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Wednesday 2 May 2018
Two Honduran National Men Plead Guilty to Illegally Reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
Both defendants had prior misdemeanor convictions for illegally entering the United States
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Jeyson Francisco Sanchez-Castillo and Olvin Alexis Ramos-Diaz both entered guilty pleas to the felony offense of Reentry of a Removed Alien, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Sanchez-Castillo, 19, of and Ramos-Diaz, 21, both of Honduras, both face up to 2 years of incarceration, a 250,000 dollar fine, supervised release for one year, and a special assessment of 100 dollars when they are both scheduled to be sentenced on August 15, 2018 by United States District Judge Irene C. Berger. Both men will face removal proceedings at the conclusion of any sentence of incarceration. United States Attorney Mike Stuart praised the work of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“Respect our laws or don’t come to the United States,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Everyone hates line skippers and it’s not fair to those who followed the law.”
On February 28, 2018, both Sanchez-Castillo and Ramos-Diaz were arrested by ICE agents, who were conducting targeted law enforcement operations in the Beckley area. Agents observed defendants leaving a home on their way to work to at a restaurant in Beckley, West Virginia. After stopping the cars and confirming their identity, both men admitted they were not in the United States legally and were placed under arrest. ICE agents submitted Sanchez-Castillo’s and Ramos-Diaz’s fingerprints, forensically matching both of them to prior removals from the United States in 2017. They both also forensically matched Texas misdemeanor convictions of Illegal Entry into the United States. After being deported, Sanchez-Castillo and Ramos-Diaz both illegally reentered the United States without lawful permission from the Secretary of Homeland Security. Sanchez-Castillo and Ramos-Diaz are citizens of Honduras.
Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes handled both prosecutions.
Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart
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Toledo man and man from Texas indicted for cocaine conspiracy; additional firearms charges also filedRead the Press Release
A Toledo man and a man from Texas were each indicted for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute at least 11 pounds of cocaine.
John Anthony Rivas, 31, of Mission, Texas, and Charles Warren Tobias, 33, of Toledo, were each charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine. Rivas faces additional federal firearms charges, including use of a firearm in relation to drug trafficking, being a felon in possession of firearms and possession of an unregistered short-barreled shotgun.
Rivas and Tobias conspired to distribute the drugs between 2016 and April 2018, according to the indictment.
Rivas on April 4 had a Savage Arms 12-gauge sawed-off shotgun and a Hermann Weihrauch .357-caliber revolver that he used in relation to the cocaine conspiracy. Rivas was prohibited from having firearms because of several prior convictions, according to the indictment
If convicted, the defendants' sentences will be be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendants' prior criminal record, if any, the defendants' 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.
The investigating agency in this case are the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas P. Weldon.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The burden of proof is always on the government to prove a defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Three Men Indicted for Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Matthew D. Krueger announced today that two Watertown men and a Reeseville man were indicted today for a home invasion armed robbery on S. 15th Place in Milwaukee, on February 27, 2018. Justin M. Gillis, age 30, Amedee Mathew O’Gorman, age 28, and Andrew S. Pein, age 31, each have been charged with one count of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. As discussed in the indictment, the purpose of the robbery was to obtain drugs and drug proceeds. Justin Gillis is also charged with committing a robbery of a Kwik Trip in Germantown on March 3, 2018, and attempting to rob the Village Mart in Jackson and the Petro Mart in Hartford on March 5, 2018.
If convicted, each man faces up to 20 years in prison on the robbery counts and a minimum mandatory sentence of 7 years and up to life in prison on the charge of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
This case is being investigated and prosecuted under the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a federal, state, and local law enforcement collaboration to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals responsible for violent crimes in our neighborhoods. The Project Safe Neighborhoods’ strategy brings together all levels of law enforcement and community resources to reduce violent crime and improve the quality of life in all our neighborhoods.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Milwaukee Area Violent Crimes Task Force, the Milwaukee Police Department, the Watertown Police Department, the Germantown Police Department, the Jackson Police Department, the Hartford Police Department, the Oconomowoc Police Department, the Jefferson MDEG Unit, the Milwaukee County District Attorney Investigator’s Office, the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department, the Washington County District Attorney’s Office, and the Wisconsin State Probation Department – Jefferson County. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Margaret B. Honrath. In addition, the Western District of Wisconsin U.S. Attorney’s Office provided assistance on the case.
The public is cautioned that an indictment is merely a charge and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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For additional information contact:
Public Information Officer Dean Puschnig, 414-297-1700
Third Defendant Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Investors of over $7 Million in Fuel Cell Company Investor Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that DANNY PRATTE pled guilty today to defrauding investors in Terminus Energy, Inc., a publicly traded penny stock. PRATTE pled guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud before U.S. District Judge Andrew L. Carter Jr.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Danny Pratte and his co-defendants induced investors to buy a penny stock called Terminus Energy, based on representations that Terminus was producing an alternative energy source. Investors in the markets deserve honest and accurate information about the companies in which they invest. Today’s plea is an example of what happens to those attempting to misrepresent stocks to investors.”
According to the allegations contained in the Indictment filed against PRATTE and his co-conspirators, and statements made in related court filings and proceedings:
From at least February 2008 until at least 2014, PRATTE, along with his co-conspirators George Doumanis and Emanuel Pantelakis, both of whom previously pled guilty, engaged in a scheme to defraud investors in the publicly traded company Terminus Energy, Inc. (“Terminus”), by inducing victims to invest in Terminus stock through material misrepresentations and omissions and by misappropriating investor funds for their own purposes.
Terminus was purportedly producing and marketing a commercially viable “fuel cell” as an alternative energy source. PRATTE, who served as the chief executive officer of Terminus, and his co-conspirators sold shares of Terminus to investors through a private offering. In connection with such sales, PRATTE and his co-conspirators provided investors with private placement memorandums (“PPMs”) that contained materially false and misleading statements. For example, the PPMs falsely stated that (i) Terminus had completed its goal of developing a working fuel cell in mid-2008; (ii) Terminus would use specified investor funds to make payment on third-party development contracts designed to manufacture a working fuel cell; and (iii) Terminus would pay no more than 10 percent in sales commissions. In truth, and as PRATTE and his co-conspirators well knew, (i) there was no working fuel cell; (ii) the third-party contracts had been cancelled after Terminus failed to make payment to the third parties; and (iii) unregistered salespeople were receiving commissions far in excess of 10 percent. The PPMs also failed to accurately disclose the involvement of either Doumanis, who was barred from involvement in penny stocks as a result of a 2003 conviction for conspiracy to commit securities fraud, wire fraud, and mail fraud, or Pantelakis, who had been permanently barred by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) following allegations that he had made fraudulent misrepresentations to customers in connection with the sale of securities. PRATTE and his co-conspirators also caused similar misrepresentations to be made in business plans, executive summaries, and presentations shared with potential investors, as well as in publicly available press releases. Through these false and misleading statements, PRATTE and his co-conspirators fraudulently induced investors to purchase nearly $8 million of Terminus stock.
Rather than use the investor money as promised, PRATTE and his co-conspirators misappropriated the funds for their own use and for use by co-conspirators. PRATTE personally received approximately $1.7 million. In addition, the unregistered salespeople collectively received undisclosed commissions of more than $1.5 million.
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PRATTE, 64, of Columbia, Missouri, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.
The maximum potential penalties in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentence for the defendant will be determined by the Court.
PRATTE is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Carter on September 14, 2018, at 11:00 a.m.
Doumanis and Pantelakis each plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and are scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Carter on June 13, 2018.
Mr. Berman praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine Magdo and Samson Enzer are in charge of the prosecution.
Superseding Indictment Adds New Charges Against Four East Central Illinois MenRead the Press Release
URBANA, Ill. – The federal grand jury in Springfield today returned a superseding indictment that charges Michael Hari, 47; Joe Morris, 22; Michael McWhorter, 29; and, Ellis Mack, 18, all of Clarence, Ill., with additional charges. The four men were previously indicted in April and charged with possession of a machine gun. They were arrested and charged with the initial offense in a criminal complaint filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office on March 13, 2018.
The superseding indictment includes the prior indicted charge of possession of a machine gun from October 2017 up to and including Feb. 27, 2018. In addition, the superseding indictment charges the four with conspiracy to interfere with commerce by threats and violence, an offense known as the Hobbs Act. Hari, McWhorter and Morris are also charged with attempted arson. Hari is also charged with possession of a firearm by a felon.
The indictment alleges that the four men conspired from August 2017 to March 10, 2018, to affect commerce by robbery and extortion, by means of actual or threatened force, violence, and fear. According to the indictment, around August 2017, the conspirators formed a militia group that eventually identified itself as the “White Rabbits.” The group obtained materials used to make explosives, provided weapons and uniforms to group members, and assigned ranks to its members. These and other items belonging to the militia group were kept in a building located in Clarence.
On multiple occasions, the indictment alleges the conspirators met in Clarence and agreed to perform what they referred to as “jobs” or criminal acts to promote the conspiracy and to fund the group. They traveled together from Clarence to the locations of their jobs and sometimes used rented vehicles to avoid detection by law enforcement.
The indictment cites several acts allegedly committed to further the conspiracy, including:
- Robbing or attempting to rob Walmart stores, including but not limited to stores in Watseka, Ill., on Dec. 4, 2017, and Mt. Vernon, Ill., on or about Dec. 17, 2017;
- Robbing or attempting to rob individuals suspected of being involved in drug trafficking, including but not limited to individuals in Ambia, Ind., on or about Dec. 16, 2017;
- Damaging or attempting to damage Canadian National Railway railroad tracks located near Effingham, Ill., by an explosive device on or about Jan. 7, 2018, and then attempting to extort money from the railroad by threatening additional attempts to damage the tracks if the railroad did not pay a ransom; and,
- Planting materials that could be used to make explosives devices on the property of a person in Clarence, on or about Feb. 8, 2018, in an attempt to deflect law enforcement suspicion from the conspirators to the property owner.
The indictment charges Hari, McWhorter and Morris with attempted arson related to an alleged attempt to damage by fire and explosive the Women’s Health Practice, in Champaign, Ill., on or about Nov. 7, 2017.
