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Thursday 10 May 2018
Attorney General Sessions and U.S. Attorney Kirsch Recognize Law Enforcement Service and Sacrifice During National Police WeekRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Attorney General Sessions and U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II for the Northern District of Indiana recognized the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal police officers on the occasion of National Police Week, and commented on the FBI's 2017 Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted report.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana, works closely with law enforcement and community members to provide specialized training and initiatives to reduce violent crime. In honor of National Police Week, the Office will announce one such event, the 2018 Annual Law Enforcement conference conducted in partnership with the Southern District of Indiana U.S. Attorney’s Office. This yearly event provides specialized training to over 500 law enforcement officials throughout the State. In addition to major events as described, the office routinely coordinates smaller specialized courses such as the Valor Program’s Survive and Thrive training, which took place in April 2018 with over 120 officers in attendance throughout the State. U.S. Attorney Kirsch will also attend memorial services in LaPorte County on Friday, May 11, 2018 and in Munster, Indiana on Thursday, May 17, 2018 in honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
“One officer death is too many,” Attorney General Sessions said. “While we are inexpressibly grateful to have had a decrease in the number of officers killed in the line-of-duty last year, the number is still far too high. At the Department of Justice, we honor the memories of the fallen and we pray for their families. We are also following President Trump's Executive Orders to back the women and men in blue, to enhance law enforcement safety, and to reduce violent crime in America. Those priorities will help keep every American safe, including those who risk their lives for us. As always, we have their backs and they have our thanks.”
“Law enforcement officers run toward conflict and gunfire to protect innocent lives in an environment where they are highly scrutinized on social media and in cell phone video clips,” said U.S. Attorney Kirsch. “I have heard recent stories of police officers, during a typical traffic stop, being challenged on their authority when asking for a license and registration in the hopes that the individuals involved in the stop can be the next social media video hit. Acknowledgement of police officers for a job well done seems rare these days, and we cannot know what crimes are stopped by officers being visible. So on behalf of my Office, I want to personally thank every law enforcement officer and their families for their service, sacrifice and echo the Attorney General’s remarks that we have your back.”
According to statistics collected by the FBI, 93 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents in 2017 – a 21 percent decrease from 2016 when 118 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents.
Additionally, in 2017 there were 46 law enforcement officers killed in line-of-duty incidents as a result of felonious acts – this is a 30 percent decrease from 2016, when 66 law enforcement officer were killed in line-of-duty incidents as a result of felonious acts.
For the full comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing the fatal attacks and selected assaults resulting in injury, please see the 2017 edition of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted report, released today.
In October 1962, Congress passed and President Kennedy signed a joint resolution declaring May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. The resolution also created National Police Week as an annual tribute to law enforcement service and sacrifice.
During Police Week, which is observed from Sunday, May 13 to Saturday, May 19, 2018, our nation celebrates the contributions of police officers from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment in keeping our communities safe.
The names of all 93 fallen officers nationwide will be formally dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, during the 30th Annual Candlelight Vigil on the evening of May 13, 2018. So that people across the country can experience this unique and powerful ceremony, the vigil will be livestreamed beginning at 8:00 p.m. EDT on May 13th. To register for this free online event, visit www.LawMemorial.org/webcast.
The Candlelight Vigil is one of many commemorative events taking place in the nation’s capital during National Police Week 2018.
For more information about other National Police Week events, please visit www.policeweek.org.
To access the FBI's 2017 Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted report, please visit www.fbi.gov.
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Attorney General Jeff Sessions and U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey Recognize Law Enforcement Service and Sacrifice During National Police WeekRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Attorney General Jeff Sessions and U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey, Eastern District of Tennessee, recognized the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal police officers on the occasion of National Police Week, and commented on the FBI's 2017 Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted report.
This week, Attorney General Sessions participated as the keynote speaker at the annual Gatlinburg Law Enforcement Training Conference, which opened with a tribute to fallen officers from the past year. Attorney General Sessions paid tribute to the 750 local, state and federal law enforcement professionals in attendance by stating, “In this very room are some of the best people in America. You and those you lead invest their lives in their communities to protect the innocent and vulnerable. You place your lives at risk for the safety of others, for law, for America.”
Several events to commemorate National Police Week will be held across the Eastern District of Tennessee. U.S. Attorney Overbey and other members of the U.S. Attorney’s staff will participate in many of these events in Knoxville, Chattanooga and Tri-cities.
On Tuesday, May 15, 2018, U.S. Attorney Overbey will speak at the Blount County’s Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service to be held at 11:00 a.m., in the City Courtroom building at the Alcoa Police Department, 2020 Wright Road, Alcoa, Tennessee. Two former Alcoa police officers were recently accepted for inclusion on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. They are: Lieutenant. Glen Giles, who died July 3, 1987, and Officer William M. Hunt, who died July 7, 1937, both in the line of duty.
“One officer death is too many,” Attorney General Sessions said. “While we are inexpressibly grateful to have had a decrease in the number of officers killed in the line-of-duty last year, the number is still far too high. At the Department of Justice, we honor the memories of the fallen and we pray for their families. We are also following President Trump's Executive Orders to back the women and men in blue, to enhance law enforcement safety, and to reduce violent crime in America. Those priorities will help keep every American safe, including those who risk their lives for us. As always, we have their backs and they have our thanks.”
“Statistics from the Officer Down Memorial Page indicate that over 50 officers were killed in the line of duty across the nation over the past year. Many of these were firearms related. This violence against police officers, as well as the violent acts occurring in our communities, must stop. Reducing violent crime is a major priority of the Department of Justice as well as mine,” stated U.S. Attorney Overbey. “As the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee, I am personally committed to work in partnership with state and local law enforcement to develop strategies that work in our communities and make the streets safer for everyone, including law enforcement,” added U.S. Attorney Overbey.
According to statistics collected by the FBI, 93 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents in 2017 – a 21 percent decrease from 2016 when 118 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents.
Additionally, in 2017 there were 46 law enforcement officers killed in line-of-duty incidents as a result of felonious acts – this is a 30 percent decrease from 2016, when 66 law enforcement officer were killed in line-of-duty incidents as a result of felonious acts.
For the full comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing the fatal attacks and selected assaults resulting in injury, please see the 2017 edition of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted report, released today.
In October 1962, Congress passed and President Kennedy signed a joint resolution declaring May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. The resolution also created National Police Week as an annual tribute to law enforcement service and sacrifice.
During Police Week, which is observed from Sunday, May 13 to Saturday, May 19, 2018, our nation celebrates the contributions of police officers from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment in keeping our communities safe.
The names of all 93 fallen officers nationwide will be formally dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, during the 30th Annual Candlelight Vigil on the evening of May 13, 2018. So that people across the country can experience this unique and powerful ceremony, the vigil will be livestreamed beginning at 8:00 p.m. EDT on May 13th. To register for this free online event, visit www.LawMemorial.org/webcast.
The Candlelight Vigil is one of many commemorative events taking place in the nation’s capital during National Police Week 2018.
For more information about other National Police Week events, please visit www.policeweek.org.
To access the FBI's 2017 Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted report, please visit www.fbi.gov.
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Atlanta Man Sentenced to 5+ Years in Prison for Role in a Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Atlanta, Georgia, has been sentenced in federal court to 63 months in prison on his conviction of money laundering conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Akintayo Bolorunduro, age 36, of Atlanta, Georgia. Bolorunduro was also sentenced to pay restitution of $646,606.59 to victims of the conspiracy.
According to information presented to the court, from in and around January 2016 through in and around July 2017, Bolorunduro and others conspired to launder funds derived from business email compromise scams, in which fraudulent emails and faxes caused businesses to wire real estate settlement funds to bank accounts controlled by members of the conspiracy.
In particular, on April 29, 2016, Bolorunduro forwarded to another conspirator the bank account information of a Pittsburgh-area co-conspirator, which was used to induce a fraudulent wire transfer of $411,548.06 into the Pittsburgh-area conspirator’s bank account. Bolorunduro then directed the Pittsburgh-area conspirator to purchase and distribute cashier’s checks with the fraud proceeds, including three checks totaling $131,000 made payable to fake names and businesses and sent to Bolorunduro in Georgia. In a separate scam, which resulted in a fraudulent wire transfer of $235,058.53, Bolorunduro received a portion of the proceeds and, on April 18, 2016, deposited a bank check for $20,000 into a bank account he had previously opened using a false Nigerian passport.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Schwab stated that the sentence was appropriate due to the seriousness of the offense, the scope of the financial losses from the conspiracy, and Bolorunduro’s role in the criminal activity.
Assistant United States Attorneys Adam N. Hallowell and Charles A. Eberle prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Bolorunduro.
Arizona Man Sentenced to Ten Years for Federal Cocaine Trafficking Conviction in New MexicoRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Jesus Quiroz, 36, of Tucson, Ariz., was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to 120 months in prison for his conviction on a cocaine trafficking charge arising out of the seizure of 148 pounds of cocaine and 10.5 pounds of fentanyl at the New Mexico Port of Entry near Lordsburg, N.M., on Sept. 9, 2016. Quiroz will be on supervised release for five years after completing his prison sentence.
Quiroz was arrested on Sept. 9, 2016, on a criminal complaint charging him with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute in Hidalgo County, N.M. According to the complaint, Quiroz was arrested after New Mexico State Police officers at the New Mexico Port of Entry on Interstate 10 in Lordsburg seized 63 individually wrapped packages containing what officers then believed to be 72 kilograms of cocaine from a tractor and trailer in which Quiroz was traveling. At the time of his arrest, Quiroz was on probation for a state cocaine trafficking conviction in Arizona.
Quiroz subsequently was indicted on Dec. 14, 2016, and was charged in a two-count indictment with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, and possession of visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Quiroz was charged with committing the crimes on Sept. 9, 2016, in Hidalgo County.
On Jan. 18, 2017, Quiroz pled guilty to Count 1 of the indictment charging him with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. In entering the guilty plea, Quiroz admitted that on Sept. 9, 2016, he drove a commercial vehicle containing approximately 72 kilograms of cocaine into the Lordsburg, New Mexico Port of Entry. Quiroz further admitted that he intended to deliver the cocaine to another person.
