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Tuesday 1 May 2018
Inmate at Sandoval County Detention Center Sentenced to Federal Prison for Trafficking Heroin While IncarceratedRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Ismael Vargas, 30, of Belen, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to 41 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release for his heroin trafficking conviction. At the time he committed the offense, Vargas was an inmate at the Sandoval County Detention Center.
In Jan. 2016, the DEA arrested Christopher Gonzales, 22, of Albuquerque, N.M., and Fabrienne Rosalinda Morales, 41, of Peralta, N.M., on a five-count indictment. At the time, Gonzales was a corrections officer at Sandoval County Detention Center. The indictment charged Gonzales and Morales with conspiracy. It also charged Gonzales with possession of heroin and Suboxone with intent to distribute, and Morales with distributing heroin and Suboxone. The indictment was superseded on Feb. 9, 2016, to add Vargas, to the conspiracy charge. According to the superseding indictment, the defendants committed the crimes on Aug. 2, 2015, in Sandoval County, N.M.
On March 9, 2017, Vargas pled guilty to Count 1 of the superseding indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute heroin. In entering the guilty plea, Vargas admitted that on Aug. 2, 2015, while he was an inmate at the Sandoval County Detention Center, he arranged for heroin to be delivered to the jail. Vargas also admitted that he facilitated the payment of money to a corrections officer to get the heroin into the jail.
On Feb. 28, 2017, Gonzales pled guilty to possessing heroin with intent to distribute. In entering his guilty plea, Gonzales admitted that on Aug. 2, 2015, while he was working as an officer at the Sandoval County Detention Center, he brought heroin to the Detention Center with the intention of delivering it to an inmate. Gonzales was sentenced to a five-year term of probation on May 31, 2017. Additionally, Gonzales’ employment as a corrections officer was terminated after he was charged in his case.
On Jan. 13, 2017, Morales pled guilty to distributing heroin. In entering the guilty plea, Morales admitted that on Aug. 2, 2015, she smuggled heroin into the Sandoval County Detention Center and gave it to a corrections officer. Morales was sentenced to 18 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release on April 17, 2017.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard R. Thomas prosecuted the case as part of the New Mexico Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Education (HOPE) Initiative. The HOPE Initiative was launched in January 2015 by the UNM Health Sciences Center and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in response to the national opioid epidemic, which has had a disproportionately devastating impact on New Mexico. Opioid addiction has taken a toll on public safety, public health and the economic viability of our communities. Working in partnership with the DEA, the Bernalillo County Opioid Accountability Initiative, Healing Addiction in our Community (HAC), the Albuquerque Public Schools and other community stakeholders, HOPE’s principal goals are to protect our communities from the dangers associated with heroin and opioid painkillers and reducing the number of opioid-related deaths in New Mexico.
The HOPE Initiative is comprised of five components: (1) prevention and education; (2) treatment; (3) law enforcement; (4) reentry; and (5) strategic planning. HOPE’s law enforcement component is led by the Organized Crime Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the DEA in conjunction with their federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners. Targeting members of major heroin and opioid trafficking organizations for investigation and prosecution is a priority of the HOPE Initiative. Learn more about the New Mexico HOPE Initiative at http://www.HopeInitiativeNM.org.
Imperial Woman Pleads Guilty to Distributing Sexual Images of ChildrenRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A former Allegheny County resident pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to a charge of distribution of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Kaitlin Plascjak, age 30, of Imperial, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty before Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on May 5, 2016, Plascjak distributed images containing material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors.
Chief Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for August 31, 2018, at 11 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 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 Jessica Lieber Smolar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office and the Allegheny County Police conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Plascjak.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Illegal Aliens Sentenced for Human Smuggling Conspiracy and Unlawful Return after Felony ConvictionRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Luis Enrique Moran-Vargaz, 36, an illegal alien from Mexico, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 8 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to transport illegal aliens within the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Joseph A. Banco Jr., Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector.
As a result of this felony conviction, Moran-Vargas will face removal proceedings by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security upon the completion of his prison sentence. Were he to be removed and unlawfully return to the United States during his period of supervised release, he could face additional penalties. Moran-Vargas pled guilty on January 23, 2018, before Judge Ozerden in Gulfport.
Additionally, one of the passengers Moran-Vargaz was transporting, Juan Antonio Martinez-Alonso, 50, also an illegal alien from Mexico, was sentenced yesterday to nine months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally re-entering the United States after being lawfully removed following a felony conviction. Martinez-Alonso also will face removal proceedings upon his release from prison. Were he to be removed and unlawfully return to the United States during his period of supervised release, he could face additional penalties. Martinez-Alonso pled guilty on January 23, 2018, before Judge Ozerden in Gulfport.
On November 28, 2017, a Dodge Ram pick-up truck driven by Moran-Vargaz, and with Martinez-Alonso as a passenger, was stopped by a City of Gautier Police Officer on Interstate-10 in Jackson County, Mississippi, for speeding in a construction zone. While the Dodge Ram was designed to seat five people, the police officer observed that, in addition to the driver, there were six unidentified passengers for a total of seven occupants in the vehicle. The vehicle occupants provided Mexican identification documents and the six passengers could not be identified by the driver. The U.S. Border Patrol was notified, and a Border Patrol Agent responded to the scene.
None of the vehicle occupants had proper documents, and all were illegally present in the United States. All occupants of the vehicle were arrested, and further investigation revealed that Martinez-Alonso previously had been removed from the United States twice in 2016, after a lawful removal order had been issued. Martinez-Alonso also had been convicted of this same offense in 2016 in the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Border Patrol, and the Gautier Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris was the prosecutor for the case.
IT Operations Manager Pleads Guilty to Hacking Former EmployerRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Sterling man pleaded guilty today to intentionally damaging his former employer’s computer network.
According to court documents, Martin Mehran Taheri, 33, worked as an information technology operations manager at a data optimization company located in northern Virginia until November 2016. Following his termination from the company, Taheri repeatedly accessed his former employer’s network without authorization between December 2016 and February 2017. Then, in late July 2017, Taheri logged into his former employer’s network, powered off the company’s servers, and partially cleared an event log. Taheri’s actions rendered his former employer’s websites and commercial services unavailable until power to the servers was restored.
Taheri pleaded guilty to intentionally damaging a computer by knowing transmission. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison when sentenced on July 27. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Tracy Doherty-McCormick, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Nancy McNamara, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander P. Berrang is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:18-cr-125.
Humansville Man Sentenced for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Humansville, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for receiving and distributing child pornography.
Christopher James Lane, 32, of Humansville, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 10 years in federal prison without parole.
On Aug. 31, 2017, Lane pleaded guilty to receiving and distributing child pornography between Sept. 13 and Sept. 15, 2016.
According to court documents, Lane came to the attention of law enforcement because his roommate observed child pornography on his cell phone. Investigators searched Lane’s cell phones and laptop computer and found hundreds of images of child pornography. Law enforcement also located animated child pornography, child erotica, and animated bestiality on the devices.
Lane’s collection, according to court documents, included animated child pornography (anime) that depicted animals having sexual intercourse with children featuring such characters as Inspector Gadget, Lilo and Stitch, and Scooby Doo.
The federal offense occurred after Lane had previously been under investigation for two separate instances of child molestation, at which time law enforcement officers located his Internet history revealing that Lane had logged onto child pornography websites.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crime Task Force and the Polk County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Honduran Man Indicted for Conspiring to Launder over $1 Million in Bribes and Funds Misappropriated from the Honduran Social Security AgencyRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Louisiana has returned a 12-count indictment charging Carlos Alberto Zelaya Rojas with money laundering violations, impairing the court’s jurisdiction over property subject to forfeiture, impeding an official proceeding, and perjury. Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Deputy Director Thomas D. Homan of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Carlos Zelaya, 47, a citizen of Honduras who was residing in the New Orleans area, conspired with his brother, the former Executive Director of the Honduran Institute of Social Security, and others, to launder over $1.3 million in bribe payments. These bribes were paid by two Honduran businessmen for the benefit of the Executive Director. The funds were then laundered into the New Orleans area through international wire transfers and used to purchase real estate. As part of the conspiracy, Carlos Zelaya also used his brother’s high-ranking official position to profit from lucrative Honduran government contracts and then laundered the misappropriated funds into the New Orleans area. Zelaya was arrested earlier today and had his initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel E. Knowles III, who ordered him to remain in custody pending his detention hearing on May 3.
The indictment also charges Carlos Zelaya with spending rental income from properties purchased with the proceeds of foreign corruption while he was under a court order to preserve the funds pending resolution of a federal forfeiture action. Additionally, the indictment charges that Carlos Zelaya impeded an official proceeding when he lied to the U.S. government about the source of the funds used to purchase the New Orleans-area properties, and further, that he committed perjury when he lied to a federal judge in the Eastern District of Louisiana about the rental income.
An indictment is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The investigation was conducted by ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New Orleans and Miami. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Stephen A. Gibbons, Marybeth Grunstra, and Michael B. Redmann of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
This case was brought under the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative by a team of prosecutors in the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, working in partnership with federal law enforcement agencies, dedicated to prosecuting those who facilitate foreign official corruption which affects the U.S. financial system, forfeiting assets purchased with the proceeds of that corruption, and, where appropriate, repatriating the forfeited corruption proceeds for the benefit of the people of the country harmed by the abuse of public office. Individuals with information about possible proceeds of foreign corruption located in or laundered through the United States should contact federal law enforcement or send an email to [email protected].
Honduran Man Indicted for Conspiring to Launder over $1 Million in Bribes and Funds Misappropriated from the Honduran Social Security AgencyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Louisiana has returned a 12-count indictment charging Carlos Alberto Zelaya Rojas with money laundering violations, impairing the court’s jurisdiction over property subject to forfeiture, impeding an official proceeding, and perjury. Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Deputy Director Thomas D. Homan of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Carlos Zelaya, 47, a citizen of Honduras who was residing in the New Orleans area, conspired with his brother, the former Executive Director of the Honduran Institute of Social Security, and others, to launder over $1.3 million in bribe payments. These bribes were paid by two Honduran businessmen for the benefit of the Executive Director. The funds were then laundered into the New Orleans area through international wire transfers and used to purchase real estate. As part of the conspiracy, Carlos Zelaya also used his brother’s high-ranking official position to profit from lucrative Honduran government contracts and then laundered the misappropriated funds into the New Orleans area. Zelaya was arrested earlier today and had his initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel E. Knowles III, who ordered him to remain in custody pending his detention hearing on May 3.