The indictment alleges Hari, having a previous felony conviction in Illinois, possessed four AR-style platform rifles with no serial number and four 12 gauge shotguns.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Springfield Division; FBI Minneapolis Division; University of Illinois Police Department; Ford County Sheriff’s Office; Champaign Police Department; Illinois State Police; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugene L. Miller is representing the government on behalf of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Urbana Division, Central District of Illinois, working in coordination with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota.
The men will make their respective appearances for arraignment on the superseding indictment in federal court in Urbana on a date to be determined by the U.S. Clerk of the Court.
The men have been ordered to remain detained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation; the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Superseding Indictment Adds New Charges Against Four East Central Illinois MenRead the Press Release
URBANA, Ill. – The federal grand jury in Springfield today returned a superseding indictment that charges Michael Hari, 47; Joe Morris, 22; Michael McWhorter, 29; and, Ellis Mack, 18, all of Clarence, Ill., with additional charges. The four men were previously indicted in April and charged with possession of a machine gun. They were arrested and charged with the initial offense in a criminal complaint filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office on March 13, 2018.
The superseding indictment includes the prior indicted charge of possession of a machine gun from October 2017 up to and including Feb. 27, 2018. In addition, the superseding indictment charges the four with conspiracy to interfere with commerce by threats and violence, an offense known as the Hobbs Act. Hari, McWhorter and Morris are also charged with attempted arson. Hari is also charged with possession of a firearm by a felon.
The indictment alleges that the four men conspired from August 2017 to March 10, 2018, to affect commerce by robbery and extortion, by means of actual or threatened force, violence, and fear. According to the indictment, around August 2017, the conspirators formed a militia group that eventually identified itself as the “White Rabbits.” The group obtained materials used to make explosives, provided weapons and uniforms to group members, and assigned ranks to its members. These and other items belonging to the militia group were kept in a building located in Clarence.
On multiple occasions, the indictment alleges the conspirators met in Clarence and agreed to perform what they referred to as “jobs” or criminal acts to promote the conspiracy and to fund the group. They traveled together from Clarence to the locations of their jobs and sometimes used rented vehicles to avoid detection by law enforcement.
The indictment cites several acts allegedly committed to further the conspiracy, including:
- Robbing or attempting to rob Walmart stores, including but not limited to stores in Watseka, Ill., on Dec. 4, 2017, and Mt. Vernon, Ill., on or about Dec. 17, 2017;
- Robbing or attempting to rob individuals suspected of being involved in drug trafficking, including but not limited to individuals in Ambia, Ind., on or about Dec. 16, 2017;
- Damaging or attempting to damage Canadian National Railway railroad tracks located near Effingham, Ill., by an explosive device on or about Jan. 7, 2018, and then attempting to extort money from the railroad by threatening additional attempts to damage the tracks if the railroad did not pay a ransom; and,
- Planting materials that could be used to make explosives devices on the property of a person in Clarence, on or about Feb. 8, 2018, in an attempt to deflect law enforcement suspicion from the conspirators to the property owner.
The indictment charges Hari, McWhorter and Morris with attempted arson related to an alleged attempt to damage by fire and explosive the Women’s Health Practice, in Champaign, Ill., on or about Nov. 7, 2017.
The indictment alleges Hari, having a previous felony conviction in Illinois, possessed four AR-style platform rifles with no serial number and four 12 gauge shotguns.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Springfield Division; FBI Minneapolis Division; University of Illinois Police Department; Ford County Sheriff’s Office; Champaign Police Department; Illinois State Police; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugene L. Miller is representing the government on behalf of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Urbana Division, Central District of Illinois, working in coordination with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota.
The men will make their respective appearances for arraignment on the superseding indictment in federal court in Urbana on a date to be determined by the U.S. Clerk of the Court.
The men have been ordered to remain detained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation; the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Statement of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas – A previous media release by the Collin County District Attorney’s Office detailed the arrest of 17-year-old Matin Azizi-Yarand for state offenses related to a plot to carry out a terror attack in Frisco, Texas. This arrest was the result of several months of investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s North Texas Joint Terrorism Task Force and local law enforcement agencies.
Attorneys with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas have worked closely with task force members during this investigation and will continue to be involved in the prosecution of the matter.
“Azizi-Yarand, at 17-years-old, is a juvenile under federal law, but is an adult under Texas state law,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown. “We determined that the recourse we had under federal juvenile procedure was inadequate to deal with the seriousness of this offense. Federal law limits our ability to certify a juvenile as an adult for prosecution, and in light of that, we determined that state prosecution of the subject will best address the case. We have great confidence in the Collin County District Attorney’s Office and we will work closely with them to assist in this investigation. District Attorney Greg Willis has cross-designated one of our attorneys to serve as a specially appointed Assistant District Attorney and we will provide all of our resources in that effort.”
Under federal law, a person is considered an adult at 18 years of age.
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Southern Texas Patient Recruiter Convicted in $3.6 Million Home Health Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal jury found Mercy O. Ainabe, a patient recruiter for Texas Tender Care, guilty today for her role in a $3.6 million Medicare fraud scheme involving fraudulent claims for home health services.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick of the Southern District of Texas, Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner of the FBI’s Houston Field Office, Special Agent in Charge C.J. Porter of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Dallas Region, and the Texas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Unit (MFCU) made the announcement.
After a three-day trial, Mercy O. Ainabe, 52, of Houston, Texas, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, five counts of health care fraud, and one count of conspiracy to pay health care kickbacks. Sentencing has been scheduled for July 27 before U.S. District Judge Sim Lake of the Southern District of Texas, who presided over the trial.
According to evidence presented at trial, the defendant and her co-conspirators submitted claims to Medicare for home health services that were not medically necessary and/or were not provided. Ainabe paid beneficiaries, doctors, physical therapy companies, and others for the paperwork, Medicare beneficiary information, and services needed to facilitate the fraud.
The case was investigated by the FBI, HHS-OIG, and MFCU, and was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, under the supervision of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Andrew Pennebaker and Elizabeth Young of the Fraud Section.
The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which is part of a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country. The Medicare Fraud Strike Force operates in nine locations nationwide. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force has charged over 3,500 defendants who collectively have falsely billed the Medicare program for over $12.5 billion.
South Florida Stock Promoters Charged with Securities Fraud in Relation to Pump and Dump Stock Manipulation SchemeRead the Press Release
Two South Florida stock promoters have been charged in connection with a $1 million pump and dump securities fraud scheme involving the shares of Valentine Beauty, Inc. (“VLBI”).
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.
Eddy Ubaldo Marin, 56, of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, was charged by a criminal information with one count of securities fraud, in violation of Title 15, United States Code, Sections 78(j)(b) and 78ff(a), and Title 17, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 240.10b-5 in Case No. 18-CR-20354. Marin faces a maximum statutory sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $5 million. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Darrin P. Gayles in Miami. Shane R. Spierdowis, 27, formerly of Boca Raton, Florida, was charged by separate criminal information with one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371 in Case No. 18-CR-20355. Spierdowis faces a maximum statutory sentence of up to 5 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000 or double the gross proceeds of the offense. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Ursula M. Ungaro in Miami.
According to the court docket, including allegations made in the charging documents, VLBI was a beauty supply company with operations in Sunrise, Florida, that marketed its products on television infomercials and elsewhere. Shares of VLBI stock were publicly traded and quoted over the counter on OTC Link. In approximately November 2013, Marin and certain other accomplices arranged to secretly obtain a controlling interest in VLBI stock by issuing shares to certain third parties, including Green Tree Capital, Inc., a company controlled by Marin, based in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. In March and April, 2014, Marin arranged to transfer a substantial number of shares into accounts controlled by Spierdowis and other co-conspirators. Marin was a convicted felon and, according to court documents, attempted to conceal his role in the scheme by keeping his name off of corporate documents. Marin also arranged to obtain false and fraudulent legal opinion letters so that the shares he controlled could be falsely classified as “free trading” rather than restricted.
Thereafter, beginning in approximately May 2014 and continuing through in or around September 2014, Marin, Spierdowis and others allegedly arranged for VLBI to issue press releases, while also using internet marketing and penny stock newsletters to tout VLBI stock. Spierdowis would then use one company to trade VLBI shares, while using a separate company to conduct internet marketing activities, to avoid association with the pump and dump stock manipulation and cause the issuance of marketing newsletters and other email marketing. These efforts were intended to artificially increase the trading volume and price of VLBI shares, so that Marin, Spierdowis and their co-conspirators could sell shares at a profit. During the conspiracy period, the conspirators sold approximately $1 million worth of VLBI shares to the investing public.
In approximately June 2014, Marin began a term of federal imprisonment due to a different federal offense, and was ultimately incarcerated at FCI Miami. While at FCI Miami, Marin was allegedly visited by Spierdowis on various occasions and during these visits the defendants coordinated the sale of VLBI shares and discussed activites related to other stocks.
According to court documents, in or around April 2015, after Marin was released from federal custody he, along with Spierdowis and their co-conspirators, planned to conduct a reverse merger of VLBI into another entity, change the name, and retain secret control of the company.
The conspirators continued to sell shares of VLBI until approximately April 26, 2016, when trading in VLBI shares was suspended by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Today, a parallel civil enforcement action was filed by the SEC in the Southern District of Florida against Marin and Spierdowis in connection with the VLBI pump and dump manipulation scheme.
A criminal information is a charging instrument containing allegations. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until found guilty in a court of law.
Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of the FBI in this matter. Mr. Greenberg also thanked the SEC’s Miami Regional Office for their assistance. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerrob Duffy.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Six Aliens Indicted on Illegal Reentry ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned indictments charging IVAN DIAZ-RAMIREZ, age 33, of Mexico, PEDRO LANDEROS-TETATZIA, age 33, of Mexico, and FREDI PEREZ-NAVARRO, age 44, of Mexico, RAUL MIRELES-PRADO, age 43, of Mexico, ANGEL PISANO, age 44, of Mexico, and AURELIO RAMIREZ-BARRIENTOS, age 41, of Mexico, with illegal reentry of a deported alien.
