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Monday 21 May 2018
Pennsylvania Outfitter Sentenced for Violating the Lacey Act in KansasRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Pennsylvania man who owns a company called Horseshoe Hill Outfitters was sentenced to five years on probation, banned from doing business in Kansas and fined $30,000 for violating the Lacey Act, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Robert P. McConnell, 48, Slippery Rock, Penn., pleaded guilty to four counts of importing deer into Kansas in violation of the Lacey Act, which regulates the trade in wildlife, fish and plants that has been illegally taken, possessed, transported or sold. Horseshoe Hill Outfitters advertises what it calls “trophy North American big game hunting adventures” in Kansas, Pennsylvania, New Mexico and Ontario.
In two counts, McConnell admitted importing deer that were not from an accredited heard, were not officially identified and did not have a certificate of veterinary inspection. In two other counts, he admitted importing domesticated deer.
McAllister commended the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism and Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Hough for their work on the case.
Operation Golden Pony: Four Individuals SentencedRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Kelly Ray Potter Jr., age 42, of McAlester, Oklahoma; Rachel Marie White, age 38, of El Reno, Oklahoma; and Lashea Dannette Harris, age 33, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma were each sentenced for Drug Conspiracy, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846 and 841. Sisney Ann Large, age 43, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma was sentenced for Distribution of Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841. Potter was sentenced on March 7, 2018, to 262 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release. White was sentenced on April 12, 2018, to 80 months in prison and 4 years of supervised release. Harris was sentenced on May 9, 2018, to 18 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release. Large was sentence on March 15, 2018, to 57 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release.
These charges arose from a joint investigation entitled “Golden Pony” coordinated by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) of the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The agencies involved in the investigation were the Bureau of Indian Affairs (“BIA”), the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), and several agencies that are members of the DEA Task Force including the Tulsa (“TPD”) and Broken Arrow (“BAPD”) Police Departments, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (“OHP”), the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (“OBN”) and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office (“TCSO”).
The Superseding Indictment, filed on September 13, 2017, alleged that beginning in or about July 2016 and continuing until on or about November 29, 2016, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, defendants Potter, White, and Harris, knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated and agreed together, and with others known and unknown to the Grand Jury, to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, and to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846.
The Superseding Indictment further alleged that on or about August 30, 2016, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, defendant Large knowingly and intentionally distributed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
“Disrupting and dismantling criminal organizations is a critical component of public safety. Criminal drug organizations are inherently dangerous to all people, not just those that participate in the business of dealing drugs. Law enforcement operations like this require thousands of hours from dedicated, professional, thorough law enforcement officers. This investigation and resulting prosecution would not have been successful without the cooperative efforts of agents from the DEA, BIA, TPD, BAPD, OHP, OBN, and TCSO, and members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said U.S. Attorney Brian J. Kuester. “When agencies from federal, tribal, state, and local jurisdictions work together as they did here, so much more can be accomplished for the communities that we serve than can be accomplished alone. This was teamwork at its finest.”
OCDETF is an initiative led and coordinated by the Office of the United States Attorney. The OCDETF Program’s mission is to disrupt and dismantle every component of the most significant transnational, national, and regional criminal organizations engaged in drug trafficking and money laundering in the United States. To accomplish this mission, it is essential to investigate and prosecute individuals who organize, direct, finance, or are otherwise engaged in facilitating high-level illegal drug trafficking, drug-related violence, and related enterprises, including large-scale money laundering organizations.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over each of the sentencing hearings. The defendants will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the non-parolable sentences will be served.
Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Wilson represented the United States.
Oncologist and Office Manager Sentenced in Connection with Administering Unapproved, Foreign DrugsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Vincent Koh, M.D., age 73, and his wife and office manager Milly Koh, age 64, of Poughkeepsie, New York, were sentenced today to pay fines of $7,500 and $3,000, respectively, for receiving in interstate commerce and delivering misbranded drugs, a misdemeanor.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith; Jeffrey Ebersole, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Area Office of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Office of Criminal Investigations; and Scott J. Lampert, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS-OIG), New York Region.
The Kohs each pled guilty on November 20, 2017. According to their plea agreements, Vincent Koh is a New York State-licensed medical doctor specializing in the treatment of cancer patients, with offices in Poughkeepsie and Glen Falls, New York. Milly Koh managed the practice, and is responsible for ordering the drugs that Vincent Koh prescribes. From July 2010 through March 2012, the Kohs ordered various discount oncology drugs from foreign sources that Vincent Koh prescribed and administered to patients. These drugs had not been approved by the FDA for distribution or use in the United States, and their labeling did not contain information required by law. As such, these prescription drugs were “misbranded” and illegal to receive and provide to patients in the United States.
Vincent Koh and Milly Koh admitted that they regularly ordered and delivered to patients a prescription drug labeled “Mabthera.” Generally, “Mabthera” contains rituximab, the same active ingredient found in the FDA-approved drug legally used and marketed in the United States as “Rituxan.” However, the drug ordered by Vincent Koh and Milly Koh came from an unapproved, foreign source, and its label did not bear adequate directions for use and other information required by the FDA.
The criminal case was investigated by the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations and HHS-OIG, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph A. Giovannetti.
In February 2018, the Kohs agreed to pay $500,000 for violating the False Claims Act by knowingly submitting false claims to Medicare for unapproved chemotherapy drugs. The civil investigation and settlement were the result of a coordinated effort among the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York, HHS-OIG, FDA’s Office of Chief Counsel, and FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations. The United States was represented in the civil investigation by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam J. Katz.
Olney, Illinois Man Sentenced on Methamphetamine Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Michael J. Murphy, 37, of Olney, Illinois, was recently sentenced to federal prison on methamphetamine related charges, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
On May 16, 2018, Murphy was sentenced to 150 months imprisonment and ten years on supervised release following his imprisonment. Murphy had previously pleaded guilty to two counts in a federal indictment.
Count 1 charged that from December 2016, until on or about March 25, 2017, in Richland County, and elsewhere, Murphy conspired to distribute methamphetamine in violation of federal law. The total amount of methamphetamine involved in the conspiracy was fifty (50) grams or more of crystal methamphetamine (Ice), or five hundred (500) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.
Count 2 charged that on March 25, 2017, in Richland County, Murphy knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. The total amount of mixture and substance containing methamphetamine possessed by the defendant was five (5) grams or more of methamphetamine (Ice), or fifty (50) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office.
Ohio County man sentenced for drug distribution and firearms possessionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Dorian Devon Banks, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to six months incarceration for cocaine distribution and illegal firearms possession, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Banks, age 28, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine” and one count of “Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime” in February 2018. Banks admitted to possessing cocaine and a 9mm caliber pistol during a drug crime in May 2017 in Ohio County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Wheeling Police Department investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.Newburgh man sentenced as repeat offender for possessing sexually explicit materials involving minorsRead the Press Release
PRESS RELEASE
Evansville – United States Attorney Josh Minkler today announced the sentencing of a Newburgh man for possessing sexually explicit material involving a minor. Joshua C. Bolin 26, Newburgh, was sentenced to ten years imprisonment by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young, which is to be followed by a term of fifteen years supervised release.
“Possessing sexually explicit material involving children further perpetuates the victimization of our most vulnerable citizens,” said Minkler. “Those who chose to take advantage of our children, particularly repeat offenders, will be a priority to this office and should expect to face the hammer of federal prosecution.”
In January 2017, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Bolin’s residence in Newburgh. Inside his bedroom, law enforcement found a computer memory card that contained 15 child pornographic video files, 72 child pornographic image files and hundreds of child erotica images. Bolin received an enhanced sentence based on a 2015 felony conviction for possession of child pornography in Warrick County.
According to Assistant United States Attorney Kyle M. Sawa, Bolin must also pay a $5,000 fine.
In October 2017, United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced a Strategic Plan designed to shape and strengthen the District’s response to its most significant public safety challenges. This prosecution sentencing demonstrates the office’s firm commitment to partner with federal and local law enforcement agencies to prosecute those individuals who exploit or harm children or other vulnerable victims. See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan Section 4.1)
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Médico Del Sur De Texas Acusado De $240 Millones En Fraude Al Sistema De Salud Y Una Estratagema Internacional De Lavado De DineroRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A un médico radicado en el área de McAllen, Texas se le hizo una acusación formal, la cual se hizo pública el día de hoy, por su participación en un fraude de $240 millones al sistema de salud y una estratagema internacional de lavado de dinero.
El Fiscal General Adjunto John P. Cronan de la División Criminal del Departamento de Justicia, el Fiscal de los Estados Unidos Ryan J. Patrick del Distrito del Sur de Texas, el Agente Especial a Cargo C.J. Porter del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de los Estados Unidos de la Oficina del Inspector General (HHS-OIG) de la Región de Dallas y el Agente Especial a Cargo Christopher Combs de la Oficina Regional del FBI en San Antonio, emitieron el comunicado.
Jorge Zamora-Quezada, de 61 años, de Mission, Texas, fue acusado de siete cargos en el Distrito del Sur de Texas. Se le acusó de un cargo de asociación ilícita para cometer fraude al sistema de salud, cinco cargos de fraude al sistema de salud y un cargo de asociación ilícita para llevar a cabo el lavado de dinero.
“Jorge Zamora-Quezada presuntamente organizó una estratagema de fraude masivo que puso en peligro la salud y el bienestar de niños inocentes, personas de tercera edad y víctimas con discapacidad,” dijo el Fiscal General Adjunto Cronan. “Las alegaciones de que Zamora-Quezada violó su juramento de no hacer daño, al administrar quimioterapia innecesaria y otros medicamentos tóxicos, a pacientes con enfermedades graves — incluyendo a algunas de las víctimas más vulnerables que se pueda imaginar — son difíciles de entender. La División Criminal está comprometida a combatir el fraude al sistema de salud y de proteger a las víctimas de estratagemas censurables, como la que se alega en este caso.”
“Tomamos alegaciones de esta naturaleza muy en serio,” dijo el Fiscal estadounidense Patrick. “El enjuiciamiento contra el fraude al servicio de salud es una mayor prioridad para el Distrito del Sur de Texas, especialmente cuando sospechamos que pacientes vulnerables han sido presuntamente explotados, diagnosticados erróneamente o que quizá se les ha recetado medicamento que posiblemente sea dañino, como una manera de cometer este fraude.”
“La acusación formal del día de hoy es el primer paso en hacer al Dr. Zamora-Quezada responsable de su presunta conducta atroz y delictiva,” dijo HHS-OIG Agente Especial a Cargo Porter. “Sus pacientes confiaban en él y creían en su integridad; a cambio, presuntamente participó en una estratagema de diagnósticos y tratamientos falsos, y recetó medicamentos innecesarios y dañinos, a fin de obtener una ganancia financiera personal y sin tomar en cuenta el bienestar del paciente. HHS-OIG siempre perseguirá a delincuentes que se hagan pasar por médicos legítimos, los erradicará y les dará el castigo más severo posible, especialmente cuando el daño al paciente está de por medio.”
“El FBI está comprometido a trabajar con nuestros socios de los grupos operativos para combatir el fraude al sistema de salud,” dijo el Agente Especial a Cargo Combs. “Es un delito muy serio que va en aumento y que ha impactado cada ciudad y pueblo de la nación. Esta investigación destaca una inquietud aun mayor que es representante del fraude al sistema de salud, más allá de las pérdidas financieras significativas, es el daño físico y emocional que sufren los pacientes y sus familias. Por esta razón nosotros en el FBI, junto con nuestros socios de los grupos operativos, estamos comprometidos a ofrecerle justicia a las víctimas de los presuntos delitos del Dr. Zamora-Quezada.”
Como expone la acusación formal, desde el año 2000 hasta el día de la presentación de la acusación formal, Zamora-Quezada y sus cómplices diagnosticaron erróneamente a pacientes vulnerables – incluyendo a menores de edad, personas de tercera edad y personas con discapacidad, en el Valle del Río Grande, San Antonio, y en otros lugares – con varias enfermedades degenerativas, incluyendo la artritis reumatoide. Junto a sus cómplices, les administró quimioterapia y otros medicamentos tóxicos a pacientes basados en ese diagnóstico falso. Además de darles diagnósticos falsos a los pacientes, Zamora-Quezada y sus cómplices presuntamente llevaron a cabo una serie de procedimientos médicos fraudulentos, repetitivos y excesivos con los pacientes, a fin de aumentar los ingresos y financiar el estilo de vida lujosa y extravagante de Zamora-Quezada.
