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Wednesday 11 April 2018
Lakeside Gang Member Indicted in Fentanyl Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Mark Conover (619) 546-6763, Assistant U.S. Attorney David P. Finn (619) 546-7342
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – April 11, 2018
SAN DIEGO – Documented Lakeside gang member Uriah Odish was indicted by a federal grand jury for selling fentanyl that led to the death of a 25-year-old La Mesa woman, identified in court documents only as T.H., who was found dead in her home on January 23.
“There is a raging opioid epidemic in this country, and we want dealers to be on notice: Every time we have an overdose death, we are going to come looking for you,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Braverman. “Attorney General Jeff Sessions has directed the Department to use all available criminal and civil tools to combat this deadly epidemic. We are firmly committed to this endeavor and will do everything in our power to stop these tragic losses.”
“By holding dealers accountable for the deaths of overdose victims, we bring justice to loved ones and reaffirm to all those dealing in death that we will not let it go unpunished,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Karen I. Flowers.
Odish, 28, made an appearance in federal court this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mitchell D. Dembin. The defendant declined to seek bond and remains in custody. His next hearing is scheduled for May 4.
Odish is the fourth person since January to be charged in the Southern District of California with Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in the Death. The other cases include:
- On March 16, 2018, Corey Green was charged with distribution of fentanyl resulting in the death of a Fallbrook man. Two days before he was found dead on the floor of his home, he’d told his wife he’d been sober for 100 days. She called 911 but it was too late.
- On March 2, 2018, Kyle Shephard was charged with distribution of fentanyl resulting in the death of a 25-year-old Marine Corporal at Camp Pendleton. According to the complaint, Shephard distributed fentanyl pills to the Marine Corporal with Shephard acknowledging that the pills could lead to an overdose.
- Max Gaffney was arrested January 29, 2018, and charged with distribution of heroin resulting in death. According to the indictment, Gaffney distributed heroin on February 16, 2017, which resulted in the death of a person identified only as K.R.
According to court records, Odish has numerous arrests and at least one prior drug felony. As a result of his prior felony drug offense, Odish could face a mandatory sentence of life in prison for the distribution of fentanyl resulting in death.
The United States faces the deadliest drug crisis in history. Approximately 64,000 Americans lost their lives to drug overdoses in 2016 – the highest drug death toll and the fastest increase in that death toll in American history. This epidemic is being driven primarily by opioids – prescription painkillers, heroin, and synthetic drugs like fentanyl. For Americans under the age of 50, drug overdoses are now the leading cause of death.
In February, Braverman announced the appointment of a criminal and civil coordinator to implement our strategy to combat opioids. The newly designated Opioid Coordinators will make prosecution of all prescription opioids, heroin and fentanyl a top priority, including civil cases involving illegal diversion and unlawful prescribing of these drugs.
The United States Attorney’s Office is working closely with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration and our other federal, state and local law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute these cases. Braverman thanked the La Mesa Police Department for its support in this new case.
For those who suffer from addiction, please know there is help. Call the Crisis line at 888-724-7240; it’s always open.
DEFENDANT Case Number 18-CR-1812-BTM
Uriah Odish Age: 28
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Death – Title 21, U.S.C., Section 841(b)(1)(C)
Maximum penalty: Mandatory minimum 20 years in prison up to life
AGENCY
La Mesa Police Department
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Narcotics Task Force
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
- On March 16, 2018, Corey Green was charged with distribution of fentanyl resulting in the death of a Fallbrook man. Two days before he was found dead on the floor of his home, he’d told his wife he’d been sober for 100 days. She called 911 but it was too late.
La Familia Michoacán Drug Cartel Leader Sentenced to 43 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
DALLAS — “La Familia Michoacán” (LFM) Mexican drug cartel leader, Arnoldo Rueda-Medina, aka “La Minsa,” 48, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade to serve a total of 520 months in federal prison and a $5 million fine for offenses related to his leadership role within LFM. LFM was responsible for trafficking thousands of kilograms of methamphetamine into the United States and delivered to stash locations in the Northern District of Texas and elsewhere. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox of the Northern District of Texas.
Rueda-Medina pleaded guilty in September 2017 to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute a Schedule II controlled substance and one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. Judge Kinkeade sentenced Rueda-Medina to 520 months in federal prison on the drug conviction and 240 months in federal prison on the money laundering conviction, to run concurrently. Rueda-Medina was arrested in Michoacán, Mexico on July 11, 2009, and was extradited to the United States on January 27, 2017.
“Thanks to the unrelenting efforts of our United States law enforcement team and the critical assistance and sacrifice of our Mexican counterparts, a notorious drug cartel leader is where he should be --behind bars,” said U.S. Attorney Nealy Cox. “My office will continue to devote our time, energy, focus and expertise to helping disrupt and dismantle transnational criminal organizations with our law enforcement partners in the United States and abroad to stem the flow of deadly drugs into our country and stop the violence inflicted by people like Rueda-Medina.”
“High ranking cartel figures operating in the North Texas area will not be tolerated,” said Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge, Clyde E. Shelley Jr. “The DEA and the US Attorney’s Office are working around the clock to combat the massive amount of drugs brought into the United States as a result of the direct actions of Arnoldo Rueda-Medina, aka “La Minsa,” and the continuing threat posed to our communities by the remnants of the LFM.”
On February 25, 2010, the U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned Rueda-Medina under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (Kingpin Act) for his involvement in drug trafficking. The Kingpin Act blocks all property and interests in property, subject to U.S. jurisdiction, owned or controlled by significant foreign narcotics traffickers, as identified by the President. The Act also prohibits U.S. citizens and companies from doing any kind of business activity with Rueda-Medina, and it virtually froze all of his assets in the United States.
According to plea documents, from September 2007 through October 21, 2009, Rueda-Medina held a leadership position within LFM, a Mexican drug cartel and organized crime syndicate based in the Mexican State of Michoacán. LFM was responsible for trafficking methamphetamine into the United States through border checkpoints near Laredo, Texas and Tijuana, Mexico.
Rueda-Medina was arrested on July 11, 2009, by Mexican Law Enforcement. After his arrest, members of LFM attempted to free him, and although unsuccessful, a shootout ensued through the streets of Morelia, Michoacan. LFM operatives subsequently attacked several other locations and Federal Police Officers. In response, law enforcement deployed personnel to various locations throughout the state of Michoacan. On July 13, 2009, a group of 12 officers were kidnapped, tortured, and murdered. A note found at the scene where the bodies were dumped stated “Vengan por otro, los estamos esperando” (“Come for another, we are waiting for you”). At least four other officers and two Mexican Marines were killed by LFM operatives responding to the arrest of Arnoldo Rueda-Medina. Several others were wounded.
According to plea documents, LFM used a sophisticated network of individuals in Mexico and the United States to distribute the methamphetamine in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and to collect proceeds from the methamphetamine sales. The drug proceeds that were collected were delivered to cartel members or associates in Mexico either by way of bulk cash smuggling in vehicles utilized by LFM couriers or through money remitters such as Western Union.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Dallas Police Department, Garland Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety. The U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) provided special assistance. The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs also assisted in the extradition of the defendant to the United States to face charges. The Government of Mexico assisted in the investigation and in securing the extradition of Rueda-Medina to the United States.
This case is the result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.
OCDEFT and Narcotics Section Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Calvert and Assistant U.S. Attorney George Leal prosecuted the case.
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Justice Department Files Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Owners and Managers of Oswego-Area Rental PropertiesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a lawsuit alleging that Douglas S. Waterbury, a residential property owner and landlord in the Oswego, New York, area, subjected female tenants and potential tenants to egregious sexual harassment in violation of the Fair Housing Act. Along with Douglas Waterbury, the Department’s complaint names his wife and business partner, Carol A. Waterbury, and two residential property companies, Ontario Realty Incorporated and E&A Management Co., as defendants.
The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York, alleges that since at least 1990, Douglas Waterbury has sexually harassed numerous women who have lived in or inquired about the defendants’ residential rental properties. The suit alleges that Waterbury’s conduct has included demanding or pressuring female tenants and potential tenants to engage in sex acts with him in order to obtain or keep rental housing; subjecting female tenants and potential tenants to unwelcome sexual contact and groping; offering to grant tangible housing benefits, such as reduced rent or deposit payments, in exchange for sex acts; refusing needed maintenance services or otherwise taking adverse housing actions against female tenants who refused his harassment; and making unwelcome sexual comments and advances. The conduct alleged in this complaint is egregious, ranging from demands to exchange sex for rent, to unwanted sexual encounters.
“Subjecting tenants and those looking for housing to harassment and demands for sex is unacceptable,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division. “Combatting sexual harassment in housing is among the Department’s top priorities. As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act this month, the Civil Rights Division stresses its commitment to tackling this scourge, which strikes at the heart of access to fair housing, free from harassment and other forms of illegal discrimination.”
“The complaint alleges severe, pervasive sexual harassment, including pressure to engage in sexual activity to obtain or keep rental housing and unwelcome sexual contact with actual and prospective female tenants,” said Grant C. Jaquith, United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York. “We are committed to the full and fair application of the Fair Housing Act to give meaning to its protection of renters from unlawful discrimination. Housing cannot be conditioned on submission to sexual harassment.”