If convicted of illegal reentry of an alien, DIAZ-RAMIREZ, found in Duplin County, LANDEROS-TETATZIA, found in Harnett County, PEREZ-NAVARRO, found in Robeson County, MIRELES-PRADO, found in Wake County, PISANO, found in Wake County, and RAMIREZ-BARRIENTOS, found in Robeson County, would face a maximum imprisonment term of two years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The cases are being investigated by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Sexual Predator Arrested and Charged with Solicitation of Child Pornography over the InternetRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Paul Edward Lee, Jr. (38, Jacksonville) has been arrested and charged by a federal criminal complaint with soliciting child pornography using the internet. In 2011, Lee was convicted of lewd and lascivious molestation of a child in Duval County Circuit Court and is required to register as a sexual predator. Because of this prior conviction, Lee faces an enhanced minimum mandatory penalty of 25 years, and up to 50 years, in federal prison and a potential life term of supervision. He is currently in federal custody pending his detention hearing on May 7, 2018.
According to the complaint, a law enforcement officer in Illinois discovered that a child was having online contact with a 38-year-old male in Florida through a smart phone application designed for children. The messages exchanged between the child and the adult, later identified as Lee, were sexual in nature.
On April 25, 2018, an FBI agent in Jacksonville, posing as the child, continued to communicate with Lee through text messaging. During these communications, Lee told the “child,” in graphic terms, how he wanted to have sex with “her,’’ and sent “her” several images and videos of his genitalia. On April 27, 2018, Lee repeatedly solicited the “child” to produce and send him graphic images and a video of “her” genitalia. On May 2, 2018, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Lee’s home and placed him under arrest.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Second Bronx Man Sentenced in Tax Refund Conspiracy CaseRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Luis Morillo, age 28, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced today to serve 45 months in prison for his conviction for conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, announced United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith, James Robnett, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigations, New York Field Office, and Delany De Leon-Colon, Acting Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division. In addition to his prison term of 45months, Luis Morillo was also sentenced to a 3-year term of supervised release following his release from incarceration and was ordered to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $478,320.
As part of his previous guilty plea, Luis Morillo admitted that he conspired to steal federal income tax refunds as part of scheme involving fraudulent tax returns filed using stolen identities from residents of Puerto Rico. The scheme involved an attempt to steal a total of 2.8 million dollars in refunds from fraudulent tax returns filed with the stolen identities. The IRS mailed refund checks generated from these false returns to residential locations (chosen by members of conspiracy) of uninvolved residents in the Syracuse and Binghamton, New York areas. Luis Morillo and three co-defendants were stopped by police on September 26, 2011, as they were in the process of stealing tax refund checks from mailboxes in Dewitt, New York. Following the discovery of the scheme, the IRS was able to prevent payment of many of the refunds. Luis Morillo’s co-defendant, Cerrone Hall, also of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced on April 25, 2018 to serve 5 years in prison. Two other co-defendants have pled guilty and are scheduled to be sentenced in May 2018.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Town of Dewitt Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Southwick.
Salisbury Chiropractor Sentenced to Prison for Filing False Tax Returns and Obstructing IRSRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Baltimore, Maryland – United States District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Dr. Warren Gregory Belcher, age 60, of Salisbury, Maryland today to 15 months in prison, followed by one year of supervised release, for filing fraudulent income tax returns and attempting to obstruct the internal revenue laws.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
According to the evidence presented in court, Dr. Warren Gregory Belcher, 60, operated a chiropractic business for nearly 20 years. During that time, he received income for chiropractic services from insurance companies, patients and other third parties, including another chiropractor in Baltimore. From 2009 through 2015, Belcher filed individual income tax returns that fraudulently claimed that he had earned no business income, when, in fact, the evidence at trial established that he received payments totaling more than $350,000 during that time period. Belcher filed his false 2015 tax return after being notified that he was the target of a federal grand jury investigation. He filed an additional false tax return for 2016 while under indictment and awaiting trial.
The evidence introduced at trial included dozens of letters that Belcher sent to insurance companies and other third parties in which he threatened that the companies could be subject to civil and criminal penalties for reporting to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) payments they made to him for his services. Belcher also made threatening statements to an accountant to prevent the accountant from reporting his income to the government. Belcher himself also submitted fraudulent forms to the IRS in an effort to falsely represent that companies that had reported his income to the IRS had not actually paid him that income.
For the years 2009 and 2011, the IRS mailed Belcher notices informing him that his returns underreported his income. The IRS also assessed additional taxes and penalties against Belcher for his fraudulent returns, including a $5,000 penalty for filing a frivolous tax return. Belcher responded to these IRS notices by sending letters to the IRS asserting that the IRS was violating the law by assessing and collecting his taxes.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett ordered Belcher to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $63,763.58.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur praised Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean R. Delaney and Tax Division Trial Attorney Melissa S. Siskind, who prosecuted the case.
Rockford Man Sentenced to Three Years in Federal Prison for Mail FraudRead the Press Release
ROCKFORD — A Rockford man was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Frederick J. Kapala for mail fraud.
CHARLES R. (“CHUCK”) HANSEN, 63, a financial planner, was sentenced to three years in federal prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $739,705 in restitution.
Hansen pleaded guilty to the charge on Sept. 12, 2017, and admitted that he schemed to defraud investors out of more than $700,000, using the mail to further his scheme. According to the written plea agreement, between 1996 and 2014, Hansen operated financial planning and real estate companies, including Senior Securities of Rockford LLC and Chicago Wealth Partners LLC. As part of his financial planning business, Hansen sold fixed annuities to retirement-age investors. In 2008, Hansen began to encourage some individuals to whom Hansen had previously sold secure investments in fixed annuities to move their money to investments in Senior Securities and Chicago Wealth Partners, which Hansen told investors were real estate companies in which the investors could make a higher rate of return on their investment. Hansen used the investments in those two companies to rehab and sell homes in the Rockford and Chicago areas.
Hansen admitted that he did not explain the risky nature of that sort of investment and told investors that their investments would remain secure. Hansen further admitted that he entered into promissory notes with investors promising a high rate of return, and that he convinced investors to renew their promissory notes for additional terms. At the time of the renewals, Hansen did not disclose to the investors that Senior Securities and Chicago Wealth Partners were failing and that he lacked sufficient funds to repay the investors the amounts owed to them pursuant to the original promissory notes.
Hansen admitted that, as a result of his scheme, he caused investors to invest approximately $842,150 in Senior Securities and Chicago Wealth Partners, and that only $109,792 of that amount was returned to them, causing the investors to suffer losses totaling approximately $732,257.
The sentencing was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; William Hedrick, Acting Inspector-in-Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Chicago; and Tanya Solov, Director of the Illinois Securities Department of the Illinois Secretary of State. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret J. Schneider.
Resort Operator Pleads Guilty to Filing a False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
A Scottsdale, Arizona man, who formerly resided in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, pleaded guilty today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado to filing a false tax return, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
According to court documents, William Whittington, 68, filed a false 2010 individual income tax return, on which he underreported his income by more than $390,000. From 2010 to 2012, Whittington directed that the Springs Resort & Spa, in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, a business run by him and members of his family, pay many of his personal expenses, which for these years resulted him underreporting his income by more than $900,000 and not paying more than $360,000 in taxes.
Additionally, from 2003 to 2010, Whittington used two offshore bank accounts in Liechtenstein to generate approximately $9.7 million in investment income. Whittington did not pay taxes on this income, resulting in a tax loss of at least $1.5 million. In total, Whittington did not pay at least $1.8 million in taxes owed to the Internal Revenue Service.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 9, 2018. In addition to a prison sentence, Whittington faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman thanked special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Tax Division Trial Attorneys Lori A. Hendrickson, Kathleen M. Barry and Sarah A. Kiewlicz, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Recent False Claims Act Settlement Will Yield $11 Million for the Purchase of Bullet-Proof Vests for Local Law EnforcementRead the Press Release
Today, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that the Department of Justice will return over $11 million from a settlement with Toyobo Co. Ltd. and Toyobo America, Inc. (collectively Toyobo), companies that produced the fiber used in bulletproof vests that the Department alleged were defective, to help purchase approximately 18,700 additional bullet-resistant vests for law enforcement officers through the Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) Program.
“Bulletproof vests are sometimes all that stands between a police officer and death,” Attorney General Sessions said. “Having just come from this year’s Blue Mass, I am more determined than ever to get effective vests to officers who need them. Companies who have sold us faulty or defective vests should compensate us so that we can get our officers the vests they need. That’s why this Department of Justice will give these settlement funds to those who deserve them: the men and women in blue.”
Since 2007, the body armor industry has paid the United States more than $132 million to resolve alleged violations of the False Claims Act by knowingly manufacturing and selling defective bulletproof vests containing Zylon. The most recent and largest recovery was from Toyobo, the company which manufactured the Zylon fiber and promoted its use as a ballistic material, which paid $66 million to resolve its potential liability. The United States is proceeding against the two remaining participants in the fraudulent Zylon scheme: Richard C. Davis, the former President of Second Chance Body Armor, Inc., and Honeywell International, Inc. Mr. Davis’ trial is scheduled for June 2018.
The BVP Program, administered by the Office of Justice Programs' (OJP) Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), protects the lives of law enforcement officers by helping state, local, and tribal governments equip their law enforcement officers with bullet-resistant vests. Since 1999, over 13,100 jurisdictions have participated in the BVP Program, with more than $447.7 million in federal funds used to support the purchase of more than 1,294,000 vests.
BVP funding covers 50 percent of total vest costs for rural law enforcement agencies with community populations of fewer than 100,000 residents. For larger jurisdictions, the program provides up to 50 percent of funding, depending on the annual appropriation from Congress and the amount of funds requested by the rural jurisdictions that apply.
“Marketing faulty protective gear to law enforcement officers who put themselves in the line of fire is an unconscionable act and a betrayal of trust” said BJA Director Jon Adler. “This settlement and the Attorney General’s laudable decision to allocate these funds to the BVP program represent the Justice Department’s strong commitment to officer safety. Our unwavering priority is to protect our officers as they keep our communities safe.”
BVP funds may be used to purchase only vests that meet the minimum performance standards established by OJP's National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Ballistic Resistance of Body Armor Standard. The NIJ Standard, updated in July 2008, establishes minimum performance requirements and test methods for the ballistic resistance of personal body armor designed to protect the torso against gunfire.
According to the International Association of Chiefs of Police/DuPont Kevlar Survivors' Club, since 1987, there have been over 3,000 recorded cases where individuals working in law enforcement have survived both ballistic and non-ballistic incidents because they were wearing body armor.