La acusación formal alega que Zamora-Quezada y sus cómplices volaban el avión privado de Zamora-Quezada de un millón de dólares o manejaban su Maserati, ambos grabados con sus iniciales, “ZQ”, entre sus oficinas en el Valle del Río Grande y San Antonio a fin de llevar a cabo el fraude. Él, junto a sus cómplices transfirieron el dinero recaudado de su asociación ilícita para comprar aviones privados, vehículos de lujo, ropa de tiendas de calidad superior como Louis Vuitton y propiedades exclusivas en varias partes de los Estados Unidos y México. Él, junto a sus cómplices presuntamente obstruyeron investigaciones al crear expedientes médicos falsos y ficticios, y le ocultaron miles de expedientes médicos a Medicare almacenándolos en establos inseguros y destartalados, ubicados en el Valle del Río Grande.
La acusación formal también alega que Zamora-Quezada y sus cómplices lavaron las ganancias de su estratagema, malgastando, transformando y ocultando la fuente y el lugar de sus ganancias al invertirlas en propiedades comerciales y residenciales en los Estados Unidos y México. Entre las propiedades, él junto a sus cómplices adquirieron dos penthouses en Puerto Vallarta, México; un condominio en Aspen, Colorado; un condominio en Punta Mita, México; y numerosas casas y propiedades comerciales ubicadas en diferentes partes de Texas. Después creó la falsa apariencia de riquezas e ingresos legítimos alquilándole a individuos y a entidades varias propiedades comerciales y residenciales que él había adquirido. Zamora-Quezada y sus cómplices presuntamente lavaron las ganancias en una casa de cambio, enviándolas a varias cuentas que mantenían en instituciones financieras en México.
La acusación formal solicita el decomiso del avión privado, el Maserati y las diferentes propiedades residenciales y comerciales de Zamora-Quezada en los Estados Unidos y México.
Una acusación formal es simplemente una alegación y todo acusado es inocente hasta que se compruebe su culpabilidad más allá de una duda razonable en un tribunal de justicia.
La Oficina Regional de McAllen de HHS-OIG, el Grupo Operativo contra el Fraude al Sistema de Salud de la Oficina Satélite de McAllen en el Valle del Río Grande de la División de San Antonio y el Grupo Operativo de McAllen contra Delitos Financieros están llevando a cabo la investigación de este caso. Estos grupos operativos están compuestos de investigadores del Departamento de Seguros de Texas, del Departamento de Policía de McAllen, del Departamento de Policía de Pharr y de la Comisión de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Texas.
El Abogado Procesalista Kevin Lowell de la Sección de Fraude de la División Criminal y el Fiscal Adjunto de los Estados Unidos Andrew Swartz del Distrito del Sur de Texas, están llevando este caso a juicio.
El FBI está buscando identificar posibles víctimas de Zamora-Quezada y sus cómplices. Si usted fue paciente de Zamora-Quezada entre enero 2000 y mayo 2018 y cree que pudo haber sido afectado por sus presuntos delitos y el de sus cómplices, por favor llame al FBI a su línea directa, 1-833-432-4873, Opción 8 o 9, o si tiene acceso a un correo electrónico, envié su correo al grupo operativo a [email protected]. Por ley el FBI tiene que identificar a las víctimas de los delitos federales que investiga y tiene que proporcionarles a dichas víctimas información, servicios de asistencia y recursos.
La Sección de Fraude lidera el Equipo de Prevención de Fraude al Medicare, el cual forma parte de una iniciativa conjunta entre el Departamento de Justicia y HHS, quienes enfocan sus esfuerzos para prevenir e impedir el fraude e implementan las leyes actuales en contra del fraude en todo el país. El Equipo de Prevención de Fraude al Medicare opera en nueve localidades en toda la nación. Desde su comienzo en marzo del 2007, el Equipo de Prevención de Fraude al Medicare ha presentado cargos a más de 3,500 acusados quienes han colectivamente defraudado al programa de Medicare por más de $12.5 mil millones.
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Mullens Doctor Charged in 20 Count Indictment with Unlawful Distribution of Prescription Opioids and Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that a federal grand jury sitting in Charleston returned a 20-count indictment against Manuel C. Barit, M.D., the only practicing physician at Mullens Family Clinic. The indictment charges Dr. Barit with 19 counts of distribution of Schedule II controlled substances, including the opioid hydrocodone, outside the bounds of a legitimate medical practice. The indictment also alleges that, from about October 7, 2013 through January 24, 2018, Dr. Barit knowingly executed a scheme to defraud Medicare and Medicaid by submitting claims indicating that he treated patients at his clinic in Mullens on dates he was outside the United States. If convicted on all charges as alleged in the indictment, Dr. Barit faces up to 390 years in prison, and a $5 million fine.
“Today we are facing the worst drug crisis in American history, with one American dying of a drug overdose every nine minutes,” said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. “It's incredible but true that some of our trusted medical professionals have chosen to violate their oaths and exploit this crisis for profit. That's why, last summer, I sent a dozen of our top federal prosecutors to focus solely on the problem of opioid-related health care fraud in places where the epidemic was at its worst—including Southern West Virginia. U.S. Attorney Stuart understands that pursuing these cases cuts off the supply of drugs and stops fraudsters from exploiting vulnerable people, and he and his office are doing just that. Our prosecutors began obtaining indictments back in October, and today we charge another doctor who allegedly defrauded the taxpayer while diverting potentially addictive drugs. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s office for their good work on this case, as well as all of our state and local partners for their tireless efforts and invaluable partnership. This brings us one step closer to ending our national drug epidemic."
“This indictment is an example of my Office’s commitment to hold doctors accountable when they violate federal laws designed to protect the health and safety of patients,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Opioid-related health care fraud is a serious problem facing the Southern District of West Virginia, and we will work alongside our law enforcement partners to bring suspected criminals to justice and protect our communities. A drug dealer in a lab coat is still just a drug dealer.”
The indictment is the result of the formation of the Opioid Fraud Abuse and Detection Unit (OFADU), a Department of Justice initiative that uses data to identify and prosecute individuals that are contributors to the national opioid crisis. The Southern District of West Virginia is one of 12 districts nationally to participate in the pilot program.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the indictment. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is handling the prosecution.
“DEA has made efforts to focus investigations on doctors who are abusing their positions by writing prescriptions outside the norms of good medicine,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge D. Christopher Evans, Louisville Field Division. The investigation into Dr. Barit’s prescribing habits revealed that prior to Dr. Barit traveling outside of the U.S., he had pre-written prescriptions for Schedule II substances and left signed blank prescriptions for staffers to write controlled substance prescriptions to be given to patients in his absence. The investigation further revealed that Dr. Barit was illegally billing Medicaid, Medicare, and other medical insurances for face-to-face visits while he was traveling. DEA will continue to investigate doctors and pharmacies whose actions violate U.S. laws and exploit their position of trust.”
The indictment is attached.
Please note: An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
barit_indictment_final.pdf
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Muldrow Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Gregory Martin Williams, age 57, of Muldrow, Oklahoma, pled guilty to Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C), and Title 18, punishable by not more than 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000.00 fine, or both.
The Indictment alleged that on or about August 30, 2016, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The charge arose from an investigation by the District 27 Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Wilson represented the United States.
Morgan County man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Matthew Dean Smith, of Great Cacapon, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 18 months incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Smith, age 39, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of an Unregistered Firearm” in January 2018. Smith admitted to possessing an unregistered silencer. The crime took place in Berkeley County in October 2017.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara K. Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.Mississippi Man Pleads Guilty to Fraud Scheme Involving the Reselling of Food Products that were to be DestroyedRead the Press Release
A Belmont, Mississippi man who conspired with others to resell food products that were supposed to become animal feed or be used for agricultural purposes, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to conspiracy to transport property taken by fraud in interstate commerce, announced U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. RANDY SPARKS, 60, admits he purchased various food and drink products from a middleman who had agreed to destroy the goods. SPARKS then resold the products from his own grocery outlet, Silver Dollar Sales, or sold them to other discount grocery chains. The investigation did not uncover any illnesses resulting from the sales. The Court will determine any restitution owed to the victims, up to an amount of $103,709 at the time of sentencing, currently set before U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik on September 7, 2018.
According to records filed in the case, the scheme involved as many as 180 truckloads of food and beverage products from ten different food producers. The plea agreement details how SPARKS and a co-conspirator defrauded a Massachusetts-based company that arranged for the disposal and destruction of unsaleable food products. Specifically between July 2014 and October 2016, SPARKS and a co-conspirator represented that the commodities would be shipped to a South Dakota based business for destruction. The co-schemers produced fraudulent paperwork regarding the shipping and destruction of the goods. In fact, they were shipped to SPARKS who then sold them from his own grocery outlet or to other discount grocery chains.
The plea agreement describes how in May 2015, a juice producer in Selah, Washington, wanted 22 truckloads of apple juice destroyed because it did not meet their production standards. The producer arranged for the juice to be shipped to South Dakota to be recycled into animal feed. Instead, SPARKS shipped the juice through Seattle to Mississippi, and then sold it to outlets in Mississippi and California. The conspirators then presented the brokerage company with false documents about the destruction of the juice and the shipping history, which were ultimately provided to the manufacturer. The scheme was uncovered when some of the product was discovered on a store shelf in Maryland.
Approximately ten producers of food and beverage products had paid a combined $107,256 to have their products destroyed, which, in fact, were not destroyed, but instead resold to or by SPARKS.
The case was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Diggs.
Mineral County woman sentenced drug distribution chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Autumn Breann Ward, of Keyser, West Virginia, was sentenced to five years probation for a drug distribution charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Ward, age 34, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin” in February 2018. Ward admitted to selling heroin in August 2016 in Mineral County.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.Milwaukee, WI, Man Found Guilty for His Role in Drug Conspiracy Resulting in Death and Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
FARGO – United States Attorney Christopher C. Myers announces that on May 14, 2018, JOVAN MARQUIS HARRIS, age 28, of Milwaukee, WI, was found guilty of: Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death and Serious Bodily Injury; three counts of Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death or Serious Bodily Injury; and two counts of Distribution of a Controlled Substance, by a jury following six days of trial.
Law enforcement’s investigation into a spike in the heroin overdose deaths of individuals in the Fargo-Moorhead area between September 2015 and April 2016 resulted in the indictment of Harris for the overdose death of one person in Moorhead on September 1, 2015, and the non-fatal overdoses of two individuals in Fargo on August 27 and September 1, 2015. Harris also sold heroin on two occasions in March 2016 to a confidential informant in Fargo. The heroin he was distributing was brought to the Fargo-Moorhead area from Milwaukee, WI.
Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Moorhead Police Department, Cass County Drug Task Force, Cass County Sheriff’s Office, and North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, with assistance from Cass County State’s Attorney, North Dakota Crime Lab, Minnesota BCA Crime Lab, and Ramsey County (MN) Medical Examiner.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett Shasky and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake Rodenbiker.
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Middlesex County, New Jersey, Woman Admits Role in Credit Card Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft ConspiracyRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Middlesex County, New Jersey, woman today admitted participating in a credit card fraud and aggravated identity theft conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Alexus Omowole, 22, of North Brunswick, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan in Trenton federal court to an information charging her with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From July 2017 to January 2018, Omowole and Henry Abdul, a conspirator who was charged by criminal complaint in January 2018 in connection with the scheme, participated in a conspiracy to obtain control of and use credit card accounts of others through a fraudulent scheme commonly referred to as a “credit card takeover” scheme. In a takeover scheme, a person who is not the account owner or authorized user of a credit card account contacts the financial institution and poses as the account owner in order to change the personal information associated with the account to information familiar to the unauthorized user. The information changed may include the residence, email address, or telephone number associated with the account. These changes to the account are designed to give the unauthorized user control of the account without the actual account owners’ knowledge or authorization, and may permit the unauthorized user to receive new credit cards associated with the compromised accounts. Once in control of the account, the unauthorized users make purchases, transfer funds to other accounts under the user’s control, or sell the account information to third parties.
Abdul’s residential address was used as part of the takeover conspiracy, and both Abdul and Omowole profited from the conspiracy by using several compromised credit cards at various retail locations in New Jersey and elsewhere. Omowole admitted that the scheme caused between $150,000 and $250,000 in losses, and involved more than 10 separate victims.
