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Monday 21 May 2018
Federal Jury Convicts Two Former Allegheny County Men on All Charges Related to Armed Robbery Spree and ShootingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – After deliberating less than one-half hour, a federal jury found Kahlil Shelton guilty of five counts of violating federal narcotics, robbery, and firearm laws and Deron Howell guilty of eight counts of violating federal narcotics, robbery, and firearm laws.
Shelton, age 23, formerly of Duquesne, Pennsylvania, and Howell, age 25, formerly of Swissvale, Pennsylvania, were tried before United States District Court Judge Billy Roy Wilson in Pittsburgh.
According to Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy Lanni and Jeffrey Bengel, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that on August 7, 2017, Howell and Shelton robbed two individuals of marijuana in a residential neighborhood in Cranberry, Pennsylvania, while using firearms. Howell and Shelton organized this robbery by telling the victim that they wanted to purchase approximately six pounds of marijuana. Howell, Shelton, and a third unknown accomplice then travelled to the victim’s house in Cranberry. Upon arrival, Shelton excused himself to go to the bathroom and returned from the bathroom holding a firearm that he pressed to the heads of both of the victims. At this time, Howell stole the marijuana from one of the victims. The second victim struggled with Shelton before attempting to flee from the house. Before the second victim could flee from the house, the third unknown accomplice shot the victim through the chest, but he survived.
Additionally, on July 27, 2017, Deron Howell, and two unidentified accomplices used firearms to rob four professional video game players of $6,700 dollars to be used at a video game tournament. Howell accomplished the robbery by picking up the four victims at the Pittsburgh International Airport in his silver Kia Optimum and driving them to the Lincoln-Lemington neighborhood of the City of Pittsburgh. After Howell locked the victims in the car, two unknown accomplices pulled the victims from the car and held them at gunpoint with an AK-47 and a pistol while Howell stripped the victims of their belongings, the $6,700 dollars, and their luggage. ATF and Pittsburgh Police were able to link the Cranberry incident to the City of Pittsburgh incident due to their similar styles.
“This case arose from a marijuana deal gone bad when the buyers attempted to rob the seller. Shots were fired and one of the participants was wounded. All of this occurred in a quiet Cranberry neighborhood,” stated U.S. Attorney Brady. “Project Safe Neighborhoods, the federal program to combat the illegal use of firearms, is designed to address exactly this type of violent criminal activity.”
Judge Wilson scheduled sentencing for October 1, 2018. Shelton faces a total maximum sentence of not less than seven years and up to life in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Howell faces a total maximum sentence of not less than 30 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Indicate relevant bond/detention information if known
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Cranberry Township Police Department, and the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the convictions in this case.
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.
Eagan Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Producing Pornographic Images of A Two-Year-Old GirlRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory G. Brooker today announced the sentencing of ELLIS SCOTT TOOLES, 31, to 25 years in prison for production of child pornography. TOOLES, who pleaded guilty on May 12, 2017, to one count of production of child pornography, was sentenced earlier today before Judge Susan Richard Nelson in U.S. District Court in Duluth, Minnesota.
“This defendant is a dangerous predator who ruthlessly sought to harm children,” said U.S. Attorney Greg Brooker. “Although no amount of prison time will erase the horrific crimes that were committed, the sentence handed down today will hopefully provide some sense of justice for the victims and others impacted by this defendant’s evil acts.”
“The defendant admitted to attacking and perversely taking advantage of the most vulnerable and innocent member of society,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Jill Sanborn. “Today’s sentence ensures that those victims will have the opportunity to grow up in a world where the defendant will not have the opportunity to harm anyone.”
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, on February 14, 2016, TOOLES engaged in sexually explicit conduct with a two-year-old victim and used a cell phone to record and distribute a video and images of the encounter. TOOLES also produced sexually explicit images and videos of 17-year-old victim.
According to court documents, TOOLES was arrested for distributing drugs in the Duluth area in June 2016. Following the arrest, TOOLES reached out to friends and family in the Twin Cities and asked them to retrieve his cell phone so he could access the phone numbers of certain individuals to help him post bail. While TOOLES’S friends and family accessed the phone, they uncovered the horrific video of TOOLES with an infant child in diapers, along with other sexually explicit text messages demonstrating the defendant’s clear intent to harm children. The friends and family turned the phone over to law enforcement.
This case is the result of an investigation led by the FBI, with assistance from the Eagan Police Department, the Apple Valley Police Department, the Burnsville Police Department, the Duluth Police Department, the Saint Louis County Attorney’s Office, and the Dakota County Attorney’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Laura M. Provinzino prosecuted the case.
Defendant Information:
ELLIS SCOTT TOOLES, 31
Eagan, Minn.
Convicted:
- Production of child pornography, 1 count
Sentenced:
- 300 months in prison
- 15 years of supervised release
- $5,000 in restitution
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Des Moines Man Sentenced to Prison for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, Iowa-- On May 18, 2018, Solomon Seth Currie, age 32, of Des Moines, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger to 352 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Currie was ordered to serve ten years of supervised release to follow his prison term.
Currie pleaded guilty to the charges on December 28, 2017. Currie admitted he was in possession of 2,149 grams of pure methamphetamine, a stolen Glock 27 .40 handgun, and $18,030 in cash during the execution of a search warrant at his Des Moines residence. Currie further admitted having a prior felony conviction for a controlled substance offense.
This investigation was conducted by the Des Moines Police Department and Mid Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Corpus Christi Man Convicted of Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 26-year-old Corpus Christi man has admitted he illegally distributed child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Clinton Ray Stevens acknowledged he uploaded the images to an internet chat room called “UNderAg3.”
In January 2017, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) reported to law enforcement that known images of child pornography had been uploaded online. Authorities were able to link the specific IP address associated with the account to Stevens.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence and seized several digital devices. A search of those devices resulted in the discovery of more than four videos and 575 images of child pornography. At that time, Stevens admitted to uploading the images.
Sentencing has been set before U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzalez Ramos on Sept. 11, 2018. At that time, Stevens faces not less than five and up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Upon completion of any prison term imposed, he also faces a maximum of life on supervised release during which time the court can impose a number of special conditions designed to protect children and prohibit the use of the internet.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Corpus Christi Police Department’s – Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted the investigation with the assistance of NCMEC.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hugo R. Martinez is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Clarksville Man Sentenced for Making False Statements to Obtain Subsidized Housing BenefitsRead the Press Release
Joseph Fulmore, Jr., 45, of Clarksville, Tenn., was sentenced today to serve three years on federal probation and to pay $17,210.70 in restitution for making false statements in order to obtain public housing benefits, announced U.S. Attorney Don Cochran of the Middle District of Tennessee. Chief U.S. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw, Jr., also ordered Fulmore to perform 120 hours of community service.
Fulmore was indicted on September 20, 2017, and pleaded guilty on February 2, 2018.
According to court records, on July 6, 2012, Fulmore made application to lease a public housing unit, operated and maintained by the Clarksville Housing Authority (CHA). Federal regulations mandate that applicants for public housing complete an application for admission and continued occupancy as part of an eligibility determination process, which includes disclosing all income, earnings and assets of individuals living in the unit.
Also in July 2012, Fulmore applied for and obtained an FHA loan to purchase a single family home. The loan application for this property listed income and assets not previously reported to the CHA, including a monthly beneficiary payment in the amount of approximately $2,800.00.
Fulmore subsequently purchased and moved to the single family home and lived there until April 2014. During this time, Fulmore continued to make the reduced rental payments for the public housing unit.
Court records also reflect that for each of the three subsequent years that Fulmore received the public housing benefits, he submitted annual certifications to the CHA, which falsely reported and concealed his true assets and household income, which allowed him to fraudulently receive the subsidized public housing unit.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie N. Toussaint prosecuted the case.
Chicago Man Guilty of Tax Fraud Scheme; Aggravated Identity Theft, $1.5 Million Allegedly Paid in Fraudulent Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – On Friday, May 18, Senior U.S. District Judge Michael M. Mihm found Clifton “Ty” Robinson, 44, of Chicago, guilty on all counts charged for his role in a tax fraud scheme that resulted in an alleged loss to the government of approximately $1.5 million. Judge Mihm presided over the bench trial which began on May 14.
During the five days of trial, the government presented evidence to the court that established that Robinson and others were responsible for filing more than 300 false federal income tax returns for the 2011 through 2014 tax years. While some individuals knowingly provided their identifying information for use in preparing the false returns, others had no idea how their information had been obtained. Evidence also established that some individuals sold their dependents’ information to Robinson for use on other individuals’ tax returns. Robinson used other members of the conspiracy to obtain identifying information of others and to provide “safe” addresses for the returns. Refunds from the fraudulent returns were deposited to bank accounts and prepaid debit cards controlled by members of the conspiracy.
As a result of the more than 300 false returns filed, Robinson and others claimed more than $1.8 million in refunds. Of the $1.8 million claimed, approximately $1.5 million was paid out by the U.S. Treasury.
Prior to trial, four additional defendants pleaded guilty to the conspiracy to defraud the government: Velma Robertson, 43, of La Grange, Ill.; and three defendants from Peoria, Ill.: Monique Bonner, 42; Brieanna Kinney-Bonner, 30; and Tawanda Davis, 36.
Robinson is currently in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. Sentencing for Robinson, Kinney-Bonner, and Davis is scheduled on Sept. 4. Sentencing for Robertson is set for July 25.
At sentencing, the statutory penalty for conspiracy to defraud the government is up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. In addition to the conspiracy count, Robinson faces statutory penalties for mail fraud (five counts) and wire fraud (eight counts) of up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count. The offense of aggravated identity theft (two counts) carries a mandatory two years in prison consecutive to any other term of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
The charges were investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Darilynn Knauss, Segev Phillips, and Kate Legge represented the government at trial.
Brothers Guilty in Relation to Robberies of Bank and River Oaks Jewelry StoreRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Two Houston brothers have pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting bank robbery, aiding and abetting the robbery of a jewelry store and related firearms charges, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Kendric Miller, 28, and his brother, Kenneth Glenn, 24, pleaded guilty for their roles in the robbery of the IBC Bank located on Montrose and DeBoulle’s Jewelry Store in River Oaks as well as brandishing a firearm during the IBC robbery.