In 2010, the Department of Justice returned to the BVP Program $11 million from earlier settlements with other participants involved in the manufacture and sale of Zylon vests. Today’s payment brings the total returned to the BVP Program to more than $22 million, and ensures that the BVP Program has been fully compensated for its losses in supporting law enforcement agencies’ purchases of allegedly defective Zylon vests.
For additional information about the BVP Program and the NIJ Ballistic Resistance of Body Armor Standard visit: https://ojp.gov/bvpbasi/.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Distribution of a Controlled Substance and Transportation for Illegal Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Distribution of a Controlled Substance to an Individual under 21 Years of Age and Transportation for Illegal Sexual Activity was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Darryl Graham, a/k/a Darryl Gram, age 49, was sentenced on April 17, 2018, to 5 years’ custody, followed by 6 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund as to the charge of Distribution of a Controlled Substance to an Individual under 21 Years of Age. Graham was also sentenced to 5 years’ custody, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund as to the charge of Illegal Sexual Activity. The time in custody and period of supervised release are to run concurrent.
Graham was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 16, 2016. The charges related to Graham distributing methamphetamine to an individual under the age of 21 between August 2015 and May 2016. Graham also transported individuals from Rapid City to Chicago, Illinois, between April and May 2016, with the intent of hiring them to engage in prostitution.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
Graham was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Putnam County Man Sentenced to Seven Years for Downloading Child Sex Abuse VideosRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Ryan Elton Devore (31, Satsuma) to seven years in federal prison for receiving child sexual abuse videos over the internet. He was also ordered to serve a 15-year term of supervised release, register as a sex offender, and pay $3,000 in restitution to child victims.
According to court documents, on July 18, 2017, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Devore’s home in connection with an online child exploitation investigation. When the agents asked Devore if he had come across pornography involving children under the age of 12, he responded affirmatively. Forensic analyses from Devore’s custom-built computer tower and cellphone revealed that the devices contained numerous depictions of child pornography, including at least 400 videos of children being sexually abused.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Gainesville Police Department, and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Previously Deported St. Lucia National Arrested for Illegal Re-Entry into the United StatesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – On May 1, 2018, Isidore Francis Isidore, 61, of St. Lucia, was detained pending further proceedings after his arrest on April 28, 2018, for illegal re-entry into the United States, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert, announced. He made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller on Monday after being charged by a criminal complaint.
According to the criminal complaint, on or about April 28, 2018, Isidore arrived in U.S. Customs water around the Red Hook area of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, on a private watercraft. He had previously been ordered for removal in 2014, after having been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude.
Illegal re-entry after deportation or removal carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
United States Attorney Shappert reminds the public that a criminal complaint is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is a result of an investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anna A. Vlasova.
President of North Carolina Mental Health Service Provider Indicted for Not Paying Employment Taxes to IRSRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury sitting in Raleigh, North Carolina returned an indictment today charging a Raleigh man with seven counts of willful failure to pay over employment taxes, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
According to the indictment, Sainte Deon Robinson failed to pay to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) more than $450,000 in federal employment taxes withheld from the wages paid to employees of his mental health services business, OneCare, Inc. The indictment alleges that Robinson served in several positions at OneCare, Inc., including President.
If convicted, the defendant faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison for each count. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman commended special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, who investigated the case, and Tax Division Trial Attorneys Lauren Castaldi and Michael Boteler, who are prosecuting the case and also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina for their valuable assistance.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Pittsburgh Resident Pleads Guilty in Aggravated Identity Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
U-Majesty Williams, 21, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Williams participated in a conspiracy to violate various federal identity theft laws. In summary, conspirators obtained the personal identification information a various individual victims, and members of the conspiracy, including Williams, used that information, along with counterfeit credit cards and counterfeit Ohio drivers’ licenses, to rent vehicles, to apply for credit, and to make purchases, all without the authorization of those victims. Specifically, Williams and a conspirator applied for credit in a victim’s name at a Kay’s Jewelers in Ross Park Mall, using that victim’s name, date of birth, and Social Security number, along with a counterfeit Ohio driver license in the victim’s name but with Williams’ picture. With the credit, Williams and a conspirator obtained more than $7,000 in jewelry.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for October 11, 2018. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than two years and not more than 22 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Secret Service and the United States Postal Inspection Service, in conjunction with the multiple police departments in Pennsylvania and Ohio, including police departments from Columbus, Ohio, Canfield, Ohio, Bucks County, Ohio, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Ross Township, Pennsylvania, and Wilkins Township, Pennsylvania conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of U-Majesty Williams.
Pittsburgh Man Indicted on Bank Robbery ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on charges of bank robbery and attempted bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The two-count indictment, returned on May 1, named Timothy Sowinski, age 49, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, on or about March 12, 2018, Sowinski robbed Northwest Bank, located at 535 Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222; and on or about March 14, 2018, Sowinski attempted to rob PNC Bank located at 5601 Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15232. Both banks are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 25 years in prison, a fine of $250,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christy C. Wiegand is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pinon Man Sentenced to 37 Months for Striking Man with TruckRead the Press Release
PHOENIX– On April 30, 2018, Adrian Dann, 41, of Pinon, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge David G. Campbell to 37 months’ imprisonment. Dann had previously pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
In June 2017, Dann drove a truck in a reckless manner and struck the victim, a member of the Navajo Nation, resulting in multiple fractures to his ankle, foot, and leg. Dann is also a member of the Navajo Nation.
Navajo Nation Criminal Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. The prosecution was handled by Kiyoko Patterson, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-17-8174-PCT-DGC
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-055_Dann
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Passaic County Man Indicted for Trying to Bring Loaded Gun on Plane at Newark Liberty International AirportRead the Press Release
Laron L. James, a/k/a/ “Juelz Santana,” 36, of Totowa, New Jersey, is now charged by indictment with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of carrying a weapon on an aircraft. The indictment was returned April 30, 2018. He was originally arrested and charged by complaint with the same counts, as described in the historic press release of March 12, 2018. His arraignment is scheduled for Thursday, May 10, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. EST before U.S. District Judge Stanley R. Chesler in Newark federal court. The indictment is attached.
Palm Beach Gardens Army Recruiter Faces Federal Child Pornography and Enticement ChargesRead the Press Release
A Palm Beach Gardens Army Recruiter is facing federal child pornography and enticement charges.
Benjamin G. Greenberg, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Robert F. Lasky, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), and William D. Snyder, Sheriff, Martin County Sheriff’s Office, (MCSO), made the announcement.
Danilo Fernandez, II, 36, of Palm Beach Gardens, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of attempted production of child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2251(a) and (e); one count of receipt of child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United State Code, Section 2252(a)(2) and (b)(1); and one count of enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2422(b). If convicted Fernandez faces a statutory maximum term of life in prison. Williams is currently being detained, without bond, pending further proceedings in U.S. District Court in West Palm Beach.
According to court records, Fernandez, while working as an Army Recruiter in the fall of 2017, met a 17-year-old Palm Beach County high school student. Fernandez texted and then engaged in sexually explicit Snapchat messages with the minor. Over a period of months, Fernandez encouraged the minor to take and send him lewd and lascivious images and videos.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
If you have information regarding this case, or you believe you or a family member may have been a victim, please contact FBI Miami at (754) 703-2000 and reference the PBCRecruiterVictims, or email: [email protected].
Mr. Greenberg commended the investigatory efforts of the FBI and MCSO, and thanked the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, Palm Beach Gardens Police Department, and Palm Beach County School District Police Department for their commitment to investigating these offenses and protecting victims of child sexual abuse. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gregory Schiller.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Owner of Virginia Auto Repair Shop Pleads Guilty to Employment Tax FraudRead the Press Release
The owner of a Virginia auto repair shop pleaded guilty today to failing to account for and pay over employment taxes, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Tracy Doherty-McCormick for the Eastern District of Virginia.
According to court documents, Michael Ragsdale resided in Ashburn, Virginia, and owned and operated Foreign Service Auto (FSA), an auto repair business located in McLean, Virginia. Ragsdale had decision-making authority over the business’s activities and controlled the business’s finances. He was responsible for withholding employment taxes from FSA’s employees, paying the taxes over to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and filing its employment tax returns. Despite this obligation, Ragsdale did not pay to the IRS employment taxes withheld from employee paychecks. In total, between 2008 and 2014, Ragsdale’s conduct caused a total tax loss to the IRS of approximately $370,848.
U.S. District Judge Liam O’Grady scheduled sentencing for September 7, 2018. Ragsdale faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and Acting U.S. Attorney of Justice Doherty-McCormick commended special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Tax Division Trial Attorney Melanie Smith and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Burke, who are prosecuting this case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Norwalk Man Sentenced on Income Tax OffenseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that EDDIE CHAN, 58, of Norwalk, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to five years of probation for filing false tax returns.
According to court documents and statements made in court, CHAN was employed as a bookkeeper for a private art firm located in New York City. Between 2013 and 2015, CHAN withdrew funds from the firm’s business accounts without authorization from his employer, and used the money for personal expenses. CHAN failed to declare a total of $271,166 in misappropriated funds on his federal income tax returns for 2013 and 2014, resulting in a loss of $78,214 to the Internal Revenue Service.
CHAN admitted that he misappropriated additional funds from his former employer, and also borrowed thousands of dollars from other individuals, and used much of the money to gamble on horseracing.
On October 26, 2017, CHAN pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement on a federal income tax return
Judge Meyer ordered CHAN to pay approximately $500,000 in restitution to his former employer, and to cooperate with the IRS to pay all outstanding taxes, interest and penalties.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon.
North Side Felon Charged with Violating Federal Drug and Firearms LawsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of federal narcotics and firearms violations, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The two-count indictment, returned on May 1, named James Robert Czachowski, age 21, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, on or about April 11, 2018, Czachowski attempted to possess with intent to distribute quantities of alprazolam and a fentanyl analogue. The indictment further alleges that Czachowski, a convicted felon, was in possession of three firearms and ammunition. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service and the Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
North Carolina Man Sentenced to Prison on Fraud Charges Involving Hundreds of VictimsRead the Press Release
A North Carolina man, who previously lived in Frederick County, Virginia, was sentenced today on federal wire fraud conspiracy charges, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Thomas T. Cullen for the Western District of Virginia.