The bank fraud conspiracy charge carries a maximum potential penalty of up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. The aggravated identity theft charge carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison, which must run consecutive to any other term of imprisonment imposed by the Court. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 10, 2018.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Brian Michael in Newark, New Jersey; and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Ruth M. Mendonca, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas P. Grippo and David M. Eskew, Deputy Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
The charges and allegations against Abdul are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty
Defense counsel: Joseph Benedict Esq. New Brunswick, New Jersey
Michigan Home Health Agency Owner Pleads Guilty to Charges for Role in Medicare Kickback SchemeRead the Press Release
The owner of a Michigan home health agency pleaded guilty today to charges for his role in a scheme involving Medicare claims for home health services that were procured through the payment of illegal kickbacks.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Schneider of the Eastern District of Michigan, Special Agent in Charge David P. Gelios of the FBI’s Detroit Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Lamont Pugh III of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Chicago Regional Office made the announcement.
Atheir Amarrah, 43, of West Bloomfield, Michigan, the owner of Prompt Care Home Health Services Inc. of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to pay and receive health care kickbacks in connection with Medicare beneficiaries and to four substantive counts of paying health care kickbacks before U.S. District Judge Judith E. Levy of the Eastern District of Michigan. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 25, before Judge Levy.
As part of his guilty plea, Amarrah admitted that he paid illegal kickbacks to recruiters in exchange for Medicare beneficiary referrals and billed Medicare for claims procured through these illegal kickbacks. The scheme is alleged to have resulted a loss of up to $1.8 million to the Medicare program by submitting claims to Medicare from 2013 through 2017 related to Medicare beneficiary information that he obtained by paying illegal kickbacks. The loss amount will be determined by the court at sentencing.
The FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case, which was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force under the supervision of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan. Trial Attorneys Jacob Foster and Howard Locker of the Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which is part of a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country. The Medicare Fraud Strike Force operates in nine locations nationwide. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force has charged over 3,500 defendants who collectively have falsely billed the Medicare program for over $12.5 billion.
Miami Gardens Resident Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Operating a Fraudulent Credit Card Manufacturing FacilityRead the Press Release
On May 14, 2018, Julio Arjona Gomez, 51, of Miami Gardens, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for operating a fraudulent credit card manufacturing facility in Hialeah.
Benjamin G. Greenberg, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida; Brian Swain, Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service (USSS); and Juan J. Perez, Director, Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD), made the announcement.
United States District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga sentenced Chavez to 144 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Arjona previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(b)(2); one count of producing, using, and trafficking in counterfeit access devices, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(a)(1); and one count of aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A(a)(1).
According to court documents, beginning in November 2016, through November 2017, Arjona operated a counterfeit credit card manufacturing facility in Hialeah, Florida. To facilitate the counterfeit credit card business, Arjona utilized an email account to traffic in thousands of stolen credit card account numbers and to receive orders for counterfeit credit cards. He also received photographs, in order to produce counterfeit state identification cards. Arojona received payments, in exchange for the counterfeit credit cards. Based on the fraud scheme, law enforcement agents obtained a search warrant for the facility. During a search of the operational facility, on November 14, 2017, agents identified a room that was dedicated to manufacturing counterfeit credit cards. Law enforcement recovered thousands of counterfeit credit cards, over 50,000 blank credit card plastics, several credit card printers, a magnetic strip encoder, modified gasoline pump skimmer devices, computers, and electronic media storage devices or USB flash drives.
Arjona was held accountable at sentencing for $1,944,000 in intended losses.
Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of the USSS and MDPD in this matter. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan D. Stratton.
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.
Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Terrorism ChargesRead the Press Release
Alexander Ciccolo, aka, Ali Al Amriki, 25, of Adams, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty today in connection with a plot to engage in terrorist activity inspired by and in the name of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS or ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization. Ciccolo pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to provide material support to ISIS, one count of attempting to use weapons of mass destruction, one count of being a convicted person in possession of firearms, and one count of assaulting a nurse during a jail intake process by use of a deadly weapon causing bodily injury.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling for the District of Massachusetts, and Special Agent in Charge Harold H. Shaw of the FBI’s Boston Field Division announced the plea. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni accepted the plea and scheduled sentencing for Sept. 5.
“Homegrown violent extremists pose a serious danger to innocent Americans,” said Assistant Attorney General Demers. “Not only did Ciccolo admit to supporting ISIS, but he also collected weapons and explosives in order to further its goal: the murder of Americans. Thanks to the hard work and collaboration of all involved, his plans were thwarted. Today’s successful outcome is proof that we will not waver in our commitment to hold accountable those who break our laws and put American lives at risk.”
“Even though he was born and raised in Massachusetts, Alexander Ciccolo swore allegiance to ISIS and planned to kill innocent civilians in the United States on ISIS’s behalf,” said U.S. Attorney Lelling. “Fortunately, someone who knew Ciccolo alerted law enforcement, and the Western Massachusetts Joint Terrorism Task Force was able to stop Ciccolo before he tried to kill anyone. There are a few lessons here: the threat of “homegrown” radicalization and terror continues, and we are safest when we work together to spot and contain these threats. I applaud the outstanding work of the Joint Terrorism Task Force and other law enforcement agencies that investigated and ultimately stopped Ciccolo, and the prosecutors who brought this case to conviction.”
“Mr. Ciccolo is finally accepting responsibility for concocting an elaborate and frightening plot to engage in terrorism on behalf of ISIS,” said Special Agent in Charge Shaw. “Any material support of a terrorist organization threatens our national security, and had Mr. Ciccolo's efforts to advance his agenda not been thwarted by the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force, countless lives could have been lost in a lethal terrorist attack. This case is a testament to the tireless efforts of the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force which remains committed to detecting, thwarting, and bringing to justice individuals like Mr. Ciccolo who seek to provide material support to and fight on behalf of designated foreign terrorist organizations.“
On July 4, 2015, Ciccolo received four firearms which he had ordered from a person who was cooperating with law enforcement, and who had been communicating with Ciccolo about his plans to engage in a terrorist act. Ciccolo was arrested immediately after receiving the firearms, which included a Colt AR-15 .223 caliber rifle, a SigArms Model SG550-1 556 rifle, a Glock 17-9 mm pistol, and a Glock 20-10 mm pistol. Ciccolo had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by more than a year in jail and therefore was prohibited from possessing firearms.
Ciccolo, a supporter of ISIS, had spoken with a cooperating witness in recorded conversations about his plans to commit acts of terrorism inspired by ISIS, including setting off improvised explosive devices, such as pressure cookers filled with black powder, nails, ball bearings and glass, in places where large numbers of people congregate, like college cafeterias. Prior to his arrest, agents had observed Ciccolo purchase a pressure cooker similar to that used in the Boston Marathon bombings.
During a search of Ciccolo’s apartment after he was arrested, agents found several partially constructed “Molotov cocktails.” These incendiary devices contained what appeared to be shredded Styrofoam soaking in motor oil. Ciccolo had previously stated that this mixture would cause the fire from the exploded devices to stick to people’s skin and make it harder to put the fire out.
Shortly after his arrest, while he was being processed at the Franklin County Correctional Center in Massachusetts, Ciccolo stabbed a nurse with a pen more than 10 times, leaving a bloody gash on the top of the nurse’s head.
Ciccolo has been detained since his arrest in July 2015.
The charge of attempted provision of material support to a foreign terrorist organization carries a maximum sentenced of 20 years in prison, a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. The charge of attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. The charge of being a prohibited person in possession of firearms carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. The charge of assault with a dangerous weapon causing bodily injury carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the assigned judge.
Ciccolo and the United States have agreed to a sentence of 20 years in prison to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release.
This investigation was conducted by the FBI; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Springfield, Ludlow, Holyoke, West Springfield, Easthampton, and Pittsfield Police Departments in Massachusetts; the Massachusetts State Police, and Homeland Security Investigations, with critical assistance from the Adams Police Department and the Massachusetts State Regional Hazardous Materials Response Team.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Deepika Bains Shukla and Kevin O’Regan of the District of Massachusetts, and Trial Attorney Andrew Sigler of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are in charge of the prosecution.
Martinsburg man sentenced for selling heroinRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Darnell Jermaine Fitzhugh, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to five years probation for heroin distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Fitzhugh, also known as “DC,” age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin” in February 2018. Fitzhugh admitted to selling heroin on July 11, 2016 in Berkeley County, West Virginia.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Los Angeles Man Sentenced to over 26 Years in Prison for Role in Federal Narcotics Conspiracy Involving Counterfeit OpioidsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A downtown Los Angeles resident was sentenced today to 320 months in federal prison for participating in a federal drug trafficking conspiracy that imported acetylfentanyl, a drug very similar to the powerful and highly addictive opioid fentanyl. Acetylfentanyl, which is five times more potent that heroin, is not approved for any use in the United States.
Christopher Bowen, 32, was sentenced for his role in a conspiracy to manufacture, possess and distribute four narcotics, specifically: acetylfentanyl; a-pyrrolidinovalerophenone, a so-called designer drug also known as “PVP” that is sometimes used in “bath salts”; ecstasy; and alprazolam, which is commonly sold under the brand name Xanax.
United States District Judge S. James Otero imposed the prison sentence, remarking that the sentence of 26⅔ years reflected the quantities of drugs seized by investigators. During the investigation, DEA agents seized more than 11 kilograms of acetylfentanyl from the organization. The drug organization obtained pill presses from China that were used illegally to make tablets in labs in a storage unit in Long Beach and a house in Baldwin Park.
“The opioid crisis in our country has risen to epidemic proportions in large part due to drug trafficking conspiracies such as this one,” said United States Attorney Nicola T. Hanna. “These dangerous drugs end up in our neighborhoods and pose a significant public health emergency.”
Bowen was sentenced after being convicted on two counts following a jury trial in October 2017. The evidence presented during a trial in United States District Court showed that Bowen and other members of the drug organization imported acetylfentanyl from China, which they then used to produce homemade pills designed to look like legitimate pharmaceuticals. Bowen and his co-conspirators then distributed the pills in bulk across the nation.
The leader of the organization – Gary Resnik, 33, of Long Beach – pleaded guilty in August 2017 and is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Otero on July 9.
This case was investigated by the special agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael G. Freedman of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Section and David Ryan of the General Crimes Section.
Longview Woman who Purchased Guns for Violent Felon Sentenced to a Year in PrisonRead the Press Release
A Longview, Washington woman was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to one year in prison and three years of supervised release for abetting a felon in possession of a firearm and making a false statement during the purchase of firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. ANDREA SIBLEY, 29, lied on federal forms and purchased at least nine firearms for her boyfriend, Brent Luyster. Luyster, is an avowed violent white supremacist who shot and killed three people, and shot a fourth woman in the face in Woodland, Washington in July 2016. SIBLEY was convicted in state court of rendering criminal assistance in connection with those murders. At the sentencing hearing today U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle said, “Guns are being used to take lives of innocent people at an alarming rate. So it is a serious crime when a person is helping someone who shouldn't have guns get guns…. [You] had to know someone was going to get hurt by these firearms but that did not deter you.”
“This defendant lied repeatedly to provide multiple powerful firearms to a man with a horrible history of violence,” said U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. “Each time she walked into a gun store and lied she let herself become part of a terrible crime. We will hold accountable all those who fail to comply with the laws meant to keep guns out of the hands of prohibited and dangerous persons.”
According to records filed in the case, in May 2016, Luyster and SIBLEY invited Luyster’s ex-girlfriend to visit their Longview home. Luyster assaulted the ex-girlfriend, pistol whipping her and firing shots at her as she ran from the home. The ex-girlfriend escaped, and SIBLEY left the home with her son and the ex-girlfriend’s son in her car. When stopped by police, SIBLEY denied knowing about any gunshots or violence. When deputies arrived at the home they heard gunshots from the wooded area behind the house and ultimately got Luyster to surrender. The deputies found three firearms near where Luyster had been – a semi-automatic rifle, a .40 handgun and a shotgun. Six more firearms were inside the home. ATF agents determined that SIBLEY had purchased all of the firearms using her parent’s address, making false statements on the purchase forms.
Luyster was charged with assault, reckless endangerment and unlawful possession of a firearm. On June 7, 2016, his bail was reduced and he was released based in part on a letter SIBLEY wrote on his behalf. Just over a month later, on July 15, 2016, Luyster killed three people and injured a fourth at the home in Woodland. The firearm used in those murders has never been found.
“Andrea Sibley’s criminal conduct during which she purchased the firearms for a convicted felon and white supremacist led directly to three tragic murders,” said ATF Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Darek Pleasants. “While our heartfelt condolences go out to the families of those lost due to this criminal conduct, ATF is proud to have been able to work alongside our partner agencies to identify and bring Sibley to justice.”
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bruce Miyake.
