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Friday 13 April 2018
Salina Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Sexually Exploiting Three ChildrenRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Charles Poltenson, age 28, of Salina, New York, was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for sexually exploiting three children.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Vadim D. Thomas, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
As part of his guilty plea, Poltenson admitted that from 2014 through 2016 he used Skype to chat with numerous female children. During the course of these Skype chat sessions, Poltenson enticed girls between the ages of 10 and 15 to masturbate and/or show him their genitalia. These sexually explicit acts were recorded by Poltenson, who used computer software to record the Skype sessions so he could watch them again. During the course of these online interactions with children, Poltenson lied about his true identity, pretending to be a child himself.
Poltenson further admitted that in addition to the live Skype sessions that he recorded, he also would send, via the Internet, voice recordings with specific instructions about sexually explicit videos he wanted various female children between the ages of 10-15 to create for him. In response to these instructions, girls between the ages of 10 and 15 created sexually explicit videos for Poltenson and at his request sent them to him via email.
United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also imposed a 20-year term of supervised release, which will start after Poltenson is released from prison, ordered a $300 special assessment, and a payment of $6,000 in restitution for one of his victims. As a result of his conviction, Poltenson will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
This case was investigated by the New York State Police and the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey J. L. Brown.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Romanian Man Admits Illegal Re-entry into United StatesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Ioan Rostas, a/k/a Ioan Angel, age 29, and a citizen of Romania, pled guilty today to illegal re-entry into the United States.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Chief Patrol Agent John C. Pfeifer, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector.
Rostas was removed from the United States to Romania on September 28, 2017. On March 17, 2018, he was arrested by Border Patrol Agents in Chateaugay, New York. Rostas had entered the United States from Canada without inspection shortly before he was found by Border Patrol. Rostas admitted that he returned to the United States without permission following the 2017 removal.
As a result of his conviction, Rostas faces up to 2 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 when he is sentenced by United States District Judge Mae A. D ’Agostino on August 13, 2018. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case was investigated by Border Patrol and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Grogan.
Romanian ATM Skimmer Arrested in Troy, NC, Sentenced to Four Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO – A Romanian man arrested in July 2017 after using counterfeit bank cards to withdraw cash at an ATM in Troy, N.C., was sentenced to 48 months in prison for aggravated identity theft, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew G.T. Martin for the Middle District of North Carolina.
According to documents filed with the court, North Carolina State Employees Credit Union security personnel notified the U.S. Secret Service of possible ATM skimming fraud in progress on July 18, 2017, and the Troy Police Department arrested Valeri GORNET in a vehicle near the ATM. NCSECU security personnel had seen GORNET on ATM surveillance cameras engaged in similar activity thirty minutes earlier in Mount Gilead, N.C. GORNET presented police with an identification card in the name of Geani Vales of Lithuania, but fingerprint identification later showed his true identity to be Valeri GORNET, age 28, a Romanian national admitted to the U.S. on July 23, 2016, on an H1B non-immigrant visa not to exceed a stay beyond October 10, 2016. Further investigation showed that GORNET had also used cards re-encoded with the bank account information of other people to withdraw cash from ATM’s in Jamestown and Sanford, North Carolina.
United States District Judge William L. Osteen, Jr., sentenced GORNET yesterday, April 12, 2018, to two consecutive 24-month terms of imprisonment two violations of aggravated identity theft, 18 U.S.C. § 1028A. In addition to the prison term imposed, GORNET was ordered to serve one year of supervised release and to pay $5,000 in restitution to NCSECU.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service with assistance from the Troy Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anand Ramaswamy, Cybercrime Prosecutor for the Middle District of North Carolina.
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Ravenna man charged for defrauding insurance company out of $94,000 through phone schemeRead the Press Release
A Ravenna man was charged in federal court after defrauding an insurance company out of approximately $94,000.
Jody Foster was charged with one count of mail fraud.
Foster defrauded Asurion Insurance company between 2012 and 2016 through the submission of fraudulent insurance claims to obtain money and property from Asurion. He paid individuals, known and unknown, to purchase new cellular telephones and enroll in cellular telephones service plans which included insurance coverage with multiple cellular telephone service providers. Then these individuals provided the newly purchased cellular telephones to Foster, according to the criminal information.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal records, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry F. DeBaggis.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Press Conference to Be HeldRead the Press Release
Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, and U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Assistant Special Agent in Charge John Schmidt will hold a press conference on Monday, April 16, 2018 to announce the results of a significant law enforcement operation carried out pursuant to the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative.
The press conference will be held at 11:00 am on the steps of the United States District Courthouse located at 120 12th Street in Columbus.
Questions concerning the press conference should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison for Heroin Trafficking SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court to 70 months’ imprisonment on a charge of conspiracy to distribute heroin, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer accepted the guilty plea and imposed the sentence on Jenkins Everett, 28.
According to information presented to the court, Jenkins Everett was indicted in connection with a DEA wiretap investigation. The intercepted wiretap communications revealed that Everett and others conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute heroin between January and September 2016.
Assistant United States Attorneys Tonya Sulia Goodman prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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. United States Attorney Brady commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Jenkins Everett.
Pahrump Man Sentenced to A Total of 15 Years in Prison for Selling Stolen Firearms Including A High-Powered RifleRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Pahrump, Nevada, man was sentenced today to a total of 180 months in federal prison for selling a stolen revolver and a stolen semi-automatic rifle with a large capacity magazine, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada.
Paul Scott Nelson, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Chief Judge Gloria M. Navarro. He pleaded guilty in September 2017 to two counts of possession of a stolen firearm. Nelson has six prior felony convictions, including convictions for Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Battery with a Deadly Weapon, and Aggravated Stalking.
According to court documents, Nelson admitted that on December 8, 2014, he sold a stolen Dan Wesson .357 caliber revolver to an undercover ATF officer. Then, on February 6, 2015, he sold a stolen Norinco SKS 7.62 caliber semi-automatic rifle, along with a 30-round high capacity magazine, a tri-pod, and an optional wooden stock. The semi-automatic rifle is capable of accepting a large capacity magazine.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip N. Smith Jr. prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime. For more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv.
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Newark Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Receiving, Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Shawn P. Parrish, 38, of Newark, Ohio, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 180 months in prison and 10 years of supervised release for charges related to child pornography.
A United States District Court jury convicted Parrish in April of receiving and possessing child pornography. Parrish had been previously convicted of an offense involving aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse or abusive sexual contact of a minor.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Steve Francis, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin, Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien and other members of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force announced the sentence handed down by U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley.
According to court documents and testimony, investigation of a peer-to-peer file-sharing network led investigators to Parrish’s residence when they discovered child pornography being uploaded to an IP address there. While executing a search warrant at his Newark residence in August 2016, investigators found numerous images of a 12-year-old girl on Parrish’s phone.
Forensic evidence obtained from Parrish’s phone and the victim’s phone indicates that Parrish sent himself videos of the victim displaying her nude pubic area and that he received those videos via Facebook Messenger and thereafter created still images on his phone from the videos.
Parrish had previously been convicted in North Carolina in 1998 for Indecent Liberties with a Child and had been sentenced to 16-20 months in prison.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the Franklin County ICAC Task Force, as well as Assistant United States Attorneys Heather A. Hill and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer M. Rausch, Director of the Franklin County Special Victims Unit, who are prosecuting the case.
The Franklin County ICAC Task Force is a multi-agency effort dedicated to the fight against computer-facilitated crimes against children. The following agencies are members:
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
Ohio ICAC
Grove City Police Department
Columbus Police Department
Grandview Heights Police Department
Westerville Police Department
Hilliard Police Department
Franklin County Prosecutor's Office
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
Ohio Attorney General’s Office (BCI)
The Ohio State University Police Department
Upper Arlington Police Department
Circleville Police Department
Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office
Delaware County Sheriff’s Office
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New Hampshire woman admits to identity fraudRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Stephanie Lee Kenyon , of Manchester, New Hampshire, has admitted to identity fraud, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Kenyon, age 30, pled guilty to one count of “Identity Fraud.” Kenyon admitted to possessing 13 fraudulent driver’s licenses. The crime occurred in May 2017 in Ohio County, West Virginia.
Kenyon faces up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David L. Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Wheeling Police Department investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr., presided.
More Than Two Dozen People Indicted in Federal Drug Cases, Accused of Conspiring to Distribute Heroin, Cocaine and Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Eighteen people have been arrested following their indictments on federal charges in connection with an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking networks that distributed heroin, crack cocaine, and cocaine in the Washington, D.C. area. To date, more than 2,000 grams of cocaine and more than 200 grams of heroin have been seized as a result of the investigation, along with 16 firearms, six vehicles, body armor, and more than $40,000 in cash.
The charges are contained in two indictments unsealed on April 12, 2018, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The charges were announced today by U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu, Nancy McNamara, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Peter Newsham, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
The indictments charge a total of 27 people with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, crack cocaine, and cocaine. Two of the arrested defendants –Terrance Antonio Thomas, 46, of Temple Hills, Md., and Darius Wilson, 40, of Waldorf, Md. – are charged in both indictments. Eleven others are charged in one of the cases, and 14 others are charged in the other case. The indictments include a forfeiture count against all of those now charged in the investigation, which seeks all proceeds from the crimes.
One defendant – Zenja Truitt, 47, of Upper Marlboro, Md. – is a teacher in Prince George’s County, Md., and was among those arrested.
The prosecution grew out of the efforts of the FBI/MPD Safe Streets Task Force, a multi-agency team that conducts comprehensive, multi-level attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. Numerous law enforcement agencies assisted the FBI and MPD in the arrests and searches, including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Prince George's County, Md. Police, Montgomery County, Md. Police, Anne Arundel County, Md., Police, Charles County, Md., Police, and Calvert County, Md. Police Departments,. The number of arrests represents one of the largest enforcement efforts aimed at Washington, D.C. drug trafficking organizations in recent years.
Seventeen people were arrested on April 12, 2018, and one turned himself in today. Another was already in custody and eight remain at large. The defendants began making court appearances on April 12, 2018, with further proceedings scheduled for today.
A total of 21 locations were searched during the law enforcement actions on April 12, including four in the District of Columbia, 11 in Prince George’s County, two in Calvert County, Md., one in Charles County, Md., two in Anne Arundel County, Md., and one in Montgomery County, Md.
If convicted of the charges, 10 defendants face prison sentences of 10 years to life, six face sentences of five to 40 years, and 11 face sentences of up to 20 years.
In August 2016, the Safe Streets Task Force began a long-term investigation into drug trafficking in the Washington, D.C. and Prince George’s County, Md., border region. The indictments allege that various defendants conspired to carry out various facets of the drug operation from at least June 2016 until October 2017.
“These arrests and indictments are part of our continuing commitment to protecting the citizens of the District of Columbia from organizations bringing dangerous drugs into our community,” said U.S. Attorney Liu. “By breaking up these trafficking networks, we hope to cut off supply of heroin, cocaine and other drugs, and make our neighborhoods safer.”
"This case represents the epitome of law enforcement agencies working together to target and dismantle drug organizations that threaten the safety and stability of our neighborhoods,” said Assistant Director in Charge McNamara. “These arrests should send a strong message that the FBI, along with our partners on the Safe Streets Task Force, will continue to pursue those who wreak havoc on our communities through the sale of illegal drugs.”
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
In announcing the charges, U.S. Attorney Liu, Assistant Director in Charge McNamara, and Chief Newsham commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Safe Streets Task Force, including the FBI’s Washington Field Office and MPD. They acknowledged the sponsorship and support of the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). Additionally, they expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the Washington D.C./Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA); the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation’s (IRS-CI) Washington, D.C. Field Office; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Prince George's County, Md. Police, Montgomery County, Md. Police, Anne Arundel County, Md., Police, Charles County, Md., Police, and Calvert County, Md. Police Departments, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.