Michael Dean Kent, 58, of Franklin, North Carolina, was sentenced today to serve 63 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Elizabeth K. Dillon in the Western District of Virginia. In addition to the term of prison imposed, U.S. District Judge Elizabeth K. Dillon ordered Kent to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $ 557,542.50 in restitution. Kent previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
“Michael Dean Kent orchestrated a reprehensible advance-fee scheme that defrauded hundreds of innocent victims who were simply trying to sell their timeshares,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Cronan. “The sentence in this case demonstrates that fraudsters like Kent will be aggressively pursued, held accountable, and pay a significant price for their crimes.”
“Mr. Kent victimized hundreds of individuals through fraudulent business dealings that cost his victims thousands of dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Cullen. “I know today’s sentencing does not make these victims whole, but I hope it does provide some solace. Our office will continue to work with our state and local partners to investigate and prosecute individuals who engage in this type of fraudulent activity.”
According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea, between 2014 and 2017, Kent and his co-conspirators targeted hundreds of victims across the United States who owned interests in timeshare properties. Kent, and others, made false representations, by phone and email, to convince the victims to sign property transfer contracts and to send currency under false pretenses for property sales that would never take place.
Kent admitted that during this time, he and his co-conspirators represented themselves to be employed at two different companies, The Holiday Property Group LLC and Vacation Properties by Owners LLC. Kent incorporated both entities, served as the principal of both, operated both and took significant steps to make both appear legitimate. Kent, and his coconspirators, established websites, paid for commercial post office boxes in various states, paid for memberships in business rating organizations such as the Better Business Bureau, applied for and received a federal tax identification number, and had corporate credit and debit cards in the names of the businesses.
Kent further admitted that after identifying timeshare owners, who later became his victims, Kent and his co-conspirators introduced the victims to another co-conspirator who posed as the “buyer” by assuming a false identity that included a different name and email address. The co-conspirator, posing as the buyer, communicated with the victim by phone and email and agreed to purchase the victim’s property, often at the asking price. They would tell the victim they were going to use The Holiday Property Group/Vacation Properties by Owners for the sale. The same “buyer” was in contact with multiple victims at one time.
Kent also admitted that he and his co-conspirators then contacted the victim to inform them they needed to send The Holiday Property Group/Vacation Properties by Owners money, typically between $500 and $1,500, to cover costs associated with the sale, such as “closing costs” or resort “transfer fees.” Kent fraudulently represented that any fees would be held in escrow, and were refundable at any time. In fact, the fees received were not held in escrow, but instead were deposited into bank accounts that Kent used to pay his own personal expenses, pay for expenses needed to continue the scheme, or to pay his coconspirators for their role in the criminal scheme.
Kent admitted that throughout the course of this conspiracy, he and his coconspirators caused losses of over $550,000 from the victims they targeted.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Virginia Office of the Attorney General, and the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office. Trial Attorney Andrew Tyler of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin M. Kulpa of the Western District of Virginia prosecuted the case.
Nine Trey Gangster Sentenced to Life in Prison for Four MurdersRead the Press Release
A member of the Nine Trey Gangsters was sentenced today in the Eastern District of Virginia to life in prison for his role in four murders and several additional non-fatal shootings.
According to plea documents, Anthony Foye, 26, of Suffolk, Virginia, is a member of the Nine Trey Gangsters, a street gang with members in states across the East Coast that is affiliated with the United Blood Nation. Foye and another gang member convicted of multiple murders, Nathaniel Mitchell, were trying to gain a reputation within the gang as “shooters.” In furtherance of his membership in the gang, Foye murdered Al-Tariq Tynes, Vandalet Mercer, Linda Lassiter, and Wayne Davis, shot into a residence in Portsmouth, Virginia and shot several other individuals across South Hampton Roads, Virginia.
Foye pleaded guilty on Sept. 8, 2017, to four counts of murder in aid of racketeering activity, and faced a mandatory life sentence on each count.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting U.S. Attorney Tracy Doherty-McCormick for the Eastern District of Virginia; Attorney General of Virginia Mark R. Herring; Special Agent in Charge Martin Culbreth of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; Chief of Norfolk Police Larry D. Boone; Chief of Portsmouth Police Tonya D. Chapman; Chief of Virginia Beach Police James A. Cervera; Col. K.L. Wright, Chief of Chesapeake Police; and Chief of Suffolk Police Thomas E. Bennett made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Mark S. Davis.
The case was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force’s (OCDETF) Operation Billy Club. The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Trial Attorney Teresa A. Wallbaum of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph E. DePadilla, Andrew C. Bosse and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney John F. Butler of the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case.
Nine Trey Gangster Sentenced to Life for Four MurdersRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A member of the Nine Trey Gangsters was sentenced today to life in prison for his role in four murders and several additional non-fatal shootings.
According to court documents, Anthony Foye, 26, of Suffolk, is a member of the Nine Trey Gangsters, a street gang with members in states across the East Coast that is affiliated with the United Blood Nation. Foye and another gang member convicted of multiple murders, Nathaniel Mitchell, were trying to gain a reputation within the gang as “shooters.” In furtherance of his membership in the gang, Foye murdered Al-Tariq Tynes, Vandalet Mercer, Linda Lassiter, and Wayne Davis, shot into a residence in Portsmouth, and shot several other individuals across South Hampton Roads. Almost none of the shooting victims had any affiliation with the Nine Trey Gangsters or any other street gang, and three of Foye’s murder victims were the parents or grandparents of young children.
Foye pleaded guilty on Sept. 8, 2017, to four counts of murder in aid of racketeering activity, and faced a mandatory life sentence on each count.
Tracy Doherty-McCormick, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Mark R. Herring, Attorney General of Virginia; Martin Culbreth, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; Larry D. Boone, Chief of Norfolk Police; Tonya D. Chapman, Chief of Portsmouth Police; James A. Cervera, Chief of Virginia Beach Police; Col. K.L. Wright, Chief of Chesapeake Police; and Thomas E. Bennett, Chief of Suffolk Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Mark S. Davis. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph E. DePadilla, Andrew C. Bosse, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney John F. Butler, and Trial Attorney Teresa A. Wallbaum of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section, are prosecuting the case.
The case was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force’s (OCDETF) Operation Billy Club. The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:16-cr-130.
New Egypt, New Jersey, Man Arrested on Charge of Production of Child Pornography AbroadRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – An Ocean County, New Jersey, cargo pilot who travels abroad frequently has been arrested for allegedly coercing a minor to participate in acts of child sexual abuse, which he recorded on camera and imported to the United States, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Frank William Maile, 62, of New Egypt, New Jersey, was arrested May 1, 2018, by agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Maile is retired from the U.S. Air Force and currently works as a cargo pilot. He is charged by complaint with one count of producing visual depictions of child sexual abuse outside the United States, with the intent that the depictions be imported into the United States. Maile made his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas E. Arpert and was remanded without bail.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Dec. 2, 2015, and December 3, 2015, while in the Philippines, Maile created images and videos of two minor females engaging in multiple sex acts.
The charge of producing child pornography abroad carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Cherry Hill office, under the direction of Resident Agent in Charge Richard Reinhold, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato, and the Plumsted Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief Earl Meroney, for their assistance with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elisa T. Wiygul of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.
The charges and allegations in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Anyone with information regarding possible victims of this activity is urged to contact HSI’s tip line at 866-DHS-2-ICE.
Defense counsel: Hercules Pappas Esq., Haddonfield, New Jersey
More Than $13 Million Forfeited Against Multiple Individuals in Car Nationalization BusinessRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas - Seven people have been ordered to forfeit more than $13 million following their convictions related to a car nationalization business, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Car nationalization is the process by which someone imports a U.S. vehicle into Mexico, such as registering the vehicle with the Mexican government. The Mexican government has specific customs laws or regulations regarding vehicle importation. A car nationalization business helps its customers navigate through these regulations for a fee.
Alejandro Cerda, 44, and Juan Carlos Cerda, 39, both of Laredo, had previously pleaded guilty to operating an unlicensed money transmitting business and making false statements on tax returns. Today, they were collectively ordered to forfeit real property valued at more than $7.4 million and approximately $5.2 million.
Ofelia Jenkins, 67, and Adrian Reyna, 37, both of Laredo, had also pleaded guilty to operating an unlicensed money transmitting business and were respectively ordered to pay a $45,000 and a $16,000 money judgement. Laredoans Elias Ibanez, 51, Gerardo Cadena, 38, and Roberto Cuevas, 42, had entered their guilty pleas to structuring international monetary transactions were each ordered to pay a $250,000 money judgement.
Juan Cerda and Alejandor Cerda owned and operated a vehicle nationalization company titled Grupo MCA Importaciones LLC. The Cerdas along with Reyna and Jenkins who were unlicensed to operate such a business, engaged in the business of transmitting money when they acquired bulk quantities of currency and other monetary instruments from Grupo MCA and other vehicle nationalization businesses operating in the Laredo area. They then opened specific Texas bank accounts whereby for a fee they transmitted the cash to others. The identified Texas banks accounts are known to have received and transmitted more than $24 million in U.S. currency during a 16-month period.
Cadena, Ibanez and Cuevas each owned and operated their own Laredo based vehicle nationalization company through which each admitted to structuring U.S. currency into Mexico at increments of less than $10,000 to avoid a known reporting requirements.
The FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigation. and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation dubbed Operation Conundrum along with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Graciela R. Lindberg is prosecuting the case.
Misdemeanor Immigration Prosecutions – March and April 2018Read the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – The following is a summary of misdemeanor immigration prosecutions from March and April 2018. All defendants were or will be placed into removal proceedings, by the Department of Homeland Security, following the completion of their sentences.
Citizen of Kenya Sentenced For Illegal Entry
Angela M. Muchui, age 42, and a citizen of Kenya, was sentenced on March 6 to 20 days in jail, following her guilty plea to illegally entering the United States.
Muchui admitted that she crossed the border approximately one mile east of the Fort Covington Port of Entry on February 22, 2018. She was arrested by Border Patrol Agents as she was walking near the border the following morning.
Citizen of Turkey Sentenced For Illegal Entry
Ibrahim Evelek, age 31, and a citizen of Turkey, was sentenced on March 6 to time served (13 days in jail), following his guilty plea to illegally entering the United States.
Evelek admitted that he crossed the border approximately one mile east of the Chateaugay Port of Entry on February 21, 2018. He was arrested by Border Patrol Agents as he was being driven away from the border.