Local Man Convicted of Firearms Charge Related to Trafficking DrugsRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 41-year-old Corpus Christi man has entered a guilty plea to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
On Oct. 20, 2017, law enforcement officers executed a federal narcotics search warrant at the home of Eduardo Ignacio Reyes in Corpus Christi. During the search, authorities seized a loaded 9mm handgun and a safe in his bedroom, which contained approximately 430 grams of cocaine, $2,000 and 9mm ammunition. The officers also discovered additional cocaine and a second loaded handgun within the residence.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzalez Ramos accepted the plea today and set sentencing for Sept. 11, 2018. At that time, Reyes faces a minimum of five years and up to life in prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The South Texas Specialized Crimes and Narcotics Task Force and Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lance Watt is prosecuting the case.
Leader of Street Gang Who Described Three-Gang Coalition as a ‘New World Order’ Sentenced to 25 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A gang member who helped manage a coalition of three rival street gangs in Northeast Los Angeles that were brought together by orders issued by a member of the Mexican Mafia was sentenced today to 25 years in federal prison.
Manuel Vallejo, also known as “Boxer,” 36, of Los Angeles, a leader and “shot caller” of the Toonerville gang, was sentenced this morning by United States District Judge Philip S. Gutierrez for conspiring to violate the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, committing a Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering (VICAR), conspiring to traffic methamphetamine, and carrying a firearm during and in relation to the commission of a VICAR.
During the sentencing this morning, Vallejo told the court, “Even if I stole God’s calculator, I couldn’t add up all the mistakes I’ve made.”
Vallejo was among 22 defendants charged nearly three years ago in a federal racketeering indictment relating to the unification of three rival street gangs under Mexican Mafia member Arnold “Arnie” Gonzales. The “peace treaty” imposed by Gonzales in 2010 brought together the Frogtown, Toonerville, and Rascals gangs to control the narcotics trade and other illegal activities in an area that ran along the Los Angeles River from Elysian Park to Burbank for the benefit and profit of Gonzales and the criminal enterprise.
As alleged in the indictment, while Gonzales was incarcerated in Pelican Bay State Prison after being convicted of murder, he appointed Frogtown gang member Jorge Grey to be his emissary on the streets. The indictment accused the 22 defendants of conspiring to operate a criminal enterprise involving various criminal offenses, including narcotics trafficking, extortion, and money laundering.
According to court records, less than two years after Arnold Gonzales imposed the truce on the gangs, Vallejo was recorded describing the criminal enterprise as a “New World Order” or “United Neighborhoods,” and akin to the “United Nations.”
As part of his plea agreement, Vallejo admitted that he was one of the principal members of the conspiracy and, in that capacity, collected “taxes” from both members and associates of the enterprise and individuals engaging in narcotics trafficking or other illicit activities within the territory controlled by the enterprise. He also personally participated in selling and helping arrange the sale of narcotics within enterprise territory, thereby generating revenue for Gonzales and the enterprise.
“The defendant in this case has been held accountable for the violent and egregious acts he perpetrated upon our community,” said United States Attorney Nicola T. Hanna. “This case should put violent gang members on notice that our federal agents and prosecutors are coming for them.”
In pleading guilty to the VICAR charge, Vallejo further admitted that in December 2011 he shot victim another gang member multiple times in response to victim’s efforts to advance his own authority within Toonerville, and in order to enforce compliance with the dictates of the “peace treaty.” Vallejo was subsequently recorded on multiple occasions bragging about having shot the man, whose gang moniker was “Grinch.” In September 2012, for example, Vallejo threatened to “reenact the one who stole Christmas” against fellow gang members who were operating behind his back. Vallejo was also recorded in April 2013 stating that he did not care if people knew he had shot Grinch because “ain’t nobody gonna go testify.”
“The career criminal in this case spent his life committing violent acts and intimidating others into coercion as part of his gang activity,” said the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Los Angeles Field Division Special Agent in Charge Bill McMullan. “As justified, he is one of many from this case going to prison for a very long time. ATF is committed and dedicated to removing violent criminals like these from our society. Justice has been served.”
The RICO case is the result of Operation “Gig ‘em,” an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Violent Crime Impact Team; the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Office of Correctional Safety, Special Service Unit; the Glendale Police Department; and the Los Angeles Police Department.
Out of the 22 defendants named in the indictment, all but three have pleaded guilty, with most of those who have been sentenced receiving substantial prison sentences, including a 20-year sentence for Jonathan Zepeda and a 15½-year sentence for Giovanni Olvera. The three remaining in the case face trial this summer.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Carol Alexis Chen and Alexander B. Schwab of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force.
Leader of Conspiracy to Steal Treasury Checks Sentenced to 70 MonthsRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina: Colby L. Simmons, age 35, of Lithia Springs, Georgia, was sentenced to 78 months in prison after being found guilty by a jury for his involvement in a conspiracy to pass Treasury checks of the United States bearing falsely made or forged endorsements, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, and making false statements to federal authorities, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001. United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain of Anderson sentenced Simmons and also ordered that he pay over $236,000 in restitution.
Evidence presented at the trial established that there was a multistate conspiracy, beginning in or about June 2013, to steal Treasury checks and cash them. The checks belonged to disabled veterans, retired federal employees, and current federal employees. Several victims appeared at trial and testified about having automobiles repossessed, no money for Christmas gifts, and loss of homes because of the thefts.
The investigation focused on Simmons beginning in June 2014 during a car stop on I-85. Greenville County deputies stopped Simmons and found a Treasury check that did not belong to Simmons and $10,000 in proceeds from the cashing of Treasury checks. On top of the check recovered there was written the driver’s license number of Brandy D. Page, a co-conspirator from Cowpens, South Carolina, who has pled guilty and is awaiting sentencing. The check was sent to the laboratory and it came back as having on it the fingerprints belonging to Joshua A. Martin, a co-conspirator from Spartanburg, South Carolina, who has pled guilty and is awaiting sentencing. Martin and Page arrested some months after the stop of Simmons’ vehicle and confessed to their involvement.
In December 2014, Wal-Mart in Boiling Springs reported that it was the victim of approximately $200,000 in reclamations related to the cashing of Treasury checks. Three cashiers were interviewed and several picked Page out of a line up as a person who cashes multiple Treasury checks in the store. Cashiers also identified Josh Martin as cashing multiple Treasury checks.
In January 2015, the Greer Wal-Mart reported approximately $75,000 in reclamations related to the cashing of Treasury checks. On many of these checks there were written Page’s driver’s license number and date of birth. Others had Martin’s driver’s license number and date of birth. The store also had on file fake power of attorney forms that Page and Martin had used to cash the checks.
Investigation revealed that Page and Martin began cashing checks for Simmons in the summer of 2013. During the initial meeting with Simmons, Page received three to four (3-4) checks. There were many more meetings in which checks were provided to Page and Martin and proceeds from the cashing of the checks were given to Simmons. Simmons brought Treasury checks to Page approximately one to two times per month for at least eighteen (18) months.
The case was investigated by agents of the Greer Police Department, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the Internal Revenue Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office handled the case.
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Law Enforcement Officers Join Students for a Day of LearningRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, and Taylor County High School will present a BLAST Program event on Wednesday to approximately 50 students.
Event: BLAST Program
Location:
Big Bend Technical College
3233 S. Byron Butler Pkwy.
Perry, Florida 32348
Date: Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Time: 9:15 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. EST- 9:15 – 10:00 a.m. Opening Remarks
- 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Rotating Group Breakouts (30 minutes each)
- 12:00 – 12:30 p.m. “Returning from Prison” Presentation
- 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Lunch
Press: Please RSVP to Amy Alexander at [email protected] if you plan to attend.The BLAST Program offers students an opportunity to meet representatives of the criminal justice community and ask them questions, share their perceptions of law enforcement, and interact with law enforcement officers in a familiar setting. Law enforcement officers also provide students with their perspective on responding to dangerous or uncertain circumstances and the importance of remaining calm and following the officers’ directions in these situations.
The schedule will include the following discussion sessions, during which students will have a chance to participate in role play with law enforcement officers. (Students with media permissions will be identified.)
- Criminal Justice Overview: Students will learn about each phase of a federal criminal case, including investigation, prosecution, and sentencing.
This session is open to the media and public, and videography and photography is permitted.
- Domestic Violence: Students will participate in a scenario in which law enforcement officers respond to a domestic disturbance. Discussion includes the challenges officers face, rights of witnesses and suspects, and benefits of providing information to law enforcement. This session is open to the media and public, and videography and photography is permitted.
- Traffic Stop Simulation: Participants and officers alternate playing the roles of civilians and officers in a traffic stop. Discussion includes de-escalation and the uncertainty officers and vehicle occupants face during a traffic stop. This session is open to the media and public, and videography and photography is permitted.
- Use of Force: Facilitators and students will discuss when law enforcement officers may use force and an officer’s reaction time when confronted with a life-threatening situation. This session is closed to the media and public. Reporters may try the simulator equipment after the event ends.
Participating agencies include:
- United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida
- Taylor County County Sheriff’s Office
- Taylor County High School
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives
- Drug Enforcement Administration
- U.S. Marshals Service
- Florida Highway Patrol
- FAMU Police Department
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 available 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.
Last of Three Defendants Sentenced in Million Dollar Student Loan Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
The third, and final defendant, in a wide-ranging identity theft scheme involving fraudulent student loan application and tax returns was sentenced today, announced Untied States Attorney Matthew Schneider.
Schneider was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Thomas Utz, U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General / Investigations, Special Agent in Charge Timothy R. Slater, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division and Special Agent in Charge Manny Muriel, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations.
Previously, co-defendants Timothy Wilcox, 45 and Paul Adams, 61, both from Jackson, were sentenced to 77 months and 15 months respectively and were ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,390,50, all to be paid to the Department of Education as well as the Internal Revenue Service. Meanwhile, earlier today, Katrina Duling, 46, also from Jackson, received one day in custody followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $775,312.
According to court records, in December, 2014, defendants Wilcox, Adams and Duling participated a scheme by which they took personal identifying information (PII) of various individuals, including their social security numbers, or recruited other individuals to provide this information to them, which they used to fraudulently apply for and receive federal student financial aid in the name of those individuals. The defendants did not intend to use, nor did they use, the funds obtained for educational purposes as represented in the fraudulent applications In addition, the defendants used the same PII to file false federal income tax returns to claim and receive federal income tax refunds.
The defendants utilized in excess of one hundred individuals’ PII and defrauded the United States Department of Education, in excess of $1,000,000 and defrauded the IRS in excess of $400,000 through fraudulent tax returns.
“Student loan programs are intended to assist students in obtaining a higher education and scams like this harm both students and taxpayers,” Schneider said.
“Federal student aid exists so that individuals can make their dream of a higher education a reality. It’s not a personal slush fund. That’ why ensuring that those who steal student aid or participate in student aid fraud rings are stopped and held accountable for their criminal actions is a big part of our mission,” said Thomas D. Utz, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General’s Midwestern Regional Office. “I’m proud of the work of the Office of Inspector General and our law enforcement partners for stopping this fraud ring and look forward to continuing to work together to protect Federal student aid funds from such calculated plunder.”
“The actions of Katrina Duling, along with the other two defendants, undermine the nation’s confidence in the security of their personal information, particularly when used to falsely obtain loans and receive tax returns they are not entitled to,” said Timothy R. Slater, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Detroit. “By prosecuting cases like this, the FBI, The U.S. Department of Education, and the Internal Revenue Service are sending a clear message to those attempting to steal and tarnish the identities of the general public that their actions will not be tolerated.”
IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Muriel stated, “The defendants in this case defrauded the public and took advantage of a system which is intended to help students obtain a higher education. IRS CI special agents, working with our federal partners, once again outsmarted the criminals who thought they could get away with it. Just know that if you try to game the system, you will be caught and held accountable.”
This case was investigated by agents of the Department of Education, Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Wyse.
Kansas Man Pleads Guilty to Hate Crime and Firearm Offenses in Shooting of Two Indian Nationals and Third Man at a BarRead the Press Release
Prosecution and defense jointly request sentence of life imprisonment without parole
Adam W. Purinton, of Olathe, Kansas, pleaded guilty today in federal court to hate crime and firearm charges for shooting Indian nationals Srinivas Kuchibhotla and Alok Madasani and Kansas resident Ian Grillot at Austins Bar & Grill in Olathe February 2017, announced Acting Associate Attorney General Jesse Panuccio of the Department of Justice, Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division, and U.S. Attorney Stephen R. McAllister of the District of Kansas. Purinton previously pleaded guilty to state charges for murder and attempted murder arising out of the shooting, and was sentenced to life in state prison.
Purinton admitted in his plea agreement and testified in open court that the following is an accurate recitation of the facts supporting the crimes for which he pleaded guilty.