Finally they cited the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys Magdalena Acevedo, Kacie Weston and Mark Aziz, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Swanton, who assisted with the forfeiture aspects of the investigation.
Middletown Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Role in Cocaine and Crack RingRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CARLOS ROMAN, also known as “Frizz,” 38, of Middletown, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in a central Connecticut cocaine and crack cocaine trafficking ring.
This matter stems from a joint investigation headed by the DEA New Haven Task Force that included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of crack cocaine, and seizures of cocaine and cash proceeds. The investigation revealed that an associate of ROMAN was operating a cocaine and crack cocaine trafficking ring while the associate was incarcerated in state custody. ROMAN was a primary distributor of narcotics for the organization. During the investigation, an undercover officer made five controlled purchases of redistribution quantities of crack from ROMAN.
ROMAN was arrested on April 11, 2017. On that date, he possessed approximately 500 grams of cocaine. A subsequent search of his residence revealed a .380 caliber handgun.
On July 20, 2017, a grand jury in New Haven returned a nine-count indictment charging ROMAN and 10 other individuals with various offenses. On January 18, 2018, pleaded guilty to one count of with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 280 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”), and one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
ROMAN has been detained since his arrest.
This matter is being investigated by the DEA New Haven Task Force, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Middletown and New Britain Police Departments. The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, East Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden and Derby Police Departments, and the U.S. Marshals Service.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney H. Gordon Hall.
Mexican citizen living in Indiana indicted for traveling to Ohio to have sex with what he believed to be a 14-year-old girlRead the Press Release
A Mexican citizen living in Indiana was indicted for traveling to Brook Park, Ohio, to have sex with what he believed was a 14-year-old.
Isidro Lara-Sosa, 32, of Seymour, Indiana, was indicted on charges of enticement, travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, and transfer of obscene material to minors.
Lara-Sosa contacted an undercover law enforcement agent in April 2017. When Lara-Sosa asked the undercover agent’s age, the agent replied she was 14 years old. Lara-Sosa repeatedly stated he’d like to travel to Ohio to have sex with the underage girl and repeatedly sent nude images of himself, according to court documents.
Lara-Sosa stated on March 16, 2018 that he was traveling to Ohio to engage in sexual activity with what he believed was a 14-year-old. He arrived at the designed location to meet and was arrested, according to court documents.
Assistant United States Attorney Brian S. Deckert is prosecuting the case following an investigation by the Ohio Internet Crimes against Children Task Force and the Department of Homeland Security, Immigrations Customs Enforcement.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial, in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Mexican National Sentenced to 150 Months for Violating Federal Drug Trafficking and Firearms Laws in New MexicoRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Juan Carlos Varela-Maldonado, 28, a Mexican national illegally residing in the United States, was sentenced yesterday afternoon in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to 150 months in prison for his conviction on methamphetamine trafficking and being an illegal alien in possession of firearms and ammunition. Varela-Maldonado will be deported after completing his prison sentence.
Varela-Maldonado and co-defendant Oscar Gabriel Mendoza-Bailon, 30, also a Mexican national illegally residing in the United States, were arrested on April 2, 2015, on a criminal complaint charging them with distributing approximately 113 grams of methamphetamine to an individual working with law enforcement on March 23, 2015, in Bernalillo County, N.M. Varela-Maldonado and Mendoza-Bailon subsequently were charged in a two-count indictment filed on April 28, 2015, with methamphetamine trafficking offenses.
The indictment was superseded on Dec. 2, 2015, to add two more charges against Varela-Maldonado. The superseding indictment charged Varela-Maldonado and Mendoza-Bailon with conspiracy and distributing methamphetamine on March 23, 2015. Varela-Maldonado was also charged individually with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and being an illegal alien in possession of firearms and ammunition on April 2, 2015. According to the indictment, the defendants committed the crimes in Bernalillo County.
On Sept. 29, 2016, Varela-Maldonado pled guilty to the indictment without the benefit of a plea agreement.
Mendoza-Bailon entered a guilty plea to a felony information on May 11, 2016, charging him with distribution of methamphetamine. In entering the guilty plea, Mendoza-Bailon admitted that on March 23, 2015, he and Varela-Maldonado sold approximately 111.4 grams of 97.3% pure methamphetamine to an individual working with law enforcement. Mendoza-Bailon was sentenced on Sept. 14, 2016, to 42 months in prison and will be deported after completing his prison sentence.
This case was investigated by the Border Enforcement Security Taskforce of Homeland Security Investigations and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristopher N. Houghton, Joel R. Meyers and Peter J. Eicker prosecuted the case.
Many Farms Man Sentenced to 72 Months for Involuntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
PHOENIX– This week, Harrison Jumbo, 46, of Many Farms, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Diane J. Humetewa to 72 months’ imprisonment. Jumbo had previously pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter.
In March 2014, Jumbo drove his vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and prescribed medication. Jumbo collided with another vehicle causing the death of the victim. Jumbo is a member of the Navajo Nation, as was the victim.
Navajo Nation Criminal Investigations conducted the investigation. The prosecution was handled by Kiyoko Patterson, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix
CASE NUMBER: CR-17-8075-PCT-DJH
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-036_Jumbo
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Media Advisory-Attorney General Jeff SessionsRead the Press Release
Attorney General Jeff Sessions will travel to Raleigh, North Carolina, on TUESDAY April 17, 2018, to deliver remarks on the opioid crisis.
WHO:
Attorney General Jeff Sessions
WHAT:Attorney General Jeff Sessions will deliver remarks on the opioid crisis.
WHEN:
TUESDAY, April 17, 2018
2:15 p.m. EDT
WHERE:
U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina
3rd Floor Conference Room
310 New Bern Avenue
Federal Building, Suite 800
Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-1461OPEN PRESS
(Camera Preset: 1:15 p.m. EDT // Final access time for print media: 2:00 p.m. EDT)
Media will go through a security check on the first floor and hold in Room 158 before being escorted by USAO staff up to the 3rd floor conference room.
NOTE: All media must RSVP and present government-issued photo I.D. (such as a driver’s license) as well as valid media credentials. The RSVP and any inquiries regarding logistics should be directed to Kelly Laco in the Office of Public Affairs at (202) 305-5219 or [email protected]. Please RSVP with the email address of the person(s) attending the event, so that we may reach them directly if details change.
Los Angeles Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine Distribution Conspiracy and Misprision of a FelonyRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that LUCKY FUA IOSUA, age 47, of Los Angeles, California, has pleaded guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Distribute 500 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846, and one count of Misprision of a Felony, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 4.
LUCKY FUA IOSUA admitted that in around December 2016, he conspired with codefendants DAVID SUIAUNOA and NADINE SAMALAULU PAALA to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine, including selling 1,774.9 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover officer of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) in February 2017.
In addition, LUCKY FUA IOSUA admitted that he did not disclose to law enforcement information that DAVID SUIAUNOA and another person had committed a felony, namely, Conspiracy to Use Interstate Commerce Facilities in the Commission of a Murder-for-Hire.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is in charge of the prosecution.
Long Island Investment Portfolio Manager Sentenced to 28 Months in Prison for Scheme to Steal More Than $440,000 from ClientsRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Patrick Morgan Schiro, a resident of Rockville Centre, New York, and the founder of Black Rock Morgan LLC (BRM), was sentenced by United States District Court Judge LeShann DeArcy Hall to 28 months’ imprisonment, with restitution amount to be determined, for orchestrating a wire fraud scheme that defrauded five investors of approximately $440,000. Schiro previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud pursuant to a plea agreement with the government.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office, announced the sentence.
According to court filings and facts presented at the plea hearing, Schiro incorporated BRM, a purported investment management business, in February 2014. From approximately July 2014 to October 2015, Schiro used false and misleading statements to induce five individuals to invest approximately $440,000 with BRM, and he concealed his prior federal conviction for securities fraud from at least four of them. For example, Schiro falsely told one investor that BRM had many clients, managed millions of dollars in assets, and had “a team of investment professionals with significant sector-specific expertise.” Once he had the funds, Schiro also deceived his investors by telling them that their investments were performing well. For example, Schiro told one investor that his investment of approximately $242,000 was valued at $711,000.
Contrary to these representations, Schiro invested only a small amount of the funds and used a significant amount of the money for his personal expenses, including approximately $190,000 to pay one of his children’s university tuition. When investors asked for their money back, Schiro often ignored their requests or provided false or misleading excuses. For example, when one investor asked to redeem $250,000 from his account, Schiro caused an email to be sent to that investor stating that the request had been denied because: “Consistent with our AML [anti-money laundering] responsibilities and U.S. patriot act regulations wire transfer withdrawals and redemptions MUST and will ONLY be sent to the bank account associated with your BRM Account.” In fact, no such policies were in place to prevent the transfer requested by the investor.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section. Assistant United States Attorney David K. Kessler is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
PATRICK MORGAN SCHIRO
Age: 46
Rockville Centre, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 17-CR-130 (LDH)
Local Cemetery Owners Indicted for Defrauding 200 Customers of $500,000 in Pre-Paid FeesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Theodore Martin, age 54, and his wife, Arminda Martin, age 47, formerly of York County, Pennsylvania, were indicted by a federal grand jury for mail fraud and conspiracy to commit mail fraud.
According to U.S. Attorney David J. Freed, between 2003 and 2016, the Martins owned and operated Suburban Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Dover, Pennsylvania. As owners and operators of the cemetery business, the Martins sold burial services, including burial plots, vaults, caskets, and grave markers. The indictment alleges that from 2010 to on or about 2016, the Martins defrauded at least 200 of their customers of Suburban Memorial Gardens Cemetery out of approximately $500,000. Instead of applying the customers’ monies to the prepaid cemetery services and products contracted for, the Martins embezzled the money for their own personal gain including for gambling.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Northern York County Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph J. Terz.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is 20 years’ of imprisonment on each count, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Law Enforcement Agencies Join Forces to Address Birmingham Violent CrimeRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM – A task force designed specifically to reduce homicides and other violent crime in Birmingham held its first meeting today at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin.
The Birmingham Public Safety Task Force is an outgrowth of the U.S. Attorney and the mayor working together to develop a strategic plan for reducing violent crime in the Birmingham metro area, they said. Joining Town and Woodfin on the task force are representatives of the Birmingham Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Shelby County Drug Task Force, Housing Authority of Birmingham Division, Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles, and the federal law enforcement agencies FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, and Homeland Security Investigations.
“The federal partners here today stand shoulder to shoulder with Mayor Woodfin, Jefferson County Sheriff Mike Hale, and the citizens of Birmingham to aggressively pursue the worst offenders in this city,” Town said. “Returning Birmingham to its rightful owners, peaceful law-abiding citizens who should not have to live in a fog of violent crime, is the number one priority of this task force. This assembly of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies will move swiftly to smother the violent criminal activity afoot in this city.”
“Violent crime is a public health issue in too many cities across America, including our community. This is a challenge to the quality of life for the people in all 99 neighborhoods,” Woodfin said. “This issue must be addressed in three areas: prevention, enforcement and reducing the likelihood of repeat offenders. Today, we are announcing a critical partnership that supports all three areas with a focus on greater deterrence through strengthened and targeted enforcement,” he said. “I welcome the involvement of our federal, state and local partners in an unprecedented level of coordination and cooperation. Together we resolve to reduce violent crime and protect the people who live, work and play in our great city.”