Citizen of India Sentenced For Illegal Entry
Manvir Kaur, age 25, and a citizen of India, was sentenced on March 13 to time served (32 days in jail), following her guilty plea to illegally entering the United States.
Kaur admitted that she crossed the border approximately 5 miles east of the Massena Port of Entry on February 9, 2018. She was arrested by Border Patrol Agents as she was leaving the border area as a passenger in a taxi.
Citizen of Haiti Sentenced For Illegal Entry
Jacques Estime, a citizen of Haiti, was sentenced on March 13 to 15 days in jail following his guilty plea to illegally entering the United States. Estime admitted that on March 2, 2018, he illegally entered the United States by walking through the woods from Canada before being arrested by Border Patrol.
Citizen of Haiti Sentenced For Illegal Entry
Marthine Abel, a citizen of Haiti, was sentenced on March 20 to time served (19 days in jail) following her guilty plea to illegally entering the United States. Abel admitted that on March 2, 2018, she illegally entered the United States by walking through the woods from Canada before being arrested by Border Patrol.
Citizen of Brazil Sentenced For Illegal Entry
Elianay Goncalves-Carreiro, a citizen of Brazil, was sentenced on March 20 to 28 days in jail following his guilty plea to illegally entering the United States. Goncalves-Carriero admitted that on February 28, 2018, he illegally entered the United States by walking through the woods from Canada before being arrested by Border Patrol.
Citizen of Mexico Sentenced For Illegal Entry
Diego Guerra-Lara, age 36, and a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced on March 22 to 30 days in jail, and ordered to pay a fine of $2,000, following his guilty plea to illegally entering the United States.
Guerra-Lara admitted that he crossed the border approximately one half mile east of the Fort Covington Port of Entry on March 11, 2018. He was found and arrested by a Border Patrol Agent as he ran south away from the border.
Citizen of Canada Sentenced For Illegal Entry
Christopher Thomas, age 50, of Winnipeg, Canada, was sentenced on March 27 to 40 days in jail, following his guilty plea to illegally entering the United States.
Thomas admitted that he walked across the border without inspection just east of the Champlain Port of Entry on March 23, 2018. Thomas was arrested by Border Patrol Agents as he was walking south away from the border.
Citizen of Albania Sentenced For Illegal Entry
Sandri Hiraj, also known as Ruhan Hiraj, age 21, and a citizen of Albania, was sentenced on March 27 to 100 days in jail, following his guilty plea to illegally entering the United States.
Hiraj admitted that he walked across the border without inspection approximately 3 miles east of the Churubusco Port of Entry on December 20, 2017. Hiraj was arrested by Border Patrol Agents in Ellenburg, New York, as he was attempting to arrange for transportation away from the border area.
Citizens of Haiti Sentenced For Illegal Entry
Manie Dieula Jean, also known as Manie Jean Piere, age 49, and Wilna Joseph Saintil, age 43, both citizens of Haiti, were each sentenced on March 29 to time served (13 days in jail), following their respective guilty pleas to illegally entering the United States.
Jean and Saintil each admitted that together they walked south through the northbound lanes of Interstate 87 at the border in an effort to sneak into the United States from Canada on March 17, 2018. They were arrested together by United States Customs and Border Protection Officers as they walked south through the Champlain Port of Entry.
Citizen of Mexico Sentenced For Illegal Entry
Luz Hernandez-Gonzalez, a citizen of the Mexico, was sentenced on April 3 to time served (15 days in jail) following her guilty plea to illegally entering the United States. Hernandez-Gonzalez admitted that on March 20, 2018, she was part of a group of 6 people who entered the United States by walking through the woods from Canada before being arrested by Border Patrol.
Citizen of Mexico Sentenced For Illegal Entry
Carlos Marquez-Arteaga, a citizen of the Mexico, was sentenced on April 3 to time served (15 days in jail) following his guilty plea to illegally entering the United States. Marquez-Arteaga admitted that on March 20, 2018, he was part of a group of 6 people who entered the United States by walking through the woods from Canada before being arrested by Border Patrol.
Citizen of Mexico Sentenced For Illegal Entry
Reyes Sanchez-Flores, a citizen of the Mexico, was sentenced on April 5 to time served (17 days in jail) following his guilty plea to illegally entering the United States. Sanchez-Flores admitted that on March 20, 2018, he was part of a group of 6 people who entered the United States by walking through the woods from Canada before being arrested by Border Patrol.
Citizen of Mexico Sentenced For Illegal Entry
Edwin Martinez-Garcia, a citizen of the Mexico, was sentenced on April 5 to time served (17 days in jail) following his guilty plea to illegally entering the United States. Martinez-Garcia admitted that on March 20, 2018, he was part of a group of 6 people who entered the United States by walking through the woods from Canada before being arrested by Border Patrol.
Citizen of Canada Sentenced For Illegal Entry
Bryan Francisco Pineda-Guevara, age 19, of Montreal, Canada, was sentenced on April 19 to 20 days in jail, following his guilty plea to illegally entering the United States.
Pineda-Guevara admitted that he walked across the border without inspection 1.7 miles east of the Champlain Port of Entry on April 9, 2018. Pineda-Guevara was arrested by Border Patrol Agents as he was walking south away from the border.
Citizen of the Philippines Sentenced For Illegal Entry
Aaron Danielle Sevilleja, age 20, and a citizen of the Philippines, was sentenced on April 19 to time served (14 days in jail), following her guilty plea to illegally entering the United States.
Sevilleja used a boat to cross the Saint Lawrence River near Hogansburg, New York, on April 6, 2018. She was then arrested while a passenger in a car that was stopped for a traffic infraction.
Citizen of Albania Sentenced For Illegal Entry
Elizabeta Lulaj, age 20, and a citizen of Albania, was sentenced on April 24 to time served (19 days in jail), following her guilty plea to illegally entering the United States.
Lulaj admitted that she used a boat to cross the Saint Lawrence River near Hogansburg, New York, on April 6, 2018. She was then arrested while a passenger in a car that was stopped for a traffic infraction.
Citizen of Mexico Sentenced For Illegal Entry
Irma Sanchez-Lopez, age 33, and a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced on April 24 to 20 days in jail, following her guilty plea to illegally entering the United States.
Sanchez-Lopez admitted that she crossed the border approximately 3 miles east of the Trout River Port of Entry on April 11, 2018. She was arrested by a Border Patrol Agent as she tried to hide in the woods south of the border.
McHenry County Farmer Charged with Bank FraudRead the Press Release
URBANA, Ill. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today that charges Timothy A. Cosman, 42, a McHenry county farmer, with bank fraud related to loans he obtained from Busey Bank in Champaign, Ill. A summons will be issued to Cosman to appear in federal court in Urbana for arraignment.
The indictment alleges that from February 2014 to April 2016, Cosman, of Harvard, Ill., executed a scheme to defraud the bank. Cosman allegedly inflated his assets to make the bank believe its loans would be more secure than they were. To inflate his assets, Cosman made false claims about his ownership in family companies; claimed the loans would be secured by farm equipment he owned, when the equipment was actually owned by someone else; falsely claimed he was the beneficiary of a promissory note; and, claimed a loan for cattle would be secured by cattle, however, no cattle were purchased. To further his scheme, Cosman allegedly forged signatures and falsified documents presented to the bank. As a result of the alleged scheme, the bank was exposed to a loss of approximately $2.96 million.
If convicted, each count of bank fraud (three counts) carries a statutory penalty of up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million.
The charge is the result of investigation by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Office of Inspector General. Busey Bank has cooperated with investigators during the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Finlen is prosecuting the case.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation; the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Maryland Man and Woman Indicted for Stolen Identity Refund FraudRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment, which was unsealed today, charging a Maryland man and woman with multiple federal crimes stemming from their involvement in stolen identity refund fraud (SIRF), announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur.
Devell Lincoln and Stephanie Twyman were each charged with conspiracy to commit theft of public money, theft of public money, and aggravated identity theft.
According to the superseding indictment, Lincoln and Twyman and others conspired to file false federal income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for the purpose of obtaining tax refunds to which they were not entitled. The superseding indictment alleges that the false tax returns were filed using names and Social Security numbers of unwitting taxpayers, but listed addresses that were controlled by a co-conspirator to which the IRS would mail the fraudulent refund checks.
The superseding indictment further charges that Twyman arranged for co-conspirators, including Lincoln, to cash the fraudulently obtained tax refund checks at a check cashing business in Clinton, Maryland. In total, the conspirators are alleged to have obtained from the IRS over $500,000 in fraudulent refunds.
If convicted, the defendants face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison on the conspiracy count, 10 years in prison on each theft of public money count, plus an additional mandatory two years in prison on the aggravated identity theft counts. The defendants also face a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Hur thanked special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, who investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Packard and Tax Division Trial Attorney William Guappone, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Maple Heights man indicted for robbing Cleveland bank one day after getting out of prison for robbing the same bankRead the Press Release
A Maple Heights man was indicted for robbing a Cleveland bank day one day after being released from prison for previously robbing the same bank, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.
Markiko Sonnie Lewis, 40, was indicted on one count of bank robbery. Lewis robbed the Key Bank at 15000 St. Clair Ave. on April 12. Lewis robbed the bank of approximately $1,044, according to the indictment.
Court records indicate Lewis was released from prison the day before the robbery. Lewis was incarcerated for previously robbing the same bank, according to court records.
Assistant United States Attorney Brian S. Deckert is prosecuting the case following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Cleveland Police Department.
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.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial, in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Louisiana Tax Return Preparer Sentenced to Jail for Stolen Identity Tax Refund FraudRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A resident of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, was sentenced today to 42 months in prison for her involvement in stolen identity tax fraud, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Alicia Washington, also known as Alicia Keith, pleaded guilty on Feb. 21, 2017, to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to commit theft of public money, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft and one count of aggravated identity theft.
