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Monday 9 April 2018
Philadelphia Police Officer Sentenced for Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Stanley Davis, 50, of Philadelphia was sentenced today to 18 months in prison by the Honorable R. Barclay Surrick for distribution of controlled substances.
Davis was a Philadelphia Police Officer assigned as a task force officer with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, working on narcotics investigations. In September or October of 2016, Davis was working in the Kensington section of Philadelphia, an area where illegal drugs were frequently bought and sold. Davis spotted two young woman who were in Kensington attempting to buy drugs. He approached the women, ostensibly to gain information on drug trafficking activity in the area. He exchanged phone numbers with the women and began sending them text messages, which soon turned sexual in nature. Davis entered into a sexual relationship with the first woman and later entered into a sexual relationship with the second woman. During the course of these relationships, Davis provided each woman with controlled substances, including heroin and crack.
“The conduct of former Philadelphia Police Officer Stan Davis is reprehensible” said United States Attorney William M. McSwain. “The Kensington area of Philadelphia has long been ravaged by the impact of the drug trade, and Davis served his own agenda by preying on the vulnerability of women struggling with drug use. Unlike Davis, the overwhelming majority of the men and women of the Philadelphia Police Department are dedicated servants to the community whose fine reputations should not be tarnished by the outrageous conduct of this one police officer.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General with assistance from the Pennsylvania State Police and the Philadelphia Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Livermore
Philadelphia Man Charged with Passing Counterfeit CurrencyRead the Press Release
Abel Helb, 28, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was charged today by Information with one count of conspiring to possess and pass counterfeit currency and three counts of passing counterfeit currency announced United States Attorney William M. McSwain. According to the Information, Helb conspired with others to pass counterfeit one hundred dollar bills to purchase prepaid debit cards and other merchandise from pharmacy drug stores and dollar stores. Helb and his co-conspirators used counterfeit currency at stores in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Tennessee to commit the fraud.
The defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of five years’ imprisonment if convicted of conspiracy and 20 years’ imprisonment for each count charging him with passing counterfeit currency. He also faces a maximum fine of $1,000,000, a $400 assessment, and three years of supervised release.
The case was investigated by United States Secret Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tiwana Wright.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Passing of Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Joseph FicaRead the Press Release
BOISE – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of renowned federal prosecutor Michael Joseph Fica on Sunday April 8, 2018. Mike was admitted to the bar in 1997, and began his career with a two-year clerkship with the Honorable Chief Judge B. Lynn Winmill. He was hired by then-U.S. Attorney Betty H. Richardson in 1999. Over Mike’s nineteen-year career with the United States Attorney’s Office, working under four United States Attorneys, he filed more than 500 indictments and prosecuted more than 1,000 defendants. He prosecuted a broad range of cases, but focused on illegal drugs and organized crime, working closely with federal agencies and with the Idaho State Police in eastern Idaho and around the state. He became the head of the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force in 2011.
In addition to Mike’s prosecutorial duties, he brought his tremendous energy and humor to teaching, working as an instructor for Trial Advocacy and other courses for the Department of Justice at the National Advocacy Center in Columbia, South Carolina. He played a key role in bringing the National High School Mock Trial Championship to Boise in 2016, and enjoyed working with high school students on mock trials for years. Mike also worked as a 5th District Official high school sports referee for eighteen years.
Mike’s absence will be felt particularly strongly in Pocatello, where he worked closely with five colleagues. He will also be missed by all 62-members of the office and by countless others with whom he worked over the years.
“Mike used his tremendous intelligence, his remarkable ability to juggle many things, his empathy, and his humor to tremendous effect. His devotion to public service, to his community, and to his family was profound,” said U.S. Attorney Bart Davis. “He will be missed, and his positive effect on the world around him will be missed as well.”
“Mike was a remarkable colleague. He had an inherent sense of justice and fair dealing. He had tremendous energy, smarts, and humor. And he brought all those things to his job every day. We will all miss him very, very much but we will work diligently to honor his memory,” said Pocatello Branch Manager, AUSA Jack Haycock.
Mike leaves behind him his wife, Ila Marie Fica, to whom he was married for 27 years; their five children, Zachary, Emily, David, Joseph and Benjamin; his brother, Thomas; his mother, Dorothy; his mother-in-law, Bette Woolsey; and his father-in-law, Ray Bingham. Mike was 49 years old.
Mike was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Cruz Fica.
Omaha Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joseph P. Kelly announced today that Becky Lynn Neeb, age 37 of Omaha, Nebraska, has pled guilty to the crime of Tax Evasion before the Honorable Chief District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp. The maximum sentence that could be imposed is a period of incarceration of up to 5 years, a fine of up to $250,000, or both such fine and imprisonment, a term of supervised release of up to 3 years and a special assessment of $100.
During the tax years 2011, 2012 and 2013 the defendant evaded the assessment of her income tax liability on her Form 1040, U.S. Individual Tax Returns, by under reporting her business receipts and over reporting her business expenses for her business, Top Notch Charms. With penalties and interest, the total tax loss is approximately $137,000 which is due and owing to the Internal Revenue Service. Defendant has agreed to make full restitution. “With the April 17 tax deadline looming, it is important for people to have confidence that when they pay their taxes, their neighbors and co-workers are doing the same,” said Andrew Thornton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation. “Fulfilling individual tax obligations is a legal requirement and those who willfully evade that responsibility will be prosecuted.”
Sentencing is scheduled for July 2, 2018.