Court records indicate that, after Quiroz entered his guilty plea, laboratory tests performed on the drugs seized from Quiroz’s tractor-trailer revealed that the drugs consisted of approximately 67.26 kilograms of cocaine and 4.84 kilograms of fentanyl.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brock Taylor of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Albany Sex Offender Sentenced to 20 Years for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Michael Gullinese, age 48, of Albany, New York, was sentenced yesterday to 20 years in prison for distributing, receiving, and possessing child pornography.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Janelle M. Miller, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
As part of his guilty plea, Gullinese admitted that between January 23, 2017 and his arrest on March 14, 2017, he used his cell phone to send and receive images of child pornography over the Kik messaging application. Gullinese saved to his phone approximately 600 image files and 150 video files of child pornography, some depicting children as young as infants.
Gullinese has a 2010 federal child pornography conviction. He was serving a life term of supervised release at the time of his arrest, having been released from prison in August 2014.
Senior United States District Judge Norman A. Mordue sentenced Gullinese to a 15-year term of imprisonment on Gullinese’s guilty plea to the 2017 child pornography offenses, to be followed by an additional 5-year term of imprisonment for violating the terms of his supervised release. Judge Mordue also imposed a lifetime term of supervised release, to begin when Gullinese is released from prison, and ordered him to pay restitution in the amount of $3,000.
This case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph A. Giovannetti.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Alaska Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing 29 Firearms as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that Steven Andrew Bush, 56, a former Nikiski resident, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess, to serve 45 months in prison for illegally possessing firearms as a convicted felon. Bush previously pleaded guilty on Jan. 3, 2018, to one count of felon in possession of a firearm.
On Feb. 8, 2017, the Soldotna Police Department received a call from a resident of the Kenai Peninsula who claimed Bush was carrying a firearm while demanding payment for construction work. Bush had falsely represented himself as a member of law enforcement and possessed a fake Alaska State Troopers badge, along with a t-shirt indicating the wearer was an agent of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. A search of Bush’s shared residence in Kenai revealed that he was in possession of 28 firearms, including a fully automatic Sten MKII machinegun. Bush also possessed another firearm in one of his former residences in Danville, Virginia.
Bush has a previous felony conviction in Virginia for embezzlement. As someone convicted of a felony, Bush was prohibited from possessing firearms.
At yesterday’s sentencing hearing, Judge Burgess remarked that it was especially important to “send a message” to people whom might consider falsely representing themselves to be law enforcement agents. As part of the plea agreement, Bush surrendered his law enforcement memorabilia, holsters, and ammunition boxes. The Court also ordered forfeiture of firearms and ammunition that Bush owned.
The Soldotna Police Department, the Alaska State Troopers (AST), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonas Walker.
Akron man arrested and charged for launching denial of service attacks that shut down web sites for city of Akron and Akron Police DepartmentRead the Press Release
An Akron man was arrested this morning and charged in federal court for launching denial of service attacks that shut down web sites for the city of Akron and the Akron Police Department.
James Robinson, 32, was charged with one count of knowingly causing the transmission of a program, information, code and command, and as a result of such conduct, intentionally causing damage to a protected computer.
According to an affidavit filed in the case:
Servers hosting web sites belonging to the city of Akron were victims of an active distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack on Aug. 1, 2017. Two website domains appeared to be the target of the attacks: akronohio.gov and akroncops.org.
The DDoS attack ultimately overwhelmed the web sites with network traffic and rendered them unavailable to users.
A tweet that same day from @AkronPhoenix420 took credit for targeting the Akron web sites, including a link to a youtube video and a screenshot showing akronohio.gov was not accessible. The tweet included hashtags #Anonymous and #TangoDown.
The video showed a static image of an individual in a Guy Fawkes mask making statements including “it’s time we teach the law a lesson,” “Akron PD abuses the law” and “this week the city of Akron experienced system failures on multiple domains including their emergency TCP ports.”
The subsequent investigation identified attacks coming from an Internet connection registered to James Robinson and that Robinson’s phone was associated with the Twitter account @AkronPhoenix420.
@AkronPhoenix420 also claimed credit for many other DDoS attacks including many in 2018 that bore similar characteristics to the Akron attacks. Targets of those attacks web site domains and servers hosted by the Ohio Department of Public Safety, the National Institutes of Health, the Defense Information Security Agency, the Department of Defense, the Department of Treasury and others. Multiple DDoS attacks have been claimed by AkronPhoenix420, including many in 2018.
Law enforcement authorities on May 9 got a search warrant for Robinson’s house on Edison Avenue in Akron. Agents located a Guy Fawkes mask and a cell phone with a cracked screen similar to a phone seen in tweets by @AkronPhoenix420. Robinson stated he was responsible for the DDoS attacks against the Department of Defense, city of Akron and others, according to the affidavit.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Defense Criminal Investigative Services, Akron Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Treasury. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Om Kakani and Daniel J. Riedl.
“As evidenced by this individual living in Akron, Ohio, cyber attackers can be anywhere and reach anyone via a computer,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony. “It is imperative that law enforcement and the public join forces to protect ourselves, our institutions, and our businesses. Working together, we must continue to combat and thwart these cyber criminals.”
“This defendant illegally shut down government web sites to serve his own agenda,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. "We will work with our partners in the private and public sector to help strengthen their cyber defense systems and prosecute those who launch attacks against our community, regardless of their motivation.”
“This arrest underscores DCIS resolve and the ongoing joint efforts among international law enforcement to stop cyber criminals. DCIS Special Agents will use every tool at their disposal to hunt down and bring to justice those that attack and endanger the Department of Defense," said Jeffery Thorpe, Special Agent in Charge, Cyber Field Office, Defense Criminal Investigative Service.
“Convenient access to city services and information is essential to the proper functioning of local government,” Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan said. “We take any attacks or attempted attacks on our web site seriously, and will continue to do all we can to ensure the perpetrator of this malicious incident is brought to justice.”
Akron Police Chief Kenneth Ball said: “The Akron Police Department is very appreciative for the partnerships that were involved in this case. This shows a strong positive resolution by all the public and private partners. Hopefully this sends a strong message to any others that may think they can bully law enforcement.”
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
A charge 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.
"Incognito Bandit" Charged with Additional Count of Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A man dubbed the “Incognito Bandit” was charged in federal court in Boston today with an additional count of armed bank robbery.
Albert Taderera, 36, of Brighton, was charged in a superseding indictment with two counts of bank robbery: the Oct. 16, 2015, armed bank robbery of a branch of the Winchester Savings Bank in Arlington and the Oct. 7, 2016, armed robbery of a branch of TD Bank in Wayland. In March 2017, Taderera was charged by criminal complaint and arrested at Dulles International Airport in Virginia as he attempted to board an outbound flight to South Africa.
According to court documents, between February 2015 and March 2017, 16 banks were robbed in the Metro-West and Greater Boston areas. In most of the robberies, the robber was disguised in a dark hooded sweatshirt, dark face mask/sunglasses covering his face, dark gloves and dark clothing. In each case, the robber entered the bank and made verbal demands for the banks’ money. In most of the robberies, the robber displayed what tellers described as a black semi-automatic handgun.
All of the robberies occurred in suburban settings where banks were freestanding and featured adjacent wooded areas or foliage. After many of these robberies, witnesses observed the robber leave the bank and enter the wooded areas. Witnesses also observed the robber flee the area in a black BMW sedan. Based on these similarities, investigators believed that the individual driving the black BMW was responsible for the robberies.
On March 16, 2017, the Concord Police observed a black BMW sedan sitting outside a local bank. They also noted that Taderera fit the general description of the individual responsible for numerous recent robberies. Police determined that the registration of the BMW was revoked and per Department policy, the vehicle was towed and inventoried.
On Wednesday, March 22, 2017, an individual identifying himself as Taderera, called the tow company and inquired about the status of his BMW. The tow company informed Taderera that the vehicle was in police custody.
On Thursday, March 23, 2017, at approximately 10:15 pm, law enforcement learned that Taderera had booked a flight, scheduled to leave on Friday, March 24, 2017, at 11:00 a.m., from Dulles International Airport to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. During the morning of March 24, 2017, Taderera was en route to Dulles having taken a flight out of Boston. It was later learned that Taderera had rebooked his flight and was now planning to leave on March 24, 2017, at 5:45 p.m. from Dulles to Johannesburg, South Africa. Taderera was arrested prior to boarding the flight.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of no greater than 25 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the US sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; William Ferrara, Director of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and Concord Police Chief Joseph F. O’Connor made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Wednesday 9 May 2018
Worcester Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing AmmunitionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester for a federal firearms charge.
Steven Rivera, 24, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 42 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In January 2018, Rivera pleaded guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of ammunition. Rivera was arrested on June 29, 2017, as part of a coordinated federal and state law enforcement operation that resulted in the arrests of nine individuals who have been charged with firearms-related offenses.
On Feb. 14, 2017, Rivera – who has multiple prior felony convictions, including drug-related offenses – sold two handguns and numerous rounds of ammunition to a cooperating source in Worcester. On Feb. 28, 2017, Rivera sold the cooperating source two more handguns (one of which was inoperable) and numerous rounds of ammunition.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.; and Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Abely of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Windsor Woman Who Defrauded Medicaid Program is SentencedRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and Chief State’s Attorney Kevin T. Kane today announced that BEVERLY COKER, 70, of Windsor, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to five years of probation for defrauding Connecticut’s Medicaid program.
According to court documents and statements made in court, COKER owned and operated New Beginnings Family Center, a behavioral health practice with an office located in Hartford. In May 2010, Ronnette Brown, of Bristol, and another individual approached COKER and proposed a collaboration with COKER’s practice. Under the proposal, Brown and the other individual would provide services to children and families through We-MPACT, a social services practice they operated in Bristol. COKER was to provide supervision to Brown and the other individual, for which COKER would be paid 30 percent of the proceeds. COKER knew that Brown and Sharpe were not licensed to provide psychotherapy, but understood that they were working toward becoming licensed.