"We are committed to stopping this culture of violence in its tracks now and for the long term,” said Jefferson County Sheriff Mike Hale. “We have never seen a stronger partnership come together. This initiative will have a long-term positive effect on eradicating violent criminals and behavior from our communities,” Hale said. “I appreciate all involved and we will be here as long as it takes. This is a great day for Birmingham and all of our surrounding communities."
Incorporating principles of the mayor's public safety initiative, Operation Step Up, and Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategy, along with the National Public Safety Partnership, the Birmingham task force will unite federal, state and local law enforcement to identify and work to apprehend the key offenders responsible for the majority of violent crime in hot spots across the Birmingham area.
One of the task force’s first orders of business was to develop a short list of serious offenders who have drawn the attention of various task force agencies. With task force members sharing information and resources, tracking the worst offenders should be made easier, Town said.
PSN is a nationwide Justice Department program committed to reducing gun and gang crime by networking existing local programs that target gun crime and supporting those efforts with training and funding.
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced PSP last year as a training and technical assistance program designed to enhance the capacity of local jurisdictions to address violent crime in their communities. He selected Birmingham as one of the initial 12 locations to participate in the program. The PSP and PSN programs both reinforce the federal, state and local task force model as one of the most effective ways to reduce violent crime.
U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and representatives of Birmingham Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Shelby County Drug Task Force, Housing Authority of Birmingham Division, Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles, and the federal law enforcement agencies FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, and Homeland Security Investigations gather at U.S. Attorney’s Office to launch the Birmingham Public Safety Task Force.KC, Blue Springs Men Indicted in $388,000 Scrap Metal SchemeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man and a Blue Springs, Mo., man have been indicted by a federal grand jury for embezzling more than $388,000 from their employer in a scheme to redeem scrap metal.
Russell R. Fotovich, 46, of Kansas City, Mo., and Thomas Ray Jones, 48, of Blue Springs, Mo., were charged in a 13-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday, April 10, 2018. That indictment was unsealed and made public today upon the arrests and initial court appearances of Fotovich and Jones.
The federal indictment alleges that Fotovich and Jones embezzled $388,645 from their employer, DST Systems, Inc., by redeeming scrap metal belonging to DST and keeping most of the proceeds for themselves. They did not declare the embezzled income on federal income tax returns, according to the indictment.
Fotovich and Jones worked at DST as facilities engineers at the DST Winchester Data Center. When the facility underwent major renovations from 2011 through 2016, copper wire and other metals were removed and redeemed at a local scrap dealer. Fotovich and Jones conducted all but one of the 138 scrap redemptions. According to the indictment, they turned in only 39 of 137 receipts. Of the total $563,556 in proceeds from the scrap redemption, the indictment says, they turned in only $174,910, causing a $388,645 loss to DST.
Fotovich owned two businesses apart from his DST employment – R&T Heating and Cooling and R&T Mechanical (R&T). Jones did some work for R&T. The indictment alleges they declared little of their income from R&T on federal income tax returns.
According to the indictment, Fotovich and Jones requested that the scrap dealer make checks payable to them personally rather than to DST, and that redemption tickets be split, in order to conceal the total amount of scrap redeemed. Sometimes Fotovich and Jones received as many as four receipts and corresponding checks in one day.
Fotovich and Jones requested that DST buy an industrial wire-stripping machine to improve and expedite the scrap redemption. The machine cost approximately $5,000, and allowed Fotovich and Jones to receive a higher redemption value for the DST-owned scrap they sold. (Non-stripped copper wire carried a lower redemption value.) After DST purchased the wire-stripping machine in early 2014, the indictment says, Fotovich and Jones increased their fraudulent thefts more than ten-fold. From 2014-2016, Fotovich and Jones embezzled $355,146 in scrap redemptions from DST.
Fotovich and Jones both purchased vehicles with proceeds from the conspiracy, including a 2010 Ford Mustang (purchased for $34,743), a 2012 Harley Davidson motorcycle (purchased for $29,000), a 2017 Chevrolet pickup truck (purchased for $49,350) and a 2016 Polaris Victory motorcycle (purchased for $23,626). They also paid personal expenses, including a home mortgage, with the proceeds.
In addition to the conspiracy, the indictment charges Fotovich and Jones together in one count of wire fraud. Fotovich also is charged with one count of money laundering and five counts of filing a false tax return. Jones also is charged with one count of money laundering and four counts of filing a false tax return.
The indictment also contains forfeiture allegations, which would require Fotovich and Jones to forfeit to the government any property derived from the proceeds of the alleged offenses, including $388,645 (representing the proceeds of the alleged fraud conspiracy), Fotovich’s residential property, a 2010 Ford Mustang and 2012 Harley Davidson motorcycle owned by Fotovich, and a 2017 Chevrolet pickup truck and 2016 Polaris Victory motorcycle owned by Jones.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen D. Mahoney. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation.
Justice Department Sends 1373 Compliance Letter to City of Oakland, Document Request and Subpoena Threat to Two Other JurisdictionsRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice yesterday sent the attached letters to the City of Seattle, Washington, and the State of Vermont, demanding the production of documents that could show whether each jurisdiction is unlawfully restricting information sharing by its law enforcement officers with federal immigration authorities.
The Department of Justice previously contacted these jurisdictions and raised concerns about laws, policies, or practices that may violate 8 U.S.C. § 1373, a federal statute that promotes information sharing related to immigration enforcement and with which compliance is a condition of FY2016 and FY2017 Byrne JAG awards.
The letters also state that failure to respond, respond completely, or respond in a timely manner will be subject to a Department of Justice subpoena.
The Justice Department also sent a letter to Mayor Libby Schaaf of the City of Oakland, regarding Oakland’s laws, policies, or practices, which the Department believes may violate 8 U.S.C. 1373.
“When cities and states enact policies that thwart the federal government’s ability to enforce federal immigration law, they choose to place the protection of criminal aliens over the safety of their communities,” said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. “The Justice Department will not tolerate this intentional effort to undermine public safety and the rule of law, and I continue to remind all jurisdictions to reconsider policies that put their residents in harm’s way.”
Failure to comply with 8 U.S.C. 1373 could result in the Justice Department seeking the return of FY2016 grants, requiring additional conditions for receipt of any FY2017 Byrne JAG funding, and/or jurisdictions being deemed ineligible to receive FY2017 Byrne JAG funding.
The Department of Justice periodically reviews the laws, policies, or practices of jurisdictions that previously certified compliance with section 1373 as a condition of their FY2016 Byrne JAG awards.
In addition to these actions, the Justice Department also notified the District of Columbia and the Louisville-Jefferson (KY) County Metro Government that there is no evidence that either jurisdiction is currently out of compliance with section 1373.
Justice Department Obtains Settlement of Case Alleging Disability-Based Discrimination in Housing in Ellensburg, WashingtonRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has settled a federal civil rights lawsuit against the owners, builder, and designer of the Ashlynn Estates, a three-building dormitory-style property near Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington. Keith and Tamra Riexinger own the property, and Riexinger Enterprises Inc. (also known as Crossroads Construction) designed and built it. The settlement resolves allegations that the defendants failed to design and construct the buildings to make them accessible to persons with disabilities in compliance with the Fair Housing Act’s (FHA) accessibility requirements.
“The Department is committed to ensuring that new multifamily housing—including housing designed for students—is accessible to persons with disabilities,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division. “This lawsuit and its resolution are just the latest steps in the Department of Justice’s efforts to ensure equal accessibility for persons with disabilities.”
“The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on any statutorily-protected basis, including disability,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Harrington for the Eastern District of Washington. “The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, HUD, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are committed to vigorously pursuing enforcement of the rights guaranteed by the Act. This settlement is an example of that commitment in the Eastern District of Washington and serves to promote equal access to multi-family housing for persons with disabilities.”
“Housing units that don’t meet the needs of persons of disabilities make it impossible for them to enjoy their homes,” said Anna María Farías, HUD’s Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. “Providers that built housing after March 1991 have an obligation to construct units that are accessible to persons with disabilities, and HUD will continue to work with the Justice Department to ensure that they meet that obligation.”
The FHA’s accessible design and construction provisions require new multifamily housing constructed after March 1991—including dormitory-style housing—to have basic features accessible to persons with disabilities. According to the allegations in the complaint, the defendants designed and constructed Ashlynn Estates with various barriers inhibiting access to the 12 ground-floor units and the associated public and common-use areas at the property. Those barriers include: inaccessible building entrances; inaccessible routes to the buildings; inaccessible parking, bathrooms, closets and electrical outlets; and door knobs throughout the buildings that make entrances inaccessible to many people with disabilities.
The lawsuit arises from a complaint filed with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by the Northwest Fair Housing Alliance (NWFHA), a private, nonprofit corporation whose mission is to provide education regarding fair housing laws and to ensure compliance with those laws in Washington. NWFHA inspected the Ashlynn Estates and observed accessibility barriers. After conducting an investigation, HUD issued a charge of discrimination and referred the case to the Justice Department.
Under the settlement, defendants will retrofit the properties to make the 12 ground floor units and common areas accessible, pay $10,000 to the NWFHA, train new employees on the FHA, and adopt a nondiscrimination policy.
The Justice Department, through the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Civil Rights Division, enforces the FHA, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. Among other things, the FHA requires all multifamily housing constructed after March 12, 1991, to have basic accessibility features, including accessible routes without steps to all ground-floor units. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.usdoj.gov/crt. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of housing discrimination can call the Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743, email the Justice Department at [email protected], or contact HUD at 1-800-669-9777.
Justice Department Obtains Settlement of Case Alleging Disability-Based Discrimination at Ashlynn Estates in Ellensburg, WashingtonRead the Press Release
Spokane – Today, near the 50th Anniversary of the enactment of the Fair Housing Act, Joseph H. Harrington, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced settlement of a federal civil rights lawsuit against the owners, builder, and designer of the Ashlynn Estates, a three-building dormitory style property near Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington. The settlement resolves allegations that Keith and Tamra Riexinger, and Riexinger Enterprises, Inc., also known as Crossroads Construction, failed to design and construct the buildings to make them accessible to persons with disabilities in compliance with the Fair Housing Act’s (FHA) accessibility requirements. The FHA’s accessible design and construction provisions require new multi-family housing constructed after March 1991—including dormitory style housing—to have basic features accessible to persons with disabilities. Under the settlement, the Riexingers and their company will retrofit the properties to make the 12 ground floor units and common areas accessible to persons with disabilities; pay $10,000 to the NWFHA; train new employees on the FHA; and adopt a nondiscrimination policy.
According to court records, the Department of Justice (DOJ) alleged that the Riexingers and their company violated the FHA because they designed and constructed Ashlynn Estates with various barriers inhibiting access to the 12 ground-floor units and the associated public and common-use areas, including: inaccessible entrances, parking, bathrooms, walk-in closets, electrical outlets, and doorknob hardware.
The lawsuit arose from an initial complaint filed with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by the Northwest Fair Housing Alliance (NWFHA), a private, nonprofit corporation whose mission is to provide education regarding fair housing laws and to ensure compliance with those laws inWashington. NWFHA inspected the Ashlynn Estates and observed accessibility barriers. After investigating, HUD issued a charge of discrimination and referred the case to the Justice Department, which filed the instant federal civil rights lawsuit against the Riexingers and their company.
Joseph H. Harrington said, “The Fair Housing Act was originally enacted in April of 1968 following the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and prohibits discrimination based on any statutorily-protected basis, including disability. The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, HUD, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are committed to vigorously pursuing enforcement of the rights guaranteed by the Act. This settlement is an example of that commitment in the Eastern District of Washington and serves to promote equal access to multi-family housing for persons with disabilities. It is also a reminder that even now, near the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act and during Fair Housing Month, we are committed to eliminating housing discrimination and creating equal opportunity in every community.”
