Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
Tuesday 19 June 2018
Clermont County Man Pleads Guilty to Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Richard Lee Devito, 34, of Batavia, Ohio, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to creating child pornography.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Angela L. Byers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the plea entered into today before U.S. District Judge Susan J. Dlott.
Devito admitted to inducing an eight-year-old female to engage in sexually explicit conduct in August 2016 for the purpose of making child pornography. Devito used the messaging app “ooVoo,” pretended to be a 13-year-old and persuaded the child to send him videos of her naked. The videos included the minor dancing or rubbing her genitalia.
“As he admitted in court today, Devito knowingly induced more than 25 minors to send him sexual or nude videos and photographs over the Internet,” said U.S. Attorney Glassman. “The minors were typically between the ages of eight and 12. He would often encourage the children to rub their genital and place objects up their vagina or anus.”
Devito also possessed thousands of images and video files that depicted child pornography. Several included prepubescent children under the age of 12 engaged in sexual acts with adults.
Devito pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography, which is punishable by a range of 15 to 30 years in prison and five years up to a lifetime of supervised release.
“As a parent, this kind of predatory behavior over the internet is frightening,” said U.S. Attorney Glassman. “I commend the FBI for its investigation of the case, which led to today’s guilty plea.” U.S. Attorney Glassman further commended Assistant United States Attorney Kyle J. Healey, who is representing the United States in this case.
# # #
Citizen of Mexico Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison for Heroin Trafficking and Immigration OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ONEL ARANA-GERVACIO, also known as “Arana Ricardo Leon Cepeda,” 44, a citizen of Mexico last residing in Houston, Texas, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 48 months of imprisonment for heroin trafficking and immigration offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 21, 2016, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office in Alabama conducted a motor vehicle stop of a car hauler that was carrying a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. A search of the Malibu, which was registered to ARANA, revealed that it contained a hidden compartment (“trap”), which is commonly used to conceal and transport illegal contraband, including narcotics, firearms and currency. Law enforcement officials obtained court authorization to install tracking devices on the vehicle and, between October 2016 and January 2017, HSI agents observed it at various locations in Connecticut and Rhode Island.
On January 17, 2017, agents located the Malibu at 1091 Maple Avenue in Hartford. On January 20, 2017, surveillance officers observed activity on another vehicle located at the Maple Avenue residence consistent with manipulating a mechanical hidden compartment. Officers then observed ARANA place two duffel bags into that second vehicle and then drive off. At approximately 8:30 p.m., a Hartford Police cruiser pulled the car over. The vehicle also contained a hidden trap, but a search revealed no contraband.
A subsequent search of 1091 Maple Avenue revealed more than six kilograms of heroin, approximately 500 grams of cocaine and a “finger press,” which is used to process bulk quantities of heroin into 10-gram-bags known as “fingers.” Agents also seized drug distribution materials, including sifters, grinders, scales, vacuum sealers and kilo wrappers, which were coated in heroin residue and field-tested positive for the presence of fentanyl.
Agents then searched the Malibu, which was located in the garage of 1091 Maple Avenue, and recovered approximately $260,000 in cash from inside the trap.
Laboratory testing of the seized heroin revealed that some of it contained fentanyl.
The investigation revealed that in October 2013, a U.S. Border Patrol agent encountered ARANA near Hidalgo, Texas, and determined that ARANA had unlawfully entered the U.S. from Mexico. He was removed to Mexico on November 2, 2013.
ARANA has been detained since his arrest on January 20, 2017. On February 2, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, one kilogram or more of heroin, and one count of illegal reentry.
ARANA will be deported when he is released from prison.
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Hartford Police Department and the Connecticut State Police, with the assistance of the Baldwin County (Ala.) Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Gustafson and David T. Huang.
Citizen of Ecuador Admits to Illegally Reentering U.S., Failing to Register as Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ENRIQUE FAJARDO MARIN, 40, a citizen of Ecuador recently residing in Danbury, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to one count of illegally reentering the U.S.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in December 2011, FAJARDO was convicted in Danbury Superior Court of illegal sexual contact with a minor and risk of injury. He was sentenced to 18 years of incarceration, execution suspended after 10 years, with 20 years of probation. FAJARDO also was required to register as a sex offender for a period of 10 years.
On February 5, 2016, after he was released from state custody, FAJARDO was deported from the U.S. to Ecuador.
On June 28, 2017, FAJARDO was arrested in Worcester, Massachusetts. The investigation revealed that FAJARDO illegally reentered the U.S. and had been residing in Danbury since approximately December 2016. FAJARDO also had failed to register as a sex offender in Connecticut.
FAJARDO has been detained since his arrest.
Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for September 12, 2018, at which time FAJARDO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the U.S. Marshals Service, with the assistance of Connecticut State Parole. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.
Cherry Hill Gang Member Convicted on Conspiracy Charges After Bench TrialRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland –Lamont Jones, a/k/a “Butt Juice,” age 25, of Baltimore, was convicted today of conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise in connection with his gang activities as a member of the Up Da Hill (UDH) organization, which operates in the Cherry Hill section of Baltimore. Jones was also convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute narcotics.
The conviction was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Rob Cekada of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; Interim Commissioner Gary Tuggle of the Baltimore Police Department; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby.
According to the evidence presented to U.S. District Judge George L. Russell, III, during Jones’ one week bench trial, Jones participated in the activities of the UDH organization, which operates in the area of Cherry Hill known as “Up the Hill” or “Up da Hill.” UDH members and associates have been in disputes with members of other organizations known as “Coppin Court,” “Little Spelman,” and “Hillside,’ which are all involved in criminal activity in Cherry Hill. UDH members and associates used violence and intimidation to protect themselves, the UDH organization, and their control of the drug trade in part of Cherry Hill.
Jones and other UDH members sold crack cocaine, heroin and other narcotics. During his involvement in the conspiracy, Jones knew that UDH was responsible for the distribution of at least one kilogram of heroin, five kilograms of cocaine, 280 grams of crack cocaine, and marijuana. In addition to his participation in the gang’s narcotics trafficking activities, Jones knew that members and associates of UDH committed home invasions, and street and bank robberies to fund their narcotics activities, and committed other acts of violence, including shootings, stabbings, and murders, to kill, injure, and intimidate those who would interfere with their enterprise. According to the evidence presented at trial, Jones participated in an assault and stabbing on October 10, 2006, the shooting of two gang rivals on November 25, 2007, the murder of a rival gang member on January 22, 2011, and the shooting of a narcotics-trafficking rival on March 25, 2012.
Jones faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. Judge Russell has scheduled sentencing for October 5, 2018.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur praised the ATF, the Baltimore Police Department, and the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Seema Mittal and Patricia C. McLane, who are prosecuting this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.
Chelsea Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Trans-National Methamphetamine Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Chelsea man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to his role in a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking and money laundering ring operating between Massachusetts and California.
Steven Beadles, 60, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and one count of possession of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. U.S. Senior District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. scheduled sentencing for Sept. 24, 2018.
Beadles was one of eleven men from Massachusetts and California who were indicted in 2016 after a two-year investigation into methamphetamine trafficking. The indictment alleges that beginning in at least 2013, the defendants participated in a conspiracy to transport sizeable quantities of methamphetamine from San Diego, Calif., to Massachusetts, where it was distributed in the greater Boston area. Proceeds from the sale of that methamphetamine were then transported and/or transferred back to California and laundered in various ways.
In his plea agreement, Beadles admitted that agents seized approximately 434 grams of methamphetamine that had been shipped from California to the house where Beadles was living in January 2016, that he knew that the package contained methamphetamine, and that he intended to distribute some of the drugs.
Each charge provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; William Ferrara, Director of Field Operations of U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Boston Police Commissioner William Evans made the announcement. The Massachusetts Department of Correction; Norfolk County Sherriff’s Office; Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office; and the Reading, Watertown, Quincy, Chelsea, Braintree, Peabody, Waltham, and Woburn Police Departments; and Connecticut State Police assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Arnold of Lelling’s Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
Charleston Family Members Plead Guilty to Distribution of OpioidsRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated that Samuel Bobby Wright, age 67, and Horace Edmond Wright, age 52, of Charleston, South Carolina, pled guilty to multiple counts of Distribution of Heroin, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841. Additionally, Samuel Bobby Wright pled guilty to multiple counts of Distribution of Fentanyl, also in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841. Senior United States District Judge Patrick Michael Duffy, of Charleston, accepted the guilty pleas and will impose the sentences after he has reviewed the presentence reports, which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearings established that on June 28, July 3, and July 27, 2017, Samuel Bobby Wright sold heroin from a residence slightly north of Septima Clark Parkway on the peninsula. He also sold fentanyl from the same address on multiple occasions in September of 2017. Horace Edmond Wright sold heroin from outside of the same residence on July 13 and 18, 2017.