Miller and Glenn stormed into the IBC Bank on June 9, 2016, with hoods, masks and firearms. The brothers demanded money from the tellers and for them to open the vault, during with time they held the tellers at gunpoint. Miller and Glenn both had firearms and were able to leave the bank with the money and enter a waiting stolen truck. Xavier Cain, of Houston, was driving the vehicle and also previously pleaded guilty to bank robbery for his role as the lookout and getaway driver.
Miller and Glenn also pleaded guilty to their involvement in the Sept. 13, 2016, robbery of the DeBoulle’s Jewelry Store. On that day, four males armed with hammers and a firearm rushed into the store. They began smashing the glass cases, managing to take jewelry, cufflinks and watches before getting into a grey Nissan waiting for them on the street. Miller and Glenn were lookouts during the robbery.
U.S. District Judge Nancy H. Atlas accepted the pleas today and set sentencing for September 2018. At that time, they face up to 25 years for the bank robbery and 20 years for the robbery of DeBoulle’s. They also face a minimum of seven years for the firearms charge which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed.
They will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Law enforcement officers with FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Houston Police Department conducted the investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill Stotts is prosecuting the cases.
This is an example of coordination between law enforcement who are part of the Houston Law Enforcement Violent Crime Initiative which combines personnel and resources from numerous federal, state and local agencies. The goal is to proactively fight and reduce violent crime across the Greater Houston area by targeting the region’s most violent offenders, augmenting investigative and prosecutorial efforts and enhancing training, public awareness and education.
Biloxi Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Federal Prison for MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Terrence Bernard Williams, 50, of Biloxi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 217 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Thomas Annello, Acting Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans. Williams was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine.
Agents with Homeland Security Investigations received information that Williams and his girlfriend, Andrea Sawyer, were distributing multiple ounces of methamphetamine in Biloxi, Mississippi. On November 1, 2017, a confidential source made contact with Sawyer and discussed purchasing 6 ounces of methamphetamine in exchange for money. Sawyer met with the confidential source, and upon her arrest, agents located six ounces of methamphetamine. A search warrant was executed at the Williams’ apartment in Biloxi. During the execution of the warrant, agents located more methamphetamine, marijuana, cash and a stolen firearm. The confidential source stated that both Williams and Sawyer previously distributed methamphetamine on several occasions from the Biloxi apartment.
Williams pled guilty on January 18, 2018. Sawyer was sentenced on May 2, 2018, by Judge Ozerden to 160 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release, and she was ordered to pay a $10,000 fine.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn Van Buskirk.
Berkeley County residents sentenced for their roles in a drug distribution operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Berkeley County residents were sentenced today to a combined 42 months incarceration for their roles in a heroin distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
David Smeltzer, of Bunker Hill, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 18 months incarceration. Smeltzer, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin” in February 2018. Smeltzer admitted to selling heroin in Berkeley County in January 2017.
Shonna Marie Thomas, of Martinsburg, was sentenced today to 24 months incarceration. Thomas, age 33, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin” in February 2018. Thomas admitted to selling heroin in February 2017 in Berkeley County.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Berkeley County man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jarius Jovanghn Styles, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 36 months incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Styles, age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in February 2018. Styles, having previously been convicted of felonies in Virginia, illegally possessing a Rock Island Armory 10mm pistol. The crime occurred in June 2017 in Berkeley 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 Lara K. Omps-Botteicher 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.Baltimore Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Participation in MurderRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Baltimore, Maryland – United States District Judge Ellen L. Hollander sentenced Nathaniel Hillard, age 39, of Baltimore, Maryland today to 35 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, and discharging a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, which resulted in death.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Don A. Hibbert of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) - Baltimore Field Division; and Interim Police Chief Gary Tuggle of the Baltimore Police Department.
According to his plea agreement, Hillard distributed heroin in the Shipley Hill neighborhood of Baltimore. DEA's interceptions of communications confirmed that Hillard managed the day-to-day business for the organization, and supervised the street-level operation. Specifically, Hillard supervised "hitters," who sold heroin packaged in green-topped vials in the Shipley Park neighborhood. During the conspiracy, Donya Rigby, who worked for the organization and sometimes acted as a "lookout," was shot and killed by Aaron Daniels, another member of the organization, for failing to warn him that police were in the area, which led to Daniels’s arrest.
After Daniels’s arrest, between March 6, 2017 and March 17, 2017, law enforcement intercepted several calls between Daniels and various individuals, including Hillard, during which Daniels complained about Rigby and accused him of stealing $800 worth of drug proceeds.
On March 17, 2017, investigators intercepted a call between Daniels and Hillard, which captured communications about the murder of Rigby as well as the murder itself. During the call, Daniels described his location to Hillard. Hillard acted as a lookout for Daniels and provided instruction and logistical support, and encouraged Daniels to murder Rigby. Over the course of the call, the open line captured the sound of Daniels firing two shots at Rigby and fleeing the location. Rigby, who could be heard screaming in the background of the call, ultimately succumbed to the gunshot wounds.
In light of the murder, DEA agents arrested Hillard and Daniels on state narcotics charges. On March 20, 2017, investigators obtained search and seizure warrants for various locations associated with Hillard’s and Daniels’s drug trafficking organization, during the execution of which they recovered approximately 100 vials of heroin, over 350 grams of heroin, a digital scale, $10,234 and a firearm with an extended magazine.
Hillard admitted that he conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, and that the distribution of that quantity of heroin was reasonably foreseeable to him during the course of the conspiracy. Hillard also admitted that he knowingly participated in the murder of Rigby in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy, and that he was fully aware that Rigby was going to be killed.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur praised the DEA and the Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Wallner and Zachary Stendig, who prosecuted the case.
Arlene Hart Sentenced for Mail Fraud Relating to Cw-1 Applications for Foreign WorkersRead the Press Release
SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that defendant Arlene Hart was sentenced on by Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona for two counts of Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341. The convictions were based on the defendant’s participation in a scheme to defraud by submitting fraudulent documents to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) California Service Center in support of CNMI-Only Transitional Worker (CW-1) applications for workers from the Philippines. Hart forged the signatures of the workers on the contracts of employment submitted to USCIS, and declared that she had non-temporary, full-time work for the workers, which was not true. Defendant Hart was sentenced to eight months in prison plus four months of home confinement, one year of supervised release after incarceration, and 50 hours of community service.
United States Attorney Anderson stated, “The CW program was established to sustain the CNMI’s economy during the transition from the former CNMI foreign worker permit system to the U.S. immigration system. The program supplements the local workforce with qualified foreign workers during this ongoing transition period. However, it was never intended to be a de facto immigration status allowing aliens to seek out their own employment opportunities. Some employers have also been gaming the system by illegally charging workers recruitment fees, and operating illegal manpower agencies by petitioning USCIS for multiple alien workers without having actual jobs available for them. Allocating CW slots to workers without jobs harms the economy by depriving legitimate businesses of the workers they need. The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to pursue these cases as they come to our attention.”
Special Agents and Task Force Officers from the Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney James Benedetto prosecuted the case.
Andrews Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Possess Methamphetamine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
ALBANY: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Marcus Andrews, age 35, of Bristol, Florida, pled guilty on May 17, 2018 to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine before U.S. District Court Judge Leslie J. Abrams in Albany, Georgia. The plea subjects Mr. Andrews to a term of imprisonment of up to twenty (20) years, a fine of up to one million dollars, or both.
Mr. Andrews admitted the following facts in his guilty plea:
On November 2, 2016, agents were monitoring a court-authorized wiretap on a phone being used by Boris Fuller when they intercepted a series of text messages and phone calls regarding an order for methamphetamine placed by customers of an organization operating in Florida. Based on the content of these calls, agents conducted electronic and visual surveillance and conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Mr. Andrews.
A drug detection canine was deployed and showed a positive alert indicating the likely presence of narcotics. Mr. Andrews spontaneously stated, “There is dope in that car, it’s mine.” Officers searched the vehicle and located a white shopping bag containing crystal methamphetamine weighing approximately 15 ounces.
This case was investigated by agents of the Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office, Crisp County Sheriff’s Office, Tift County Sheriff’s Office, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Grady County Sheriff’s Office, Berrien County Sheriff’s Office, Leon County Florida Sheriff’s Office, Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Moultrie Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Georgia Department of Corrections, and Georgia Department of Community Supervision.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Alleged Mafia Soldier Pleads Guilty to Attempted Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
Earlier today, Salvatore Demeo, an alleged member of the Genovese organized crime family of La Cosa Nostra, pled guilty at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn to attempted tax evasion. At the guilty plea proceeding, Demeo admitted that he attempted to evade paying taxes on more than $1.6 million he earned in capital gains through a real estate transaction in 2014. As part of his guilty plea, Demeo agreed to pay the Internal Revenue Service $367,673, which represents the tax he owed for the 2014 real estate transaction and another one in 2013. Today’s plea took place before United States Magistrate Judge Vera M. Scanlon.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and James Robnett, Special Agent-in-Charge, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, New York (IRS-CI), announced the guilty plea.
As detailed in the indictment and other court filings, in two separate real estate transactions in 2013 and 2014, Demeo sold his shares in valuable real estate in Brooklyn, earning him more than $2 million in capital gains. Rather than report this income as he was required to do, Demeo took a series of measures designed to conceal the proceeds from the IRS. For example, he instructed his attorney to issue his shares to him in eight separate bank checks: three checks for the first transaction and five checks for the second transaction. In addition, the defendant enlisted the assistance of others to help conceal the funds. First, he endorsed two checks, amounting to $1 million, to a plumbing business, despite the fact that he has no apparent ownership interest in it, or other business relationship with it. Demeo endorsed another of the checks, in the amount of approximately $355,944, to an individual who operated an unlicensed check-cashing business, and withdrew approximately five cashier’s checks in smaller amounts, which were then cashed at licensed check-cashing establishments in exchange for a fee. As a result of Demeo’s fraud, the defendant avoided payment of federal taxes in excess of $365,000.