The indictment also charges Carlos Zelaya with spending rental income from properties purchased with the proceeds of foreign corruption while he was under a court order to preserve the funds pending resolution of a federal forfeiture action. Additionally, the indictment charges that Carlos Zelaya impeded an official proceeding when he lied to the U.S. government about the source of the funds used to purchase the New Orleans-area properties, and further, that he committed perjury when he lied to a federal judge in the Eastern District of Louisiana about the rental income.
An indictment is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The investigation was conducted by ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New Orleans and Miami. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Stephen A. Gibbons, Marybeth Grunstra, and Michael B. Redmann of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
This case was brought under the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative by a team of prosecutors in the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, working in partnership with federal law enforcement agencies, dedicated to prosecuting those who facilitate foreign official corruption which effects the U.S. financial system, forfeiting assets purchased with the proceeds of that corruption, and, where appropriate, repatriating the forfeited corruption proceeds for the benefit of the people of the country harmed by the abuse of public office. Individuals with information about possible proceeds of foreign corruption located in or laundered through the United States should contact federal law enforcement or send an email to [email protected].
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Harrison County man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Frank Everett Horner, III, of Clarksburg, West Virginia was sentenced today to 24 months incarceration for a firearms violation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Horner, age 24, pled guilty to “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Drug User” in November 2017. Horner admitted to possessing a .45-caliber pistol and a .25-caliber pistol in January and February 2017 in Harrison County.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.Harrison County man indicted on firearms chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Bridgeport, West Virginia man was indicted by a federal grand jury today on firearms charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Michael A. Spino, age 29, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” and one count of “Possession of an Unregistered Firearm.” Spino, having been previously convicted of two felonies, is accused of having an unregistered 12-gauge sawed-off shotgun in January 2018 in Harrison County.
Spino faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the West Virginia Probation Office investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Harrison County man indicted on firearm chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Clarksburg, West Virginia man was indicted by a federal grand jury today on a firearm charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Robert Lee Starkey, Jr., age 24, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Starkey, having been previously convicted of a felony, is accused of having .22-caliber revolver in March 2018 in Harrison County.
Starkey faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the West Virginia Probation Office investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Guatemalan Woman Pleads Guilty to Illegally Re-entering United States After RemovalRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Yesica Paola Rojas-Baten, 19, an illegal alien from Guatemala, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., to unlawful re-entry by an alien after removal, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Thomas Annello, Acting Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, and Joseph A. Banco Jr., Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector.
Rojas-Baten will be sentenced by Judge Guirola on August 2, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. and faces a maximum penalty of two years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
On January 30, 2018, two Hancock County Sheriff’s Deputies, working together, but in separate patrol vehicles, conducted traffic stops on two separate Honda Pilot Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) that were traveling together. The U.S. Border Patrol was contacted and arrived on the scene shortly thereafter. Both drivers of the SUVs were found to be in the United States illegally and each vehicle contained eight passengers who also were illegal aliens.
All eighteen occupants of both vehicles were arrested and transported to the Border Patrol Station in Gulfport, MS. One of the passengers was Yesica Paola Rojas-Baten, the defendant in this case. Rojas-Baten had been lawfully ordered removed from the United States by the Department of Homeland Security in December 2017, and had illegally returned to the U.S. after being flown from Texas back to her home country of Guatemala.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Border Patrol, and the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case.
Guatemalan Woman Pleads Guilty to Illegally Re-entering United States After RemovalRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Yesica Paola Rojas-Baten, 19, an illegal alien from Guatemala, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., to unlawful re-entry by an alien after removal, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Thomas Annello, Acting Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, and Joseph A. Banco Jr., Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector.
Rojas-Baten will be sentenced by Judge Guirola on August 2, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. and faces a maximum penalty of two years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
On January 30, 2018, two Hancock County Sheriff’s Deputies, working together, but in separate patrol vehicles, conducted traffic stops on two separate Honda Pilot Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) that were traveling together. The U.S. Border Patrol was contacted and arrived on the scene shortly thereafter. Both drivers of the SUVs were found to be in the United States illegally and each vehicle contained eight passengers who also were illegal aliens.
All eighteen occupants of both vehicles were arrested and transported to the Border Patrol Station in Gulfport, MS. One of the passengers was Yesica Paola Rojas-Baten, the defendant in this case. Rojas-Baten had been lawfully ordered removed from the United States by the Department of Homeland Security in December 2017, and had illegally returned to the U.S. after being flown from Texas back to her home country of Guatemala.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Border Patrol, and the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case.
Great Falls Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – Brian Denelson Willman, a 31-year-old Great Falls resident, was sentenced today to 25 months in prison followed by 2 years supervised release after pleading guilty to prohibited person in possession of a firearm on January 10, 2018. U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris handed down the sentence.
On July 21, 2016, Willman possessed a stolen, Stevens .22 caliber rifle in Great Falls, Montana. The day before, a Great Falls residence was burglarized and six firearms were taken, including a Stevens Arms Company, model Number 26 Crackshot, .22 caliber, single shot rifle, with no serial number. A neighbor took a picture of the car involved and provided the picture and other information to the police. The Great Falls Police Department tracked down the owner of the car and learned that Willman was using the car. After a high speed pursuit, the police arrested Willman. The Stevens .22 caliber rifle was found in the trunk of the car. After his arrest, Willman called a friend from jail and discussed the stolen firearm found in the trunk of the car. At the time, Willman was on absconder status with Montana Probation and Parole. MT P&P received Willman on parole from Arizona through the interstate compact after his conviction for aggravated assault there.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette Stewart and investigated by the Russell Country Drug Task Force and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
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.
Georgia Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Marijuana Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that SHAMAR MADDEN, also known as “Sheist,” 38, of Atlanta, Georgia, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 100 kilograms or more of marijuana.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between August 2016 and February 2017, MADDEN, Malek Long and others conspired to use the U.S. Mail to ship substantial quantities of marijuana from California to New Haven, and then distribute the marijuana throughout the area. MADDEN regularly traveled from Georgia to Connecticut to pick up his share of the cash proceeds from the marijuana trafficking enterprise.
On February 22, 2017, MADDEN, who was traveling back to Georgia, was stopped at LaGuardia Airport in New York in possession of $19,740 in cash. On that date, investigators also searched two storage lockers that Long maintained at a self-storage facility in West Haven and seized approximately $404,000 in cash.
Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for July 23, 2018, at which time MADDEN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.
MADDEN is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
On May 12, 2017, Long, of New Haven, pleaded guilty to the same charge. On December 12, 2017, he was sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, New Haven Police Department and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney H. Gordon Hall.
Former Wells Man Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison on Child Sex Abuse ChargesRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that United States District Judge George Z. Singal today sentenced William Gaudet, 52, formerly of Wells, Maine, to serve life in federal prison for transporting a minor interstate intending to engage in criminal sexual activity and traveling interstate with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. Gaudet was convicted on November 16, 2017, following a four-day jury trial.
According to court records and trial evidence, on two occasions during the summer of 2010, Gaudet traveled between Maine and Pennsylvania with an eight-year-old child intending to engage in sexual activity with her. On both occasions, he sexually assaulted the child. The investigation began in 2014 after the child reported the abuse. In 2012, Gaudet was convicted in New Hampshire Superior Court for sexually assaulting another minor in 2001 and 2005.
Judge Singal ordered that the life sentence run consecutive to the sentence in the New Hampshire case. Under federal law, Gaudet will not be eligible for parole. In imposing the sentence, Judge Singal stated: “The degree of cruelty displayed here is virtually beyond belief... I cannot imagine a more serious offense.”
The investigation was conducted by the Biddeford, Gorham, Kennebunk, Wells, Wakefield (New Hampshire) and Pocono Township (Pennsylvania) Police Departments; the New Hampshire Correctional Facility; the Carroll County (New Hampshire) Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Former Netflix, Inc. VP Charged in Scheme to DefraudRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE – Michael Kail was arraigned in federal court today on an indictment that charges him with a scheme to defraud his former employer, Netflix, Inc., announced Acting United States Attorney Alex G. Tse, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett, and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Special Agent in Charge Michael T. Batdorf. A federal grand jury handed down the indictment on April 26, 2018, and U.S. Magistrate Judge Nathanael M. Cousins unsealed the indictment during today’s proceedings.
According to the indictment, Kail, 49, of Los Gatos, accepted kickbacks in exchange for approving payments to at least nine tech companies that were seeking to do business with Netflix. The indictment alleges that between February 2012 and July 2014, Kail, formerly a Netflix Vice President in charge of the company’s Internet Technology department, executed a scheme to defraud Netflix of its right to Kail’s employment without conflicts of interest resulting in bribes or kickbacks, commonly known as honest services fraud. Using the mail and interstate wires, including emails and an online document-signing platform, Kail received over $500,000 from at least three outside companies with which Netflix did business. Kail further sought and received valuable stock options from numerous other Netflix business partners. In exchange for these payments, Kail allegedly approved millions of dollars in contracts for goods and services to be provided to Netflix by these companies. The indictment alleges Kail created and controlled a limited liability company, Unix Mercenary LLC, to receive these kickback payments, which he used to pay personal expenses and to purchase a residence in Los Gatos, Calif.
In sum, the indictment charges nineteen counts of wire fraud, three counts of mail fraud, and seven counts of money laundering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1341, 1343, 1346, and 1957. The indictment also seeks forfeiture of Kail’s Los Gatos property.
Kail was released on a $200,000 bond that is secured by the Los Gatos residence. Kail’s next appearance is scheduled for July 10, 2018, before the Honorable Beth Labson Freeman, U.S. District Judge, for a status conference.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Kail faces a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000, or twice his gross gain or twice the gross loss to Netflix, whichever is greater, for each count of wire or mail fraud, and ten years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for each count of money laundering. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Sampson is prosecuting the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation.