A few weeks before the shooting, Purinton was sitting by himself in the bar area at Austins Bar & Grill when, coincidentally, Kuchibhotla and Madasani happened to be having a drink on the patio. Noticing the two men, Purinton commented to a regular sitting at the bar, “Did you see the terrorists on the patio?”
On Feb. 22, 2017, Purinton drove to Austins Bar & Grill and sat by himself at a table on the enclosed front patio. Sitting at the table to his left were Ian Grillot and several other patrons. Sitting at the table to his right were Srinivas Kuchibhotla and Alok Madasani.
At approximately 6:40 p.m., Purinton approached Kuchibhotla and Madasani, and demanded to know where they were from and how they entered the country. Purinton poked Kuchibhotla in the chest, called him a “terrorist” and an epithet disparaging persons of Middle Eastern descent, and shouted, “Get out of my country!” Ian Grillot and another patron interceded, told Purinton that he needed to leave, and escorted him out of the bar.
Purinton drove home and retrieved one of his guns: a Taurus PT111 Millennium Pro nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol with serial number TEW13121. To disguise his identity, Purinton changed into a different shirt and grabbed a blue-and-white scarf.
At approximately 7:12 p.m., Purinton returned to Austins Bar & Grill. He wrapped the scarf around his face to disguise his identity and exited his truck carrying his semi-automatic pistol. Purinton walked over to the enclosed front patio, opened the door, aimed his semi-automatic pistol at Kuchibhotla and Madasani, and fired eight rounds—at least four of which struck Kuchibhotla, who died from his injuries, and one of which struck Madasani, who was injured, but survived. Hours after the shooting, Purinton stated over the phone to a friend, and later in person to a bartender, that he had just killed some Iranians.
Purinton admitted that he shot Kuchibhotla and Madasani, attempting to kill both men, because of their race, color, religion, and national origin.
After shooting Kuchibhotla and Madasani, Purinton ran out, and Ian Grillot chased after him. As Grillot caught up to him, Purinton turned around and shot Grillot, who was injured but survived.
Purinton faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, which is the sentence that the prosecution and defense are jointly requesting. Sentencing is scheduled for July 2.
“Hate crimes are acts of evil, and the Department of Justice has prioritized their zealous prosecution,” said Acting Associate Attorney General Jesse Panuccio. “In this case, the defendant embarked on a murderous rampage with clear premeditation to kill on the basis of race, color, religion, and national origin. It was a hate crime, and he is being brought to justice. While we cannot ameliorate the irreparable harm to the victims and their families, we hope that securing this guilty plea brings them some measure of closure. And this prosecution sends a message across the nation: hate crimes will not be tolerated.”
“Nothing we do can provide complete comfort and solace to the victims of this tragic crime and their families,” said U.S. Attorney McAllister. “But our office hopes that the federal life sentence which Mr. Purinton has agreed to request and accept will give them some measure of closure.”
“Although Purinton has already been convicted of murder in the State of Kansas, and sentenced to life in prison, today’s plea in federal court speaks to his motive,” said FBI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge Darrin Jones. “By his agreement to today’s plea, Purinton acknowledges that his actions were motived by his hatred of the victims’ race, religion, color and national origin. This type of hatred will never be tolerated. I think it’s important for the community to see and understand that the FBI is committed to aggressively protecting and preserving the civil rights of all of our communities.”
This case was investigated jointly by the Olathe (KS) Police Department and the Kansas City Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tris Hunt and David Zabel of the District of Kansas, and Trial Attorney Christopher J. Perras of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
Kansas Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Hate Crime ChargesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Adam W. Purinton, of Olathe, Kan., pleaded guilty today in federal court to hate crime and firearm charges for shooting Indian nationals Srinivas Kuchibhotla and Alok Madasani and Olathe resident Ian Grillot at Austins Bar & Grill in February 2017.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister, Acting Associate Attorney General Jesse Panuccio of the Department of Justice and Acting Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights John Gore. Purinton previously pleaded guilty to state charges for murder and attempted murder arising out of the shooting. He was sentenced earlier this month to life in state prison.
”Nothing we do can provide complete comfort and solace to the victims of this tragic crime and their families,” U.S. Attorney McAllister said. “But our office hopes that the federal life sentence which Mr. Purinton has agreed to request and accept will give them some measure of closure.”
Purinton admitted in his plea today that the following is an accurate recitation of the facts supporting the crimes for which he pleaded guilty.
A few weeks before the shooting, Purinton was sitting by himself in the bar area at Austins Bar & Grill when, coincidentally, Kuchibhotla and Madasani happened to be having a drink on the patio. Noticing the two men, Purinton commented to a regular sitting at the bar, “Did you see the terrorists on the patio?”
On Feb. 22, 2017, Purinton drove to Austins Bar & Grill and sat by himself at a table on the enclosed front patio. Sitting at the table to his left were Ian Grillot and several other patrons. Sitting at the table to his right were Srinivas Kuchibhotla and Alok Madasani.
At approximately 6:40 p.m., Purinton approached Kuchibhotla and Madasani, and demanded to know where they were from and how they entered the country. Purinton poked Kuchibhotla in the chest, called him a “terrorist” and an epithet disparaging persons of Middle Eastern descent, and shouted, “Get out of my country!” Ian Grillot and another patron interceded, told Purinton that he needed to leave, and escorted him out of the bar.
Purinton drove home and retrieved one of his guns: a Taurus PT111 Millennium Pro nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol with serial number TEW13121. To disguise his identity, Purinton changed into a different shirt and grabbed a blue-and-white scarf.
At approximately 7:12 p.m., Purinton returned to Austins Bar & Grill. He wrapped the scarf around his face to disguise his identity and exited his truck carrying his semi-automatic pistol. Purinton walked over to the enclosed front patio, opened the door, aimed his semi-automatic pistol at Kuchibhotla and Madasani, and fired eight rounds—at least four of which struck Kuchibhotla, who died from his injuries, and one of which struck Madasani, who was injured, but survived. Hours after the shooting, Purinton stated over the phone to a friend, and later in person to a bartender, that he had just killed some Iranians.
Purinton admitted that he shot Kuchibhotla and Madasani, attempting to kill both men, because of their race, color, religion, and national origin.
After shooting Kuchibhotla and Madasani, Purinton ran out, and Ian Grillot chased after him. As Grillot caught up to him, Purinton turned around and shot Grillot, who was injured but survived.
Purinton faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, which is the sentence that the prosecution and defense are jointly requesting. Sentencing is scheduled for July 2.
“Hate crimes are acts of evil, and the Department of Justice has prioritized their zealous prosecution,” said Acting Associate Attorney General Jesse Panuccio. “In this case, the defendant embarked on a murderous rampage with clear premeditation to kill on the basis of race, color, religion, and national origin. It was a hate crime, and he is being brought to justice. While we cannot ameliorate the irreparable harm to the victims and their families, we hope that securing this guilty plea brings them some measure of closure. And this prosecution sends a message across the nation: hate crimes will not be tolerated.”
“Although Purinton has already been convicted of murder in the State of Kansas, and sentenced to life in prison, today’s plea in federal court speaks to his motive,” said FBI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge Darrin Jones. “By his agreement to today’s plea, Purinton acknowledges that his actions were motived by his hatred of the victims’ race, religion, color and national origin. This type of hatred will never be tolerated. I think it’s important for the community to see and understand that the FBI is committed to aggressively protecting and preserving the civil rights of all of our communities.”
This case was investigated jointly by the Olathe (KS) Police Department and the Kansas City Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tris Hunt and David Zabel of the District of Kansas, and Trial Attorney Christopher J. Perras of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
Justice Department Reaches Settlement Agreement with the Puerto Rico Police Bureau on Behalf of Three Puerto Rico Army National Guard MembersRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice announced on Friday that it has reached a settlement agreement with the Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB) that resolves allegations that the PRPB violated the employment rights of Puerto Rico Army National Guard Members Second Lieutenant Wilfredo Cruz Rivera, Sergeant Jose R. Bernal Martinez, and Sergeant Angel L. Martinez Toro under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). USERRA safeguards the rights of uniformed servicemembers to receive the full benefits of their employment, including promotional opportunities, following the fulfillment of their military service obligations.
According to the allegations in the complaint, also filed on Friday by the Justice Department, the three servicemembers became eligible to take promotional examinations while they were on active duty. The servicemembers took the missed exams upon their return from active duty and scored well enough to be promoted. While the PRPB promoted the servicemembers, it failed to make the promotions effective on the date that the officers would have been promoted but for their military service. Because the PRPB failed to provide the correct effective date for their promotions, the servicemembers lost wages and subsequent promotional opportunities.
“The freedoms we enjoy are dependent on the selfless duties performed by members of our National Guard,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to fully protecting the rights of these men and women when they are deployed, so that they can return to their civilian jobs with the full benefits to which they are entitled, including promotional opportunities.”
Under the terms of the settlement agreement, the PRPB has agreed to compensate the servicemembers for their lost wages, collectively about $25,000, and lost benefits; correct the effective dates of their promotions; and change its policy to ensure compliance with USERRA in the future.
This case stems from a referral by the United States Department of Labor (DOL), pursuant to an investigation by DOL’s Veterans’ Employment Training Service.
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division gives high priority to the enforcement of servicemembers’ rights under USERRA. Established in 2015, the Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative cooordinates with Justice Department components and federal and state agencies to build a comprehensive legal support and protection network focused on serving servicemembers, veterans, and their families. Additional information about USERRA, and all of the civil rights statutes enforced by the Department of Justice on behalf of servicemembers, veterans and their families, can be found on the Justice Department’s website at www.usdoj.gov/crt/emp and www.servicemembers.gov, as well as on the Labor Department’s website at www.dol.gov/vets/programs/userra/main.htm.
Jefferson County woman sentenced for possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Mindy Sue Snyder, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 24 months incarceration for having child pornography, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Snyder, age 33, waived her right to have her case presented before a federal grand jury and pled guilty to a one-count information of “Possession of Child Pornography” in January 2018. Snyder admitted to having a computer disk and other materials that contained child pornography in Jefferson County in September 2015. Once her sentence is served, Snyder will be on supervised release for 15 years.
This case is prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Jefferson County man sentenced for a firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Mark Hanshaw, of Jefferson Village, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 27 months incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hanshaw, age 29, pled guilty to one count of “Drug User in Possession of a Firearm – Aiding and Abetting” in February 2018. Hanshaw admitted to illegally possessing a Taurus 38 Special handgun. The crime occurred in September 2015 in Jefferson County.
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 Paul T. Camilletti prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Jackson Woman Sentenced to over 14 Years in Federal Prison for Murder-for-Hire PlotRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Velma White, 32, of Jackson, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to serve a total of 170 months in federal prison for a murder-for-hire plot to kill a family member, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Dana Nichols, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. White was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
On August 23, 2017, White contacted, via text messages from her cellular telephone, an undercover officer whom she believed to be a "hit-man." During a phone call, White explained to the undercover officer that she wanted her family member murdered, and she agreed to pay the undercover officer approximately $10,000 for the murder. Over the next few days, White and the undercover officer discussed and planned out the murder of White’s family member, with White given multiple opportunities to back out. However, White only affirmed her commitment to the murder scheme. White revealed that she was attempting to murder her family member in order to collect the proceeds of a $50,000 life insurance policy for which she was the sole beneficiary. White agreed to pay the undercover officer once she collected the life insurance money. White also expressed to the undercover officer her willingness to assist in other murder for hire plots in exchange for money.
"Today, the public is safer and our communities are more secure because this criminal will be going away for a long time. She not only threatened the life of a family member but also offered to help murder others in exchange for money, and she will now spend the next several years paying for and having a lot of time to reflect on her criminal actions. Our office and our law enforcement community will not rest until all of those who threaten human life are brought to justice," said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Pearl Police Department, the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorney Carla J. Clark is prosecuting the case.
Interstate Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Sioux Falls, SD – United States Attorney Ron Parsons announces that Justin Morales, a/k/a “Speedy,” age 36, of Wichita, Kansas, who was convicted of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison on May 18, 2018, by U.S. District Court Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Morales’s three decades in prison will be followed by 10 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victim’s Fund.
“This is an appropriate sentence for this repeat offender and committed drug dealer,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “Those who conspire to sell illegal drugs like methamphetamine and lethal opioids are inflicting tremendous suffering and death on our communities. They will be held accountable by the Department of Justice.”
