Keynote Address
Kurt G. Alme, United States Attorney,
District of Montana and Vice Chair of the Attorney General’s Native American Issues Subcommittee
WHERE:
Bureau of Indian Affairs-Office of Justice Services District IV
1011 Indian School Road NW
Rooms 233-234
Albuquerque, NM 87104
NOTE: Media representatives must present government-issued photo I.D. (i.e., driver’s license) as well as valid media credentials. Media representatives may begin to arrive at 8:00 a.m. RSVPs and inquiries regarding logistics should be directed to USAO Media Coordinator Alyssa Ferda, contractor, at (office) 505-224-1480, (cell) 505-366-1463, or [email protected].
Lower Brule Man Charged with Burglary and AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Lower Brule, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Second Degree Burglary, and Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.
Jade LaRoche, age 38, was indicted on June 12, 2018. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on June 15, 2018, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 35 years in federal prison and/or a $500,000 fine, up to 6 years of supervised release, and up to $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on April 24, 2018, LaRoche broke into an occupied residence. The Indictment also alleges that on May 17, 2018, while in tribal custody, LaRoche assaulted, resisted, opposed, impeded, intimidated, and interfered with a correctional officer. The correctional officer was engaged in the performance of his official duties, and said conduct involved bodily injury to the officer.
The charges are merely accusations and LaRoche is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Lower Brule Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case.
LaRoche was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Leader of Local Hip-Hop Group Pleads Guilty to Bank and Wire Fraud Conspiracy and Aggravated Identity Theft ChargesRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Andrew Murray, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, announced today that Damonte Withers, 29, of Charlotte, pleaded guilty in federal court to bank fraud conspiracy, wire fraud conspiracy, and aggravated identity theft charges in connection to a bank and identity theft scheme.
Withers’ co-defendants, James Willingham, Jr., 24; Deandre Howze, 23; Jeffrey Monteith, 22; and Laerek Williams, 26; as well as co-conspirators Alexsandera Mobley, 28; Lakesiah Norman, 37; and Sharrieff Pope, 25, all of Charlotte, previously entered guilty pleas for their involvement in the conspiracy.
U.S. Attorney Murray is joined in making today’s announcement by David M. McGinnis, Inspector in Charge of the Charlotte Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Reginald DeMatteis, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Charlotte Field Office; and Chief Kerr Putney of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department.
According to filed plea documents and today’s plea hearing, Withers, also known as “Tony da Boss” on social media, and his co-conspirators, were members of a local hip-hop group known as the “FreeBandz Gang” or “FBG.”
According to court documents, from February 2014 through January 2016, Withers conspired with others to commit bank fraud by engaging in what is commonly known as a “card-cracking” scheme. As part of the scheme, Withers and his co-conspirators recruited individuals to hand over their bank account ATM/debit cards and PINs in exchange for the promise of an easy pay-day. Withers and other members of FBG would then deposit fraudulent or stolen checks into the bank accounts using the corresponding ATMs or mobile banking applications, triggering a credit to the account. Court records show that Withers and his co-conspirators would then quickly withdraw cash from the accounts, before the banks could determine the deposited checks were worthless.
Filed documents also show that from October 2016 to December 2017, Withers and members of FBG conspired to commit wire fraud using victims’ stolen identities to fraudulently acquire cellular phones, tablets and other goods so they could resell them for profit. Court records show that Withers and other members of the conspiracy obtained victims’ names, Social Security Numbers, dates of birth, and other personal identifying information, and used that information to manufacture fake IDs, which they then used to complete fraudulent credit applications in the identity theft victims’ names. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement found Withers to be in possession of several items used to manufacture the fictitious identification cards, and of the personal identifying information of at least 18 individuals.
According to plea documents and today’s proceedings, Withers admitted to causing between $550,000 and $1.5 million in losses as a result of his fraud.
U.S. Magistrate Judge David S. Cayer presided over Withers’ guilty plea. Withers was released on bond following today’s hearing. A sentencing date has not been set.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Murray commended the work of the United States Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department for their investigation of this case.
Assistant United States Attorney Dallas J. Kaplan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is in charge of the prosecution.
Kalamazoo Father and Son Indicted for Identity Theft and Harboring and Concealing Illegal AkiensRead the Press Release
Eddie and Michael Balderramas Assisted Illegal Aliens in Obtaining Michigan Driver’s Licenses in the Identities of Other Individuals
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — Eddie Michael Balderramas, 51, and his son, Michael James Balderramas, 28, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, made their initial appearances today in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on an indictment recently returned by a federal grand jury.
According to the indictment, between at least April 4, 2016, and July 20, 2017, defendants conspired with a third individual, Michelle Martinez-Marte, to commit identity theft, social security account number fraud, and harboring and concealing of illegal aliens. Martinez-Marte acquired Puerto Rican birth certificates, driver’s licenses, and social security account number cards in the names of actual individuals. Martinez-Marte would then refer the illegal aliens to Eddie Balderramas. Either Eddie Balderramas or his son Michael Balderramas, would travel to New York City and transport the illegal aliens to Michigan, where they would be harbored at a home in Kalamazoo. Eddie and Michael Balderramas produced false leases, paystubs, and other documents to make it appear as if the illegal aliens were truly Michigan residents. Eddie and Michael Balderramas would then transport the illegal aliens to Michigan Secretary of State Offices and would use the Puerto Rican documents in the names of other individuals, along with the counterfeit documents of Michigan residency, to acquire an authentic Michigan driver’s license for the illegal alien using the name and other personal identifiers of an actual individual. The illegal aliens paid Eddie and Michael Balderramas for their assistance so that they could live in the country without detection by immigration authorities.
All defendants face up to 15 years’ imprisonment on the conspiracy charge, up to 10 years’ imprisonment for harboring, concealing or shielding from detection an illegal alien, and up to 5 years’ imprisonment for misuse of social security account numbers. The defendants also face a penalty of 2 years’ imprisonment consecutive to any term of imprisonment imposed for the other charges if convicted of aggravated identity theft.
Eddie Balderramas currently remains in the custody of the United States Marshal Service awaiting a hearing on his continued detention. The court released Michael Balderramas on bond. Martinez-Marte is in federal custody in Boston, Massachusetts, on related but separate charges.
The charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
END
Justice Department Requires CRH to Divest Rocky Gap Quarry in Order to Proceed with Pounding Mill AcquisitionRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice announced today that it will require CRH plc and CRH Americas Materials, Inc. to divest an aggregate quarry in Rocky Gap, Virginia, in order to proceed with its proposed acquisition of Pounding Mill Quarry Corporation.
The Department’s Antitrust Division filed a civil antitrust lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to block the proposed transaction. At the same time, the Department filed a proposed settlement that, if approved by the court, would resolve the Department’s competitive concerns.