When sentenced, Demeo faces up to five years in prison, as well as a fine of up to $250,000.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Geddes is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
SALVATORE DEMEO
Age: 78
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 17-CR-545 (KAM)
Aiken Bank Officer Sentenced for Embezzlement and Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Columbia, SC - Carrie B. Caldwell, age 40, of Aiken, South Carolina, was sentenced to 27 months imprisonment for embezzlement by a bank officer, in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 656 and filing false tax returns in violation of Title 26, United States Code Section 7206(1). According to information presented during her guilty plea and sentencing, Caldwell was a branch manager for Regions Bank in Aiken. During her employment, Caldwell embezzled more than $600,000.00 from the bank and used the funds to pay for travel, a boat, and other luxury items. Caldwell evaded detection by stealing money from dormant bank accounts. Additionally, Caldwell failed to report hundreds of thousands of dollars in income to the Internal Revenue Service.
"The role of IRS, Criminal Investigation becomes even more important in embezzlement and fraud cases due to the complex financial transactions that must be unraveled," said Matthew D. Line, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Charlotte Field Office. "Those who cheat taxpayers by hiding their income and abuse their positions to enrich themselves at the expense of others will be held accountable." The Internal Revenue Service, working cooperatively with the Aiken Police Department and the United States Secret Service, investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney T. DeWayne Pearson of the Columbia office.
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Sunday 20 May 2018
Hobart Women Convicted After 5-Day Jury TrialRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Lucy Owens, age 41, of Hobart, Indiana was convicted late Friday night, on 7 counts of wire fraud, after a 5-day jury trial before District Court Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to records in the case, between 2010 and 2015, Owens diverted over $800,000 from her employer, a Hammond-based freight services company, through two schemes to defraud. In one scheme, Owens used her position as the company’s accounts payable clerk to fraudulently pay over $460,000 in personal credit card bills from the company’s bank account. Owens used the ill-gotten proceeds to pay for frequent family vacations, dining, clothing, jewelry, home improvements, and other items. In the second scheme, Owens used her position as the administrator of the company’s diesel fuel card program to help two individuals obtain over $330,000 unauthorized cash advances at truck stops. One of the individuals, Kirk Stroh, also from Hobart, Indiana, was a truck driver for a rival trucking company. Owens helped Stroh obtain over $290,000 in fraudulent cash advances at a truck stop in Lake Station, Indiana, in increments of $800 per day. Stroh, a co-defendant in the case, who previously pled guilty, split the proceeds with Owens.
Owens sentencing date is scheduled for October 3, 2018. Stroh is scheduled to be sentenced on September 6, 2018.
This case was investigated by the Hammond Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Abizer Zanzi and Nathaniel Whalen.
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Saturday 19 May 2018
Israeli National Sentenced for Cocaine Conspiracy and International Money Laundering ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Israeli national was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for conspiring to transfer $2.5 million worth of cocaine from Colombia to Israel via Boston and to money laundering charges.
Jalal Altarabeen, a/k/a Glal El Tarbin, a/k/a Jalal Salamah, a/k/a Abu Rasheed, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to four years in prison and three years of supervised release. The government previously administratively forfeited from Altarabeen nearly $1 million. In February 2018, Altarabeen pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine and six counts of international money laundering. In February 2017, Altarabeen was extradited from Poland after being indicted with a co-conspirator. Altarabeen and the co-conspirator were previously charged in a federal criminal complaint in March 2016.
From October 2015 to April 20, 2016, Altarabeen and his co-conspirator conspired in Boston, Colombia, Poland, and elsewhere to distribute 50 kilograms of cocaine and to launder money internationally. They also negotiated to buy 50 kilograms of cocaine from an undercover officer posing as a drug trafficker. The undercover officer’s relationship with the co-conspirator began in 2008 and included a meeting in Nicosia, Cyprus.
Altarabeen and the co-conspirator agreed to pay the undercover officer $50,000 per kilogram to have the cocaine delivered in Israel. The undercover officer told the conspirators that the cocaine would be transported from Colombia to Boston and from Boston to Beersheba, Israel. Altarabeen agreed to make an advance payment of nearly $1 million to cover transportation costs, and he sent six wire transfers from Turkey totaling $999,972 to an undercover bank account in Boston. The undercover officer and Altarabeen agreed that Altarabeen would pay the $1.5 million balance after the receipt and sale of the 50 kilograms of cocaine.
Over several months, the undercover officer spoke with Altarabeen and the co-conspirator by telephone, WhatsApp, video Skype and in person. They contacted the undercover officer using telephone numbers from Cyprus, Jordan, Israel, Palestine and Colombia, and discussed the drug transaction while in Bogota, Colombia, on Oct. 14, 2015, and Feb. 9, 2016.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration; Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; John Gibbons, United States Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Linda M. Ricci of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Friday 18 May 2018
Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOISE – Dawn Michelle Humphreys, 45, of Boise, was sentenced yesterday to 90 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. Senior U.S. District Court Judge Edward J. Lodge also sentenced Humphreys to serve five years of supervised release.
In September of 2017, a federal grand jury indicted Humphreys and three co-defendants for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana. The charges stemmed from an investigation that began in August of 2017. That month, police officers arrested one of Humphreys’ co-defendants at a Boise hotel. While in jail, the co-defendant arranged for the transportation of methamphetamine and marijuana from California to Idaho. On August 21, 2017, investigators in Cloverdale, California, observed Humphreys and one of her co-defendants leave for Idaho. Investigators in California stopped and searched the vehicle. During the search, investigators found 2.1 kilograms of methamphetamine, 3.7 kilograms of marijuana, a digital scale, packaging material, a police scanner, and a .22 caliber pistol.
Humphreys’ co-defendants have pleaded guilty, or will plead guilty, to federal charges in Idaho. One of Humphrey’s co-defendants, Chico Adame, was sentenced in Boise earlier this year to ten years in prison; another has pleaded guilty; and the third, is scheduled to enter a guilty plea on May 29th.
This case was the result of a joint investigation by Boise Police Department, Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office, and the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), includes the cooperative law enforcement efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; and U.S. Marshals Service. The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
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Wheeling man admits to cocaine distributionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Deandre L. Davis, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to distributing cocaine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Davis, age 27, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Davis admitted to selling cocaine near Riverview Towers in Wheeling in July 2017.
Davis faces up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Explosives and Firearms and the Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HITDA-funding initiative, are investigating.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr., presided.West Virginia Man Guilty of Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Johnnie Gresham, age 39, of Charleston, West Virginia, pleaded guilty on May 17, 2018, before U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, to producing and attempting to produce child pornography.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Gresham admitted that he persuaded a minor to take and forward to him videos and photographs of the minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Gresham committed the offense between April 2017 and June 2017, in Susquehanna County and elsewhere. Gresham used a cell phone and the internet to commit the crimes.
Judge Mariani ordered a presentence investigation to be completed. Sentencing will be scheduled after the presentence report is filed.
Gresham was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2017, as a result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 30 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. There is also a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Wencai Guo Sentenced for Harboring Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that defendant Wencai GUO was sentenced today by Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona for Harboring Illegal Aliens, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324(a)(1)(a). The conviction was based on his role in supervising and concealing from detection illegal workers who had entered the United States to work at the Best Sunshine Hotel and Casino construction site. Defendant GUO was sentenced to 18 months in prison, one year of supervised release after incarceration, and a $5,000.00 fine.
United States Attorney Anderson stated, “The parole system, whereby tourists from the People’s Republic of China may enter the United States without a visa and without participation in a visa-waiver program, has resulted in hundreds, if not thousands, of illegal workers in construction and various other positions of employment in the Northern Mariana Islands. The United States Attorney’s Office will pursue cases of harboring and employment of illegal aliens against employers and others engaging in this unlawful activity. People entering the CNMI under the parole system cannot lawfully work. We will therefore pursue illegal entry charges against workers who enter the United States posing as tourists. Those tourists overstaying their terms under the parole system should depart the CNMI at the earliest opportunity.”
Special Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney James Benedetto prosecuted the case.
Wasilla Man Indicted on Federal Wire Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that a Wasilla man has been indicted on federal wire fraud charges which arose from an alleged scheme that defrauded Alaska consumers.
Dmitry Kudryn, 32, of Wasilla, was named in the indictment charging him with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Kudryn’s arraignment hearing is scheduled for today at 3:30 p.m. before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Deborah M. Smith.
According to the indictment, from July 2014 to the present date, Kudryn allegedly participated in a scheme to defraud Alaska consumers by falsely representing furniture manufactured in China that he sold in Alaska as having been manufactured in Italy. Kudryn purchased hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of wholesale furniture from a manufacturer in China and would then offer that same furniture for sale in Alaska, primarily advertised on the Craigslist.com internet marketplace.
The indictment further alleges that, as part of the long-running scheme, Kudryn would mislead and induce consumers in Alaska by posting materially false Craigslist.com advertisements. Specifically, the Craigslist advertisements would falsely represent the furniture as “Italian leather furniture,” and that each unit was worth $4800 “shipped from the lower 48.” Kudryn would then arrange for the retail sale of the furniture to individuals in Alaska for approximately $2400 per unit, when in reality he allegedly purchased them for less than half that amount.
Anyone with further information, questions, or concerns regarding the activities of Dmitry Kudryn are encouraged to call Homeland Security Investigations in Anchorage at (907) 271-3104.
If convicted, Kudryn faces up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. Under federal sentencing statutes, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Warren Man Indicted, Arraigned for Allegedly Producing, Distributing and Receiving Child Pornography, Enticing a MinorRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Warren man previously charged by way of a federal criminal complaint with enticement of a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity and child pornography charges was arrested this morning and arraigned on a six-count federal grand jury indictment returned yesterday charging him with two counts of production of child pornography, and one count each of distribution, receipt and possession of child pornography, and enticement of a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity.
Christopher Kinney, 43, who first appeared in federal court on April 27 on the criminal complaint and was released on unsecured bond, today was ordered detained at his arraignment by U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan.
The indictment of Christopher Kinney is announced by United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel Ann C. Assumpico, and Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Michael S. Shea.
