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21 May 2018
Inland Empire Man who Impersonated ICE Agent and Possessed Destructive Devices Sentenced to Two Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – An Inland Empire man who impersonated an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent and who possessed multiple destructive devices was sentenced today to 24 months in federal prison.
Matthew Ryan Johnston, 26 of Fontana, was sentenced by United States District Judge Percy Anderson for possession of an unregistered destructive device.
Throughout 2017, Johnston used fake ICE badges and uniforms to falsely represent himself as an ICE agent to unsuspecting members of the public. On one occasion, Johnston used unauthorized red and blue police lights to chase another car, causing a traffic collision. In another incident, Johnston’s ex-girlfriend accidentally activated the red and blue police lights in Johnston’s car. When she was pulled over by a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department (SBSD) detective, Johnston spoke on the phone to the SBSD detective at the scene and pretended to be an ICE agent. Johnston further impersonated an ICE agent when he took a report from an individual about a potential undocumented person. Johnston also falsely identified himself as an ICE agent during several visits to the Déjà Vu Showgirls club in the City of Industry.
In October 2017, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Johnston’s residence, where they recovered a cache of weapons, illegal destructive devices, approximately 10,000 rounds of ammunition, a fake ICE identification card, body armor carriers with “ICE” and “Federal Agent” patches affixed to them, and red and blue police emergency lights.
Among the destructive devices recovered was a home-made, “slam-fire” device designed to shoot 12-gauge shotgun shells, as well as an AR-15-style .223-caliber rifle equipped with a 37-mm flare launcher. Using geo-coordinates from Johnston’s cell phone, federal agents subsequently searched open desert land, and discovered five unexploded or partially exploded improvised explosive devices (IEDs), an expended smoke grenade, an exploded container of a binary explosive, and the remnants of an exploded pipe bomb.
This case was investigated by ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility; ICE’s Homeland Security Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and the Bureau of Land Management.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Roger Hsieh and Julia Choe of the General Crimes Section.
ISIS Supporter Pleads Guilty to Terrorism Charges in MassachusettsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Adams man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Springfield in connection with a plot to engage in terrorist activity inspired by, and in the name of, ISIS.
Alexander Ciccolo, a/k/a Ali Al Amriki, 25, pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, one count of attempting to use weapons of mass destruction, one count of being a convicted person in possession of firearms, and one count of assaulting a nurse during a jail intake process by use of a deadly weapon causing bodily injury. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni accepted the plea and scheduled sentencing for Sept. 5, 2018. Ciccolo has been detained since his arrest in July 2015.
“Even though he was born and raised in Massachusetts, Alexander Ciccolo swore allegiance to ISIS and planned to kill innocent civilians in the United States on ISIS’s behalf,” said United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling. “Fortunately, someone who knew Ciccolo alerted law enforcement, and we were able to stop Ciccolo before he tried to kill anyone. There are a few lessons here: the threat of “homegrown” radicalization and terror continues, and we are safest when we work together to spot and contain these threats. I applaud the outstanding work of the Joint Terrorism Task Force and other law enforcement agencies that investigated and ultimately stopped Ciccolo, and the prosecutors who brought this case to conviction.”
“Homegrown violent extremists pose a serious danger to innocent Americans,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “Not only did Ciccolo admit to supporting ISIS, but he also collected weapons and explosives in order to further its goal: the murder of Americans. Thanks to the hard work and collaboration of all involved, his plans were thwarted. Today’s successful outcome is proof that we will not waver in our commitment to hold accountable those who break our laws and put American lives at risk.”
“Mr. Ciccolo is finally accepting responsibility for concocting an elaborate and frightening plot to engage in terrorism on behalf of ISIS,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office.” Any material support of a terrorist organization threatens our national security, and had Mr. Ciccolo's efforts to advance his agenda not been thwarted by the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force, countless lives could have been lost in a lethal terrorist attack. This case is a testament to the tireless efforts of the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force which remains committed to detecting, thwarting, and bringing to justice individuals like Mr. Ciccolo who seek to provide material support to and fight on behalf of designated foreign terrorist organizations.”
On July 4, 2015, Ciccolo received four firearms which he had ordered from a person who was cooperating with law enforcement, and who had been communicating with Ciccolo about his plans to engage in a terrorist act. Ciccolo was arrested immediately after receiving the firearms, which included a Colt AR-15 .223 caliber rifle, a SigArms Model SG550-1 556 rifle, a Glock 17-9 mm pistol, and a Glock 20-10 mm pistol. Ciccolo had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by more than a year in jail and therefore was prohibited from possessing firearms.
Ciccolo, a supporter of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL or ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization, had spoken with a cooperating witness in recorded conversations about his plans to commit acts of terrorism inspired by ISIS, including setting off improvised explosive devices, such as pressure cookers filled with black powder, nails, ball bearings and glass, in places where large numbers of people congregate, like college cafeterias. Prior to his arrest, agents had observed Ciccolo purchase a pressure cooker similar to that used in the Boston Marathon bombings.
During a search of Ciccolo’s apartment after he was arrested, several partially constructed “Molotov cocktails” were recovered. These incendiary devices contained what appeared to be shredded Styrofoam soaking in motor oil. Ciccolo had previously stated that this mixture would cause the fire from the exploded devices to stick to people’s skin and make it harder to put the fire out.
Shortly after his arrest, while he was being processed at the Franklin County Correctional Center, Ciccolo stabbed a nurse with a pen more than 10 times, leaving a bloody gash on the top of the nurse’s head.
The charge of attempted provision of material support to a foreign terrorist organization provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. The charge of being a prohibited person in possession of firearms provides a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of assault with a dangerous weapon causing bodily injury provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Ciccolo and the United States have agreed to a sentence of 20 year in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Lelling; Assistant Attorney General Demers; and FBI SAC Shaw made the announcement today. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Springfield, Ludlow, Holyoke, West Springfield, Easthampton, and Pittsfield Police Departments; the Massachusetts State Police, and Homeland Security Investigations, with critical assistance from the Adams Police Department and the Massachusetts State Regional Hazardous Materials Response Team.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Deepika Bains Shukla and Kevin O’Regan of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office and Trial Attorney Andrew Sigler of the Justice Department’s National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.
IAH Baggage Handler Admits to Stealing Police Officers’ GunsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 22-year-old Houston resident has pleaded guilty to stealing guns that belonged to three police officers who were traveling out of George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Mack Stewart, 22, entered a plea of guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan.
On Oct. 4, 2017, three officers with the Bellevue, Washington, Police Department had flown from Houston to Seattle on United Airlines. Upon their arrival back in Washington, they noticed and reported their service weapons had been stolen.
Approximately one month later, authorities had pulled Stewart over for a traffic violation, at which time he was found in possession of one of the three stolen guns. Stewart later admitted he stole the guns while he was as a contract employee working at Bush Airport as a baggage handler.
Chief U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal will impose sentencing on Sept. 11, 2018. At that time, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, FBI and the Houston Police Department are conducting the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Brown IV is prosecuting the case.
Honduran Drug Kingpin Sentenced to Life in PrisonRead the Press Release
Honduran national Sergio Neftali Mejia-Duarte was sentenced today to life in prison for his involvement in a large-scale international narcotics transportation organization.
U.S. Attorney Benjamin G. Greenberg for the Southern District of Florida; Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; and Special Agent in Charge Adolphus P. Wright of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Miami Field Division, made the announcement.
On January 9, 2018, a Miami jury found Mejia-Duarte, 41, guilty of conspiring to distribute over five kilograms of cocaine with the knowledge that the cocaine would be unlawfully imported into the United States. The evidence at trial, which included the testimony of multiple co-conspirators and pictures from a seizure of over 2,000 kilograms of cocaine, showed that defendant Mejia-Duarte led a large-scale international narcotics transportation organization based in Honduras and Guatemala that was part of a distribution chain spanning from Colombia to Mexico and the United States. In that role, Mejia-Duarte and his workers secretly received multi-hundred kilogram quantities of cocaine from Colombia and Panama, temporarily stored the narcotics in Honduras or Guatemala, and then transported the narcotics onward, typically northward, including into Mexico.
Mejia-Duarte used go-fast boats, helicopters, and airplanes to operate his shipping route and, as witnesses detailed at trial, much of the cocaine was supplied to the Sinaloa Cartel led by Joaquin Guzman Loera, also known as “Chapo,” and Ismael Zambada, also known as “Mayo.” Based on the witnesses’ trial testimony and documents submitted in the case, Mejia-Duarte is responsible for trafficking at least an estimated 20,000 kilograms of cocaine. In operating his criminal network, the witnesses described how Mejia-Duarte carried guns, employed bodyguards and assassins, and engaged in a bloody war with a rival trafficker. During Mejia-Duarte’s arrest, Honduran law enforcement officers found a Glock pistol and an automatic rifle in the closet of the bedroom where he was residing.
“The life sentence imposed upon Mejia-Duarte ends the reign of a ruthless drug trafficker,” said U.S. Attorney Greenberg. “Backed by the united front of our international allies, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida will continue to strip the drug traffickers of their power and dismantle the trafficking organizations that cross our borders and infect our communities with illicit narcotics.”
“Until his arrest, Sergio Neftali Mejia-Duarte was a violent and prolific drug trafficker whose criminal organization supplied cocaine to the Sinaloa Cartel, knowing full well that the poison would make its way to our streets,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Cronan. “Today’s sentence reflects the unwavering commitment of the Department of Justice to prosecute those who fuel our drug crisis by sending illegal narcotics across our borders. I especially thank our law enforcement partners in Honduras and Colombia for their assistance in bringing Mejia-Duarte to justice.”
“The DEA Miami Field Division is very pleased with the deserving sentence given to Mejia-Duarte today,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Wright. “This adjudication is evidence of the strong partnership with our international law enforcement partners who also sacrifice much to strike down and bring to justice all those who willingly engage in dangerous and criminal acts against the United States which threatens the welfare of its citizens.”
The prosecution was part of Operation Hollow Point, which is a result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The OCDETF mission is to identify, investigate, and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking enterprises, bringing together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state, and local law enforcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Walter M. Norkin and Joseph Schuster of the Southern District of Florida and Assistant Deputy Chief Michael Lang of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section (NDDS) prosecuted this case.
The governments of Honduras and Colombia, the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs and DEA Division Offices in Honduras and Colombia assisted in obtaining the conviction against Mejia-Duarte.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Honduran Drug Kingpin Sentenced to Life in PrisonRead the Press Release
Honduran national Sergio Neftali Mejia-Duarte was sentenced today to life in prison for his involvement in a large-scale international narcotics transportation organization.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Benjamin G. Greenberg for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Adolphus P. Wright of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Miami Field Division, made the announcement.