Although COKER never provided supervision to Brown and the other individual, she submitted claims to Medicaid for psychotherapy services provided to We-MPACT’s clients using her provider number. Pursuant to their agreement, COKER paid Brown and others at We-MPACT approximately 70 percent of the amount of money she received from Medicaid. Beginning in January 2011, Brown and the other individual began billing Medicaid directly using COKER’s provider number. COKER ended her relationship with We-MPACT in November 2011.
Through this scheme, COKER and Brown defrauded Medicaid of approximately $214,555.
On April 8, 2016, COKER pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud.
On May 26, 2017, a jury found Brown guilty of 23 counts of health care fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, stemming from this scheme and related fraudulent billing of Medicaid for psychotherapy services that were not performed. On April 19, 2018, Judge Bolden sentenced Brown to 48 months of imprisonment and ordered her to pay restitution in the amount of $2,033,962.
Three other individuals have been charged and convicted of health care fraud offenses stemming from this investigation.
This matter has been jointly investigated by the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Chief State’s Attorney’s Office, with assistance from the Connecticut Attorney General’s Office. U.S. Attorney Durham also thanked the Connecticut Department of Social Services for their role in identifying the fraudulent scheme and supporting the investigation and prosecution of the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Chief State’s Attorney’s Office and Attorney General’s Office meet regularly as part of The Medicaid Fraud Working Group. The Working Group also includes representatives from the Connecticut Department of Social Services; the Connecticut Department of Public Health; the Drug Control Division of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection; the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the FBI. The Working Group reviews pending issues and cases, identifies trends that might indicate fraudulent activity, and coordinates efforts for maximum results.
This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Sheldon and Christopher W. Schmeisser.
People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS.
Wilmington Man Pleads Guilty to Dealing FentanylRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Wilmington man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to dealing fentanyl.
Bryan Moran, 35, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Aug. 3, 2018.
In June 2016, Moran was arrested and charged after investigators seized approximately 80 grams of fentanyl from a storage unit in North Reading. In October 2017, a superseding indictment added a five-year mandatory minimum sentence against Moran; however, due to a 2003 conviction in federal court for heroin conspiracy, Moran faces a 10-year mandatory minimum.
Moran faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least eight years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, a fine of up to $8 million, and forfeiture. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Albert Angelucci, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; Wilmington Police Chief Michael Begonis; and North Reading Police Chief Michael Murphy made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Ferguson of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
Vian Man Sentenced to 57 Months for Possession of Firearm, AmmunitionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Dustin Floyd Johnson, age 33, of Vian, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 57 months imprisonment and 3 years supervised release for Felon In Possession Of Firearm & Ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). The charge arose from an investigation by the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Indictment alleged that on or about April 19, 2017 Johnson, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, possessed a firearm and ammunition which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.
“This joint investigation by the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office and the ATF is a great example of what can be accomplished when agencies from state, local, federal, and tribal jurisdictions work together with the common goal of protecting the public,” United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said. “As a result of their work, the dedicated members of this office were able to enforce the federal statute that prohibits felons from possessing firearms and as a result make the Eastern District a safe place to live and work.”
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the non-paroleable sentence will be served.
Venezuelan Woman Sentenced to 20 Months in Prison for Extortion PlotRead the Press Release
Brigith Dayana Gomez, 29, of Venezuela, was sentenced today to 20 months and 15 days in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, for her participation in an extortion plot. Additionally, United States District Judge Joan A. Lenard ordered Gomez to pay at least $841.20 in restitution, and prohibited her from using social media and email during her sentence and the term of supervision.
Benjamin G. Greenberg, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Robert F. Lasky, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.
On February 14, 2018, following a two and a half week Miami jury trial, Gomez was convicted on all counts of the charged indictment, specifically: one count of conspiracy to transmit an interstate extortionate communication, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371; three counts of interstate transmission of an extortionate communication, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 875(d); and one count of interstate travel in aid of racketeering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1952(a)(3).
According to evidence presented at trial, Gomez and co-defendant Carolina Del Carmen Roldan planned to extort a victim, residing in Broward County, out of tens of thousands of dollars. If the victim did not comply with the demands for payment, the defendants threatened to damage the victim’s reputation and business prospects.
Gomez was residing in Los Angeles, California, while Del Carmen Roldan was residing in Miami, Florida, during the extortion conspiracy. Both women, originally from Venezuela, had previously obtained visas to reside in the United States.
Del Carmen Roldan previously pled guilty to participating in the conspiracy transmit an interstate extortionate communication and was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Lenard to 14 months and 15 days in prison, to be followed by 2 years of supervised release.
Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of the FBI. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa H. Miller, Anne P. McNamara and Frederic C. Shadley.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
U.S. Attorney's Office and U.S. Department of Agriculture Holding Food Stamp Fraud Investigation TrainingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney’s Office –
Middle District of Georgia
And
U.S. Department of Agriculture - OIG
Invite You To
Food Stamp Fraud Investigation Training
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Central Georgia Technical College
3300 Macon Tech Drive – Macon
Building I, Quad A
Topics of discussion for this no-cost training will include:
State Law Enforcement Bureau – SLEB
Overview of food stamp program
Trends in food stamp fraud
How to obtain undercover food stamp cards
Undercover Investigations, including pitfalls to avoid
Various criminal actions (state and federal)
Administrative Actions
Correlation Between Food Stamp Fraud and Gambling Machines (GBI)
Send registration to: [email protected] with the attached registration form.
Seating is limited to 85 participants
Questions? Call Pamela Lightsey at 478-621-2603
Two Men Plead Guilty to Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney R. Trent Shores announced today that two men pled guilty to child pornography offenses in the Northern District of Oklahoma. Both men used the internet to search for and find material depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
“The child victims in these cases are victimized over and over again because the images remain on the internet and in circulation. Sexual deviants who prey on children by seeking out child pornography will be aggressively prosecuted by my office. I am proud to partner with our law enforcement partners to stop child exploitation. The investigators in these cases did excellent work to make our community safer,” said United States Attorney Shores.
On May 8, 2018, Jeffrey Townsend, age 51, plead guilty to accessing with intent to view child pornography before Judge John E. Dowdell. Townsend admitted that on December 2, 2015, he knowingly accessed with intent to view, and attempted to view videos of child pornography as defined by federal law by accessing a video conferencing room that contained child pornography. He knew child pornography would likely be available in the video conferencing website. He accessed the website using the Internet and his computer. Townsend and the government stipulated in his plea agreement that his sentence should be between 30-37 months in federal prison. Any length of supervised release following prison, and the amount of any fine or restitution is left to the Court’s discretion. Sentencing is set for August 8, 2018. His case was investigated by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations and the Tulsa Police Department.
On May 9, 2018, Scott Frederick Arterbury, age 32, plead guilty to possession of child pornography before Judge Claire V. Eagan. Arterbury admitted that he knowingly possessed images and videos of child pornography that he had downloaded from the Internet to his computer. According to the government, his collection of child pornography included images and videos of prepubescent minors or minors who had not reached the age of 12 years old. The case was a result of a search warrant executed at the defendant’s residence on November 10, 2015. The defendant obtained at least some of the child pornography from a child pornography website located on the so-called Dark Web. Defendant’s plea agreement allows him to appeal certain pretrial rulings made by Judge Eagan. Sentencing is set for August 7, 2018. Arterbury’s case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Broken Arrow Police Department.
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 Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Twin Bridges Man Pleads Guilty to Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – Martin James Walsh, a 53-year-old resident of Twin Bridges, Montana, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeramiah Lynch presided over the hearing.
Beginning in October 2016, the South West Montana Drug Task Force (SWMDTF) used a confidential informant to purchase an 8 ball of methamphetamine from Walsh. The next month the SWMDTF again made an undercover purchase of ¼ ounce of methamphetamine from Walsh. In June 2017, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office used another confidential informant to purchase a small amount of heroin from Walsh. Based upon the purchases, sheriff deputies obtained a search warrant for Walsh’s residence in Twin Bridges. During the search of Walsh’s home they found a digital scale, several glass smoking pipes, a large box containing four bags of a white crystalline substance that tested positive for methamphetamine. Walsh was home at the time of the search. He was detained and read his Miranda rights. Walsh stated that he had been selling ounces of meth in Madison County as well as Bozeman and Butte. The amount of methamphetamine found in Walsh’s residence was approximately 260 grams or 2080 dosing units.
Further investigation by the Missouri River Drug Task Force learned that Walsh had been supplying large quantities of methamphetamine to a distributor in Bozeman. It was learned that between July 2016 through January 2017, Walsh had distributed 1357 grams, or 10,856 dosing units, of methamphetamine to his co-conspirator to be distributed throughout the Gallatin County area.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan R. Whittaker and investigated by the FBI, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, South West Montana Drug Task Force, and the Missouri River Drug Task Force.
Twelve Indicted on Federal Charges Related to Jefferson County Insurance FraudRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A federal grand jury returned a 40-count indictment on May 2, 2018, charging 12 individuals with federal violations related to an insurance fraud scheme in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown today.
According to the indictment, beginning in 2011, Patrick Wayne Bronnon, and others, began executing a scheme to defraud various insurance companies through fraudulent claims on homes and vehicles. The indictment alleges Bronnon, or co-defendant Glenn Etienne, would identify a low value property and purchase it through a co-defendant straw purchaser. On several occasions, Bronnon or Etienne would provide the straw purchaser with the funds for the down payment and initial insurance premium. Within a couple of weeks, Bronnon or an associate would intentionally damage the home, typically by fire or water, in order to collect insurance proceeds. In total, nine fraudulent fire claims, three fraudulent water damage claims, and two fraudulent theft claims were filed with various insurance companies on nine different addresses, totaling approximately $1.7 million in fraudulent payments. The properties were located in Port Arthur, Port Neches, Beaumont, and Sugarland, Texas. Those charged in the indictment are:
Patrick Wayne Bronnon, 49, of Groves, Texas;
Glenn Dell Etienne, 50, of Groves;
Geraldine Weldon Joseph, 67, of Port Arthur;
Morris Broussard, 51, of Houston;
Keisha Windon Lewis, 44, of Port Arthur;
Helene Williams Calcote, 41, of Groves;
Cynthia Lynn Banion, 45, of Houston;
Earnest Hamilton, 79, of Richmond;
Nathaniel Joseph Chevalier, 40, of Nederland;
Rodric Ledae Wallace, 49, of Nederland; and
Riley Moss Reed, 63, of Port ArthurUnder federal statutes, if convicted, the defendants face up to 20 years in federal prison.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, National Insurance Crime Bureau and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher T. Tortorice.