In October, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division announced the Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative. The initiative specifically seeks to increase the Department’s efforts to protect individuals from harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, security guards, and other employees and representatives of rental property owners.
The Justice Department has filed or settled nine sexual harassment cases and has recovered over $1.6 million for victims of sexual harassment in housing since January 20, 2017.
Today’s lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate the victims, civil penalties, and a court order barring future discrimination. The complaint contains allegations of unlawful conduct. The allegations must be proven in federal court.
The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and familial status. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at http://www.justice.gov/crt. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment or other types of housing discrimination at rental dwellings owned or operated by Douglas Waterbury, Carol Waterbury, Ontario Realty, Incorporated, or E&A Management Co., or who have other information that may be relevant to this case, can contact the Housing Discrimination Tip Line, by calling 1-800-896-7743, pressing 1 to continue in English, and selecting mailbox 92 to leave a message.
Individuals can also report sexual harassment and other forms of housing discrimination by calling the phone number above and leaving a message in the general mailbox, or by e-mailing the Justice Department at [email protected].
Justice Department Files Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Owners and Managers of New York Rental PropertiesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a lawsuit alleging that Douglas S. Waterbury, a residential property owner and landlord in the Oswego, New York, area subjected female tenants and potential tenants to egregious sexual harassment in violation of the Fair Housing Act. Along with Douglas Waterbury, the Department’s complaint names his wife and business partner, Carol A. Waterbury, and two residential property companies, Ontario Realty Inc. and E&A Management Co., as defendants.
The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York, alleges that since at least 1990, Douglas Waterbury has sexually harassed numerous women who have lived in or inquired about the defendants’ residential rental properties. The suit alleges that Waterbury’s conduct has included demanding or pressuring female tenants and potential tenants to engage in sex acts with him in order to obtain or keep rental housing; subjecting female tenants and potential tenants to unwelcome sexual contact and groping; offering to grant tangible housing benefits, such as reduced rent or deposit payments, in exchange for sex acts; refusing needed maintenance services or otherwise taking adverse housing actions against female tenants who refused his harassment; and making unwelcome sexual comments and advances. The conduct alleged in this complaint is egregious, ranging from demands to exchange sex for rent, to unwanted sexual encounters.
“Subjecting tenants and those looking for housing to harassment and demands for sex is unacceptable,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division. “Combatting sexual harassment in housing is among the Department’s top priorities. As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act this month, the Civil Rights Division stresses its commitment to tackling this scourge, which strikes at the heart of access to fair housing, free from harassment and other forms of illegal discrimination.”
“The complaint alleges severe, pervasive sexual harassment, including pressure to engage in sexual activity to obtain or keep rental housing and unwelcome sexual contact with actual and prospective female tenants,” said Grant C. Jaquith, United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York. “We are committed to the full and fair application of the Fair Housing Act to give meaning to its protection of renters from unlawful discrimination. Housing cannot be conditioned on submission to sexual harassment.”
In October, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division announced the Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative. The initiative specifically seeks to increase the Department’s efforts to protect individuals from harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, security guards, and other employees and representatives of rental property owners.
The Justice Department has filed or settled nine sexual harassment cases and has recovered over $1.6 million for victims of sexual harassment in housing since Jan. 20, 2017.
Today’s lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate the victims, civil penalties, and a court order barring future discrimination. The complaint contains allegations of unlawful conduct. The allegations must be proven in federal court.
The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and familial status. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at http://www.justice.gov/crt. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment or other types of housing discrimination at rental dwellings owned or operated by Douglas Waterbury, Carol Waterbury, Ontario Realty Inc., or E&A Management Co., or who have other information that may be relevant to this case, can contact the Housing Discrimination Tip Line, by calling 1-800-896-7743, pressing 1 to continue in English, and selecting mailbox 92 to leave a message.
Individuals can also report sexual harassment and other forms of housing discrimination by calling the phone number above and leaving a message in the general mailbox, or by e-mailing the Justice Department at [email protected].
Juneau Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that Mack Arthur Parker, 52, of Juneau, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess, to serve 34 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on June 25, 2017, in Juneau, Parker was found unconscious behind the wheel of a running vehicle, with the window down and blocking traffic. When the officer woke Parker, the officer saw Parker immediately reach under his leg after the vehicle lurched forward. The officer stuck his head in the window and observed that Parker was reaching for a pistol tucked under his leg. The officer reached in the vehicle and secured the firearm, which had a loaded magazine and round in the chamber. Parker was also in possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, a glass pipe, and a digital scale.
Parker had previously been convicted in the Superior Court for the State of Alaska on Feb. 11, 2001, for Robbery in the First Degree. As someone convicted of a felony, Parker was prohibited from possessing firearms.
The Juneau Police Department (“JPD”) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Schmidt.
Jamaican man admits to scamming Americans with lottery scamRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Zicko Peterkin, of Montego Bay, Jamaica, has admitted to operating a lottery scam to defraud American citizens, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Peterkin, age 34, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud.” As a part of that conspiracy, Peterkin and others made unsolicited phone calls and emails to hundreds of residents in the United States, making false claims that the recipients had won a multi-million dollar lottery prize and a Mercedes Benz vehicle. Peterkin and co-conspirators told victims that, to receive these prizes, they had to send money to cover “processing fees.” Peterkin also sent images of forged cashier’s checks to the recipients, showing the intended target as the payee of the check. In response, victims wired at least $250,000 to Peterkin and his co-conspirators. The crime occurred from September 2008 to July 2011 in the Northern District of West Virginia and other locations across the country.
Peterkin faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The case was investigated by the Treasury Inspector General for the Tax Administration.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.Jackson Man Pleads Guilty to Commercial Driver’s License FraudRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. –Andre Cooper, 39, of Jackson, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves to a one-count federal information charging him with making false statements, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Marlies Gonzalez with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General Regional S.
Cooper previously worked for a company that provided training and certification to individuals seeking commercial driver’s licenses ("CDLs"). His employment only authorized certification to those that were students of the company. However, Cooper provided paperwork to those who wanted a CDL that were not students of his employer. He prepared paperwork representing that the applicant had taken the road skills test, when in fact they had not.
The fraudulent paperwork was given to individuals seeking to obtain a CDL in exchange for payment to Cooper. Such fraudulent paperwork would be presented by these individuals to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety in order to secure a commercial driver’s license. A review of the commercial drivers’ paperwork in Mississippi showed that some of the applicants could not have achieved the results on the paperwork. Some Commercial Driver’s License holders were interviewed and said they had never taken the test and just paid Cooper for the paperwork.
Cooper is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Reeves on June 21, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Chalk.
Illegal Alien Admits Re-entering U.S. Without PermissionRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A citizen of Mexico pleaded guilty in federal court in Johnstown on his conviction of re-entry of an illegal alien, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Yovani Escalante-Escalante, 32, of Blair County, Pa., pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, on Oct. 12, 2017, Escalante-Escalante, an alien who had been deported from the United States on May 13, 2009 was found in Blair County, Pa. He had unlawfully reentered this Country without receiving permission to do so from the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Aug. 14, 2018, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence of two years 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 offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines, is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Escalante-Escalante.
Hermosa Man Charged with Postal CrimesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Hermosa, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Theft of Mail, Access Device Fraud, and Aggravated Identity Theft.
Tobin Nettifee, age 39, was charged on March 20, 2018. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on April 9, 2018, and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years of imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges relate to Nettifee stealing mail from a mailbox and using another person’s identity to obtain credit cards. The charges are merely an accusation and Nettifee is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspector. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Nettifee was detained pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Hardin County EMS Enters Settlement with United States to Resolve an American with Disabilities ComplaintRead the Press Release
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – United States Attorney Russell M. Coleman announced the settlement agreement with Hardin County Emergency Medical Services (HCEMS), on March 28, 2018, to resolve a complaint, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), regarding the provision of emergency medical services to qualified individuals with disabilities, including individuals using service animals.
The complaint alleged that emergency medical technicians and/or paramedics of Hardin County EMS failed to modify its policies and procedures to permit use of a service animal inside an ambulance providing emergency medical transportation services, in March of 2014 and again in November of 2016. Specifically, the service animal was a dog, trained to do work and perform tasks for the benefit of the individual with the disability.
Under the agreement, within 60 days HCEMS will adopt and publish grievance procedures for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints against HCEMS; will not discriminate against a person with a disability in violation of Title II of the ADA; will propose and implement a two-hour training program for all employees who have contact with the public on the requirements of the ADA, including reasonable modifications for people with disabilities who use a service animal.
Assistant United States Attorney Jessica R.C. Malloy represented the United States. HCEMS conducted an independent investigation of the allegations contained in the complaint and cooperated fully in the United States’ investigation and received assistance from the Hardin County Attorney in resolving this matter.
The United States Attorney’s Office in coordination with the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice vigorously enforces federal civil rights laws throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. These laws prohibit discrimination, protect the constitutional rights of residents, and affirm equal opportunity for all. The United States Attorney’s Office enforces civil rights through civil litigation and criminal prosecutions, and, in all cases, represents the interest of the United States.
For information about the civil rights laws enforced by the United States Attorney’s Office, please click on the following links:
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other laws that prohibit disability discrimination.
The Fair Housing Act (FHA)
The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA)
The Equal Educational Opportunities Act (EEOA) and other laws that prohibit discrimination in schools.