“Today’s structural settlement resolves both horizontal and vertical competition concerns and ensures that purchasers of aggregate and asphalt concrete in southern West Virginia — and ultimately, taxpayers — will continue to benefit from competition in the supply of these critical products used in road construction and maintenance,” said Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim of the Antitrust Division. “As a result of the proposed acquisition, CRH would have owned nearly all of the aggregate quarries that supply southern West Virginia.”
According to the Department’s complaint, both CRH and Pounding Mill produce and sell aggregate. CRH also produces and sells asphalt concrete. Aggregate is an essential input in asphalt concrete. Aggregate and asphalt concrete are the primary materials used to build, pave, and repair roads.
The complaint alleges that, for a significant number of customers in southern West Virginia, CRH and Pounding Mill are two of only three competitive sources of aggregate qualified by the West Virginia Department of Transportation. According to the complaint, the loss of horizontal, head-to-head competition between CRH and Pounding Mill would likely result in higher prices for aggregate customers in that area.
The complaint also alleges that the acquisition would raise vertical competition concerns. Only one company, a recent entrant, competes with CRH to supply asphalt concrete in southern West Virginia. That company relies on Pounding Mill to supply the aggregate it needs to manufacture asphalt concrete. According to the complaint, if CRH were to acquire its rival’s source of aggregate, it would have the incentive and ability to disadvantage its rival by withholding this essential input or supplying it on less favorable terms, resulting in higher prices for the sale of asphalt concrete in southern West Virginia.
Under the terms of the proposed settlement, CRH must divest the Pounding Mill quarry in Rocky Gap, Virginia and related assets to an acquirer approved by the United States. This structural divestiture remedies the competitive harm resulting from the elimination of a significant aggregate competitor and provides an alternative source of aggregate for CRH’s only asphalt concrete competitor.
The settlement also includes, consistent with other antitrust settlements in this administration, several provisions designed to improve the effectiveness of the decree and the Division’s future ability to enforce it.
CRH plc is headquartered in Ireland and is a global supplier of building materials. In the United States, CRH, through its vast network of subsidiaries, is a leader in the supply of aggregate, asphalt concrete, and ready mix concrete, among numerous other things, conducting business in 44 states. In 2015, CRH had global sales of approximately $26 billion, with sales in the United States of approximately $14 billion.
CRH Americas Materials, Inc. is incorporated in Delaware with its principal place of business in Atlanta, Georgia. CRH Americas Materials, Inc. is an indirect subsidiary of CRH Americas, Inc. CRH Americas Materials, Inc. is one of the largest suppliers of aggregate, asphalt concrete, ready mix concrete, and construction and paving services in the United States.
Pounding Mill is a Delaware corporation headquartered in Bluefield, Virginia. Pounding Mill owns and operates four quarries — three in Virginia and one in West Virginia — from which it supplies aggregate. In 2015, Pounding Mill had sales of approximately $44 million.
As required by the Tunney Act, the proposed settlement, along with the Department’s competitive impact statement, will be published in the Federal Register. Any person may submit written comments concerning the proposed settlement within 60 days of its publication to Maribeth Petrizzi, Chief, Defense, Industrials, and Aerospace Section, Antitrust Division, U.S. Department of Justice, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Suite 8700, Washington, D.C. 20530. At the conclusion of the 60-day comment period, the court may enter the final judgment upon a finding that it serves the public interest.
Johnstown Man Stopped in Butler County Had Illegal Loaded Handgun, Heroin and Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A Cambria County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime and possession with intent to distribute heroin and crack cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Andrew Edwards, age 32, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to three counts before Senior United States Circuit Court Judge D. Michael Fisher.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on April 11, 2016, Edwards was a passenger in a vehicle stopped for traffic violations in Middlesex Township, Butler County. The driver gave the officer permission to search the vehicle. In the backseat of the vehicle, where Edwards had been seated, officers observed a jacket and a backpack. From the jacket, officers recovered 528 bags of heroin, and a plastic baggie containing crack cocaine. From the backpack, officers recovered a Springfield XD 45 caliber semi-automatic handgun with six rounds in the magazine. Personal items including a towel, hairbrush and a toothbrush were also in the backpack. The FBI laboratory determined that there was support for the inclusion of Edwards as a contributor to the DNA found on the toothbrush.
Judge Fisher scheduled sentencing for November 9, 2018. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to life in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant. Pending sentencing, the court ordered Edwards to remain detained.
Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Middlesex Township Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
Investigation of Lodge Grass Triple Killing Concludes, No Charges FiledRead the Press Release
LODGE GRASS, MONTANA - On August 4, 2017, Nehemiah Brokenrope, Frank Nomee Jr., and Denise Stewart were shot and killed after entering a home on the Crow Reservation. Occupants of the home were also injured. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) conducted an extensive, 10-month investigation. The investigation involved numerous interviews, evidence collection and analysis, and autopsies of the deceased.
The investigation revealed that Brokenrope, Nomee, and Stewart forcibly entered the house carrying at least one gun and possibly another gun or other weapon. An occupant of the home had a gun. Shots were fired. An occupant of the home was shot in the abdomen. Brokenrope, Nomee, and Stewart were mortally shot.
After a careful review of the evidence and witness testimony, prosecutors concluded the investigation could not conclusively determine who shot whom, or in what order the shots were fired. Thus, there is no way to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, who actually fired the shot(s) that killed any of the decedents. Additionally, even if there were evidence sufficient to prove who shot whom, the United States would be unable to overcome beyond a reasonable doubt claims of self-defense and/or defense of another.
Upon careful consideration of the evidence and after consulting with the experienced prosecutors reviewing the case, the United States Attorney determined that no charges can be filed in this case.
United States Attorney Kurt G. Alme stated, “This case has been a priority for the FBI, the BIA, and this office. Violent deaths are a tragedy, and this incident has had deep impacts on the Crow Tribe and the residents of Lodge Grass. We send our condolences to the entire community.”
Inmates Sentenced for Contraband in Pottawattamie County JailRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - On June 20, 2018, Deandre Eugene Cooper, age 35, and Charles Jesse Beuterbaugh, age 30, were sentenced by United States District Court Senior Judge James E. Gritzner for Possession of Contraband by a Federal Prisoner announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Cooper was sentenced to 100 months imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release. Beuterbaugh was sentenced to serve eight months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Their sentences were each ordered to be served consecutively with sentences they previously received in other matters prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Southern District of Iowa and the District of Nebraska.
Cooper and Beuterbaugh, along with other co-defendants, while incarcerated at the Pottawattamie County Jail, distributed K-2, a synthetic cannabinoid. On May 17, 2017, staff seized the substance from co-defendant Ivan Cervantes’ cell with the use of a drug detecting dog. Lab reports confirmed the substance found hidden in Cervantes’ cell was a synthetic cannabinoid. Further investigation revealed Cooper and Beuterbaugh had distributed K-2 to other inmates.