A grand jury indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Twelve Alleged Baltimore Drug Dealers Indicted on Federal Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
May 9, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted twelve Baltimore men on charges related to a drug trafficking operation in East Baltimore. The indictment unsealed today charges the defendants with distribution of heroin and crack cocaine. Two defendants are charged with Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking and Conspiracy to Possess a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking; one of those defendants is also charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Another defendant is also charged with Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur and Special Agent in Charge Daniel L. Board Jr. of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division.
According to the thirteen-count indictment, in November of 2017, the ATF initiated an investigation into a drug trafficking organization. The organization was allegedly responsible for distributing large quantities of heroin and cocaine in the 2100 block of Aiken Street in Baltimore, Maryland.
The following defendants are charged in the indictment unsealed today;
Devin O’Cain, a/k/a Dev, a/k/a Dex, age 26, of Baltimore, Maryland;
Charles Alston, a/k/a Nub, age 28, of Baltimore, Maryland;
James Boykin, a/k/a Mal, age 32, of Baltimore, Maryland;
Antonio Santiful, a/k/a Tony, age 29, of Essex, Maryland;
Michael Brown, a/k/a Dirt, age 38, of Baltimore, Maryland;
Brian Cunningham, a/k/a Shug, age 44, of Middle River, Maryland;
Allen Griffin, a/k/a Max, a/k/a Mean, age 30, of Baltimore, Maryland;
Wayne Chambers, a/k/a Chedder, age 21, of Baltimore, Maryland;
Lamont Ferguson, a/k/a Lonnie, a/k/a Lil Yougin, age 26, of Baltimore, Maryland;
Markytis Brown, a/k/a Money, age 32, of Baltimore, Maryland;
John Williams, a/k/a Little, and 34, of Baltimore, Maryland; and
Sheldon Hill, age 64, of Baltimore, Maryland.
All of the defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years imprisonment and a maximum of 40 years imprisonment for the drug conspiracy charge. Chambers and Alston face a minimum of 5 years in prison to run consecutive with a maximum sentence of life for the possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. O’Cain and Alston also face an additional maximum of 20 years in prison for the charged Conspiracy to Possess a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking.
Nine defendants are currently detained. The whereabouts of Sheldon Hill and Allen Griffin are unknown.
Anyone who may have information on the whereabouts of Hill or Griffin is asked to contact the ATF-Baltimore Field Division at 1-888-ATF-TIPS, [email protected], or text ATFBAL to 63975.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the ATF and the Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia McLane and Brandon Moore who are prosecuting the case.
Topeka Man Sentenced for McDonald’s Restaurant RobberyRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man was sentenced today to 12 years and 10 months in federal prison for robbing a McDonald’s restaurant, U.S. Attorney Stephan McAllister said.
Brendon R. Thompson, 31, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of robbery and one count of aiding and abetting another robber who brandished a firearm during the robbery.
In his plea, Thompson admitted that on July 10, 2017, he and another man robbed the McDonald’s restaurant at 1100 South Kansas Avenue in Topeka. Thompson went behind the counter and took money from the registers while the other robber brandished a firearm. The robbers fled when police arrived. Thompson was arrested near the restaurant, while the other robber got away.
McAllister commended the FBI, the Topeka Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag for their work on the case.
Thirty-seven Individuals Charged in Methamphetamine Drug Take DownRead the Press Release
DENVER – Thirty-seven individuals have been charged with federal crimes related to methamphetamine drug trafficking in two separate indictments unsealed in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, announced U.S. Attorney Bob Troyer, DEA Special Agent in Charge William T. McDermott, and Colorado State Attorney General Cynthia H. Coffman. The indictments were issued by a Federal Grand Jury on April 19, 2018, and May 2, 2018, and unsealed today as arrest warrants were served throughout the metro Denver area, as well as in California and Arizona.
As described in two separate indictments, the drug conspiracy operated within the State of Colorado from dates spanning back as far as July 1, 2015. Separate charges against individual defendants include conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, knowingly or intentionally distributing and possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, intentionally using a communications device in causing or facilitating the commission of a drug felony, and money laundering.
“Meth ravages and ruins the precious lives of too many Coloradans,” said U.S. Attorney Bob Troyer. “Taking out 37 dealers, taking this kind of weight out of our suffering communities, is a major public safety victory. And it’s one we only got because of the exceptional work and partnership we have with the Colorado Attorney General’s Office, the DEA, and many other law enforcement agencies.”
“Today’s bust is another indication that the profitability of dealing drugs in the U.S. invites cartels and criminals into our communities,” said Colorado Attorney General Cynthia Coffman. “Along with its law enforcement partners, the Colorado Attorney General’s Office will keep the heat on drug traffickers doing business in our state. But until we effectively reduce demand for these potent and deadly drugs, we will be fighting symptoms and consequences rather than stopping the problem.”
“With the methamphetamine, heroin and the opioid epidemic ravaging the country, this unified effort reflects the partnerships between federal, state, and local law enforcement in combating this issue to protect the citizens of Colorado,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge William T. McDermott. “The arrests of these 37 defendants will disrupt the flow of drugs into Colorado, California and Arizona. The Denver OCDETF Strike Force will continue its mission in targeting, disrupting and dismantling the highest levels of transnational criminal organizations.”
“This case is one of many examples of how local, state and federal partners work together to combat drug crimes,” said ATF Denver Special Agent in Charge Debbie Livingston. “Supporting our federal, state and local partners is always a priority for ATF.”
The Denver OCDETF Strike Force Group led today’s operation, which successfully arrested 25 individuals. Others are presently at large. The Strike Force includes investigators from the Colorado State Attorney General’s Office, DEA, HSI, FBI, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and was supported by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Other law enforcement agencies assisted in making today’s arrests. These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Podolak.The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Visit our website http://www.justice.gov/usao/co | Follow us on Twitter @DCoNewsTexas Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing over Thirty Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Mario Guadalupe Pecina, age 44, of San Antonio, Texas, pled guilty today before U.S. District U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Thomas Annello, Acting Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, and Joseph A. Banco Jr., Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector.
On January 11, 2018, a United States Border Patrol officer stopped Pecina for committing a traffic violation while traveling on Interstate 10 in Harrison County, Mississippi. During the stop, the officer learned that Pecina was previously arrested for smuggling cocaine in 2009. While speaking with the officer, Pecina began displaying signs of nervous behavior. Pecina consented to a search of the vehicle, and upon searching, the officer located 31 packages of cocaine concealed within the door and rear hatch panels of the vehicle.
Pecina will be sentenced on August 16, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. by U.S. District U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden. He faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Border Patrol. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.
Tangipahoa Parish Men Sentenced for Burglary of a Federal Firearms LicenseeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – DEMARCO JONES, age 23 of Tickfaw, and WILLIE WALKER, age 22 of Hammond, were sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
JONES and WALKER pled guilty to theft of firearms in connection with the April 8, 2016 burglary of the Tickfaw Auction Company (a federal firearms licensee), during which 25 handguns were stolen. Additionally, WALKER admitted to possession of stolen firearms and JONES tendered a guilty plea to possession of firearms by a felon.
Judge Engelhardt sentenced JONES to thirty-six (36) months imprisonment, while WALKER received a fifty-seven (57) month sentence. Upon release from imprisonment, both defendants will serve a three (3) year term of supervised release. Additionally, the defendants were both ordered to pay $200 special assessment fees.
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.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Hammond Police Department, and the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael E. McMahon.
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Stratford Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Charge Stemming from Domestic Violence IncidentRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MATTHEW PETROVITCH, 38, of Stratford, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 26, 2017, Stratford Police responded to PETROVITCH’s residence after a female victim reported that PETROVITCH had physically assaulted her and threatened her with a firearm while she was holding a young child. After PETROVITCH was taken into custody, officers searched the residence and seized an AK-74 semiautomatic rifle, a short-barreled shotgun, and more than 350 rounds of assorted ammunition.
The short-barreled shotgun was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, as required.
In March 2000, PETROVITCH was convicted in state court of conspiracy to commit assault in the first degree, and robbery in the third degree. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
When he is sentenced, PETROVITCH faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. PETROVITCH is detained pending sentencing.
On April 24, 2018, PETROVITCH pleaded guilty in Bridgeport Superior Court to state charges related to this incident.
This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Stratford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alina P. Reynolds, in coordination with the State’s Attorney for the Fairfield Judicial District.
South Charleston Man Sentence for Federal Methamphetamine CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A South Charleston man caught with methamphetamine and firearms last year was sentenced today to 54 months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Ray Eads, 35, previously pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Stuart praised the investigation conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT).
“The increase in methamphetamine trafficking we are experiencing in West Virginia is troublesome,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “To stop it from becoming an even bigger problem, we are aggressively prosecuting meth dealers.”
On May 18, 2017, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Eads’ residence on Smith Creek Road in South Charleston. During the search, officers found over 1,200 grams of methamphetamine, digital scales, drug ledgers, and almost $12,000 cash. Officers also located several firearms and a bulletproof vest in Eads’ bedroom. Eads gave a statement admitting to possessing the drugs and guns discovered in his residence. Eads also admitted that he had been distributing methamphetamine in the South Charleston area.
Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence.
This case was prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
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South Carolina Man Sentenced on Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A South Carolina man who had been residing in Charleston was sentenced today to 33 months imprisonment on federal drug charges, announced United States Attorney Michael B. Stuart. Antoine Dericus Wilmore, 30, pled guilty in November to four counts of distribution of heroin, one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, and two counts of distribution of a fentanyl analogue. Stuart commended the work of the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) for their work during this investigation.