Ms. Lydon stated that the maximum penalty the Wrights could receive is 30 years imprisonment and a fine of $2,000,000 dollars. The case was investigated by agents of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and Charleston City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Jamie Lea Schoen of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.
#####
Cambria County Man Lied on Federal Firearms Purchase Form Claiming He was Buying it for HimselfRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A Cambria County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Jesse Edward Lester, 36, of Sidman, Pa., pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, on Sept. 10, 2016, in connection with the purchase of a firearm, Lester knowingly made a false statement in an effort to deceive Sporting Goods Discounters, a federally licensed firearms dealer. Lester represented to Sporting Goods Discounters that he was the actual buyer of the firearm, when, in fact, he was purchasing the firearm on behalf of someone else.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Oct. 23, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Laurel Highlands Resident Agency, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Lester.
California Man Sentenced to 87 Months for Conspiring to Distribute OpioidsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Charles Rainer Sinek, age 53, of Oakland, California, was sentenced today to 87 months in prison, to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release, for conspiring to distribute opioid pills.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, New York Division, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Sinek was convicted in September 2016, after a 3-day trial. At trial, the evidence demonstrated that from 2011 to September 2012, Sinek used his father-in-law’s prescription pad to write prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances, including oxycodone, oxymorphone, and hydromorphone. He filled these prescriptions at different pharmacies using variations of his own name and at least one other pseudonym. He then shipped the drugs cross-country to his co-conspirator in Saranac, New York, where the drugs were sold.
Senior United States District Judge Gary L. Sharpe also ordered Sinek to forfeit $164,025 as proceeds of the crime.
This case was investigated by the DEA and the Plattsburgh Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth R. Rabe.
Brazilian National Sentenced for ATM SkimmingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brazilian national was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with ATM skimming in the Boston area and North Shore.
Helisson Benazi de Souza, 38, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young to three years in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $105,880 in restitution. Benazi de Souza will be subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence. In March 2018, Benazi de Souza pleaded guilty to one count of using counterfeit access devices (debit cards); one count of possessing 15 or more counterfeit access devices (debit cards); three counts of possessing device-making equipment (ATM skimming devices); one count of illegal transactions with an access device (other persons’ debit cards); and two counts of aggravated identity theft.
Benazi de Souza was part of an ATM skimming operation in which he stole the debit card information and personal identification numbers (PINs) of legitimate bank account holders when they used their debit cards at ATMs. Skimming devices made to look like legitimate card access slots were used to record the account information on the magnetic stripes of the debit cards, while secret pinhole cameras recorded the cardholders entering their PINs on the keypads. The stolen account information was then saved on blank plastic cards, including gift cards and hotel key cards, making “clones” of the legitimate debit cards. Benazi de Souza used such cloned cards, and the corresponding PINs, to withdraw thousands of dollars from ATMs in the Metro Boston area in May 2017.
Benazi de Souza was arrested in May 2017, after law enforcement was alerted by a bank’s fraud investigator. The investigator discovered that someone made a number of withdrawals that day at three ATMs in Lynn from bank accounts that the investigator knew had been compromised.
Surveillance video from banks in Malden and Saugus showed an unknown man installing and removing skimming devices and pinhole cameras at the banks’ ATMs. It was later determined that the man in the video was Benazi de Souza. When police searched Benazi de Souza’s car, they discovered thousands of dollars in cash, all in $20 bills. They also found over 200 gift cards and hotel key cards containing small stickers. Benazi de Souza admitted that the numbers written on the stickers were cardholders’ PINs.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Stephen A. Marks, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Boston Field Office; and Lynn Police Chief Michael A. Mageary made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Wichers of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Berkeley County man sentenced to five years for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Travis Jerome Robinson, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to five years incarceration for possessing a firearm during a drug crime, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Robinson, age 34, pled guilty to one count of “Possessing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime” in March 2018. Robinson admitted to having a .40-caliber handgun while possessing and intending to distribute heroin in May 2017 in Jefferson County, West Virginia.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Ballston Spa Man Sentenced to 71 Months for Money Laundering, Marijuana TraffickingRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Ryan Mershon, age 40, of Ballston Spa, New York, was sentenced today to 71 months in prison, to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit money laundering and distribute marijuana.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith; Warren County Sheriff Nathan H. “Bud” York; Acting Inspector in Charge Delany De Leon-Colon, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Boston Division; and Special Agent in Charge Kevin M. Kelly of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo Field Office.
Between October 2013 and February 2016, Mershon obtained marijuana from co-conspirators in California and shipped that marijuana to Northern New York in bucket containers. The marijuana was sold throughout Northern New York. Mershon arranged for his co-conspirators to deposit the proceeds from the sale of the marijuana in bank accounts in his name as well as the names of his immediate family and girlfriend. The amount of proceeds deposited totaled more than $117,000.
United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also ordered Mershon to forfeit $117,000 as proceeds of the crime.
After pleading guilty on September 5, 2017, Mershon absconded from Court supervision and left New York, becoming a fugitive. The U.S. Marshals Service tracked down Mershon and arrested him in California.
This case was investigated by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and HSI, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth R. Rabe.
Arizona Man Sentenced to Prison for Distributed Denial of Service Attacks against Emergency Communications System and Other Municipal WebsitesRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – An Arizona man was sentenced yesterday in Phoenix, Ariz., for directing distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks at the computer networks of the City of Madison, Wis., announced Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Strange for the District of Arizona.
Randall Charles Tucker, aka “Bitcoin Baron,” 23, of Apache Junction, Ariz., was sentenced to serve 20 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Douglas L. Rayes of the District of Arizona. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of over $ 69,300 to the victims of his computer attacks. Tucker had previously pleaded guilty to one count of intentional damage to a protected computer.
According to admissions made in connection with his plea, between March 9 and March 14, 2015, Tucker executed a series of DDoS attacks against various city websites, including Madison, Wis. A DDoS attack is a malicious attack where illegitimate network traffic is used to slow down or altogether crash a computer server, thereby denying service to legitimate users of the server. In addition to disabling the City of Madison’s website, the attack crippled the city’s Internet-connected emergency communication system, causing delays and outages in the ability of emergency responders to connect to the 911 center and degrading the system used to automatically dispatch the closest unit to a medical, fire, or other emergency. Tucker, referring to himself as the “Bitcoin Baron,” boasted about his attacks via social media.
This case was investigated by FBI’s Milwaukee and Phoenix Field Offices, and Arizona’s Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney James R. Knapp of the District of Arizona and Trial Attorney Laura-Kate Bernstein of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section are prosecuting the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Wisconsin also provided substantial assistance in this manner.
CASE NUMBER: CR-16-01065-PHX-DLR (BSB)
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-081_Tucker
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Arizona Man Sentenced to Prison for Distributed Denial of Service Attacks Against Emergency Communications System and Other Municipal WebsitesRead the Press Release
An Arizona man was sentenced yesterday in Phoenix, Arizona, for directing distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks at the computer networks of the City of Madison, Wisconsin, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Strange for the District of Arizona.
Randall Charles Tucker, aka “Bitcoin Baron,” 23, of Apache Junction, Arizona, was sentenced to serve 20 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Douglas L. Rayes of the District of Arizona. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $69,331.56 to the victims of his computer attacks. Tucker pleaded guilty on April 17, 2017 to one count of intentional damage to a protected computer.
According to admissions made in connection with his plea, between March 9 and March 14, 2015, Tucker executed a series of DDoS attacks against various city websites, including Madison, Wisconsin. A DDoS attack is a malicious attack where illegitimate network traffic is used to slow down or altogether crash a computer server, thereby denying service to legitimate users of the server. In addition to disabling the City of Madison’s website, the attack crippled the city’s Internet-connected emergency communication system, causing delays and outages in the ability of emergency responders to connect to the 911 center and degrading the system used to automatically dispatch the closest unit to a medical, fire, or other emergency. Tucker, referring to himself as the “Bitcoin Baron,” boasted about his attacks via social media.