On Jan. 9, a Miami jury found Mejia-Duarte, 41, guilty of conspiring to distribute over five kilograms of cocaine with the knowledge that the cocaine would be unlawfully imported into the United States. The evidence at trial, which included the testimony of multiple co-conspirators and pictures from a seizure of over 2,000 kilograms of cocaine, showed that defendant Mejia-Duarte led a large-scale international narcotics transportation organization based in Honduras and Guatemala that was part of a distribution chain spanning from Colombia to Mexico and the United States. In that role, Mejia-Duarte and his workers secretly received multi-hundred kilogram quantities of cocaine from Colombia and Panama, temporarily stored the narcotics in Honduras or Guatemala, and then transported the narcotics onward, typically northward, including into Mexico.
Mejia-Duarte used go-fast boats, helicopters, and airplanes to operate his shipping route and, as witnesses detailed at trial, much of the cocaine was supplied to the Sinaloa Cartel led by Joaquin Guzman Loera, also known as “Chapo,” and Ismael Zambada, also known as “Mayo.” Based on the witnesses’ trial testimony and documents submitted in the case, Mejia-Duarte is responsible for trafficking at least an estimated 20,000 kilograms of cocaine. In operating his criminal network, the witnesses described how Mejia-Duarte carried guns, employed bodyguards and assassins, and engaged in a bloody war with a rival trafficker. During Mejia-Duarte’s arrest, Honduran law enforcement officers found a Glock pistol and an automatic rifle in the closet of the bedroom where he was residing.
“Until his arrest, Sergio Neftali Mejia-Duarte was a violent and prolific drug trafficker whose criminal organization supplied cocaine to the Sinaloa Cartel, knowing full well that the poison would make its way to our streets,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Cronan. “Today’s sentence reflects the unwavering commitment of the Department of Justice to prosecute those who fuel our drug crisis by sending illegal narcotics across our borders. I especially thank our law enforcement partners in Honduras and Colombia for their assistance in bringing Mejia-Duarte to justice.”
“The life sentence imposed upon Mejia-Duarte ends the reign of a ruthless drug trafficker,” said U.S. Attorney Greenberg. “Backed by the united front of our international allies, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida will continue to strip the drug traffickers of their power and dismantle the trafficking organizations that cross our borders and infect our communities with illicit narcotics.”
“The DEA Miami Field Division is very pleased with the deserving sentence given to Mejia-Duarte today,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Wright. “This adjudication is evidence of the strong partnership with our international law enforcement partners who also sacrifice much to strike down and bring to justice all those who willingly engage in dangerous and criminal acts against the United States which threatens the welfare of its citizens.”
The prosecution was part of Operation Hollow Point, which is a result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The OCDETF mission is to identify, investigate, and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking enterprises, bringing together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state, and local law enforcement.
Assistant Deputy Chief Michael Lang of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section (NDDS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Walter M. Norkin and Joseph Schuster of the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.
The governments of Honduras and Colombia, the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs and DEA Division Offices in Honduras and Colombia assisted in obtaining the conviction against Mejia-Duarte.
Heroin Dealer Responsible for Overdose Death Sentenced to 23 YearsRead the Press Release
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Darius Jermaine Blakemore, a/k/a Tank, 29, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, was sentenced by the Honorable Harry S. Mattice, Jr., United States District Judge, to serve 23 years in prison for his role in a heroin distribution conspiracy resulting in death. Upon his release from prison, Blakemore will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.
Blakemore pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin resulting in death, distribution of heroin resulting in death, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute crack, and possession with intent to distribute heroin. His guilty plea was entered on the second day of his trial for the same offenses.
According to his plea agreement on file with U.S. District Court and proof presented at his trial, in February 2016 Blakemore sold a gram of heroin to Jessica Rachels in the parking lot of a McDonald’s in Chattanooga. After Rachels arrived at the McDonald’s parking lot, Blakemore gave the heroin to one of his runners, Joshua Corbett, who delivered the heroin to Rachels. Rachels gave a portion of the heroin she received from Corbett to Logan Whiteaker, 24, of Red Bank, Tennessee, who drove her to purchase the drugs. A family member found Whiteaker dead the next morning on the bathroom floor of his Red Bank residence with a hypodermic needle clutched in his hand. A container on the bathroom counter had .64 grams of heroin inside. Whiteaker had graduated from Hamilton County Drug Court less than 24 hours prior to his death.
Rachels and Corbett were also charged with distribution of heroin resulting in death. Like Blakemore, both pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin resulting in death and were each sentenced to serve 10 years in prison. Upon their release, they will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.
“Heroin has proven to be a deadly poison that does not discriminate,” said J. Douglas Overbey, U.S. Attorney, Eastern District of Tennessee. “Its victims span gender, race, age, and economic background, and its debilitating effects are the same across all demographics. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heroin deaths have now surpassed gun homicides. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will not stand idle as the death toll continues to rise. We will use all of the tools available to us to hold drug dealers like Blakemore accountable for their actions,” added U.S. Attorney Overbey.
Federal law provides enhanced penalties for drug dealers who distribute controlled substances that lead to overdose deaths, including a 20-year mandatory minimum sentence.
”The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and their Task Force partners from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Red Bank Police Department, Chattanooga Police Department, and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation will investigate and pursue overdose deaths in Southeast Tennessee to the fullest extent of the law. The sentencing of Darius Blakemore stands as an example of this coalition’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable elements of our community from the persistent threat of heroin,” said John McGarry, Resident Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, Chattanooga.
Law enforcement agencies participating in the joint investigation that led to the charges in this case include the Drug Enforcement Administration, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Chattanooga Police Department, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Tennessee Highway Patrol, and Red Bank Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Porter and Scott Winne represented the United States in court proceedings.
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Getaway Driver for Opioid Bandits in Brooklyn Sentenced to 10 Years’ ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Jeff Roselien was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment by Chief United States District Judge Dora L. Irizarry for his role in four gunpoint robberies of pharmacies. Roselien had previously pleaded guilty on November 15, 2017 to Hobbs Act robbery conspiracy and brandishing a firearm during the conspiracy. On August 4, 2017, co-conspirator Wensley Paul was sentenced to 108 months’ imprisonment; on January 25, 2018, Gregory St. Juste was sentenced to 100 months’ imprisonment; and on April 12, 2018, Max Narcisse, Jr. was sentenced to 117 months’ imprisonment following their guilty pleas to the same charges.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the sentences and guilty pleas.
“In a matter of weeks, the defendants committed numerous gunpoint robberies of pharmacies in Brooklyn, terrorizing the employees and stealing powerful opioids to resell them on the street,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “The defendants have now been held accountable for contributing to the deadly opioid epidemic and endangering the community. This Office, together with our law enforcement partners, will continue to vigorously prosecute those who seek to profit from this epidemic.” Mr. Donoghue thanked the Special Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and New York City Police Department Detectives assigned to the ATF Joint Robbery Task Force for their outstanding work on the case.
According to court filings and statements, in August and September 2016, the defendants and their co-conspirators conducted a series of gunpoint robberies of pharmacies in Brooklyn. On August 16, 2016, two co-conspirators entered the Mill Basin Pharmacy on Avenue T. While inside, the perpetrators held the store employees, one of whom was pregnant, at gunpoint in a back room. The robbers made off with over $4,000 in prescription pills and merchandise and escaped in a car driven by Roselien. On September 8, 2016, St. Juste and a co-conspirator entered This Way Pharmacy on Quintin Road. Inside the store, the robbers brandished a firearm, stole oxycodone pills and cash and fled in a getaway car driven by Roselien. On September 13, 2016, St. Juste and two co-conspirators entered the Living Word Pharmacy located on Utica Avenue. The robbers made off with oxycodone pills, employees’ cell phones and cash, and left in a getaway car driven by Roselien.
On September 26, 2016, St. Juste, Paul and Naricisse robbed the Mill Park Pharmacy on Avenue U. Upon entering the pharmacy, St. Juste pulled out a firearm and forced a store clerk to go behind a counter, demanding to know where the “oxy” was and threatening to shoot the clerk. The three men fled in a car driven by Roselien. Shortly after the perpetrators left the scene, NYPD officers recognized Roselien’s car from the prior robberies and pulled it over, arresting the four defendants. Upon searching the car, officers recovered a loaded, stolen .45 caliber pistol, as well as cash and the stolen merchandise.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section. Assistant United States Attorney Keith D. Edelman is in charge of the prosecution.
Defendant Sentenced Today:
JEFF ROSELIEN
Age: 31
Brooklyn, New YorkDefendants Previously Sentenced:
MAX NARICSSE, JR.
Age: 25
Brooklyn, New YorkGREGORY ST. JUSTE
Age: 21
Brooklyn, New YorkWENSLEY PAUL
Age: 25
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 16-CR-554 (DLI)
Franklin, Tennessee Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges in Natchez Trace Hit & RunRead the Press Release
Marshall Neely III, 59, of Franklin, Tennessee, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to reckless aggravated assault; lying to a federal agent; and obstruction of justice, announced U.S. Attorney Don Cochran for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Neely was indicted on July 28, 2017, after he struck and injured a bicyclist with his vehicle while driving on the Natchez Trace Parkway on July 8, 2017. After striking the bicyclist, Neely failed to stop and left the scene.
According to court documents, on the morning of July 8, 2017, two individuals were riding their bicycles on the Natchez Trace Parkway when one was struck from behind by a black Volvo SUV. The impact knocked the rider to the ground and destroyed the bicycle. The bicyclist sustained injuries and was transported to Williamson County Medical Center by ambulance. The other bicyclist had a helmet-mounted camera which recorded the collision, as well as the Volvo driving away from the scene. The video of this incident was later posted online and contained a visible license plate and other decals which subsequently led to the identification of the vehicle and its driver, Marshall Neely III.
That same evening, law enforcement officers arrived at Neely’s house and found him unconscious on the floor. Neely later admitted that he had been driving on the Natchez Trace Parkway earlier in the day and claimed someone threw a bicycle at his car. He also admitted that after seeing the video posted online, he removed the decals from the rear window of his car because he knew the decals would lead to his identification.
According to the plea agreement, Neely agrees to accept a term of imprisonment of 10 months, to be followed by 3 years supervised release, when he is sentenced on August 17, 2018. The agreement also calls for Neely to pay $1,210.00 in restitution to the victim.
This case was investigated by the National Park Service and the Williamson County Sheriff’s Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Beth Myers.
Former high school assistant coach from Toledo sentenced to more than seven years in prison for child pornography crimesRead the Press Release
A former high school football assistant coach from Toledo was sentenced to more than seven years in prison for receiving and sharing images of child pornography.
Russell Smith, 51, was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison. He previously pleaded guilty to one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography.
“These are cases with real victims, children whose lives will be forever changed because adults assaulted and violated them,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “We will continue to work to prosecute those who re-victimize these children by sharing and downloading these images.”
Smith received numerous images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This took place between at least March 15 and August 10, 2017. He also possessed more than 20 computer files and images of children, some as young as eight years old, being sexually abused and/or raped, according to court documents.
Smith also had at least six Skype accounts where he pretended to be a young teen girl while messaging men all over the world about sex, according to court documents.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Sylvania Police Department. It is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Ballard Tangeman.