“Dangerous drug dealers like Wilmore peddling heroin and fentanyl should be locked up,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Charleston will be a safer place with him behind bars.”
On six occasions between April and August, 2016, Wilmore distributed and aided and abetted the distribution of heroin and fentanyl analogue to a confidential informant in Charleston who was working with MDENT. One of the heroin distributions aided and abetted by Wilmore took place on the school grounds of Stonewall Jackson Middle School. On June 2, 2016, a search warrant executed at Wilmore’s residence discovered over 11 grams of heroin, $1300 in United States currency, and two pistols.
United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald handled the prosecution.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews
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South Bend Woman SentencedRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Susie Wilson, age 23, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. for conspiring to obtain firearms by providing false or fictitious statements, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Wilson was sentenced to 48 months imprisonment followed by 1 years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “We, with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively prosecute individuals involved in firearms trafficking.”
According to documents in this case, Ms. Wilson was charged by indictment with making false statements when purchasing firearms on eight occasions from retailers in the South Bend area between August, 2016 and May 2017. Ms. Wilson purchased the firearms for another individual. Seven of the firearms she purchased were recovered in Chicago. One of the firearms was involved in three shootings and one homicide.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank E. Schaffer.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
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Salinas Gang Member Sentenced to over Nine Years in Prison for Multiple Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Francisco Javier Marmolejo, aka “Blindy,” was sentenced to 114 months in prison today for robbing and conspiring to rob three San Francisco Bay Area banks, announced Acting United States Attorney Alex G. Tse and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Lucy H. Koh, United States District Judge, following Marmolejo’s guilty plea to the bank robbery on January 5, 2018.
According to the plea agreement, Marmolejo, 36, of Salinas admitted robbing Bay Area banks on three occasions between November of 2011 and January of 2012. Marmolejo admitted that on November 9, 2011, together with others, he robbed a bank in Pacific Grove, Calif. Marmolejo admitted that at least one of the robbers brandished a firearm and that he was the getaway driver while his fellow robbers went inside the bank to rob it. On that occasion, Marmolejo and his fellow robbers stole approximately $18,383.00 from the bank. Further, on December 2, 2011, Marmolejo, together with others, robbed a bank in Seaside, Calif. Marmolejo acknowledged that on that occasion, he brandished a firearm during the robbery. Finally, on January 19, 2012, Marmolejo, together with others, robbed a bank in Salinas, Calif., during which one of the robbers brandished a gun.
In addition to the three robberies in which Marmolejo admitted he participated, he also admitted that in March of 2012, he possessed three semi-automatic handguns, bear repellant, three ballistic vests, three ski masks, and other items all of which were used and intended to be used during the commission of bank robberies and to avoid detection by law enforcement.
On January 3, 2018, Marmolejo was charged by superseding information with one count of conspiracy to commit armed bank robbery, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § § 2113(a) and (d), and 371; one count of armed bank robbery, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § § 2113(a) and (2) and 2; and one count of use or possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § § 924(c)(1)(A) and 2. Pursuant to his plea agreement, Marmolejo pleaded guilty to all counts in the superseding information. Marmolejo was originally indicted on some of these charges on November 8, 2016. On December 18, 2017, Marmolejo’s co-defendant Jorge Lopez, aka “Cowboy,” pleaded guilty to the same charges. Judge Koh scheduled Lopez’s sentencing for July 11, 2018.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Koh also ordered Marmolejo to pay restitution in the amount of $52,854.00 and to serve five years of supervised release to begin after his prison term. Marmolejo currently is in state custody serving a 12-year prison sentence, part of which will be credited to his federal term. Upon his release from state custody, Marmolejo will have approximately 104 months remaining on his federal sentence.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Claudia A. Quiroz with the assistance of paralegal Jessica Meegan and legal assistant Lance Libatique. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.
Rockford Man Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
ROCKFORD — A Rockford, Ill., man was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Philip G. Reinhard for illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. ALBERT DOWTHARD, 37, was sentenced to 186 months in federal prison, in addition to 4 years of supervised release following his imprisonment, for illegally possessing a .38 revolver on Nov. 14, 2016. Dowthard pleaded guilty to the charge on Oct. 12, 2017, and also admitted to possessing .38 caliber ammunition at the time. In imposing the sentence, Judge Reinhard found that Dowthard was an “armed career criminal” under a federal firearm law mandating non-paroleable prison sentences of 15 years or more for felons with extensive records of prior convictions who illegally possess or sell guns, which resulted in Dowthard receiving a higher sentence.
The sentencing was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Celinez Nunez, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; and Dan O’Shea, Rockford Police Chief.
The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott R. Paccagnini.
Rockford Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Heroin in RockfordRead the Press Release
ROCKFORD — A Rockford man was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Philip G. Reinhard on a federal drug trafficking charge. QUINCY L. ATMORE (also known as “Q”), 46, of Rockford, Ill., was sentenced to 17 years in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Atmore pleaded guilty to distributing heroin on Jan. 17, 2018. In the written plea agreement, Atmore admitted that between October 2015 and September 2016, he operated a heroin trafficking business in the Rockford area, and maintained two cell phone lines as heroin hotlines for customers to order and purchase heroin. Atmore typically sold user quantity amounts of heroin, such as a gram or one-half gram, but occasionally did larger transactions. Atmore admitted he engaged in a large number of transactions each day, selling at least 10 to 15 grams of heroin a day resulting in sales of at least 4500 grams of heroin during the time period that he operated his heroin trafficking business. Atmore also admitted that on Sept. 7, 2016, he possessed a firearm in a vehicle he was driving near a BP Station on Auburn Street and that he possessed the firearm for protection when conducting drug transactions.
MAURICE D. NEAL (also known as “Moe”), 35, of Rockford, is also charged with conspiracy to distribute a kilogram or more of heroin, in addition to charges of distributing heroin in Rockford, Ill., from October 2015 through September 2016. Neal is currently in federal custody pending trial. The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. Neal is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The drug conspiracy charge carries a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence and a maximum potential penalty of up to life in federal prison, and a fine of up to $10 million. Each count of distribution of heroin carries a maximum potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison, and a fine of up to $1 million. If Neal is convicted, the court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal sentencing statutes and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.
The sentencing was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Brian M. McKnight, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration; and Leo P. Schmitz, Director of the Illinois State Police. The case was investigated by the Rockford Resident Agency of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Chicago Field Office, and the Stateline Area Narcotics Team (“SLANT”), a task force led by the Illinois State Police. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department, and the Rockford Police Department assisted in the investigation.
The government is being represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret J. Schneider.
Richmond Heights man sentenced to 15 years in prison for receiving four pounds of methamphetamine and Postal Service letter carrier sentenced to eight years in prison for diverting and delivering packages of drugsRead the Press Release
A Richmond Heights man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for receiving more than four pounds of methamphetamine from California, and a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier was sentenced to more than eight years in prison for diverting packages of drugs and delivering them to him.
Devon Williams, 24, of Richmond Heights, was sentenced to 180 months in prison. Marquacia Deshawn Morris, 27, of Woodmere, was sentenced to 97 months in prison. Kevin Williams, 24, of Richmond Heights and Devon Williams’ twin brother, was sentenced to 72 months in prison.
Devon Williams and Morris previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than two kilograms of methamphetamine. Kevin Williams pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin.
A package containing more than a kilogram of methamphetamine was mailed from California to Beachwood on Sept. 7, 2017. Four days later, Morris, a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier, accepted the package and began her daily assigned mail route, according to court documents.
She traveled to Beachwood on Sept. 11, where she met Devon Williams. He accepted the package and transported it to 440 Richmond Park East in Richmond Heights, according to court documents.
Investigators believe the methamphetamine was supplied by a Mexican drug cartel. Morris abused her position with the Postal Service to divert and deliver approximately 15 packages for the drug traffickers, according to court documents and statements.
“We increasingly see drug traffickers attempting to utilize whatever transportation method they can to get their drugs into the country, including the mail and private carriers,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “The Postal Service’s investigators and all in law enforcement are working to stop the flow of drugs before they reach our streets.”
U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General Special Agent in Charge Kenneth Cleevely, Eastern Area Field Office, said: “Postal employees are paid to deliver mail, not drugs. The vast majority of the Postal Service's 600,000 employees are hard-working, trustworthy individuals. Unfortunately, a few of them decide to engage in criminal conduct, as in this case. When postal employees decide to risk their job, benefits, retirement, and freedom to get involved with drug trafficking, Special Agents of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General will work with Postal Inspectors and the U.S. Attorney's Office to put them all in federal prison. To report criminal activity or serious misconduct by postal employees, contact USPS OIG special agents at www.uspsoig.gov or 888-USPS-OIG.”
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Willoughby Hills Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Seabury Gould.
Rensselaer County Man Sentenced to 78 Months for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Keith J. Bleau, age 52, of Buskirk, New York, was sentenced today to 78 months in prison for receiving and possessing child pornography.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Janelle M. Miller, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
As part of his guilty plea, Bleau admitted that between about November 1, 2016 and May 15, 2017, he used the Internet and file-sharing software to download child pornography videos.
United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also imposed a 15-year term of supervised release, which will start after Bleau is released from prison. As a result of his conviction, Bleau will be required to register as a sex offender after leaving prison.
This case was investigated by the FBI and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Belliss.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Reno Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Synthetic Opioid Drug U-47700Read the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A Reno man was sentenced today to 144 months in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute U-47700, a dangerous synthetic opioid with street names “China white” and “pinky” that is more potent than morphine, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Dan Neill for the DEA’s Las Vegas office.
Randy Ray Paulsen, aka “Frank,” 41, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Miranda M. Du. He previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute U-4700, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to admissions made in the plea agreement, Paulsen and a co-conspirator agreed to sell one pound of U-47700, a Schedule 1 substance under the Controlled Substance Act, for $8,000. He arranged the sale with the buyer and his co-defendant via text messaging. On February 10, 2017, the co-conspirator left the one pound of U-47700 in a plastic bag in one of the washing machines at a laundromat on 5th Street, in Reno, which is near the Gold Dust West casino. Paulsen watched the events from a nearby location. As law enforcement approached, he texted his co-defendant, “Leave, setup, all bad,” and “911 leave.” Law enforcement found 445.2 grams of U-47700 and furanyl fentanyl, an analogue of fentanyl, in the plastic bag left in the washing machine.