Former 5linx Owner Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud and Tax Charge for His Role in Multi-Million Dollar Marketing SchemeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Craig Jerabeck, 57, of Rochester, NY pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and filing a false tax return before U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard A. Resnick and Craig R. Gestring who are handling the prosecution of the case, stated that in 2001, the defendant, along with co-defendants Jeb Tyler and Jason Guck, started 5LINX Enterprise, Inc. (5LINX), a multi-level marketing company headquartered in Rochester. The company offered utility and telecommunications services, health insurance, nutritional supplements, and business services. 5LINX utilized independent representatives to sell products and services, and to recruit additional representatives. Jerabeck was President and Chief Executive Officer, Guck was Vice President and Secretary, and Tyler was also a Vice President. In June 2006 and July 2006, Jerabeck, Tyler and Guck sold 5LINX stock for $5,500,000 to three investment companies, Trillium Lakefront Partners III, L.P.; Trillium Lakefront Partners III, NY L.P.; and Shalam Investment Co., L.L.C. (collectively known as "the Investors").
Between May 2010 and April 2016, 5LINX sold and distributed products for a Florida vendor. As part of his plea agreement, Jarabeck admitted that he, together with Guck and Tyler, personally, and by companies they owned, received approximately $2,310,510 from a Florida vendor, without the knowledge of the 5LINX’s Investors, Board of Directors, or other stockholders. Jerabeck further admitted that he, Guck, and Tyler were each prohibited from receiving such money by their Stockholders Agreements. 5LINX, its investors, as owners between 2006 and January 2014, and as creditors thereafter, and stockholders, were entitled to and should have received the funds instead of Jerabeck, Guck, and Tyler.
In addition, Jerabeck provided false information on his personal tax returns for the years 2011 through 2013, and 2015. The defendant failed to report income he received from 5LINX, and took deductions to which he was not entitled, that is, commissions that were not paid. The false returns resulted in a tax loss to the Internal Revenue Service of approximately $118,628.
As part of his plea, Jerabeck has agreed to forfeit his interest in real property at 90 East Lake Road, in Middlesex, NY.
“For many years, this defendant consistently lied to vendors, creditors, and stockholders, as he systematically lined his pockets with millions of dollars meant for those who invested in his company,” stated U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “In addition, the defendant lied to the Internal Revenue Service and defrauded American taxpayers by failing to pay tens of thousands of dollars owed in taxes. Today’s plea should serve as a reminder to those who seek to enrich themselves through acts of dishonesty and fraud that their gains will be short-lived. This Office, together with our law enforcement partners, will work tirelessly to ensure that the final return paid to those who engage in financial fraud will be justice in the form of a federal prison sentence.”
The defendants were charged in a superseding indictment in September 2017. Charges are pending against Jeb Tyler and Jason Guck. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The plea is the culmination of an investigation by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin P. Lyons, and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of James D. Robnett, Special Agent in Charge, New York Field Office.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date before Judge Larimer.
Five people sentenced for roles in a firearms conspiracyRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Five people were sentenced today to a combined 145 months incarceration for their roles in a firearms theft and sale scheme, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Benjamin Tyler Nazelrod, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 24 months incarceration. Nazelrod, age 27, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess Stolen Firearms” in January 2018. He admitted to conspiring with others to receive, possess, barter, sell, conceal and dispose of 21 firearms in Upshur County in October 2016.
Johnny Lee Riley, age 28, of Ellamore, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 46 months incarceration. Ellamore pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Stolen Firearm” in January 2018. Riley admitted to receiving, possessing, bartering, concealing, or selling 10 firearms in Upshur County in October 2016. Riley was also ordered to pay $52,843.97 in restitution.
Bobby Ray Johnson, Jr., age 28, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 60 months incarceration. Johnson pled guilty to one count of “Carry a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime” in January 2018. Johnson admitted to having a .40 caliber pistol during a drug trafficking crime in December 2016 in Upshur County.
Danielle Paige Tanner, age 23, of Glen Allen, Virginia, was sentenced today to 15 months incarceration. Tanner pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess Stolen Firearms” in December 2017. Tanner admitted to conspiring with others to steal, possess, barter and sell firearms for money and methamphetamines in Upshur County and elsewhere from October 2016 to September 2017.
Aaron Matthew McLain, age 37, of Volga, West Virginia, was sentenced today to five years probation. McLain pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Stolen Firearm - Aiding and Abetting” in January 2018. McLain admitted to receiving, possessing, bartering or selling two firearms in Barbour County in October 2016.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives, The Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, the Greater Harrison Drug &Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, the West Virginia State Police, Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, the Buckhannon Police Department, and the Weston Police Department investigated.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Federal inmate indicted on charges of threats to the PresidentRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal inmate was indicted by a federal grand jury today on charges involving threatening the President of the United States and threatening to blow up the White House, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Nathan Allen Danforth, age 32, a federal inmate at FCI Hazelton, was indicted on two counts of “Threats Against the President” and two counts of “Threats to Damage Buildings by Use of Explosives.” Danforth is accused of mailing letters containing threats to murder the President, cause the President pain, and to watch the President die a slow, painful death. He is also accused of sending mail, threatening to blow up the White House and the federal courthouse in West Palm Beach, Florida, as well as other federal buildings in the United States. The crimes allegedly took place in November 2017.
Danforth faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each of the building counts, and faces up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each of the threats to the President counts. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The United States Secret Service and Special Investigative Services – USP Hazelton investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
El Salvador man admits to drug trafficking chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jose Santiago Cruz-Delcid, of El Salvador, has admitted to cocaine distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Cruz-Delcid, also known as “Trucko” or “Truckito,”, who had been living in Bunker Hill, West Virginia, age 38, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Cocaine.” Cruz-Delcid admitted to selling cocaine for $2,200 August 2017 in Berkeley County.
Cruz-Delcid faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn M. Adkins and Lara K. Omps-Botteicher are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Marshals Service, the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug & Gang Task Force , the West Virginia State Police, the Virginia State Police, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the Martinsburg Police Department, the Charles Town Police Department, and the Ranson Police Department investigated. Other agencies assisting in the investigation are the Winchester City Police Department; and Frederick County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office; Pittsylvania County; Virginia Sheriff’s Office; and the Henry County, Virginia, Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Edmond Man and Three Others Charged in Conspiracy to Distribute SteroidsRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – CHRISTOPHER THOMAS CAPLINGER, 55, of Edmond, Oklahoma, and three others have been charged with conspiring to distribute anabolic steroids, announced Robert J. Troester, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.
On March 20, 2018, a federal grand jury returned a 23-count indictment against Caplinger, DONALD RAY VINCENT, JR., 54, of Edmond; DEBORAH ANN CRAWFORD, 47, of Oklahoma City; and MICHAEL BRANDON SCHOTT, 34, of Newport News, Virginia. In addition to allegations of illegally conspiring to distribute steroids, a Schedule III controlled substance, the indictment charges distribution of steroids to an undercover officer, manufacturing of steroids, maintaining a drug-involved premises, a conspiracy to commit money laundering, and international money laundering. According to the indictment, Capinger, Vincent, and Crawford concealed the proceeds of their illegal activity by depositing money into bank accounts in the names of third parties and storing bulk cash at residences, including approximately $280,000 buried in Caplinger’s back yard. The indictment alleges that from April 2015 until November 2017, Caplinger rented space at 8201 North Classen Boulevard in Oklahoma City for the purpose of manufacturing and distributing steroids. It also alleges that Caplinger and Crawford transferred funds to China to conceal their crimes.
The indictment seeks forfeiture of a total of $790,000 in proceeds, including Caplinger’s residential property in Edmond and more than $372,000 in cash.
Caplinger and Vincent were arraigned today in federal court in Oklahoma City.
If convicted, each defendant faces up to ten years in prison for conspiracy, followed by up to a lifetime on supervised release. Caplinger faces additional ten-year prison terms for six counts relating to the distribution and manufacture of steroids and an additional twenty years for maintaining a drug-involved premises. Caplinger, Vincent, and Crawford also face up to twenty years in prison on various money-laundering counts. All but one of the twenty-three counts carries a fine of up to $500,000.
These charges are the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, the Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kerry Blackburn is prosecuting the case.
Reference is made to public filings for further information.
Duxbury Man Charged Under Federal Crack House StatuteRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Mark Russell (a.k.a. “Snake”), 60, of Duxbury, Vermont, has been charged, by indictment, with violating the federal “Crack House Statute,” which prohibits making available a place, such as a residence, for manufacturing, storing, distributing, or using any controlled substance (the statute is not limited to crack cocaine). The indictment alleges that Russell, who lives on Route 100 in Duxbury, made his residence available for the purpose of selling, manufacturing, storing, and using controlled substances.
This statute imposes a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, up to a $500,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release to begin after any term of imprisonment is served. The indictment is an accusation only and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. If convicted, the actual sentence will be advised by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Upon the government’s motion for detention, on April 30, 2018, Magistrate Judge John Conroy ordered that Russell be detained pending trial, or at least until such time that the Federal Public Defender’s Office submitted an acceptable release plan, which could include drug rehabilitation.
This case is being investigated by the Vermont State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Perella. Russell is represented by Michael Desautels, Esq., of the Federal Public Defenders Office.
Dark Web Vendor Enters Plea, Faces 10 Years for Internet Distribution of Deadly Carfentanil, Fentanyl, and Other DrugsRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Sherri Hobson (619) 961-0287
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – May 1, 2018
SAN DIEGO – Today, in federal court, San Diego resident Sky Justin Gornik, age 39, pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to deliver, distribute and dispense controlled substances through the internet, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(h), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846. Gornik also admitted that he engaged in a conspiracy to launder drug proceeds using digital currencies, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 1956(a)(1)(A)(i) and 1956(h). He agreed to forfeit millions of dollars in digital or crypto currencies that resulted from illegal drug sales. The guilty plea triggered a 10-year minimum mandatory sentence.