It is alleged in court documents that beginning on April 16, 2018, Kinney had a series of online communications with a person he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. It is alleged that he described his desire to meet with the teenager at a local mall where he would dress her in a diaper and, after walking her around the mall, would engage in illicit sexual activity with her in the mall or elsewhere. The person he was actually communicating with and with whom he arranged to meet with was a Rhode Island State Police Detective assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
Kinney was initially arrested at the mall on April 26. Inside of Kinney’s car law enforcement discovered, among other items, a diaper bag containing several diapers, a pacifier and baby bottle, condoms, candy and a canister of children’s bubble fluid. Seized from Kinney’s pocket was an Apple iPhone on which it is alleged in court documents that investigators identified at least fifty-six images of child pornography. In addition, investigators identified numerous times where Kinney allegedly shared and received images of child pornography. Investigators also identified numerous files of children allegedly being harshly punished and/or beaten.
Since Kinney’s initial arrest, a continuing investigation by HSI agents and members of the ICAC Task Force determined that between January 2011 and December 2013, Kinney allegedly used two minor children to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography, some of which he distributed to others.
An indictment is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted as charged in the federal indictment, Kinney faces statutory penalties of a mandatory minimum of 15 years up to 30 years imprisonment, mandatory special assessments of $5,100 and a fine of up to $250,000 on each charge of production of child pornography; a mandatory minimum of 10 years up to life imprisonment, mandatory special assessments of $5,100 and a fine of up to $250,000 on the charge of enticement of a minor to engage in prohibited sexual activity; a mandatory minimum of 5 years up to 20 years imprisonment, mandatory special assessments of $5,100 and a fine of up to $250,000 on the charges of distribution of child pornography and receipt of child pornography; and up to 20 years imprisonment, mandatory special assessments of $5,100 and a fine of up to $250,000 on the charge of possession of child pornography.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.
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Upshur County man admits to child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Buckhannon, West Virginia, man has admitted to a child pornography charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
James Andrew Smith, age 57, pled guilty today to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography.” Smith, having previously been convicted of possession of child pornography, admitted to having computer disks and other materials containing child pornography in his possession. The crime occurred in November 2015 in Upshur County.
Smith is facing up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided.U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont Recognizes Exceptional Work at its First Annual Law Enforcement Awards CeremonyRead the Press Release
Today, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont honored a number of individuals from a variety of agencies at its first Annual Law Enforcement Awards Ceremony. This ceremony was held at the federal building in Burlington, Vermont. Individual investigators were nominated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office Staff in a variety of categories for their outstanding work in supporting the Office’s justice mission. The recipients of the awards presented today represent federal, state, local and private agencies from Vermont, Maine, and Massachusetts. The specific categories and individuals recognized today are as follows:
Exceptional Contribution to a Federal Prosecution Award:
Awards in this category go to those who significantly impact law enforcement’s ability to: 1) arrest, apprehend and prosecute a subject of a federal investigation; 2) rescue and respond to victims; 3) develop cooperating witnesses; and/or 4) identify critical intelligence.Frank Thornton, Digital Forensic Expert, Blackthorn, Inc., nominated by U.S. Attorney Christina Nolan for work in U.S. v. Michael Foreste and U.S. v. John Jones.
Deb Jasinski, Computer Forensic Examiner, Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, nominated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara Masterson for work in U.S. v. Donald Boles.
Michelle Beard, Fiscal and Regulatory Analyst, Medicaid Fraud and Residential Abuse Unit, Vermont Attorney General’s Office, nominated by Civil Division Chief, Nikolas Kerest for work in the investigation and settlement with Dominion Diagnostics.
Investigative Excellence Award:
The recipients of these awards are those whose actions led directly to the arrest of a dangerous subject or to the exposure of a significant criminal or civil conspiracy. This nomination category is intended to recognize an individual for his or her specific acts separate and apart from a team of recipients.FBI Special Agent Michelle Delpha, nominated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Ophardt, for work in U.S. v. Paul Kickery, Sr., a case with connections to the District of Vermont and District of Missouri.
Det. Sgt. Erik Johnson, Brattleboro Police Dept., nominated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Ophardt, for work in U.S. v. Paul Kickery, Sr.
Special Agent Frank Italia, U.S. Department Of Transportation, Office of the Inspector General, Cambridge, MA, nominated by Civil Division Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Weathers-Lowin for work in Investigation and Settlement with J.A. McDonald Inc.
Outstanding Collaborative Investigation Award:
Award recipients have demonstrated outstanding efforts in collaboration with multiple agencies in order to meet the Justice mission of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.Special Agent Matthew Ekstrom, ATF Burlington, VT
Special Agent Matt Fasulo, U.S. Secret Service, Portland, ME
Special Agent Tim Hoffmann, DEA Burlington, VT
DEA Task Force Officer David Madore, DEA ME (Auburn PD, Auburn, ME)
DEA Task Force Officer Daniel Merchand, DEA Burlington, VT
Detective Corporal Jamie Morris, Burlington PD, Burlington, VT
Michael Ballback, Asset Forfeiture and Seized Property Branch, ATF Boston, MANominated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abigail Averbach, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Ophardt, and Paralegal Specialist Karen Arena-Leene for work in U.S. v. Sharif Cargo, et al.
U.S. Attorney Nolan stated:
We at the U.S. Attorney’s Office were so very honored today to host our First Annual Law Enforcement Awards Ceremony, an event at which we recognized – and will continue to recognize on a yearly basis going forward – the outstanding work of members of the Vermont justice community. Employees of the U.S. Attorney’s Office proudly handed out awards to, and sang the praises of, our outstanding law enforcement and investigative partners from around Vermont, as well as individuals from Maine and Massachusetts who have contributed to the justice mission in Vermont. We are so very fortunate to live in the Green Mountain State. Vermont is widely and rightfully regarded as an extraordinarily attractive place to reside. That is due, in no small part, to the tireless efforts of law enforcement at all levels to keep us safe. Quietly and consistently, they put themselves in harm’s way to protect our communities. They make decisions every day to stand on the front lines of our campaigns to combat violence, unlawful firearms activity, drug trafficking, and other dangerous crime. This is a tremendous daily sacrifice – on the part of officers, to be sure – but also on the part of their families and loved ones. We must never forget their heroic work and their daily sacrifice. The same praise is due to our investigative partners who represent crime victims, conduct forensic and intelligence analysis, unearth civil frauds, protect taxpayer dollars, and combat greed and misappropriation of public funds. They all have critical roles to play in the justice mission, and they and their families make extraordinary sacrifices. We in the Vermont justice community know that nothing can be accomplished without teamwork, shared strategic thinking, and pooling of resources. We will continue to collaborate closely in furtherance of the mission. We are so proud to honor our partners in justice, especially at this time – the end of National Police Week – a week in which the entire nation honors the dedication, loyalty, and commitment of police officers across the country.
Each recipient received an award letter from U.S. Attorney Christina Nolan as well as an engraved Department of Justice award commemorating their outstanding efforts. They were joined by colleagues, family, and friends at today’s ceremony.
Two Men Sentenced for Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Greenbelt, Maryland – On May 14, 2018, United States District Court Judge Paula Xinis sentenced Fredrico Bustos-Andrade, age 40, of Moreno Valley, California to 82 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division; and Chief Henry P. Stawinski III of the Prince George’s County Police Department.
According to his plea agreement, in or about November 2016, a confidential source (“CS”) cooperating with law enforcement was contacted by Co-conspirator A, using a Mexican telephone number, about a shipment of methamphetamine and heroin to Maryland. Co‑conspirator A told the CS that another individual would contact the CS about the shipment of methamphetamine and heroin. Co-conspirator A subsequently informed the CS that the narcotics transaction would be for methamphetamine only and would not include heroin.
Bustos-Andrade contacted the CS by telephone and stated that he was calling on behalf of Co-conspirator A. Bustos-Andrade and the CS spoke in Spanish and used coded language to refer to narcotics. Bustos-Andrade told the CS that another individual (later identified as Jose Alberto Pena, age 23, of Los Angeles, California) was going to fly to Maryland and provide the methamphetamine to the CS in Maryland.
On November 21, 2016, Bustos-Andrade sent the CS an SMS text message that contained Pena’s phone number and first name, “Jose.” Soon after Bustos-Andrade sent the text message, Bustos-Andrade called the CS and stated that Pena was in the area and would soon be calling the CS on Bustos-Andrade’s behalf. Bustos-Andrade also stated that the methamphetamine would be arriving in Maryland on the afternoon of Tuesday, November 22, 2016. The CS then called Pena, and Pena stated that he had just landed and would call the CS back soon. Later that day, Pena called the CS and confirmed that the methamphetamine would be arriving the next day, November 22, 2016.
On the morning of November 22, 2016, Bustos-Andrade called the CS and said that the methamphetamine had arrived in Maryland. Pena and the CS then communicated by phone and agreed to meet at a hotel in Largo, Maryland. Pena and the CS met at a nearby grocery store and then drove together to the hotel. Pena entered the hotel and then came back outside with a FedEx box. Pena put the box inside the CS’s vehicle and then entered the vehicle’s passenger side.
Agents arrested Pena and seized the FedEx box. Agents found within the FedEx box six bricks of methamphetamine wrapped in clear plastic packaging material. The six bricks contained 4,810 grams 100% pure d-Methamphetamine hydrochloride.
Shortly after Pena’s arrest, officers in Portland, Oregon conducted a traffic stop of Bustos-Andrade. Within Bustos-Andrade’s vehicle, officers found the cell phone that Bustos-Andrade had used to communicate with the CS.
Judge Xinis previously sentenced co-conspirator Jose Alberto Pena, age 23, to 70 months in prison, followed by three years supervised release, for the same offense.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur praised the DEA in Portland, Oregon and Los Angeles, California, the Prince George’s County Police Department, the Montgomery County Police Department, the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, the Portland Police Department, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection National Targeting Center, for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicolas A. Mitchell, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney John M. Pellettieri, who prosecuted the case.
Two Men Plead Guilty to Possessing Firearms in Furtherance of Marijuana TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOISE – Arcenio Sosa-Solorio, 27, of California, and Bonifacio Carlos-Tafolla, 24, also of California, pleaded guilty this week to possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced.