During the execution of a search warrant at Paulsen’s residence, in a safe concealed in the ceiling of his bedroom, law enforcement discovered: 121.65 grams of U-47700 and furanyl fentanyl; 51.6 grams of methamphetamine; 7.82 grams of heroin; 206.9 grams of dimethyl sulfone (which can be used as a cutting agent for drugs); baggies; cash; and a .40 caliber pistol.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney James E. Keller prosecuted the case.
Controlled substance analogues are designer drugs that have chemical structures and hallucinogenic effects similar to Schedule I controlled substances. U-47700 is a synthetic opioid that is 7-8 times more potent than morphine. The illegal drug looks like a white or light pink powder and poses the same risks as heroin and prescription opioids.
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President of Health Care Company Based in Fresno and Visalia Pleads Guilty to Illegal Use of Client FundsRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Mark Merrill Reynolds, 62, of Fresno, pleaded guilty today to unlawfully converting to his own use client funds held by his company, Ben-E-Lect, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, Reynolds was the president and sole shareholder of Ben‑E-Lect and Ben-E-Lect of Visalia. These companies operated in Fresno and Tulare Counties. Ben-E-Lect’s clients were small to medium sized businesses that purchased high‑deductible, fully insured group medical plans from independent insurance carriers, and then self‑insured beneficiaries for amounts up to the amount of the high deductible. Ben-E-Lect processed the claims using funds that its clients paid into an account known as the Ben-E-Lect Employer Elect account. Ben-E-Lect was required to hold these funds in a fiduciary capacity and to withdraw clients’ funds only for specific purposes, none of which included Ben-E-Lect’s own operational expenses or Reynold’s personal gain.
According to the plea agreement, Reynolds converted funds from the Employer Elect account to his own use by withdrawing funds from the account and then using these funds for business operational expenses of Ben-E-Lect, and to pay his own personal expenses.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the California Department of Insurance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark J. McKeon and Henry Z. Carbajal III are prosecuting the case. Reynolds is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill on August 20, 2018, at 10:45 a.m.
Reynolds faces a maximum statutory penalty of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Pennsylvania and West Virginia residents indicted for heroin distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jalisa L. Hawkins, of Duquesne, Pennsylvania, appeared this week before a federal magistrate judge to face charges involving a heroin distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hawkins is one of nine named defendants facing heroin distribution charges after being indicted on March 6, 2018 by a federal grand jury sitting in Clarksburg. Those named in the 20-count indictment include:
- Jalisa L. Hawkins, also known as “Ashley,” age 28, of Duquesne, Pennsylvania
- Chad Juan M. Neal, also known as “CJ,” age 24, of Duquesne, Pennsylvania
- Hunter Queen, age 22, of Nutter Fort, West Virginia
- Alexander D. Barnett, age 23, of Flemington, West Virginia
- David W. Lipscomb, age 35, of Bridgeport, West Virginia
- Stephen R. Mitchell, Jr., age 35, of Clarksburg, West Virginia
- Alexandra D. Coffman Mitchell, also known as “Alli,” age 25, of Clarksburg, West Virginia
- David C. Chalfant, age 25, of Bridgeport, West Virginia
- Brian K. Griffey, age 48, of Monongah, West Virginia
The indictment charges each of the defendants with conspiring to distribute heroin in Harrison County, West Virginia and elsewhere from January 2016 to May 2016.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Traci M. Cook is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Pasco Convicted Felon Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
Spokane – Joseph H. Harrington, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Jared Ryan Marcum, age 39, of Pasco, Washington, was sentenced today after having been convicted on December 1, 2017, following two separate jury trials, of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Senior United States District Judge Edward F. Shea sentenced Marcum to a 25-year term of imprisonment, to be followed by a 10-year term of court supervision following his release from federal prison.
According to information disclosed during court proceedings, Kennewick Police Department (KPD) Officers stopped a Cadillac due to an arrest warrant for its driver. Officers identified Marcum as the front-seat passenger and a known convicted felon. After arresting the driver, officers began an impound of the Cadillac because Marcum did not have a valid driver’s license. While inventorying the vehicle’s contents, officers discovered a handgun and suspected narcotics in the passenger seat glove box. After obtaining a search warrant, officers seized 288 grams of methamphetamine, 51 grams of heroin, a digital scale, and a loaded firearm. Marcum’s fingerprints and DNA were found on the scale and firearm.
At sentencing, Judge Shea noted that Marcum’s lengthy criminal history of drug dealing, violence, and possession of firearms indicated his “continued lack of respect for the law.” Judge Shea also imposed a 2-year concurrent term of imprisonment for Marcum’s commission of the offenses while on federal supervised release. In 2006, Marcum received a 10-year term of imprisonment for similar firearm-related conduct.
Harrington said, “The Court’s sentence will serve protect the community, punish Marcum, and deter others who might consider committing similar crimes in our community. I commend the law enforcement officers who worked on this case. Their seamless partnership resulted in the successful outcome of this matter. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington is, and will continue to be, committed to prosecuting aggressively and seeking appropriate punishment for offenders who possess with intent to distribute drugs and illegally possess firearms in this District.”
This case was prosecuted under the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program. PSN is a federal, state, and local law enforcement collaboration to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals responsible for violent crimes in our neighborhoods. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement to specifically identify the criminals responsible for violent crime in the Eastern District of Washington and pursue criminal prosecution. PSN has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
This case was investigated by the cooperative efforts of the FBI, the Kennewick Police Department (KPD), KPD Criminal Apprehension Team, the Tri-Cities Violent Gang Safe Streets Task Force, the Washington State Patrol, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Laurel J. Holland and Ian L. Garriques, Assistant United States Attorneys for the Eastern District of Washington.
Olney, Illinois Woman Nets 10-Year Prison Sentence for Methamphetamine-Related OffensesRead the Press Release
Vickie L. Sanders, 57, of Olney, IL, was sentenced on May 9, 2018, to 120 months in federal prison for methamphetamine-related offenses, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today. Sanders previously pleaded guilty to six counts in a federal indictment.
Count 1 charged that from on or about 2015, until on or about April 21, 2017, in Richland County, Sanders and co-defendant Kylee D. Black, 34, of Olney, Illinois, conspired with others known and unknown to the Grand Jury to knowingly and intentionally manufacture fifty (50) grams or more of methamphetamine.
Count 2 charged that on April 21, 2017, in Richland County, Sanders knowingly and intentionally attempted to manufacture a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine.
Counts 3-6 charged that Sanders and Black knowingly and intentionally possessed Pseudoephedrine knowing that it would be used to manufacture methamphetamine. The dates involved were December 21, 2016 (Count 3), December 15, 2015 (Count 4), September 30, 2015 (Count 5), and April 3, 2015 (Count 6).
Co-defendant Kylee Black was previously sentenced to 168 months’ imprisonment.
As part of her sentence, Sanders was ordered to serve eight years on supervised release.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office.
North Haverhill Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Thomas S. Harris, 27, of North Haverhill, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in federal court to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Harris is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms. On August 25, 2016, Harris sold a Savage Arms, model 18-F, .410 caliber shotgun to a pawn shop in Lisbon, New Hampshire. On September 27, 2016, Harris sold a Keystone Sporting Arms, model Cricket, .22 caliber rifle at the same pawn shop.
Harris is scheduled to be sentenced on September 4, 2018
“In order to keep our community safe from violence, we must keep guns out of the hands of criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Through the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office works closely with our law enforcement partners to protect our citizens from violent crime and gun-related offenses.”
“Today’s guilty plea demonstrates ATF’s commitment to targeting prohibited individuals from possessing and trafficking in firearms,’” said Lawrence Panetta, ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division. “ATF will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to eliminate these type of crimes and remove firearms from illegal commerce.”
The case is part of ATF’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which is a federally-funded program intended to reduce gun violence through law enforcement training, public education, and aggressive law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute gun-related crimes.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Vermont State Police, the Lisbon Police Department, Bath Police Department and the Haverhill Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra M. Walsh.
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Newton Man Pleads Guilty to 25 Offenses Associated with Cyberstalking Former Housemate and OthersRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Newton man, who was charged with conducting an extensive cyberstalking campaign against his former housemate, her family members, co-workers, friends, and others, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to 25 offenses.
Ryan S. Lin, 25, pleaded guilty to seven counts of cyberstalking, five counts of distribution of child pornography, nine counts of making hoax bomb threats, three counts of computer fraud and abuse and one count of aggravated identity theft. As part of Lin’s plea agreement, Lin agreed to be sentenced to a minimum of seven years and a maximum of 17 ½ years in prison. U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled the sentencing hearing for Sept. 14, 2018. Lin was arrested in October 2017 and has been in custody since.
From May 2016 through Oct. 5, 2017, Lin engaged in an extensive cyberstalking campaign against a 24-year-old female victim. Lin hacked into the victim’s online accounts and devices and stole the victim’s private photographs, personally identifiable information, and private diary entries, which contained highly sensitive details about her medical, psychological and sexual history, and distributed the material to hundreds of people associated with her.
Lin also created and posted fraudulent online profiles in the victim’s name and solicited rape fantasies, including “gang bang,” and other sexual activities, which in turn caused men to show up at the victim’s home. He also engaged in a number of other activities targeting the female victim, including relentless anonymous text messaging and hoaxes.
In addition to his former housemate, Lin engaged in cyberstalking activity aimed at six other individuals. Some were associated with the former housemate, and others were entirely unrelated. The additional victims include a female who was also Lin’s housemate in Newton at the time of Lin’s arrest. On multiple occasions, Lin also sent sexually explicit images of prepubescent children on an unsolicited basis to the victim’s mother, the victim’s co-worker and housemate, a friend of the victim who resided in New Jersey, and two of Lin’s former classmates in New York.