Title II of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, and national origin in places of public accommodation.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, and national origin by programs that receive federal financial assistance.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, and religion by state and local government employers.
The anti-discrimination provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which prohibits employment discrimination based on citizenship status and national origin.
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Act (USERRA)
The Service Members Civil Relief Act (SCRA)
The Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA)
The Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA)
The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act and other laws that prohibit law enforcement misconduct.
The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act
Hardin County EMS Enters Settlement with United States to Resolve an American with Disabilities ComplaintRead the Press Release
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – United States Attorney Russell M. Coleman announced the settlement agreement with Hardin County Emergency Medical Services (HCEMS), on March 28, 2018, to resolve a complaint, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), regarding the provision of emergency medical services to qualified individuals with disabilities, including individuals using service animals.
The complaint alleged that emergency medical technicians and/or paramedics of Hardin County EMS failed to modify its policies and procedures to permit use of a service animal inside an ambulance providing emergency medical transportation services, in March of 2014 and again in November of 2016. Specifically, the service animal was a dog, trained to do work and perform tasks for the benefit of the individual with the disability.
Under the agreement, within 60 days HCEMS will adopt and publish grievance procedures for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints against HCEMS; will not discriminate against a person with a disability in violation of Title II of the ADA; will propose and implement a two-hour training program for all employees who have contact with the public on the requirements of the ADA, including reasonable modifications for people with disabilities who use a service animal.
Assistant United States Attorney Jessica R.C. Malloy represented the United States. HCEMS conducted an independent investigation of the allegations contained in the complaint and cooperated fully in the United States’ investigation and received assistance from the Hardin County Attorney in resolving this matter.
The United States Attorney’s Office in coordination with the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice vigorously enforces federal civil rights laws throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. These laws prohibit discrimination, protect the constitutional rights of residents, and affirm equal opportunity for all. The United States Attorney’s Office enforces civil rights through civil litigation and criminal prosecutions, and, in all cases, represents the interest of the United States.
For information about the civil rights laws enforced by the United States Attorney’s Office, please click on the following links:
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other laws that prohibit disability discrimination.
The Fair Housing Act (FHA)
The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA)
The Equal Educational Opportunities Act (EEOA) and other laws that prohibit discrimination in schools.
Title II of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, and national origin in places of public accommodation.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, and national origin by programs that receive federal financial assistance.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, and religion by state and local government employers.
The anti-discrimination provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which prohibits employment discrimination based on citizenship status and national origin.
Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Act (USERRA)
The Service Members Civil Relief Act (SCRA)
The Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA)
The Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA)
The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act and other laws that prohibit law enforcement misconduct.
The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act
hardin_settlement_agreement_0.pdfGuatemalan Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Document FraudRead the Press Release
A Guatemalan man who unlawfully used fraudulent identification documents was sentenced today to more than three months in federal prison.
Tomas Perez-Cobo, age 34, a citizen of Guatemala residing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 31, 2018, guilty plea to one count of unlawful use of identification documents.
At the guilty plea, Perez-Cobo, an illegal alien, admitted that on August 13, 2017, he used a fraudulent social security card and a fraudulent permanent resident card when completing employment forms to obtain a job in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The social security account number and the immigration number on the cards used by Perez-Cobo were not his. Earlier that year, on January 15, 2017, U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested Perez-Cobo and his minor child in Texas after they illegally entered the United States. On January 16, 2017, Lopez-Morales was released pending immigration proceedings.
Perez-Cobo was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Perez-Cobo was sentenced to 98 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a two-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Perez-Cobo is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-CR-101-LTS.
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Georgia Man Sentenced in International Parental Kidnapping CaseRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – United States Attorney R. Andrew Murray announced today that Divett Lidrell Mays, 46, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for kidnapping his daughter and fleeing to Egypt. U.S. District Judge Robert J. Conrad, Jr. also sentenced Mays to three years of supervised release after he is released from prison.
John A. Strong, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, joins U.S. Attorney Murray in making today’s announcement.
According to filed court documents and court proceedings, on May 26, 2011, Mays picked up his seven-year-old daughter, K.M., from her mother’s Charlotte home for a custodial visit. Mays and K.M.’s mother had agreed that he could take her to Atlanta for the weekend and that he would return K.M. to Charlotte on either May 29 or 30, 2011. According to court records, Mays did not return K.M. to Charlotte as agreed. Instead, without the permission or knowledge of K.M.’s mother, Mays purchased plane tickets and flew with K.M. to Egypt.
Court records show that K.M. and Mays departed the United States on May 30, 2011, and arrived in Egypt on June 1, 2011. Mays retained K.M in Egypt until December 2014, when she was reunited with her mother through an FBI/U.S. State Department ruse and returned to the United States. Around May 2017, Egyptian authorities realized that Mays, a U.S. citizen, had no immigration status in Egypt and that he had outstanding charges in the U.S., so they facilitated Mays’ removal to the United States.
According to court records, in order for K.M. to travel from the U.S. to Egypt, she needed a passport, which Mays obtained by fraud. Over the course of the investigation, it was determined that on August 17, 2010, Mays went to a U.S. Post Office in Fulton County, Georgia, and submitted a signed and notarized two-parent consent form along with the passport application for K.M. The investigation further revealed that the application contained false information and a forged signature for K.M.’s mother on the parental consent form. The passport was later issued, and Mays used the fraudulently obtained passport to transport K.M. to Egypt. K.M.’s mother did not give consent for Mays to obtain a passport for K.M.
Mays is currently in federal custody. He will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. All federal sentences are served without the possibility of parole.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Murray commended the FBI for their work on this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimlani Ford, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, prosecuted the case.
Former Tax Preparer Indicted for Preparing False Income Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A former Las Vegas tax preparer was charged in federal court today with 15 counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation and filing of false federal income tax returns, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Tara Sullivan for the IRS Criminal Investigation.
Martha L. Williams, 40, of Las Vegas, prepared taxes for customers at Across the Board Management Company, a business in Las Vegas. She made her initial appearance today before U.S. District Magistrate Judge Nancy J. Koppe. A jury trial is set for June 19, 2018.
The indictment alleges Williams knowingly prepared fraudulent Individual Income Tax Returns, Forms 1040, and accompanying Schedules A or C, for individuals during tax years 2011, 2012, and 2013. As a result, individuals fraudulently paid less income tax owed and they received inflated tax refunds. The approximate loss is $146,542.
If convicted, Williams faces the statutory maximum of three years in prison and a $100,000 fine for each count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared L. Grimmer is prosecuting the case.
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Former Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputy Sentenced to 63 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A former Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputy has been sentenced to 63 months in federal prison for one count of Hobbs Act extortion; one count of receipt of a bribe by a government agent and one count of solicitation to tamper with a witness. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.
After ten days of trial in December 2017 before U.S. Senior District Judge Samuel H. Mays, a federal jury convicted Jeremy Drewery of attempting to extort thousands of dollars from an alleged drug dealer in August of 2016. Drewery was also convicted of soliciting a person to tamper with the witness in the extortion case – thereby obstructing justice.
United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Official misconduct and corruption by law enforcement officers in positions of trust and authority undermine the foundational integrity of our government institutions. We must root out, expose, and hold accountable those officials who violate the public trust by corrupt acts of extortion, bribery, and witness tampering, and this sentence does just that."
According to information presented in court, Drewery was assigned to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office’s Narcotics Division at the time of these events, but has since been terminated from the department. The evidence at trial showed that after executing a search warrant on the home of an alleged drug dealer, Drewery demanded money from the man. In exchange, Drewery would not institute a criminal case on the man. The alleged drug dealer contacted the FBI, which began an investigation. Over the course of three weeks, Drewery met with the alleged drug dealer and received a total of $8,000. Each of the meetings and numerous phone calls between Drewery and the alleged drug dealer were recorded.
Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Floyd Bonner said, "It is always a sad day when someone who was sworn to uphold the law is convicted of violating the law. This outcome is proof that no one is above the law. The Sheriff’s Office is proud to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure equal justice for all."
The evidence at trial showed that, after Drewery’s arrest on the attempted extortion, he paid a confidential informant $2,000 to solicit a person to kill the alleged drug dealer.
"When law enforcement officers break the law they swear to uphold, they undermine the trust and confidence the citizens have that law enforcement will serve and protect them," said Michael T. Gavin, Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. "This sentence will send a strong message to those who would stray from their mission to uphold and enforce the law, that the FBI will aggressively identify, investigate, and bring you to justice."
At today’s sentencing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Reagan Taylor requested an enhanced sentence for the defendant, describing the offense as "an egregious violation of the public’s trust in law enforcement." Judge Mays sentenced Drewery to 63 months imprisonment and 3 years supervised release to begin after his period of incarceration.
This case was investigated by the Tarnished Badge Task Force, which is comprised of investigators from the FBI, Memphis Police Department and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reagan M. Taylor and Mark Erskine prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf.
Former Resident of Las Vegas, N.M., Sentenced to Four Years for Synthetic Cannabinoid Trafficking and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Ray L. Smith, 52, a former resident of Las Vegas, N.M., was sentenced yesterday afternoon in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to 48 months of imprisonment for his conviction on drug trafficking and money laundering charges. Smith will be on supervised release for three years after completing his prison sentence. Smith also was ordered to forfeit to the United States $1,062,592 in cash, five properties located in New Mexico and Arizona, and nine vehicles. He also was ordered to pay $5,000 in community restitution and a $5,000 fine.