“The Department is committed to ensuring that new multi-family housing—including housing designed for students—is accessible to persons with disabilities,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division. “This lawsuit and its resolution are just the latest steps in the Department of Justice’s efforts to ensure equal accessibility for persons with disabilities.”
“Housing units that don’t meet the needs of persons of disabilities make it impossible for them to enjoy their homes,” said Anna María Farías, HUD’s Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. “Providers that built housing after March 1991 have an obligation to construct units that are accessible to persons with disabilities, and HUD will continue to work with the Justice Department to ensure that they meet that obligation.”
The Justice Department, through the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Civil Rights Division, enforces the FHA, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. Among other things, the FHA requires all multifamily housing constructed after March 12, 1991, to have basic accessibility features, including accessible routes without steps to all ground-floor units. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.usdoj.gov/crt. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of housing discrimination can call the Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743, email the Justice Department at [email protected], or contact HUD at 1-800-669-9777.
The settlement was negotiated by Joseph P. Derrig, an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, and U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Trial Attorney, Noah D. Sacks. The claims settled by this agreement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Justice Department Honors Travis County, Texas Sheriff’s Office Volunteer ProgramRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice recognized the Travis County Sheriff’s Office Victim Services Unit Volunteer Program with the Volunteer for Victims Award. This honor is awarded to individuals or programs that provide extraordinary service to crime victims without compensation. The program was honored during the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
“The women and men of the Victim Services Unit cater to the specific needs of area victims, including through on-scene services, continuing education, and expanded access to legal assistance,” Attorney General Sessions said. “Their innovative model – which relies on both professional and volunteer support – is an inspiration, and I applaud them for their critical work on behalf of crime survivors in and around Travis County.”
The Travis County Sherriff’s Office Victim Services Unit was established in 1984, prior to state mandates requiring crime victim liaisons within law enforcement agencies. The unit is composed of a Victim Services Director, a Social Services Program Coordinator, and six Victim Service Specialists.
These trained volunteers provide an immediate response and support to victims of various criminal and crisis circumstances. Volunteers help victims establish their personal safety, secure access to community services, and apply for victim compensation.
“Without compensation, the Travis County Sheriff’s Office Victim Services Unit volunteers provide assistance and services to victims 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” said Director of the Office for Victims of Crime Darlene Hutchinson. “The Department of Justice is proud to honor them for their remarkable contributions and for their commitment to justice for all individuals victimized by crime.”
During today’s ceremony, the Justice Department recognized a dozen individuals and organizations for their outstanding efforts on behalf of victims of crime. Awardees were selected from public nominations in ten categories.
Each year in April, the Department of Justice observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney’s Offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 8-14, with the theme Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.
The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/.Justice Department Honors Tennessee Woman for Her Service to Victims of Crime and Their FamiliesRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice recognized Tina L. Fox, State Director of Victim Services for the Tennessee Board of Parole, with the National Crime Victim Service Award during the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
“Through her newsletter, her toll-free hotline, and in so many other ways, Tina Fox has helped countless crime survivors throughout Tennessee,” Attorney General Sessions said. “I want to add my voice to theirs in thanking Ms. Fox for her extraordinary service.”
Fox has served as State Director of Victim Services for the Tennessee Board of Parole since January 2012. During this time, she has implemented statewide training for all victim coordinators, probation officers, parole officers, and board members; established a 1-800 number for victim services; coordinated National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and Tennessee Season to Remember commemorations; developed and distributed a monthly Victim Services Newsletter; and supported victims in the passage of legislation; and formed a statewide Victim’s Support Committee.
“Ms. Fox’s work is making Tennessee a better place for those who tragically become victims of crime,” said Director of the Office for Victims of Crime Darlene Hutchinson. “The Department of Justice is proud to honor her remarkable contributions and her commitment to justice for all victims of crime.”
During today’s ceremony, the Justice Department recognized a dozen individuals and organizations for their outstanding efforts on behalf of victims of crime. Awardees were selected from public nominations in ten categories.
Each year in April, the Department of Justice observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney’s Offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 8-14, with the theme Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.
The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/.Justice Department Honors Tennessee Woman for Her Service to Victims of Crime and Their FamiliesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Justice recognized Tina L. Fox, State Director of Victim Services for the Tennessee Board of Parole, with the National Crime Victim Service Award during the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
“Through her newsletter, her toll-free hotline, and in so many other ways, Tina Fox has helped countless crime survivors throughout Tennessee,” Attorney General Sessions said. “I want to add my voice to theirs in thanking Ms. Fox for her extraordinary service.”
Fox has served as State Director of Victim Services for the Tennessee Board of Parole since January 2012. During this time, she has implemented statewide training for all victim coordinators, probation officers, parole officers, and board members; established a 1-800 number for victim services; coordinated National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and Tennessee Season to Remember commemorations; developed and distributed a monthly Victim Services Newsletter; and supported victims in the passage of legislation; and formed a statewide Victim’s Support Committee.
“Ms. Fox’s work is making Tennessee a better place for those who tragically become victims of crime,” said Director of the Office for Victims of Crime Darlene Hutchinson. “The Department of Justice is proud to honor her remarkable contributions and her commitment to justice for all victims of crime.”
During today’s ceremony, the Justice Department recognized a dozen individuals and organizations for their outstanding efforts on behalf of victims of crime. Awardees were selected from public nominations in ten categories.
Each year in April, the Department of Justice observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney’s Offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 8-14, with the theme Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.
The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/.Justice Department Honors Oklahoma City Chief of Police for Service to Victims of CrimeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Justice recognized Oklahoma City Chief of Police Captain William Citty with the Allied Professional Award. The honor is awarded to individuals outside the victim assistance profession for their service to victims and contributions to the field of victim services. He was honored during the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
"Chief Citty has served and protected the people of Oklahoma City for more than 40 years, and has been a champion for victims of crime," Attorney General Sessions said. "He has consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty in serving them, including by helping to open Palomar, Oklahoma City’s Family Justice Center. I applaud his dedication to victims and I am grateful for his tireless service on their behalf."
"Oklahoma City is fortunate to have a Police Chief so focused on helping victims of crime," said Acting U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. "My office is honored to work with him and his Department in reducing violence in Oklahoma City and serving those most affected by crime."Citty became Oklahoma City’s 48th Chief of Police in 2003. Citty championed the creation of Family Justice Center, which has changed the framework of Oklahoma City’s response to crime victims by providing wraparound services to victims of domestic violence and other crime. Previously, Oklahoma City victims were sent from location to location for services, often hindering their ability to heal from traumatic experiences.
"Mr. Citty’s compassion and leadership has significantly improved the way victims of crime are treated in Oklahoma City," said Director Darlene Hutchinson of the Office for Victims of Crime. "The Department of Justice is proud to honor him for his remarkable contributions to his community and for his commitment to justice for all victims of crime."
During today’s ceremony, the Justice Department recognized a dozen individuals and organizations for their outstanding efforts on behalf of victims of crime. Awardees were selected from public nominations in ten categories.
Each year in April, the Department of Justice observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney’s Offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 8-14, with the theme Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.
The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/.Justice Department Honors Oklahoma City Chief of Police for Service to Victims of CrimeRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice recognized Oklahoma City Chief of Police Captain William Citty with the Allied Professional Award. The honor is awarded to individuals outside the victim assistance profession for their service to victims and contributions to the field of victim services. He was honored during the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
“Chief Citty has served and protected the people of Oklahoma City for more than 40 years, and has been a champion for victims of crime,” Attorney General Sessions said. “He has consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty in serving them, including by helping to open Palomar, Oklahoma City’s Family Justice Center. I applaud his dedication to victims and I am grateful for his tireless service on their behalf.”
Citty became Oklahoma City’s 48th Chief of Police in 2003. Citty championed the creation of Family Justice Center, which has changed the framework of Oklahoma City’s response to crime victims by providing wraparound services to victims of domestic violence and other crime. Previously, Oklahoma City victims were sent from location to location for services, often hindering their ability to heal from traumatic experiences.
“Mr. Citty’s compassion and leadership has significantly improved the way victims of crime are treated in Oklahoma City,” said Director Darlene Hutchinson of the Office for Victims of Crime. “The Department of Justice is proud to honor him for his remarkable contributions to his community and for his commitment to justice for all victims of crime.”
During today’s ceremony, the Justice Department recognized a dozen individuals and organizations for their outstanding efforts on behalf of victims of crime. Awardees were selected from public nominations in ten categories.
Each year in April, the Department of Justice observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney’s Offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 8-14, with the theme Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.
The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/.Justice Department Honors New Jersey Human Trafficking Victim AdvocateRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice recognized Dawne Lomangino-DiMauro, co-chair of the Anti-Trafficking Taskforce of All Counties (New Jersey), with the Crimes Victims’ Rights Award. This honor is awarded to individuals whose efforts to advance or enforce victims’ rights have benefitted victims at the state, tribal, or national levels. She was honored during the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
“Human trafficking is a violent and abhorrent crime, and its victims deserve our highest levels of our support,” said Attorney General Sessions. “Throughout her career, Dawne Lomangino-DiMauro has consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty to support trafficking survivors. Her advocacy has led to clear improvements in New Jersey’s response to the criminal sex trade as well as greater awareness of its victims. I am grateful for her courageous service.”
Lomangino-DiMauro has been an active member of the anti-trafficking movement in New Jersey for 12 years. She is the co-chair of the Anti-Trafficking Taskforce of All Counties; she has promoted passage of legislation to help victims, including the New Jersey Prevention, Protection, and Treatment Act; and she implemented DreamCatcher, New Jersey’s first state-funded victim service program devoted solely to raising awareness and networking services for identified victims.
Lomangino-DiMauro successfully advocated for new arrest policies in New Jersey, and was instrumental in developing a partnership with the New Jersey Department of Children and Families supporting mandatory human trafficking training for all staff.
“Through her tireless efforts to enhance victims’ rights, Ms. Lomangino-DiMauro has changed the way trafficking victims are treated in the state of New Jersey,” said Director Darlene Hutchinson of the Office for Victims of Crime. “The Department of Justice is proud to honor her for her remarkable contributions and for her commitment to justice for all individuals victimized by crime.”
During today’s ceremony, the Justice Department recognized a dozen individuals and organizations for their outstanding efforts on behalf of victims of crime. Awardees were selected from public nominations in ten categories.
Each year in April, the Department of Justice observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney’s Offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 8-14, with the theme Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.
The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/.Justice Department Honors Muscogee (Creek) Nation Victim AdvocateRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice recognized Shawn Partridge, Director of the Family Violence Prevention Program (FVPP) for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, with the National Crime Victim Service Award. This honor is awarded to individuals or programs for exceptional service to victims of crime. She was honored during the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
“Survivors in American Indian and Alaska Native communities have unique needs, and Shawn Partridge has dedicated her career to serving them,” Attorney General Sessions said. “Her innovative approach to supportive services has expanded access to specialized populations, including teens and children impacted by dating and sexual violence. I am grateful for her passion and applaud her courage.”
FVPP provides support services to victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking and other violent crimes in the Muscogee (Creek) community. Under Partridge’s leadership, the FVPP has expanded services, including the creation of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s first Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program.
Partridge’s work also includes the development of Warriors Honor Women, a movement led by Muscogee men to end violence against women and children. Her efforts promoting the reauthorization of the 2013 Violence Against Women Act helped to restore tribes’ authority to hold accountable non-American Indian/Alaskan Native individuals who commit domestic violence on tribal lands.