As part of his guilty plea, Gornik admitted that from 2014 to June 7, 2017 (the date of his arrest by federal authorities), he bought and sold controlled substances on the “Dark Web” or “Darknet.” Employing anonymous screen names, Gornik used multiple Darknet marketplaces (including Alpha Bay, Trade Route, Abraxas, Evolution, Outlaw Market, and Dream Market) to buy and sell controlled substances. Specifically, Gornik admitted that he purchased and sold fentanyl and purchased the especially deadly opiate carfentanil, using a variety of digital currencies. Gornik also purchased and sold multiple other controlled substances, including thousands of vials of ketamine, oxycodone pills, Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), Psilocybin and Psilocin, Amphetamine, Buprenorphine, Methamphetamine, and Naloxone. To conceal his criminal activity, Gornik would then blend and transfer the various digital currencies to other virtual wallets and accounts.
According to court documents, agents seized 1.7 grams of carfentanil inside Gornik’s residence on June 7, 2017. Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid approximately 10,000 more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl. The 1.722 grams of carfentanil seized in Gornik’s residence could equate to over 86,000 fatal dosages. Gornik also possessed sheets of fentanyl gelatin tablets (approximately 100 tabs per sheet), which agents seized during the search. According to court documents, Gornik obtained 600-1200 fentanyl gel tablets each week for approximately two years from a Darknet vendor, now identified as Steven Wallace George. George, the Oklahoma Darknet vendor, manufactured the pure fentanyl that he obtained from China into gelatin tablets. George pled guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of fentanyl and is currently awaiting sentencing (Case No. 17-090-R Western District of Oklahoma).
As part of Gornik’s guilty plea to laundering money and to distributing controlled substances by the internet, Gornik agreed to forfeit millions of dollars in digital or crypto currency including Bitcoins, Stratis, Ethereum, 2350 Monero, digital currency contained in Gornik’s Bittrex accounts, and digital currency contained in Gornik’s Poloniex accounts. Gornik admitted that these digital or crypto currency represented drug trafficking proceeds of the offense and were involved in the offense of money laundering over the Darknet.
The investigation was led by U.S. Postal Inspectors in San Diego with the assistance of Special Agents of Homeland Security Investigations.
“A speck of carfentanil the size of a grain of sand can kill you, making this substance extremely deadly. Here law enforcement agents took 86,000 potentially fatal carfentanil doses out of Dark Web circulation, along with many other dangerous drugs, including fentanyl. We will vigorously prosecute dealers and Dark Web vendors who cavalierly endanger our community’s residents and first responders by selling deadly opioids,” stated U.S. Attorney Adam Braverman. “And Dark Web vendors beware: your cryptocurrencies are not safe from seizure.”
“The Postal Inspection Service is dedicated to protecting the American public and has made battling synthetic opioids in the mail one of its highest priorities. By working closely with other law enforcement partners in operations like this one, we can prevent dangerous drugs from reaching the communities we serve,” said Nichole Cooper, Inspector in Charge of the Los Angeles Division (to include San Diego).
“HSI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to combat the trafficking of dangerous fentanyl and other deadly opioids on the Dark Web,” said Dave Shaw, Special Agent in Charge for HSI San Diego. “I commend the federal agents who worked tirelessly to uncover Gornik’s illicit financial scheme and transnational drug trafficking activities.”
Gornik pled guilty today before Magistrate Judge Bernard G. Skomal, and will be sentenced by District Court Judge Anthony Battalgia on July 16, 2018 at 9 a.m.
U.S. Attorney Braverman would like to specially thank the United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the Internal Revenue Service, and DOJ Money Laundering & Asset Recovery Section for their efforts.
DEFENDANT Criminal Case No.17CR2796AJB
SKY JUSTIN GORNIK Age: 39 San Diego, California
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Count 1 (Conspiracy to Deliver, Dispense, and Distribute Controlled Substances By Internet
Maximum penalty: 10 year minimum mandatory to life, fine of $1,000,000, 5 years of supervised release
Count 2 (Conspiracy To Launder Money)
Maximum penalty: 20 years; fine of $500,000, 3 years of supervised release
Criminal Forfeiture As To Count 1
Forfeiture to the United States of all property, real and personal, that constitutes or is derived from proceeds of the offense, and all property, real and personal, that was used to commit or to facilitate the commission of the offense.
Criminal Forfeiture As To Count 2
Forfeiture to the United States of all property, real and personal, involved in the offense.
AGENCIES
United States Postal Inspection Service, San Diego
United States Postal Inspection Services, Cyber Unit, Washington D.C.
United States Postal Inspection Service, Oklahoma
Homeland Security Investigations
Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations
San Diego Police Department
San Diego District Attorney’s Office
U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division, Money Laundering & Asset Recovery Section
Dallas man sentenced to 10 years in prison for possessing, transporting drugs in Caddo ParishRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that a Dallas man was sentenced to 120 months in prison last week for possessing drugs in a vehicle that was stopped in Caddo Parish.
Xavier Martin Guerra, 34, of Dallas, Texas, was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. on one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. He was also sentenced to five years of supervised release. According to the January 18, 2018 guilty plea, a Caddo Parish Sheriff’s deputy pulled over a vehicle on February 5, 2017 Guerra was riding in while on his way from Dallas Texas. Guerra was found to have an active warrant in Panola County, Texas, for forgery and was arrested. Deputies searched the vehicle and found 311.5 grams of methamphetamine in a plastic drinking cup, a total of 7.4016 grams of methamphetamine in three baggies, a .380 caliber semi-automatic handgun in a laundry basket, a drugs scale, pills and a drug ledger. They also found a cell phone and $4,435 on Guerra. He admitted to possessing the items and stated that the driver was unaware he was transporting drugs.
The DEA and Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tennille M. Gilreath and Allison D. Bushnell prosecuted the case.
Dallas Man Sentenced to 360 Months in Federal Prison on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
DALLAS — Yesterday, U.S. District Judge David C. Godbey sentenced Hugh Michael Glenn, 47, of Dallas, Texas, on child pornography offenses, announced U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox of the Northern District of Texas.
Glenn was convicted, following a three-day trial, of one count of transporting and shipping child pornography and one count of accessing with intent to view child pornography. Glenn has been in custody since the time of his arrest in September 2016.
The government presented evidence at trial that on August 1, 2016, Glenn transported child pornography by uploading an image of child pornography using Chatstep. Law enforcement obtained Glenn’s laptop computer, which contained the transported image and over 2,000 other images of child pornography. Glenn confessed to law enforcement that he had gone to chatrooms and viewed child pornography on the Internet.
In 2003, Glenn was convicted in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas for transporting child pornography. In that case, he was sentenced to ninety-seven months of imprisonment.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/. For more information about internet safety education, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/ and click on the tab “resources.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Dallas Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Camille Sparks and Jamie L. Hoxie prosecuted.
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Culpeper Heroin Traffickers Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Charlottesville, VIRGINIA – A pair of Culpeper heroin traffickers who conspired with others to traffic at least 100 grams of the drug into the region from 2016 to 2017, were sentenced yesterday in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Charlottesville, United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen announced.
Rondale Faulkner, 31, was sentenced yesterday to nine years in federal prison. George Christopher Faulkner, 29, was sentenced yesterday to seven years in federal prison. Both previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin.
“As this successful prosecution illustrates, our office is committed to working with our state and local partners to target those who distribute heroin and other dangerous drugs,” United States Attorney Cullen stated today. “Six individuals who were dealing heroin in Culpeper are now in federal prison.”
In all, six members of the conspiracy have been convicted in federal court for distributing more than 100 grams of heroin in the Culpeper region beginning in 20016 and continuing through 2017.
According to information presented at previous hearings, investigators and confidential sources working with the Blue Ridge Narcotics and Gang Task Force made purchases of heroin from members of the conspiracy at various locations throughout Culpeper. During these transactions, several of the defendants, including Rondale and George Faulkner, were observed to be in possession of firearms.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Town of Culpeper Police Department and the Virginia State Police Blue Ridge Narcotics and Gang Task Force with Assistance from the Culpeper County Commonwealth’s Attorney. Assistant United States Attorney Ronald M. Huber and Special Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Swartz are prosecuting the case for the United States.
Colorado Couple Arraigned in New Mexico on Federal Charges Arising out of Nov. 27, 2017 Crime Spree Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Daniel Lowell and Trista Schlaefli were arraigned this morning in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., on an indictment charging them with carjacking and firearms charges resulting in a death. The charges arise out of a Nov. 27, 2017, crime spree during which Lowell and Schlaefli allegedly fled from a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint, carjacked a vehicle at gunpoint resulting in the death of a victim, and attempted to carjack two other vehicles. During today’s hearings, Lowell and Schlaefli entered not guilty pleas to the indictment and were ordered detained pending trial, which has yet to be scheduled.
U.S. Attorney John C. Anderson, Special Agent in Charge Terry Wade of the FBI’s Albuquerque Division, New Mexico State Police Chief Pete Kassetas and Chief Patrick Gallagher of the Las Cruces Police Department announced the charges against Lowell and Schlaefli.
The nine-count indictment, filed on April 10, 2018, charges Lowell, 34, of Henderson, Colo., and Schlaefli, 32, of Colorado Springs, Colo., with high speed flight from an immigration checkpoint, carjacking, carjacking resulting in death, attempted carjacking, and possession of at least 15 unauthorized access devices. The indictment also charges Lowell with brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, attempted carjacking, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. It charges Schlaefli with aiding and abetting Lowell in brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and with attempted carjacking. According to the indictment, Lowell and Schlaefli committed the crimes on Nov. 27, 2017, in Dona Ana County, N.M.
The New Mexico State Police arrested Lowell and Schlaefli on state charges on Nov. 27, 2017, and the FBI arrested the duo on the federal indictment on April 25, 2018. The state charges will be dismissed in favor of federal prosecution in due course. Lowell and Schlaefli remain in federal custody pending trial based on judicial findings that they pose a risk of flight and a danger to the community.
If convicted on the charges in the indictment, Lowell and Schlaefli face the following maximum statutory penalties:
- High-speed flight from an immigration checkpoint – five years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
- Carjacking – 15 years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
- Carjacking resulting in death – life imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
- Possession of unauthorized access devices – ten years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
- Brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence – mandatory minimum of seven years of imprisonment to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed.