Former Investment Adviser Sentenced to Prison for $6 Million FraudRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A former investment adviser in Chesapeake was sentenced today to 12 1/2 years in prison for orchestrating an investment scheme that caused his clients to lose over $6 million.
According to court documents, Roger Odell Hudspeth, II, 49, was an investment adviser and sole owner of Dominion Investment Advisors, LLC. Hudspeth, along with other associates, sold fraudulent, unregistered securities to his clients. Hudspeth performed inadequate due diligence into the fraudulent investment offerings and concealed that the offerings were created, offered, and controlled by his associate, who previously had been banned by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) for fraudulent activities.
As part of the scheme, Hudspeth and others held social security maximization seminars to obtain clients who were often in or near retirement. Hudspeth steered investors to investment offerings that were highly speculative, illiquid, and high risk by making material misrepresentations and omissions. Hudspeth’s clients lost over $6 million as a result of the securities fraud scheme, and Hudspeth received over $700,000 in ill-gotten gains, including $20,000 that he used to put a down payment on a Range Rover.
In early 2016, the Virginia State Corporation Commission entered a judgment order against Hudspeth revoking his licenses, permanently closing Dominion Investment Advisors, LLC, and prohibiting Hudspeth from engaging in any investment advisory activities in the future.
Tracy Doherty-McCormick, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Martin Culbreth, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, Kelly R. Jackson, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Washington, D.C. Field Office, IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and Joseph Cronin, Acting Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert G. Doumar. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melissa E. O’Boyle and Elizabeth M. Yusi prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:17-cr-122.
- Former Insider Convicted of Defrauding Baton Rouge Company
Former Hamden Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Steroid Distribution ChargeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRYAN KELLY, 46, of East Haven, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of possession with intent to distribute anabolic steroids.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in December 2017, the Statewide Narcotics Task Force West conducted a court-authorized search of an individual’s residence in Hamden and seized approximately 25,000 pills and 530 vials of anabolic steroids. Subsequent analysis of the individual’s cell phone revealed numerous text messages relating to KELLY’s purchase and redistribution of steroids. At the time of the search, KELLY was a police officer with the Hamden Police Department.
The investigation revealed that KELLY purchased steroids from his source of supply since approximately October 2016. He personally used some of the steroids and distributed some to friends and colleagues.
The offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $500,000. A sentencing date is not scheduled.
KELLY is released on a promise to appear pending sentencing. He has retired from the Hamden Police Department.
This matter is being investigated by the Connecticut State Police, Statewide Narcotics Task Force West, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah P. Karwan with the assistance of the State’s Attorney for the New Haven Judicial District.
Former Fresno Bank Manager Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Bank Fraud and EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. —Sylvia Ochoa, 35, of Selma, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd to 18 months in prison for embezzlement from a financial institution, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, Ochoa was the branch manager at the Bank of America’s Fresno branch at 4445 E. Tulare Street. On multiple occasions between March 2013 and October 2013, Ochoa prevented other bank employees from counting the cash in the vault located in the branch. She would then enter the vault after the branch was closed and remove cash to spend on personal expenses. Ochoa also made fraudulent counter credits and transfers into accounts over which she had control, including two accounts she opened in the name of her boyfriend. The money was then spent on personal expenses and items, including a truck, casino gambling, and expensive handbags. Ochoa embezzled at least $165,850 from Bank of America during this time.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael G. Tierney prosecuted the case.
Former Construction Manager Pleads Guilty to Embezzling More than $3.4 MillionRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 42-year-old Houston man has admitted to wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering to steal millions from Dallas company The Beck Group, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Moses Said was a former construction manager for the Beck Group and was in charge of the Le Meridien Hotel Project in downtown Houston from 2016 to 2017. False invoices were submitted to the Beck Group for payment for construction products that were not provided and construction services that were not performed. In his role as construction manager, Said approved and submitted the false invoices for payment.
Once the monies were received, Said and his co-conspirators took steps to conceal and disguise the nature and source of the unlawful fraud proceeds.
Sentencing has been set for Sept. 17, 2018, before U.S. District Judge Vanessa Gilmore, at which time Said faces up to 20 years in prison.
He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Vernon Lewis is prosecuting the case.
Former Brinks Employee Convicted of Armed Robbery and Conspiracy to Rob Armored TrucksRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: On Thursday, May 17, 2018, following a four-day trial before U.S. District Judge Lisa Godbey Wood, a federal jury convicted Savannah residents Joshua Scott, 22, and Victor Natson, 27, of conspiring to interfere with interstate commerce by robbing armored trucks. Natson was also convicted of aiding and abetting robbery, attempted robbery, and the discharge and brandishing of firearms during crimes of violence. Scott was convicted of robbery and firearm brandishing charges.
According to the evidence presented at trial, during the summer of 2016, Natson recruited a multi-convicted felon and gang member, Gregory Lamar Plair, 33, to rob armored trucks operated by Brinks, Inc. in Savannah. After Natson encouraged Plair to commit the robberies with a firearm, Plair sought the assistance of his first cousin, Scott, who Plair knew had access to stolen firearms. At the time that the defendants hatched their plan, Natson had worked for Brinks as a truck driver for nearly two years. In furtherance of the conspiracy, Natson provided Scott and Plair with information about Brinks’ routes, personnel, and procedures. On October 14, 2016, Natson drove the robbers to the intersection of White Bluff Road and Tibet Avenue so that they could rob Brinks employees servicing a SunTrust ATM near that location. During the robbery, approximately $35,000 was stolen, and a semiautomatic pistol was discharged. Natson received a share of the money and drove the getaway car. On January 30, 2017, Scott and Plair attempted to rob a Brinks armored truck parked at a storage facility near the intersection of Abercorn Street and the Truman Parkway. Minutes before Scott and Plair approached the truck with two loaded guns drawn, Natson sent a text message to Plair instructing him to “look for the truck with old white guy in it,” referring to the 71-year-old Brinks driver who Natson had set up to be robbed. When Scott and Plair accosted the driver, another Brinks employee shot at and wounded both of the would-be robbers. Plair drove himself to St. Joseph’s Hospital for treatment; Scott was transported to Memorial Medical Center by ambulance. Both men were arrested shortly thereafter. A federal grand jury indicted Natson in June 2017 for his role in conspiring with and aiding and abetting Scott and Plair.
In August 2017, Plair pled guilty to federal robbery, attempted robbery, and firearm brandishing charges. Only Natson and Scott proceeded to trial. All three defendants are awaiting sentencing.
On the conspiracy, robbery, attempted robbery, and aiding-and-abetting charges, the defendants face terms of imprisonment of up to 20 years, fines of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. Scott and Plair also face at least seven years in prison for brandishing firearms during the January 2017 attempted robbery. For aiding and abetting the discharge and brandishing of firearms, Natson will be sentenced to not less than 35 years in prison, which must be served consecutively to any other sentence. Under federal law, each of the firearms offenses can be punished by life imprisonment, and parole has been abolished in the federal system.
United States Attorney Bobby L. Christine stated, “With inside information from Victor Natson, Joshua Scott and Gregory Plair thought armored cars easy targets. Because of their criminal acts Scott and Plair were both shot, and now will serve lengthy prison sentences. Victor Natson will go to prison for decades. The prosecution of these three predators should put all criminals on notice that the United States Attorney’s Office will ensure those who perpetrate violence will serve hard time.”
“The brazen nature of these armed robberies created extraordinarily dangerous situations, putting the lives of the victims, innocent bystanders, and the robbers own lives at risk,” said David J. LeValley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Because of the hard work of the FBI and its law enforcement partners, each of these suspects will serve lengthy prison sentences and will no longer be a threat to our hard working and innocent citizens.”
Mark Revenew, Interim Chief of the Savannah Police Department, said, “This prosecution and conviction portray the importance of our partnership with our federal law enforcement counterparts in eradicating dangerous individuals from our community.”
The investigation of Natson, Scott, and Plair’s crimes was led by FBI Southeast GA Violent Crimes Task Force and the former Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department. Various law enforcement agencies, including the Georgia Southern University Police Department Cyber Forensics Division, FBI Southeast Georgia Violent Crimes Task Force, FBI Cellular Analysis and Survey Team, U.S. Marshals Service, Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Division of Forensic Sciences, provided assistance.
Assistant United States Attorneys E. Greg Gilluly, Jr., and Theodore S. Hertzberg prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. For additional information, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422.
Flowood Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. - Micah Daniel McCree, 19, of Flowood, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan, III, to 24 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
On July 25, 2017, while seeking to arrest McCree on an outstanding warrant for armed robbery out of Lee County, Mississippi, members of the U.S. Marshals Service Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force encountered McCree at the New Way Halfway House in Jackson, Mississippi, sleeping on a bed. McCree was taken out of the bed and asked to verify his identity. After verifying his identity, McCree informed officers that there was a pistol under the mattress. Officers located a 9mm caliber pistol between the mattress and box spring of the bed where McCree had been sleeping. The pistol was loaded with ammunition in the magazine and a round in the chamber. Marshals also found a plastic bag with several loose rounds of 9mm ammunition alongside the pistol.
McCree was previously convicted in the Circuit Court of Rankin County for of Receiving Stolen Property and Burglary of a Commercial Building. He was sentenced to five years imprisonment with three years suspended for the felony offense of Receiving Stolen Property; and to seven years imprisonment with five years suspended and five years supervised probation for the felony offense of Burglary of a Commercial Building. McCree was on probation for this offense at the time of his arrest.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Keesha D. Middleton.
Florida Woman Sentenced for Lying About Former Husband’s Whereabouts During Fugitive InvestigationRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The ex-wife of a man who was a fugitive for 20 years until his arrest in April 2017, was sentenced today to probation for lying about the whereabouts of her former spouse.
Cecily Sturge, 70, of Delray Beach, Fla., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Patti B. Saris to one year of probation during which time she must complete four hours per week of community service and pay a fine of $1,000. In January 2018, Sturge pleaded guilty to making a materially false statement to a federal agent about the whereabouts of her ex-husband, Scott J. Wolas, who was a fugitive for 20 years in connection with a New York investment scheme until his arrest in April 2017. Wolas, who is charged with operating a fraudulent $1.7 million real estate investment scheme in Quincy, remains in custody while his case is pending.
According to court documents, a federal investigation into Wolas began in early September 2016 when Wolas fled Massachusetts after defrauding at least 19 investors of about $1.7 million in connection with his purported efforts to develop two Quincy properties, including the site of the former Beachcomber Bar. Sturge was interviewed by law enforcement on Nov. 17, 2016, at which time she stated that she had not been in contact with her ex-husband for approximately 15 years. Sturge continued to say that this was so, despite evidence of contact between her cell phone and one known to belong to Wolas that demonstrated more recent communication between the two.
Wolas was arrested on April 7, 2017, at a condominium he was renting in Delray Beach, Fla. Investigators learned that Wolas had first rented a room in the condo from Nov. 12 through Nov. 21, 2016, through an online rental website account in the name of Cecily Sturge. Messages exchanged between the condo owner and Sturge included a photo of Sturge and messages claiming that Wolas (using the name Cameron Sturge) was Sturge’s brother and a retired paleontologist in need of a place to stay. The owner of the condo told authorities that Sturge and Wolas arrived at the condo together in the same car on Nov. 12, 2016, five days before Sturge’s interview with law enforcement.