“Through her dedication and compassion for victims, Ms. Partridge has made groundbreaking improvements to the assistance victims receive in the Muscogee (Creek) Nation,” said Director Darlene Hutchinson of the Office for Victims of Crime. “The Department of Justice is proud to honor her for her remarkable contributions and for her commitment to justice for all individuals victimized by crime.”
During today’s ceremony, the Justice Department recognized a dozen individuals and organizations for their outstanding efforts on behalf of victims of crime. Awardees were selected from public nominations in ten categories.
Each year in April, the Department of Justice observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney’s Offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 8-14, with the theme Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.
The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/.Justice Department Honors Kentucky Sexual Assault Survivor and ActivistRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice recognized Michelle L. Kuiper, who is a sexual assault survivor and activist, with the Special Courage Award for her work on behalf of victims of sexual assault. This honor is awarded to victims or survivors who exhibit exceptional perseverance and determination in dealing with his or her own victimization, or who acted bravely to prevent a victimization. She was honored during the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
"In my nearly 40 years in and around law enforcement, I have found that some of the strongest and most inspiring people I have met are survivors of crime. Michelle Brooks Kuiper is no exception,” said Attorney General Sessions. “She has turned the grief from her own personal tragedy into a motivation to help others, resulting in legal reforms that better serve victims of sexual assault. Her perseverance has improved the lives of survivors in Kentucky and Indiana, and her story will inspire countless others throughout our country.”
Kuiper was a freshman in college when she was taken off her front porch by a stranger and sexually assaulted under a neighbor’s deck. It took 17 years for her rapist to be tried and convicted of this crime, in addition to three other assaults, resulting from a DNA match.
Kuiper became an activist shortly after her assault. She strives to support others who have been sexually assaulted by advocating for legislative change. Her efforts led to the passage of six new laws in three years. One of these laws required Kentucky to test its backlog of approximately 3,000 rape kits, and another is changing the way Kentucky handles rape kits in the future by tracking all kits. In 2017, Kuiper helped Indiana pass a law mandating the collection of DNA for all felony arrests and requiring the state to test its backlog of rape kits.
“We are grateful for Ms. Kuiper’s dedication to empowering sexual assault victims,” said Director Darlene Hutchinson of the Office for Victims of Crime. “The Department of Justice is proud to honor her for her remarkable contributions and for her commitment to justice for all individuals victimized by crime.”
During today’s ceremony, the Justice Department recognized a dozen individuals and organizations for their outstanding efforts on behalf of victims of crime. Awardees were selected from public nominations in ten categories.
Each year in April, the Department of Justice observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney’s Offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 8-14, with the theme Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.
The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/.Justice Department Honors Individuals and Teams for Advancing Rights and Services for Crime VictimsRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice honored 12 individuals and programs for their exceptional service to victims of crime during the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C.
"In law enforcement, we are sworn to serve and protect," Attorney General Sessions said. "We carry out this oath every day by protecting the rights of law abiding people from criminals and by achieving justice for crime victims. Today, we remember the millions of Americans who are either the brave survivors or the loved ones that have been left behind after criminal attacks. We also thank those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in their service to those victims. As we do so, we recommit ourselves to fulfilling our oath and to reducing crime in America."
The Office for Victims of Crime, a component of the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, leads communities in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year and hosts an awards ceremony to honor outstanding work on behalf of crime victims. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 8-14, 2018 with the theme Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.
“The extraordinary contributions that these individuals and teams have made, and the exceptional service that they perform each and every day on behalf of victims, is remarkable,” said Alan Hanson, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is proud to recognize their achievements and to share in their day of honor.”
The following are award recipients who were selected by the Office for Victims of Crime from public nominations in 10 categories. Individual press releases are available using the included links:
Allied Professional Award recognizes individuals from a specific discipline outside the victim assistance field for their service to victims and/or contributions to the victim assistance field.
Recipient: William (Bill) Citty of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Award for Professional Innovation in Victim Services recognizes a program, organization, or individual who has helped to expand the reach of victims’ rights and services.
Recipient: The late Joye E. Frost of Washington, D.C.
Crime Victims Financial Restoration Award honors individuals, programs, or teams that developed innovative ways of funding services for crime victims, or instituted innovative approaches for securing financial restoration for crime victims.
Recipient: Program Management and Training Unit in the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, Criminal Division, U.S. Department of Justice of Washington D.C.
Crime Victims’ Rights Award honors the dedicated champions throughout our nation whose efforts to advance or enforce crime victims’ rights have benefited victims of crime at the local, state, tribal, or national level.
Recipient: Dawne Lomangino-DiMauro of Galloway, New Jersey
Federal Service Award recognizes the extraordinary efforts of federal agency personnel who lead initiatives or reforms and make extraordinary contributions that impact victims of federal, tribal, and military crimes, or more broadly promote victims’ rights and services for underserved victims nationally and internationally.
Recipient: Kevin Rivers and Sherry Rice of Sacaton, Arizona
National Crime Victim Service Award honors extraordinary individuals and programs that provide services to victims of crime.
Recipients: Shawn Partridge of Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tina L. Fox of Nashville, Tennessee
Debra McCall Reed of Dover, Delaware
Ronald Wilson Reagan Public Policy Award honors those whose leadership, vision, and innovation have led to significant changes in public policy and practice that benefit crime victims.
Recipient: Casey Gwinn of San Diego, California
Special Courage Award recognizes a victim or survivor who has exhibited exceptional perseverance or determination in dealing with his or her own victimization.
Recipient: Michelle L. Kuiper of Louisville, Kentucky
Tomorrow’s Leaders Award seeks to honor and highlight youth up to age 24 who have dedicated their efforts to supporting victims of crime.
Recipient: Shelby Kay Looper of Muncie, Indiana
Volunteer for Victim Award honors individuals for their extraordinary and selfless efforts resulting in positive and lasting changes in the lives of crime victims.
Recipient: Travis County Sheriff’s Office, Victim Services Unit Volunteer Program of Austin, Texas
Each year in April, the Department of Justice observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney’s Offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 8-14, with the theme Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.
The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/.Justice Department Honors Indiana Victim AdvocateRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice recognized Shelby Kay Looper with the Tomorrow’s Leaders Award during the National Crime Victims’ Service Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. This honor is awarded to youth up to age 24 who have dedicated their efforts to supporting victims of crime.
“Victims of crime deserve assistance and support – no matter their zip code,” said Attorney General Sessions. “Shelby Looper has already distinguished herself by fighting hard to provide adequate services to victims of crime in rural Indiana. Her dedication and commitment has paid dividends for Hoosier families, and I have no doubt that her impact will be felt for many years to come.”
While majoring in criminal justice and criminology at Ball State University, Looper interned at the Muncie Police Victim Advocates Program. During her internship, she realized that some rural and small-town police departments were not offering victims the same services available to those in larger cities. On her own initiative, Looper visited these police departments to educate officers about the victim services resources available to them through the Muncie Police Victim Advocates Program.
After her graduation, Looper was hired by the Muncie Police Department as a victim advocate. She established the Domestic Violence On-Call Program which places victim advocates on the scene when police respond to domestic violence calls. This allows the victim advocate to establish a relationship with victims, design a plan to meet their needs, and build stronger relationships between the police department and the community. In July 2017, Looper was named Director of the Muncie Police Victim Advocates Office.
“Ms. Looper’s dedication to ensuring victims have access to necessary resources is not only extremely admirable but it is also proof that even at a young age, you can have a very significant and positive impact in your community,” said Director of the Office for Victims of Crime Darlene Hutchinson. “The Department of Justice is proud to honor her for her remarkable contributions and for her commitment to justice for all individuals victimized by crime.”
During today’s ceremony, the Justice Department recognized a dozen individuals and organizations for their outstanding efforts on behalf of victims of crime. Awardees were selected from public nominations in ten categories.
Each year in April, the Department of Justice observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney’s Offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 8-14, with the theme Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.
The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/.Justice Department Honors Former San Diego City Attorney for Contributions to Victims’ ServicesRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice recognized Casey Gwinn, President of Alliance for HOPE International, with the Ronald Wilson Reagan Public Policy Award during the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. This honor is awarded to individuals whose leadership, vision, and innovation have led to significant changes in public policy and practice that benefit crime victims.
“Throughout his career, Casey Gwinn has worked tirelessly to make resources available to children and their families in the aftermath of crime, as well as to prosecute the heinous individuals responsible to the fullest extent of the law,” Attorney General Sessions said. “Casey’s efforts helped reduce crime in San Diego and his Camp HOPE initiative continues to minister to the unique needs of children exposed to domestic violence. I am grateful for his extraordinary service.”
Gwinn currently serves as the president of Alliance for HOPE International. He was elected and served as the San Diego City Attorney from 1996 to 2004. Prior to elected office, he founded the City Attorney’s Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Unit. He led this unit from 1986 to 1996, prosecuting both misdemeanor and felony cases. In 1993, the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges recognized his unit as the model prosecution unit in the nation.
Gwinn founded the San Diego Family Justice Center (FJC) which brought 25 local agencies under one roof to better serve victims of crime. San Diego’s model inspired a national movement, and today there are FJCs in 40 states.
“Mr. Gwinn is an incredible example of how one person can have a tremendous impact in his community and around the country,” said Director of the Office for Victims of Crime Darlene Hutchinson. “The Department of Justice is proud to honor him for his remarkable contributions and commitment to justice for all individuals victimized by crime.”
During today’s ceremony, the Justice Department recognized a dozen individuals and organizations for their outstanding efforts on behalf of victims of crime. Awardees were selected from public nominations in ten categories.
Each year in April, the Department of Justice observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney’s Offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 8-14, with the theme Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.
The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/.Justice Department Honors Former Office for Victims of Crime Director for Her Commitment to Victims’ Rights and ServicesRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice recognized the late Joye E. Frost with the Award for Professional Innovation in Victim Services for her lifelong dedication to improving victims’ services during the National Crime Victims’ Service Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. Frost passed away on March 12 after a long battle with cancer.
“Joye Frost dedicated her career to advocating on behalf of victims of crime, and she was highly effective,” said Attorney General Sessions. “Her work to expand and improve the impact of victim assistance after trauma such as sexual assault, terrorism, or mass violence, made sure that many people received the help they needed. The Department of Justice—and the United States—is better because of Joye and her invaluable efforts, and so today we honor her memory.”
During her almost 20-year tenure with the Office for Victims of Crime, Frost launched the Vision 21: Transforming Victim Services Initiative to expand the reach and impact of the victims’ assistance field. She fostered a groundbreaking partnership between OVC and the U.S. Department of Defense to strengthen support to military sexual assault victims. Frost was also instrumental in developing OVC’s Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner and Sexual Assault Response Team training and technical assistance initiatives.
“Ms. Frost’s untimely death is not only a devastating loss for us in the Office for Victims of Crime, but also for the victim services community which she helped to transform by spending most of her professional life advocating on behalf of victims,” said Director of the Office for Victims of Crime Darlene Hutchinson. “The Department of Justice is extremely proud to honor Joye for her contributions. Her passion, integrity, and dedication will not be forgotten.”
During today’s ceremony, the Justice Department recognized a dozen individuals and organizations for their outstanding efforts on behalf of victims of crime. Awardees were selected from public nominations in ten categories.
Each year in April, the Department of Justice observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney’s Offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 8-14, with the theme Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.