This case was investigated by FBI’s Milwaukee and Phoenix Field Offices and Arizona’s Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney James R. Knapp of the District of Arizona and Trial Attorney Laura-Kate Bernstein of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section are prosecuting the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Wisconsin also provided substantial assistance in this manner.
Ansonia Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing CrackRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JASON WALKER, 30, of Ansonia, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine. Judge Meyer ordered WALKER to serve the first three months of his supervised release in home confinement.
According to court documents and statements made in court, WALKER, Jacob Freeman and Marquice Rumley were members of a drug trafficking organization that trafficked large quantities of crack cocaine throughout the Naugatuck Valley. The investigation revealed that members of the organization shared the same cellphone to service drug customers in shifts over a 24-hour period. Members of the drug trafficking organization also shared vehicles and serviced customers together. Between May and September 2017, investigators made multiple controlled purchases of crack from WALKER and other members of the drug trafficking organization.
WALKER was arrested on November 15, 2017. On March 12, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
Freeman and Rumley pleaded guilty to the same charge and await sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force and the Ansonia and Derby Police Departments. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.
Alleged Latin Kings Members and Associates Charged with Trafficking Narcotics in Hartford's South EndRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Hartford Police Chief David Rosado today announced that an investigation into the gang-related trafficking of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine and associated violence in Hartford’s South End has resulted in federal charges against 13 alleged members and associates of the Almighty Latin Kings Nation (“Latin Kings”).
The following 11 individuals are charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and/or cocaine base (“crack cocaine”):
JIMMY FLORES, a.k.a. “Cuz-o,” 34, of East Hartford
NELSON FERRY, a.k.a. “300,” 28, of East Hartford
JULIAN BRAVO, a.k.a. “Pretty,” 23, of Hartford
JEFFREY FERRY, a.k.a. “30,” 31, of Manchester
YASIL SANTOS, a.k.a. “Lilo,” 23, of Hartford
RICHARD COLON, a.k.a. “Droopy,” 39, of Hartford
BRIAN MATOS, a.k.a. “Buddha,” 28, of Hartford
DANNIE DARLING, a.k.a. “Danny” and “David,” 30, of Hartford
CHARLENE MORALES, 35, of East Hartford
MARISOL FERRY, f.k.a. “Marisol Hernandez,” 25, of East Hartford
NOEL CORTES, 54, of HartfordJeffrey Ferry also is charged with possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
These defendants, with the exception of Santos and Cortes who are in state custody, were arrested today. They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and are detained. Two individuals are being sought by law enforcement.
As alleged in the criminal complaint, this matter stems from a joint law enforcement investigation headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division targeting gang violence and narcotics trafficking in Hartford. The investigation, which has included court-authorized wiretaps, physical surveillance and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that that Jimmy Flores, also known as “Cuz-o,” and Nelson Ferry, also known as “300,” operated separate drug trafficking organizations comprising members of the Latin Kings in Hartford’s South End. Both drug trafficking organizations distributed fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine, and use multiple locations to process, package, store and distribute narcotics. Both organizations also possessed firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking activities.
The complaint further alleges that the Nelson Ferry drug trafficking organization operated a “trap house” at 149 Wethersfield Avenue in Hartford as a distribution point for drug customers. On May 22, 2018, Julian Bravo was shot and seriously wounded in an apparent robbery of that location.
The complaint alleges that, on June 3, 2018, Jeffrey Ferry, also known as “30,” and Yasil Santos, also known as “Lilo,” were arrested on state charges after intercepted communications revealed that Jeffrey Ferry had a gun and planned to meet someone to settle a dispute. Hartford Police officers stopped a car Ferry was driving and located a loaded 9mm pistol in the car’s glove box. Santos was in the car’s passenger seat.
In association with today’s arrests, investigators executed federal search warrants at two locations in Hartford and three locations in East Hartford and seized approximately 150 grams of fentanyl, approximately 20 grams of crack cocaine, other narcotics, and two firearms.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division and Shooting Task Force have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
4-Time Offender Sent Back to Prison for Illegally Re-entering the USRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 47-year old Mexican citizen has been ordered to prison for more than seven years following his conviction of illegal re-entry, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Jose Inez Martinez-Ramirez pleaded guilty March 14, 2018.
Today, U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen ordered Martinez-Ramirez to serve 78 months for the conviction and further ordered his supervised release for a previous illegal re-entry conviction be revoked, resulting in a total 90-month-federal prison sentence. He again will be expected to face deportation proceedings following his release.
On Jan. 1, 2017, Martinez-Ramirez was in the Brownsville city jail on charges of sexual assault and assault on a family member impeding breath/circulation. At that time, he was found to be an alien and citizen of Mexico who had entered the United States illegally.
Further evidence revealed that he had been previously removed from the United States in 2005, 2008 and 2011.
He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U. S. Attorney Oscar Ponce is prosecuting the case.
Monday 18 June 2018
Yemeni Man Pleads Guilty to ExtortionRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Yousef Goba, 44, of Yemen, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to making extortionate threats to harm and kidnap a minor. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who is handling the case, stated that between February 2015 and April 2015, Goba contacted the victim through telephone and text messages and threatened to kidnap and injure the victim’s minor child.
The minor child went to Yemen with her mother in September 2013. While in Yemen, the minor child, her mother, and siblings lived with Goba for a period of time. When the mother wanted to move from Goba’s residence, the defendant refused to let the minor child leave and threatened that he would have the minor child marry a Yemeni man, if money was not paid to him. On April 8, 2015, during a call recorded by the FBI, Goba demanded that the victim pay him $11,000 as well as money for other expenses for the release of the minor child.
The plea is the result of an investigation by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 29, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Vilardo.Woman Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud Conspiracy and ID TheftRead the Press Release
*UPDATE on June 21, 2018: The following statement provides additional clarity to this press release (originally issued on June 18, 2018) and includes a revised headline. Please attribute the statement to Joshua Stueve, Director of Communications for EDVA. "As stated in the Statement of Facts for defendants Cross and McKnight, numerous victims of the LFCU identity theft fraud also identified themselves to DOJ as victims of the OPM Data Breach. The Government continues to investigate the ultimate source of the PII used by the defendants and how this PII was obtained.”
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Maryland woman pleaded guilty today to participating in a scheme to use the stolen identification information of victims of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) data breach to obtain fraudulent personal and vehicle loans through Langley Federal Credit Union (LFCU).
According to court documents, Kariva Cross, 39, of Bowie, participated in and recruited others to engage in a fraudulent identity-theft scheme targeting LFCU. In 2015 and 2016, LFCU received numerous online membership and consumer loan applications in the names of stolen identities that were victims of the OPM data breach. LFCU approved and issued the requested memberships and loans prior to determining that they had been sought using the stolen personal identifying information of others. LFCU disbursed loan proceeds via checks and transfers into the checking and savings accounts opened through these fraudulent applications. Vehicle loan proceeds were disbursed by checks made payable to individuals posing as vehicle sellers, while personal loan proceeds were disbursed to LFCU accounts opened in connection with the fraudulent loan applications and transferred to accounts of others. Cross and others then accessed and withdrew the fraudulently obtained loan proceeds.
Cross pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. She faces a maximum penalty of 30 years and a consecutive mandatory minimum of two years in prison when sentenced on October 26. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Co-defendant Marlon McKnight pleaded guilty to the same charges on June 11.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Eric Shen, Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Michael C. Grinstead, Acting Chief of Newport News Police, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert J. Krask accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian J. Samuels is 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. 4:17-cr-118.
Winnemucca Tax Return Preparer Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud Conspiracy and Theft of Elder Client's MoneyRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – Thomas Michael Bidegary, 67, a tax return preparer who co-owned Winnemucca Tax and Bookkeeping Service, a tax preparation and bookkeeping services business, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit tax fraud and theft of government money, related to two separate criminal indictments, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Tara Sullivan for the IRS Criminal Investigation. United States District Judge Robert C. Jones received his guilty pleas and scheduled a sentencing hearing on January 29, 2019.
According to court documents, Bidegary conspired with a co-defendant to prepare and file fraudulent individual income tax returns on behalf of clients. Beginning in at least 2009 and continuing through December 2014, he advised clients that by making small “investments” into various businesses he owned, the clients could decrease their annual taxable income and increase their tax refunds. As part of the scheme, after receiving checks from clients, Thomas would prepare false tax forms for the corresponding tax year that included large fictitious business losses in order to reduce the client’s taxable income and obtain a larger refund than what the client was entitled to receive. As a result of the false tax returns, he caused a tax loss of approximately $259,880.