- Attempted carjacking – 15 years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
- Felon in possession of a firearm – ten years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
Charges in indictments are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty in a court of law.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of the FBI, the Las Cruces Police Department and the New Mexico State Police with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Border Patrol, and the 3rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marisa A. Ong and Alexander Shapiro of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office are prosecuting the case.
Colombian Veterinarian Extradited to the United States to Face Charges of Using Dogs to Transport HeroinRead the Press Release
Andres Lopez Elorez was arraigned this afternoon in federal court in Brooklyn before United States Magistrate Judge Marilyn Go on an indictment charging him with conspiring to import and distribute heroin into the United States. The defendant was arrested in Spain on a provisional arrest warrant issued from the Eastern District of New York and subsequently extradited from Spain to the United States on April 30, 2018. Judge Go ordered Elorez detained pending trial.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and James J. Hunt, Special Agent-in-Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, announced the extradition.
“As alleged in the indictment, Elorez is not only a drug trafficker, he also betrayed a veterinarian’s pledge to prevent animal suffering when he used his surgical skills in a cruel scheme to smuggle heroin in the abdomens of puppies,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “Dogs are mans’ best friend and, as the defendant is about to learn, we are drug dealers’ worst enemy.” Mr. Donoghue expressed his appreciation to the United States Marshals Service, the DEA’s New York Division, Miami Division, Bogota Country Office and Madrid Country Office; The Colombian National Police; the Government of Spain and the Spanish Guardia Civil.
“Twelve years ago, our investigation unmasked drug traffickers’ inhumane callousness,” stated DEA Special Agent-in-Charge Hunt. “Over time, drug organizations’ unquenchable thirst for profit leads them to do unthinkable crimes like using innocent puppies for drug concealment, or nowadays pushing lethal amounts of fentanyl onto our streets. This week, the veterinarian allegedly responsible has been brought to New York to face the charges against him. I applaud the United States Marshal Service, the U.S. Attorney’s Office Eastern District of New York and our international law enforcement partners for their commitment to this investigation.”
According to the superseding indictment and facts presented in court, between September 2004 and January 2005, Elorez was a member of a conspiracy, based in Colombia, that smuggled heroin into the United States using various methods to conceal the narcotics from detection by law enforcement. In addition to human couriers transporting the heroin, Elorez and his coconspirators used animal couriers. Elorez, utilizing his skill as a veterinarian, surgically implanted packets of liquid heroin in the bellies of puppies in order to conceal the narcotics from authorities. When the dogs arrived in the United States from Colombia, the heroin was surgically removed from their bodies.
The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of the crimes charged, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, and up to life imprisonment.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs handled the extradition in this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Nathan D. Reilly and Alicia N. Washington are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
ANDRES LOPEZ ELOREZ
Age: 38
Country of Birth: ColombiaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 5-CR-835 (S-1) (SJ)
Cigarette Companies to Post Court-Ordered Statements in Tobacco Racketeering Suit on Company Websites and Cigarette PackagesRead the Press Release
Today, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia entered a consent order requiring the country’s major cigarette companies to begin posting “corrective statements” on their websites starting on Monday, June 18. The order, part of a long-running lawsuit against the cigarette companies, also requires them to attach the same statements to cigarette packages for two weeks at a time, for a total of twelve weeks over two years. The order will also apply to any social media campaigns by the companies to promote cigarettes.
The statements address the effects of cigarette smoking and the fact that cigarettes are deliberately designed to create and sustain addiction. As a result of a previous court order, the statements are currently running on television five times per week, and previously ran as full-page ads in about fifty newspapers across the country. The statements specifically state, among other things:
- That smoking cigarettes causes numerous diseases and on average 1,200 American deaths every day;
- That the nicotine in cigarettes is highly addictive and that cigarettes have been designed to create and sustain addiction;
- That so-called light, low-tar, and natural cigarettes are just as harmful as regular cigarettes; and
- That secondhand smoke causes disease and death in people who do not smoke.
The corrective statements were ordered as part of a 2006 permanent injunction against cigarette companies, including Altria, its Philip Morris USA subsidiary, and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco, to “prevent and restrain” further deception of the American people regarding tobacco use. The order also applies to ITG Brands, which purchased Winston, Kool, and other cigarettes brands from companies in the case.
Numerous Justice Department attorneys have played a role in this case over the years. In the most recent phase of the litigation, the United States was represented by Trial Attorneys Daniel K. Crane-Hirsch and John (Josh) Burke of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, and Linda McMahon of the Commercial Litigation Branch.
Six public health organizations – the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights, National African American Tobacco Prevention Network and the Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fund – joined the Department of Justice case as intervenors in 2005.
Cartersville man pleads guilty to producing child pornographyRead the Press Release
ROME, Ga. - Shawn Ryan Budovic pleaded guilty in federal court to the production of child pornography after he lured and manipulated a minor into exchanging sexually explicit images online.
“Budovic operated as an online predator who targeted very young children for sexual exploitation,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “His conduct is especially egregious because he preyed upon a group of siblings, potentially causing irreparable harm to the victims individually and to the family collectively.”
“Individuals responsible for producing child pornography steal the innocence of children and further their re-victimization each time the evidence of that exploitation is shared online,” said Homeland Security Investigations Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Nick S. Annan. “This case shows HSI investigators are actively working to identity and disrupt the trade of these illegal images, and also to identify and seek prosecution of the criminals who produce and possess them.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court: Budovic used the messenger application Kik to meet his former girlfriend when she was a minor. Budovic began an online relationship with the minor, and over time Budovic groomed her to believe that his sexual interest in children was normal. He discussed his sexual interest in young children with his girlfriend and sent her images of child pornography. Eventually, Budovic asked his minor girlfriend for sexually explicit photographs of her younger siblings, who were as young as three, five, and nine years old at the time. At Budovic’s urging, the minor girlfriend ultimately sent him multiple sexually explicit photos of her three-year-old and nine-year-old sisters. Homeland Security Investigations agents found pornographic photos of the children on Budovic’s phone when they executed a search warrant at his home.
Shawn Ryan Budovic, 28, of Cartersville, Georgia, pleaded guilty to the offense of production of child pornography on May 1, 2018. He is facing a sentence of 25 years in prison, which is a binding sentencing recommendation pending approval by the Court. Budovic’s sentencing is scheduled for July 13, 2018.
This case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jolee Porter is prosecuting the case.
This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, the Attorney General launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices around the country, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Camden Man in Drug Trafficking Ring Pleads Guilty to Crack Cocaine ChargeRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. - A Camden man today admitted possessing crack cocaine with the intent to distribute as part of a drug trafficking organization operating in the city of Camden, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Rajai Gaines, a/k/a “Jigga,” 36, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Renée Marie Bumb to a superseding information charging him with possessing with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Gaines admitted that he met with two other men to prepare and package more than 300 grams of crack cocaine for distribution. While the meeting was underway, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the location, arrested Gaines and the two other men, and seized a large amount of crack, packaging materials, and drug paraphernalia.
The count to which Gaines pleaded guilty carries a mandatory minimum term of five years and a maximum of 40 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 7, 2018.
Ten members of the drug ring – including Gaines – were initially arrested in June 2017 following a long-term investigation by the FBI, which utilized multiple telephone wiretaps, surveillance, confidential informants, cooperating witnesses, more than 20 controlled drug purchases, a GPS vehicle tracker and four court-authorized search warrants, among other investigative techniques, to uncover the operations of the drug trafficking organization. During the course of the conspiracy, members of the drug trafficking organization distributed crack cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin to users and resellers in and around Camden and to persons cooperating with the FBI. The investigation ultimately led to the seizure of more than 300 grams of crack cocaine, quantities of fentanyl and heroin, a firearm, drug paraphernalia, and recent charges against an eleventh member of the organization.
Charges remain pending against alleged leaders of the drug trafficking organization John Gunther a/k/a “Critty,” 34, and Taleaf Gunther a/k/a “Leafy” and “L,” 32, as well as alleged members William Roland a/k/a “Chill,” 36, Mark Campbell a/k/a “D” and Diz,” 38, Malcolm McCoy, 27, and Davon Leak, 19. The charges and allegations against these defendants are merely accusations, and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Four other defendants – Karim Johnson a/k/a “Chicky,” 38, Daron Suiter, 23, George Williams, 43, and Latoya Whealton a/k/a “Toya,” 33 – have also pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI’s South Jersey Violent Offender and Gang Task Force, South Jersey Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Harpster; the Camden County Police Department, under the direction of Chief J. Scott Thomson; the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Mary Eva Colalillo; and the N.J. State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan, with the investigation. He also thanked the Camden County Sheriff’s Department, the Cherry Hill Police Department, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabriel J. Vidoni of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.
Defense counsel: Edward F. Borden Jr. Esq., Cherry Hill, New Jersey
California Man Sentenced for Misprision of a FelonyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joseph P. Kelly announced that on May 1, 2018, Juan Jesus Nava, 26, of Oxnard, California, was sentenced to two years and three months (27 months) in prison for misprision of a felony. Following the prison term, Nava will serve one year on supervised release.
On August 25, 2017, a Seward County Sheriff’s Sergeant patrolling I-80 stopped a car driven by Nava for following too closely. Co-defendant Alberto Zamora was the passenger and owner of the car. Both Nava and Zamora gave verbal consent to search. During a search of the car, 15 packages of heroin, weighing approximately 24.5 pounds were found. Photos were obtained showing Zamora driving the car across the United States-Mexico border three days prior to the traffic stop. Nava was held responsible for failing to notify law enforcement officers that Zamora was transporting drugs. Zamora has pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin and will be sentenced in June of 2018.
This case was investigated by the Seward County Sheriff’s Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration, (DEA).
Cairo Man Pleads Guilty to Possession with the Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
ALBANY: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces the following guilty plea which took place before the Senior U.S. District Court Judge W. Louis Sands in Albany, Georgia on April 30, 2018.