Furthermore, Lin falsely and repeatedly reported to law enforcement that there were bombs at the victim’s Waltham residence. Lin also created a false social media profile in the name of the victim’s housemate in Waltham and posted that he was going to “shoot up” a school in Waltham, stating that there would be “blood and corpses everywhere.” These threats expanded beyond Waltham and became part of an extensive and prolonged pattern of threats to local schools, private homes, businesses, and other institutions in the broader community. Ultimately, Lin pleaded guilty to having made over 100 bomb threats, including 24 in a single day.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan, of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Waltham Police Chief Keith MacPherson made the announcement today. The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to thank the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office and Watertown, Newton and Wellesley Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Harman Burkart, Chief of Lelling’s Cybercrime Unit, and Senior Trial Attorney Mona Sedky of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section are prosecuting the case.
New Orleans Man Charged with Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that HAROLD McARTHUR, age 33, of New Orleans, was charged by way of bill of information yesterday with one count of failure to register as a sex offender under the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
If convicted, McARTHUR faces a maximum term of 10 years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine. He also would have to be sentenced to a term of supervised release of between 5 years and life.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the bill of information 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 Marshals Service and the Louisiana State Police in this matter. He extended his thanks to the New Orleans Police Department and the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office for their assistance. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Payne is in charge of prosecution.
Murfreesboro Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights Charges Relating to Islamic Center VandalismRead the Press Release
Charles Dwight Stout, III, 20, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to conspiracy to damage religious property and to causing damage to religious property because of its religious character, announced U.S. Attorney Don Cochran for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Stout was indicted in September 2017 along with Thomas Gibbs, 18, also of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and charged with conspiring to commit a civil rights violation and committing a civil rights violation through damaging and defacing the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro.
According to the plea agreement, Stout admitted that on July 10, 2017, he conspired to vandalize the Islamic Center by placing bacon, a pork product forbidden by Islam, around an entrance; and spray painted profane references to Allah on multiple parts of the Center’s exterior; and concealed his identity in the commitment of these crimes by wearing a Soviet World War II-era gas mask.
Stout was previously indicted on August 30, 2017, for obstructing a federal investigation by deleting photographic evidence. Under the terms of the plea agreement, the government will dismiss the obstruction charge and Stout agrees to a sentence of one year supervised release and the payment of restitution in an amount determined by the court when he is sentenced on August 13, 2018.
Charges against Thomas Gibbs are still pending and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Sara Beth Myers and Henry C. Leventis are prosecuting the case.
Muldrow Man Sentenced to 120 Months for Enticement of A MinorRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Michael Aaron Campbell, age 21, of Muldrow, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment on counts 1 and 2 to run concurrent, and 5 years supervised release for two counts of Enticement Of A Minor Using A Facility Of Interstate Commerce, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2422(b). The charges arose from an investigation by the Muldrow Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security (“HSI”).
The indictment alleged in count 1 that in June and July, 2017, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, used and attempted to use, the internet to knowingly persuade, induce, and entice an individual whom he believed to be under 16 years of age, to engage in sexual activity for which a person can be criminally charged under Oklahoma State law. Count 2 alleged that in June 2017 the defendant used and attempted to use cellular communication to knowingly persuade, induce, and entice a second individual whom he believed to be under 14 years of age, to engage in sexual activity for which a person can be criminally charged under Oklahoma State law. The defendant plead guilty to both counts on January 22, 2018.
“I am thankful for the work of the Muldrow Police Department, HSI, and the members of this office who worked together to ensure that justice was delivered. The defendant is being held accountable and the public is being protected because of their work ethic and dedication to the rule of law,” said United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester. “This case, and others like it, must be a reminder to all of us that the dangers that our children face are not necessarily outside of the home. There are predators trying to take advantage of children’s access to computers and phones. Please do not assume that your children are safe from them just because they are in the confines of your home. Be aware of your children’s internet, phone, and on-line gaming activity. Teach them the signs and potential dangers associated with on-line predators.”
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney John David Luton represented the United States. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the non-paroleable sentence will be served.
Moss Point Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Isaiah Galloway, 40, of Moss Point, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to 121 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing methamphetamine in Moss Point, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Galloway pled guilty on February 6, 2018, to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to the investigation, Galloway distributed approximately 100 grams of methamphetamine "ICE" to a confidential source on at least three separate occasions, including September 21, 2016, for which he was charged.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.
Morgan County woman admits to firearm chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Megan Renee Bohrer, of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, has admitted to a stolen firearm charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Bohrer, age 25, pled guilty one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession of a Stolen Firearm.” Bohrer admitted to possessing a stolen .38 caliber revolver in September 2017 in Berkeley County.
Bohrer faces up to 10 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 Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Mexican Nationals Plead Guilty to Trafficking in Counterfeit Goods by Operating Counterfeit Airbag Business in AlbuquerqueRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Two Mexican nationals, illegally present in the United States, entered guilty pleas today to operating a counterfeit airbag business out of their residence in Albuquerque, N.M. Dina Gonzalez-Marquez, 24, and Emilio Gonzalez-Marquez, 22, entered their guilty pleas under plea agreements that recommend a five-year term of probation. The plea agreements state that the probationary terms should be unsupervised because the guilty pleas will result in the defendants’ deportation.
The defendants, who are siblings, pleaded guilty to charges in an indictment filed on April 26, 2017. The indictment charged the defendants with conspiring to traffic in counterfeit goods and two counts of trafficking in counterfeit goods. According to the indictment, Dina Gonzalez-Marquez and Emilio Gonzalez-Marquez conspired to traffic in counterfeit goods from Jan. 2015 to March 2017, by operating a business that sold counterfeit airbag modules and airbag covers out of their Albuquerque residence. It also alleged that they facilitated the conspiracy by listing and selling counterfeit airbag modules and airbag covers online, shipping the counterfeit goods to purchasers, and conducting in person sales of the counterfeit goods.
During today’s proceedings, Dina Gonzalez-Marquez and Emilio Gonzalez-Marquez each pled guilty to conspiracy and trafficking in counterfeit goods. In entering their guilty pleas, the siblings admitted that they purchased counterfeit airbags and airbag covers from overseas and listed them for sale on different internet sites. They acknowledged that they continued to sell counterfeit airbags and airbag covers even after being contacted by one of the internet sites and a vehicle manufacturer, and were instructed to cease and desist advertising and selling the counterfeit airbags and airbag covers.
Dina Gonzalez-Marquez and Emilio Gonzalez-Marquez specifically admitted that on Aug. 10, 2016, they sold a counterfeit airbag module, which they represented as authentic, to a customer. They further admitted that on March 1, 2017, Dina Gonzalez-Marquez communicated with a customer regarding the purchase of two airbag covers, and Emilio Gonzalez-Marquez later sold the counterfeit airbag covers to that customer after representing the covers as authentic.
Pursuant to their plea agreements, the siblings agreed to forfeit approximately 143 airbags and airbag covers, four storage devices, four laptops, and $2,510 in cash.
The defendants’ sentencing hearings have yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of HSI, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas Jon Ganjei and Sean J. Sullivan.
Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to 25 Offenses Associated with Cyberstalking Former Housemate and OthersRead the Press Release
A Newton, Massachusetts man, who was charged with conducting an extensive cyberstalking campaign against his former housemate, her family members, co-workers, friends, and others, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to all charges in a 25-count Information.
Ryan S. Lin, 25, pleaded guilty to seven counts of cyberstalking, five counts of distribution of child pornography, nine counts of making hoax bomb threats, three counts of computer fraud and abuse and one count of aggravated identity theft. As part of Lin’s plea agreement, Lin agreed to be sentenced to a minimum of seven years and a maximum of 17 ½ years in prison. Judge William G. Young scheduled the sentencing hearing for Sep. 14. Lin was arrested in October 2017 and has been held in custody since.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling for the District of Massachusetts, Special Agent in Charge Harold H. Shaw of the FBI Boston Field Office and Waltham Police Chief Keith MacPherson made the announcement today.
According to the Information to which Lin pleaded guilty, from about May 2016 through Oct. 5, 2017, Lin engaged in an extensive cyberstalking campaign against a 24-year-old female victim. Lin, the victim’s former housemate, hacked into the victim’s online accounts and devices and stole the victim’s private photographs, personally identifiable information, and private diary entries, which contained highly sensitive details about her medical, psychological and sexual history, and distributed the victim’s material to hundreds of people associated with her.
Lin also created and posted fraudulent online profiles in the victim’s name and solicited rape fantasies, including “gang bang” and other sexual activities, which in turn caused men to show up at the victim’s home. Lin engaged in a number of other activities targeting the female victim, including relentless anonymous text messaging and additional hoaxes, from shortly after he met her until October 2017.
In addition to his former housemate, Lin engaged in cyberstalking activity aimed at six additional individuals. Some were associated with the former housemate, and others were entirely unrelated. The additional victims include a female victim that was also Lin’s housemate in Newton at the time of his arrest. On multiple occasions, Lin sent sexually explicit images of prepubescent children on an unsolicited basis to the victim’s mother, the victim’s co-worker and housemate, a friend of the victim who resided in New Jersey, and two of Lin’s former classmates in New York.
In addition to the cyberstalking activity, Lin falsely and repeatedly reported to law enforcement that there were bombs at the victim’s Waltham, Massachusetts residence. Lin also created a false social media profile in the name of the victim’s housemate in Waltham and posted that he was going to “shoot up” a school in Waltham, stating that there would be “blood and corpses everywhere.” These threats expanded beyond Waltham and became part of an extensive and prolonged pattern of threats to local schools, private homes, businesses, and other institutions in the broader community. Ultimately, Lin pleaded guilty to having made over 100 bomb threats, including 24 in a single day.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Boston Field Office and the Waltham Police Department. The Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office and Watertown, Newton and Wellesley Police Departments assisted in the investigation. Senior Trial Attorney Mona Sedky of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Harman Burkart, Chief of Lelling’s Cybercrime Unit are prosecuting the case.