The statutory maximum penalty is five years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States, a term of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
In relation to a separate criminal case filed against Bidegary, he also admitted to preparing and filing an unauthorized tax return on behalf of an elderly woman in Battle Mountain, Nevada. After receiving the $12,500 tax refund, he deposited the check into a bank account which was then converted for his own personal use. The maximum penalty is 10 years in prison for theft of government property. He also faces a term of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
The case was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carla Higginbotham.
###
Westminster Woman Indicted for Stealing Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Westminster woman was arrested today in connection with stealing Social Security benefits.
Theresa Kenda Benedict, 55, was indicted on one count of theft of public funds and four counts of making false statements. She is scheduled to appear in federal court in Worcester before U.S. District Court Chief Magistrate Judge David H. Hennessy at 2:00 PM.
According to the indictment that was unsealed today, Benedict served as the representative payee for an individual who was receiving Social Security benefits. In 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016, Benedict informed the Social Security Administration that she used all of the money she received as a representative payee for the beneficiary, when, in fact, Benedict used some of the money for her own expenses. Between December 2007 and March 2016, Benedict stole approximately $46,310 in Social Security benefits.
The charge of theft of public funds provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charges of making false statements each provide for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Westbrook Men Sentenced for SNAP and WIC Trafficking Conspiracy, Money Laundering and Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Ali Ratib Daham, 41, of Westbrook, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge D. Brock Hornby to three years in prison and three years of supervised release for SNAP and WIC trafficking conspiracy, money laundering and theft of federal MaineCare funds. He was also ordered to pay $1,446,338 in restitution. He pleaded guilty on November 28, 2017. Abdulkareem Daham, 22, of Westbrook was sentenced to two years in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiracy to defraud and to commit offenses against the United States. He was also ordered to pay $954,979 in restitution. He was found guilty on January 11, 2018 following a three-day jury trial. The charges arose out of the defendants’ operation of Ahram Halal Market on Forest Avenue in Portland. Ali Ratib Daham was the owner and operator of the market; Abdulkareem was an employee.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (“SNAP”) is a federal government program, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, designed to raise the level of nutrition among low-income households. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (“WIC”) is a federal program that provides supplemental food, health care referrals and nutrition for certain low-income women, and to infants and children up to age five who were found to be nutritionally at risk. Ahram became a SNAP retailer in 2011 and a WIC retailer in 2012.
According to court documents and trial evidence, the defendants conspired with each other to defraud the United States and traffic in SNAP and WIC benefits by allowing customers to exchange SNAP benefits and WIC checks for cash at a discounted rate and allowing SNAP benefits to be used to purchase ineligible goods or services or illegally pay off credit accounts at the market. Ali Ratib Daham also laundered proceeds of SNAP trafficking through the purchase and improvement of residential and commercial real estate, and stole about $39,000 in SNAP and MaineCare benefits by failing to report or update changes to his income and assets with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (“MDHHS”).
Judge Hornby stated that the sentences in these cases needed to promote respect for the law and have a deterrence effect on others. He told Ali Daham that his criminal conduct caused distrust of government welfare programs and may lead to prejudice against welfare recipients and immigrants.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General; the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; and the MDHHS, Fraud Investigation and Recovery Unit.
Vitamin Shop Owner Guilty of Selling Misbranded Drugs and Controlled SubstanceRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 35-year-old Corpus Christi woman has pleaded guilty to one count of possessing a controlled substance with the intent to distribute and one count of receiving a misbranded drug in interstate commerce, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Vanesa Gonzales was one of the owners of X2Zero, a store selling dietary supplements online and through stores located in Corpus Christi.
In 1997, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a prescription drug containing sibutramine under the trade name “Meridia” for the management of obesity. In October 2010, the FDA requested Meridia’s marketer to withdraw the drug from the United States market due to the health risks associated with sibutramine, including an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and death. On Dec. 21, 2010, at the manufacturer’s request, FDA withdrew its approval of Meridia. Since its removal, no drug containing sibutramine has been approved for human use in the United States.
The FDA found a number of the products X2Zero sold as “herbal weight loss supplements” to contain misbranded or unapproved foreign drugs.
At today’s hearing before Senior U.S. District Judge John D. Rainey, Gonzales admitted she knowingly possessed and sold diet drugs containing sibutramine. She acknowledged she imported the drugs from China and sold them through both the X2Zero store in Corpus Christi and on the internet in violation of the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
Sentencing has been set for Sep. 17, 2018, at 5:00 p.m. At that time, Gonzales faces up to six years in federal prison and fines of up to $350,000. She has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The FDA-Office of Criminal Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. Thorpe Jr.is prosecuting the case.
Utica Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Jeffrey Rivera, age 34, of Utica, New York, pled guilty today to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute more than five (5) kilograms of cocaine. The announcement was made by the United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith; Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt of the New York Division; and New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach, II. The jury trial on the charge to which Rivera pled guilty was scheduled to begin today before Chief United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby.
As part of his guilty plea, Rivera admitted that he agreed with others, including the co-defendants charged in his case, to participate in a drug trafficking organization that distributed cocaine. The defendant also admitted that he obtained quantities of cocaine from co-conspirators within the organization and distributed, or arranged to distribute, cocaine to others.
Chief Judge Suddaby will sentence Rivera on October 25, 2018, at which time the defendant faces up to life in prison, a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, a fine of up to $10 million, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least five (5) years and up to life. Rivera’s sentence will be imposed by Chief Judge Suddaby based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
The case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the New York State Police-Community Narcotics Enforcement Team, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Department, the City of Rome Police Department, the City of Utica Police Department, and the Village of Yorkville Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Levine and Katherine King.
Upper Darby Man Charged with Illegal Re-entryRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain announced today that Romeo Lucas-Lopez, a/k/a “Romeo Lopez,” of Upper Darby, PA, was charged by indictment with illegal reentry after deportation.
The indictment alleges that on or about May 17, 2018, Lucas-Lopez, an alien, and native and citizen of Mexico, was found in the United States after having been deported from the United States on or about November 7, 2010 and November 15, 2010. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of two years.
The case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations (“ERO”), and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laurie Magid.
An indictment, information or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two Men Sentenced to Prison for Theft of Vehicle on Navajo NationRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, Bronston Begay, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John J. Tuchi to 36 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for his role in a vehicle theft on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation. Begay also received a consecutive eight-month sentence for violating his supervised release. Earlier this month, Judge Tuchi sentenced 19-year-old co-defendant Zachary Wyatt Bahe to 24 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release for his role in the vehicle theft.
On July 27, 2017, the defendants and two others were hitchhiking on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation. After being picked up by the victim, Bahe placed a fake gun to the victim’s head as they ordered the victim out of the vehicle. Begay then drove the vehicle away from the scene, leading law enforcement on high-speed chases in both Arizona and New Mexico before being apprehended. Both defendants are enrolled member of the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Navajo Nation Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Christine Ducat Keller, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-17-8190-PCT-JJT
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-087_Begay_Bahe
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Two Men Charged in Plot to Distribute over Nine Kilograms of Heroin, 50 Pounds of Crystal Methamphetamine in Mercer CountyRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – Two California men who were arrested in Mercer County, New Jersey, with over 50 pounds of crystal methamphetamine and nine kilograms of heroin appeared today in Trenton federal court, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Gabriel Acosta Villa, 29, of Lake Forest, California, and Oscar Perez Jr., 23, of Santa Ana, California, are both charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin. They appeared this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lois H. Goodman and were detained.
According to the complaint:
On June 17, 2018, law enforcement officers received information that a commercial truck driver and his accomplice planned to sell approximately 50 pounds of crystal methamphetamine to a buyer in the Trenton area. Law enforcement officers set up surveillance near the parking lot of a Robbinsville, New Jersey, restaurant and observed Acosta walking through the parking lot with two large bags. After Acosta entered a nearby vehicle, law enforcement officers stopped the vehicle and discovered 51.31 pounds of a substance that tested positive for methamphetamine.
After detaining Acosta, law enforcement officers searched the area and discovered Perez walking alone near the loading docks of a nearby hardware store. A large white tractor trailer was parked nearby with the engine still running. A subsequent search of the tractor’s cab uncovered 9.5 kilograms of a substance that tested positive for heroin.