Sturge was divorced from Wolas in 2001 by default judgment in Palm Beach County, Fla. In February 2017, Sturge filed a petition to modify the judgment in order to obtain the contents of Wolas’ retirement account, which had a balance of approximately $647,000, from the New York law firm where he worked prior to being indicted in 1997 by New York authorities. In pleadings filed in February and March 2017 in that matter, Sturge swore that Wolas’ whereabouts were unknown to her, despite telephone records showing frequent contact between the two. Bank surveillance photos also showed the two of them together at a Florida bank where some of the pleadings were notarized. In addition, copies or drafts of documents filed in the Florida proceeding were found in the room and on a USB drive taken from the room where Wolas was arrested. The United States has obtained a court order freezing the retirement account until the resolution of the criminal proceedings.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; and Quincy Police Chief Paul Keenan made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra S. Bower of Lelling’s Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
Wolas is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Florida Truck Driver Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Neal Braden, age 61, of Kissimmee, Florida, pled guilty today to one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Janelle M. Miller, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Braden, who remains in custody pending his sentencing on September 28, 2018, faces a minimum sentence of 5 years of imprisonment and up to 20 years of imprisonment on the distribution count and up to 10 years of imprisonment on the possession count. Sentences of imprisonment may be concurrent or consecutive at the discretion of the Court. The Court will also impose a term of supervised release of between five (5) years and life, and Braden will be required to register as a sex offender.
As part of his guilty plea, Braden admitted that he downloaded videos of child pornography over the internet and that he possessed those videos on his laptop computer in his commercial truck when he was stopped by the New York State Police for failing to have the appropriate Highway Use Tax documentation displayed on his vehicle. A search of Braden’s laptop computer revealed that he possessed 19 videos depicting child pornography. Braden also pled guilty to an indictment pending in the Western District of Missouri that charged him with possessing child pornography in 2015.
This case was investigated by the New York State Police-Troop D, the Morgan County (Missouri) Sheriff's Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albany and Kansas City Field Offices. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey J. L. Brown (NDNY) and Ashley Turner (WDMO).
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.
Federal Jury Convicts Two Former Allegheny County Men on All Charges Related to Armed Robbery Spree and ShootingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – After deliberating less than one-half hour, a federal jury found Kahlil Shelton guilty of five counts of violating federal narcotics, robbery, and firearm laws and Deron Howell guilty of eight counts of violating federal narcotics, robbery, and firearm laws.
Shelton, age 23, formerly of Duquesne, Pennsylvania, and Howell, age 25, formerly of Swissvale, Pennsylvania, were tried before United States District Court Judge Billy Roy Wilson in Pittsburgh.
According to Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy Lanni and Jeffrey Bengel, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that on August 7, 2017, Howell and Shelton robbed two individuals of marijuana in a residential neighborhood in Cranberry, Pennsylvania, while using firearms. Howell and Shelton organized this robbery by telling the victim that they wanted to purchase approximately six pounds of marijuana. Howell, Shelton, and a third unknown accomplice then travelled to the victim’s house in Cranberry. Upon arrival, Shelton excused himself to go to the bathroom and returned from the bathroom holding a firearm that he pressed to the heads of both of the victims. At this time, Howell stole the marijuana from one of the victims. The second victim struggled with Shelton before attempting to flee from the house. Before the second victim could flee from the house, the third unknown accomplice shot the victim through the chest, but he survived.
Additionally, on July 27, 2017, Deron Howell, and two unidentified accomplices used firearms to rob four professional video game players of $6,700 dollars to be used at a video game tournament. Howell accomplished the robbery by picking up the four victims at the Pittsburgh International Airport in his silver Kia Optimum and driving them to the Lincoln-Lemington neighborhood of the City of Pittsburgh. After Howell locked the victims in the car, two unknown accomplices pulled the victims from the car and held them at gunpoint with an AK-47 and a pistol while Howell stripped the victims of their belongings, the $6,700 dollars, and their luggage. ATF and Pittsburgh Police were able to link the Cranberry incident to the City of Pittsburgh incident due to their similar styles.
“This case arose from a marijuana deal gone bad when the buyers attempted to rob the seller. Shots were fired and one of the participants was wounded. All of this occurred in a quiet Cranberry neighborhood,” stated U.S. Attorney Brady. “Project Safe Neighborhoods, the federal program to combat the illegal use of firearms, is designed to address exactly this type of violent criminal activity.”
Judge Wilson scheduled sentencing for October 1, 2018. Shelton faces a total maximum sentence of not less than seven years and up to life in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Howell faces a total maximum sentence of not less than 30 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Indicate relevant bond/detention information if known
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Cranberry Township Police Department, and the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the convictions in this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Eagan Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Producing Pornographic Images of A Two-Year-Old GirlRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory G. Brooker today announced the sentencing of ELLIS SCOTT TOOLES, 31, to 25 years in prison for production of child pornography. TOOLES, who pleaded guilty on May 12, 2017, to one count of production of child pornography, was sentenced earlier today before Judge Susan Richard Nelson in U.S. District Court in Duluth, Minnesota.
“This defendant is a dangerous predator who ruthlessly sought to harm children,” said U.S. Attorney Greg Brooker. “Although no amount of prison time will erase the horrific crimes that were committed, the sentence handed down today will hopefully provide some sense of justice for the victims and others impacted by this defendant’s evil acts.”
“The defendant admitted to attacking and perversely taking advantage of the most vulnerable and innocent member of society,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Jill Sanborn. “Today’s sentence ensures that those victims will have the opportunity to grow up in a world where the defendant will not have the opportunity to harm anyone.”
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, on February 14, 2016, TOOLES engaged in sexually explicit conduct with a two-year-old victim and used a cell phone to record and distribute a video and images of the encounter. TOOLES also produced sexually explicit images and videos of 17-year-old victim.
According to court documents, TOOLES was arrested for distributing drugs in the Duluth area in June 2016. Following the arrest, TOOLES reached out to friends and family in the Twin Cities and asked them to retrieve his cell phone so he could access the phone numbers of certain individuals to help him post bail. While TOOLES’S friends and family accessed the phone, they uncovered the horrific video of TOOLES with an infant child in diapers, along with other sexually explicit text messages demonstrating the defendant’s clear intent to harm children. The friends and family turned the phone over to law enforcement.
This case is the result of an investigation led by the FBI, with assistance from the Eagan Police Department, the Apple Valley Police Department, the Burnsville Police Department, the Duluth Police Department, the Saint Louis County Attorney’s Office, and the Dakota County Attorney’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Laura M. Provinzino prosecuted the case.
Defendant Information:
ELLIS SCOTT TOOLES, 31
Eagan, Minn.
Convicted:
- Production of child pornography, 1 count
Sentenced:
- 300 months in prison
- 15 years of supervised release
- $5,000 in restitution
###
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Des Moines Man Sentenced to Prison for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, Iowa-- On May 18, 2018, Solomon Seth Currie, age 32, of Des Moines, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger to 352 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Currie was ordered to serve ten years of supervised release to follow his prison term.
Currie pleaded guilty to the charges on December 28, 2017. Currie admitted he was in possession of 2,149 grams of pure methamphetamine, a stolen Glock 27 .40 handgun, and $18,030 in cash during the execution of a search warrant at his Des Moines residence. Currie further admitted having a prior felony conviction for a controlled substance offense.
This investigation was conducted by the Des Moines Police Department and Mid Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Corpus Christi Man Convicted of Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 26-year-old Corpus Christi man has admitted he illegally distributed child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Clinton Ray Stevens acknowledged he uploaded the images to an internet chat room called “UNderAg3.”
In January 2017, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) reported to law enforcement that known images of child pornography had been uploaded online. Authorities were able to link the specific IP address associated with the account to Stevens.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence and seized several digital devices. A search of those devices resulted in the discovery of more than four videos and 575 images of child pornography. At that time, Stevens admitted to uploading the images.
Sentencing has been set before U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzalez Ramos on Sept. 11, 2018. At that time, Stevens faces not less than five and up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Upon completion of any prison term imposed, he also faces a maximum of life on supervised release during which time the court can impose a number of special conditions designed to protect children and prohibit the use of the internet.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Corpus Christi Police Department’s – Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted the investigation with the assistance of NCMEC.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hugo R. Martinez is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Clarksville Man Sentenced for Making False Statements to Obtain Subsidized Housing BenefitsRead the Press Release
Joseph Fulmore, Jr., 45, of Clarksville, Tenn., was sentenced today to serve three years on federal probation and to pay $17,210.70 in restitution for making false statements in order to obtain public housing benefits, announced U.S. Attorney Don Cochran of the Middle District of Tennessee. Chief U.S. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw, Jr., also ordered Fulmore to perform 120 hours of community service.
Fulmore was indicted on September 20, 2017, and pleaded guilty on February 2, 2018.
According to court records, on July 6, 2012, Fulmore made application to lease a public housing unit, operated and maintained by the Clarksville Housing Authority (CHA). Federal regulations mandate that applicants for public housing complete an application for admission and continued occupancy as part of an eligibility determination process, which includes disclosing all income, earnings and assets of individuals living in the unit.
Also in July 2012, Fulmore applied for and obtained an FHA loan to purchase a single family home. The loan application for this property listed income and assets not previously reported to the CHA, including a monthly beneficiary payment in the amount of approximately $2,800.00.
Fulmore subsequently purchased and moved to the single family home and lived there until April 2014. During this time, Fulmore continued to make the reduced rental payments for the public housing unit.
Court records also reflect that for each of the three subsequent years that Fulmore received the public housing benefits, he submitted annual certifications to the CHA, which falsely reported and concealed his true assets and household income, which allowed him to fraudulently receive the subsidized public housing unit.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie N. Toussaint prosecuted the case.
Chicago Man Guilty of Tax Fraud Scheme; Aggravated Identity Theft, $1.5 Million Allegedly Paid in Fraudulent Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – On Friday, May 18, Senior U.S. District Judge Michael M. Mihm found Clifton “Ty” Robinson, 44, of Chicago, guilty on all counts charged for his role in a tax fraud scheme that resulted in an alleged loss to the government of approximately $1.5 million. Judge Mihm presided over the bench trial which began on May 14.
During the five days of trial, the government presented evidence to the court that established that Robinson and others were responsible for filing more than 300 false federal income tax returns for the 2011 through 2014 tax years. While some individuals knowingly provided their identifying information for use in preparing the false returns, others had no idea how their information had been obtained. Evidence also established that some individuals sold their dependents’ information to Robinson for use on other individuals’ tax returns. Robinson used other members of the conspiracy to obtain identifying information of others and to provide “safe” addresses for the returns. Refunds from the fraudulent returns were deposited to bank accounts and prepaid debit cards controlled by members of the conspiracy.