Smith and co-defendant Tamara Phillips, 47, of Kingman, Ariz., were arrested by the DEA in Feb. 2016, and charged in a four-count indictment that was filed in Feb. 2016, alleging drug trafficking and money laundering offenses. The indictment subsequently was superseded in May 2017, and charged Smith and Phillips with conspiring to distribute synthetic cannabinoids, maintaining premises for the purpose of distributing synthetic cannabinoids, and participating in a conspiracy to launder drug proceeds. According to the superseding indictment, between Feb. 2010 and Feb. 2016, Smith and Phillips participated in a conspiracy to distribute synthetic cannabinoids from three businesses in New Mexico and Arizona owned by Smith that were jointly managed by Smith and Phillips
The superseding indictment alleged that Smith and Phillips used the three businesses – “Smokin Body Jewelry” stores located in Las Vegas, Raton and Kingman – to sell synthetic cannabinoids. Employees at the stores allegedly sold synthetic cannabinoids to customers while acting at the direction of Smith and Phillips. The superseding indictment included information about two alleged drug transactions occurring on Sept. 29, 2015; the first involved the sale of $1,687.46 of synthetic cannabinoids by an employee at the Raton store, and the second involved the sale of $1,556.91 of synthetic cannabinoids by an employee at the Las Vegas store. The superseding indictment included forfeiture allegations seeking forfeiture of property and other assets constituting the proceeds of the drug trafficking offenses charged in the superseding indictment or that were used to facilitate those crimes including seven parcels of real property located in New Mexico and Arizona, funds in 20 bank accounts, a safety deposit box, and four vehicles.
During law enforcement operations executed on Feb. 18, 2016, law enforcement agents and officers seized 18 bank accounts, a safety deposit box and the eight parcels of real property identified in the indictment. They also executed six search warrants, including search warrants for each of the three stores, a second commercial property in Kingman, and two residences. The estimated aggregate value of the real property, currency and other assets seized on Feb. 18, 2016, exceeded $2.3 million, including approximately $380,000 in cash. The agents and officers also seized approximately 11 kilograms (24.2 pounds) of precursor chemicals allegedly shipped from China in the primary residence of Smith and Phillips. In addition, approximately 25 kilograms (55 pounds) of suspected synthetic cannabinoids with a street value of $250,000 were seized from the three stores and the residence of Smith and Phillips.
On Nov. 2, 2017, Smith pled guilty to four counts of the superseding indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute synthetic cannabinoids, two counts of maintaining a drug-involved premises, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. In entering the guilty plea, Smith acknowledged that from Feb. 2010 through Feb. 2016, he was the founder, owner and proprietor of “Smokin’ Body Jewelry,” which operated at various times from 2010 through 2016 in New Mexico and Arizona. Smith admitted that during that timeframe, he conspired to sell large quantities of synthetic cannabinoids to the general public.
Smith further admitted that synthetic cannabinoids were “Smokin Body Jewelry’s” best-selling item, and that he engaged in the routine practice of mixing, transferring and spreading deposits throughout personal and business bank accounts in order to conceal the source of his revenue as primarily derived from the unlawful sale of synthetic cannabinoids. Smith admitted he used revenue from the sale of synthetic cannabinoids to pay for his personal salary and the salaries of store employees, and to purchase several parcels of land, property and vehicles.
Phillips has entered a plea of not guilty to the charges in the superseding indictment and is scheduled for trial in May 2018. Charges in indictments are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty in a court of law.
This case was investigated by the DEA’s offices in Albuquerque, N.M., and Flagstaff, Lake Havasu and Yuma, Ariz., with assistance from the Raton Police Department and the Mohave Area General Narcotics Enforcement Team. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shaheen P. Torgoley and Joel R. Meyers are prosecuting the case.
The synthetic cannabinoids charged in the indictment are commonly referred to as “spice.” According to the DEA, over the past several years, there has been a growing use of synthetic cannabinoids. Smoke-able herbal blends marketed as being “legal” and providing a marijuana-like high have become increasingly popular because they are easily available and, in many cases, more potent and dangerous than marijuana. These products consist of plant material that has been coated with dangerous psychoactive compounds that mimic THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. These substances, however, have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for human consumption, and there is no oversight of the manufacturing process. Synthetic cannabinoids often are labeled as incense to mask their intended purpose.
Former Financial Secretary for a United Steelworkers Local Sentenced for Embezzling Union FundsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A Washington County resident was sentenced in federal court to three years’ probation, the first six months of which is to be served on home detention, and to pay a $2,500 fine upon her conviction of embezzlement and theft of labor union assets, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Marianne Rodacy, 64, of Charleroi, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court at the time of the guilty plea proceeding, Rodacy was formerly the Financial/Recording Secretary of United Steelworkers, AFL-CIO, Local 10-53-G, and from October 1, 2012 to June 24, 2015, she embezzled union funds totaling $21,539.93 for her personal use. In addition to a three-year term of probation and a $2,500 fine, Judge Bissoon ordered that Rodacy be barred from working for a labor union for 13 years. At the time of sentencing, Rodacy had already paid full restitution to the union for the misappropriated funds.
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards, conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Marianne Rodacy.
Florida Man Sentenced to 180 Months in Prison for Operating Oak Park Pill MillRead the Press Release
A Florida man was sentenced yesterday to 180 months in federal prison for writing illegal prescriptions for pain killers and for laundering the proceeds of his crimes, U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider announced.
Schneider was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Timothy Plancon, Drug Enforcement Administration and Special Agent in Charge Manny Muriel, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations.
Sentenced was Boris Zigmond, 52. The sentencing took place before U.S. District Judge George Caram Steeh in Detroit. Judge Steeh revoked Zigmond’s bond and ordered him into custody.
According to court records, Boris Zigmond operated a clinic which was a front for a scheme to distribute medically unnecessary prescriptions for the most powerful painful killers. Zigmond admitted that he received $500 from people seeking to obtain medically unnecessary prescriptions between 2013 and 2015. He further admitted that he attempted to conceal more than $375,000 in cash from law enforcement.
As part of his sentence, Zigmond was ordered to forfeit $2,221,000 in cash seized during the investigation.
Eight other individuals, including two physicians, Jennifer Franklin and Carlos Godoy, have already been sentenced for prescribing the unnecessary prescription in exchange for $100 per patient. A ninth individual, Rodney Knight, is awaiting sentencing following his guilty plea for participating in the drug conspiracy and for illegally possessing an AK-47 after having previously been convicted of a felony.
DEA Special Agent in Charge Plancon stated, “The DEA has worked cooperatively with other law enforcement agencies to successfully target Boris Zigmond. We have sent a clear message that we have “zero tolerance” for drug dealers and the devastation that they bring to our community. This is yet another example of our resolve to dismantle criminal organizations, especially those who are contributing to the opioid abuse epidemic.”
IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Manny Muriel said, “A physician takes a Hippocratic Oath to uphold ethical standards to help the sick. Boris Zigmond let greed take priority over that oath and in doing so, contributed to the opioid epidemic in Michigan. Let this sentence be a reminder to all doctors that IRS-CI and its partners will continue to work to identify those who look to gain financial reward from medically unnecessary prescriptions.”
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wayne F. Pratt and Philip A. Ross.
Florida Man Charged with Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that on April 10, 2018, John Golom, age 52, of Florida, was indicted by a federal grand jury on sex trafficking charges.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that between 2014 and February 1, 2018, Golom trafficked two women as prostitutes through force, threat, and coercion in Florida and Monroe County, Pennsylvania.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Monroe County Detectives Office, Stroud Regional Police Department, and the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni is prosecuting the case.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is a life term of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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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Federal Inmate Admits Possessing Hundreds of Images and Videos of Child Sexual Abuse While in PrisonRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Plain City, Ohio, man today admitted possessing hundreds of images and videos of child sexual abuse while imprisoned at Federal Correctional Institution Fort Dix for a previous offense involving the receipt of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Jordan T. Allen, 31, pleaded guilty before Senior U.S. District Judge Joseph H. Rodriguez in Camden federal court to an information charging him with one count of possession of child pornography.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Allen admitted that he possessed a micro SD Card containing 577 images and 340 videos of children being sexually abused, including videos of sadistic and masochistic sexual conduct involving infants and toddlers. In connection with his plea, Allen also admitted that he distributed child pornography to another inmate.
Allen and seven other inmates were arrested in April 2017 and February 2018 following an FBI investigation involving multiple covert recordings and several cooperating inmates. The investigation revealed that Allen and other inmates utilized contraband cellphones, micro SD cards, and access to the internet to obtain, view, and distribute child pornography within the prison. A co-defendant organized and helped facilitate this criminal activity by maintaining cloud accounts that were used as repositories for child pornography.
At sentencing, Allen faces a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release. Sentencing is scheduled for July 17, 2018.