Both defendants face a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and a $10 million fine.U.S. Attorney Carpentio credited special agents of Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Cherry Hill, under the direction of Resident Agent in Charge Richard Reinhold, and overseen by Acting Special Agent in Charge Brian Michael of HSI Newark, and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Jersey Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Valerie A. Nickerson in Newark, with the investigation. He also thanked officers of the N.J. State Police, under the direction of Superintendent Col. Patrick J. Callahan, for their assistance.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Lorber of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.
Topeka Man Sentenced for Robbing Health ClubRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man was sentenced today to 24 months in federal prison for robbing a health club, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
George Bernard Phelps, III, 31, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of robbery. In his plea, he admitted that on Nov. 24, 2017, he and another man robbed the Genesis Health Club at 2909 Southwest 37th Street in Topeka.
A Genesis employee came upon the two defendants in the lobby of the business while they were attempting to pry open a box used for money deposits by members of the club. Phelps told the employee the robbers did not want trouble and instructed him to wait in an adjacent room. Phelps stood in the doorway of the room with his hand in the waistband of his pants as if he had a gun. The defendants removed cash and checks from the box and then fled.
When police arrived, an employee told officers that one of the robbers resembled a former employee of the business. Investigators identified co-defendant Lesley Jamar Terrell, Jr., 34, Topeka, Kan., a prior employee of the club who worked as an overnight maintenance worker. Terrell pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 28 months in prison.
McAllister commended the Topeka Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag for their work on the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and Project Safe Neighborhoods: Town Hall Meeting: Contant Knolls Community #171 Estate Contant, St. Thomas, VI June 21st at 6:00 p.m.Read the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI - United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced that she and other federal law enforcement, plus members of the District’s Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force, will participate in a community meeting at the Contant Knolls Community Center on Thursday, June 21st at 6:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to provide community members with an opportunity to share their ideas and concerns about public safety. The United States Attorney will also discuss the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative to investigate and prosecute violent crime while supporting efforts to ensure public safety.
According to U.S. Attorney Shappert, "We have been very encouraged by the strong public response to our Project Safe Neighborhoods outreach efforts. We believe that obtaining information and support from our community partners is vital to our crime reduction strategy. Following the success of last week’s Kirwan Terrace Community Town Hall Meeting, we look forward to hearing from residents of the Contant Knolls Community."
Additional information about Project Safe Neighborhoods can be found on the U.S. Attorney’s Office website, https://www.justice.gov/usao-vi.
Tallahassee Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Dayton Michael Cramer, 71, of Tallahassee, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Friday after being convicted on March 21 of attempted enticement of a minor. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
During the three-day trial, the government presented evidence that, in February 2017, undercover investigators conducted “Operation Cupid’s Arrow” to identify individuals seeking to engage in sexual activity with minors they meet online. Cramer responded to two Craigslist advertisements in which an undercover officer posed as a 14-year-old girl and also as the stepmother of a 13-year-old girl who was being offered for sex. Over the course of several days, Cramer discussed sexual activity with various undercover officers and traveled to meet who he thought was the stepmother of the 13-year-old girl to discuss the opportunity to have sex with the girl at a later date. Cramer was arrested after arriving at the designated meeting location.
United States Attorney Christopher P. Canova stated, “The North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force once again demonstrates why undercover online operations targeting those individuals who want to engage in sexual activity with minors are so crucial to the protection of our children and local community from online predators.”
“This criminal thought he was going to prey on a child; instead, he found himself in handcuffs,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. “Our HSI special agents and the multi-agency North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force work diligently to protect our children, and this case is an example of that commitment.”
“It does not matter who you are, if you prey on our children, you will be arrested,” said FDLE Tallahassee Special Agent in Charge Mark Perez. “These cases continue to be a priority for FDLE.”
The case was investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Tallahassee Police Department, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals, and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Thielemann.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Supai Village Woman Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Assaulting OfficerRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Last week, Kiana Walker, 29, of Supai Village, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen M. McNamee to 18 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Walker had previously pleaded guilty to assault on a federal officer.
On Nov. 19, 2016, a Bureau of Indian Affairs Officer arrested Walker, who was pregnant at the time, for public intoxication in violation of the Havasupai Tribal Code. After being arrested, Walker screamed racial profanities at the officer and assaulted him, including dropping to the ground and kicking the officer. Later, when the officer took Walker to the nearby clinic for a precautionary medical evaluation, Walker pushed the officer against a wall and kicked him again. The incident occurred on the Havasupai Reservation.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Samuels, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-16-8300-PCT-SMM
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-083_Walker
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Springfield Man Admits Role in ATM "Jackpotting" SchemeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ARGENYS RODRIGUEZ, 22, of Springfield, Massachusetts, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud stemming from an ATM “jackpotting” scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement agencies and ATM manufacturers have been investigating malware attacks on ATM machines in Connecticut and elsewhere. In a scheme commonly referred to as “jackpotting,” individuals use malware that is designed to cause an ATM to eject all of the U.S. currency contained in the machine. As part of the scheme, individuals dressed as legitimate repair technicians install malware on an ATM. Other individuals then proceed to extract all of the cash from the ATM.
On January 27, 2018, Citizens Bank investigators contacted police after they observed what appeared to be a jackpotting attack on an ATM in Cromwell. On that date, Cromwell Police encountered RODRIGUEZ and Alex Alberto Fajin-Diaz near an ATM that had been compromised with malware and was in the process of dispensing $20 bills. A search of RODRIGUEZ and Fajin-Diaz’s vehicle revealed tools and electronic devices consistent with items needed to compromise an ATM machine to dispense its cash contents. RODRIGUEZ and Fajin-Diaz were found in possession of approximately $5,600 in cash, but the investigation revealed that a total of $63,200 was taken from the ATM on that date.
The investigation further revealed that, on January 22, 2018, RODRIGUEZ, Fajin-Diaz and others illegally obtained $63,820 from a Citizens Bank ATM in Rhode Island.
RODRIGUEZ is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on September 26, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years. RODRIGUEZ is released on a $250,000 bond pending sentencing.
Fajin-Diaz, 32, a citizen of Spain, pleaded guilty to the same charge on June 12, 2018, and awaits sentencing. He has been detained since his arrest on January 27.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, U.S. Secret Service, Connecticut State Police, Chief State’s Attorney’s Office, Middlesex State’s Attorney’s Office, Cromwell Police Department, Middletown Police Department and Greenwich Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
Sixth Mississippi Real Estate Investor Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Rig Bids at Public Foreclosure AuctionsRead the Press Release
Mississippi real estate investor Ivan Spinner became the sixth real estate investor to plead guilty in connection with the ongoing investigation into bid rigging at public real estate foreclosure auctions in Mississippi, the Department of Justice announced.
Felony charges against Spinner were filed on June 8, 2018, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi. According to those charges, from at least as early as April 20, 2010, through at least as late as August 21, 2015, Ivan Spinner conspired with others not to bid against one another for selected public real estate foreclosure auctions in the Southern District of Mississippi. Co-conspirators made and received payoffs in exchange for their agreement not to bid.
“With today’s guilty plea, the Antitrust Division continues to hold those individuals accountable who corrupt the competitive process for their own financial gain,” said Makan Delrahim, Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. “The Division and its law enforcement partners remain committed to prosecuting bid rigging and restoring competition at these auctions in Mississippi and across the United States.”
“Individuals who defraud our home foreclosure process harm us all,” said United States Attorney Mike Hurst for the Southern District of Mississippi. “Our prosecutors and investigators should be commended for continuing to pursue those who violate our antitrust laws simply to enrich themselves.”
“Today’s guilty plea is another example that those who participate in bid rigging in Mississippi will be brought to justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze of the FBI in Mississippi. “Bid rigging is a serious offense which undermines the integrity of the public systems designed to protect our citizens. The FBI continues to participate with the Antitrust Division investigating allegations of fraudulent bidding during public auctions in our state."
The Department stated that the primary purpose of the conspiracy was to suppress and restrain competition in order to obtain selected real estate offered at public foreclosure auctions at non-competitive prices. When real estate properties are sold at these auctions, the proceeds are used to pay off the mortgage and other debt attached to the property, with any remaining proceeds paid to the homeowner. According to court documents, these conspirators paid and received money in connection with their agreement to suppress competition, which artificially lowered the price paid at auction for such homes.
A violation of the Sherman Act carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $1 million fine for individuals. The maximum fine for a Sherman Act charge may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime if either amount is greater than the statutory maximum fine.