Federal law enforcement officials learned that Morales was selling methamphetamine in early 2016. During a controlled purchase for five ounces of methamphetamine between Morales and a cooperating witness, Morales was recorded telling the cooperator that he and others sold methamphetamine in several South Dakota cities, and at least one Indian reservation within the state. Morales said that his plan was to get a house in Sioux Falls that could be used exclusively to store methamphetamine for distribution. In September 2016, the cooperator met with Morales again, and Morales was recorded telling the cooperator he was preparing to ship 20 pounds of methamphetamine to Sioux Falls, and that he had rented a small house on the west side of Sioux Falls to store the methamphetamine. That same day, law enforcement was able to recover three pounds of marijuana, two pounds of methamphetamine, and a semi-automatic pistol that was connected to Morales and his co-conspirators, Chase Guzman and Daniel Guzman. All three men were arrested in Sioux Falls.
Morales and both Guzmans were indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2016. Both Chase Guzman and Daniel Guzman pleaded guilty. Chase Guzman was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison and Daniel Guzman was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. Morales was found guilty by a federal jury in Sioux Falls on February 7, 2018.
This is Morales’s second felony drug conviction. He has many other arrests and convictions in a criminal career spanning nearly 24 years, including a domestic battery charge that is still pending in Wichita.
Drug trafficking is an inherently violent activity. It is common to find drug traffickers armed to the teeth with guns in order to protect their illegal drug product and cash, and enforce their illegal operations.
Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug. Meth users typically smoke, snort, or inject it with a needle, often directly into their bloodstream. It causes users to become euphoric and highly energized and agitated, sometimes staying awake for several days at a time. This high is followed by a tremendous crash that can lead to days of sleeping. Methamphetamine is extremely addictive, and many users report feeling hooked after one use. Much of the violence, as well as burglaries and other property crimes, occurring in South Dakota has a direct connection to methamphetamine dealers and users.
The methamphetamine that is present in South Dakota is extremely potent and high in purity — almost 100% pure in most cases. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) experts say that this indicates that the methamphetamine was manufactured in criminal laboratories in Mexico and transported across the southern border of the United States. This methamphetamine is produced and controlled by drug cartels. Because this methamphetamine is so plentiful, it is incredibly cheap for drug dealers to buy it in bulk and break it up for distribution.
The majority of drug prosecutions in federal court in South Dakota are for methamphetamine. In the past month, in addition to the sentences announced today, three more federal criminal defendants in Sioux Falls received prison sentences of 10 years, 10 years, and 25 years, respectively, for their participation in large-scale methamphetamine conspiracies. These individuals were part of three separate drug distribution operations and each defendant was involved in distributing over one pound of methamphetamine in the Sioux Falls area. Each pound of methamphetamine provides over 1,000 doses (illegal uses) for typical methamphetamine users.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Sioux Falls Police Department; Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force; and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Deputy Criminal Chief John E. Haak of the U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case.
Morales has been in custody since his arrest, and was returned to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following the sentencing.
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.
Inland Empire Man who Impersonated ICE Agent and Possessed Destructive Devices Sentenced to Two Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – An Inland Empire man who impersonated an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent and who possessed multiple destructive devices was sentenced today to 24 months in federal prison.
Matthew Ryan Johnston, 26 of Fontana, was sentenced by United States District Judge Percy Anderson for possession of an unregistered destructive device.
Throughout 2017, Johnston used fake ICE badges and uniforms to falsely represent himself as an ICE agent to unsuspecting members of the public. On one occasion, Johnston used unauthorized red and blue police lights to chase another car, causing a traffic collision. In another incident, Johnston’s ex-girlfriend accidentally activated the red and blue police lights in Johnston’s car. When she was pulled over by a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department (SBSD) detective, Johnston spoke on the phone to the SBSD detective at the scene and pretended to be an ICE agent. Johnston further impersonated an ICE agent when he took a report from an individual about a potential undocumented person. Johnston also falsely identified himself as an ICE agent during several visits to the Déjà Vu Showgirls club in the City of Industry.
In October 2017, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Johnston’s residence, where they recovered a cache of weapons, illegal destructive devices, approximately 10,000 rounds of ammunition, a fake ICE identification card, body armor carriers with “ICE” and “Federal Agent” patches affixed to them, and red and blue police emergency lights.
Among the destructive devices recovered was a home-made, “slam-fire” device designed to shoot 12-gauge shotgun shells, as well as an AR-15-style .223-caliber rifle equipped with a 37-mm flare launcher. Using geo-coordinates from Johnston’s cell phone, federal agents subsequently searched open desert land, and discovered five unexploded or partially exploded improvised explosive devices (IEDs), an expended smoke grenade, an exploded container of a binary explosive, and the remnants of an exploded pipe bomb.
This case was investigated by ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility; ICE’s Homeland Security Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and the Bureau of Land Management.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Roger Hsieh and Julia Choe of the General Crimes Section.
ISIS Supporter Pleads Guilty to Terrorism Charges in MassachusettsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Adams man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Springfield in connection with a plot to engage in terrorist activity inspired by, and in the name of, ISIS.
Alexander Ciccolo, a/k/a Ali Al Amriki, 25, pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, one count of attempting to use weapons of mass destruction, one count of being a convicted person in possession of firearms, and one count of assaulting a nurse during a jail intake process by use of a deadly weapon causing bodily injury. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni accepted the plea and scheduled sentencing for Sept. 5, 2018. Ciccolo has been detained since his arrest in July 2015.
“Even though he was born and raised in Massachusetts, Alexander Ciccolo swore allegiance to ISIS and planned to kill innocent civilians in the United States on ISIS’s behalf,” said United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling. “Fortunately, someone who knew Ciccolo alerted law enforcement, and we were able to stop Ciccolo before he tried to kill anyone. There are a few lessons here: the threat of “homegrown” radicalization and terror continues, and we are safest when we work together to spot and contain these threats. I applaud the outstanding work of the Joint Terrorism Task Force and other law enforcement agencies that investigated and ultimately stopped Ciccolo, and the prosecutors who brought this case to conviction.”
“Homegrown violent extremists pose a serious danger to innocent Americans,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “Not only did Ciccolo admit to supporting ISIS, but he also collected weapons and explosives in order to further its goal: the murder of Americans. Thanks to the hard work and collaboration of all involved, his plans were thwarted. Today’s successful outcome is proof that we will not waver in our commitment to hold accountable those who break our laws and put American lives at risk.”
“Mr. Ciccolo is finally accepting responsibility for concocting an elaborate and frightening plot to engage in terrorism on behalf of ISIS,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office.” Any material support of a terrorist organization threatens our national security, and had Mr. Ciccolo's efforts to advance his agenda not been thwarted by the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force, countless lives could have been lost in a lethal terrorist attack. This case is a testament to the tireless efforts of the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force which remains committed to detecting, thwarting, and bringing to justice individuals like Mr. Ciccolo who seek to provide material support to and fight on behalf of designated foreign terrorist organizations.”
On July 4, 2015, Ciccolo received four firearms which he had ordered from a person who was cooperating with law enforcement, and who had been communicating with Ciccolo about his plans to engage in a terrorist act. Ciccolo was arrested immediately after receiving the firearms, which included a Colt AR-15 .223 caliber rifle, a SigArms Model SG550-1 556 rifle, a Glock 17-9 mm pistol, and a Glock 20-10 mm pistol. Ciccolo had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by more than a year in jail and therefore was prohibited from possessing firearms.
Ciccolo, a supporter of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL or ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization, had spoken with a cooperating witness in recorded conversations about his plans to commit acts of terrorism inspired by ISIS, including setting off improvised explosive devices, such as pressure cookers filled with black powder, nails, ball bearings and glass, in places where large numbers of people congregate, like college cafeterias. Prior to his arrest, agents had observed Ciccolo purchase a pressure cooker similar to that used in the Boston Marathon bombings.
During a search of Ciccolo’s apartment after he was arrested, several partially constructed “Molotov cocktails” were recovered. These incendiary devices contained what appeared to be shredded Styrofoam soaking in motor oil. Ciccolo had previously stated that this mixture would cause the fire from the exploded devices to stick to people’s skin and make it harder to put the fire out.
Shortly after his arrest, while he was being processed at the Franklin County Correctional Center, Ciccolo stabbed a nurse with a pen more than 10 times, leaving a bloody gash on the top of the nurse’s head.
The charge of attempted provision of material support to a foreign terrorist organization provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. The charge of being a prohibited person in possession of firearms provides a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of assault with a dangerous weapon causing bodily injury provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Ciccolo and the United States have agreed to a sentence of 20 year in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Lelling; Assistant Attorney General Demers; and FBI SAC Shaw made the announcement today. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Springfield, Ludlow, Holyoke, West Springfield, Easthampton, and Pittsfield Police Departments; the Massachusetts State Police, and Homeland Security Investigations, with critical assistance from the Adams Police Department and the Massachusetts State Regional Hazardous Materials Response Team.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Deepika Bains Shukla and Kevin O’Regan of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office and Trial Attorney Andrew Sigler of the Justice Department’s National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.
IAH Baggage Handler Admits to Stealing Police Officers’ GunsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 22-year-old Houston resident has pleaded guilty to stealing guns that belonged to three police officers who were traveling out of George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Mack Stewart, 22, entered a plea of guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan.
On Oct. 4, 2017, three officers with the Bellevue, Washington, Police Department had flown from Houston to Seattle on United Airlines. Upon their arrival back in Washington, they noticed and reported their service weapons had been stolen.
Approximately one month later, authorities had pulled Stewart over for a traffic violation, at which time he was found in possession of one of the three stolen guns. Stewart later admitted he stole the guns while he was as a contract employee working at Bush Airport as a baggage handler.
Chief U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal will impose sentencing on Sept. 11, 2018. At that time, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, FBI and the Houston Police Department are conducting the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Brown IV is prosecuting the case.
Honduran Drug Kingpin Sentenced to Life in PrisonRead the Press Release
Honduran national Sergio Neftali Mejia-Duarte was sentenced today to life in prison for his involvement in a large-scale international narcotics transportation organization.
U.S. Attorney Benjamin G. Greenberg for the Southern District of Florida; Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; and Special Agent in Charge Adolphus P. Wright of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Miami Field Division, made the announcement.
On January 9, 2018, a Miami jury found Mejia-Duarte, 41, guilty of conspiring to distribute over five kilograms of cocaine with the knowledge that the cocaine would be unlawfully imported into the United States. The evidence at trial, which included the testimony of multiple co-conspirators and pictures from a seizure of over 2,000 kilograms of cocaine, showed that defendant Mejia-Duarte led a large-scale international narcotics transportation organization based in Honduras and Guatemala that was part of a distribution chain spanning from Colombia to Mexico and the United States. In that role, Mejia-Duarte and his workers secretly received multi-hundred kilogram quantities of cocaine from Colombia and Panama, temporarily stored the narcotics in Honduras or Guatemala, and then transported the narcotics onward, typically northward, including into Mexico.
Mejia-Duarte used go-fast boats, helicopters, and airplanes to operate his shipping route and, as witnesses detailed at trial, much of the cocaine was supplied to the Sinaloa Cartel led by Joaquin Guzman Loera, also known as “Chapo,” and Ismael Zambada, also known as “Mayo.” Based on the witnesses’ trial testimony and documents submitted in the case, Mejia-Duarte is responsible for trafficking at least an estimated 20,000 kilograms of cocaine. In operating his criminal network, the witnesses described how Mejia-Duarte carried guns, employed bodyguards and assassins, and engaged in a bloody war with a rival trafficker. During Mejia-Duarte’s arrest, Honduran law enforcement officers found a Glock pistol and an automatic rifle in the closet of the bedroom where he was residing.
“The life sentence imposed upon Mejia-Duarte ends the reign of a ruthless drug trafficker,” said U.S. Attorney Greenberg. “Backed by the united front of our international allies, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida will continue to strip the drug traffickers of their power and dismantle the trafficking organizations that cross our borders and infect our communities with illicit narcotics.”
“Until his arrest, Sergio Neftali Mejia-Duarte was a violent and prolific drug trafficker whose criminal organization supplied cocaine to the Sinaloa Cartel, knowing full well that the poison would make its way to our streets,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Cronan. “Today’s sentence reflects the unwavering commitment of the Department of Justice to prosecute those who fuel our drug crisis by sending illegal narcotics across our borders. I especially thank our law enforcement partners in Honduras and Colombia for their assistance in bringing Mejia-Duarte to justice.”
“The DEA Miami Field Division is very pleased with the deserving sentence given to Mejia-Duarte today,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Wright. “This adjudication is evidence of the strong partnership with our international law enforcement partners who also sacrifice much to strike down and bring to justice all those who willingly engage in dangerous and criminal acts against the United States which threatens the welfare of its citizens.”