Charges remain pending against Brian J. McKay, 47, of Brookhaven, Pennsylvania; Christopher D. Roffler, 30, of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Jacob S. Good, 26, of Fredericksburg, Virginia; William H. Noble, 52, of Lowell, Massachusetts; and Charles Wesley Bush, 38, of Knoxville, Tennessee, all of whom were serving sentences for prior child pornography offenses while committing the alleged crimes in this case. The pending charges and allegations are merely accusations, and these defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two other inmates – Erik M. Smith, 36, of Iron Mountain, Michigan, and Anthony C. Jeffries, 32, of Orange, Virginia – have since pleaded guilty to informations charging them each with one count of possession of child pornography. Smith’s sentencing is scheduled for May 7, 2018. Jeffries’ sentencing is scheduled for July 10, 2018.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Bradley W. Cohen in Newark, with the investigation. He also thanked officials of the Bureau of Prisons at Federal Correctional Institution Fort Dix for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gabriel J. Vidoni and Alyson M. Oswald of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Camden.
Defense counsel: Justin T. Lougry Esq., Camden
Federal Grand Jury IndictmentsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that a Federal Grand Jury in Greenville, South Carolina, returned Indictments against the following:
Pelzer Man Indicted on Federal Gun and Drug Charges. Ronnie Beauford Eugene Gilmer, Jr., age 53, of Pelzer, South Carolina, was charged in a six-count indictment with possession of firearms and ammunition by a prohibited person previously convicted of a felony and a criminal domestic violence crime, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and (g)(9); possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A); and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1). The maximum penalty Gilmer could face is a fine of $1,000,000.00 and/or life imprisonment. The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joe Brewer of the Greenville office.
Anderson Man Indicted on Federal Gun and Explosive Charges. Wesley Dallas Ayers, age 27, of Anderson, South Carolina, was charged in a twelve-count indictment with transportation of explosive materials with the intent to injure, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(d); possession and use of destructive devices during the commission of a crime of violence, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(c)(1)(A)(i), 924(c)(1)(A)(ii), 924(c)(1)(A)(iii), 924(c)(1)(B)(ii), 924(c)(1)(C)(ii), and 924(c)(3)(A); use of a destructive device during the commission of a felony, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 844(h)(1) and (2); and possession of a firearm that was not registered to him in the NTRTF, a violation of Title 26, United States Code, Sections 5841, 5861(d), and 5871. The maximum penalty Ayers could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or life imprisonment. This case was investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joe Brewer of the Greenville office.
Rural Mail Carrier Indicted on Mail Theft. Tony T. Maclin, age 44, of Greer, South Carolina, was charged in a seven-count indictment with theft of mail matter by officer or employee, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1709. The maximum penalty Maclin could receive is a fine of $250,000 and/or five years imprisonment. The case was investigated by agents of the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William J. Watkins, Jr. of the Greenville office for prosecution.
The United States Attorney stated that all charges in these indictments are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Father and Son Plead Guilty in Mortgage Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Robert S. Khuzami, the Attorney for the United States, Acting Under Authority Conferred by 28 U.S.C. § 515, announced that HERZEL MEIRI and AMIR MEIRI pled guilty yesterday to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud before the U.S. District Judge Edgardo Ramos, in connection with their scheme to fraudulently induce distressed homeowners to sell their homes for little or no consideration to a company they owned and controlled. The defendants will be sentenced by Judge Ramos on July 27, 2018.
According to allegations in the contained documents filed in federal court, including the Indictment and Complaint:
From 2013 to 2015, HERZEL MEIRI and AMIR MEIRI defrauded distressed homeowners throughout the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. The MEIRIs and others falsely represented to these homeowners – some of whom were elderly or in poor health – that they could assist them with a loan modification or similar relief from foreclosure that could result in the homeowners saving their homes. But rather than actually assisting these homeowners, the defendants deceived them into selling their homes for less than the homes’ actual values to Launch Development LLC (“Launch Development”), a for-profit company owned and controlled by the MEIRIs.
Specifically, the MEIRIs’ direction fraudulently induced the homeowners to engage in a type of short sale in which the homeowner would sell the property to Launch Development. The MEIRIs and their conspirators falsely assured the homeowners that their homes would be returned to them after a short period, and that they could remain in their homes throughout the entire process. At the closing that followed, homeowners were encouraged to sign fraudulent documents, that unbeknownst to the homeowners transferred the homes Launch Development. Homeowners often were then forced to vacate their homes, and in many cases had no other place to live. Launch Development resold many of the homes, which were purchased at fraudulently deflated prices, for an enormous profit.
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HERZEL MEIRI, 64, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of $1,000,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. He also consented to forfeit $6,469,291.41, as well as 31 real properties, four bank accounts, and one escrow account, as proceeds traceable to the offense.
AMIR MEIRI, 35, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and maximum fine of $1,000,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. He also consented to forfeit the same 31 real properties, four bank accounts, and one escrow account, as proceeds traceable to the offense.
Mr. Khuzami praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program, and the New York State Department of Financial Services for their investigative efforts and ongoing support and assistance with the case.
The prosecution of this case is being overseen by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Thomas and Sheb Swett are in charge of the case.
Essex County, New Jersey, Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Armed Robbery and CarjackingRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 216 months in prison for robbing a Newark jewelry store and then stealing a car at gunpoint immediately afterwards, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Orlando Nieves-Velez, 30, of Newark, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi to an indictment charging him with one count of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of carjacking, and one count of using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Judge Cecchi imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Dec. 1, 2016, Nieves-Velez robbed a jewelry store in Newark while brandishing a firearm. During the robbery, Nieves-Velez pressed a gun to the back of an employee’s neck and threatened to shoot him if the other employees didn’t give him jewelry.
After leaving the store with more than $20,000 in jewelry, Nieves-Velez stepped in front of a 2006 Nissan Altima. Nieves-Velez pointed his gun at the driver and ordered the driver out of the car. Nieves-Velez fired his gun into the air before fleeing in the Altima.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Cecchi sentenced Nieves-Velez to five years of supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution of $95,000.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Bradley W. Cohen in Newark, the U.S. Marshals Service, under the direction of U.S. Marshal Juan Mattos in Newark, and the Newark Department of Public Safety, under the direction of Director Anthony F. Ambrose, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sammi Malek of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
Defense Counsel: Kevin Carlucci Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Newark
El Paso Area Doctor Indicted on Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
In El Paso, a local physician faces federal drug trafficking charges, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Acting Special Agent in Charge Steve A. Borak, El Paso Division.
A twelve–count federal grand jury indictment returned last week charges 66–year-old Dr. Thomas Glenn Easter, II, and his co-defendant, 28-year-old Elizabeth Lightfoot of El Paso, with two counts of conspiracy to distribute Xanax and other controlled substances outside the scope of professional practice. Dr. Easter is charged with an additional ten counts of distributing Xanax and other controlled substances outside the scope of professional practice. Authorities allege that Dr. Easter, with assistance from Ms. Lightfoot, was responsible for doling out numerous prescriptions involving a variety of medications in exchange for favors.
“Prescription drug abuse has become increasingly prevalent in the community,” stated United States Attorney John F. Bash. “We are going to crack down hard on licensed medical professionals who violate federal law — not to mention their professional obligations — in illegally dispensing controlled substances.”
Upon conviction, each defendant faces up to five years in federal prison. Both defendants are currently out on bond.
“Dr. Thomas Glenn Easter, II, and his co-defendant Elizabeth Lightfoot contributed to the controlled substance abuse epidemic plaguing our society,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Steve Borak. “Their conduct put lives at risk and won’t be tolerated. DEA, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to pursue those who seek to perpetuate and profit from the diversion of prescription drugs.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad in El Paso along with Texas Department of Public Safety conducted this investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Rose Whyte is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
An indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Corpus Man Sent to Federal Prison for Online Solicitation of MinorsRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 42-year-old resident of Corpus Christi has been ordered to prison following his conviction of two counts of online solicitation of minors and two counts of transfer of obscene material to minors, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. A federal jury deliberated for approximately 20 minutes following less than two days of trial before convicting Spencer Salcedo on Jan. 9, 2018.
Today, U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos handed Salcedo a total 168-month sentence. Salcedo was further ordered to serve five years of supervised release following completion of his prison term, during which time he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Salcedo will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Salcedo was communicating with a person he believed was the mother of two minor female children - ages 14 and 11. In reality, he was actually talking to an undercover police officer. During the course of the communications, he made arrangements to meet and engage in sexual activity with the mother’s children. Salcedo also sent sexually explicit photographs through text messages intended for the children.
He was apprehended as he arrived at the designated meeting place. At the time of his arrest, Salcedo had condoms with him and candy for the children.
At trial, the jury heard from an agent who testified that Salcedo gave a conflicting statement as to why he showed up to the meeting location.
Previously released on bond, Salcedo was remanded to custody following the verdict where he will remain pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Corpus Christi Police Department - Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted the investigation as part of Operation Hidden Predator, a joint investigation targeting individuals involved in online solicitation of minors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hugo R. Martinez and Jeff S. Miller prosecuted the case 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."
Connecticut Man Sentenced to Nine Years for RobberiesRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Seth J. Blewitt, 30, of Oakville, Connecticut was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr., to nine years in prison and three years of supervised release for bank robbery and armed Hobbs Act robbery. The Hobbs Act makes it a crime to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery. The charges arose from the robberies of a TD Bank branch and a Dollar Tree store. The defendant pleaded guilty on November 30, 2017.
Court records reveal that on May 28, 2017, the defendant robbed a TD Bank branch in Bangor. He entered the bank, approached a teller, and said, “I’m actually robbing you. I want all of your money, no dye packs or GPS trackers.” He was wearing a black knit hat, sunglasses, gloves, and a plaid shirt. The teller complied and the defendant absconded with a bag of cash.