The investigation is being conducted by Antitrust Division attorneys in the Washington Criminal II Section and the FBI’s Gulfport Resident Agency, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi. Anyone with information concerning bid rigging or fraud related to public real estate foreclosure auctions should contact Antitrust Division prosecutors in the Washington Criminal II Section at 202-598-4000, or visit https://www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations.
Second Winnemucca Tax Return Preparer Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A Winnemucca tax return preparer pleaded guilty today for her role in a tax fraud conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Tara Sullivan for the IRS Criminal Investigation.
Ginger Bidegary, 58, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States. United States District Judge Robert C. Jones received her guilty plea and scheduled a sentencing hearing on September 17, 2018.
According to court documents, Bidegary was a co-owner of Winnemucca Tax and Bookkeeping Service, a tax preparation and bookkeeping services business. She admitted that, from at least 2011 through at least December 2013, she conspired with her co-defendant to prepare and file fraudulent individual income tax returns on behalf of a client who is identified in court paperwork by initials only. She admitted she advised the client that by making small “investments” into various businesses she owned, the client could decrease her annual taxable income and increase her tax refunds. As part of the scheme, Bidegary would prepare false tax forms for the corresponding tax year that included large fictitious business losses in order to reduce the client’s taxable income and obtain a larger refund than what the client was entitled to receive. As a result of the false tax return she participated in drafting and filing on behalf of the client, Bidegary caused a tax loss of approximately $39,588, for tax years 2011 and 2012.
The statutory maximum penalty is five years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States. Bidegary also faces a term of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
The case was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carla Higginbotham.
###
Second Federal Conviction for Drug Trafficking Leads to 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who sold “ice” methamphetamine, PCP, and synthetic drugs was sentenced on June 12, 2018, to ten years in federal prison.
Jeffrey Simmermaker, age 46, from Iowa City, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 20, 2017 guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Evidence at the sentencing hearing established that Simmermaker was selling methamphetamine, PCP, and synthetic drugs in Tipton, Iowa. Simmermaker was previously convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in federal court on October 12, 2004.
Simmermaker was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade. Simmermaker was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve an eight-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Simmermaker is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. Cole and Special Assistant United States Attorney Drew O. Inman and investigated by the Tipton Police Department, the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa State Patrol, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Muscatine County Drug Task Force.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-CR-88-LRR.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Retired Federal Air Marshal Charged with Threatening Former CoworkersRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain announced today that a former federal air marshal with the Newark, New Jersey field office has been charged by indictment with making various threats against his former colleagues.
An indictment was unsealed today charging Julian Terrell Turk, 47, of Levittown, PA, with interstate communication of threats. Turk, who filed multiple Equal Employment Opportunity complaints against the Federal Air Marshal Service, and more specifically against FAM Executive Management of the Newark Field Office, allegedly contacted a retired Navy SEAL for information on how to make and use explosives and also to provide a list of books and resources on long range rifle shooting.
In an April 13 email to a former coworker, Turk wrote:
“There comes a time in one's life that he has to take a stand against what's ‘right’ and not ‘white’ here, now, is my chance to do that. These (expletive) have gone out of their way to (expletive) with me in the worst way possible. And frankly, I've had a Got Damn nuff of it. So, I've decided to (expletive) with them. I'm going to take the fight to these (expletive)!”… “I'd never ask one of yall to take-on something that would get any of you in trouble. But sometimes enough is enough and you have to take a stand. These (expletive) think they're untouchable and that they can't be gotten to. I'm going to show them how to (expletive) with someone.” . . . “As I've said, I'm taking the fight to these (expletive) now. Know that, I'd never take my own life, my children are always a for-thought on my mind. But what kind of man would I be if I didn't live up to my motto and creed of ‘Being a Man for Others!’ So I've come up with a plan to get them for what they've done to me.”
Turk also sent a series of emails to a former marshal in which he said, among other things, “I've come up with a plan to get them for what they've done to me. In the event that something happens to me, please make sure to look after my children.”
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of five years in prison, three years’ supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.
The case was investigated by FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph A. LaBar.
Port St. Lucie Resident Pleads Guilty to International Firearms TraffickingRead the Press Release
A Port St. Lucie resident pled guilty today to unlawfully exporting firearms, firearm accessories, and ammunition from South Florida to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Benjamin G. Greenberg, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Mark Selby, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI); Diane J. Sabatino, Director, Field Operation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Miami Field Office; Peter J. Forcelli, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Division; and Ken J. Mascara, Sheriff, St. Lucie County Sherriff’s Office, made the announcement.
Frederik Barbieri, 46, of Port St. Lucie, Florida, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, and one count of unlicensed exportation of defense articles, in violation of Title 22, United States Code, Section 2778. Barbieri faces a possible maximum statutory sentence of 25 years in prison. Barbieri is scheduled to be sentenced on July 19, 2018, at 9:30 a.m., by United States District Court Judge Federico A Moreno.
According to stipulated facts filed in court, from May of 2013 through February of 2018, Barbieri conspired with others to: possess firearms with obliterated serial numbers; deliver packages containing those firearms to contract carriers for international shipment without providing notice that the packages contained firearms; and smuggle firearms, firearm accessories, and ammunition from the United States to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
During this period, a shipment sent by Barbieri was intercepted in Rio de Janeiro by Brazilian law enforcement and found to contain approximately thirty AR-15 and AK-47 rifles and firearm magazines, all concealed in four 38-gallon Rheem water heaters. The water heaters were hollowed out and loaded with the contraband, and the serial numbers on each of the firearms had been obliterated. The same day that Brazilian authorities intercepted his shipment, Barbieri called and requested that the freight forwarder destroy the related paperwork.
Documentation provided by the freight forwarder revealed Barbieri’s historical shipments. In addition to shipping the four Rheem water heaters in which he concealed approximately thirty rifles, Barbieri also shipped to Brazil an additional 120 Rheem water heaters, as well as 520 electric motors and 15 air conditioning units, from May of 2013 to May of 2017, using that freight forwarder. These items are all consistent with objects used to conceal the illegal international shipment of firearms and ammunition.
In February 2018, federal agents executed a warrant to search a storage unit rented by Barbieri in Vero Beach, Florida. In the storage unit, law enforcement discovered 52 rifles, 49 of which were wrapped for shipment with obliterated serial numbers. In addition, law enforcement discovered dozens of high capacity firearm magazines, over 2,000 rounds of ammunition, and packaging materials. Barbieri was arrested the following day.
It is illegal for civilians to possess firearms in Brazil. According to Brazilian law enforcement, AK and AR rifles have a black market value of approximately $15,000 to $20,000 in the black market. The retail cost of those firearms in the United States is approximately $700 to $1,000.
Neither Barbeiri, nor any of his coconspirators, obtained a license or written approval from the United States Department of State to export any defense articles. Non-automatic firearms, firearm accessories, and ammunition are articles designated as “defense articles,” pursuant to federal regulations.
Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of ICE-HSI, ATF, and CBP in connection with this matter. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian J. Shack.
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.
Police Officer Convicted of Wrongful ArrestRead the Press Release
Officer illegally arrested citizen after the citizen attempted to file complaints against him
The Justice Department today announced that William Dukes, Jr., a former sergeant with the Providence, Kentucky, Police Department, was found guilty Friday in federal court on one count of willfully arresting a citizen without probable cause.
After five days of trial, the jury convicted Dukes of arresting the victim, knowing that he did not have probable cause to believe that the victim had committed a crime, in violation of his 4th Amendment rights. The jury heard testimony that Dukes arrested the victim because the victim had called several law enforcement agencies seeking to file a complaint against him. The defendant was acquitted of another civil rights charge for violating the victim’s 1st Amendment rights and was also acquitted of an obstruction of justice charge.
“Police officers across the country have an important duty to protect and safeguard the rights of members of their communities,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore. “Dukes did not use that authority within the boundaries of the law when he violated the 4th Amendment rights of an individual, and his actions will not be tolerated.”
“The men and women of Kentucky law enforcement represent the very best of our Commonwealth,” stated U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman. “But when they treat the rule of law as optional as did Mr. Dukes, they will be held responsible like any other citizen.”
Sentencing is set for Sept. 13. The statutory maximum on the charge is 120 months in prison.
This case was investigated by the Louisville Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seth Hancock of the Western District of Kentucky, and Trial Attorney Zachary Dembo of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
Pittsburgh man admits to heroin chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Christopher A. Cobbs, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Cobbs, also known as “Bro-Bro,” age 25, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin.” Cobbs admitted to selling heroin in July 2015 in Harrison County.