The prosecution was part of Operation Hollow Point, which is a result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The OCDETF mission is to identify, investigate, and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking enterprises, bringing together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state, and local law enforcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Walter M. Norkin and Joseph Schuster of the Southern District of Florida and Assistant Deputy Chief Michael Lang of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section (NDDS) prosecuted this case.
The governments of Honduras and Colombia, the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs and DEA Division Offices in Honduras and Colombia assisted in obtaining the conviction against Mejia-Duarte.
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.
Honduran Drug Kingpin Sentenced to Life in PrisonRead the Press Release
Honduran national Sergio Neftali Mejia-Duarte was sentenced today to life in prison for his involvement in a large-scale international narcotics transportation organization.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Benjamin G. Greenberg for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Adolphus P. Wright of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Miami Field Division, made the announcement.
On Jan. 9, a Miami jury found Mejia-Duarte, 41, guilty of conspiring to distribute over five kilograms of cocaine with the knowledge that the cocaine would be unlawfully imported into the United States. The evidence at trial, which included the testimony of multiple co-conspirators and pictures from a seizure of over 2,000 kilograms of cocaine, showed that defendant Mejia-Duarte led a large-scale international narcotics transportation organization based in Honduras and Guatemala that was part of a distribution chain spanning from Colombia to Mexico and the United States. In that role, Mejia-Duarte and his workers secretly received multi-hundred kilogram quantities of cocaine from Colombia and Panama, temporarily stored the narcotics in Honduras or Guatemala, and then transported the narcotics onward, typically northward, including into Mexico.
Mejia-Duarte used go-fast boats, helicopters, and airplanes to operate his shipping route and, as witnesses detailed at trial, much of the cocaine was supplied to the Sinaloa Cartel led by Joaquin Guzman Loera, also known as “Chapo,” and Ismael Zambada, also known as “Mayo.” Based on the witnesses’ trial testimony and documents submitted in the case, Mejia-Duarte is responsible for trafficking at least an estimated 20,000 kilograms of cocaine. In operating his criminal network, the witnesses described how Mejia-Duarte carried guns, employed bodyguards and assassins, and engaged in a bloody war with a rival trafficker. During Mejia-Duarte’s arrest, Honduran law enforcement officers found a Glock pistol and an automatic rifle in the closet of the bedroom where he was residing.
“Until his arrest, Sergio Neftali Mejia-Duarte was a violent and prolific drug trafficker whose criminal organization supplied cocaine to the Sinaloa Cartel, knowing full well that the poison would make its way to our streets,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Cronan. “Today’s sentence reflects the unwavering commitment of the Department of Justice to prosecute those who fuel our drug crisis by sending illegal narcotics across our borders. I especially thank our law enforcement partners in Honduras and Colombia for their assistance in bringing Mejia-Duarte to justice.”
“The life sentence imposed upon Mejia-Duarte ends the reign of a ruthless drug trafficker,” said U.S. Attorney Greenberg. “Backed by the united front of our international allies, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida will continue to strip the drug traffickers of their power and dismantle the trafficking organizations that cross our borders and infect our communities with illicit narcotics.”
“The DEA Miami Field Division is very pleased with the deserving sentence given to Mejia-Duarte today,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Wright. “This adjudication is evidence of the strong partnership with our international law enforcement partners who also sacrifice much to strike down and bring to justice all those who willingly engage in dangerous and criminal acts against the United States which threatens the welfare of its citizens.”
The prosecution was part of Operation Hollow Point, which is a result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The OCDETF mission is to identify, investigate, and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking enterprises, bringing together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state, and local law enforcement.
Assistant Deputy Chief Michael Lang of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section (NDDS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Walter M. Norkin and Joseph Schuster of the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.
The governments of Honduras and Colombia, the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs and DEA Division Offices in Honduras and Colombia assisted in obtaining the conviction against Mejia-Duarte.
Heroin Dealer Responsible for Overdose Death Sentenced to 23 YearsRead the Press Release
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Darius Jermaine Blakemore, a/k/a Tank, 29, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, was sentenced by the Honorable Harry S. Mattice, Jr., United States District Judge, to serve 23 years in prison for his role in a heroin distribution conspiracy resulting in death. Upon his release from prison, Blakemore will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.
Blakemore pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin resulting in death, distribution of heroin resulting in death, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute crack, and possession with intent to distribute heroin. His guilty plea was entered on the second day of his trial for the same offenses.
According to his plea agreement on file with U.S. District Court and proof presented at his trial, in February 2016 Blakemore sold a gram of heroin to Jessica Rachels in the parking lot of a McDonald’s in Chattanooga. After Rachels arrived at the McDonald’s parking lot, Blakemore gave the heroin to one of his runners, Joshua Corbett, who delivered the heroin to Rachels. Rachels gave a portion of the heroin she received from Corbett to Logan Whiteaker, 24, of Red Bank, Tennessee, who drove her to purchase the drugs. A family member found Whiteaker dead the next morning on the bathroom floor of his Red Bank residence with a hypodermic needle clutched in his hand. A container on the bathroom counter had .64 grams of heroin inside. Whiteaker had graduated from Hamilton County Drug Court less than 24 hours prior to his death.
Rachels and Corbett were also charged with distribution of heroin resulting in death. Like Blakemore, both pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin resulting in death and were each sentenced to serve 10 years in prison. Upon their release, they will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.
“Heroin has proven to be a deadly poison that does not discriminate,” said J. Douglas Overbey, U.S. Attorney, Eastern District of Tennessee. “Its victims span gender, race, age, and economic background, and its debilitating effects are the same across all demographics. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heroin deaths have now surpassed gun homicides. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will not stand idle as the death toll continues to rise. We will use all of the tools available to us to hold drug dealers like Blakemore accountable for their actions,” added U.S. Attorney Overbey.
Federal law provides enhanced penalties for drug dealers who distribute controlled substances that lead to overdose deaths, including a 20-year mandatory minimum sentence.
”The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and their Task Force partners from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Red Bank Police Department, Chattanooga Police Department, and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation will investigate and pursue overdose deaths in Southeast Tennessee to the fullest extent of the law. The sentencing of Darius Blakemore stands as an example of this coalition’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable elements of our community from the persistent threat of heroin,” said John McGarry, Resident Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, Chattanooga.
Law enforcement agencies participating in the joint investigation that led to the charges in this case include the Drug Enforcement Administration, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Chattanooga Police Department, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Tennessee Highway Patrol, and Red Bank Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Porter and Scott Winne represented the United States in court proceedings.
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Getaway Driver for Opioid Bandits in Brooklyn Sentenced to 10 Years’ ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Jeff Roselien was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment by Chief United States District Judge Dora L. Irizarry for his role in four gunpoint robberies of pharmacies. Roselien had previously pleaded guilty on November 15, 2017 to Hobbs Act robbery conspiracy and brandishing a firearm during the conspiracy. On August 4, 2017, co-conspirator Wensley Paul was sentenced to 108 months’ imprisonment; on January 25, 2018, Gregory St. Juste was sentenced to 100 months’ imprisonment; and on April 12, 2018, Max Narcisse, Jr. was sentenced to 117 months’ imprisonment following their guilty pleas to the same charges.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the sentences and guilty pleas.
“In a matter of weeks, the defendants committed numerous gunpoint robberies of pharmacies in Brooklyn, terrorizing the employees and stealing powerful opioids to resell them on the street,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “The defendants have now been held accountable for contributing to the deadly opioid epidemic and endangering the community. This Office, together with our law enforcement partners, will continue to vigorously prosecute those who seek to profit from this epidemic.” Mr. Donoghue thanked the Special Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and New York City Police Department Detectives assigned to the ATF Joint Robbery Task Force for their outstanding work on the case.
According to court filings and statements, in August and September 2016, the defendants and their co-conspirators conducted a series of gunpoint robberies of pharmacies in Brooklyn. On August 16, 2016, two co-conspirators entered the Mill Basin Pharmacy on Avenue T. While inside, the perpetrators held the store employees, one of whom was pregnant, at gunpoint in a back room. The robbers made off with over $4,000 in prescription pills and merchandise and escaped in a car driven by Roselien. On September 8, 2016, St. Juste and a co-conspirator entered This Way Pharmacy on Quintin Road. Inside the store, the robbers brandished a firearm, stole oxycodone pills and cash and fled in a getaway car driven by Roselien. On September 13, 2016, St. Juste and two co-conspirators entered the Living Word Pharmacy located on Utica Avenue. The robbers made off with oxycodone pills, employees’ cell phones and cash, and left in a getaway car driven by Roselien.
On September 26, 2016, St. Juste, Paul and Naricisse robbed the Mill Park Pharmacy on Avenue U. Upon entering the pharmacy, St. Juste pulled out a firearm and forced a store clerk to go behind a counter, demanding to know where the “oxy” was and threatening to shoot the clerk. The three men fled in a car driven by Roselien. Shortly after the perpetrators left the scene, NYPD officers recognized Roselien’s car from the prior robberies and pulled it over, arresting the four defendants. Upon searching the car, officers recovered a loaded, stolen .45 caliber pistol, as well as cash and the stolen merchandise.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section. Assistant United States Attorney Keith D. Edelman is in charge of the prosecution.
Defendant Sentenced Today:
JEFF ROSELIEN
Age: 31
Brooklyn, New YorkDefendants Previously Sentenced:
MAX NARICSSE, JR.
Age: 25
Brooklyn, New YorkGREGORY ST. JUSTE
Age: 21
Brooklyn, New YorkWENSLEY PAUL
Age: 25
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 16-CR-554 (DLI)
Franklin, Tennessee Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges in Natchez Trace Hit & RunRead the Press Release
Marshall Neely III, 59, of Franklin, Tennessee, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to reckless aggravated assault; lying to a federal agent; and obstruction of justice, announced U.S. Attorney Don Cochran for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Neely was indicted on July 28, 2017, after he struck and injured a bicyclist with his vehicle while driving on the Natchez Trace Parkway on July 8, 2017. After striking the bicyclist, Neely failed to stop and left the scene.
According to court documents, on the morning of July 8, 2017, two individuals were riding their bicycles on the Natchez Trace Parkway when one was struck from behind by a black Volvo SUV. The impact knocked the rider to the ground and destroyed the bicycle. The bicyclist sustained injuries and was transported to Williamson County Medical Center by ambulance. The other bicyclist had a helmet-mounted camera which recorded the collision, as well as the Volvo driving away from the scene. The video of this incident was later posted online and contained a visible license plate and other decals which subsequently led to the identification of the vehicle and its driver, Marshall Neely III.
That same evening, law enforcement officers arrived at Neely’s house and found him unconscious on the floor. Neely later admitted that he had been driving on the Natchez Trace Parkway earlier in the day and claimed someone threw a bicycle at his car. He also admitted that after seeing the video posted online, he removed the decals from the rear window of his car because he knew the decals would lead to his identification.
According to the plea agreement, Neely agrees to accept a term of imprisonment of 10 months, to be followed by 3 years supervised release, when he is sentenced on August 17, 2018. The agreement also calls for Neely to pay $1,210.00 in restitution to the victim.
This case was investigated by the National Park Service and the Williamson County Sheriff’s Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Beth Myers.
Former high school assistant coach from Toledo sentenced to more than seven years in prison for child pornography crimesRead the Press Release
A former high school football assistant coach from Toledo was sentenced to more than seven years in prison for receiving and sharing images of child pornography.
Russell Smith, 51, was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison. He previously pleaded guilty to one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography.
“These are cases with real victims, children whose lives will be forever changed because adults assaulted and violated them,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “We will continue to work to prosecute those who re-victimize these children by sharing and downloading these images.”
Smith received numerous images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This took place between at least March 15 and August 10, 2017. He also possessed more than 20 computer files and images of children, some as young as eight years old, being sexually abused and/or raped, according to court documents.
Smith also had at least six Skype accounts where he pretended to be a young teen girl while messaging men all over the world about sex, according to court documents.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Sylvania Police Department. It is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Ballard Tangeman.
Former Investment Adviser Sentenced to Prison for $6 Million FraudRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A former investment adviser in Chesapeake was sentenced today to 12 1/2 years in prison for orchestrating an investment scheme that caused his clients to lose over $6 million.
According to court documents, Roger Odell Hudspeth, II, 49, was an investment adviser and sole owner of Dominion Investment Advisors, LLC. Hudspeth, along with other associates, sold fraudulent, unregistered securities to his clients. Hudspeth performed inadequate due diligence into the fraudulent investment offerings and concealed that the offerings were created, offered, and controlled by his associate, who previously had been banned by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) for fraudulent activities.