This case was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement and the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa
Illegal alien from Honduras arrested in Sulphur pleads guilty to illegally re-entering U.S.Read the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that an illegal alien from Honduras who was arrested in Sulphur, Louisiana, pleaded guilty Wednesday to re-entering the United States illegally after having been previously removed from the United States four times.
Boney D. Cruz-Funez, 31, of Honduras, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen Kay to one count of illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien. According to the guilty plea, on April 11, 2018, Sulphur police conducted a traffic stop on Cruz-Funez’s vehicle on Interstate 10. After the stop, he admitted to being in the country illegally. Cruz-Funez was removed from the United States previously on four occasions with the last removal taking place on May 28, 2013 from San Antonio, Texas.
Cruz-Funez faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The court set sentencing for November 19, 2018.
United States Border Patrol and the Sulphur Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert F. Moore is prosecuting the case.
Hyde County, North Carolina Men Plead Guilty to Waterfowl Baiting ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces DAVID CAHOON 59, JOHNATHAN BULL 47, JOHNATHAN PARKER WILLIAMS 52, and TIMOTHY CAHOON 49, recently plead guilty to charges of aiding and abetting others to take migratory waterfowl with the use or aid of bait, and hunting migratory waterfowl over an area that was baited.
During the 2016-2017 waterfowl season, Federal Wildlife Officers observed, on several occasions, multiple people engaged in the baiting of the Cahoon impoundments. On December, 17th 2016, Federal and State Wildlife Officers observed multiple hunters enter both baited impoundments and actively hunt migratory waterfowl.
Evidence suggested that DAVID CAHOON, allowed a family member to hunt his waterfowl impoundment even after knowing the impoundment contained fresh shelled corn that was purposely placed to attract migratory waterfowl for the purpose of hunting. The impoundment is located adjacent to the Lake Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge. DAVID CAHOON, plead guilty to aiding and abetting others to hunt on or over a baited area and was ordered to pay a $9000.00 fine.
Evidence suggested TIMOTHY CAHOON, hunted on opening morning within the baited impoundment. TIMOTHY CAHOON, plead guilty to hunting over a baited area and was ordered to pay a $2500.00 fine and lost his hunting rights for one year.
In an adjacent impoundment JOHNATHAN BULL and a group of hunter’s, hunted migratory waterfowl while knowing the impoundment was baited with bird seed and sunflower seed purposely placed to attract migratory waterfowl into the impoundment. This impoundment is also located adjacent to the Lake Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge. BULL, plead guilty to hunting over a baited area and aiding and abetting others to hunt over a baited area and was ordered to pay a $4000.00 fine and lost his hunting rights for one year.
PARKER WILLIAMS, plead guilty for his involvement by aiding and abetting others to hunt over bait and was ordered to pay a $4000.00 fine and lost his hunting rights for one year.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Division of Refuge law Enforcement and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Assistant United States Attorney Daniel Smith prosecuted the case for the government.
Houston Man Guilty of Trafficking Drugs through the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A 56-year-old Houston man has pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown today.
Eugenio Cerda pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to money launder on June 21, 2018 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Giblin.
According to information presented in court, on Jan. 19, 2017, a known drug courier was pulled over after leaving Cerda’s home. Inside the vehicle, officers discovered over a kilogram of fentanyl, which represented DEA’s largest fentanyl seizure in the Houston/Southeast Texas area at that time. Over the course of the next six months, law enforcement surveillance showed Cerda conspired with others to distribute 2.5 kilograms of fentanyl, one kilogram of heroin and over 21 kilograms of cocaine through Southeast Texas and is believed to have laundered at least $1.5 million in drug proceeds. Cerda was indicted by a federal grand jury on Jan. 10, 2018.
Under federal statutes, Cerda faces at least 10 years and up to life in federal prison at sentencing. The maximum 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. A sentencing hearing 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 and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher T. Rapp.
Honduran National Pleads Guilty to Illegally Entering the United States and Selling Drugs in San Francisco’s Tenderloin DistrictRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Olvin Didier Centeno-Gamez pleaded guilty today to three counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance within 1000 feet of a school, and one count of illegal re-entry into the United States after deportation, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Alex G. Tse and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Ryan L. Spradlin. The guilty plea was accepted by the Honorable Susan Illston, U.S. District Judge.
In pleading guilty to the controlled substance offenses, Centeno-Gamez, 36, a citizen of Honduras, admitted that on April 18, 2018, he was in San Francisco’s Tenderloin District and in possession of heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine that he intended to distribute. Centeno-Gamez further admitted that, at the time of his arrest, he was within 1000 feet of a local elementary school. Centeno-Gamez also admitted he illegally re-entered the United States after having been deported on five previous occasions between 2009 and 2017.
A federal grand jury indicted Centeno-Gamez on May 17, 2018, charging him with three counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance within 1000 feet of a school, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841 and 860(a), and one count of illegal re-entry into the United States after deportation, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1326(a) and (b)(2). Today, Centeno-Gamez pleaded guilty to all counts in the indictment.
Centeno-Gamez will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal Service until his sentencing date, which is scheduled for September 28, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. The controlled substance offenses to which Centeno-Gamez pleaded guilty carry a mandatory minimum sentence of one year of incarceration. The maximum statutory penalties for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance within 1000 feet of a school include 40 years of imprisonment and a $2,000,000 fine. The maximum statutory penalties for illegal re-entry by an alien after deportation include 20 years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. However, any sentence will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Boome is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Marina Ponomarchuck. The prosecution is the result of an investigation led by HSI and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Greenville Man Guilty of Passport FraudRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina –------- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated that Gregory Orville Bertelsen, age 71, of Greenville, South Carolina, pled guilty today to making false statements to secure a passport in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1542. He faces a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000.00. United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins, Jr., accepted the plea of guilty and will sentence Bertelsen at a later date.
Assistant United States Attorney David C. Stephens advised the Court of the following facts at the guilty plea hearing. In August 2016, a passport renewal application in the name of a person having the initials PDL was received via mail at the National Passport Center in New Hampshire. The return address for the application was Greenville, South Carolina. Due to certain questionable things on the application it was referred to Fraud Prevention Management (FPM).
FPM conducted records checks based on the name and identifiers used in the application and determined that PDL was actually a child who had died in 1952. FPM then used facial recognition software and were able to match the photo on the PDL application with the photo on a passport that Defendant Bertelsen had previously obtained. Bertelsen was interviewed and admitted that he had filed the false application for a passport in the name of PDL.
United States Attorney Lydon commended the State Department, Diplomat Security Service for their continuing vigilance in protecting our passport system.