The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/.Justice Department Honors Delaware Victim AdvocateRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today recognized Debra McCall Reed with the National Crime Victim Service Award during the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
“Our criminal justice system should be responsive to the needs of every victim of crime,” said Attorney General Sessions. “This week, we celebrate and thank those who ensure that it is, including victim advocates like Debra Reed. For more than 30 years, she has helped victims in the aftermath of traumatic experiences like sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking. Victims throughout Delaware have benefited from her energy and expertise, and I want to thank her for tireless service on their behalf.”
Reed began working with victims of crime 30 years ago as a child abuse investigator for Delaware’s Division of Family Services. In 1990, she was selected by the Delaware State Police to develop the Delaware Victim Center. Five years later, she was promoted to Director, a position that she still holds.
Reed has been instrumental in developing the Delaware Victim Center’s services related to sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking, and sudden death. As victims’ needs have changed through the years, she has responded with new and unique programs, including an emergency financial assistance program to assist crime victims with immediate needs such as housing, medical costs, and counseling.
"Ms. Reed’s dedication to the Delaware State Police’s Delaware Victim Center is making Delaware a better place for those who tragically become victims of crime,” said Director of the Office for Victims of Crime Darlene Hutchinson. “The Department of Justice is proud to honor her for her remarkable contributions and for her commitment to justice for all individuals victimized by crime.”
During today’s ceremony, the Justice Department recognized a dozen individuals and organizations for their outstanding efforts on behalf of victims of crime. Awardees were selected from public nominations in ten categories.
Each year in April, the Department of Justice observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney’s Offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 8-14, with the theme Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.
The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/.Justice Department Honors Asset Forfeiture Program Team with the Crimes Victims’ Financial Restoration AwardRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice recognized the Criminal Division’s Program Management and Training Unit within the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section with the Crime Victims’ Financial Restoration Award. The award goes to teams that have instituted innovative approaches for securing financial restoration for crime victims. The organization was honored during the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
“Civil asset forfeiture is a key tool that helps us defund organized crime, weaken criminals and cartels, and provide relief to victims,” said Attorney General Sessions. “The women and men of the Department of Justice’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section play a central role in finding and restoring forfeited funds to crime victims. Just this week, they helped distribute an additional $500 million to victims of the Bernie Madoff financial scam, bringing the total to more than $1.2 billion. I applaud their efforts and appreciate all that they do for victims of crime.”
The Department of Justice’s Asset Forfeiture Program has returned over $5.1 billion in civilly and criminally forfeited funds to crime victims since 2002 through the Department’s Victim Compensation Program.
Over the past three years, the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section has returned over $1.3 billion in forfeited funds to crime victims. Most recently, the Unit oversaw a $772 million distribution to 24,000 victims of Bernard Madoff, the first in a series of payments that will eventually return over $4 billion to victims of the Madoff fraud. In 2016 the Unit began oversight and administration of the U.S. Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund, established to compensate victims of international acts of terrorism. To date, the Fund has issued more than $1 billion to over 2,000 victims. These victims include the Iran hostages held from 1979 to 1981 and their spouses and children; victims of the embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania; and victims of the attack on the U.S.S. Cole.
“We cannot undo the damage that criminals like Bernie Madoff do to victims of crime, but distributions like yesterday’s provide significant relief to many of the victims of fraud,” said Director of the Office for Victims of Crime Darlene Hutchinson. “The Department of Justice is proud to honor this team for their remarkable contributions and for their commitment to justice for all individuals victimized by crime.”
During today’s ceremony, the Justice Department recognized a dozen individuals and organizations for their outstanding efforts on behalf of victims of crime. Awardees were selected from public nominations in ten categories.
Each year in April, the Department of Justice observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney’s Offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 8-14, with the theme Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.
The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/.Justice Department Honors Arizona Detective; FBI Agent with Federal Service AwardRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice recognized Detective Kevin Rivers of the Gila River Police Department and Special Agent Sherry C. Rice of the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the Federal Service Award during the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. This honor is awarded to federal agency personnel whose work affects victims of federal, tribal, or military crimes or promotes victims’ rights and services nationally and internationally.
“Those of us in law enforcement are sworn to serve and protect,” said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. “Special Agent Sherry Rice and Detective Kevin Rivers have done just that. Through their hard work and dedication, they have brought closure and relief to girls in the Gila River Indian Community who have suffered at the hands of a suspected predator. I want to thank them for their courage and outstanding service in investigating this case and ensuring that justice was served.”
Rivers and Rice led the investigation into a child sex offender who was suspected of crimes in the Gila River Indian Community over the course of 30 years. Rivers’ and Rice’s leadership led to charges against the suspect for crimes related to sexual assault involving seven different victims.
“Detective Rivers and Special Agent Rice’s tireless leadership brought a dark and painful chapter in the Gila River Indian Community to an end,” said Director of the Office for Victims of Crime Darlene Hutchinson. “The Department of Justice is proud to honor them for their remarkable contributions and for their commitment to justice for all individuals victimized by crime.”
During today’s ceremony, the Justice Department recognized a dozen individuals and organizations for their outstanding efforts on behalf of victims of crime. Awardees were selected from public nominations in ten categories.
Each year in April, the Department of Justice observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney’s Offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 8-14, with the theme Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.
The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/.Justice Department Announces Phil Keith as Director of the Office of Community Oriented Policing ServicesRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today announced that Phil Keith will serve as the Director of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office). The COPS Office is the division of the Justice Department responsible for advancing the practice of community policing by the nation's state, local, territorial, and tribal law enforcement agencies through information and grant resources.
Mr. Keith has more than 47 years of experience in the fields of criminal justice, public safety, and business administration. Thirty-four of those years were spent in active law enforcement service, including 17 years as Chief of Police of the Knoxville, Tennessee, Police Department.
In addition to his service as a law enforcement officer, Mr. Keith has significant policy and administrative experience, including working directly with the COPS Office. His experience in these areas include, but are not limited to service as:
- Commissioner, Tennessee Peace Officers Standard and Training Commission;
- Principal Project Director, Major Cities Chiefs Association;
- Member, Department of Justice COPS Office Law Enforcement Ethics Task Force; and
- Member, Department of Justice COPS Office National Community Policing Resource Board.
In these and other professional capacities, Mr. Keith has performed more than 150 organizational assessments and has authored more than 100 articles and technical reports.
Mr. Keith has been widely recognized and awarded for his commitment to public safety. Mr. Keith has been awarded two Director’s Choice Awards from the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police; honored by the American Society for Public Administration for Excellence in Public Service for Municipal Services; received the Law Enforcement Leadership Award given by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children; and recognized by the Frederick Douglass Family Foundation in 2013 as the first recipient of the Human Rights Award for his leadership in fighting commercial sex trafficking.
“The Justice Department is committed to backing our state and local law enforcement partners—the men and women that serve on the front lines of the fight against violent crime, the opioid crisis, and criminal organizations,” said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. “For that reason, it is imperative that we have a leader in the COPS Office that understands this commitment and how the Office can work to fulfill it. Phil Keith’s experience is second-to-none, and I am confident he will be an effective leader for the COPS Office.”
Mr. Keith will be responsible for overseeing grant awards, innovative policing strategies, and training and technical assistance.
Mr. Keith is a graduate of East Tennessee State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Business Administration, and from the University of Tennessee, where he earned a Master’s of Science. Chief Keith also served in the United States Army Reserves from 1968 to 1974.
Justice Department Announces Nationwide Initiative to Combat Sexual Harassment in HousingRead the Press Release
DALLAS — Today, as the Department of Justice recognizes the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the nationwide rollout of an initiative aimed at increasing awareness and reporting of sexual harassment in housing. The announcement includes an interagency task force between the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Justice Department to combat sexual harassment in housing, an outreach toolkit, and a public awareness campaign. This three-pronged approach will strengthen the Department’s efforts to combat sexual harassment in housing.
“Sexual harassment in housing is illegal, immoral, and unacceptable," said Attorney General Sessions. “It is all too common today, as too many landlords, managers, and their employees attempt to prey on vulnerable women. We will not hesitate to pursue these predators and enforce the law. In October, I ordered a new initiative to bring more of these cases, and we have already won relief for 15 victims. Today we announce three new steps to make the initiative more effective and to win more cases. I want to thank the dedicated and committed professionals in our Civil Rights Division and our partners in the Department of Housing and Urban Development for their hard work in this effort. We will continue to aggressively pursue harassers, because everyone has a right to be safe in their home.”
“All discrimination stains the very fabric of our nation, but HUD is especially focused on protecting the right of everyone to feel safe and secure in their homes, free from unwanted sexual harassment,” said Secretary Ben Carson. “No person should have to tolerate unwanted sexual advances in order to keep a roof over his or her head. Part of our mission at HUD is to provide safe housing and we will remain diligent in this mission to protect those we serve. I look forward to working with Attorney General Sessions and the Department of Justice as part of this task force to bring an end to this type of discrimination.”
The Department is rolling out three major components to the Initiative.
First, the new HUD-DOJ Task Force to Combat Sexual Harassment in Housing will drive a shared strategy between the Department and HUD for combatting sexual harassment in housing across the country. It will focus on five key areas: continued data sharing and analysis, joint development of training, evaluation of public housing complaint mechanisms, coordination of public outreach and press strategy, and review of federal policies.
Second, the outreach toolkit is designed to leverage the Justice Department’s nationwide network of U.S. Attorney’s Offices. The toolkit provides templates, guidance, and checklists based on pilot program feedback. It ultimately will amplify available enforcement resources and help victims of sexual harassment connect with the Department.
Third, the public awareness campaign has three major components: a partnership package with relevant stakeholders, launch of a social media campaign, and Public Service Announcements (PSAs) run by individual U.S. Attorney’s offices. The campaign is specifically designed to raise awareness, and make it easier for victims all over the country to find resources and report harassment.
More information about the Civil Rights Division and the civil rights laws it enforces is available at www.usdoj.gov/crt. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment in housing should call the Department at 1-844-380-6178, send an e-mail to [email protected], or contact HUD at 1-800-669-9777. If you have information or questions about any other housing discrimination, you can contact the Department at 1-800-896-7743.
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Justice Department Announces Nationwide Initiative to Combat Sexual Harassment in HousingRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Today, as the Department of Justice recognizes the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the nationwide rollout of an initiative aimed at increasing awareness and reporting of sexual harassment in housing. The announcement included an interagency task force between the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Justice Department to combat sexual harassment in housing, an outreach toolkit, and a public awareness campaign. This three-pronged approach will strengthen the Department’s efforts to combat sexual harassment in housing.
“Sexual harassment in housing is illegal, immoral, and unacceptable," said Attorney General Sessions. “It is all too common today, as too many landlords, managers, and their employees attempt to prey on vulnerable women. We will not hesitate to pursue these predators and enforce the law. In October, I ordered a new initiative to bring more of these cases, and we have already won relief for 15 victims. Today we announce three new steps to make the initiative more effective and to win more cases. I want to thank the dedicated and committed professionals in our Civil Rights Division and our partners in the Department of Housing and Urban Development for their hard work in this effort. We will continue to aggressively pursue harassers, because everyone has a right to be safe in their home.”
“All discrimination stains the very fabric of our nation, but HUD is especially focused on protecting the right of everyone to feel safe and secure in their homes, free from unwanted sexual harassment,” said Secretary Ben Carson. “No person should have to tolerate unwanted sexual advances in order to keep a roof over his or her head. Part of our mission at HUD is to provide safe housing and we will remain diligent in this mission to protect those we serve. I look forward to working with Attorney General Sessions and the Department of Justice as part of this task force to bring an end to this type of discrimination.”