Cobbs faces up 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, are investigating.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.Philadelphia Personal Injury Law Firm Agrees to Start Compliance Program and Reimburse the United States for Clients’ Medicare DebtsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain announced today that a Philadelphia personal injury law firm, Rosenbaum & Associates, and its principal, Jeffrey Rosenbaum, Esq., have entered into a settlement agreement with the United States to resolve allegations that they failed to reimburse the United States for certain Medicare payments the government had previously made to medical providers on behalf of firm clients who sought medical care.
The government’s investigation arose under the Medicare Secondary Payer provisions of the Social Security Act, which authorizes Medicare, as a secondary payer, to make conditional payments for medical items or services under certain circumstances. When an injured person receives a settlement or judgment, Medicare regulations require entities who receive the settlement or judgment proceeds, such as the injured person’s attorney, to repay Medicare within 60 days for its conditional payments. If Medicare does not receive timely repayment, these same regulations permit the government to recover the conditional payments from the injured person’s attorney and others who received the settlement or judgment proceeds.
At various points before March 2017, Medicare made conditional payments to healthcare providers to satisfy medical bills of nine of the firm’s clients, at least one of whom had declared bankruptcy. Between May 2011 and March 2017, Medicare demanded repayment of the Medicare debts incurred from those conditional payments.
Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Rosenbaum agreed to pay a lump sum of $28,000. Rosenbaum also agreed to (1) designate a person at the firm responsible for paying Medicare secondary payer debts; (2) train the designated employee to ensure that the firm pays these debts on a timely basis; and (3) review any outstanding debts with the designated employee at least every six months to ensure compliance. In addition, Rosenbaum acknowledged that any failure to submit timely repayment of Medicare secondary payer debt may result in liability for the wrongful retention of a government overpayment under the False Claims Act.
This settlement agreement should remind personal injury lawyers and others of their obligation to reimburse Medicare for conditional payments after receiving settlement or judgment proceeds for their clients. “When an attorney fails to reimburse Medicare, the United States can recover from the attorney—even if the attorney already transmitted the proceeds to the client,” said U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain. “Congress enacted these rules to ensure timely repayment from responsible parties, and we intend to hold attorneys accountable for failing to make good on their obligations.”
The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. Macko, with assistance from the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the General Counsel, Region III.
Peach Springs Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for ArsonRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, Antwan Raoul Crook, 21, of Peach Springs, Ariz., and a member of the Hualapai Indian Tribe, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Diane J. Humetewa to 41 months in prison, followed by a term of five years of supervised release. Crook had previously pleaded guilty to arson.
On March 25, 2017, Crook who was intoxicated became angry with the victim and intentionally set fire to her home. The fire caused extensive fire and water damage and rendered the home uninhabitable. The victim is also a member of the Hualapai Indian Tribe, and the arson occurred on the Hualapai Indian Reservation.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Hualapai Nation Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution was handled by Christina J. Reid-Moore, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-17-08204-PCT-DJH
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-085_Crook
# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Police Officer Convicted of Wrongful ArrestRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today announced that William Dukes, Jr., a former sergeant with the Providence, Kentucky, Police Department, was found guilty Friday in federal court on one count of willfully arresting a citizen without probable cause.
After five days of trial, the jury convicted Dukes of arresting the victim, knowing that he did not have probable cause to believe that the victim had committed a crime, in violation of his 4th Amendment rights. The jury heard testimony that Dukes arrested the victim because the victim had called several law enforcement agencies seeking to file a complaint against him. The defendant was acquitted of another civil rights charge for violating the victim’s 1st Amendment rights and was also acquitted of an obstruction of justice charge.
“Police officers across the country have an important duty to protect and safeguard the rights of members of their communities,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore. “Dukes did not use that authority within the boundaries of the law when he violated the 4th Amendment rights of an individual, and his actions will not be tolerated.”
“The men and women of Kentucky law enforcement represent the very best of our Commonwealth,” stated U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman. “But when they treat the rule of law as optional as did Mr. Dukes, they will be held responsible like any other citizen.”
Sentencing is set for Sept. 13. The statutory maximum on the charge is 120 months in prison.
This case was investigated by the Louisville Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seth Hancock of the Western District of Kentucky, and Trial Attorney Zachary Dembo of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
Owner of Meriden Transportation Broker Firm Sentenced to Prison for $600,000 Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DIGBY KERR, 50, of Meriden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for defrauding four manufacturing companies of more than $600,000.
According to court documents and statements made in court, KERR owned and operated Transportation Cost Management, LLC (“TCM”), which was in the business of brokering shipping contracts between manufacturers and trucking companies. As part of its business, TCM would receive shipping invoices from trucking companies, process the invoices, and forward the billing information to the manufacturers. The manufacturers would transmit the payment funds to TCM for remittal to the trucking companies. TCM would then remit payment to the trucking companies and send confirmation reports to the manufacturers indicating that payment had been made to the trucking companies. The manufactures compensated TCM for providing this service.
Between approximately December 2016 and April 2017, KERR and TCM failed to remit $603,489.30 in payment funds that TCM received from four manufacturers to the trucking companies that transported goods for those victim manufacturers. TCM, at KERR’s direction, e-mailed confirmation reports to the victim manufacturers that falsely represented that the manufacturers’ payments had been properly forwarded to the trucking companies.
Judge Meyer ordered KERR to pay restitution of $603,489.30.
On March 26, 2018, KERR pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
KERR, who is released on a $100,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on July 23.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry.
Ohio Man Sentenced to Time Served and Ordered to Participate in a Residential Drug Treatment Program for July 2016 FBI Gate Crashing IncidentRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of New Waterford, Ohio, has been sentenced in federal court to time served on his conviction of willfully injuring or committing depredation against any property of the United States, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Thomas Ross, age 50, formerly of New Waterford, Ohio. Ross has been imprisoned since July 26, 2016, five months of which had been allocated to a separate state conviction on simple assault, fleeing and eluding, and failing to stop at traffic signals, committed on the same date as this offense. Ross was also ordered to a six-month to 12-month residential drug treatment program as part of a three-year term of supervised release. Additionally, Ross was ordered to pay $45,000 in restitution: $25,000 to the property owner of 3311 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and $20,000 to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
According to information presented to the court, on July 26, 2016, Ross drove his vehicle, a large dump truck, through the gate of the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office, located at 3311 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA. Ross proceeded to ram through the security barriers at a high rate of speed, inflicting extensive damage on the gate and security barriers and causing the vehicle to become airborne. Upon hitting the ground, the vehicle struck a nearby light post in the interior parking lot of the FBI Pittsburgh.
Additional information presented to the court indicated that Ross’s actions caused a financial loss of $248,019.45, including $228,019.45 in property damage to the gate, barriers, and light post, as well as costs to the FBI associated with hiring additional security while the gate and barriers were being repaired.
"Unfortunately, the weaponization of large-scale vehicles is becoming increasingly commonplace," said U.S. Attorney Brady. "Thomas Ross’ drug-fueled attack of the FBI’s Pittsburgh facility represented a serious threat that put the lives of others at risk. Thanks to the quick response of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police a potential tragedy was averted."
"The FBI Pittsburgh Division highly commends the actions of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police officer who responded to an incident at our facility on July 26, 2016," said Acting Special Agent in Charge Chad Yarbrough. "Officer Wester's diligence and quick-thinking prevented the incident from escalating into a more dangerous situation and protected our staff from additional harm. We appreciate his efforts and the efforts of the entire Pittsburgh Bureau of Police to protect all of us in this community."
Assistant United States Attorney Adam N. Hallowell prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Thomas Ross.
Ohio Man Sentenced for Role in a Conspiracy to Distribute Counterfeit $100 BillsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Columbus, Ohio, has been sentenced in federal court to time served, approximately eight months incarceration, and three years supervised release on his conviction of conspiracy to utter and pass counterfeit Federal Reserve notes, and for possession of counterfeit Federal Reserve notes, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Nathaniel Lee, age 35, of Columbus, Ohio.
According to information presented to the court, it was part of the conspiracy that Lee and his co-conspirators obtained counterfeit Federal Reserve notes in the denomination of $100 dollars in Ohio and transported the counterfeit Federal Reserve notes into the Western District of Pennsylvania. It was further a part of the conspiracy that on numerous occasions, Lee and his co-conspirators passed, and attempted to pass, counterfeit $100 bills at various retail store locations in the Western District of Pennsylvania and received legitimate currency as change. Lee also possessed several counterfeit Federal Reserve notes in the denomination of $100.