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Former Virginia Software Company Vice President Sentenced to Prison for Employment Tax FraudRead the Press Release
A former officer of a software company in Sterling, Virginia, was sentenced to 15 months in prison today for conspiring to defraud the government by failing to pay over employment taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), announced Principal Deputy Assistant General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger for the Eastern District of Virginia.
According to court documents, Kristie Lynn McDonald was the Vice President of Finance and Administration of a software company in Sterling, Virginia. From January 2011 to February 2013, McDonald conspired with the company’s Chief Executive Officer Robert Lewis to defraud the United States by failing to pay over to the IRS more than $1.8 million in payroll taxes withheld from employee paychecks.
As part of their scheme, McDonald and Lewis circumvented the company’s normal payroll and accounting procedures by paying some employees with manual paychecks. The employees still received the correct pay after withholdings, but by bypassing the accounting system, McDonald and Lewis were able to hide the fact that the withholdings were not being paid over to the IRS. The practical effect of their scheme was to conceal the company’s failing financial condition from its Board of Directors. They also caused the company to file false quarterly employment tax returns with the IRS that underreported the amount of tax due.
During this same period, McDonald and Lewis failed to remit the full amount of employee retirement contributions to the company’s retirement plan. Through their actions, the company failed to transfer nearly $225,000 in voluntary employee retirement withholdings. McDonald and Lewis used the misappropriated money to pay the operating expenses of the company, which included their own six figure salaries and salary raises for other employees.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III ordered McDonald to serve three years of supervised release and to pay restitution in the amount of $1,812,706 million. McDonald and Lewis previously plead guilty on March 23. Lewis is scheduled to be sentenced on June 29.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Terwilliger thanked agents of IRS Criminal Investigation and the Department of Labor who conducted the investigation, and Tax Division Trial Attorneys Kevin Schneider and Charles M. Edgar, Jr. and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Faulconer, who are prosecuting the case.
Former Postal Employee Sentenced for Embezzlement of Mail MatterRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – YVONNE WILSON, age 37, of Kenner, Louisiana, was sentenced yesterday after previously pleading guilty to embezzlement of mail matter by a postal service employee, announced U. S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon sentenced WILSON to three (3) years’ probation and ordered her to pay restitution in the amount of $1,402.99.
According to court documents, the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) received information regarding complaints of theft of mail. After further investigation, it was determined that YVONNE WILSON (WILSON), a U.S. Postal Service City Carrier Assistant during this relevant time period, was the postal service employee who might have been involved in the thefts.
On July 14, 2016, a USPS-OIG agent prepared two decoy letters, one being a first class letter addressed to W.P. in Metairie, Louisiana, containing cash in the amount of $115.00, and another first class letter addressed to M.H. in Metairie, Louisiana, containing cash in the amount of $100.00. The agent placed them in the mail stream at the Metairie Main Post Office located at 3301 17th Street, Metairie, Louisiana. Both letters were to be handled and delivered by WILSON as the letters were on her assigned route. USPS-OIG agents maintained surveillance of WILSON as she serviced her assigned route. After they determined that WILSON had opened the decoy letters, the agents approached her, identified themselves, and explained why they had approached her. They also observed a plastic Wal-Mart bag in her postal vehicle containing the two open decoy letters. WILSON admitted that she had opened the decoy letters, took the cash from the letters, and placed the $215.00 cash in her wallet.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service- Office of Inspector General, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Loan AMimi@ Nguyen.
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Former Mafia Boss and Associate Convicted of 1993 MurderRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Francis “Cadillac” Salemme, a former boss of the New England Family of La Cosa Nostra (NELCN), and former NELCN associate Paul Weadick, were convicted today by a federal jury in connection with the 1993 murder of Steven A. DiSarro.
Francis P. Salemme, 84, and Paul M. Weadick, 63, were convicted of one count of murder of a federal witness. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for Sept. 13, 2018.
“Today, one of the last New England mafia bosses, Frank “Cadillac” Salemme along with an accomplice, Paul Weadick, have been brought to justice, ending a long, dark chapter in our city’s history,” said United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling. “After many years of pain, we hope that this verdict gives Mr. DiSarro’s family some peace, knowing that the defendants have been held accountable. I would like to acknowledge the commitment of the prosecutors and investigators for bringing this case – and the other organized crimes cases that preceded it – to a successful conclusion.”
“Tragically, this case demonstrates the savagery of organized crime and the extent Salemme and Weadick were willing to go for their own self-preservation,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division. “Today’s verdict ensures that both men will finally pay the price for killing Steven DiSarro in cold blood. They took his life in order to ensure his silence. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to use every available resource to pursue criminals who attack, intimidate, retaliate, and even go as far as murdering, witnesses.”
In the early 1990s, Salemme was the boss of the NELCN. At the time, DiSarro managed a South Boston night club, known as “The Channel,” in which Salemme and his son, Francis P. Salemme, Jr. had a financial interest. As a federal investigation was narrowing in on the Salemmes, DiSarro’s connection to the mafia boss was discovered and he was approached by federal investigators to cooperate. Knowing this, Salemme had DiSarro murdered on May 10, 1993, in Salemme’s Sharon residence. Salemme, who had ordered the murder to prevent DiSarro from cooperating with law enforcement, watched as Salemme Jr. and Weadick strangled DiSarro. Salemme then ordered DiSarro’s body transported to Providence, R.I. and buried. In March 2016, DiSarro’s remains were recovered by federal authorities behind a mill in Providence, R.I.
In 1995 Salemme was indicted on federal racketeering charges and convicted in 1999. He was subsequently convicted of obstruction of justice in 2008 for lying to federal authorities about the murder of DiSarro. Salemme Jr. died in 1995.
The charge of murder of a federal witness provides for a sentence of life in prison. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Lelling; Interim United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch for the District of Rhode Island; FBI SAC Shaw; Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Ann C. Assumpico, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police, made the announcement today. Assistance was also provided by the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office and the Providence, R.I. Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Fred M. Wyshak, Jr., Chief of Lelling’s Public Corruption Unit and William J. Ferland of Dambruch’s Office are prosecuting the case.
Former Lincoln Resident Sentenced to over 4 Years in Prison for Her Participation in a $22 Million Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Today, U.S. District Judge Garland E. Burrell Jr. sentenced Mary Sue Weaver, 65, currently of Scottsdale, Arizona and formerly of Lincoln, California, to four years and two months in prison and ordered to pay $15,387,945 in restitution for her participation in a $22 million fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
On December 15, 2017, Weaver pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of bank fraud. On June 1, 2018, co-defendant Abolghasseni “Abe” Alizadeh, 59, of Granite Bay, was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison and ordered to pay $15,879,945 in restitution to the victims of his crimes.