According to court records, both men traveled from California to Idaho to distribute 25 pounds of marijuana to an undercover police officer. On December 2, 2017, Carlos-Tafolla and Sosa-Solorio arrived in Idaho and met with the undercover officer in an empty parking lot. After the undercover officer signaled, other officers attempted to arrest the men. Carlos-Tafolla and Sosa-Solorio, both armed with handguns, fled from officers. Sosa-Solorio brandished a pistol as he fled. When the undercover officer threw Sosa-Solorio to the ground, Sosa-Solorio fired his handgun, nearly striking the officer. The officer knocked the gun out of Sosa-Solorio’s hands and arrested him. Officers found Carlos-Tafolla nearby. He said that he threw his pistol on the ground. Investigators found his loaded .40 caliber pistol nearby. Officers also found both men had approximately 35 pounds of marijuana in their vehicle.
The charge of possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute is punishable by up to five years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of three years. The charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime is punishable by a mandatory minimum five-year prison sentence up to life, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of five years. However, where a firearm is discharged, the mandatory minimum term of imprisonment is ten years.
Sentencings for both men are set for August 9, 2018, before Senior U.S. District Court Judge Edward J. Lodge at the federal courthouse in Boise.
This case was investigated by the Idaho State Police, the Twin Falls Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
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.
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Two Florida Residents Sentenced for Their Role in Mortgage Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew has sentenced Alejandro Tobon (35, Orlando) and Carlos Escarria (61, Largo) to 37 months and 18 months in federal prison, respectively, for conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud. They pleaded guilty on June 9, 2017.
According to court documents, from as early as October 2007 through May 2008, Tobon, Escarria, and others conspired to execute a bank and wire fraud scheme. The goal of the fraud scheme was to sell condominium units at The Preserve at Temple Terrace, a 392-unit condominium complex in Tampa. To entice buyers to purchase the units, the conspirators offered cash payments to buyers, either before or after closing. The mortgage lenders were not made aware of these payments. The conspirators used several entities to conceal from the mortgage lenders the cash payments to buyers.
The conspirators made false statements on loan documents, such as purchase and sale agreements and loan applications, and on HUD-1 settlement statements, to induce mortgage lenders to approve loans for otherwise unqualified borrowers for the condo unit purchases.
Tobon was the manager of Transcontinental Lending Group’s branch in Tampa and he was also the President of Tobon Marketing and Consultant. His role in the conspiracy included submitting false and fraudulent loan applications to financial institutions to induce them to provide funding for buyers to purchase Preserve units. He also marketed units to buyers with undisclosed incentives and transferred funds he had received from the developer through Tobon Marketing and Consultant to borrowers’ bank accounts who needed money to close on the purchases. The money was then used to provide the down payment and cash to close requirements.
Escarria worked as a loan officer at Transcontinental Lending Group’s branch in Tampa. He signed false and fraudulent loan applications to induce financial institutions into providing funding for buyers to purchase condo units. The false representations submitted to and relied upon by the mortgage lenders included occupancy, income, source of funds, and assets.
The mortgage lenders’ total losses resulting from Tobon’s and Escarria’s role in the mortgage fraud conspiracy are approximately $5.8 million.
This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Poor and Assistant United States Attorney Jay Hoffer.
Two District Men Sentenced to Prison Terms for Shooting at Southeast Washington Barber ShopRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Terrance Atchison, 22, and Barry Bloomfield, 29, both of Washington, D.C., were sentenced today to prison terms for a shooting at a barber shop in which a father and his 21-month-old child were injured. Atchison was sentenced to a 16 ½-year prison term, and Bloomfield was sentenced to an 18 ½-year term for their respective roles in the crime.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu and Peter Newsham, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Atchison and Bloomfield were found guilty by a jury in March 2018, of charges of aggravated assault while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed (of a minor), assault with a dangerous weapon, and related offenses. The verdicts followed a multi-week trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. They were sentenced by the Honorable Danya A. Dayson. Following their prison terms, they will be placed on five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, on Friday, Feb. 12, 2016, at approximately 1:40 p.m., three masked gunmen opened the doors of Wrenn’s Barber Shop, in the 1000 block of Eighth Street SE, and began firing a total of eight rounds. At the time of the shooting, the shop was bustling with customers, and the toddler and his father were waiting for a haircut. The father, who was holding his son, was shot three times, and one wound shattered his ankle. A bullet grazed the child’s leg. Witnesses observed the gunmen run to a waiting white sport utility vehicle just around the corner and flee.
Video surveillance showed the defendants getting into a white Toyota RAV 4 about 20 minutes before the shooting and travelling to the barber shop. The defendants were on GPS monitoring because they were on post-conviction supervision, and their tracks placed them directly in front of the barber shop at the time of the shooting, as well as mirrored the RAV 4’s travel to and flight from the barber shop.
Atchison was arrested on Feb. 17, 2016, and Bloomfield was arrested on Feb. 18, 2016. They have been in custody ever since.
In announcing the sentences, U.S. Attorney Liu and Chief Newsham commended those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged the work of those who handled the case at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa N. Walters and Thomas Saunders, who investigated the case, Paralegal Specialist Antoinette Sakamsa, Information Technology Specialist Leif Hickling, and Criminal Investigators Nelson Rhone and Melissa Matthews. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittany Keil and Melissa Jackson, who prosecuted the case.
Three Plead Guilty to Stealing and Unlawfully Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Omar DeJesus, age 31, of Amsterdam, New York; Dalmary Morales, age 37, of Schenectady, New York; and Juan Saez, age 35, of Rochester, New York, pled guilty yesterday to their respective roles in transporting firearms stolen from Target Sports, Inc., a federally licensed firearms dealer in Schenectady County.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Morales, as part of her plea, admitted that on October 23, 2017, she drove Christian Roman and Jose Fontanez to Target Sports and later helped them inventory more than 50 stolen firearms at her apartment in Schenectady.
DeJesus, a felon, admitted as part of his plea that he allowed Roman and Fontanez to store dozens of the stolen firearms at his residence and later helped them hide some of those firearms in a remote location. DeJesus subsequently sold one of the stolen firearms to another person for $700.
Saez, a felon, admitted as part of his plea that he transported Roman, Fontanez, and numerous stolen firearms from Amsterdam to Rochester.
DeJesus and Saez each face up to 20 years in prison, a maximum $500,000 fine, and up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release. Morales faces up to 10 years in prison, a maximum $500,000 fine, and up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
Roman, age 24, of Schenectady, was indicted earlier this month on charges that he stole firearms from Target Sports on October 22, 2017. According to the indictment, the stolen firearms included pistols, shotguns, and rifles. The indictment further alleges that Roman possessed, concealed, and stored the stolen firearms through November 1, 2017. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. Roman is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Fontanez, age 36, of Schenectady, pled guilty last month to stealing the firearms and other, related charges.
This case is being investigated by the ATF and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wayne A. Myers and Joseph A. Giovannetti.
Texas Man Sentenced on Drug and Money Laundering ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that on May 18, 2018, Javier Reyna, 37, of Alamo, Texas, was sentenced to 16 years (192 months) in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and an unspecified amount of cocaine and conspiracy to money launder. Following the prison term, Reyna will serve five years on supervised release.
Information provided to and obtained by law enforcement indicated that between May of 2014 and April 24, 2017, Reyna was involved in the transport of methamphetamine and cocaine from southern Texas to the Lincoln and Omaha areas for distribution. Reyna was found to be responsible for the distribution of at least 500 grams (approximately 18 ounces) of actual (pure) methamphetamine, at least 1.5 kilograms (approximately three pounds) of methamphetamine mixture and at least 2 kilograms (approximately 4.5 pounds) of cocaine. Reyna was also involved in a scheme in which cash proceeds from the sales of methamphetamine were deposited into bank and credit union accounts in the Lincoln area. The funds were then withdrawn by Reyna and other members of the conspiracy in south Texas. Reyna’s bank account showed a total of over $113,000 in cash deposits between March of 2016 and February of 2017 and withdrawals in Texas during the same period of over $83,000.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Nebraska State Patrol, and the Department of Homeland Security.
Targeted Coordinated Investigtion Leads to Filing of Federal Complaint Charging Glenmob Gang with Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY – A federal complaint unsealed Thursday afternoon charges 15 individuals associated with a drug-trafficking organization within the Glenmob street gang with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. According to the complaint, Glenmob is a hybrid street gang with associations with other streets gangs.
Law enforcement officers executed nine search warrants Tuesday and made 12 arrests. Federal arrest warrants are pending for three other individuals charged in the complaint. Approximately 15 firearms have been recovered during the investigation along with approximately 15 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately one-half pound of heroin, and several pounds of marijuana. Approximately $36,000 in cash and three vehicles have been seized.
Agencies involved in the case include the FBI’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force, ATF, Sandy Police Department, West Valley City Police Department, Salt Lake Police Department, the Metro Gang Unit, the Unified Police Department, the Salt Lake District Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service, and Utah Adult Probation and Parole. The South Jordan Police Department assisted in the take down of the case Tuesday.
The case is being investigated and prosecuted as a part of the Utah Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative. Prosecutors and law enforcement officers are using a variety of tools to aggressively target violent criminals and gang members they believe are responsible for the rising violent crime rate in Utah. Law enforcement officers and prosecutors are looking for cases they believe will have a high impact on community safety.
The number of violent crimes in Utah increased almost 18 percent in 2016. According to a Crime in Utah 2016 report prepared by the Utah Department of Public Safety, all violent crimes saw an increase in 2016, including homicides, rapes, robberies, and aggravated assaults. Firearms were used in 55 percent of the homicides reported.
According to the complaint, in September 2017, the FBI began gathering information which indicated a substantial rise in gang violence in Salt Lake County. After a series of coordination meetings, agents determined that the majority of violent incidents, drive by shootings, and aggravated assaults involved members of the Nortenos and the Surenos street gangs, specifically involving members of the Sur Towne Chiques 13.