As a result of the more than 300 false returns filed, Robinson and others claimed more than $1.8 million in refunds. Of the $1.8 million claimed, approximately $1.5 million was paid out by the U.S. Treasury.
Prior to trial, four additional defendants pleaded guilty to the conspiracy to defraud the government: Velma Robertson, 43, of La Grange, Ill.; and three defendants from Peoria, Ill.: Monique Bonner, 42; Brieanna Kinney-Bonner, 30; and Tawanda Davis, 36.
Robinson is currently in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. Sentencing for Robinson, Kinney-Bonner, and Davis is scheduled on Sept. 4. Sentencing for Robertson is set for July 25.
At sentencing, the statutory penalty for conspiracy to defraud the government is up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. In addition to the conspiracy count, Robinson faces statutory penalties for mail fraud (five counts) and wire fraud (eight counts) of up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count. The offense of aggravated identity theft (two counts) carries a mandatory two years in prison consecutive to any other term of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
The charges were investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Darilynn Knauss, Segev Phillips, and Kate Legge represented the government at trial.
Brothers Guilty in Relation to Robberies of Bank and River Oaks Jewelry StoreRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Two Houston brothers have pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting bank robbery, aiding and abetting the robbery of a jewelry store and related firearms charges, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Kendric Miller, 28, and his brother, Kenneth Glenn, 24, pleaded guilty for their roles in the robbery of the IBC Bank located on Montrose and DeBoulle’s Jewelry Store in River Oaks as well as brandishing a firearm during the IBC robbery.
Miller and Glenn stormed into the IBC Bank on June 9, 2016, with hoods, masks and firearms. The brothers demanded money from the tellers and for them to open the vault, during with time they held the tellers at gunpoint. Miller and Glenn both had firearms and were able to leave the bank with the money and enter a waiting stolen truck. Xavier Cain, of Houston, was driving the vehicle and also previously pleaded guilty to bank robbery for his role as the lookout and getaway driver.
Miller and Glenn also pleaded guilty to their involvement in the Sept. 13, 2016, robbery of the DeBoulle’s Jewelry Store. On that day, four males armed with hammers and a firearm rushed into the store. They began smashing the glass cases, managing to take jewelry, cufflinks and watches before getting into a grey Nissan waiting for them on the street. Miller and Glenn were lookouts during the robbery.
U.S. District Judge Nancy H. Atlas accepted the pleas today and set sentencing for September 2018. At that time, they face up to 25 years for the bank robbery and 20 years for the robbery of DeBoulle’s. They also face a minimum of seven years for the firearms charge which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed.
They will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Law enforcement officers with FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Houston Police Department conducted the investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill Stotts is prosecuting the cases.
This is an example of coordination between law enforcement who are part of the Houston Law Enforcement Violent Crime Initiative which combines personnel and resources from numerous federal, state and local agencies. The goal is to proactively fight and reduce violent crime across the Greater Houston area by targeting the region’s most violent offenders, augmenting investigative and prosecutorial efforts and enhancing training, public awareness and education.
Biloxi Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Federal Prison for MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Terrence Bernard Williams, 50, of Biloxi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 217 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Thomas Annello, Acting Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans. Williams was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine.
Agents with Homeland Security Investigations received information that Williams and his girlfriend, Andrea Sawyer, were distributing multiple ounces of methamphetamine in Biloxi, Mississippi. On November 1, 2017, a confidential source made contact with Sawyer and discussed purchasing 6 ounces of methamphetamine in exchange for money. Sawyer met with the confidential source, and upon her arrest, agents located six ounces of methamphetamine. A search warrant was executed at the Williams’ apartment in Biloxi. During the execution of the warrant, agents located more methamphetamine, marijuana, cash and a stolen firearm. The confidential source stated that both Williams and Sawyer previously distributed methamphetamine on several occasions from the Biloxi apartment.
Williams pled guilty on January 18, 2018. Sawyer was sentenced on May 2, 2018, by Judge Ozerden to 160 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release, and she was ordered to pay a $10,000 fine.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn Van Buskirk.
Berkeley County residents sentenced for their roles in a drug distribution operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Berkeley County residents were sentenced today to a combined 42 months incarceration for their roles in a heroin distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
David Smeltzer, of Bunker Hill, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 18 months incarceration. Smeltzer, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin” in February 2018. Smeltzer admitted to selling heroin in Berkeley County in January 2017.
Shonna Marie Thomas, of Martinsburg, was sentenced today to 24 months incarceration. Thomas, age 33, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin” in February 2018. Thomas admitted to selling heroin in February 2017 in Berkeley County.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Berkeley County man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jarius Jovanghn Styles, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 36 months incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Styles, age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in February 2018. Styles, having previously been convicted of felonies in Virginia, illegally possessing a Rock Island Armory 10mm pistol. The crime occurred in June 2017 in Berkeley County.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara K. Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.Baltimore Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Participation in MurderRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Baltimore, Maryland – United States District Judge Ellen L. Hollander sentenced Nathaniel Hillard, age 39, of Baltimore, Maryland today to 35 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, and discharging a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, which resulted in death.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Don A. Hibbert of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) - Baltimore Field Division; and Interim Police Chief Gary Tuggle of the Baltimore Police Department.
According to his plea agreement, Hillard distributed heroin in the Shipley Hill neighborhood of Baltimore. DEA's interceptions of communications confirmed that Hillard managed the day-to-day business for the organization, and supervised the street-level operation. Specifically, Hillard supervised "hitters," who sold heroin packaged in green-topped vials in the Shipley Park neighborhood. During the conspiracy, Donya Rigby, who worked for the organization and sometimes acted as a "lookout," was shot and killed by Aaron Daniels, another member of the organization, for failing to warn him that police were in the area, which led to Daniels’s arrest.
After Daniels’s arrest, between March 6, 2017 and March 17, 2017, law enforcement intercepted several calls between Daniels and various individuals, including Hillard, during which Daniels complained about Rigby and accused him of stealing $800 worth of drug proceeds.
On March 17, 2017, investigators intercepted a call between Daniels and Hillard, which captured communications about the murder of Rigby as well as the murder itself. During the call, Daniels described his location to Hillard. Hillard acted as a lookout for Daniels and provided instruction and logistical support, and encouraged Daniels to murder Rigby. Over the course of the call, the open line captured the sound of Daniels firing two shots at Rigby and fleeing the location. Rigby, who could be heard screaming in the background of the call, ultimately succumbed to the gunshot wounds.
In light of the murder, DEA agents arrested Hillard and Daniels on state narcotics charges. On March 20, 2017, investigators obtained search and seizure warrants for various locations associated with Hillard’s and Daniels’s drug trafficking organization, during the execution of which they recovered approximately 100 vials of heroin, over 350 grams of heroin, a digital scale, $10,234 and a firearm with an extended magazine.
Hillard admitted that he conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, and that the distribution of that quantity of heroin was reasonably foreseeable to him during the course of the conspiracy. Hillard also admitted that he knowingly participated in the murder of Rigby in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy, and that he was fully aware that Rigby was going to be killed.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur praised the DEA and the Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Wallner and Zachary Stendig, who prosecuted the case.
Arlene Hart Sentenced for Mail Fraud Relating to Cw-1 Applications for Foreign WorkersRead the Press Release
SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that defendant Arlene Hart was sentenced on by Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona for two counts of Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341. The convictions were based on the defendant’s participation in a scheme to defraud by submitting fraudulent documents to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) California Service Center in support of CNMI-Only Transitional Worker (CW-1) applications for workers from the Philippines. Hart forged the signatures of the workers on the contracts of employment submitted to USCIS, and declared that she had non-temporary, full-time work for the workers, which was not true. Defendant Hart was sentenced to eight months in prison plus four months of home confinement, one year of supervised release after incarceration, and 50 hours of community service.
United States Attorney Anderson stated, “The CW program was established to sustain the CNMI’s economy during the transition from the former CNMI foreign worker permit system to the U.S. immigration system. The program supplements the local workforce with qualified foreign workers during this ongoing transition period. However, it was never intended to be a de facto immigration status allowing aliens to seek out their own employment opportunities. Some employers have also been gaming the system by illegally charging workers recruitment fees, and operating illegal manpower agencies by petitioning USCIS for multiple alien workers without having actual jobs available for them. Allocating CW slots to workers without jobs harms the economy by depriving legitimate businesses of the workers they need. The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to pursue these cases as they come to our attention.”
Special Agents and Task Force Officers from the Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney James Benedetto prosecuted the case.
Andrews Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Possess Methamphetamine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
ALBANY: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Marcus Andrews, age 35, of Bristol, Florida, pled guilty on May 17, 2018 to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine before U.S. District Court Judge Leslie J. Abrams in Albany, Georgia. The plea subjects Mr. Andrews to a term of imprisonment of up to twenty (20) years, a fine of up to one million dollars, or both.
Mr. Andrews admitted the following facts in his guilty plea:
On November 2, 2016, agents were monitoring a court-authorized wiretap on a phone being used by Boris Fuller when they intercepted a series of text messages and phone calls regarding an order for methamphetamine placed by customers of an organization operating in Florida. Based on the content of these calls, agents conducted electronic and visual surveillance and conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Mr. Andrews.
A drug detection canine was deployed and showed a positive alert indicating the likely presence of narcotics. Mr. Andrews spontaneously stated, “There is dope in that car, it’s mine.” Officers searched the vehicle and located a white shopping bag containing crystal methamphetamine weighing approximately 15 ounces.
This case was investigated by agents of the Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office, Crisp County Sheriff’s Office, Tift County Sheriff’s Office, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Grady County Sheriff’s Office, Berrien County Sheriff’s Office, Leon County Florida Sheriff’s Office, Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Moultrie Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Georgia Department of Corrections, and Georgia Department of Community Supervision.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Alleged Mafia Soldier Pleads Guilty to Attempted Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
Earlier today, Salvatore Demeo, an alleged member of the Genovese organized crime family of La Cosa Nostra, pled guilty at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn to attempted tax evasion. At the guilty plea proceeding, Demeo admitted that he attempted to evade paying taxes on more than $1.6 million he earned in capital gains through a real estate transaction in 2014. As part of his guilty plea, Demeo agreed to pay the Internal Revenue Service $367,673, which represents the tax he owed for the 2014 real estate transaction and another one in 2013. Today’s plea took place before United States Magistrate Judge Vera M. Scanlon.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and James Robnett, Special Agent-in-Charge, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, New York (IRS-CI), announced the guilty plea.
As detailed in the indictment and other court filings, in two separate real estate transactions in 2013 and 2014, Demeo sold his shares in valuable real estate in Brooklyn, earning him more than $2 million in capital gains. Rather than report this income as he was required to do, Demeo took a series of measures designed to conceal the proceeds from the IRS. For example, he instructed his attorney to issue his shares to him in eight separate bank checks: three checks for the first transaction and five checks for the second transaction. In addition, the defendant enlisted the assistance of others to help conceal the funds. First, he endorsed two checks, amounting to $1 million, to a plumbing business, despite the fact that he has no apparent ownership interest in it, or other business relationship with it. Demeo endorsed another of the checks, in the amount of approximately $355,944, to an individual who operated an unlicensed check-cashing business, and withdrew approximately five cashier’s checks in smaller amounts, which were then cashed at licensed check-cashing establishments in exchange for a fee. As a result of Demeo’s fraud, the defendant avoided payment of federal taxes in excess of $365,000.