Corey Jackie Smith, age 28, of Cairo, Georgia plead guilty to Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. This plea will subject Mr. Smith to a minimum mandatory sentence of five (5) years and a maximum sentence of forty (40) years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $5,000,000.00, or both.
Based upon facts admitted by his plea, on September 16, 2016, officers were attempting to execute outstanding arrest warrants for Mr. Smith. They developed information that he was in the area of Stone’s Hardware in Cairo and travelled to that location. Upon arrival they observed Mr. Smith standing in front of a nearby convenience store. As officers approached, Mr. Smith rapidly walked into a storage room at the back of the store. Officers observed him throw a golf-ball sized package into the corner of the storage room. They retrieved the bag and determined it was methamphetamine. Officers obtained the store surveillance video which depicted Mr. Smith walking into the storage room and discarding the bag of methamphetamine. The substance tested positive for methamphetamine at the lab and weighed approximately 29 grams.
“Methamphetamine is a poison that continues to ruin the lives of those who choose to use it and the lives of their families. Individuals who choose to deal methamphetamine will continue to be a target of the United States Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of Georgia,” said Charles Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
This case was investigated by the Cairo Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen prosecuted the case for the United States.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Butte and Helena Area Drug Dealer Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
HELENA – Brandon James LeClair, a 42-year-old Butte resident, was sentenced today to 168 months in prison followed by 5 years supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine and felon in possession of a firearm on October 17, 2017. U.S. District Judge Charles C. Lovell handed down the sentence.
LeClair trafficked an ounce of methamphetamine each week from October 2016 until mid-December 2016 with his codefendant, Travis Stephens. Their drug trafficking allegedly stopped after LeClair stole a safe from Stephens in mid-December 2016. The safe contained one pound of methamphetamine and approximately $10,000.
On January 25, 2017, law enforcement was called to their Helena area motel room to investigate a violent confrontation. At that time, LeClair possessed a loaded Taurus 9mm pistol. LeClair’s criminal history includes two prior federal convictions for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute in May 1999, and two counts of felon in possession of a firearm in August 2007. LeClair was held responsible for distributing 12 ounces of methamphetamine. That converts to 2718 individual doses of the drug.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette Stewart and investigated by the Missouri River Drug Task Force, Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement Agency and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
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.
Butte Drug Dealer Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
HELENA – Travis Holly Stephens, a 30-year-old Butte resident, was sentenced today to 168 months in prison followed by 5 years supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on October 17, 2017. U.S. District Judge Charles C. Lovell handed down the sentence.
From October 2016 until January 2017, Stephens distributed methamphetamine herself and with others in Montana. On January 25, 2017, law enforcement responded to a disturbance at her Helena area motel room. Stephens was found with one pound of pure methamphetamine as well as a loaded Bersa firearm in her car trunk. She was held responsible for distributing one pound of methamphetamine. That converts to 3624 individual doses of the drug.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette Stewart and investigated by the Missouri River Drug Task Force and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
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.
Bleckley County Man Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Making Threats Against Two United States SenatorsRead the Press Release
MACON: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Jason Kenneth Bell, aged 41, from Cochran, Bleckley County, Georgia, entered a plea of guilty on May 1, 2018 to two counts of Anonymous Telecommunications Harassment. Mr. Bell entered his plea in Macon before U.S. District Court Judge Marc T. Treadwell.
Facts stipulated in the plea agreement show that on March 1, 2017, Mr. Bell called the Western New York Office of New York Senator, Charles Schumer in Buffalo, New York. He left several messages within an hour after first speaking with an intern at that office. Mr. Bell did not identify himself in these calls but stated he would physically injure Senator Schumer.
Mr. Bell further admitted that on or about October 23, 2017, he called the Office of United States Senator Timothy Scott and, without identifying himself, used profanity to state he would physically injure Senator Scott. During that call, Defendant also asked “are we as a white people supposed to just stand for this injustice or do we do what Dylann Roof did?” referring to the self-declared white supremacist convicted of murdering nine African-American worshipers and attempting to murder more at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina in 2015.
“Mr. Bell’s decision to threaten and harass two United States Senators will not be tolerated in the Middle District of Georgia. Indeed, there is no place in our Country for this conduct,” said Charles Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
Sentencing for Mr. Bell is scheduled for August 29, 2018. He faces a maximum sentence of 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both, on each count.
The case was investigated by the Macon Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the United States Capitol Police in Washington, D.C. Assistant United States Attorney C. Shanelle Booker is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Bergen County, New Jersey, Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Provide Material Support to ISISRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Fort Lee, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 96 months in prison for conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito, Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, and Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie of the FBI’s Newark Division announced.
Samuel Rahamin Topaz, 24, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton to an information charging him with one count of conspiring with others to provide services and personnel to ISIS. Judge Wigenton imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this and related cases and statements made in court:
Topaz admitted that prior to his arrest by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force on June 17, 2015, he planned to travel overseas to join ISIS and saved money for that purpose. Topaz discussed plans to join ISIS with Nader Saadeh, Alaa Saadeh, and Munther Omar Saleh, and he admitted that at various times each of them indicated they wanted to join ISIS. Topaz also admitted that he and the other defendants watched ISIS-related videos, some of which depicted the execution of non-Muslims and individuals regarded as apostates from Islam.
On May 5, 2015, Nader Saadeh departed the United States with plans to travel overseas for the purpose of joining ISIS. Topaz admitted that he and others planned to travel overseas separately, meet up with Nader Saadeh, and then travel together to join ISIS. After Nader Saadeh left the United States, Topaz met with Saleh and contacted Alaa Saadeh to discuss those plans.
Topaz admitted knowing that ISIS was a designated foreign terrorist organization that was taking over territory overseas, expelling non-Muslims from their homes, and executing individuals who did not obey ISIS’ commands.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Wigenton sentenced Topaz to a lifetime of supervised release.Nader and Alaa Saadeh both pleaded guilty to conspiring to provide material support to ISIS. Alaa Saadeh was sentenced to 15 years in prison on May 10, 2016. Nader Saadeh was sentenced to 10 years in prison on April 30, 2018. Saleh pleaded guilty to related charges brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and was sentenced to 18 years in prison on Feb. 6, 2018.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito and Assistant Attorney General Demers credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ehrie in Newark, and the Newark Joint Terrorism Task Force with the investigation. The task force is comprised of agents and officers from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations, Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, New Jersey State Police, Paterson Police Department, and New York City Police Department, among other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dennis C. Carletta and Francisco J. Navarro of the U.S. Attorney’s Office National Security Unit in Newark, with assistance from Trial Attorneys Justin Sher and Robert Sander of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Defense counsel: Ian J. Hirsch Esq., Hackensack, New Jersey
Baltimore Man Sentenced to 29 Years in Prison for Carjacking, Conspiracy, Destruction of Property Resulting in Breach at the National Security Agency, and FraudRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4855
Baltimore, Maryland – United States District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Dontae Small, age 44 of Baltimore, Maryland, to 27 years in prison for conspiracy, carjacking, and destruction of government property, after he rammed a stolen car into a security gate at the National Security Agency in Fort Meade, Maryland. The Court also imposed a consecutive 2-year sentence for aggravated identity theft committed by the defendant while he was in jail pending trial. Judge Bredar also ordered restitution to the victims, including over $15,000 to the United States Government for the damage caused by the defendant’s conduct.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Commissioner Darryl DeSousa of the Baltimore Police Department; Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby; Anne Arundel County Police Chief Tim Altomare, the National Security Agency Police, and the Fort George G. Meade Police Services Division.
Judge Bredar imposed the sentencing after finding that Small’s criminal history was extensive and citing the public safety as the “paramount” concern of the Court.
According to evidence presented at trial, on October 4, 2015, Small and his co-conspirators were riding in a white minivan in the Federal Hill neighborhood of Baltimore, looking for victims to rob. At approximately 10:09 p.m. Small texted a male co-conspirator the following message: “Get the dude cpming down da st.I parked on smoking a pipe” [sic].
Three masked co-conspirators assaulted Victim 1 on Grindall Street in the Federal Hill neighborhood of Baltimore. The carjackers pointed a silver handgun at the victim and robbed him of the keys to his car, a 2008 Acura TSX. The conspirators then stole the car. On that same night, two of the conspirators approached Victims 2 and 3 a block away on Riverside Avenue and brandished a silver handgun. The robbers obtained a phone that had fallen from Victim 3’s pocket before fleeing.
On October 7, 2015, Small drove the stolen Acura to Arundel Mills Mall in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. The Anne Arundel Police identified the car as stolen and set up surveillance. When Small returned to the vehicle and unlocked it using Victim 1’s keys, the police attempted to arrest him. Instead, Small took off over a curb in the parking lot, narrowly missing pedestrians and drove out of the Mall at a high rate of speed. The police followed and Small engaged him in a high-speed pursuit, eventually turning into Fort Meade and then crashing the car into a security gate protecting the National Security Agency. Small then fled and hid in a nearby sewer for approximately 12 hours as security personnel and police attempted to find him. The NSA was closed to non-essential personnel for a day while the search continued. When Small emerged from the sewer the next morning, the police were able to arrest him after a brief foot chase and struggle.
After the trial, Small pled guilty to pending charges for bank fraud and identity theft, stemming from his unauthorized use of a correctional officer’s credit card. The credit card was stolen from the officer after a cell search at the Baltimore City Detention Center where Small was being held pending trial. Small and his co-defendant, wife Kimberly Duckfield, used the credit card to purchase items for Small in jail and for his wife’s cell phone. Duckfield previously pled guilty to aggravated identity theft and was recently released after serving a two-year federal sentence for the crime.
At the sentencing today, Judge Bredar found that Ronald Hall (a/k/a “Binky”) and a juvenile committed the carjacking and robbery with Small. Hall is currently pending charges in Baltimore City Circuit Court and his trial is scheduled for May 16, 2018. Judge Bredar also found that the high-speed chase in a carjacked car was reckless and indifferent to the safety of others, that his co-conspirators used a dangerous weapon in committing the carjacking and robbery, and that Small had attempted to obstruct justice during the investigation of the crimes. Judge Bredar noted the longstanding impact of crimes of violence on individual victims terrorized by street violence such as in this case.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended FBI, the Baltimore Police Department, the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office, the Anne Arundel County Police Department, the National Security Agency Associate Directorate for Security and Counterintelligence (Office of General Counsel), and the Fort George G. Meade Police Services Division for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sandra Wilkinson and Paul Riley, who prosecuted the case, and NSA attorney Hillary Hellmann for her assistance in the prosecution.