Manchester Man Sentenced for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Aaron Pelchat, 36, of Manchester, was sentenced in federal court on Tuesday to serve 24 months in prison for bank robbery, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 23, 2017, Pelchat walked into a Northway Bank in Manchester, and handed the teller a note demanding money. The teller gave Pelchat a quantity of United States currency. Surveillance cameras captured images of the robbery which were broadcast on local news outlets. Numerous individuals identified Pelchat from the photographs and he was apprehended the next day, May 24, 2017.
Pelchat, who pleaded guilty on January 19, 2018, will be on supervised release for three years after serving his prison sentence.
“Bank robberies are violent crimes that often can jeopardize the safety of bank employees, customers, and other members of the community,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with the law enforcement community to combat violent crimes such as bank robberies. By combatting violent crime, our goal is to ensure that the citizens of the Granite State feel safe in their local communities.”
"The FBI would like to thank the public who helped us identify this individual," said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division. “The FBI is proud to work with our law enforcement partners to make our communities safer from folks like Mr. Pelchat who have no respect for the law.”
This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Dronzek.
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MS-13 Member Pleads Guilty to RICO Conspiracy Involving MurderRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An MS-13 member pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to racketeering conspiracy involving the murder of a 16-year-old boy in East Boston.
Edwin Diaz, a/k/a “Demente,” 20, a Salvadoran national, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO or racketeering conspiracy. U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for Aug. 20, 2018.
At today’s hearing, the Court accepted the defendant’s guilty plea but deferred acceptance of the plea agreement until the sentencing. Under the terms of the proposed plea agreement, Diaz will be sentenced to 35 years in prison and be subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence.
After a multi-year investigation, Diaz was one of dozens of alleged leaders, members, and associates of MS-13 named in a superseding indictment unsealed in January 2016 that targeted MS-13’s criminal activities in Massachusetts. Diaz is the 45th defendant to be convicted as part of that ongoing prosecution.
Diaz was a “homeboy,” or full member, of MS-13’s “Westers” clique. On Jan. 10, 2016, Diaz and other MS-13 members murdered a 16-year-old boy whom they believed to be a member of the rival 18th Street gang. The victim was stabbed and shot multiple times. A few days after the murder, Diaz was caught on tape admitting to stabbing the victim multiple times, and he was arrested soon thereafter.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Peter Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Commissioner Thomas Turco of the Massachusetts Department of Corrections; Essex County Sheriff Kevin F. Coppinger; Suffolk County Sheriff Steven W. Thompkins; Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley; Middlesex County District Attorney Marian T. Ryan; Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett; Boston Police Commissioner William Evans; Chelsea Police Chief Brian A. Kyes; Everett Police Chief Steven A. Mazzie; Lynn Police Chief Michael Mageary; Revere Police Chief James Guido; and Somerville Police Chief David Fallon made the announcement.
The remaining defendants charged in this case are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lynn Man Arrested in Connection with Missing Warhol PaintingsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lynn man was arrested today and charged in connection with taking and attempting to sell two Warhol paintings on eBay.
Brian R. Walshe, 43, of Lynn, was arrested and charged in a criminal complaint with one count of wire fraud. During an initial appearance today, Walshe was detained pending a probable cause and detention scheduled for Friday, May 11, 2017 before U.S District Court Magistrate Judge Jennifer C. Boal.
According to court documents, in early November 2016, a buyer found two Andy Warhol paintings for sale on eBay. The paintings were two of Warhol’s “Shadows,” a series of untitled, abstract canvas paintings from 1978. The original listing price for the paintings was $100,000. The eBay seller included in the advertisement photographs of the paintings, a picture of an invoice from Fleishman Fine Art for the two Warhol Shadow paintings with Warhol Foundation numbers and a purchase price of $240,000.
It is alleged that the buyer believed the paintings were authentic and between Nov. 3 and 5, 2016, arranged with Walshe – the seller – to purchase the artwork outside of eBay for $80,000. Walshe and the buyer signed a contract which specified that the buyer had three days to terminate the contract and get a full refund if the buyer did not accept the artwork. On Nov. 7, 2016, the buyer’s assistant flew to Boston, and met Walshe to retrieve the paintings, providing him with a cashier’s check for $80,000. According to bank records, the cashier’s check was deposited that day into an account that Walshe controlled, and $33,400 was subsequently withdrawn in the following 14 days. On Nov. 8, 2016, the buyer removed the paintings’ frames and found no Warhol Foundation authentication stamps and also noticed that the canvasses and staples looked new. When he compared the paintings to the photographs from the eBay listing, they did not look identical. The buyer concluded that the paintings he purchased from Walshe were not authentic. The buyer then repeatedly attempted to contact Walshe, who initially did not respond, and then made excuses for the delay in refunding the buyer’s money.
In 2007, an employee of Fleishman Fine Art purchased the paintings from Jablonka Gallery in Germany for a client. The true owner of the paintings was a South Korean national who has known Walshe personally since 1994.
According to court documents, the South Korean national (the victim) purchased a number of pieces of art from the gallery employee. Walshe was present when the victim first purchased a Warhol painting. Sometime after this purchase, the victim purchased the two Shadow paintings from the gallery employee, who had since left the gallery but was still dealing in fine art. Thereafter, while visiting the victim in South Korea, Walshe told the victim that he could sell some of the art for a good price. The victim agreed, and let Walshe take the two Shadow paintings, and other fine art pieces.
It is alleged that after Walshe took the items, the victim did not hear from Walshe and was unable to contact him. Eventually, the victim contacted a mutual friend, who met with Walshe and retrieved some of the art. According to court documents, on May 3, 2011, Walshe attempted to consign the Warhol paintings to a gallery in New York City, at which time he also had other art belonging to the victim. The gallery declined to accept the paintings because Walshe did not have a bill of sale.
It is alleged that Walshe took the art from the victim, and falsely offered the authentic Warhol paintings for sale on eBay, but delivered fake paintings to the buyer. The investigation is ongoing.
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office, made the announcement today. The Lynn Police Department provided assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy E. Moran of Lelling’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Leader of Brooklyn-Based Drug Crew Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Rob a Stash House in QueensRead the Press Release
Earlier today, Joshua Padmore pleaded guilty at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn to a conspiracy to distribute crack, heroin and fentanyl, robbery conspiracy and possessing a handgun as a convicted felon for his role in an armed robbery of a drug stash house. Today’s plea took place before United States District Judge Edward R. Korman. When sentenced, Padmore faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment and a maximum of 40 years’ imprisonment for the drug conspiracy charge, up to 20 years’ imprisonment for the robbery charge, and up to 10 years’ imprisonment for possessing a handgun as a convicted felon. Padmore is the final of six defendants to plead guilty in the case.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent-in-Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New York Field Division (ATF), and James P. O’Neill, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the guilty plea.
According to court documents, on February 7, 2016, Padmore, Andre Shanks, Carlos Welch, Jr., and Qualese Welch planned to rob a drug stash house located in Flushing. Carlos Welch, Jr., first went to the stash house posing as a marijuana buyer. After leaving the stash house, Carlos Welch, Jr., called Padmore, whose phone was being monitored pursuant to a court order, and reported that he had observed “pounds” of marijuana inside the house. Law enforcement agents intercepted Padmore, Shanks and Carlos Welch, Jr., discussing their plans for carrying out the robbery. While monitoring Padmore’s phone and surveilling the stash house, law enforcement agents observed a car previously used by Padmore circling the stash house. Agents stopped the car, arrested Padmore, Shanks and Qualese Welch, and recovered a loaded revolver from under Padmore’s seat. Carlos Welch, Jr., who had been in a second car, was arrested several days later in Easton, Pennsylvania.
Padmore, along with Barrington Diles, were the leaders of a crew that sold crack cocaine, heroin and fentanyl in Brooklyn. Shanks and Joseph Bergman also conspired with Padmore to sell cocaine base. Diles and Bergman previously pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges. Shanks previously pleaded guilty to robbery and drug trafficking charges. Carlos Welch, Jr., and Qualese Welch previously pleaded guilty to robbery-related charges.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mathew S. Miller and Moira Kim Penza.
Defendant Who Pleaded Guilty Today:
JOSHUA PADMORE (also known as “JJ” and “Kutty”)
Age: 35
Brooklyn, New YorkDefendants Who Previously Pleaded Guilty:
ANDREW SHANKS
Age: 24
Brooklyn, New YorkCARLOS WELCH, JR.
Age: 25
Queens, New YorkQUALESE WELCH
Age: 25
Gainesville, GeorgiaBARRINGTON DILES
Age: 35
Brooklyn, New YorkJOSEPH BERGMAN
Age: Not Available
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 17-CR-126 (S-1) (ERK)
Lake in the Hills Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal Prison for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
ROCKFORD — A Lake in the Hills, Ill. man was sentenced on May 7, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Frederick J. Kapala for wire fraud. SALVATORE CRIBARI (also known as “Sal Fradillio”), 61, was sentencing to 3 years in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, and was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $342,489.52. Cribari pleaded guilty to wire fraud on December 11, 2017.
According to the written plea agreement, between February 2008 and September 2016, Cribari fraudulently obtained hundreds of thousands of dollars in store credit from various locations of a nationwide home improvement store by returning stolen merchandise without a receipt in exchange for store credit. Cribari later used the fraudulently-obtained store credit to purchase large-ticket items, including flooring, water heaters, appliances, home organization units, kitchen cabinets and countertops, and personal utility trailers, and to pay for installation services. Some of the fraudulently-obtained products were installed at Cribari’s home, condominium units that he owned and rented to others, and a business he operated. Cribari admitted he used over 1,300 false or fictitious Illinois identification or driver’s license numbers to conduct the non-receipted returns. As part of the scheme, Cribari resold fraudulently-obtained personal utility trailers for cash to purchasers who were not aware of his scheme. Cribari also sold fraudulently-obtained store credit at a discount for cash to an individual purchaser who was not aware of his scheme. Over the course of the scheme, Cribari fraudulently obtained over $400,000 in store credit and redeemed approximately $339,989 of that store credit for merchandise and services. Approximately $64,895 in fraudulently-obtained store credit and various stolen or fraudulently-obtained merchandise was recovered as part of the investigation.
The sentencing was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Jeff Sallet, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Lake in the Hills Police Department assisted in the investigation.
The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Talia Bucci.