When sentenced, Demeo faces up to five years in prison, as well as a fine of up to $250,000.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Geddes is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
SALVATORE DEMEO
Age: 78
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 17-CR-545 (KAM)
Aiken Bank Officer Sentenced for Embezzlement and Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Columbia, SC - Carrie B. Caldwell, age 40, of Aiken, South Carolina, was sentenced to 27 months imprisonment for embezzlement by a bank officer, in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 656 and filing false tax returns in violation of Title 26, United States Code Section 7206(1). According to information presented during her guilty plea and sentencing, Caldwell was a branch manager for Regions Bank in Aiken. During her employment, Caldwell embezzled more than $600,000.00 from the bank and used the funds to pay for travel, a boat, and other luxury items. Caldwell evaded detection by stealing money from dormant bank accounts. Additionally, Caldwell failed to report hundreds of thousands of dollars in income to the Internal Revenue Service.
"The role of IRS, Criminal Investigation becomes even more important in embezzlement and fraud cases due to the complex financial transactions that must be unraveled," said Matthew D. Line, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Charlotte Field Office. "Those who cheat taxpayers by hiding their income and abuse their positions to enrich themselves at the expense of others will be held accountable." The Internal Revenue Service, working cooperatively with the Aiken Police Department and the United States Secret Service, investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney T. DeWayne Pearson of the Columbia office.
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20 May 2018
Hobart Women Convicted After 5-Day Jury TrialRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Lucy Owens, age 41, of Hobart, Indiana was convicted late Friday night, on 7 counts of wire fraud, after a 5-day jury trial before District Court Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to records in the case, between 2010 and 2015, Owens diverted over $800,000 from her employer, a Hammond-based freight services company, through two schemes to defraud. In one scheme, Owens used her position as the company’s accounts payable clerk to fraudulently pay over $460,000 in personal credit card bills from the company’s bank account. Owens used the ill-gotten proceeds to pay for frequent family vacations, dining, clothing, jewelry, home improvements, and other items. In the second scheme, Owens used her position as the administrator of the company’s diesel fuel card program to help two individuals obtain over $330,000 unauthorized cash advances at truck stops. One of the individuals, Kirk Stroh, also from Hobart, Indiana, was a truck driver for a rival trucking company. Owens helped Stroh obtain over $290,000 in fraudulent cash advances at a truck stop in Lake Station, Indiana, in increments of $800 per day. Stroh, a co-defendant in the case, who previously pled guilty, split the proceeds with Owens.
Owens sentencing date is scheduled for October 3, 2018. Stroh is scheduled to be sentenced on September 6, 2018.
This case was investigated by the Hammond Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Abizer Zanzi and Nathaniel Whalen.
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19 May 2018
Israeli National Sentenced for Cocaine Conspiracy and International Money Laundering ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Israeli national was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for conspiring to transfer $2.5 million worth of cocaine from Colombia to Israel via Boston and to money laundering charges.
Jalal Altarabeen, a/k/a Glal El Tarbin, a/k/a Jalal Salamah, a/k/a Abu Rasheed, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to four years in prison and three years of supervised release. The government previously administratively forfeited from Altarabeen nearly $1 million. In February 2018, Altarabeen pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine and six counts of international money laundering. In February 2017, Altarabeen was extradited from Poland after being indicted with a co-conspirator. Altarabeen and the co-conspirator were previously charged in a federal criminal complaint in March 2016.
From October 2015 to April 20, 2016, Altarabeen and his co-conspirator conspired in Boston, Colombia, Poland, and elsewhere to distribute 50 kilograms of cocaine and to launder money internationally. They also negotiated to buy 50 kilograms of cocaine from an undercover officer posing as a drug trafficker. The undercover officer’s relationship with the co-conspirator began in 2008 and included a meeting in Nicosia, Cyprus.
Altarabeen and the co-conspirator agreed to pay the undercover officer $50,000 per kilogram to have the cocaine delivered in Israel. The undercover officer told the conspirators that the cocaine would be transported from Colombia to Boston and from Boston to Beersheba, Israel. Altarabeen agreed to make an advance payment of nearly $1 million to cover transportation costs, and he sent six wire transfers from Turkey totaling $999,972 to an undercover bank account in Boston. The undercover officer and Altarabeen agreed that Altarabeen would pay the $1.5 million balance after the receipt and sale of the 50 kilograms of cocaine.
Over several months, the undercover officer spoke with Altarabeen and the co-conspirator by telephone, WhatsApp, video Skype and in person. They contacted the undercover officer using telephone numbers from Cyprus, Jordan, Israel, Palestine and Colombia, and discussed the drug transaction while in Bogota, Colombia, on Oct. 14, 2015, and Feb. 9, 2016.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration; Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; John Gibbons, United States Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Linda M. Ricci of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
18 May 2018
Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOISE – Dawn Michelle Humphreys, 45, of Boise, was sentenced yesterday to 90 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. Senior U.S. District Court Judge Edward J. Lodge also sentenced Humphreys to serve five years of supervised release.
In September of 2017, a federal grand jury indicted Humphreys and three co-defendants for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana. The charges stemmed from an investigation that began in August of 2017. That month, police officers arrested one of Humphreys’ co-defendants at a Boise hotel. While in jail, the co-defendant arranged for the transportation of methamphetamine and marijuana from California to Idaho. On August 21, 2017, investigators in Cloverdale, California, observed Humphreys and one of her co-defendants leave for Idaho. Investigators in California stopped and searched the vehicle. During the search, investigators found 2.1 kilograms of methamphetamine, 3.7 kilograms of marijuana, a digital scale, packaging material, a police scanner, and a .22 caliber pistol.
Humphreys’ co-defendants have pleaded guilty, or will plead guilty, to federal charges in Idaho. One of Humphrey’s co-defendants, Chico Adame, was sentenced in Boise earlier this year to ten years in prison; another has pleaded guilty; and the third, is scheduled to enter a guilty plea on May 29th.
This case was the result of a joint investigation by Boise Police Department, Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office, and the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), includes the cooperative law enforcement efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; and U.S. Marshals Service. The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
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Wheeling man admits to cocaine distributionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Deandre L. Davis, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to distributing cocaine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Davis, age 27, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Davis admitted to selling cocaine near Riverview Towers in Wheeling in July 2017.
Davis faces up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Explosives and Firearms and the Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HITDA-funding initiative, are investigating.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr., presided.West Virginia Man Guilty of Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Johnnie Gresham, age 39, of Charleston, West Virginia, pleaded guilty on May 17, 2018, before U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, to producing and attempting to produce child pornography.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Gresham admitted that he persuaded a minor to take and forward to him videos and photographs of the minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Gresham committed the offense between April 2017 and June 2017, in Susquehanna County and elsewhere. Gresham used a cell phone and the internet to commit the crimes.
Judge Mariani ordered a presentence investigation to be completed. Sentencing will be scheduled after the presentence report is filed.
Gresham was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2017, as a result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 30 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. There is also a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Wencai Guo Sentenced for Harboring Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that defendant Wencai GUO was sentenced today by Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona for Harboring Illegal Aliens, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324(a)(1)(a). The conviction was based on his role in supervising and concealing from detection illegal workers who had entered the United States to work at the Best Sunshine Hotel and Casino construction site. Defendant GUO was sentenced to 18 months in prison, one year of supervised release after incarceration, and a $5,000.00 fine.
United States Attorney Anderson stated, “The parole system, whereby tourists from the People’s Republic of China may enter the United States without a visa and without participation in a visa-waiver program, has resulted in hundreds, if not thousands, of illegal workers in construction and various other positions of employment in the Northern Mariana Islands. The United States Attorney’s Office will pursue cases of harboring and employment of illegal aliens against employers and others engaging in this unlawful activity. People entering the CNMI under the parole system cannot lawfully work. We will therefore pursue illegal entry charges against workers who enter the United States posing as tourists. Those tourists overstaying their terms under the parole system should depart the CNMI at the earliest opportunity.”
Special Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney James Benedetto prosecuted the case.
Wasilla Man Indicted on Federal Wire Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that a Wasilla man has been indicted on federal wire fraud charges which arose from an alleged scheme that defrauded Alaska consumers.
Dmitry Kudryn, 32, of Wasilla, was named in the indictment charging him with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Kudryn’s arraignment hearing is scheduled for today at 3:30 p.m. before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Deborah M. Smith.
According to the indictment, from July 2014 to the present date, Kudryn allegedly participated in a scheme to defraud Alaska consumers by falsely representing furniture manufactured in China that he sold in Alaska as having been manufactured in Italy. Kudryn purchased hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of wholesale furniture from a manufacturer in China and would then offer that same furniture for sale in Alaska, primarily advertised on the Craigslist.com internet marketplace.
The indictment further alleges that, as part of the long-running scheme, Kudryn would mislead and induce consumers in Alaska by posting materially false Craigslist.com advertisements. Specifically, the Craigslist advertisements would falsely represent the furniture as “Italian leather furniture,” and that each unit was worth $4800 “shipped from the lower 48.” Kudryn would then arrange for the retail sale of the furniture to individuals in Alaska for approximately $2400 per unit, when in reality he allegedly purchased them for less than half that amount.
Anyone with further information, questions, or concerns regarding the activities of Dmitry Kudryn are encouraged to call Homeland Security Investigations in Anchorage at (907) 271-3104.
If convicted, Kudryn faces up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. Under federal sentencing statutes, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Alexander.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Warren Man Indicted, Arraigned for Allegedly Producing, Distributing and Receiving Child Pornography, Enticing a MinorRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Warren man previously charged by way of a federal criminal complaint with enticement of a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity and child pornography charges was arrested this morning and arraigned on a six-count federal grand jury indictment returned yesterday charging him with two counts of production of child pornography, and one count each of distribution, receipt and possession of child pornography, and enticement of a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity.
Christopher Kinney, 43, who first appeared in federal court on April 27 on the criminal complaint and was released on unsecured bond, today was ordered detained at his arraignment by U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan.
The indictment of Christopher Kinney is announced by United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel Ann C. Assumpico, and Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Michael S. Shea.
It is alleged in court documents that beginning on April 16, 2018, Kinney had a series of online communications with a person he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. It is alleged that he described his desire to meet with the teenager at a local mall where he would dress her in a diaper and, after walking her around the mall, would engage in illicit sexual activity with her in the mall or elsewhere. The person he was actually communicating with and with whom he arranged to meet with was a Rhode Island State Police Detective assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
Kinney was initially arrested at the mall on April 26. Inside of Kinney’s car law enforcement discovered, among other items, a diaper bag containing several diapers, a pacifier and baby bottle, condoms, candy and a canister of children’s bubble fluid. Seized from Kinney’s pocket was an Apple iPhone on which it is alleged in court documents that investigators identified at least fifty-six images of child pornography. In addition, investigators identified numerous times where Kinney allegedly shared and received images of child pornography. Investigators also identified numerous files of children allegedly being harshly punished and/or beaten.