According to court documents, Weaver was employed at a local title company and assisted Alizadeh, a Sacramento-area commercial real estate developer, restauranteur and owner of Kobra Properties, in a scheme to fraudulently purchase land that he planned to develop.
According to court documents, Alizadeh would write checks for the down payment on a commercial property, but because he lacked funds to cover the checks, he would call Weaver and ask her to delay depositing the checks until after escrow closed. Once escrow closed, Weaver disbursed funds from the title company’s escrow trust account to Kobra Properties. Kobra Properties then used those funds to cover its down payment and other costs. In this way, it appeared as though Alizadeh was making a substantial down payment when in fact he was not. Alizadeh’s entire scheme, involving no fewer than six properties in the Sacramento area, resulted in a loss to various financial institutions of over $22 million.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the IRS Criminal Investigation, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Anderson and Heiko P. Coppola are prosecuting the case.
Former Leader of New York Chapter of United Gamefowl Breeders Association Convicted for Animal Welfare Offense for Cockfighting VentureRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that THOMAS CARRANO was convicted today by a unanimous Manhattan jury of conspiring to possess, sell, and transport roosters for purposes of participation in animal fights around the United States. The defendant was convicted after a five day trial before the Honorable Sidney H. Stein.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Thomas Carrano, the leader of an association that claimed to ‘not promote cockfighting in any way,’ was convicted of that very thing. Carrano cared not a whit for the welfare of the roosters he raised, sold, and transported for participation in the cruel and inhumane ‘sport’ of cockfighting. Thanks to the ASPCA and our law enforcement counterparts, justice has come home to roost for Thomas Carrano.”
The evidence at trial showed, among other things, the following:
Cockfighting is an activity in which two roosters are put forward to fight one another for sport and entertainment. The roosters typically have metal spurs, known as gaffs, or plastic spurs, known as “postiza,” affixed to their legs for use in the fight. The fights between roosters are ended when one rooster is dead or refuses to continue to fight. If not killed during the fight, the losing rooster is typically killed afterwards. Roosters involved in cockfighting will often be mutilated in preparation for fights, typically by cutting off the rooster’s comb and wattle and shaping the rooster’s spur.
From January 2012 up June 2017, THOMAS CARRANO, a member and former president of the New York chapter of the United Gamefowl Breeders Association (“NYUGBA”), conspired with others – including a co-conspirator in the Bronx, New York – to buy, sell, transport, and receive roosters for cockfighting and to buy, sell, and transport cockfighting weapons. CARRANO used two social media accounts – one in his own name, and one in NYUGBA’s name – to communicate with co-conspirators, including members of NYUGBA and others who were located in the Southern District of New York. The NYUGBA claimed to be devoted solely to breeding rare gamefowl for poultry shows. Yet in messages sent through these social media accounts, CARRANO discussed breeding and training roosters for cockfighting, the sale and purchase of gaffs and postizas for cockfighting, and CARRANO’s personal participation in cockfighting.
On May 23, 2017, law enforcement personnel executed a search warrant at CARRANO’s gamefowl farm in Ontario, New York. During the search, law enforcement officers discovered, among other things, gaffs, postizas, shears for dubbing roosters, a rooster sparring dummy, a specialized ladder used to train fighting roosters, cockfighting supplements, and videos of roosters being trained for cockfights. In addition, law enforcement officers recovered approximately 104 chickens, including 19 adult roosters and 12 adolescent roosters, many of which had their natural spurs, combs, wattles, and/or earlobes removed.
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CARRANO, 44, of Ontario, New York, is convicted of one count of conspiring to sell, possess, and transport animals for purposes of participating in an animal fight, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, and the New York City Police Department’s Animal Cruelty Investigations Squad, and thanked them for their ongoing support and assistance with the case. Mr. Berman also thanked the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this case.
The prosecution of this case is being overseen by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alison G. Moe and Michael C. McGinnis are in charge of the case.
Former Duval County High School Teacher Pleads Guilty to Transporting Child Pornography over the InternetRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Jeremy Scott Clark (44, Ponte Vedra) today pleaded guilty to transporting images depicting child sexual abuse over the internet. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, and up to 20 years in federal prison, and a potential life term of supervision. A sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled. Clark has been detained since his arrest on March 8, 2018. He was employed as a teacher at First Coast High School in Jacksonville.
According to court documents, on February 22, 2018, an individual using the screen name “LLCoolJack1973” responded to a message posted by an undercover FBI agent on an internet bulletin board frequented by individuals with a sexual interest in children. The user, later identified as Clark, began an online conversation with the undercover agent. After engaging in conversations about sexual activity with children, Clark sent an explicit photo of himself to the agent, along with a link to an online storage account containing images of young children being sexually abused. Further investigation traced the internet protocol address to Clark’s Ponte Vedra residence.
On March 8, 2018, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Clark’s home and seized his cellphone. FBI agents were able to confirm that the picture of the naked male sent to the undercover agent was that of Clark on his bed in his home. A forensic examination of Clark’s phone revealed that it contained the link to the online storage account previously sent to the agent.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Former Director of the Program Management Office in the Secretary of Defense Communications Office Pleads Guilty to Conflicts of Interest Law Prohibiting Acts Affecting Personal Financial InterestRead the Press Release
The former Director of the Program Management Office in the Secretary of Defense Communications Office (SDC) pleaded guilty today to a criminal conflicts of interest charge for using her federal employment to participate in acts that financially benefited her and her husband’s company. Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division made the announcement.
Kimberly S. Brewer, 37, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, pleaded guilty before Magistrate Judge John F. Anderson of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia to a one-count information charging her with violating a criminal conflicts of interest law that prohibits federal employees from using their federal employment to personally and financially benefit themselves or certain immediate family members, including spouses.
According to the plea documents, the SDC is the office within the U.S. Department of Defense responsible for, among other things, operating and maintaining the communications systems supporting the U.S. Secretary of Defense. During the relevant time period, Brewer served as SDC’s Director of the Program Management Office at the same time that her husband’s company, Insight Technology Group LLC (ITG), was a subcontractor for a company that had a $4.68 million contract with the SDC. Even though Brewer signed a disqualification statement in which she agreed to refrain from participating in any matters that would affect ITG, Brewer repeatedly personally and substantially participated in matters that affected the company’s financial interests, including advocating with her superiors on behalf of ITG and interfering in personnel matters affecting the company. These acts directly impacted financial matters affecting ITG’s financial interests and, indirectly, her own.
The case was investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service of the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Victor R. Salgado of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Samantha P. Bateman of the Eastern District of Virginia.