Assistant United States Attorney Mary McKeen Houghton prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Secret Service, the Scott Township Police Department, the North Fayette Police Department, and the Bethel Park Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in this case.
Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Zanesville, Ohio man who possessed methamphetamine and a firearm in Huntington in 2017 pled guilty today to federal gun and drug charges, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Rico Rodriquez Allen, 43, entered his guilty pleas to possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Stuart praised the work of the Huntington Police Department.
“Yet another armed, out-of-state drug dealer caught peddling poisons in Huntington,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “And yet another armed, out-of-state drug dealer that my office has prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. It will be a long time before Allen has a chance to step foot in Huntington again.”
On September 16, 2017, an officer with the Huntington Police Department was dispatched to a 911 call of a man slumped over his steering wheel on a private driveway in Huntington. When officers arrived, Allen refused to exit the vehicle. As Allen was removed from the vehicle, a Glock 22 pistol fell from underneath Allen. Officers then obtained a search warrant for the vehicle. Officers recovered approximately 162 grams of methamphetamine from a void in the center console. Officers also recovered approximately 100 baggies, two digital scales, and four telephones.
Allen faces not less than 5 years nor more than 40 years in federal prison for the drug charge, and a mandatory minimum consecutive term of at least 5 years in federal prison for the gun charge, when he is sentenced by United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers on September 17, 2018. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor is responsible for the prosecution.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart
###
North Hollywood Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Sell Stolen Credit Card InformationRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Oganes Emirzyan, 54, of North Hollywood, pleaded guilty today to a scheme to traffic in and possess stolen credit card numbers and the account holders’ information, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to the plea agreement, Emirzyan pleaded guilty to conspiring to traffic in at least one unauthorized access device and to possess at least 15 access devices.
According to court documents, on April 28, 2016, Emirzyan conspired with co-defendant Mkrtych “Mike” Robertovic Sargsyan to obtain and sell stolen credit card information. Emirzyan obtained an electronic storage device containing 199 stolen credit card numbers and corresponding account holder information. He then met with a buyer at his home in North Hollywood. During that meeting, Emirzyan sold the stolen credit card information to the buyer for $8,700.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian A. Fogerty is prosecuting the case.
Charges are pending against Sargsyan. The charges against him are allegations; he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Emirzyan is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judg William B. Shubb on November 5, 2018. Emirzyan faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
North Carolina Man Sentenced to 295 Months on Gun and Drug Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
Abingdon, VIRGINIA – United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen announced today that Grandy Nester, 33, of Pilot Mountain, N.C., was sentenced last week in the United States District Court in Abingdon as a result of Operation Rolling Thunder, an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and local law enforcement in Virginia and North Carolina.
The collaborative law enforcement effort has resulted in twenty-two defendants entering guilty pleas related to the distribution of methamphetamine and firearms possession in Southwest Virginia and North Carolina. Nester was sentenced to 295 months imprisonment last week. He previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and conspiracy to distribute 500 grams of methamphetamine.
“Operation Rolling Thunder has made the communities of Southwest Virginia safer by taking large amounts of methamphetamine off the streets and getting firearms out of the hands of drug dealers,” United States Attorney Cullen stated today. “I am grateful for the leadership of ATF on this important initiative, as well as the critical support of our state and local law-enforcement partners.”
“ATF is dedicated to removing armed criminals from our streets. We will continue to target criminals who illegally possess and use firearms as a tool of their drug trade,” ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow said today. “Operation Rolling Thunder is another great example of how ATF collaborates with state and local law enforcement and federal prosecutors to keep our communities safe.”
According to evidence presented at numerous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee, Nester was a member of a drug trafficking organization responsible for the transportation of large quantities of methamphetamine from Greensboro, N.C. to be distributed in Galax, Va., Grayson County, Va., Carroll County, Va., and Surry County, N.C. Additionally, many of the members of the organization possessed and used firearms to further their drug trafficking activities. At the time of his arrest in June 2017, Nester was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and a firearm. As a result of the investigation, the following defendants have been sentenced:
- Amy Hoyt, 46, of Mt. Airy, N.C., was sentenced to 228 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking.
- Amber Bilyeu, 32, of Mt. Airy, N.C., was sentenced to 252 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Karen Hawks, 45, of Low Gap, N.C., was sentenced to 262 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Walter “Butch” Sexton, 64, of Galax, Va., was sentenced to 87 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Brittany Cochran, 28, of Fries, Va., was sentenced to 87 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
- Timothy Bowman, 46, of Cana, Va., was sentenced to 300 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
- Annette Freeman, 32, of Cana, Va., was sentenced to 235 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Brad Hunley, 29, of Galax, Va., was sentenced to 134 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Shawanna Phipps, 37, of Independence, Va., was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Brian Graff, 33, of Independence, Va., was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Riley Alley, 26, of Cana, Va., was sentenced to 52 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
- Calvin Jermaine Maxwell, 34, of Galax, Va., was sentenced to 188 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
- David Norman, 29, of Galax, Va., was sentenced to 57 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
- Jonathan Choate, 34, of Independence, Va., was sentenced to 240 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Kevin Humphries, 38, of Cana, Va., was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Jackie Christopher Parson, 39, of Mouth of Wilson, Va., was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Jessilyn Jones, 26, of Independence, Va., was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
- Vickie Grose, 48, of Galax, Va., was sentenced to 51 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
- Stacey Jerome Sawyers, 30, of Galax, Va., was sentenced to 57 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
- Travis Brian Anders, 35, of Sugar Grove, Va., was sentenced to 158 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, Surry County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Galax Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, United States Marshals Service, United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Nebraska Man Sentenced to Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A Nebraska man was sentenced to six years in prison today for possessing child pornography in May 2017, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Joseph P. Kelly for the District of Nebraska.
Douglas Goldsberry, 46, of Elkhorn, Nebraska, pleaded guilty on March 19 to one count of possessing child pornography. Goldsberry was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp of the District of Nebraska, who ordered him to serve 10 years of supervised release following his prison sentence and ordered him to pay $2,500 in restitution. Goldsberry will serve his federal sentence concurrent with a state prison sentence for pandering for which he is currently incarcerated.
According to admissions made in connection with his guilty plea, in May 2017, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office arrested Goldsberry after he was suspected of ordering escorts to his neighbors’ home without their knowledge. Law enforcement seized Goldsberry’s digital devices for evidence of pandering and discovered child pornography images on two of the seized devices. The material included images and videos from 81 known child pornography series, and also included depictions of infants and depictions involving bondage of children.
The FBI Cyber Crimes Task Force is investigating this case. Trial Attorney William M. Grady of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael P. Norris of the District of Nebraska are prosecuting the case.
This investigation is a part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Moundsville man sentenced for marijuana distributionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Christopher M. Delauder, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 12 months incarceration for distributing marijuana, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Delauder, age 28, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Marijuana” in February 2017. In April 2016, Delauder distributed a significant amount of marijuana in Marshall County, West Virginia.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
Modesto Real Estate Attorney Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Fraudulent Short-Sale SchemeRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Robert Farrace, 54, of Modesto, was sentenced today to two years in prison for a fraudulent short-sale scheme, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
On November 14, 2017, a jury found Farrace guilty of three counts of wire fraud in connection with the scheme. According to court documents, Farrace, an attorney specializing in real estate law and the former president of the Stanislaus County Bar Association, owned two properties in Modesto with substantial mortgage loans. By early 2010, Farrace was in default and received foreclosure notices for the two properties. In order to keep the properties and avoid foreclosure, Farrace formed an entity called “Dignitas LLC” to purchase the properties.
According to evidence presented at trial, Farrace controlled Dignitas, but listed a friend’s name on the paperwork as a nominal manager because he knew the bank would not sell the property to a related party. Farrace then submitted short sale offers to the bank that serviced the loans on both properties, listing Dignitas and the nominee manager as the purchaser. Farrace misrepresented his relationship to Dignitas to induce the bank to approve the short sale. Because the servicing bank did not know of the true relationship, it went forward and completed one of the short sales. The short sale on the second property was stopped after law enforcement informed the bank of Farrace’s scheme.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Housing Finance Agency–Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael G. Tierney and Shelley D. Weger prosecuted the case.