The FBI learned a large number of those associated with Chiques were also members of a music group named Glenmob. Glenmob frequently posts music videos on Youtube. The FBI identified many of those in the videos as suspected and known narcotics traffickers. The FBI, along with the Utah Department of Public Safety and Salt Lake County police gang units, determined Glenmob, while identifying themselves as a music group, were involved in several violent crimes in Utah. As a result, Glenmob was classified as a violent street gang.rs While gathering intelligence regarding the criminal acts perpetrated by members of Glenmob, the FBI learned local law enforcement suspected the music group of being a front for narcotics distribution.
Through months of investigation, the complaint says, investigators learned Glenmob is a very tight organization and rarely communicates with individuals outside their established circle. Leaders distribute to a nominal number of buyers in an effort to avoid law enforcement penetration into the organization.
Charged in the complaint are Daniel Silva, age 26; Abraham Sanchez, age 22; Angel Rivera, age 25; Sipriano Molina, age 21; Cameron Lucas, age 19; Melissa Kelly, age 32; Kenneth Reyos, age 20; Dominic Trujillo, age 23; David Miramontes, age 32; Nick Vigil, age 31; Jesus Alvarado, age 31; Salvador Tafolla, age 26; Juan Noriega, age 34; Tranqulino Reyos, age 23; and Fabien Uriel Tapia-Bustamante, age 18. All are residents of the Salt Lake Valley.
According to the complaint, agents believe that based on evidence gathered in the case and investigative techniques described in the complaint that Silva, Sanchez, Molina, Lucas and Tafolla have conspired with each other and others to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine throughout the Salt Lake Valley. Additionally, agents believe that Rivera, Kelly, Miramontes, Trujillo, Kenneth Reyos, Vigil, Alvarado, Tranqulino Reyos, Noriega, and Tapia-Bustamante are all sub-distributors and have conspired with each other and others to distribute large amounts of methamphetamine to other sub-distributors within the Salt Lake Valley.
Twelve defendants have appeared in court on the charge in the complaint. Melissa Kelly was released on conditions of supervised release. Eleven have been detained. Federal arrest warrants remain active for Daniel Silva, Sipriano Molina, and Fabian Uriel Tapia-Bustamante.
The maximum penalty for the charge in the complaint is up to life in prison with a 10-year minimum mandatory sentence. The penalty also includes a potential $10 million fine and five years of supervised release.
Complaints are not findings of guilt. Defendants charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in court.
Supervisory U.S. Border Patrol Agent Arrested on Federal Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Jason Christopher Davis, 45, of Las Cruces, N.M., made his initial appearance today in federal court on a criminal complaint charging him with receipt of material containing or constituting child pornography. Davis, who is employed as a Supervisory U.S. Border Patrol Agent, remains in federal custody pending a preliminary hearing and a detention hearing, which are scheduled for May 23, 2018.
The criminal complaint alleges that Davis received child pornography in April 2018, in Dona Ana County, N.M. According to the complaint, the Las Cruces Police Department executed a search warrant on an email account subscribed to Davis that allegedly was used to upload a video file containing child pornography. The complaint further alleges that on May 15, 2018, Homeland Security Investigations and the Las Cruces Police Department seized numerous items including digital media while executing a state search warrant at Davis’ residence.
The statutory penalty for a conviction on a receipt of child pornography charge is a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of five years and maximum penalty of 20 years of imprisonment. Charges in criminal complaints are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty in a court of law.
The case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of HSI, the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the Las Cruces Police Department with assistance from the Office of Professional Responsibility of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Management Inquiry Team of the U.S. Border Patrol, the FBI, and the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa A. Ong of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/. Individuals with information relating to suspected child predators and suspected child abuse are encouraged to contact the Children’s Advocacy Center at (575) 526-3437, or to contact Homeland Security Investigations at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.
The case also was brought as a part of the New Mexico Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force’s mission, which is to locate, track, and capture Internet child sexual predators and Internet child pornographers in New Mexico. There are 86 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies associated with the New Mexico ICAC Task Force, which is funded by a grant administered by the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office. Anyone with information relating to suspected child predators and suspected child abuse is encouraged to contact federal or local law enforcement.
Davis Complaint
Sentencings for May 14 - May 17, 2018Read the Press Release
ROBERTO C. MONTIEL, 42, of Hidalgo, Mexico was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on May 14, 2018 for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Montiel was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received time served plus ten days to allow for deportation hearings and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment to be remitted at the time of deportation. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated this case.
JOSE RODOLFO MONTIEL-PEREZ, 20, of Hidalgo, Mexico was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on May 14, 2018 for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Montiel-Perez was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received time served plus ten days to allow for deportation hearings and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment to be remitted at the time of deportation. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated this case.
TORY RAE DIXON, 42, of Cheyenne, Wyoming was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on May 17, 2018 for transportation of child pornography. Dixon was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received one hundred twenty months of imprisonment, to be followed by one hundred twenty months of supervised release, and ordered to pay $100.00 in special assessment. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation investigated this case.
Salvadoran National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CARLOS ALBERTO ANDRADE, age 35, a citizen of El Salvador, was charged today in a one-count Indictment with illegal reentry of a removed alien after deportation, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to the Indictment, on April 16, 2018, ANDRADE was found to have reentered the United States after having been previously removed.
If convicted, ANDRADE faces a term of imprisonment of up to two years, a fine of up to $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.
Salem Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, VIRGINIA – A Salem man, who believed he was enticing a 15-year-old girl to engage in prostitution while actually communicating online with an undercover Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputy, was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court in Roanoke on a federal sex-trafficking charge, United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen announced.
Shawn Paul Paisley, 48, was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court in Roanoke to 96 months in prison. Paisley previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.
“As this case indicates, it is imperative for parents, teachers, and caregivers to be vigilant and protect our children from the dangers that lurk on the internet,” U.S. Attorney Cullen stated today. “Fortunately, in this case, proactive enforcement by a local police officer stopped a predator before he could act.”
In August of 2016, while posing as a 15-year-old female, a Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputy responded to a Craigslist advertisement posted by Paisley seeking a “personal/casual” encounter. Paisley gave the “female minor” a cell phone number and the two exchanged text messages. During the course of their text message exchanges, Paisley told the “female minor” that he ran an escort service and that his girls made good money. Paisley provided standard prices for the services the escorts offered and the two arranged to meet in order for the “female minor” to perform oral sex on Paisley.
Paisley left his home in Salem, Virginia and drove to Franklin County, Virginia to meet the “minor female.” When Paisley arrived in Franklin County, he was arrested.
Paisley admitted that he helped run an escort service, which involved recruiting females to engage in sex for pay. He helped arrange for encounters between recruited female prostitutes and the customers and took a portion of the fees paid for making the arrangements. Paisley recalls that at least two females he previously helped recruit were 17-years-old.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. Executive Assistant United States Attorneys Laura Day Rottenborn and Matthew Miller prosecuted the case for the United States.
Safford Man Sentenced to over 17 Years in Prison for Distribution and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On May 16, 2018, Wayne Montierth, 54, of Safford, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge James A. Soto to serve 210 months in prison. After a trial, a jury found Montierth guilty of four counts of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Montierth’s term of imprisonment will be followed by lifetime supervised release with stringent sex offender conditions, including the requirement that he register as a sex offender.
A 2015 investigation by the FBI revealed that Montierth had been distributing sexually explicit images of children online using file-sharing software. A search of Montierth’s computer revealed thousands of images and videos depicting child sex abuse. In handing down the sentence, the Court found that the evidence showed Montierth had engaged in an on-going pattern of activity involving sexual abuse of children.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Sierra Vista Office. The prosecution was handled by Carin C. Duryee, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBER: CR-15-02103-TUC-JAS
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-066_Montierth
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Scam Targeting Local ResidentsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons reported today that local law enforcement authorities have been receiving reports of residents being targeted in a telephonic and email scam in the Rapid City area.
Unsuspecting citizens have been receiving telephone calls and emails from persons claiming to be a police officer, clerk of courts personnel, and even a fictitious judge. The calls and emails claim the citizen was supposed to report for jury duty in federal or state court, and failed to report as directed. The citizen is being told by the bogus caller that they must send money to a specified account or person in order to avoid being arrested.
U.S. Attorney Parsons wants citizens to know the claims being made in these calls and emails are totally false and, if contacted, citizens should not send money to anyone as instructed in the fraudulent call.
If you feel you have been a target of this scam you should immediately contact the Rapid City Police Department at 605.394.4131 or the United States Marshal’s Service in Rapid City at 605.342-6331.
Raids on Multiple Illegal Grow Houses in Investigation of International Money Laundering and Interstate Marijuana TraffickingRead the Press Release
Over the last few days investigators executed search warrants at 17 different Puget Sound area locations, and a commercial property in New Jersey, in connection with an internationally funded drug trafficking organization sending thousands of pounds of marijuana grown in Washington to the New York City area, announced U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. One defendant, 37-year-old XIAMIN HUANG of Seattle, is in custody and her husband and his brother are being sought by law enforcement. All three are charged in a criminal complaint with conspiracy to manufacture and distribute marijuana.
“The defendants are charged with growing thousands of pounds of marijuana in Western Washington and then shipping it to the East Coast to take advantage of black market prices,” said U.S. Attorney Annette L, Hayes. “As prosecutors made clear in court hearings today, hundreds of thousands of dollars have flowed in from China to pay for grow houses and the massive electric bills associated with them. In the meantime, the communities where these grow houses are located are dealing with a host of negative impacts including distortion of real estate markets with criminals making all cash payments at inflated prices.”
According to records filed in the case, in 2016 and 2017 investigators identified several homes in King and Pierce Counties being used for indoor marijuana production. The homes, such as one on S. 124th Street in Burien had unusually high electrical bills – as much as $2,500 in one two-month billing period. On another property, members of the conspiracy made cash payments of more than $37,000 for electricity in a three month period. On May 16, 2018, law enforcement served search warrants on locations in Seattle, Burien, Kent, Tacoma, and Renton. More than 3,000 marijuana plants were seized as well as business records and equipment associated with the marijuana trafficking.
At the detention hearing today, prosecutors revealed that some of the homes had been purchased with large wire transfers of funds from the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The source of the money is still under investigation. An analysis of the email accounts and bank accounts utilized by the criminal group show efforts to structure cash deposits in order of avoid bank reporting requirements on suspicious transactions. HUANG was determined to be a flight risk and was detained pending trial.