Former Baltimore Police Department Detective Sentenced to 18 Years in Federal Prison for Racketeering, Including Robberies, Overtime Fraud, and Submitting False ReportsRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced former Detective Daniel Thomas Hersl, age 48, of Joppa, Maryland to 18 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for racketeering conspiracy and racketeering offenses, including overtime fraud, and robbery. A federal jury convicted Hersl on February 12, 2018.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Don A. Hibbert of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; Chief Terrence B. Sheridan of the Baltimore County Police Department; and Sheriff Jeffrey R. Gahler of the Harford County Sheriff’s Department.
According to evidence presented at the three-week trial, during 2015 and 2016--the time of the racketeering conspiracy--Hersl stole money, property, and narcotics by detaining victims, entering residences, conducting traffic stops, and swearing out false search warrant affidavits. In addition, Hersl and his co-defendants prepared and submitted false official incident and arrest reports, reports of property seized from arrestees, and charging documents.
In some cases, there was no evidence of criminal conduct by the victims; Hersl and his co-defendant officers stole money that had been earned lawfully. In other instances, narcotics and firearms were recovered from arrestees. In several instances, Hersl and his co-defendants did not file any police reports. The amounts stolen ranged from $200 to $200,000.
Seven co-defendants have all previously been convicted of federal racketeering charges. Of those, five have been sentenced to between seven and 25 years in prison.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI, the DEA, the Baltimore County Police Department, and the Harford County Sheriff’s Department for their work in the investigation. U.S. Attorney Hur also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leo J. Wise and Derek E. Hines, who prosecuted this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.
Former Anne Arundel County Man Indicted Federally for Production and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted Glen Ranger, age 49, formerly of Severn, Maryland, for production and possession of child pornography. The indictment was returned on June 21, 2018.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Acting Special Agent in Charge Cardell T. Morant of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Colonel William M. Pallozzi, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; Chief David A. Spencer of the Easton Police Department; Chief Terrence B. Sheridan of the Baltimore County Police Department; and Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Wes Adams.
According to the 12-count indictment, from approximately 2002 through 2007, Ranger knowingly persuaded, enticed, and coerced a prepubescent male to engage in sexually explicit conduct in order to produce videos and images of that conduct. In addition, the indictment alleges that from at least May 2, 2014, to March 13, 2018, Ranger accessed, viewed, stored, and possessed an external hard drive containing visual depictions of prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Ranger faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years in prison, followed by up to lifetime of supervised release, for each of five counts of production of child pornography; and a maximum of 20 years in prison for each of seven counts of possession of child pornography. Ranger is expected to have an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge A. David Copperthite on June 28, 2018 in U.S. District Court in Baltimore. Ranger is currently detained on related state charges.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "resources" tab on the left of the page.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended HSI-Baltimore, the Maryland State Police, the Easton Police Department, the Baltimore County Police Department, and the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Budlow, who is prosecuting the federal case.
Federal Jury Finds Brevard County Doctor Guilty of Illegal Distribution of OxycodoneRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – A federal jury today found John M. Gayden, Jr. (64, West Melbourne) guilty of seven counts of distributing oxycodone outside the course of professional practice and for no legitimate medical reason. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 7, 2018. Gayden was indicted on September 28, 2016.
According to evidence presented at trial, between 2009, and continuing through 2011, Gayden ran a cash-only pain management clinic in Indialantic, Florida. He charged $200-$400 per visit for appointments, during which patients received prescriptions for high dosages of oxycodone, with little to no medical evaluation. Gayden issued these prescriptions bi-monthly or monthly for years, without consulting with the patients about their health, or properly verifying these patients’ needs for long-term high dosage oxycodone. Further, Gayden ignored clear signals from patients that they were seeking oxycodone to support their opioid addictions, as opposed to managing pain. Expert testimony indicated that Gayden prescribed hospice-level oxycodone dosages to young patients with relatively minor health issues.
This case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Melbourne Police Department, the Brevard County Sheriff's Office, and the Florida Department of Health. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Vincent S. Chiu.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Sixteen in Methamphetamine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – On June 12, 2018, a federal grand jury in Greeneville returned a 38-count indictment against the following individuals for their roles in the distribution of methamphetamine:
- Leonard Wayne Mullinax, 48, of Gaffney, South Carolina
- Jamie Nicole Wilson, 41, of Surgoinsville, Tennessee
- Edward Ray Walters, 47, of Surgoinsville, Tennessee
- Michael James Walters, 44, of Church Hill, Tennessee
- Corey Aaron Morelock, 29, of Surgoinsville, Tennessee
- Amber Lynn Hall, 29, of Surgoinsville, Tennessee
- Matthew Glenn Russell, 26, of Rogersville, Tennessee
- Christopher Lee Pyles, 43, of Rogersville, Tennessee
- Destiny Lashay Lawson, 25, of Rogersville, Tennessee
- Megan Rose Moore, 39, of Rogersville, Tennessee
- Matthew Jacob Keirsey, 23, of Rogersville, Tennessee
- Jason Ronald Burchfield, 39, of Rogersville, Tennessee
- Beverly Ann Brooks, 33, of Kingsport, Tennessee
- Jimmy Lee Gray, 35, of Kingsport, Tennessee
- Jacob Donald Meyers, 25, of Church Hill, Tennessee
- Jeannie Michelle Bowman, 45, of Surgoinsville, Tennessee
A trial date before the Honorable J. Ronnie Greer, U.S. District Court Judge, has not yet been set.
The indictment, on file with the U.S. District Court, alleges that each of these individuals was involved in a conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Tennessee and elsewhere. Edward Walters, Morelock, Hall, Russell, Bowman, Wilson, Meyers, and Michael Walters are also charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Edward Walters, Russell, and Bowman are each charged with an additional count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The indictment also alleges other charges related to the distribution and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine as well as the unlawful possession of firearms and money laundering.
If convicted of the methamphetamine conspiracy charge, each faces a minimum mandatory prison term of at least 10 years and up to life, at least five years of supervised release, a fine of up to $10,000,000, any applicable forfeiture, and a $100 special assessment. The punishment for the firearm charges returned against Edward Walters, Morelock, Hall, Russell, Bowman, Wilson, Meyers, and Michael Walters is a minimum mandatory term of at least five years and up to life in prison, which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed, up to five years supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a $100 special assessment. Edward Walters, Russell, and Bowman, on the second firearms charge returned against them, face a minimum mandatory 25 years imprisonment up to life imprisonment, which must be served consecutively to any other prison term.
The ongoing investigation leading to the indictment was the product of a partnership between the Hawkins County Sheriff’s Department, Hamblen County Sherriff’s Department, Jefferson County Sherriff’s Department, Third Judicial Drug Task Force, Cherokee County Sherriff’s Department, U.S. Marshal Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Postal Inspector, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald Wayne Taylor will represent the United States in court proceedings.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment constitutes only charges and that every person is presumed innocent until his or her guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation is a result of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s drug supply reduction strategy. OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multi-level attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply.