As part of the scheme, Hudspeth and others held social security maximization seminars to obtain clients who were often in or near retirement. Hudspeth steered investors to investment offerings that were highly speculative, illiquid, and high risk by making material misrepresentations and omissions. Hudspeth’s clients lost over $6 million as a result of the securities fraud scheme, and Hudspeth received over $700,000 in ill-gotten gains, including $20,000 that he used to put a down payment on a Range Rover.
In early 2016, the Virginia State Corporation Commission entered a judgment order against Hudspeth revoking his licenses, permanently closing Dominion Investment Advisors, LLC, and prohibiting Hudspeth from engaging in any investment advisory activities in the future.
Tracy Doherty-McCormick, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Martin Culbreth, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, Kelly R. Jackson, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Washington, D.C. Field Office, IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and Joseph Cronin, Acting Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert G. Doumar. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melissa E. O’Boyle and Elizabeth M. Yusi prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:17-cr-122.
- Former Insider Convicted of Defrauding Baton Rouge Company
Former Hamden Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Steroid Distribution ChargeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRYAN KELLY, 46, of East Haven, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of possession with intent to distribute anabolic steroids.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in December 2017, the Statewide Narcotics Task Force West conducted a court-authorized search of an individual’s residence in Hamden and seized approximately 25,000 pills and 530 vials of anabolic steroids. Subsequent analysis of the individual’s cell phone revealed numerous text messages relating to KELLY’s purchase and redistribution of steroids. At the time of the search, KELLY was a police officer with the Hamden Police Department.
The investigation revealed that KELLY purchased steroids from his source of supply since approximately October 2016. He personally used some of the steroids and distributed some to friends and colleagues.
The offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $500,000. A sentencing date is not scheduled.
KELLY is released on a promise to appear pending sentencing. He has retired from the Hamden Police Department.
This matter is being investigated by the Connecticut State Police, Statewide Narcotics Task Force West, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah P. Karwan with the assistance of the State’s Attorney for the New Haven Judicial District.
Former Fresno Bank Manager Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Bank Fraud and EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. —Sylvia Ochoa, 35, of Selma, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd to 18 months in prison for embezzlement from a financial institution, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, Ochoa was the branch manager at the Bank of America’s Fresno branch at 4445 E. Tulare Street. On multiple occasions between March 2013 and October 2013, Ochoa prevented other bank employees from counting the cash in the vault located in the branch. She would then enter the vault after the branch was closed and remove cash to spend on personal expenses. Ochoa also made fraudulent counter credits and transfers into accounts over which she had control, including two accounts she opened in the name of her boyfriend. The money was then spent on personal expenses and items, including a truck, casino gambling, and expensive handbags. Ochoa embezzled at least $165,850 from Bank of America during this time.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael G. Tierney prosecuted the case.
Former Construction Manager Pleads Guilty to Embezzling More than $3.4 MillionRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 42-year-old Houston man has admitted to wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering to steal millions from Dallas company The Beck Group, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Moses Said was a former construction manager for the Beck Group and was in charge of the Le Meridien Hotel Project in downtown Houston from 2016 to 2017. False invoices were submitted to the Beck Group for payment for construction products that were not provided and construction services that were not performed. In his role as construction manager, Said approved and submitted the false invoices for payment.
Once the monies were received, Said and his co-conspirators took steps to conceal and disguise the nature and source of the unlawful fraud proceeds.
Sentencing has been set for Sept. 17, 2018, before U.S. District Judge Vanessa Gilmore, at which time Said faces up to 20 years in prison.
He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Vernon Lewis is prosecuting the case.
Former Brinks Employee Convicted of Armed Robbery and Conspiracy to Rob Armored TrucksRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: On Thursday, May 17, 2018, following a four-day trial before U.S. District Judge Lisa Godbey Wood, a federal jury convicted Savannah residents Joshua Scott, 22, and Victor Natson, 27, of conspiring to interfere with interstate commerce by robbing armored trucks. Natson was also convicted of aiding and abetting robbery, attempted robbery, and the discharge and brandishing of firearms during crimes of violence. Scott was convicted of robbery and firearm brandishing charges.
According to the evidence presented at trial, during the summer of 2016, Natson recruited a multi-convicted felon and gang member, Gregory Lamar Plair, 33, to rob armored trucks operated by Brinks, Inc. in Savannah. After Natson encouraged Plair to commit the robberies with a firearm, Plair sought the assistance of his first cousin, Scott, who Plair knew had access to stolen firearms. At the time that the defendants hatched their plan, Natson had worked for Brinks as a truck driver for nearly two years. In furtherance of the conspiracy, Natson provided Scott and Plair with information about Brinks’ routes, personnel, and procedures. On October 14, 2016, Natson drove the robbers to the intersection of White Bluff Road and Tibet Avenue so that they could rob Brinks employees servicing a SunTrust ATM near that location. During the robbery, approximately $35,000 was stolen, and a semiautomatic pistol was discharged. Natson received a share of the money and drove the getaway car. On January 30, 2017, Scott and Plair attempted to rob a Brinks armored truck parked at a storage facility near the intersection of Abercorn Street and the Truman Parkway. Minutes before Scott and Plair approached the truck with two loaded guns drawn, Natson sent a text message to Plair instructing him to “look for the truck with old white guy in it,” referring to the 71-year-old Brinks driver who Natson had set up to be robbed. When Scott and Plair accosted the driver, another Brinks employee shot at and wounded both of the would-be robbers. Plair drove himself to St. Joseph’s Hospital for treatment; Scott was transported to Memorial Medical Center by ambulance. Both men were arrested shortly thereafter. A federal grand jury indicted Natson in June 2017 for his role in conspiring with and aiding and abetting Scott and Plair.
In August 2017, Plair pled guilty to federal robbery, attempted robbery, and firearm brandishing charges. Only Natson and Scott proceeded to trial. All three defendants are awaiting sentencing.
On the conspiracy, robbery, attempted robbery, and aiding-and-abetting charges, the defendants face terms of imprisonment of up to 20 years, fines of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. Scott and Plair also face at least seven years in prison for brandishing firearms during the January 2017 attempted robbery. For aiding and abetting the discharge and brandishing of firearms, Natson will be sentenced to not less than 35 years in prison, which must be served consecutively to any other sentence. Under federal law, each of the firearms offenses can be punished by life imprisonment, and parole has been abolished in the federal system.
United States Attorney Bobby L. Christine stated, “With inside information from Victor Natson, Joshua Scott and Gregory Plair thought armored cars easy targets. Because of their criminal acts Scott and Plair were both shot, and now will serve lengthy prison sentences. Victor Natson will go to prison for decades. The prosecution of these three predators should put all criminals on notice that the United States Attorney’s Office will ensure those who perpetrate violence will serve hard time.”
“The brazen nature of these armed robberies created extraordinarily dangerous situations, putting the lives of the victims, innocent bystanders, and the robbers own lives at risk,” said David J. LeValley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Because of the hard work of the FBI and its law enforcement partners, each of these suspects will serve lengthy prison sentences and will no longer be a threat to our hard working and innocent citizens.”
Mark Revenew, Interim Chief of the Savannah Police Department, said, “This prosecution and conviction portray the importance of our partnership with our federal law enforcement counterparts in eradicating dangerous individuals from our community.”
The investigation of Natson, Scott, and Plair’s crimes was led by FBI Southeast GA Violent Crimes Task Force and the former Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department. Various law enforcement agencies, including the Georgia Southern University Police Department Cyber Forensics Division, FBI Southeast Georgia Violent Crimes Task Force, FBI Cellular Analysis and Survey Team, U.S. Marshals Service, Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Division of Forensic Sciences, provided assistance.
Assistant United States Attorneys E. Greg Gilluly, Jr., and Theodore S. Hertzberg prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. For additional information, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422.
Flowood Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. - Micah Daniel McCree, 19, of Flowood, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan, III, to 24 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
On July 25, 2017, while seeking to arrest McCree on an outstanding warrant for armed robbery out of Lee County, Mississippi, members of the U.S. Marshals Service Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force encountered McCree at the New Way Halfway House in Jackson, Mississippi, sleeping on a bed. McCree was taken out of the bed and asked to verify his identity. After verifying his identity, McCree informed officers that there was a pistol under the mattress. Officers located a 9mm caliber pistol between the mattress and box spring of the bed where McCree had been sleeping. The pistol was loaded with ammunition in the magazine and a round in the chamber. Marshals also found a plastic bag with several loose rounds of 9mm ammunition alongside the pistol.
McCree was previously convicted in the Circuit Court of Rankin County for of Receiving Stolen Property and Burglary of a Commercial Building. He was sentenced to five years imprisonment with three years suspended for the felony offense of Receiving Stolen Property; and to seven years imprisonment with five years suspended and five years supervised probation for the felony offense of Burglary of a Commercial Building. McCree was on probation for this offense at the time of his arrest.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Keesha D. Middleton.
Florida Woman Sentenced for Lying About Former Husband’s Whereabouts During Fugitive InvestigationRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The ex-wife of a man who was a fugitive for 20 years until his arrest in April 2017, was sentenced today to probation for lying about the whereabouts of her former spouse.
Cecily Sturge, 70, of Delray Beach, Fla., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Patti B. Saris to one year of probation during which time she must complete four hours per week of community service and pay a fine of $1,000. In January 2018, Sturge pleaded guilty to making a materially false statement to a federal agent about the whereabouts of her ex-husband, Scott J. Wolas, who was a fugitive for 20 years in connection with a New York investment scheme until his arrest in April 2017. Wolas, who is charged with operating a fraudulent $1.7 million real estate investment scheme in Quincy, remains in custody while his case is pending.
According to court documents, a federal investigation into Wolas began in early September 2016 when Wolas fled Massachusetts after defrauding at least 19 investors of about $1.7 million in connection with his purported efforts to develop two Quincy properties, including the site of the former Beachcomber Bar. Sturge was interviewed by law enforcement on Nov. 17, 2016, at which time she stated that she had not been in contact with her ex-husband for approximately 15 years. Sturge continued to say that this was so, despite evidence of contact between her cell phone and one known to belong to Wolas that demonstrated more recent communication between the two.
Wolas was arrested on April 7, 2017, at a condominium he was renting in Delray Beach, Fla. Investigators learned that Wolas had first rented a room in the condo from Nov. 12 through Nov. 21, 2016, through an online rental website account in the name of Cecily Sturge. Messages exchanged between the condo owner and Sturge included a photo of Sturge and messages claiming that Wolas (using the name Cameron Sturge) was Sturge’s brother and a retired paleontologist in need of a place to stay. The owner of the condo told authorities that Sturge and Wolas arrived at the condo together in the same car on Nov. 12, 2016, five days before Sturge’s interview with law enforcement.
Sturge was divorced from Wolas in 2001 by default judgment in Palm Beach County, Fla. In February 2017, Sturge filed a petition to modify the judgment in order to obtain the contents of Wolas’ retirement account, which had a balance of approximately $647,000, from the New York law firm where he worked prior to being indicted in 1997 by New York authorities. In pleadings filed in February and March 2017 in that matter, Sturge swore that Wolas’ whereabouts were unknown to her, despite telephone records showing frequent contact between the two. Bank surveillance photos also showed the two of them together at a Florida bank where some of the pleadings were notarized. In addition, copies or drafts of documents filed in the Florida proceeding were found in the room and on a USB drive taken from the room where Wolas was arrested. The United States has obtained a court order freezing the retirement account until the resolution of the criminal proceedings.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; and Quincy Police Chief Paul Keenan made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra S. Bower of Lelling’s Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
Wolas is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Florida Truck Driver Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Neal Braden, age 61, of Kissimmee, Florida, pled guilty today to one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Janelle M. Miller, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Braden, who remains in custody pending his sentencing on September 28, 2018, faces a minimum sentence of 5 years of imprisonment and up to 20 years of imprisonment on the distribution count and up to 10 years of imprisonment on the possession count. Sentences of imprisonment may be concurrent or consecutive at the discretion of the Court. The Court will also impose a term of supervised release of between five (5) years and life, and Braden will be required to register as a sex offender.
As part of his guilty plea, Braden admitted that he downloaded videos of child pornography over the internet and that he possessed those videos on his laptop computer in his commercial truck when he was stopped by the New York State Police for failing to have the appropriate Highway Use Tax documentation displayed on his vehicle. A search of Braden’s laptop computer revealed that he possessed 19 videos depicting child pornography. Braden also pled guilty to an indictment pending in the Western District of Missouri that charged him with possessing child pornography in 2015.
This case was investigated by the New York State Police-Troop D, the Morgan County (Missouri) Sheriff's Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albany and Kansas City Field Offices. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey J. L. Brown (NDNY) and Ashley Turner (WDMO).
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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 https://www.justice.gov/psc.