Since Kinney’s initial arrest, a continuing investigation by HSI agents and members of the ICAC Task Force determined that between January 2011 and December 2013, Kinney allegedly used two minor children to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography, some of which he distributed to others.
An indictment is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted as charged in the federal indictment, Kinney faces statutory penalties of a mandatory minimum of 15 years up to 30 years imprisonment, mandatory special assessments of $5,100 and a fine of up to $250,000 on each charge of production of child pornography; a mandatory minimum of 10 years up to life imprisonment, mandatory special assessments of $5,100 and a fine of up to $250,000 on the charge of enticement of a minor to engage in prohibited sexual activity; a mandatory minimum of 5 years up to 20 years imprisonment, mandatory special assessments of $5,100 and a fine of up to $250,000 on the charges of distribution of child pornography and receipt of child pornography; and up to 20 years imprisonment, mandatory special assessments of $5,100 and a fine of up to $250,000 on the charge of possession of child pornography.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.
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Upshur County man admits to child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Buckhannon, West Virginia, man has admitted to a child pornography charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
James Andrew Smith, age 57, pled guilty today to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography.” Smith, having previously been convicted of possession of child pornography, admitted to having computer disks and other materials containing child pornography in his possession. The crime occurred in November 2015 in Upshur County.
Smith is facing up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided.U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont Recognizes Exceptional Work at its First Annual Law Enforcement Awards CeremonyRead the Press Release
Today, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont honored a number of individuals from a variety of agencies at its first Annual Law Enforcement Awards Ceremony. This ceremony was held at the federal building in Burlington, Vermont. Individual investigators were nominated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office Staff in a variety of categories for their outstanding work in supporting the Office’s justice mission. The recipients of the awards presented today represent federal, state, local and private agencies from Vermont, Maine, and Massachusetts. The specific categories and individuals recognized today are as follows:
Exceptional Contribution to a Federal Prosecution Award: Awards in this category go to those who significantly impact law enforcement’s ability to: 1) arrest, apprehend and prosecute a subject of a federal investigation; 2) rescue and respond to victims; 3) develop cooperating witnesses; and/or 4) identify critical intelligence.
Frank Thornton, Digital Forensic Expert, Blackthorn, Inc., nominated by U.S. Attorney Christina Nolan for work in U.S. v. Michael Foreste and U.S. v. John Jones.
Deb Jasinski, Computer Forensic Examiner, Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, nominated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara Masterson for work in U.S. v. Donald Boles.
Michelle Beard, Fiscal and Regulatory Analyst, Medicaid Fraud and Residential Abuse Unit, Vermont Attorney General’s Office, nominated by Civil Division Chief, Nikolas Kerest for work in the investigation and settlement with Dominion Diagnostics.
Investigative Excellence Award: The recipients of these awards are those whose actions led directly to the arrest of a dangerous subject or to the exposure of a significant criminal or civil conspiracy. This nomination category is intended to recognize an individual for his or her specific acts separate and apart from a team of recipients.
FBI Special Agent Michelle Delpha, nominated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Ophardt, for work in U.S. v. Paul Kickery, Sr., a case with connections to the District of Vermont and District of Missouri.
Det. Sgt. Erik Johnson, Brattleboro Police Dept., nominated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Ophardt, for work in U.S. v. Paul Kickery, Sr.
Special Agent Frank Italia, U.S. Department Of Transportation, Office of the Inspector General, Cambridge, MA, nominated by Civil Division Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Weathers-Lowin for work in Investigation and Settlement with J.A. McDonald Inc.
Outstanding Collaborative Investigation Award: Award recipients have demonstrated outstanding efforts in collaboration with multiple agencies in order to meet the Justice mission of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Special Agent Matthew Ekstrom, ATF Burlington, VT
Special Agent Matt Fasulo, U.S. Secret Service, Portland, ME
Special Agent Tim Hoffmann, DEA Burlington, VT
DEA Task Force Officer David Madore, DEA ME (Auburn PD, Auburn, ME)
DEA Task Force Officer Daniel Merchand, DEA Burlington, VT
Detective Corporal Jamie Morris, Burlington PD, Burlington, VT
Michael Ballback, Asset Forfeiture and Seized Property Branch, ATF Boston, MANominated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abigail Averbach, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Ophardt, and Paralegal Specialist Karen Arena-Leene for work in U.S. v. Sharif Cargo, et al.
U.S. Attorney Nolan stated:
We at the U.S. Attorney’s Office were so very honored today to host our First Annual Law Enforcement Awards Ceremony, an event at which we recognized – and will continue to recognize on a yearly basis going forward – the outstanding work of members of the Vermont justice community. Employees of the U.S. Attorney’s Office proudly handed out awards to, and sang the praises of, our outstanding law enforcement and investigative partners from around Vermont, as well as individuals from Maine and Massachusetts who have contributed to the justice mission in Vermont. We are so very fortunate to live in the Green Mountain State. Vermont is widely and rightfully regarded as an extraordinarily attractive place to reside. That is due, in no small part, to the tireless efforts of law enforcement at all levels to keep us safe. Quietly and consistently, they put themselves in harm’s way to protect our communities. They make decisions every day to stand on the front lines of our campaigns to combat violence, unlawful firearms activity, drug trafficking, and other dangerous crime. This is a tremendous daily sacrifice – on the part of officers, to be sure – but also on the part of their families and loved ones. We must never forget their heroic work and their daily sacrifice. The same praise is due to our investigative partners who represent crime victims, conduct forensic and intelligence analysis, unearth civil frauds, protect taxpayer dollars, and combat greed and misappropriation of public funds. They all have critical roles to play in the justice mission, and they and their families make extraordinary sacrifices. We in the Vermont justice community know that nothing can be accomplished without teamwork, shared strategic thinking, and pooling of resources. We will continue to collaborate closely in furtherance of the mission. We are so proud to honor our partners in justice, especially at this time – the end of National Police Week – a week in which the entire nation honors the dedication, loyalty, and commitment of police officers across the country.
Each recipient received an award letter from U.S. Attorney Christina Nolan as well as an engraved Department of Justice award commemorating their outstanding efforts. They were joined by colleagues, family, and friends at today’s ceremony.
Two Men Sentenced for Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Greenbelt, Maryland – On May 14, 2018, United States District Court Judge Paula Xinis sentenced Fredrico Bustos-Andrade, age 40, of Moreno Valley, California to 82 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division; and Chief Henry P. Stawinski III of the Prince George’s County Police Department.
According to his plea agreement, in or about November 2016, a confidential source (“CS”) cooperating with law enforcement was contacted by Co-conspirator A, using a Mexican telephone number, about a shipment of methamphetamine and heroin to Maryland. Co‑conspirator A told the CS that another individual would contact the CS about the shipment of methamphetamine and heroin. Co-conspirator A subsequently informed the CS that the narcotics transaction would be for methamphetamine only and would not include heroin.
Bustos-Andrade contacted the CS by telephone and stated that he was calling on behalf of Co-conspirator A. Bustos-Andrade and the CS spoke in Spanish and used coded language to refer to narcotics. Bustos-Andrade told the CS that another individual (later identified as Jose Alberto Pena, age 23, of Los Angeles, California) was going to fly to Maryland and provide the methamphetamine to the CS in Maryland.
On November 21, 2016, Bustos-Andrade sent the CS an SMS text message that contained Pena’s phone number and first name, “Jose.” Soon after Bustos-Andrade sent the text message, Bustos-Andrade called the CS and stated that Pena was in the area and would soon be calling the CS on Bustos-Andrade’s behalf. Bustos-Andrade also stated that the methamphetamine would be arriving in Maryland on the afternoon of Tuesday, November 22, 2016. The CS then called Pena, and Pena stated that he had just landed and would call the CS back soon. Later that day, Pena called the CS and confirmed that the methamphetamine would be arriving the next day, November 22, 2016.
On the morning of November 22, 2016, Bustos-Andrade called the CS and said that the methamphetamine had arrived in Maryland. Pena and the CS then communicated by phone and agreed to meet at a hotel in Largo, Maryland. Pena and the CS met at a nearby grocery store and then drove together to the hotel. Pena entered the hotel and then came back outside with a FedEx box. Pena put the box inside the CS’s vehicle and then entered the vehicle’s passenger side.
Agents arrested Pena and seized the FedEx box. Agents found within the FedEx box six bricks of methamphetamine wrapped in clear plastic packaging material. The six bricks contained 4,810 grams 100% pure d-Methamphetamine hydrochloride.
Shortly after Pena’s arrest, officers in Portland, Oregon conducted a traffic stop of Bustos-Andrade. Within Bustos-Andrade’s vehicle, officers found the cell phone that Bustos-Andrade had used to communicate with the CS.
Judge Xinis previously sentenced co-conspirator Jose Alberto Pena, age 23, to 70 months in prison, followed by three years supervised release, for the same offense.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur praised the DEA in Portland, Oregon and Los Angeles, California, the Prince George’s County Police Department, the Montgomery County Police Department, the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, the Portland Police Department, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection National Targeting Center, for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicolas A. Mitchell, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney John M. Pellettieri, who prosecuted the case.
Two Men Plead Guilty to Possessing Firearms in Furtherance of Marijuana TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOISE – Arcenio Sosa-Solorio, 27, of California, and Bonifacio Carlos-Tafolla, 24, also of California, pleaded guilty this week to possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced.
According to court records, both men traveled from California to Idaho to distribute 25 pounds of marijuana to an undercover police officer. On December 2, 2017, Carlos-Tafolla and Sosa-Solorio arrived in Idaho and met with the undercover officer in an empty parking lot. After the undercover officer signaled, other officers attempted to arrest the men. Carlos-Tafolla and Sosa-Solorio, both armed with handguns, fled from officers. Sosa-Solorio brandished a pistol as he fled. When the undercover officer threw Sosa-Solorio to the ground, Sosa-Solorio fired his handgun, nearly striking the officer. The officer knocked the gun out of Sosa-Solorio’s hands and arrested him. Officers found Carlos-Tafolla nearby. He said that he threw his pistol on the ground. Investigators found his loaded .40 caliber pistol nearby. Officers also found both men had approximately 35 pounds of marijuana in their vehicle.
The charge of possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute is punishable by up to five years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of three years. The charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime is punishable by a mandatory minimum five-year prison sentence up to life, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of five years. However, where a firearm is discharged, the mandatory minimum term of imprisonment is ten years.
Sentencings for both men are set for August 9, 2018, before Senior U.S. District Court Judge Edward J. Lodge at the federal courthouse in Boise.