The next day, the defendant robbed the Dollar Tree store in Bangor with a shotgun. He was wearing a mask and sunglasses and he demanded that a cashier open the register. When the cashier said that she could not open the register, he struck the register with the shotgun. The cashier yelled for the manager. The manager opened the register and gave cash to the defendant who absconded with it.
The defendant’s wife, Cara Blewitt, served as the getaway driver for both robberies. Officers from the Bangor Police Department arrested the Blewitts within minutes of the Dollar Tree robbery. On March 26, 2018, Cara Blewitt was sentenced to 33 months for aiding and abetting the robberies.
The investigation was conducted by the Bangor Police Department; the FBI; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Clarksburg woman admits to her role in a drug distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kamesha Sherrail Claypool, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, has admitted to her role in a drug distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Claypool, age 24, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin” and one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of the Controlled Substance Analogue Cyclopropylfentanyl.” Claypool admitted to selling the heroin and cyclopropylfentanyl in August 2017 in Harrison County.
Claypool faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,0000 for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Traci M. Cook is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The case was investigated by the Greater Harrison Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.Clairton Woman Allowed Her Home to be Used for Her Brother’s Drug Trafficking ActivityRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA. - A resident of Clairton, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to maintaining a drug-involved premises, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Jalea Carter, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of using or maintaining a drug-involved location, between March and June 2017, as a place for the storage, packaging and distribution of narcotics. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Carter occupied the residence located at 804 Third Street, Clairton, Pennsylvania, and made her residence available for her brother, codefendant Skyler Carter, to store and distribute heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine. In connection with the guilty plea, Carter acknowledged her responsibility for the intended distribution of the 4.5 grams of heroin seized by federal agents from her home on June 28, 2017. She is the eleventh of 21 defendants charged in the case to enter a plea of guilty.
Judge Arthur J. Schwab scheduled sentencing for September 18, 2018, at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will depend upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Carter remains on bond pending the sentencing hearing.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, the Allegheny County Police Department, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises. Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Carencro man sentenced to 7 years in prison for possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that a Carencro man was sentenced last week to 84 months in prison for possessing child pornography on his computer.
Michael DeBlanc, 57, of Carencro, La., was sentenced Friday by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell, on one count of possession of child pornography. He was also sentenced to 10 years of supervised release and was ordered to register as a sex offender. According to the July 14, 2017 guilty plea, law enforcement officers identified DeBlanc as possessing child pornography in November of 2016. DeBlanc had been trafficking child pornography by sharing the material online. Agents downloaded 33 videos from DeBlanc’s computer remotely using file sharing programs. During a later search of his residence, agents found child pornography on his computer’s hard drive. During an interview with agents, DeBlanc admitted to downloading child pornography.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Those concerned may leave tips with the FBI at tips.fbi.gov. Tips may be submitted anonymously. The Alexandria FBI office number is (318) 443-5097.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominic Rossetti prosecuted the case.
Career Cocaine Dealer Sentenced to 16 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Fredericksburg man was sentenced today to 16 1/2 years in prison for possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
According to court documents, Marcellus White, 31, was under surveillance for suspicion of drug trafficking when, on April 13, 2017, law enforcement performed a traffic stop on his vehicle. During the traffic stop, a narcotic canine alerted to the odor of narcotics in the car, leading law enforcement to find White in possession of over $7,000 in cash. Subsequently, law enforcement learned that just prior to the traffic stop, White delivered six ounces of cocaine to a location in Woodbridge, and White admitted that the cash on his person were proceeds from narcotics sales. Law enforcement then performed a search of White’s home and found another $36,000 in cash, more than 600 grams of marijuana, and 500 grams of cocaine.
Due to White’s prior criminal convictions for trafficking cocaine, the sentencing court found him to be a “Career Offender” under the federal sentencing guidelines.
Tracy Doherty-McCormick, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Karl C. Colder, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division, Adam S. Lee, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office, and Roger L. Harris, Spotsylvania County Sheriff, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen E. Anthony prosecuted the case.
This case was investigated by the Fredericksburg FBI Narcotics Task Force, which includes DEA, FBI, Department of the Treasury, Virginia State Police, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, and Fredericksburg Police Department.
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. 3:17-cr-147.
Canadian Woman Pleads Guilty to Smuggling Thousands of Dollars at the Peace BridgeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Liliya Dzyuba, 42, a Ukraine National and citizen of Canada, pleaded guilty to bulk cash smuggling before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, and a fine of $250,000
Assistant U.S. Attorney, Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that on January 25, 2018, the defendant attempted to enter the United States from Canada at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry. During her primary inspection, Dzyuba stated that she was traveling with $5,000 in U.S. Currency. The defendant signed the CBP Customs Declaration Form indicating that she was not carrying over $10,000. During a secondary inspection, CBP Officers told Dzyuba that she was going to be patted down and was asked again if she had any additional money on her. The defendant then admitted that she was carrying $35,000.00 around her waist and hidden in her pants. Dzyuba was searched and officers recovered four black zipper pouches concealed around her waist, which contained a total of $37,000. In addition, $5,373 was found in the defendant’s wallet, for a total amount of $42,373.
The plea is the result of an investigation by agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations under the direction of Special Agent-in- Charge Kevin Kelly, and Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 1, 2018, at 12:30 p.m. before Judge Vilardo.
Camden Man Arraigned on Federal Drug Conspiracy ChargeRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. - A Camden man was arraigned in federal court today for his alleged role in a drug trafficking ring responsible for selling crack, heroin, and furanyl fentanyl in and around Camden, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Davon Leak, 19, is charged in a second superseding indictment with one count of conspiracy to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base as well as quantities of heroin and furanyl fentanyl. He was arraigned this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joel Schneider in Camden federal court and was remanded to the custody of Camden County, where he is being held on other charges. Leak was charged in the federal indictment following the arrests of 10 other members of the drug ring in June 2017.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
John Gunther, 34, of Blackwood, New Jersey, and Taleaf Gunther, 32, of Camden, obtained bulk supplies of narcotics, prepared and packaged those controlled substances for street level sale, provided crack cocaine, furanyl fentanyl, and heroin to other members for resale to customers, collected drug proceeds, and oversaw the daily sales and operation of the organization. Taleaf Gunther also allegedly possessed a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy.
Other members of the organization – including William Roland, 36, Daron Suiter, 23, Karim Johnson, 39, Latoya Whealton, 33, and Malcolm McCoy, 27, all of Camden – assisted in the distribution and sale of the drugs. George Williams, 43, of Oaklyn, supplied heroin and furanyl fentanyl to the organization. Leak and Rajai Gaines, 36, of Camden, assisted with the preparation of drugs for resale. Mark Campbell, 28, of Sicklerville, New Jersey, supplied bulk quantities of crack cocaine to members of the organization.
The FBI-led investigation used surveillance, confidential informants, cooperating witnesses, more than 20 controlled drug purchases, record checks, a GPS vehicle tracker, and multiple telephone wiretaps and search warrants to uncover the operations of the drug trafficking organization. The investigation ultimately led to the seizure of over 300 grams of crack cocaine, quantities of furanyl fentanyl and heroin, a firearm, and drug paraphernalia.
The drug conspiracy charge with which Leak is charged carries a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and a $10 million fine.On March 26, 2018, Johnson and Suiter pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base. As part of their pleas, Johnson and Suiter also accepted responsibility for distributing furanyl fentanyl to customers in Camden. Both defendants face a mandatory minimum term of 60 months in prison when they are sentenced on July 10, 2018.
On March 12, 2018, Williams pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute furanyl fentanyl. His sentencing is scheduled for June 18, 2018.On March 5, 2018, Whealton pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base. As part of her plea, Whealton also accepted responsibility for distributing furanyl fentanyl and heroin to customers in Camden. She faces a mandatory minimum term of 60 months in prison at her sentencing on June 11, 2018.
The charges against John Gunther, Taleaf Gunther, Roland, Campbell, McCoy, Leak, and Gaines are still pending and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI’s South Jersey Violent Offender and Gang Task Force, South Jersey Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Harpster in Philadelphia; the Camden County Police Department, under the direction of Chief J. Scott Thomson; the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Mary Eva Colalillo; and the N.J. State Police, under the direction of Superintendent Col. Patrick Callahan, with the investigation.
He also thanked the Camden County Sheriff’s Department, the Cherry Hill Police Department, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabriel J. Vidoni of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.
Defense counsel: Teri Lodge Esq., Marlton, New Jersey
California Man Apprehended at Cyril E. King Airport Pleads Guilty to Possession of Marijuana with the intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Kelley Hansen, 28, of California, pleaded guilty today in District Court before District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez, to possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
According to court documents, after communicating with an individual about the sale of marijuana, Hansen agreed to travel to St. Thomas from California to complete the sale. Hansen arrived on St. Thomas onboard a commercial airline and was found in possession of approximately two kilograms of marijuana.