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee supports this important initiative of Attorney General Sessions and will work with HUD and our law enforcement partners to enforce the laws and ensure that these innocent victims are aware of their rights to have a safe and secure place for their families to live without fear of harassment or discrimination,” said U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey, Eastern District of Tennessee.
In October 2017, the Justice Department announced an initiative to combat sexual harassment in housing and launched pilot programs in D.C. and the Western District of Virginia. The initiative sought to increase the Department’s efforts to protect women from harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, security guards, and other employees and representatives of rental property owners. During the pilots, the Department developed and tested ways to better connect both with victims of sexual harassment in housing and with those organizations that victims may turn to first for help – including law enforcement, legal services providers, public housing authorities, sexual assault services providers, and shelters. The Department also tested certain aspects of the initiative in other jurisdictions, including New Jersey, the Central District of California, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Michigan.
The two pilot programs generated an upswing in harassment reporting to the Department from both D.C. and the Western District of Virginia. In D.C., the Department generated six leads since the October 2017 launch. In Virginia, the Department generated three leads. While the Justice Department recognizes that leads and investigations do not always lead to enforcement actions, the pilot program’s results—when extrapolated across all the U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country—could lead to hundreds of new reports of sexual harassment in housing across the country.
Because of these promising results, the Department is rolling out three major components to the Initiative.
First, the new HUD-DOJ Task Force to Combat Sexual Harassment in Housing will drive a shared strategy between the Department and HUD for combatting sexual harassment in housing across the country. It will focus on five key areas: continued data sharing and analysis, joint development of training, evaluation of public housing complaint mechanisms, coordination of public outreach and press strategy, and review of federal policies.
Second, the outreach toolkit is designed to leverage the Justice Department’s nationwide network of U.S. Attorney’s Offices. The toolkit provides templates, guidance, and checklists based on pilot program feedback. It ultimately will amplify available enforcement resources and help victims of sexual harassment connect with the Department.
Third, the public awareness campaign has three major components: a partnership package with relevant stakeholders, launch of a social media campaign, and Public Service Announcements (PSAs) run by individual U.S. Attorney’s offices. The campaign is specifically designed to raise awareness, and make it easier for victims all over the country to find resources and report harassment.
More information about the Civil Rights Division and the civil rights laws it enforces is available at www.usdoj.gov/crt. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment in housing should call the Department at 1-844-380-6178, send an e-mail to [email protected], or contact HUD at 1-800-669-9777. If you have information or questions about any other housing discrimination, you can contact the Department at 1-800-896-7743.
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Justice Department Announces Nationwide Initiative to Combat Sexual Harassment in HousingRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, NY — As the Department of Justice recognizes the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, Attorney General Jeff Sessions yesterday announced the nationwide rollout of an initiative aimed at increasing awareness and reporting of sexual harassment in housing. The announcement includes an interagency task force between the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Justice Department to combat sexual harassment in housing, an outreach toolkit, and a public awareness campaign. This three-pronged approach will strengthen the Department’s efforts to combat sexual harassment in housing.
“Sexual harassment in housing is illegal, immoral, and unacceptable," said Attorney General Sessions. “It is all too common today, as too many landlords, managers, and their employees attempt to prey on vulnerable women. We will not hesitate to pursue these predators and enforce the law. In October, I ordered a new initiative to bring more of these cases, and we have already won relief for 15 victims. Today we announce three new steps to make the initiative more effective and to win more cases. I want to thank the dedicated and committed professionals in our Civil Rights Division and our partners in the Department of Housing and Urban Development for their hard work in this effort. We will continue to aggressively pursue harassers, because everyone has a right to be safe in their home.”
“All discrimination stains the very fabric of our nation, but HUD is especially focused on protecting the right of everyone to feel safe and secure in their homes, free from unwanted sexual harassment,” said Secretary Ben Carson. “No person should have to tolerate unwanted sexual advances in order to keep a roof over his or her head. Part of our mission at HUD is to provide safe housing and we will remain diligent in this mission to protect those we serve. I look forward to working with Attorney General Sessions and the Department of Justice as part of this task force to bring an end to this type of discrimination.”
“It is fitting that we acknowledge the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act by announcing this initiative to increase awareness and reporting of sexual harassment in housing,” stated U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “No one should live in fear of unwanted sexual advances or attacks, nor should they fear losing their homes if they report such activities. All people have the right to feel safe in their own home. My Office, with our federal partners, will continue to do all that we can to protect that right and to bring to justice those whose behavior endangers it.”
In October 2017, the Justice Department announced an initiative to combat sexual harassment in housing and launched pilot programs in Washington, D.C. and the Western District of Virginia. The initiative sought to increase the Department’s efforts to protect women from harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, security guards, and other employees and representatives of rental property owners. During the pilots, the Department developed and tested ways to better connect both with victims of sexual harassment in housing and with those organizations that victims may turn to first for help – including law enforcement, legal services providers, public housing authorities, sexual assault services providers, and shelters. The Department also tested certain aspects of the initiative in other jurisdictions, including New Jersey, the Central District of California, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Michigan.
The two pilot programs generated an upswing in harassment reporting to the Department from both D.C. and the Western District of Virginia. In D.C., the Department generated six leads since the October 2017 launch. In Virginia, the Department generated three leads. While the Justice Department recognizes that leads and investigations do not always lead to enforcement actions, the pilot program’s results—when extrapolated across all the U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country—could lead to hundreds of new reports of sexual harassment in housing across the country.
Because of these promising results, the Department is rolling out three major components to the Initiative.
First, the new HUD-DOJ Task Force to Combat Sexual Harassment in Housing will drive a shared strategy between the Department and HUD for combatting sexual harassment in housing across the country. It will focus on five key areas: continued data sharing and analysis, joint development of training, evaluation of public housing complaint mechanisms, coordination of public outreach and press strategy, and review of federal policies.Second, the outreach toolkit is designed to leverage the Justice Department’s nationwide network of U.S. Attorney’s Offices. The toolkit provides templates, guidance, and checklists based on pilot program feedback. It ultimately will amplify available enforcement resources and help victims of sexual harassment connect with the Department.
Third, the public awareness campaign has three major components: a partnership package with relevant stakeholders, launch of a social media campaign, and Public Service Announcements (PSAs) run by individual U.S. Attorney’s offices. The campaign is specifically designed to raise awareness, and make it easier for victims all over the country to find resources and report harassment.
More information about the Civil Rights Division and the civil rights laws it enforces is available at www.usdoj.gov/crt. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment in housing should call the Department at 1-844-380-6178, send an e-mail to [email protected], or contact HUD at 1-800-669-9777. If you have information or questions about any other housing discrimination, you can contact the Department at 1-800-896-7743.
Justice Department Announces Nationwide Initiative to Combat Sexual Harassment in HousingRead the Press Release
Yesterday, as the Department of Justice recognizes the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the nationwide rollout of an initiative aimed at increasing awareness and reporting of sexual harassment in housing. The announcement includes an interagency task force between the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Justice Department to combat sexual harassment in housing, an outreach toolkit, and a public awareness campaign. This three-pronged approach will strengthen the Department’s efforts to combat sexual harassment in housing.
To launch this initiative in the Eastern District of Michigan, on April 10, 2018, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in collaboration with the Civil Rights Division, held a community roundtable to discuss the impact of sexual harassment in housing and current efforts to address the issue. U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider and Acting Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights John Gore, each made remarks at the event, which was held at the McGregor Center on the campus of Wayne State University. Attendees included representatives from over 30 different organizations, including fair housing centers, legal aid groups, advocacy and non-profit organizations, and governmental agencies. Each organization was invited because they often work with Michigan’s most vulnerable populations, who could also become victims of sexual harassment in housing. Through such roundtables, the US Attorney's Office is working to help residents or applicants experiencing sexual harassment to quickly and easily connect with the Department of Justice.
United States Attorney Matthew Schneider stated, “If you have been sexually harassed by your landlord, apartment manager, maintenance worker, or other housing employee, please contact us so we can help you and seek justice in federal court.”
“Sexual harassment in housing is illegal, immoral, and unacceptable," said Attorney General Sessions. “It is all too common today, as too many landlords, managers, and their employees attempt to prey on vulnerable women. We will not hesitate to pursue these predators and enforce the law. In October, I ordered a new initiative to bring more of these cases, and we have already won relief for 15 victims. Today we announce three new steps to make the initiative more effective and to win more cases. I want to thank the dedicated and committed professionals in our Civil Rights Division and our partners in the Department of Housing and Urban Development for their hard work in this effort. We will continue to aggressively pursue harassers, because everyone has a right to be safe in their home.”
“All discrimination stains the very fabric of our nation, but HUD is especially focused on protecting the right of everyone to feel safe and secure in their homes, free from unwanted sexual harassment,” said Secretary Ben Carson. “No person should have to tolerate unwanted sexual advances in order to keep a roof over his or her head. Part of our mission at HUD is to provide safe housing and we will remain diligent in this mission to protect those we serve. I look forward to working with Attorney General Sessions and the Department of Justice as part of this task force to bring an end to this type of discrimination.”
In October 2017, the Justice Department announced an initiative to combat sexual harassment in housing and launched pilot programs in Washington, D.C. and the Western District of Virginia. The initiative sought to increase the Department’s efforts to protect women from harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, security guards, and other employees and representatives of rental property owners. During the pilots, the Department developed and tested ways to better connect both with victims of sexual harassment in housing and with those organizations that victims may turn to first for help – including law enforcement, legal services providers, public housing authorities, sexual assault services providers, and shelters. The Department also tested certain aspects of the initiative in other jurisdictions, including New Jersey, the Central District of California, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Michigan.
The two pilot programs generated an upswing in harassment reporting to the Department from both D.C. and the Western District of Virginia. In D.C., the Department generated six leads since the October 2017 launch. In Virginia, the Department generated three leads. While the Justice Department recognizes that leads and investigations do not always lead to enforcement actions, the pilot program’s results—when extrapolated across all the U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country—could lead to hundreds of new reports of sexual harassment in housing across the country.
Because of these promising results, the Department is rolling out three major components to the Initiative.
First, the new HUD-DOJ Task Force to Combat Sexual Harassment in Housing will drive a shared strategy between the Department and HUD for combatting sexual harassment in housing across the country. It will focus on five key areas: continued data sharing and analysis, joint development of training, evaluation of public housing complaint mechanisms, coordination of public outreach and press strategy, and review of federal policies.
Second, the outreach toolkit is designed to leverage the Justice Department’s nationwide network of U.S. Attorney’s Offices. The toolkit provides templates, guidance, and checklists based on pilot program feedback. It ultimately will amplify available enforcement resources and help victims of sexual harassment connect with the Department.
Third, the public awareness campaign has three major components: a partnership package with relevant stakeholders, launch of a social media campaign, and Public Service Announcements (PSAs) run by individual U.S. Attorney’s offices. The campaign is specifically designed to raise awareness, and make it easier for victims all over the country to find resources and report harassment. To find the PSAs for the Eastern District of Michigan, click here.
More information about the Civil Rights Division and the civil rights laws it enforces is available at www.usdoj.gov/crt. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment in housing should call the Department at 1-844-380-6178, send an e-mail to [email protected], or contact HUD at 1-800-669-9777. If you have information or questions about any other housing discrimination, you can contact the Department at 1-800-896-7743.