This case was investigated by the Idaho State Police, the Twin Falls Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
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Two Florida Residents Sentenced for Their Role in Mortgage Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew has sentenced Alejandro Tobon (35, Orlando) and Carlos Escarria (61, Largo) to 37 months and 18 months in federal prison, respectively, for conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud. They pleaded guilty on June 9, 2017.
According to court documents, from as early as October 2007 through May 2008, Tobon, Escarria, and others conspired to execute a bank and wire fraud scheme. The goal of the fraud scheme was to sell condominium units at The Preserve at Temple Terrace, a 392-unit condominium complex in Tampa. To entice buyers to purchase the units, the conspirators offered cash payments to buyers, either before or after closing. The mortgage lenders were not made aware of these payments. The conspirators used several entities to conceal from the mortgage lenders the cash payments to buyers.
The conspirators made false statements on loan documents, such as purchase and sale agreements and loan applications, and on HUD-1 settlement statements, to induce mortgage lenders to approve loans for otherwise unqualified borrowers for the condo unit purchases.
Tobon was the manager of Transcontinental Lending Group’s branch in Tampa and he was also the President of Tobon Marketing and Consultant. His role in the conspiracy included submitting false and fraudulent loan applications to financial institutions to induce them to provide funding for buyers to purchase Preserve units. He also marketed units to buyers with undisclosed incentives and transferred funds he had received from the developer through Tobon Marketing and Consultant to borrowers’ bank accounts who needed money to close on the purchases. The money was then used to provide the down payment and cash to close requirements.
Escarria worked as a loan officer at Transcontinental Lending Group’s branch in Tampa. He signed false and fraudulent loan applications to induce financial institutions into providing funding for buyers to purchase condo units. The false representations submitted to and relied upon by the mortgage lenders included occupancy, income, source of funds, and assets.
The mortgage lenders’ total losses resulting from Tobon’s and Escarria’s role in the mortgage fraud conspiracy are approximately $5.8 million.
This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Poor and Assistant United States Attorney Jay Hoffer.
Two District Men Sentenced to Prison Terms for Shooting at Southeast Washington Barber ShopRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Terrance Atchison, 22, and Barry Bloomfield, 29, both of Washington, D.C., were sentenced today to prison terms for a shooting at a barber shop in which a father and his 21-month-old child were injured. Atchison was sentenced to a 16 ½-year prison term, and Bloomfield was sentenced to an 18 ½-year term for their respective roles in the crime.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu and Peter Newsham, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Atchison and Bloomfield were found guilty by a jury in March 2018, of charges of aggravated assault while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed (of a minor), assault with a dangerous weapon, and related offenses. The verdicts followed a multi-week trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. They were sentenced by the Honorable Danya A. Dayson. Following their prison terms, they will be placed on five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, on Friday, Feb. 12, 2016, at approximately 1:40 p.m., three masked gunmen opened the doors of Wrenn’s Barber Shop, in the 1000 block of Eighth Street SE, and began firing a total of eight rounds. At the time of the shooting, the shop was bustling with customers, and the toddler and his father were waiting for a haircut. The father, who was holding his son, was shot three times, and one wound shattered his ankle. A bullet grazed the child’s leg. Witnesses observed the gunmen run to a waiting white sport utility vehicle just around the corner and flee.
Video surveillance showed the defendants getting into a white Toyota RAV 4 about 20 minutes before the shooting and travelling to the barber shop. The defendants were on GPS monitoring because they were on post-conviction supervision, and their tracks placed them directly in front of the barber shop at the time of the shooting, as well as mirrored the RAV 4’s travel to and flight from the barber shop.
Atchison was arrested on Feb. 17, 2016, and Bloomfield was arrested on Feb. 18, 2016. They have been in custody ever since.
In announcing the sentences, U.S. Attorney Liu and Chief Newsham commended those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged the work of those who handled the case at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa N. Walters and Thomas Saunders, who investigated the case, Paralegal Specialist Antoinette Sakamsa, Information Technology Specialist Leif Hickling, and Criminal Investigators Nelson Rhone and Melissa Matthews. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittany Keil and Melissa Jackson, who prosecuted the case.
Three Plead Guilty to Stealing and Unlawfully Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Omar DeJesus, age 31, of Amsterdam, New York; Dalmary Morales, age 37, of Schenectady, New York; and Juan Saez, age 35, of Rochester, New York, pled guilty yesterday to their respective roles in transporting firearms stolen from Target Sports, Inc., a federally licensed firearms dealer in Schenectady County.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Morales, as part of her plea, admitted that on October 23, 2017, she drove Christian Roman and Jose Fontanez to Target Sports and later helped them inventory more than 50 stolen firearms at her apartment in Schenectady.
DeJesus, a felon, admitted as part of his plea that he allowed Roman and Fontanez to store dozens of the stolen firearms at his residence and later helped them hide some of those firearms in a remote location. DeJesus subsequently sold one of the stolen firearms to another person for $700.
Saez, a felon, admitted as part of his plea that he transported Roman, Fontanez, and numerous stolen firearms from Amsterdam to Rochester.
DeJesus and Saez each face up to 20 years in prison, a maximum $500,000 fine, and up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release. Morales faces up to 10 years in prison, a maximum $500,000 fine, and up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
Roman, age 24, of Schenectady, was indicted earlier this month on charges that he stole firearms from Target Sports on October 22, 2017. According to the indictment, the stolen firearms included pistols, shotguns, and rifles. The indictment further alleges that Roman possessed, concealed, and stored the stolen firearms through November 1, 2017. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. Roman is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Fontanez, age 36, of Schenectady, pled guilty last month to stealing the firearms and other, related charges.
This case is being investigated by the ATF and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wayne A. Myers and Joseph A. Giovannetti.
Texas Man Sentenced on Drug and Money Laundering ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that on May 18, 2018, Javier Reyna, 37, of Alamo, Texas, was sentenced to 16 years (192 months) in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and an unspecified amount of cocaine and conspiracy to money launder. Following the prison term, Reyna will serve five years on supervised release.
Information provided to and obtained by law enforcement indicated that between May of 2014 and April 24, 2017, Reyna was involved in the transport of methamphetamine and cocaine from southern Texas to the Lincoln and Omaha areas for distribution. Reyna was found to be responsible for the distribution of at least 500 grams (approximately 18 ounces) of actual (pure) methamphetamine, at least 1.5 kilograms (approximately three pounds) of methamphetamine mixture and at least 2 kilograms (approximately 4.5 pounds) of cocaine. Reyna was also involved in a scheme in which cash proceeds from the sales of methamphetamine were deposited into bank and credit union accounts in the Lincoln area. The funds were then withdrawn by Reyna and other members of the conspiracy in south Texas. Reyna’s bank account showed a total of over $113,000 in cash deposits between March of 2016 and February of 2017 and withdrawals in Texas during the same period of over $83,000.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Nebraska State Patrol, and the Department of Homeland Security.
Targeted Coordinated Investigtion Leads to Filing of Federal Complaint Charging Glenmob Gang with Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY – A federal complaint unsealed Thursday afternoon charges 15 individuals associated with a drug-trafficking organization within the Glenmob street gang with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. According to the complaint, Glenmob is a hybrid street gang with associations with other streets gangs.
Law enforcement officers executed nine search warrants Tuesday and made 12 arrests. Federal arrest warrants are pending for three other individuals charged in the complaint. Approximately 15 firearms have been recovered during the investigation along with approximately 15 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately one-half pound of heroin, and several pounds of marijuana. Approximately $36,000 in cash and three vehicles have been seized.
Agencies involved in the case include the FBI’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force, ATF, Sandy Police Department, West Valley City Police Department, Salt Lake Police Department, the Metro Gang Unit, the Unified Police Department, the Salt Lake District Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service, and Utah Adult Probation and Parole. The South Jordan Police Department assisted in the take down of the case Tuesday.
The case is being investigated and prosecuted as a part of the Utah Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative. Prosecutors and law enforcement officers are using a variety of tools to aggressively target violent criminals and gang members they believe are responsible for the rising violent crime rate in Utah. Law enforcement officers and prosecutors are looking for cases they believe will have a high impact on community safety.
The number of violent crimes in Utah increased almost 18 percent in 2016. According to a Crime in Utah 2016 report prepared by the Utah Department of Public Safety, all violent crimes saw an increase in 2016, including homicides, rapes, robberies, and aggravated assaults. Firearms were used in 55 percent of the homicides reported.
According to the complaint, in September 2017, the FBI began gathering information which indicated a substantial rise in gang violence in Salt Lake County. After a series of coordination meetings, agents determined that the majority of violent incidents, drive by shootings, and aggravated assaults involved members of the Nortenos and the Surenos street gangs, specifically involving members of the Sur Towne Chiques 13.
The FBI learned a large number of those associated with Chiques were also members of a music group named Glenmob. Glenmob frequently posts music videos on Youtube. The FBI identified many of those in the videos as suspected and known narcotics traffickers. The FBI, along with the Utah Department of Public Safety and Salt Lake County police gang units, determined Glenmob, while identifying themselves as a music group, were involved in several violent crimes in Utah. As a result, Glenmob was classified as a violent street gang.rs While gathering intelligence regarding the criminal acts perpetrated by members of Glenmob, the FBI learned local law enforcement suspected the music group of being a front for narcotics distribution.
Through months of investigation, the complaint says, investigators learned Glenmob is a very tight organization and rarely communicates with individuals outside their established circle. Leaders distribute to a nominal number of buyers in an effort to avoid law enforcement penetration into the organization.
Charged in the complaint are Daniel Silva, age 26; Abraham Sanchez, age 22; Angel Rivera, age 25; Sipriano Molina, age 21; Cameron Lucas, age 19; Melissa Kelly, age 32; Kenneth Reyos, age 20; Dominic Trujillo, age 23; David Miramontes, age 32; Nick Vigil, age 31; Jesus Alvarado, age 31; Salvador Tafolla, age 26; Juan Noriega, age 34; Tranqulino Reyos, age 23; and Fabien Uriel Tapia-Bustamante, age 18. All are residents of the Salt Lake Valley.
According to the complaint, agents believe that based on evidence gathered in the case and investigative techniques described in the complaint that Silva, Sanchez, Molina, Lucas and Tafolla have conspired with each other and others to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine throughout the Salt Lake Valley. Additionally, agents believe that Rivera, Kelly, Miramontes, Trujillo, Kenneth Reyos, Vigil, Alvarado, Tranqulino Reyos, Noriega, and Tapia-Bustamante are all sub-distributors and have conspired with each other and others to distribute large amounts of methamphetamine to other sub-distributors within the Salt Lake Valley.
Twelve defendants have appeared in court on the charge in the complaint. Melissa Kelly was released on conditions of supervised release. Eleven have been detained. Federal arrest warrants remain active for Daniel Silva, Sipriano Molina, and Fabian Uriel Tapia-Bustamante.
The maximum penalty for the charge in the complaint is up to life in prison with a 10-year minimum mandatory sentence. The penalty also includes a potential $10 million fine and five years of supervised release.
Complaints are not findings of guilt. Defendants charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in court.