Hansen faces a sentence of not more than five years in prison and a fine of $250,000.00. His sentencing is scheduled for June 21, 2018.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Department of Homeland Security U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
Burnsville Coin Dealer Indicted for Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory G. Brooker today announced an indictment charging BARRY RON SKOG, 67, with five counts of sale of counterfeit coins and one count of mail fraud. The defendant made his initial appearance earlier today before Magistrate Judge Franklin L. Noel in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
According to the indictment, from June 2012 through October 2016, SKOG devised a scheme to advertise and sell counterfeit coins by fraudulently representing that the coins were legitimate U.S. coins worth hundreds of dollars.
According to the indictment, SKOG owned and operated a business called Burnsville Coin Company and through his business, he posted advertisements for coins in a publication called Numismatic News. When victims responded to the ads, SKOG would mail them lists of available coins for purchase, many of which were counterfeit. In his communications with the victims, SKOG would often represent himself as an employee of the Burnsville Coin Company named “Ron Peterson,” when, in fact, there are no other owners or employees of the company other than SKOG. In total, SKOG fraudulently obtained more than $80,000 from his victims.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Minnesota Commerce Fraud Bureau and the Burnsville Police Department.
Based on the evidence obtained in this case, authorities believe there may be additional victims who have not yet been identified. Anyone with information about this matter is encouraged to call the Minnesota Commerce Fraud Bureau at 651-539-1617. Callers may remain anonymous.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Manda M. Sertich is prosecuting the case.
Defendant Information:
BARRY RON SKOG, 67
Burnsville, Minn.
Charges:
- Sale of counterfeit coins, 5 counts
- Mail fraud, 1 count
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Bulgarian National Arrested for Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and Illegally Export Prohibited Articles to Syria in Violation of U.S. Export Control LawsRead the Press Release
Zhelyaz Andreev, 29, a Bulgarian national, was arrested pursuant to an Interpol Red Notice based on an Indictment charging him with: conspiracy to defraud the U.S. Government and substantive violations of the Syria Trade Embargo as enforced through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA); and the U.S. Department of Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control’s (OFAC) designation of Syrian Arab Airlines, aka Syrian Air, as a Specially Designated National (SDN) whose assets are blocked and with whom U.S. nationals are prohibited from transacting business.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Benjamin G. Greenberg for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Robert F. Lasky of the FBI’s Miami Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Robert Luzzi of the Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement (DOC) Miami Field Office, and the members of the South Florida Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), made the announcement.
Andreev was charged with conspiracy to violate IEEPA and the OFAC regulations by exporting dual-use goods, that is, articles that have both civilian and military application, to Syrian Arab Airlines, the Syrian government’s airline, which is an entity designated and blocked by OFAC for transporting weapons and ammunition to Syria in conjunction with Hizballah, a terrorist organization, and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.
According to court documents, Andreev worked in the Bulgaria office of AW-Tronics, a Miami export company, which shipped and exported various aircraft parts and equipment to Syrian Arab Airlines. Andreev dealt directly with the Syrian Air principals who procured the parts.
Mr. Demers and Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of the FBI, DOC, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and South Florida JTTF. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ricardo Del Toro and Michael Thakur of the Southern District of Florida; and Trial Attorney Matthew Walczewski of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Buffalo Man Charged with Selling Heroin Linked to the Death of A Hamburg ManRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Tyrone Green, 24, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute heroin. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who is handling the case, stated that the charge in the complaint stems from an investigation into an overdose death that occurred in Hamburg, NY on March 26, 2018. Through text messages on the decedent’s cellular telephone, detectives with the Hamburg Police Department and Special Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration identified Green as the decedent’s supplier. Law enforcement officers then set up a controlled purchase of heroin from the defendant. When Green arrived to sell the heroin, he was arrested and found to be in possession of heroin.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Hamburg Police Department, under the direction of Chief Gregory Wickett, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special-Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Bradenton Man Sentenced to 16 Years in Federal Prison for Producing and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell today sentenced Paul Fabrizio Solis (40, Bradenton) to 16 years in federal prison for producing and possessing child pornography. He was also ordered to serve 25 years on supervised release, following his incarceration. Solis pleaded guilty on November 6, 2017.
According to court documents, Solis took explicit photographs of a young child who was in his care. He kept the images on a thumb drive hidden in a locked safe in his home. He also had more than 4,000 videos and images of child pornography stored on his laptop computer.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation -Tampa Division, with support from the Bradenton Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kristen A. Fiore.
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 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 locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Boston Man Charged with Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was arrested yesterday and appeared in federal court in Boston for failure to register as a sex offender.
Lance Pona, 27, was indicted on one count of failing to register as a sex offender. He appeared yesterday before Magistrate Judge Robert B. Collings, who ordered Pona held in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for Thursday, April 12, 2018.
Pona faces a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, a minimum of five years and up to lifetime supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and John Gibbons, United States Marshal for the District of Massachusetts, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Paruti, Lelling’s Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and a member of the Major Crimes Unit, is prosecuting the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Bluffton Woman Sentenced to 60 Months Imprisonment for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Lecelle Montgomery, age 71, of Bluffton, was sentenced in federal court in Charleston for one count of Bank Fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1344(2). United States District Judge Richard Gergel, of Charleston, sentenced Montgomery to 60 months imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release and mandatory restitution.
Evidence presented at the change of plea and sentencing hearing established that beginning in 2008 and continuing up to late 2012, Montgomery offered the victims her services as a financial adviser and purposely withheld the fact that she was disbarred by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Ultimately, the victims sent Montgomery a combined total of $1,119,440.75 in order to be invested. Instead, the evidence showed that Montgomery used the victims’ money for personal expenditures including gambling at various casinos.
The case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Matt Austin of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.
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Bergen County, New Jersey, Man Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Violent North Jersey CarjackingRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Waldwick, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 36 months in prison for carjacking a taxi and striking the victim on the head with a beer bottle, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Arlyn Jowany Carrasco Cruz, 28, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Jose L. Linares to an information charging him with one count of carjacking. Judge Linares imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In the early morning hours of Dec. 26, 2016, Cruz and at least five others forcibly took a 2008 Dodge Caravan from a taxicab driver. Cruz and the others forced the taxicab driver into the back of the vehicle and took over driving. As they drove toward Waldwick, Cruz struck the victim in the head with a beer bottle before being let out of the cab.
After dropping Cruz off, the others continued driving the cab to New York, and one individual caused further serious bodily injury to the victim by slicing his throat with a knife before leaving him on the side of the New York State Thruway near Woodbury, New York. The taxicab driver survived.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Linares sentenced Cruz to three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Bradley W. Cohen in Newark, investigators from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Dennis Calo, and the Ridgewood and Hawthorne Police Departments with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elaine K. Lou and Karen D. Stringer of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Newark.
Defense counsel: Susan C. Cassell Esq., Ridgewood, New Jersey
Beckley Man Pleads Guilty to Passing Counterfeit ChecksRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Beckley man pled guilty today to his role in a mail theft and counterfeit check cashing conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Shawn Meadows, 30, entered his guilty plea to uttering counterfeit securities.
Stuart commended the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Beckley Police Department.
“Mail theft and counterfeiting are serious, serious crimes,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Honest, hardworking taxpayers are left paying for those who cheat, steal and lie and I will protect the taxpayers from criminals like this every single day.”
Meadows admitted that he received three counterfeit checks from his co-defendant, Savion Thomas, which he then passed at three separate branches of a bank in Raleigh County.
Smith faces up to ten years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on August 1, 2018. Meadows also agreed to pay more than $7,000 in restitution.
Assistant United States Attorney Eric P. Bacaj is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.
Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart
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Bangor Man Sentenced to over Two Years for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that John Oliveira, 32, of Bangor was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to 27 months in prison and three years of supervised release for distributing fentanyl. Oliveira pleaded guilty to the charges on April 17, 2017.
According to court records, on August 16 and 17, 2016, the defendant sold fentanyl to a witness working with law enforcement. During the second sale, the defendant bragged that he was “the best” at selling drugs, he did not “normally have [buyers] waiting too long,” and his buyers “always know what quality is going to be.”
In imposing sentence, Judge Woodcock commented that the defendant had a “horrible criminal history” and that the defendant’s drug dealing was “every parent’s worst nightmare.”
The investigation was conducted by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Maine Attorneys General’s Office. This case was investigated and prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Strategy to Combat the Opioid Epidemic.
Austin men arrested in Bossier City plead guilty to using card skimmers to steal identities, moneyRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that two men from Austin, Texas, pleaded guilty last week to using a credit card skimmer to steal information to create fake credit cards and steal thousands from private accounts.
Emicel Artigas Garcia, 39, and Adalberto Ramos Cuellar, 42, both of Austin, pleaded guilty Friday before U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr., to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
According to the guilty pleas, the defendants were observed on July 14, 2017 at a Bossier City retail store’s self-checkout counter swiping multiple cards in order to purchase prepaid money and gift cards. Bossier City police later approached the defendants in the parking lot and found seven credit cards and three gift cards in Cuellar’s possession, which bore the defendants’ names. After the electronic information was obtained from the cards, law enforcement agents found that stolen identities were on the cards even though they were labeled with the defendants’ names. Police later searched the defendants’ car and found seven USB thumb drives, one laptop, eight additional re-encoded cards, a cell phone, a gas pump key and a gas pump skimmer. Gas pump skimmers are illegal devices used to steal credit card information. The evidence from the seized devices showed that the defendants downloaded private card information between October 2016 and July 2017. The cell phone contained pictures of screens showing the stolen information, and the laptop contained compromised credit/debit card data for 793 additional cards.