This was an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation, providing supplemental federal funding to the federal and state agencies involved.
The Investigation was led by DEA and Homeland Security Investigation (HSI). Significant investigative assistance was also provided by the Seattle Police Department and FBI.
The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Joe Silvio and Assistant United States Attorney Marie Dalton. Mr. Silvio is an attorney with Homeland Security Investigations, specially designated to prosecute cases in federal court.
Rabobank NA Sentenced for Conspiring to Impair, Impede, and Obstruct Its Primary RegulatorRead the Press Release
Rabobank National Association (Rabobank), a Roseville, California subsidiary of the Netherlands-based Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey T. Miller of the Southern District of California for impairing, impeding and obstructing its primary regulator, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the OCC), by concealing deficiencies in its anti-money laundering (AML) program and for obstructing the OCC’s examination of Rabobank. Rabobank was sentenced to a two-year term of probation, and ordered to pay the statutory maximum fine of $500,000. Additionally, as part of its guilty plea, Rabobank forfeited $368,701,259 to the United States as a result of allowing illicit funds to be processed through the bank.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Adam L. Braverman for the Southern District of California, Special Agent in Charge Dave Shaw of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in San Diego and Special Agent in Charge R. Damon Rowe of Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Los Angeles Field Office made the announcement.
“Rabobank’s branches on the Mexican border processed hundreds of millions of dollars in suspicious transactions likely tied to international narcotics trafficking, organized crime, and money laundering,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Cronan. “Instead of filing reports that would have alerted law enforcement to the suspicious activity, as required by law, the bank looked the other way and then compounded its misconduct by conspiring to cover-up its failures and deceiving its regulator. Today’s sentence and the related forfeiture demonstrate that the Department of Justice will use all the tools at our disposal to combat drug trafficking and transnational crime—including prosecuting financial institutions that turn a blind eye to illicit proceeds moving through their customers’ accounts.”
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is intent on securing our border and preventing the laundering of narco-dollars through financial institutions like Rabobank,” said U.S. Attorney Braverman. “In doing so we will safeguard our communities and protect our citizens from drug traffickers and corporate criminals alike.”
“It is the responsibility of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to monitor and investigate illicit activity that exploits the global infrastructure, particularly in financial systems,” said HSI San Diego Special Agent in Charge, Dave Shaw. “This complex investigation revealed, and Rabobank admits, that Rabobank was aware of the extreme risk involved in processing million dollar financial transactions linked to transnational crime and international money laundering – activity which plagues the southwest border. Today’s sentencing and the significant forfeitures in this case sends a strong message to financial institutions that illicit financial activity inside banking institutions will not be tolerated.”
“Rabobank’s sentencing today is a victory for all Americans and sends a strong message about the need for transparency in banking and ultimately contributes to the fight against money laundering,” said IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Rowe. “IRS-Criminal Investigation works diligently with our law enforcement partners to ensure funds obtained through illegal means do not find their way into our financial institutions.”
On Feb. 7, Rabobank pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States and to corruptly obstruct an examination of a financial institution. Specifically, Rabobank admitted to conspiring with several former executives to defraud the United States by unlawfully impeding the OCC’s ability to regulate the bank and to obstruct the OCC’s 2012 examination of Rabobank’s Bank Secrecy Act (BSA)/AML compliance program. In connection with that guilty plea, Rabobank admitted that between 2009 and 2012 it implemented BSA/AML policies and procedures that precluded and suppressed its investigations into potentially suspicious transactions near the U.S.-Mexico border, much of which was conducted by customers and through accounts that Rabobank had previously designated “High-Risk.”
As a result of its BSA/AML failures, Rabobank admitted that certain customer accounts were involved in not less than $368,701,259 in suspicious transactions that were either unreported or untimely reported to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), as required by the BSA. These transactions included high-volume cash deposits and withdrawals, check transactions, electronic transfers, and wire transfers that were consistent with illegal activity such as trade-based money laundering, bulk cash smuggling, structuring, and the black market peso exchange.
According to its statement of facts, Rabobank’s branches in Imperial County, California were heavily dependent on cash sourced from Mexico – cash the bank knew was likely tied to narcotics trafficking and organized crime. In particular, Rabobank’s Calexico, California branch, located approximately two blocks from the U.S.-Mexico border, was the highest performing branch in the Imperial Valley region due to its receipt of cash from Mexico. Rabobank continued soliciting cash-intensive customers from Mexico, while failing to employ appropriate BSA/AML policies and procedures to address the heightened risk, until approximately May 2013, when Rabobank placed a moratorium on originating new account relationships for Mexico-based businesses entities.
Rabobank also admitted that the bank, through at least three executives, knowingly obstructed the OCC’s 2012 examination by responding to the OCC’s February 2013 initial report of examination with false and misleading information about the state of Rabobank’s BSA/AML program and by making false and misleading statements to the OCC regarding the existence of reports developed by a third-party consultant that described the deficiencies and resulting ineffectiveness of Rabobank’s BSA/AML program. In furtherance of the scheme to defraud the OCC, Rabobank also demoted or terminated two RNA employees who provided information to the OCC regarding Rabobank’s BSA/AML deficiencies.
The investigation was conducted by HSI, IRS-CI, and the Financial Investigations and Border Crimes Task Force (the FIBC), a multiagency Task Force based in San Diego and Imperial Counties, and funded by the Treasury Executive Office of Asset Forfeiture (TEOAF). The investigation occurred in parallel with regulatory investigations by the OCC, Office of General Counsel, and FinCEN, Enforcement Division. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Kevin G. Mosley and Maria K. Vento of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, Bank Integrity Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel C. Silva, Mark W. Pletcher and David J. Rawls of the Southern District of California.
Postal Carrier Sentenced to 10 Months in Prison for Delivering Marijuana Packages to Drug DealersRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA — Felicia Charleston, 36, of Philadelphia, was sentenced on May 16 to 10 months in federal prison for using her position as a postal carrier to deliver packages containing marijuana to drug dealers in West Philadelphia, announced United States Attorney William M. McSwain. Charleston was sentenced by U.S. District Judge R. Barclay Surrick.
Charleston pled guilty to two separate indictments, both charging her with conspiracy to distribute at least 1,000 kilograms of marijuana, as well as one count of attempted possession with the intent to distribute 158 pounds of marijuana.
“The defendant exploited her position with the United States Postal Service by conspiring with drug dealers in order to line her own pockets,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “Her prison sentence is a reflection of the seriousness of her crimes.”
Charleston was a postal carrier at the West Market Post Office in Philadelphia and was responsible for delivering packages to addresses in West Philadelphia. As charged in this case, Charleston agreed to divert postal packages containing marijuana (which listed fictitious delivery addresses) and deliver them to drug dealers. Specifically, Charleston left her postal route in order to deliver the packages to two drug organizations. For one drug organization, Charleston delivered packages to members outside of 48 N. Hobart Street in West Philadelphia and even carried packages inside the residence. Charleston also routed packages to another drug dealer by hand-delivering the packages at various locations in West Philadelphia.
“The vast majority of the Postal Service’s 600,000 employees nationwide are dedicated, hard-working individuals worthy of America’s trust," said Monica Weyler, U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General Special Agent in Charge, Philadelphia. "However, a very small number of them choose to violate that trust by engaging in misconduct or criminal activity. Special agents with the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General work with other law enforcement agencies to find those employees, investigate them, and seek their criminal prosecution and removal from the Postal Service, as we did in this case. To report criminal activity or serious misconduct by postal employees, contact USPS OIG special agents at 888-USPS-OIG or www.uspsoig.gov.”
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Border Enforcement Security Taskforce (BEST), and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Narcotics Investigations (BNI) and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anita Eve and Tomika N.S. Patterson.
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possessing a Stolen GunRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 120 months’ incarceration, followed by three years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal firearm laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Ryan Gainer, age 37. According to information presented to the court, on or about June 14, 2016, Gainer knowingly possessed a stolen firearm.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. 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 United States Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Gainer.
Oklahoma Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A man whose crime spree began with a carjacking in Branson, Mo., and included terrorizing a grandmother and granddaughter at gunpoint in her apartment before he was tasered and arrested inside a Springfield, Mo., church, was sentenced in federal court today.
Alberto Colina, Jr., 35, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 20 years in federal prison without parole, the statutory maximum penalty. The court also ordered Colina to pay $2,500 in victim restitution.
On Sept. 21, 2017, Colina pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of stealing a firearm.
According to court documents, Colina started his crime spree on Jan. 5, 2016, by stealing a truck in Branson, Mo. The truck, which had been left running by the owner, contained a double barrel rifle.
The next day, a witness reported Colina for a possible burglary at a residence in Branson. When law enforcement arrived, Colina attempted to flee the scene in the stolen truck; however, he rammed the reporting witness’s vehicle during his flight, while the witness was inside the vehicle, and then fled on foot.
Colina then found his way to an apartment complex where he forced his way into an apartment at gunpoint. The 63-year-old resident of the apartment, identified in court documents as E.R., was home alone with her 2-year-old granddaughter. Colina knocked at the door of E.R.’s apartment at about 1:30 p.m. When she opened the door, Colina – wearing a black mask and holding a rifle – pushed the rifle in her face. She grabbed the barrel but he pushed his way into her apartment. Colina struck her on the side of the face and head butted her, causing her to fall to the floor next to her granddaughter. E.R. attempted to reach the balcony to yell for help, but Colina forced her back into the apartment and hit her in the back of the head with the stock of the rifle.
For the next two hours, Colina terrorized E.R. and her two-year old granddaughter, and he ransacked her home. He forced E.R. to drink a liquid containing alprazolam and hydrocodone, which caused her to become very drowsy and occasionally lose consciousness. He stole numerous items from E.R., including cash, firearms, and prescription medications.
After Colina left her apartment, E.R. called the police and was taken to the hospital. She received staples to her scalp due to a laceration, and treatment for a fractured finger and possible fractured rib. Toxicology reports confirmed that E.R. had opiates and benzodiazepines in her blood.