According to court documents, Washington operated as a tax return preparer using several different business names. From 2008 to 2016, Washington conspired with others to prepare false tax returns using stolen identities. Members of the conspiracy stole the names and Social Security numbers of individuals who had been arrested or imprisoned, and then used that information to file fraudulent tax returns. Washington electronically filed the bogus returns seeking refunds. The IRS provided the fraudulent refunds in the form of checks or prepaid debit cards, which members of the conspiracy converted to cash.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge Susie Morgan ordered Washington to serve two years of supervised release and to pay restitution in the amount of $809,605.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Evans commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Hayden Brockett and Tax Division Trial Attorney Lauren Castaldi, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
# # #
Louisiana Tax Return Preparer Sentenced to Jail for Stolen Identity Tax Refund FraudRead the Press Release
A resident of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, was sentenced today to 42 months in prison for her involvement in stolen identity tax fraud, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Alicia Washington, also known as Alicia Keith, pleaded guilty on Feb. 21, 2017, to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to commit theft of public money, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft and one count of aggravated identity theft.
According to court documents, Washington operated as a tax return preparer using several different business names. From 2008 to 2016, Washington conspired with others to prepare false tax returns using stolen identities. Members of the conspiracy stole the names and Social Security numbers of individuals who had been arrested or imprisoned, and then used that information to file fraudulent tax returns. Washington electronically filed the bogus returns seeking refunds. The IRS provided the fraudulent refunds in the form of checks or prepaid debit cards, which members of the conspiracy converted to cash.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge Susie Morgan ordered Washington to serve two years of supervised release and to pay restitution in the amount of $809,605.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Evans commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Hayden Brockett and Tax Division Trial Attorney Lauren Castaldi, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Local Woman Arrested for Defrauding Professional Football Player Out of More Than $1 MillionRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 44-year-old Houston woman has been taken into custody following the return of a federal indictment charging her for her role in a scheme involving mail, bank and wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
A grand jury returned a 16-count indictment April 25, 2018, against Tonya Lynn Adkism. She was taken into custody today and is expected to make her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena Palermo at 10:00 a.m.
According to the indictment, Robert Meachem - a former professional football player - hired Adkism in June 2010 to manage his finances. During her employment, Adkism fraudulently acquired signatory authority over the victim’s corporate accounts and forged his signature on checks drawn on his personal accounts, according to the charges. As a result of her scheme, Adkism allegedly stole more than $1 million from Meachem.
If convicted, Adkism faces up to 20 years in prison for mail fraud and each of the two counts of wire fraud. She also faces two years in prison for each of the five counts of aggravated identity theft which must be served consecutively to the other sentences. Each of these charges also carries a possible $250,000 maximum fine. In addition, Adkism faces up to 30 years in prison and a possible $1 million maximum fine for each of the eight counts of bank fraud.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin R. Martin is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.Kokomo area drug trafficking organization dismantledRead the Press Release
Alleged to have brought large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, fentanyl and weapons into Central Indiana
PRESS RELEASE
Indianapolis – United States Attorney Josh Minkler announced federal charges against 15 individuals who are alleged to have operated a drug trafficking organization bringing large quantities of narcotics into the Kokomo, Indiana area.
“Individuals who bring dangerous drugs into our communities and spread the violence associated with it, can rest assured, they will be held accountable,” said Minkler. “There is no higher priority in my office than to help keep our neighborhoods safe. I want the Southern District of Indiana to be the most inhospitable place in the country to sell drugs.”
Those charged federally include:
Pierre Riley, 50, Macon, GA
Reggie Balentine, 41, a/k/a Pudge, Kokomo, IN
Diondre Jones, 34, Kokomo, IN
Michael O’Bannon, 33, a/k/a Lunchy, Kokomo, IN
Kristin Kinney, 35, a/k/a Cupcake, Kokomo, IN
Michael Jones, 35, a/k/a MJ, Kokomo, IN
Jason Reed, 49, a/k/a Jamon, a/k/a Jasil, Kokomo, IN
Derrick Owens, 37, Terre Haute, IN
Deshoun Everhart, 39, Warsaw, IN
Perry Jones, 43, Kokomo, IN
Melissa Baird, 38, Kokomo, IN
Shuan Myers, 35, Kokomo, IN
Antwon Abbott, 38, Kokomo, IN
Patricia Acord, 58, Kokomo, IN
Bradley Clark, 49, Kokomo, IN
According to the indictment, Balentine is the leader of the distribution conspiracy with Pierre Riley being his source of supply operating from Macon, Georgia, bringing controlled substances to Kokomo. Balantine worked with O’Bannon and Perry Jones to distribute the controlled substances, while Kristin Kinney is alleged to have stored the controlled substances and helped count the proceeds. Balentine is alleged to have sold the controlled substances to Michael Jones, Reed, Everhart and Owens for redistribution.
Yesterday morning (May 1, 2018), approximately 130 agents, troopers, deputies and officers served warrants at 13 locations in Kokomo and the Macon, GA area. As a result of the searches and the entire investigation, over 17 pounds of methamphetamine, over two pounds of cocaine, two ounces of heroin, 122 grams of fentanyl, six ounces of marijuana, two money counters, 12 vehicles, $37,000 and 24 firearms were confiscated.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service, Unites States Postal Inspection Service, United States Marshal Service, Hendricks County Sheriff’s Department, Vigo County Drug Task Force, Indiana State Police, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Miami County Prosecutor’s Office, Terre Haute Police Department, Warsaw Police Department, Indiana National Guard Counter Drug, Howard County Sheriff’s Department, Howard County Prosecutor’s Office and the Kokomo Police Department.
DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Greg Westfall stated, “OCDETF Operation Law and Order demonstrates DEA’s commitment to enforcing the drug laws of the United States, and restoring order by bringing to justice those who poison our communities with drugs and terrorize our communities with violence. Our message is clear, individuals who continue this type of criminal behavior, You Are Next.”
“These arrests reflect the continuing impact federal, state and local partnerships have on illegal drug trafficking,” said Grant Mendenhall, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Division. “We will continue to aggressively investigate criminal organizations that target our communities with their drug-related violent activity and ensure they are held accountable.”
“Drugs and guns often go hand in hand with criminals using firearms to further their criminal drug enterprise. ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement counterparts to stem the flow of illegal weapons and remove violent criminals from our community,” said Trevor Velinor, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division
Gabriel Grchan, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation, said, “Drug traffickers know their illegal profits are as good as gone when IRS-CI comes knocking. At the end of the day, these criminals care only about money and nothing else, yet the damage to our communities is devastating. IRS-CI is proud to stand with our partners today as we shut down illegal drug traffickers in Indiana communities.”
“The Kokomo Police Department has made and will continue to make the safety and quality of life of our citizens a priority,” said Chief Robert A. Baker. “We are committed to the pursuit of investigations that involve individuals who supply narcotics and controlled substances. We will remain vigilant to pursue investigations of those who perpetuate the victimization of addicted persons in this community.”
According to Assistant United States Attorney Michelle P. Brady who is prosecuting this case for the government the defendants, face decades in prison if convicted.
An indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. All defendants are considered innocent until proven otherwise in federal court.
In October 2017, United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced a Strategic Plan designed to shape and strengthen the District’s response to its most significant public safety challenges. This prosecution sentencing demonstrates the office’s firm commitment to partner with federal and local law enforcement agencies to prosecute individuals bringing methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin into our communities. See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan Section 3.3)
Justice Department Announces Additional Prosecutors and Immigration Judges for Southwest Border CrisisRead the Press Release
Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced the dedication of additional prosecutors to handle the prosecutions of improper entry, illegal reentry, and alien smuggling cases, and additional immigration judges to handle the adjudication of immigration court cases that result from the crisis at the Southwest border.
Thirty-five new Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) positions have been allocated to U.S. Attorney’s Offices along the Southwest border. The breakdown of those positions is as follows:
- Southern District of Texas: Eight (8);
- Southern District of California: Eight (8);
- Western District of Texas: Seven (7);
- District of Arizona: Six (6); and,
- District of New Mexico: Six (6).
“The American people made very clear their desire to secure our borders and prioritize the public safety and national security of our homeland,” said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. “Promoting and enforcing the rule of law is essential to our republic. By deploying these additional resources to the Southwest border, the Justice Department and the Trump Administration take yet another step in protecting our nation, its borders, and its citizens. It must be clear that there is no right to demand entry without justification.”
Due to a recent increase in the number of apprehensions at the Southwest border, the new AUSA positions announced today will assist in the prosecutions of illegal reentry (8 U.S.C. § 1326), alien smuggling (8 U.S.C. § 1324), and improper entry (8 U.S.C. § 1325) pursuant to the Justice Department’s “Zero-Tolerance Policy” announced by Attorney General Sessions on April 6, 2018 and its prior April 11, 2017 directive to AUSAs to prioritize charging immigration offenses.
In addition to the new AUSA positions, Attorney General Sessions and Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) Director James McHenry announced the utilization of 18 current supervisory immigration judges to adjudicate cases in immigration courts near the southwest border. The supervisory immigration judges will hear cases in-person and use video teleconferencing (VTC) to handle cases at immigration courts and represent a roughly 50 percent increase in the current number of immigration judges:
- Eloy (AZ) Immigration Court;
- Florence (AZ) Immigration Court;
- Adelanto (CA) Immigration Court;
- Imperial (CA) Immigration Court;
- Otay Mesa (CA) Immigration Court;
- Otero (NM) Immigration Court;
- El Paso (TX) Service Processing Center;
- Harlingen (TX) Immigration Court;
- Pearsall (TX) Immigration Court; and
- Port Isabel (TX) Immigration Court.
“The Justice Department, under Attorney General Jeff Sessions, has made significant reforms and progress in tackling the overwhelming backlog in the immigration court system,” said EOIR Director James McHenry. “We must not let attempts to undermine our lawful immigration system deter that progress, and the men and women at EOIR are proud to play a small role in the Attorney General’s response to the crisis at our Southwest border.”
Between March and September 2017, EOIR mobilized over one hundred immigration judges to Department of Homeland Security detention facilities across the country, including along the Southwest border. In October, EOIR projected that the mobilized immigration judges—hearing both in-person and VTC cases—completed approximately 2,700 more cases than expected if the immigration judges had not been detailed.
Judge Sentences Aliquippa Man to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Drug and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A resident of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 180 months’ imprisonment and eight years supervised release on his conviction of narcotics and firearms offenses, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Ahmad Flannigan, 37, of Aliquippa, PA.