The defendants face up to 20 years in prison for the conspiracy count and two years in prison for the identity theft count, which will run consecutive. They also face five years of supervised release, restitution and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for July 31, 2018.
The U.S. Secret Service and the Bossier City Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath is prosecuting the case.
Auburn Man Sentenced to Almost Five Years for Possessing a Firearm after Being Convicted of a Domestic Violence MisdemeanorRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Willie Richard Minor, 58, of Auburn, Maine, was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Judge D. Brock Hornby to 57 months in prison and three years of supervised release for possessing a firearm after being convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. Minor was convicted on December 13, 2017, following a two-day jury trial.
Court records and trial evidence revealed that on June 14, 2010, Minor was convicted in Maine Superior Court for assaulting his wife at the time. As a result of that misdemeanor conviction, the defendant was prohibited from possessing firearms. On November 27, 2016, the defendant admitted to a detective with the Auburn Police Department that he had a gun and kept it in his apartment. The police subsequently searched his apartment and seized a loaded .38 caliber pistol. At sentencing, the Court found that Minor was subject to an enhanced sentence because he used the pistol to assault another person.
The investigation was conducted by the Auburn and Mechanic Falls Police Departments; the Maine State Police Crime Lab; the FBI; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Antitrust Division Issues 2018 Annual NewsletterRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division today issued the 2018 edition of its annual Spring Newsletter on its website. The Newsletter highlights the Antitrust Division’s recent activities and successes on civil and criminal enforcement, international cooperation, and competition advocacy. The Newsletter includes a message from Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim, articles recounting the Antitrust Division’s enforcement actions in the criminal, merger, and civil non-merger areas over the past year, as well as an update on the Division’s international and competition advocacy programs.
“This spring, I have had the opportunity to reflect on my six-month anniversary as Assistant Attorney General of the Antitrust Division, looking back on the important achievements of our career staff and the exciting new developments and announcements still on the horizon,” said Assistant Attorney General Delrahim in his ‘Message from Makan.’ “My goal as Assistant Attorney General is to ensure that the Antitrust Division exercises its power so that the American consumer can reap the rewards of free market competition and innovation.”
The Newsletter highlights these milestones and accomplishments, and features profiles of Division leadership and staff. It can be found at https://www.justice.gov/atr/division-operations/division-update-spring-2018.
Anchorage Woman Sentenced for Embezzling Funds from Local UnionRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that an Anchorage woman has been sentenced in federal court for embezzling nearly $200,000 from a local union.
Anne C. Reddig, 63, of Anchorage, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess, to serve 14 months in prison, followed by a three-year term of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $139,960.66 in restitution. Reddig previously pleaded guilty on Sept. 25, 2017, to embezzlement of assets by a labor organization officer.
According to court documents, from March 2007 until she resigned in September 2014, Reddig served as the Secretary-Treasurer of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (“IATSE”) Local Union (“LU”) #918. The investigation revealed that Reddig, while an officer of IATSE LU 918, embezzled $193,275.52 in union funds and converted the funds to her own personal use between March 2010 and September 2014. Reddig embezzled the funds by transferring money directly from union accounts into her own accounts, forging the signature of another union officer on checks she wrote for her own benefit, using ATM machines to withdraw cash directly from union accounts, and spending union funds at retail stores via the union’s debit card. The investigation further revealed that Reddig also submitted false reports to the United States Department of Labor by failing to disclose the union funds that she had received.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonas Walker.
Anchorage Man Sentenced to 50 Months in Federal Prison for Involvement in Opium Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that an Anchorage man was sentenced to federal prison for his involvement in a conspiracy to distribute large amounts of opium, and for possession of methamphetamine.
Kao Ching Saelee, 51, of Anchorage, was sentenced on Monday, April 9, by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess to 50 months in prison. Saelee was indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2016, together with three co-defendants, for his role in the conspiracy to distribute the opium. Saelee was additionally charged in a separate count for possession of the methamphetamine. He pleaded guilty to the opium and methamphetamine charges in October 2017.
According to court documents, between April and June 2016 in Anchorage, Saelee was involved in helping to distribute approximately 1,200 grams of opium in three separate transactions. The investigation revealed that Saelee had allowed his residence in Anchorage to be used to store large amounts of opium, which were distributed by another participant in the conspiracy. On June 14, 2016, a federal search warrant was executed at Saelee’s residence leading to the seizure of additional amounts of opium and a large amount of methamphetamine.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph W. Bottini.
***media Advisory***Read the Press Release
UNITED STATES ATTORNEY JOINS WITH GOVERNOR IN HONORING FALLEN HEROES OF LAW ENFORCEMENT
AND TO COMMEMORATE NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS' RIGHTS WEEK
Back the Blue: Honoring Our Fallen Heroes, and Celebrating Law Enforcement’s Contributions to Crime Victims and Service
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Federal, state and local law enforcement and advocates of crime victims’ rights will join United States Attorney Mike Stuart in hosting an opening ceremony on Thursday, April 12, 2018, in the Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse in Charleston, and a Walk/Run for Justice on Friday, April 13, 2018, at Haddad Riverfront Park in Charleston. Both events are being held in recognition of National Crime Victims' Rights Week.
This year’s local theme is “Back the Blue: Law Enforcement’s Contributions to Crime Victims and Service.” The ceremony and walk/run will honor and remember fallen law enforcement who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and celebrate those who continue to serve crime victims and the community. As part of the event, the United States Attorney and the West Virginia Fraternal Order of Police will unveil a statewide tribute to our men and women in blue.
West Virginia Governor James “Jim” Justice, II has issued a Proclamation ordering on April 13th at noon a statewide moment of silence be observed, at which time United States Attorney Mike Stuart has, in addition to the moment of silence, called for all houses of worship to toll their bells.
This years’ events mark the 18th Annual Operation Reach Out event. Operation Reach Out is a collaborative group of federal, state and local agencies and organizations that work to raise awareness about the rights, protections, and services available to crime victims in West Virginia. This event is being held in conjunction with the nationwide observance of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, which begins on April 8 and runs through April 14, 2018.
OPENING CEREMONY:
WHO: United States Attorney Mike Stuart
West Virginia Fraternal Order of Police
Operation Reach Out committee members
Other federal, state and local officials
Families of fallen heroes of law enforcement
Staff of United States Attorney's Office, Southern District of West Virginia
WHAT: Operation Reach Out Opening Ceremony for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week – Back the Blue
WHERE: Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse – Fifth Floor
300 Virginia Street, East
Charleston, WV 25301WHEN: Thursday, April 12, 2018, at noon. The ceremony will immediately follow a reception and lunch beginning at 11:30 a.m.
WALK/RUN FOR JUSTICE & PRE-RACE CEREMONY:
WHO: United States Attorney Mike Stuart
James Bailey, Senior Counsel to Governor Jim Justice
Major General James A. Hoyer, West Virginia National Guard
Operation Reach Out committee members
Survivors of Crime
Other federal, state and local officials
Staff of United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of West Virginia
WHAT: Walk/Run for Justice and Pre-Race Ceremony
WHERE: Haddad Riverfront Park
Kanawha Boulevard
Charleston, WV
WHEN: Friday, April 13, 2018. Registration to begin at 11:00 a.m. Ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Race at noon.
Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart
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Tuesday 10 April 2018
Windsor Mill Man Sentenced for Procuring Citizenship UnlawfullyRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Baltimore, Maryland – United States District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Zulquarnain Qureshi, age 71, of Windsor Mill, Maryland, to nine months in prison, followed by one year of supervised release, should he return to the United States, for Procurement of Citizenship Unlawfully. Qureshi plead guilty to the offense on February 5, 2018. As part of the plea agreement, Qureshi was denaturalized and agreed to be removed from the United States.
The sentence was announced by the United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur and Special Agent in Charge Richard Ingram of the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), Washington Field Office.
According to his plea agreement, Qureshi fraudulently obtained the passport of a citizen of the United Kingdom and used it to enter the United States in June 1999. Qureshi then lived in the United States, and worked and traveled abroad under that false identity until his August 15, 2017 arrest in Baltimore, Maryland. During the intervening years, Qureshi married a succession of three United States citizens while maintaining his marriage to a woman in his native Pakistan. Through his second marriage, Qureshi was able to obtain lawful permanent resident status as the spouse of a United States citizen.
Qureshi, using the assumed identity, filed for United States citizenship, which was granted, and took the oath on August 10, 2016. The day before a new United States passport was to be sent to Qureshi, Her Majesty’s Passport Office alerted American law enforcement to the fraud. The passport was not delivered and an investigation was undertaken.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the DSS, the United Kingdom’s Border Force and Passport Office and HSI for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Fish who is prosecuting the case.
Wilkes-Barre Man Sentenced to Eight Years’ Imprisonment for Conspiring to Distribute Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
WILKES-BARRE – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that on April 6, 2018, United States District Court Judge A. Richard Caputo sentenced Jaquan Henderson, age 28, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, to eight years’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release, for conspiring to distribute crack cocaine.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Henderson pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine in February 2016. Henderson was charged with five other individuals in May 2016. Henderson’s sentence was impacted, in part, by his significant criminal history, which qualified him as a career offender under the advisory United States Sentencing Commission Guidelines.
The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and by the Luzerne County Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo prosecuted the 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.
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