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Eureka Resident Pleads Guilty to Drug Dealing and Possessing Loaded Gun to Further His Drug DealingRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Judson Allen Stiglich pleaded guilty in federal court today to possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute the drug and possession of a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Alex G. Tse and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett. The guilty plea was accepted by the Honorable Susan Illston, U.S. District Judge.
According to his plea agreement, Stiglich, 36, of Eureka, admitted he was a methamphetamine dealer. Further, on December 7, 2017, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at his home and found over 200 grams of 100% pure ice methamphetamine; Stiglich acknowledged he intended to sell the drugs. During the search of his residence, the law enforcement officers also found $2409.00 in cash and drug distribution paraphernalia, including a digital scale with methamphetamine residue. Stiglich acknowledged he knowingly possessed all the items and further admitted that in the weeks leading up to December 7, 2017, he sent text messages from his phone both to set up drug transactions and to discuss his debt to a drug supplier.
Further, Stiglich admitted he possessed a .357 revolver loaded with four rounds of ammunition to further his drug dealing. Stiglich admitted that among the reasons he possessed the weapon were to protect himself, his drugs, and his money.
On March 1, 2018, a federal grand jury indicted Stiglich charging him with one count each of possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B); possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c); and being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). Pursuant to today’s plea agreement, Stiglich pleaded guilty to the first two charges. The felon in possession charge will be dismissed at the time of sentencing if Stiglich complies with the terms of the plea agreement.
Stiglich was arrested on December 7, 2017, and has been in custody since that time. Judge Illston scheduled his sentencing for November 2, 2018. Stiglich faces a statutory maximum of 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000,000 for the drug distribution charge. In addition, Stiglich faces a mandatory minimum statutory sentence of 5 years in prison for the drug distribution charge as well as an additional consecutive 5-year minimum prison term for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug distribution. The court may also order additional fines and supervised release. However, any sentence following conviction will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi T. Narayan is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Kimberly Richardson. The prosecution is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Humboldt County Drug Task Force.
Eleven people indicted for being in Ohio after having been previously deported and/or convicted of crimes in the U.S.Read the Press Release
Eleven people who were found to be in Ohio after having been deported were indicted for illegally reentering the United States.
Eight of those indicted were found to be in Ohio on June 5. They are: Maurilio Perez-Morales, 47; Omar Rovelero-Morales, 37, ; Cutberto Gallardo-Trujillo, 49; Epigmenio Sifuentes-Cabrera (aka Jose Fernandez-Cabrerra), 35; Josefino Alvaro Leon-Herrera, 52; Bersain Alvarez-Lopez, 30; Dalila Molina-Vazquez, 29, and Isias Roblero-Perez, 39. All are Mexican citizens.
Perez-Morales, Rovelero-Morales, Sifuentes-Cabrera, Alvarez-Lopez, Roblero-Perez and Molina-Vazquez were found in Ohio on June 5 after having been previously deported.
Gallardo-Trujillo was found in Ohio on June 5 after having previously been deported and previously convicted of delivery of cocaine. Leon-Herrera was found in Ohio on June 5 after having been deported and previously convicted of trafficking marijuana.
Edgar Samuel Palomino-Sanchez, 25, of Mexico, was found to be in Ohio on May 28 after having been previously deported.
Miguel Sanchez Ceto, of Guatemala, would found to be in Ohio on May 21 after having been previously deported.
Pedro Luis Martinez-Navarro, of Honduras, was found to be in Ohio on May 26 after having been previously deported.
These cases were investigated U.S. Customs and Border Patrol andImmigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
An indictment is a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Dove Springs Gangstas Member Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Racketeering Offenses Resulting in MurderRead the Press Release
In Austin today, a federal judge sentenced Brian Aguayo, a member of the Dove Springs Gangstas (aka “DSG”), to ten years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for racketeering charges associated with the kidnapping and murder of Darian Longoria in December 2015, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division, and Austin Police Chief Brian Manley.
Last November, Aguayo pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping in aid of racketeering and one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping in aid of racketeering. By pleading guilty, Aguayo admitted to membership in a criminal enterprise that engaged in acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, robbery and narcotics distribution primarily in and around Austin. Aguayo also admitted that he and others kidnapped 16-year-old Darian Longoria on or about December 7, 2015, in furtherance of their criminal enterprise. During the kidnapping, they shot and killed Longoria. On January 3, 2016, Longoria’s body was discovered along Onion Creek.
To date, eight individuals have been sentenced in connection with the investigation into this criminal enterprise. Sentences handed down previously include: Richard Ortega—30 years imprisonment; Orlando Arroyo (aka “Orly”)—20 years imprisonment; Jorge Avliez-Mondragon (aka “Bunny”, “Conejo”) —42 months imprisonment; Norma Luis-Frias—12 months imprisonment; Jacob Guzman—30 months imprisonment; Leslie Mendez-Munoz—21 months imprisonment; and Kathia Gomez—one year probation. In addition to the prison terms, United States District Judge Sam Sparks ordered that Aguayo, Ortega and Arroyo pay, jointly and severally, $10,551.73 restitution to the Estate of Darian Longoria for funeral expenses.
The FBI Safe Streets Task Force and the Austin Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Matt Harding and Dan Guess prosecuted this case on behalf of the Government. The FBI Safe Streets Task Force is comprised of investigators from the Austin Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety and Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO).
District Man Sentenced to Prison Term for Sexually Assaulting Woman in Southeast WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Windell Barnes, 29, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to a 32-month prison term on charges stemming from a sexual assault he committed against a woman who works at a gas station in Southeast Washington, U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu announced.
Barnes was found guilty by a jury in April 2017 of one count of third-degree sexual abuse and one count of indecent exposure. The verdict followed a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. He was sentenced by the Honorable Craig Iscoe. Following his prison term, Barnes will be placed on 10 years of supervised release. He also must register as a sex offender for a 10-year period upon his release from prison.
According to the government’s evidence, on Dec. 12, 2017, at approximately noon Barnes attacked the victim after she dropped off supplies at her workplace. He grabbed the woman when no one was around and told her he wanted to have sex with her. He pulled down her pants, exposing her buttocks, and he tried to sexually assault her. The victim was eventually able to escape Barnes’s grasp and run to her car. Barnes, however, chased after her, attempted to get into her car, and then further tried to humiliate her, kissing the car window and exposing his genitalia to her in public.
The victim called police. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) quickly responded to the scene and Barnes was arrested a short time later. He has been in custody ever since.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Liu commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department Sexual Assault Unit. She also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney John Mannarino; Paralegal Specialists T.J. McPhail, Angelina Slagle, and Ethel Noble; Victim/Witness Advocate Tracey Hawkins; Victim/Witness Services Coordinators Katina Adams-Washington and LaJune Thames, and Litigation Technology Specialist Anisha Bhatia.