Honduran National Sentenced to 24 Years in Prison for Kidnapping Woman in Kansas City, Missouri and Raping Her as They Traveled to New JerseyRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Honduran national was sentenced today to 288 months in prison for kidnapping his former girlfriend in Kansas City, Missouri, and raping her while they traveled to New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
José Amaya-Vasquez, 33, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Noel L. Hillman to Count One of an indictment, charging him with kidnapping, and Count Two, charging him with engaging in interstate domestic violence. Amaya-Vasquez previously pleaded guilty to Count Four which charged him with illegally re-entering the U.S. after having been deported. Judge Hillman imposed the sentence today in Camden federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Amaya-Vasquez is a citizen of Honduras. On Feb. 14, 2005, he attempted to enter the United States illegally in Texas, at which time the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) arrested him, gave him a Notice to Appear in Immigration Court and released him from custody. On July 13, 2005, he failed to appear as ordered, at which time an Immigration Judge entered an Order of Removal.
On June 7, 2014, the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department arrested Amaya-Vasquez and charged him with domestic assault after he threw a comb at the victim and pushed her into a table. The police turned the defendant over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which removed him from the United States on July 4, 2014.
On Sept. 9, 2014, CBP officers arrested Amaya-Vasquez after he illegally entered the United States from Mexico near Eagle Pass, Texas. On Sept. 16, 2014, the defendant pleaded guilty to a count of illegal entry before a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Western District of Texas and was sentenced to 30 days’ incarceration. On Oct. 22, 2014, ICE again removed the defendant from the United States and he was barred from re-entering the United States for 20 years. He admitted that he illegally re-entered the country in January 2015.
On May 23, 2015, Amaya-Vasquez met the victim in the parking lot of the Burlington Coat factory in Independence, Missouri. Amaya-Vasquez entered the victim’s vehicle, threatened her with a knife, duct-taped the victim and then took her and the victim’s 2-year old child to an abandoned house in Kansas City, where he sexually assaulted the victim at knifepoint.
From May 24, 2015, through May 25, 2015, Amaya-Vasquez took the victim and the child towards New York. He stopped at motels in Englewood, Ohio, and Bellmawr, New Jersey, and continued to rape the victim.
On May 26, 2015, officers from the Bellmawr Police Department, acting on information from the Kansas City Police Department, located the victim in the Bellmawr motel. Amaya-Vasquez escaped from the motel as the officers approached. Later that morning, officers from Bellmawr and Mt. Ephraim, New Jersey, arrested Amaya-Vasquez a short distance from the motel. Amaya-Vasquez has been in custody since his arrest.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Hillman sentenced Amaya to five years of supervised release, ordered him to pay $6,100 in restitution to the victim and ordered him to have no contact with the victim.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI’s South Jersey Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Harpster in Philadelphia, special agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), under Newark Field Office Director John Tsoukaris, and investigators with the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Mary Eva Colalillo, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. He also thanked the Kansas City Police Department and the Bellmawr Police Department for their assistance.
The government is represented by Senior Litigation Counsel Jason M. Richardson and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabriel J. Vidoni of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.
Defense counsel: Jose Luis Ongay Esq., Camden
Honduran Man Sentenced for Human SmugglingRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Emerson Isaac Hernandez-Turcios, 26, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 21 months in federal prison followed by one year of supervised release for conspiracy to transport illegal aliens within the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, and Thomas M. Annello, Acting Special Agent-In-Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans. Hernandez-Turcios was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
As a result of this felony conviction, Hernandez-Turcios, who had been living in the United States legally as a Legal Permanent Resident, will face Department of Homeland Security removal proceedings upon the completion of his prison sentence. Were he to unlawfully return to the United States during his period of supervised release, he could face additional penalties. Hernandez-Turcios was convicted after pleading guilty on January 5, 2018, before Judge Ozerden in Gulfport.
On November 5, 2017, a Honda CRV, driven by Hernandez-Turcios, was stopped by a Pearl River County Sheriff’s Deputy on Interstate-59 in Pearl River County, Mississippi, for speeding. While the Honda CRV was designed to seat five people, the deputy observed that, in addition to the driver, there were five unidentified passengers. The driver could not identify his passengers and the deputy could not communicate with the passengers due to a language barrier. Suspecting human smuggling, the deputy contacted the Department of Homeland Security and a special agent with Homeland Security Investigations was dispatched. A Mississippi Highway Patrol State Trooper also provided assistance.
Upon opening the Honda CRV’s cargo door, three additional passengers were found covered in the cargo area of the vehicle bringing the total number of occupants in the vehicle to nine including the driver. The vehicle occupants were taken to the Pearl River County Jail and, ultimately, all of the passengers were determined to be illegal aliens being smuggled within the United States.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department, and the Mississippi Highway Patrol. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris.
Guatemalan Man Pleads Guilty to Gun and Ammunition ChargesRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MISAEL BERNAL, age 33, a citizen of Guatemala, pled guilty yesterday to a one-count indictment for violating the Federal Gun Control Act.
According to court documents, officers of the New Orleans Police Department were dispatched to a residence after receiving a 911 call in reference to a man firing a gun into the air. Responding officers encountered BERNAL outside of his residence and observed several spent 9mm shell casings on the ground. After conducting an investigative frisk for officer safety, a box of 9mm ammunition was located in his right front pocket. While conducting the investigation, officers located a witness who indicated that BERNAL went back into his residence after firing the weapon. Officers applied for a search warrant on his residence which later yielded a 9mm semi-automatic handgun. BERNAL was arrested and federal agents later determined that he had been previously removed from the United States on April 30, 2013 and had no permission to reenter.
BERNAL faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a fine of $250,000, three years supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment. U.S. District Court Judge Eldon E. Fallon set sentencing for July 12, 2018.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.
Grand Jury Charges Pesticide Applicator for Applying Restricted-Use Pesticide to Residences in the U.S. Virgin IslandsRead the Press Release
Jose Rivera, 59, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for violating the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. According to the indictment, Rivera illegally applied fumigants containing methyl bromide in multiple residential locations in the U.S. Virgin Islands, including the condominium resort complex in St. John, where a family of four fell seriously ill in March 2015, announced Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey H. Wood of the Environment and Natural Resources Division and United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands.
The indictment alleges that Rivera knowingly applied restricted-use fumigants at the Sirenusa resort in St. John for the purpose of exterminating household pests on or about Oct. 20, 2014, and on or about March 18, 2015. The defendant was also charged with applying the restricted-use pesticide in eight residential units in St. Croix and one additional unit in St. Thomas between April 2013 and February 2015.
In 1984, EPA banned the indoor use of methyl bromide products. The few remaining uses are severely restricted. Pesticides containing methyl bromide in the U.S. are restricted-use due to their acute toxicity, meaning that they must only be applied by a certified applicator. Health effects of acute exposure to methyl bromide are serious and include central nervous system and respiratory system damage. Pesticides can be very toxic and it is critically important that they be used only as approved by EPA.
Earlier this year, TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX, USVI were sentenced to pay a total of $9.2 million in criminal fines and restitution. The companies were also ordered to perform community service following an investigation and guilty pleas to their use and application of illegal fumigants in multiple residential locations in the Virgin Islands.
The case was investigated by EPA Criminal Investigation Division, working cooperatively with the Virgins Islands government and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Senior Litigation Counsel Howard P. Stewart of the Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim L. Chisholm for the District of the Virgin Islands are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Patricia Hick, EPA Region II Regional Criminal Enforcement Counsel.
An indictment is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
For more information about EPA’s pesticide program and its requirements, visit www.epa.gov/pesticides/.
For more information on methyl bromide, visit www.epa.gov/region2/methyl-bromide.pdf.
Gary Man Sentenced to 63 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Dennis Wayne Stryjewski, 46 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced before Hammond District Court Judge Philip Simon on his plea of distributing heroin, announced U.S. U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Stryjewski was sentenced 63 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term.
According to documents in this case, On June 23, 2017, Stryjewski sold heroin from his residence located in Gary, Indiana.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Padilla.
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Former Major at Correctional Institution Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Falsifying Records to Obstruct Federal InvestigationRead the Press Release
PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Yesterday afternoon, Michael J. Baxter, 49, of Grand Ridge, Florida, was sentenced in the U.S. District Court in Panama City to 5 years in prison after being convicted on January 25 of falsifying records to obstruct a federal investigation. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
During the two-day trial, the government presented evidence that Baxter, while acting as a state correctional officer at the Apalachee Correctional Institution, knowingly falsified use-of-force and incident reports to obstruct an investigation into allegations of a violent assault on an inmate. The jury received evidence that, on July 12, 2015, the inmate was assaulted in Major Baxter’s office on the day the inmate was going to be married. Blood splatter from the inmate’s head was found on the floor of the office, and medical records confirmed significant damage to the inmate’s face and head. Afterwards, Major Baxter falsified his reports to obstruct the investigation into the assault.
United States Attorney Canova said: “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will vigorously prosecute those lawbreakers in positions of trust who abuse their authority to obstruct the pursuit of justice and attempt to mislead investigators with false information.”
“Law enforcement must be held to a higher standard,” said Charles P. Spencer, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division. “The FBI will use every resource available to assist our law enforcement partners in holding officers accountable for their actions.”
FDC Secretary Julie Jones said: “The actions of Mr. Baxter were unacceptable and are in no way a reflection of the thousands of correctional officers who work diligently every day to watch over our inmates. Protecting those in our custody is the Department’s chief priority, and we are committed to ensuring fair and appropriate treatment as they serve their time in the correctional system. We thank our law enforcement partners for their hard work throughout this process.”
“Obstructing the truth and knowingly falsifying records presents a clear danger to the lives of inmates and all those who work at the prison. FDLE takes such threats seriously and is committed to fully determining all the facts and ensuring that the truth provides for accountability,” said FDLE Pensacola Special Agent in Charge Jack Massey.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Florida Department of Corrections – Office of Inspector General, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Former Long Island Investment Adviser Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Stealing $3 Million from InvestorsRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, New York, Eric Erb, a former investment adviser and hedge fund manager, was sentenced by United States District Judge Arthur D. Spatt to 57 months’ imprisonment to be followed by 3 years’ supervised release. In August 2017, Erb pleaded guilty to wire fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud investors in a hedge fund and other investment vehicles that Erb managed from an office in Babylon, New York. As part of the sentence, Erb was ordered to pay $5.3 million in restitution to victims of his crime, a $5.3 million forfeiture judgment and to forfeit $215,000 in proceeds that he earned from the sale of his former residence in Bay Shore, New York.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the sentence.
“Erb blatantly lied to investors who entrusted him with their hard-earned retirement savings, stealing from them to finance his own lifestyle of country club dues, home renovations and private school tuition,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “This Office and our law enforcement partners are committed to holding accountable criminals like Erb who defraud the investing public.”
“Erb’s scheme had a devastating impact on his victims, leaving them to suffer financial losses directly and personal losses indirectly,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney. “The FBI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure this type of behavior ceases to exist.”
According to court filings and facts presented at the plea hearing, between approximately January 2016 and February 2017, Erb solicited approximately $5.4 million from investors under the promise that he would follow investors’ instructions when making various investments, including in Individual Retirement Accounts, annuities, real estate investment trusts, hedge funds and an initial public offering. The victims were led to believe that their investments with Erb were earning profits, when, in fact, they were suffering losses and their investments were financing the defendant’s lifestyle of home renovations, country club dues and private school tuition. When these investments began to fail, Erb emailed investors false earnings statements showing that their investments were earning profits when, in fact, they were generating losses; made wire transfers between banks in Long Island and Florida to fund investments that investors did not authorize him to make; and falsified payee information on checks that investors wrote to fund investments so that Erb could use investors’ monies to benefit himself and his companies. During his plea allocution, Erb admitted to stealing approximately $3 million from 38 investors.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Bradley T. King and Madeline M. O’Connor are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
ERIC ERB
Age: 40
Residence: Levittown, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 17-CR-413 (ADS)