Albuquerque Felon Pleads Guilty to Violating Federal Firearms LawsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Phillip Moffett, 31, of Albuquerque, N.M., pled guilty today in federal court to violating the federal firearms laws by being a felon in possession of a firearm under a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Moffett was charged in a federal criminal complaint filed in Feb. 2017, with unlawfully possessing a firearm on Dec. 27, 2016, in Bernalillo County, N.M. According to the complaint, law enforcement officers arrested Moffett after finding him asleep in a stolen vehicle. During a search incident to Moffett’s arrest, the officers found a firearm that had recently been reported as stolen during the burglary of a gun shop in Rio Rancho, N.M.
Moffett was indicted on July 27, 2017, and was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to the indictment, Moffett was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of his prior felony conviction for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon against a household member.
During today’s proceedings, Moffett pled guilty to the indictment and admitted that he was prohibited from possessing a firearm on Dec. 27, 2016, because of his status as a convicted felon. At sentencing, Moffett faces a maximum penalty of ten years in federal prison. He remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Walsh.
Alaska Man Sentenced to Serve Six Years in Prison for Possessing Firearms as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that Joseph Kuzmin, 42, of Voznesenka, Alaska, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess, to serve six years in prison for being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. A jury previously found Kuzmin guilty of the charge in November 2017, after a three-day trial.
According to evidence presented at trial, on Dec. 28, 2016, in Voznesenka (near Homer), Kuzmin physically assaulted his teenage son, and then threatened to shoot the son, an aunt if she came to assist the son, and any law enforcement officers who responded. The son hid the firearms, then fled the house and called 911. On Dec. 29, 2016, Kuzmin was arrested by the Alaska State Troopers (AST) after he reportedly assaulted his son. The case was referred to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), who then searched Kuzmin’s home in January 2017 and found two rifles and ammunition.
Kuzmin had previously been convicted in Alaska State Court of three felonies, including assault in the third degree. As someone convicted of a felony, Kuzmin was prohibited from possessing firearms.
At the sentencing hearing, the court found that the most important goal of sentencing was to protect other people in the community from Kuzmin, who has a long criminal history, including offenses committed against family members, fisherman on his boat and other boats, and strangers.
ATF and AST conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonas Walker.
Alamo Men Sentenced to Prison for Smuggling AliensRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – An Alamo man and an illegal alien living in Donna have been ordered to prison for their part in an alien smuggling conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Daniel Medina-Acosta, 37, and Arturo Rocha-Guajardo, 37, pleaded guilty in November 2017.
Today, U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez sentenced Medina-Acosta, 37, to 95 months in federal prison, while Rocha-Guajardo received a 55-month prison term. Medina-Acosta will also serve three years of supervised release. Not a U.S. citizen, Rocha-Guajardo is expected to face deportation proceedings following his incarceration.
The investigation began in April 2017 when a rancher near Encino identified at tractor-trailer appearing to be dropping off illegal aliens on multiple occasions. The investigation led to the discovery of an illegal alien who later identified Medina-Acosta as the person who transported him in a white truck and as the caretaker of a stash house in Donna. Another alien identified Medina-Acosta and stated that he had threatened them with a weapon.
Authorities began conducting surveillance and later executed a search warrant at the stash house. At that time, they discovered 13 illegal aliens inside with Rocha-Guajardo acting as the caretaker of the residence. Medina-Acosta was taken into custody after agents executed an arrest warrant on Oct. 3, 2017.
Both men will remain in custody pending their transfer to U.S. Bureau of Prisons facilities.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Leonard is prosecuting the case.
Aiken Doctor Sentenced to over Fifteen Years for Selling Prescriptions of Oxycodone Without a Legitimate Medical PurposeRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs sentenced Dr. Mackie James Walker, Jr., a former podiatrist of Aiken, South Carolina, to 188 months of incarceration for his role in a conspiracy to illegally distribute oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance. The 188-month term of imprisonment followed sentencing hearings that spanned the course of three days. Evidence produced during the hearings showed that Dr. Walker sold prescriptions of oxycodone, a powerful and addictive painkiller, to dozens of individuals without any legitimate medical purpose. Dr. Walker directly communicated with several coconspirators who in turn would recruit individuals for sham medical examinations. In some circumstances, no examinations were performed prior to Dr. Walker issuing a prescription for oxycodone. Dr. Walker earned as much as $1000 per prescription of oxycodone. Based on the investigation, Dr. Walker wrote illegal prescriptions in excess of 1 kilogram of oxycodone tablets. In total, fourteen individuals were charged for their roles in the conspiracy to illegally distribute oxycodone.
United States Attorney Drake stated, “This doctor sold powerful, addictive narcotics in breach of his responsibility as a physician. The court’s sentence sends a powerful message to drug dealers with initials behind their name – be they doctor, nurse, or veterinarian.”
The charges were the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration Tactical Diversion Squad, the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office, the Aiken Department of Public Safety, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Bureau of Drug Control, the Burnettown Police Department, the Columbia Police Department, and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Ben Garner of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
United States Attorney Drake stated that this case represents another example of the fine work being done by Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies working together to combat the opioid epidemic our community is experiencing.
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78 Year Old Americus Man Pleads to Distribution of XanaxRead the Press Release
ALBANY: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces the following guilty which took place before Senior U.S. District Court Judge W. Louis Sands in Albany, Georgia on April 30, 2018.
Edward Lowell, age 78, of Americus, Georgia plead guilty on April 30, 2018 to Distribution of Xanax. This plea will subject Mr. Lowell to a maximum sentence of ten (10) years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000.00, or both.
In his plea, Mr. Lowell admitted that on October 4, 2017, deputies were conducting surveillance of Mr. Lowell’s residence in Sumter County and observed a confidential informant (CI) at the residence. The CI had revealed to agents that she routinely received prescription pills from “Eddie” at this residence. A subsequent traffic stop and search of the CI revealed 10 Xanax pills which she confirmed she had just acquired from “Eddie.” In a subsequent interview, the CI estimated that she received 8000 pills from “Eddie” over the years.
Another confidential informant (CI-2) turned over 61 pills—8 Xanax and 53 Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine which she had recently purchased from Mr. Lowell at the same residence for $150. CI-2 stated that she had been obtaining pills from him for approximately ten (10) years and estimated that she had gotten at least 10,000 pills over time.
Mr. Lowell admitted that he had been obtaining his pills from “a black girl and her cousin” and had been supplying pills to multiple individuals. He estimated that he obtained and distributed 100 pills per month over a two-year period.
This case was investigated by the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
57 Member/Associates of Various White Supremacists Gangs Charged in Kidnapping and Drug ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
DALLAS, Texas — Fifty-seven individuals, who are connected to various white supremacist gangs have been charged in a case led by the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division and coordinated by the Texas Anti-Gang Center with participating partners such as the Dallas Police Department Criminal Intelligence Unit and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Erin Nealy Cox, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas made the announcement today at a press conference.
The 57 individuals were charged in conspiracy to commit kidnapping and drug trafficking conspiracies outlined in the Indictment. 42 of those defendants were arrested in last week’s takedown operation, 9 were already in custody at various locations on unrelated state charges, and 6 have not yet been arrested.
Each of those defendants arrested made their initial appearance last week or will do so today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge.
“Not only do white supremacists gangs subscribe to a repugnant, hateful ideology, they also engage in significant, organized and violent criminal activity,” Attorney General Sessions said. “Under the Trump administration, the Department of Justice has targeted every violent criminal gang member in the United States. The quantities of drugs, guns, and money seized in this case are staggering. And so I want to thank U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox, Assistant U.S. Attorney P.J. Meitl, DEA, the Marshals Service, ATF, as well as our fabulous state and local partners, Texas DPS and the Dallas Police Department, for their hard work. Today’s indictment, arrests, seizures make this country safer.”
According to the Indictment, the defendants were members of, associated with, or performed drug transactions with, various white supremacists organizations or individuals including the “Aryan Circle,” the “Aryan Brotherhood of Texas” (ABT), the “Aryan Brotherhood,” the “Peckerwoods,” the “Soldiers of Aryan Culture,” and the “Dirty White Boys,” and they engaged in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and other illegal narcotics throughout North Texas and elsewhere. Some defendants were also member of or associated with the criminal street or prison gang Tango Blast. Certain defendants used firearms to further their drug trafficking activities.
The Indictment alleges that from approximately October 2015 through April 2018, the defendants conspired together, and with others, to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. According to the Indictment, the defendants arranged for the acquisition of methamphetamine and its distribution and delivery. They used stash houses or other locations to store the methamphetamine and acted as intermediaries and brokers to negotiate the acquisition, price, delivery and payment for the quantities of methamphetamine.
In January 2018 and February 2018, according to the Indictment, four defendants kidnapped an individual and held the victim for several days to obtain stolen drug proceeds that the defendants believed belonged to them. The defendants pointed a pistol at the victims head, threatened to kill the victim, hit the victim with a large wooden object on the back of the head and used a hatchet to chop off a portion of the victim’s left index finger.
Throughout the investigation, agents stopped the flow or seized over 190 kilograms of methamphetamine, 31 firearms, and seized approximately $376,587 in cash.
“Drug trafficking is a dangerous and violent business—that is a reality. It is clear that these hate-fueled gangs will do whatever they must do in order to carry on their drug trafficking business. Firearms, body armor, illegal drugs, drug proceeds and unspeakable physical violence are the tools of their trade. The collaborative law enforcement and prosecutorial effort that led to the Indictment and arrest of these defendants is the first step in closing down their drug dealing organizations for good.”