Finally, she commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessi Brooks and Kristina Wolf, who together investigated, indicted and prosecuted the case.
District Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Robbery and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Joseph N. Davenport, 47, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to nine years in prison on charges of robbery and obstruction of justice for beating and robbing an acquaintance at her apartment, and then trying to get his girlfriend to lie about his whereabouts at the time of the attack, U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu announced.
Davenport pled guilty in March 2017, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The plea, which was contingent upon the Court’s approval, called for an agreed-upon sentence of nine years in prison. The Honorable Zoe Bush accepted the plea and sentenced the defendant accordingly. Following his prison term, Davenport will be on three years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, in the early morning hours of May 1, 2014, Davenport went to the Southeast Washington apartment of a female acquaintance who lived in the same complex as Davenport’s then-girlfriend. He told the woman that his girlfriend had put him out of her apartment and that he needed a place to stay. He asked whether he could spend the night sleeping on the victim’s couch. When the victim told Davenport “no,” he became enraged, punched her in the face, and knocked her onto a glass-topped table, which shattered as she fell through it. He then grabbed her debit card and other property and fled.
An arrest warrant was issued and Davenport was arrested on May 6, 2014. A few days later, he called his then-girlfriend from the District of Columbia Jail, where all such calls are recorded. During that call, Davenport tried to get his girlfriend to create a false alibi for him for the time during which he was beating and robbing the other woman. She refused to do so. Prosecutors subpoenaed Davenport’s jail calls and this call became the basis of the obstruction of justice charge to which Davenport pleaded.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Liu praised the work of officers from the Seventh District of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and from a joint task force comprised of members of the MPD and U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). She also expressed appreciation for the work of the Special Police Officers from the apartment complex, who assisted in the investigation of the case.
She acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Colleen M. Kennedy, Special Counsel for Mental Health Litigation; Assistant U.S. Attorney Silvia Gonzalez Roman; Michael Ambrosino, Special Counsel for DNA and Forensic Evidence Litigation; Paralegal Specialists D’Yvonne Key, Donhue Troy Griffith and Brenda C. Williams; Victim/Witness Advocate Lezlie Richardson; Criminal Investigators Melissa Matthews and Nelson Rhone; Investigative Analysts Shannon Alexis, William Hamann, and Sharon Johnson, and Information Technology Specialist Aneela Bhatia. Finally, U.S. Attorney Liu commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Aziz, Kenechukwu Okocha and Peter V. Taylor, who investigated and prosecuted this case.
District Man Sentenced to Four-Year Prison Term for Armed Robbery in Northwest WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Ashton Hinds, 18, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to a four-year prison term for robbing a man last year in a residential neighborhood of Northwest Washington, U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu announced.
Hinds pled guilty in September 2017, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to a charge of armed robbery. He was sentenced by the Honorable Anthony C. Epstein. Following his prison term, he is to be placed on five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, on April 28, 2017, at approximately 7:25 p.m., Hinds and an accomplice approached a man in front of a residence in the 3100 block of Jocelyn Street NW. One of the robbers demanded the victim hand over his property, and the victim handed over a book bag, containing his personal property and computer. The same assailant reached into the victim’s pants pocket and took the victim’s cell phone. The two robbers demanded to be let inside the house, but the victim refused. The two then fled the area in a gold-colored sedan, and the victim notified the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
At the time of the crime, Hinds was wearing a GPS monitoring device. Law enforcement determined that he was within close proximity to the scene of the armed robbery and also determined a possible location of the vehicle he was using at the time. Police located the vehicle later that evening in the 1300 block of Seventh Street NW. They then obtained an arrest warrant for Hinds. On April 29, officers approached Hinds, who fled the scene and discarded a loaded, semiautomatic handgun. Hinds subsequently was arrested; police recovered the victim’s cellphone from Hinds and other stolen items inside the vehicle. No one else has been arrested.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Liu commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. She also expressed appreciation for the work of those who handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Vivien Cockburn, who investigated and prosecuted the matter.
District Man Sentenced to 47 Years in Prison for Killing Man in Alley on Christmas Eve 2014Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Joseph Minor, 27, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 47 years in prison for killing a man on Christmas Eve of 2014 in an alley in Southeast Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu and Peter Newsham, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Minor was found guilty by a jury in April 2018 of first-degree murder while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and related firearms offenses, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. He was sentenced by the Honorable Judith Bartnoff.
According to the government’s evidence, Minor and the victim, Gregory Lee, knew one another from the Barry Farm area in in Southeast Washington. Despite that relationship, in mid-December, Minor stole Mr. Lee’s jacket from him at gunpoint. Then, a short time later, Mr. Lee saw Minor with his jacket, and he took it back, angering Minor for days.
Five days later – shortly before 9 p.m. on Dec. 24, 2014, a misty Christmas Eve – Minor and a co-defendant, Maurice Blakey, went looking for Mr. Lee and confronted him in an alley near the 1300 block of Stevens Road SE, in the Barry Farm area. After a short verbal confrontation, both Minor and Blakey began firing weapons. Minor shot the unarmed Mr. Lee multiple times as Mr. Lee tried to flee, killing him. Blakey, meanwhile, pulled out a pump-action shotgun during the confrontation and fired at a person who was with Mr. Lee; that person was not hit and fled. One of the bullets from Minor’s .380 semiautomatic handgun had pierced multiple major organs and vessels in Mr. Lee’s chest, and he bled to death in a yard, just off the alley. By the time first responders arrived, he was completely unresponsive, and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Minor and Blakey, 26, were arrested a week after the murder and have been in custody ever since. Blakey, also of Washington, D.C., admitted his role in the shooting. Blakey now is serving a 22-year prison term for a separate murder.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Liu and Chief Newsham commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences, the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force, and the U.S. Park Police. They acknowledged the work of those who assisted with the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Mannarino, Lauren Bates, and Magdalena Acevedo; former Assistant U.S. Attorney Natalia Medina; Paralegal Specialists Stephanie Siegerist, Lornce Applewhite, and Alesha Matthews-Yette; Liaison and Operations Manager Linda McDonald; Litigation Technology Specialists Anisha Bhatia, William Henderson, Leif Hickling, and Paul Howell; Criminal Investigator Zachary McMenamin; Victim/Witness Service Coordinators La June Thames and Katina Adams-Washington; Victim/Witness Advocate Marcia Rinker; Forensic Operation/Program Specialist Benjamin Kagan-Guthrie, and former Intern James Haynes.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Bruckmann and Lindsey Merikas, who investigated and prosecuted the case.