Colina ended his crime spree by breaking into a church in Springfield, Mo. A stolen van, belonging to Springfield Pool and Spa, was parked outside the church. Colina was located inside the church. Colina refused to comply with law enforcement’s commands and had to be tasered.
Under federal statutes, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Colina has two prior felony convictions for tampering with a motor vehicle, two prior convictions for resisting arrest, and prior felony convictions for possessing burglary tools and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.
Colina has pleaded guilty in a separate state case to robbery, two counts of armed criminal action and assault. Colina awaits sentencing in Taney County Circuit Court on those convictions.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Branson, Mo., Police Department and the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.
Oklahoma City Man Pleads Guilty to "Lie-And-Try" Firearm FelonyRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – LESEAN D. HARDY, 38, of Oklahoma City, has pleaded guilty to causing a false statement to be made to a licensed firearms dealer, announced Robert J. Troester, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.
On December 13, 2017, a federal grand jury indicted Hardy and SHENITA RENEE WILLIAMS, 43, of Oklahoma City, for making a false statement to Sooner State Pawn on May 11, 2016. According to the indictment, Hardy caused Williams to represent that she was purchasing a Walther .22 pistol when Hardy was in fact the purchaser. The grand jury also charged Williams with making a false declaration under oath on June 1, 2016, at a preliminary hearing in a separate federal criminal case against Hardy. During that hearing, according to the indictment, Williams testified falsely that she was by herself when she went to the pawn shop to buy the gun and that Hardy had nothing to do with the purchase and had no knowledge that she had purchased the firearm. Finally, the grand jury charged Hardy with suborning perjury in connection with Williams’s testimony. Hardy has been in federal custody since the grand jury handed down its indictment.
On May 17, 2018, Hardy pleaded guilty to causing Williams to make a false statement to Sooner State Pawn, a crime also known as "lie-and-try." The government has agreed to dismiss the charge of suborning perjury. On May 7, 2018, Williams pleaded guilty to giving testimony she knew was false about her role in buying a gun for Hardy. The government will dismiss the "lie-and-try" charge against her.
As a result his guilty plea, Hardy faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison. Williams faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Both also face up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencings will take place in approximately ninety days.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Ogilvie. It is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a Department of Justice program to reduce violent crime. In October 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the reinvigoration of Project Safe Neighborhoods and directed U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop crime-reduction strategies that incorporate lessons federal law enforcement has learned since the program’s launch in 2001.
Reference is made to court records for further information.
North Side Man Will Spend 5 Years in Prison for Participating in Prescription Drug Distribution Scheme and Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to five years of imprisonment and three years of supervised release on his convictions for conspiring to possess and distribute oxycodone and oxymorphone, health care fraud, and perjury, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Jeremiah Davidson, 62.
According to information presented to the court, Davidson participated in a criminal network of drug dealers that obtained opiate pain killers and then illegally distributed them to users in the Pittsburgh area. Davidson obtained opiate pills from various sources and provided them to a dealer for further distribution. One of Davidson’s sources of supply was his own prescriptions, which he obtained fraudulently and paid for through a taxpayer-funded health care benefit program.
While on bond for these offenses, law enforcement arrested him for continuing to sell fraudulently obtained prescription medication to dealers. In an ultimately successful attempt to avoid revocation of his federal bond, Davidson lied under oath about several important matters and thus committed perjury.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Allegheny County Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Davidson.
Newport News Man Convicted of Searching for Obscene Images Online While on Federal SupervisionRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A federal jury convicted a Newport News man today of attempted receipt of obscene images depicting the sexual abuse of children, obstruction of justice, destruction of evidence, and penalties for a registered sex offender.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Elmer E. Eychaner, III, 46, previously was convicted in federal court of child pornography crimes in 2008. On June 13, 2016, the defendant began a period of federal supervision in the Eastern District of Virginia. The defendant originally was prohibited from having a computer, but he requested a computer so that he could look for a better job. The probation office allowed the defendant to have a computer that was monitored through a third-party company, RemoteCOM.
On November 17, 2016, the defendant went onto his government-monitored computer and searched for obscene cartoon images depicting the sexual abuse of minors. He utilized voice recognition software, Cortana, to try to evade the computer-monitoring software. After he was finished searching for the obscene images, he deleted his search history. The next day, he called his federal probation officer and confessed. When the probation officer told him she was coming to collect his computer, he admitted that he had removed the hard drive and thrown it down a storm drain.
Eychaner previously was convicted of promoting obscenity to minors in North Dakota on August 21, 1992, and gross sexual imposition in North Dakota on May 10, 1994.
Eychaner faces a mandatory minimum of 25 years in prison when sentenced on August 23, 2018. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the 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 www.justice.gov/psc.
Tracy Doherty-McCormick, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Martin Culbreth, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Mark S. Davis accepted the verdict. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa R. McKeel and Megan M. Cowles are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:17-cr-76.
New York Man Pleads Guilty to Failing to Pay Child SupportRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Theodore S. Comando, 54, of Westbury, New York pled guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court to failing to pay court-ordered child support.
According to court records, in September 2005, a Maine District Court ordered Comando to make weekly child support payments of $131. Comando failed to do so as required and currently owes more than $10,000.
The defendant faces up to 2 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JORGE BOLANOS, age 33, of New Orleans, has pleaded guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Distribute One Kilogram or more of Cocaine.
JORGE BOLANOS admitted that in April 2017, he attempted to purchase approximately one kilogram of cocaine hydrochloride from co-defendant LEONARDO CASTILLO. Co-defendant GABRIEL CARRETO-SANCHEZ received that cocaine from CASTILLO in Houston, Texas, intending to transport it to BOLANOS in New Orleans. However, CARRETO-SANCHEZ was stopped by members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation on the way back to New Orleans. FBI Agents searched CARRETO-SANCHEZ’s vehicle and seized the kilogram of cocaine hidden inside the vehicle.
JORGE BOLANOS faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years imprisonment, and a maximum term of imprisonment of forty years, a fine of up to $5,000,000, at least four years supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Charged with Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DEVIN WILLIAMS, age 23, of New Orleans, was charged yesterday in a two-count Indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).
According to the Indictment, DEVIN WILLIAMS was found in possession of a Taurus 9mm PT111 firearm on August 29, 2016 and a .40 caliber Smith and Wesson firearm on November 6, 2017. DEVIN WILLIAMS had previously been convicted of aggravated battery in Orleans Parish Criminal Court.
If convicted, DEVIN WILLIAMS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years on each count, a fine of up to $250,000.00, three years supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.
U. S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is in charge of the prosecution.
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.
New Mexico Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Directing Computer Attacks Against Websites of Dozens of Victims and for Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
A New Mexico man was sentenced yesterday in St. Paul, Minnesota, for directing computer attacks against the websites of his prior employers, business competitors, law enforcement, and the Minnesota State Courts system, as well as for felon-in-possession of a firearm charges. Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division; United States Attorney Gregory G. Brooker of the District of Minnesota; and Special Agent in Charge Jill Sanborn of the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Minneapolis Field Office made the announcement.
JOHN KELSEY GAMMELL was sentenced to serve 15 years in prison by District Judge Wilhelmina M. Wright of the District of Minnesota. GAMMELL pleaded guilty on January 17, 2018, to one count of conspiracy to cause intentional damage to a protected computer and two counts of being a felon-in-possession of a firearm.
“Gammell’s attacks on the websites of his victims had real consequences to small businesses, educational institutions, government entities, and others - for no reason other than that Gammell wanted to cause them harm,” said Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Rank. “Gammell used his technical knowledge and the internet’s cloak of anonymity to commit his crimes, all while knowing the damage he was causing and believing he would never be caught. Because of the FBI’s excellent investigation, he was wrong, and today's sentence sends a strong message of deterrence to others who consider committing similar crimes.”
According to admissions made in connection with his plea, from at least in or about July 2015 through in or about March 2017, GAMMELL engaged in a campaign of distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks on websites throughout the United States. A DDoS attack is a malicious attempt to disable or interrupt service to a computer or website, usually by causing large amounts of Internet traffic to be directed to the computer or website. GAMMELL directed DDoS attacks at a number of victims’ websites, including websites operated by companies for which he worked previously, companies that declined to hire him, competitors of his business, and websites for law enforcement agencies and courts, among others.
GAMMELL admitted that he caused DDoS attacks by using computer programs on his own computers, as well as by directing “DDoS-for-hire” companies, from which he purchased services, to launch the DDoS attacks. He initiated attacks using these DDoS-for-hire companies against dozens of victims, including but not limited to Washburn Computer Group, the Minnesota State Courts, Dakota County Technical College, Minneapolis Community and Technical College, Hennepin County, and others. GAMMELL took a variety of steps to avoid detection and circumvent his victims’ DDoS attack mitigation efforts, such as using IP address anonymization services to mask his identity and location, using cryptocurrency in payment for DDoS-for-hire services, using multiple DDoS-for-hire services simultaneously to amplify his attacks, using spoofed emails to conceal his conduct, and using encryption and drive-cleaning tools to conceal digital evidence of his conduct on his computers.
GAMMELL, who is a convicted felon, also admitted that while living and working a temporary job in Colorado, he possessed parts for use in the building of AR-15 assault rifles, including upper and lower receivers, a pistol grip, a trigger guard, 15 high-capacity magazines, a buttstock, a buffer tube, as well as 420 rounds of 5.56 x 45mm full metal jacket rifle ammunition. He further admitted that he possessed a Heckler & Koch P2000 handgun; a Springfield Armory model 1911-A1, .45 caliber handgun; as well as hundreds of rounds of ammunition in New Mexico, where he had his permanent residence.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Minneapolis Field Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Rank of the District of Minnesota and Trial Attorney Aaron R. Cooper of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section prosecuted the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the District of Colorado and the District of New Mexico also provided substantial assistance in this matter.
Defendant Information:
JOHN KELSEY GAMMELL, 55
Las Cruces, N.M.
Convicted:
- Conspiracy to commit intentional damage to a protected computer, 1 count
- Felon in possession of a firearm, 2 counts
Sentenced:
- 180 months in prison
- Five years of supervised release
- Restitution amount will be determined at a later date
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600