According to information presented to the court, on June 2, 2017, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the defendant’s home in Aliquippa. Among other things, the officers recovered a total of approximately nine ounces of crack cocaine; four ounces of powder cocaine; and drug trafficking paraphernalia, including digital scales. The officers also seized three firearms from the defendant’s home, which the defendant was prohibited from possessing because of his prior felony convictions.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Hornak stated that this sentence was sufficient but not greater than necessary to achieve the goals of sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorneys Tonya S. Goodman and Caitlin A. Loughran prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, the Pennsylvania State Police, the New Brighton Police Department, the Wilkinsburg Police Department, and the Cranberry Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Flannigan.
Indictment Unsealed Charging Four Defendants in Interstate Cocaine-Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the unsealing of an 11-count Indictment charging JORGE ORNELAS, age 50, of Houston, TX; TEKA LAFRANCE, age 47, of New Orleans, LA; JERRELL ENCALADE, age 34, of Boothville, LA; and ALBERT VEREEN JR., age 36, of Port Sulphur, LA, with conspiring to traffic cocaine hydrochloride and cocaine base (“crack”), along with numerous substantive drug offenses.
The following chart summarizes the charges alleged in the Indictment, along with the penalties that each defendant faces if convicted of the alleged offense.
Count
Charge
Defendants
Penalties
1
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride and Cocaine Base – Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), 841(b)(1)(B), 841(b)(1)(C) and 846
All
ORNELAS and LAFRANCE: 10 years to life imprisonment, at least 5 years supervised release, $10,000,000 fine
ENCALADE and VEREEN: 5 to 40 years, at least 4 years supervised release, $5,000,000 fine
2
Distribution of Cocaine Base – Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C)
VEREEN
0 to 20 years, at least 3 years supervised release, $1,000,000 fine
3
Distribution of Cocaine Base – Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C)
VEREEN
0 to 20 years, at least 3 years supervised release, $1,000,000 fine
4
Distribution of Cocaine Base – Title 21, United State Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C)
VEREEN
0 to 20 years, at least 3 years supervised release, $1,000,000 fine
5
Distribution of Cocaine Base – Title 21, United State Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C)
VEREEN
0 to 20 years, at least 3 years supervised release, $1,000,000 fine
6
Distribution of Cocaine Base – Title 21, United State Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C)
VEREEN
0 to 20 years, at least 3 years supervised release, $1,000,000 fine
7
Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride – Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C)
VEREEN
0 to 20 years, at least 3 years supervised release, $1,000,000 fine
8
Distribution of Cocaine Base – Title 21, United State Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C)
ENCALADE
0 to 20 years, at least 3 years supervised release, $1,000,000 fine
9
Distribution of Cocaine Hydrochloride – Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C)
LAFRANCE
0 to 20 years, at least 3 years supervised release, $1,000,000 fine
10
Possession with Intent to Distribute 500 Grams or More of Cocaine Hydrochloride – Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B)
LAFRANCE
5 to 40 years, at least 4 years supervised release, $5,000,000 fine
11
Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride and Cocaine Base – Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C)
ENCALADE
0 to 20 years, at least 3 years supervised release, $1,000,000 fine
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office (PPSO), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), Kenner Police Department (KPD), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and Houston Police Department (HPD). Assistant United States Attorney Brandon S. Long is in charge of the prosecution.
Honduran National Pleads Guilty to Illegally Reentering the United States 11 TimesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Honduran national pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally reentering the United States for the eleventh time.
Jose Salazar-Aguilar, 33, a citizen of Honduras, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah W. Hays to illegally reentering the United States after having been deported for an aggravated felony. This is Salazar-Aguilar’s second conviction for this offense.
Salazar-Aguilar was arrested by Kansas City, Mo., police officers on Feb. 19, 2017, for driving while under the influence and resisting arrest. After he was released on bond, federal agents apprehended him during a traffic stop on Feb. 27, 2017.
Salazar-Aguilar was convicted in Oregon in 2003 of the felony offense of delivery of a controlled substance, after which he was deported. Salazar-Aguilar also has prior felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance, forgery and illegally reentering the United States after having been deported for an aggravated felony.
Salazar-Aguilar has been deported from the United States on 10 previous occasions. He was last removed on Aug. 8, 2013.
Under federal statutes, Salazar-Aguilar is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberlee L. Moore. It was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).
Hickman County Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Child Pornography CrimesRead the Press Release
James Earl Tuttle, 45, of Lyles, Tennessee was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge William L. Campbell, Jr., to 30 years in prison for production of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Don Cochran for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Tuttle was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 6, 2016, and charged with two counts of production of child pornography. He pleaded guilty to one count of the indictment on March 16, 2017.
According to court records, in April 2016, a 15 year-old girl disclosed to her mother that Tuttle had been raping her since she was 13 years old. The family reported the repeated rapes to the Fairview Police Department, and an investigation ensued. Investigators found that on at least two occasions in November 2015, Tuttle also had recorded sexually explicit images of the girl. The investigation revealed that not only had Tuttle raped the child for several years, but he also tried to convince her to have sex with other men for money.
During the execution of a search warrant in April 2016, Tuttle confessed to taking nude pictures of the child and admitted sharing the pictures with others on-line. Tuttle later admitted to raping the girl on multiple occasions, stating that he, “knew it was wrong,” but blamed the child for seducing him when she was 13 years old.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section of the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
This matter was investigated by the Fairview Police Department, the Hickman County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney S. Carran Daughtrey prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States
Henderson Man Sentenced for Felon in Possession ChargeRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today, WENDELL ROUSE, JR., 32, of Henderson, North Carolina, was sentenced to 97 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
ROUSE was named in a two-count Indictment on July 25, 2017 charging him with two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. On January 29, 2018, ROUSE pled guilty to one of those two counts.
Investigation was initiated by the Henderson Police Department (HPD) on June 20, 2017, when officers responded to reports of a gunshot victim. The victim suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen by a .380 caliber bullet. Seven shell casing of the same caliber were recovered from the scene. Further, the screen door of the residence had been shot out and there were three bullet holes in the side of the residence. Notably, the victim was shot from the outside while he was inside the residence. Three children were also in the residence at the time.
Later the same night, while continuing their investigation, officers heard a gunshot nearby and then observed ROUSE as he walked through the crime scene tape and headed to the victim’s residence. ROUSE was instructed to raise his shirt to reveal his waistband. After hearing those instructions, ROUSE turned away from the officers and started to reach for something on his person. ROUSE was then handcuffed and searched where officers recovered a .380 handgun from his waistband. Ballistics later matched the defendant’s handgun to the bullets recovered from the scene.
In summary, ROUSE is responsible for possessing ammunition as a convicted felon. At sentencing, the court determined that a cross reference to attempted murder under the sentencing guidelines was appropriate in this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Henderson Police Department, the North Carolina Crime Laboratory, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney S. Katherine Burnette handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Henderson Man Sentenced to over Six Years in Prison for Stealing Nearly $123,000 Worth of Jewelry from Pawn ShopRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Henderson man who wore a “Jason”-style hockey mask during the robbery of a Las Vegas pawn shop and stole nearly $125,000 worth of jewelry was sentenced today to 78 months in prison and three years of supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson.
After a four-day jury trial in September 2017, Jessie Mendoza, 38, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and one count of interference with commerce by robbery. United States District Judge Larry R. Hicks presided over the trial and sentencing hearing.
According to court documents and trial evidence, Mendoza helped coordinate the robbery of EZ Pawn located at 3010 South Valley View Blvd. in Las Vegas. On September 12, 2016, Mendoza entered the pawn store and smashed the jewelry case with a sledgehammer. Mendoza stood guard at the front door wearing a “Jason”-style hockey mask and threatened the victims by swearing and waiving a firearm. He and his co-conspirators stole $122,936.50 worth of high value rings, jewelry, watches, gems, and other property from display cases. Mendoza was later identified when his DNA was located on the hockey mask and other items of clothing he discarded after the robbery. Law enforcement recovered video surveillance of Mendoza dumping his disguise, and then fleeing with his co-defendants in a switch car.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and the Henderson Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cristina D. Silva and Kilby Macfadden prosecuted the case.
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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Hector Rivera Sentenced to Life in Prison Plus 25 Years for Ordering 2004 Murder of Jeweler in Midtown ManhattanRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that HECTOR RIVERA was sentenced today to life in prison plus 25 years for murder-for-hire, murder-for-hire conspiracy, and use of a firearm resulting in death, in connection with his role in ordering the 2004 murder of Eduard Nektalov, a Manhattan diamond dealer. RIVERA was convicted following a six-day trial in November 2017 before U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer, who imposed today’s sentence.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Hector Rivera ordered the execution-style murder of Eduard Nektalov, who was brazenly gunned down on a crowded street in midtown Manhattan nearly 14 years ago. Thanks to the extraordinary work of our law enforcement partners, Rivera will now spend the rest of his life in prison.”
According to the allegations in the Indictment and the evidence presented in court during the trial:
RIVERA was the leader of a violent robbery crew that operated in the Diamond District in midtown Manhattan. In 2004, RIVERA commissioned the murder of Eduard Nektalov because of a business dispute between Nektalov and one of RIVERA’s criminal associates. During the evening rush hour on May 20, 2004, a hitman hired by RIVERA followed Nektalov from his jewelry store on West 47th Street. Less than a block from the store, the hitman shot Nektalov once in the head and twice in the back, in the middle of a crowded sidewalk on Sixth Avenue. Nektalov was pronounced dead within 20 minutes of the shooting. RIVERA paid the hitman and another participant a combined total of $30,000 to carry out the murder.
* * *
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Police Department. He also thanked the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and the Bronx District Attorney’s Office for their assistance with the prosecution.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Hartman and Jordan Estes are in charge of the prosecution.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Heroin and Crack to Overdose VictimRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NEFTY RODRIGUEZ, 24, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin and crack cocaine to an overdose victim in 2015.
This matter stems from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 23, 2015, a 21-year-old Tolland woman was rushed to Rockville Hospital after her mother found her in medical distress as a result of a likely drug overdose. The bloodwork from the hospital confirmed that the woman had heroin and cocaine in her system. The victim, who is now at a hospital in New Hampshire, has no brain activity and is in a permanent vegetative state.
RODRIGUEZ was subsequently identified as the source of the drugs consumed by the victim that resulted in her overdose.
RODRIGUEZ was arrested on August 4, 2017. On January 30, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin and cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter D. Markle.