This operation was coordinated through the Texas Anti-Gang Center. The TAG serves as the unified headquarters for an estimated 75 - 100 of the region’s most knowledgeable and experienced federal, state and local anti-gang investigators, analysts and prosecutors. The TAG is comprised of various law enforcement agencies, and has implemented innovative approaches to fighting violent criminal gangs and the transnational criminal organizations. Today violent criminal gangs and their allied networks are involved in virtually every type of felonious activity, including drug production and distribution; weapons-smuggling, extortion, kidnapping and murder for hire; home-invasion; metal and heavy equipment theft; major fraud, money laundering and bulk cash smuggling; gambling and dog-fighting; and prostitution and human-trafficking, including both adults and children for sexual exploitation.
A federal criminal Indictment is a written statement of the essential facts of the offense charged. A defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. If convicted, the defendants’ sentence will be determined by the court after a review of the federal sentencing guidelines and factors unique to the case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation.
The U.S. Marshal Service North Texas Fugitive Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Irving Police Department, Garland Police Department, Rockwall Police Department, Mesquite Police Department, Fort Worth Police Department, Dallas County Sheriff’s Office and Rockwall County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney P.J. Meitl is prosecuting.
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4 Shreveport felons sentenced in 4 cases on firearms chargesRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that four Shreveport felons were sentenced last week on firearms charges that are part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program.
“These prosecutions will lead to safer neighborhoods in Shreveport and the surrounding cities and parishes,” Joseph stated. “Federal laws concerning the manufacture, sale, use and possession of firearms do not only regulate firearms, they also keep firearms out of the hands of those who would use them to harm others and remove dangerous felons from our streets. I want to thank the prosecutors, the Shreveport Police Department, and the ATF for working together to bring these cases to a successful conclusion.”
To find out more about each case, see below:
Shreveport man sentenced to 3 years in prison for possessing revolver
Kevin Anthony Dison Jr., 22, of Shreveport, was sentenced on April 23, 2018 to 36 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote on one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. According to the December 18, 2017 guilty plea, Shreveport Police officers stopped the vehicle Dison was driving on April 11, 2017. Police searched the vehicle and found a loaded Rossi revolver, model .38 caliber, which was located on the floorboard partially under the driver’s seat. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford prosecuted the case.
Shreveport man sentenced to 57 months for possessing handgun in vehicle
Terrance Terze Cochran, 19, of Shreveport, was sentenced on April 23, 2018 to four years and nine months in prison by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote on one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. According to the December 11, 2017 guilty plea, a Shreveport Police officer attempted to pull over Cochran’s vehicle on January 11, 2017. Cochran slowed down, jumped out of the car while it was still moving, and fled on foot after losing a shoe. Another Shreveport Police officer saw Cochran fleeing a couple blocks away and ran after him. The officer tried to handcuff Cochran, but Cochran resisted and grabbed for his waistband several times. Another officer arrived, saw Cochran had a gun in his waistband and was able to assist the first officer in cuffing Cochran. The first officer sustained an injured hand in the altercation, which required surgery. The officers found a loaded Ruger P89 .9 mm semiautomatic handgun stuffed in Cochran’s pants. Officers also found .5 grams of cocaine, .5 grams of crack cocaine and more than a gram of marijuana on him. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike O’Mara prosecuted the case.
Shreveport man sentenced to 5 years in prison for exchanging methamphetamine for a handgun
Jason Brian Wallace, 33, of Shreveport, was sentenced Wednesday to 60 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote on one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. According to the December 19, 2017 guilty plea, law enforcement agents operating in an undercover capacity set up a controlled buy with Wallace on July 5, 2017 in Shreveport. Wallace met the undercover agent in a car and exchanged 3.5 grams of methamphetamine for a Sig Sauer, model P226 9 mm pistol. Wallace took out the methamphetamine, weighed it with a portable scale and placed it in a baggie before giving it to the undercover agent. After exiting the vehicle, police arrived to arrest him. When Wallace saw the police, he discarded 18 grams of methamphetamine, which was later recovered. Wallace has a 2011 felony conviction in Louisiana for operating a clandestine drug laboratory. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell prosecuted the case.
Shreveport man sentenced to 58 months in prison for possessing three handguns on court house property
Deantre D. Caldwell, 30, of Shreveport, was sentenced Friday to four years and 10 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. According to the January 5, 2018 guilty plea, Caldwell was traveling in the front passenger seat of a car that was rear-ended on April 24, 2017 near the intersection of Caddo and Market streets. The two drivers and Caldwell exited the vehicle. Caldwell had one of the drivers retrieve a backpack containing firearms from the front seat of the car he was traveling in, and he hid it in bushes outside of the Tom Stagg U.S. Court House. When officers arrived, a guard on duty at the federal court house informed the officers that he had seen Caldwell move the backpack. Officers found the bag, and it contained a Diamondback, model: DB-15, multi-caliber pistol; a Glock, model: 27GEN4, .40 caliber pistol; and a Glock, model 30GEN4, .45 auto caliber pistol. The driver said the backpack belonged to Caldwell. The defendant was convicted of illegal use of a weapon on February 21, 2007 in Caddo Parish and was restricted from possessing firearms. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany E. Fields prosecuted the case.
The ATF and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigations into each case.
These cases are part of 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.
"Route 128 Bandit" Pleads Guilty to Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to robbing 10 banks in the greater Boston area.
Paul B. Landrum, dubbed the “Route 128 Bandit,” 38, pleaded guilty to 10 counts of bank robbery. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock scheduled sentencing for Aug. 13, 2018. In November 2017, Landrum was arrested and charged in federal court and has been in custody since.
Between July 31, 2017, and Oct. 6, 2017, eight banks were robbed in the Greater Boston area. After each robbery, the tellers described the perpetrator as a light-skinned black man, 30-to-45-years-old, wearing a baseball hat, sunglasses and a long-sleeved collarless shirt. Based on the descriptive similarities, law enforcement suspected that the same individual was involved in each robbery.
Between Oct. 17, 2017, and Oct. 19, 2017, two more banks were robbed in the Greater Boston area. Following these robberies, the tellers described the robber, later determined to be Tamea Chambers, as a black woman, 30-to-35-years-old, wearing a wig. Based on the similar descriptions by the tellers, law enforcement suspected that the same individual was involved in these two robberies.
During their investigation of the latter robberies, law enforcement obtained video footage from a business connected to one of the banks that captured images of the female robber in the company of a light-skinned black male. Upon comparison of this video footage with the video footage of the first eight robberies, law enforcement determined the man to be the Route 128 Bandit.
An investigation into the robber’s get-away vehicle led law enforcement to identify Landrum as the suspect, and on Oct. 24, 2017, Landrum and Chambers were arrested in Boston. Landrum admitted to robbing eight banks individually, and assisting Chambers with the final two robberies.
Chambers was indicted in March 2018 and has a hearing in federal court in Boston on May 8.
Landrum faces a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office, made the announcement today. The Massachusetts State Police and the Boston, Brookline, Medford, Somerville, and Wellesley police departments assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Monday 30 April 2018
Wheeling Island woman admits to heroin distributionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Carla Webb Daniels, of Wheeling Island, West Virginia, admitted to distributing heroin near an Ohio County school, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Daniels, age 57, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Daniels admitted to distributing heroin in close proximity to Wheeling Central Catholic High School in Wheeling on February 16, 2017.
Daniels faces up to 40 years incarceration and a $2,000,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crime Task Force and the Marshall County Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, HIDTA-funded initiatives, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided.
Waterloo Man Sentenced to Two Years’ Imprisonment for Unlawfully Possessing a GunRead the Press Release
A convicted felon who discarded a handgun while intoxicated and fleeing from police was sentenced April 26, 2018, to two years in federal prison.
Rahkeem Threex Lewis-Williams, age 26, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 7, 2017, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon.
Evidence at the sentencing hearing established that on August 19, 2017, a Waterloo police officer attempted to stop Lewis-Williams for driving a dirt bike without a license plate. Lewis-Williams fled from the officer and crashed his dirt bike into a fence near Lincoln Elementary. Lewis-Williams then discarded a handgun and fled on foot into a nearby house. Officers surrounded the house and Lewis-Williams eventually left the house and surrendered. After officers arrested Lewis-Williams and placed him in a squad car, Lewis-Williams freed one of his hands from the cuffs and escaped the car. He then ran into another house where officers again arrested him. Officers later discovered that Lewis-Williams was under the influence of cocaine, marijuana, and alcohol.
Lewis-Williams was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by Chief United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Lewis-Williams was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a two-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Lewis-Williams is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Drew O. Inman and investigated by the Waterloo Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-CR-92-LTS.
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Washington Man Pleads Guilty to Fraud and Identity Theft Charges Stemming from Credit Card Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ELIJAH CHIN, 28, of Federal Way, Washington, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to fraud and identity theft offenses stemming from a credit card fraud scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately December 2016 and February 2017, CHIN was involved in a scheme in which credit card accounts were opened electronically using personal identifying information from Connecticut residents. After the credit card issuers mailed credit cards to the victims’ home addresses, CHIN took the cards directly from the victims’ mailboxes. CHIN then used the credit cards to purchase gift cards, prepaid cards and other items totaling $63,941.60 at various retail establishments in Connecticut.
The Wilton Police Department arrested CHIN on related state charges on February 22, 2017. At the time of his arrest, CHIN possessed numerous fraudulently issued credit cards, prepaid cards purchased with the fraudulently obtained credit cards, and mail addressed to Connecticut residents.
CHIN pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, and offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of aggravated identity theft, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of two years. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea on July 23, 2018.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Wilton Police Department and Ridgefield Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
Virginia Beach Man Sentenced to 8 Years for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Virginia Beach man was sentenced today to eight years in prison for receiving images of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
According to court documents, Stuart Aaron Burgess, 43, was found distributing child pornography via the Internet using peer-to-peer file-sharing software. After law enforcement seized Burgess’ computer pursuant to a search warrant, a forensic analysis showed he had more than 11,000 images and videos of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Of those, a significant percentage depicted the abuse of infants and toddlers.
Tracy Doherty-McCormick, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Michael K. Lamonea, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Norfolk, and James A. Cervera, Chief of Virginia Beach Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth M. Yusi prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources” for more information about Internet safety education.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:17-cr-153.