Ocean County, New Jersey, Man Charged with Distributing Images of Child Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Toms River, New Jersey, man was arrested this morning on charges that he distributed images of child sexual abuse over a social media application, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
David Nelson, 43, is charged by complaint with one count of distributing child pornography. Nelson appeared this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas E. Arpert in Trenton federal court and was detained.
According to the complaint:
As a result of an investigation conducted by the FBI Louisville, Kentucky, field office, law enforcement officers arrested an individual after he offered to broadcast the sexual abuse of his daughter over Kik Messenger to an undercover officer. A search of his cell phone revealed chat group communications between that individual and another Kik user operating under the user name “candicesloan1995.”
Law enforcement agents recovered more than two dozen images depicting child sexual abuse that “candicesloan1995” – later revealed to be Nelson – had disseminated over a Kik chat group between Oct. 24, 2017 and Oct. 26, 2017. Nelson allegedly used his personal cell phone to access Kik and disseminate images of child pornography to others over Kik chat groups.
The distribution charge carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited FBI special agents of the Franklin Township Resident Agency, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Bradley W. Cohen in Newark, FBI special agents under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Amy S. Hess in Louisville, and FBI special agents under the direction of Special Agent in Charge David P. Gelios in Detroit, with the investigation. He also thanked the Toms River Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Mitchell A. Little, for its assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Brendan Day of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defense counsel: Andrea D. Bergman, Assistant Federal Public Defender, Trenton
North Miami Resident Sentenced to Twelve Years in Prison for $1.8 Million Automobile Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Following his conviction at trial, a North Miami resident was sentenced today to 12 years in prison for his participation in an elaborate automobile fraud scheme that netted over $1.8 million.
Benjamin G. Greenberg, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Brian Swain, Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service (USSS), and Rick Maglione, Chief, Fort Lauderdale Police Department made the announcement.
Michael “Mickey” Munday, 72, of North Miami, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Scola, Jr. to 144 months in prison.
On January 17, 2018, Munday was convicted at trial of one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349, and five counts of mail fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341. Nine other co-defendants were indicted and plead guilty in connection with the same scheme.
The evidence presented at trial established that Munday obtained vehicles from throughout the country using various fraudulent methods. These methods included, among other things, convincing people who were behind on their car payments to turn over their vehicles to him in exchange for cash, illegally repossessing vehicles, and covertly transporting stolen cars from other states to Florida. In order to evade detection by law enforcement, Munday and his co-conspirators used several towing and repossession companies as fronts for their illegal activity.
After Munday and his co-conspirators obtained the vehicles, the automobiles were then hidden from owners, banks and lienholders at a number of locations, including at Munday’s North Miami residence. While the vehicles were hidden, another co-conspirator prepared and sent, via U.S. mail, false and fraudulent lien notices claiming thousands of dollars in nonexistent tow services to the vehicle owners and true lienholders. Sham auctions were then held at a strip mall, some of which were facilitated by Munday. Of the more than 150 cars involved in the scheme, only one car appeared at an “auction,” and there were never any customers. After the sham auction was held, the conspirators then cleaned the respective car titles by falsely and fraudulently removing the legitimate owners and lienholders from the title. The cars were then sold to a co-conspirator in the automotive wholesale business at prices below market value and resold for a profit to local dealerships. Overall, banks suffered more than $1.7 million in loss as a result of the scheme.
During the trial, videos and social media postings were introduced showing Munday bragging about his past experience as a drug smuggler, explaining the effectiveness of tow companies as fronts for smuggling, proclaiming himself the “UPS of the smuggling industry,” and advertising himself as a master of evading law enforcement.
Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of the USSS and the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Joshua S. Rothstein and Anne P. McNamara.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Norfolk Man Sentenced to more than 11 years in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joseph P. Kelly announced that Chadwick Lynn Board, 31, of Norfolk, Nebraska, was sentenced on April 9, 2018, to 137 months in prison by United States District Judge Laurie Smith Camp. Board had previously pled guilty after Madison County Investigators executed a search warrant on his Norfolk residence on March 2, 2017. Inside the residence, investigators located 23 firearms including handguns, sawed-off shotguns, assault rifles, and drug paraphernalia indicative of methamphetamine distribution. At the time, Board was a convicted felon known to be distributing methamphetamine from the residence.
Because Board possessed a firearm in connection with drug trafficking, a consecutive five year prison term was added to his sentence. After serving his sentence Board will be required to serve a Term of Supervised Release of 5 years.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Madison County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Newton Man Charged with 24 Additional Offenses Associated with Cyberstalking Former HousemateRead the Press Release
Boston - A Newton man, who was arrested and charged in October 2017 for conducting an extensive cyberstalking campaign against his former housemate, was charged today in federal court in Boston with an additional 24 offenses.
Ryan S. Lin, 25, was charged with seven counts of cyberstalking; five counts of distribution of child pornography; nine counts of making hoax bomb threats; three counts of computer fraud and abuse; and one count of aggravated identity theft.
The conduct charged in October 2017 is incorporated into today’s charges. Specifically, from about May 2016 through Oct. 5, 2017, Lin engaged in an extensive cyberstalking campaign against a 24-year-old female victim, who was Lin’s former housemate. Lin allegedly hacked into the victim’s online accounts and devices and stole the victim’s private photographs, personally identifiable information, and private diary entries, which contained highly sensitive details about her medical, psychological and sexual history, and distributed the victim’s material to hundreds of people associated with her.
Lin also allegedly created and posted fraudulent online profiles in the victim’s name and solicited rape fantasies, including “gang bang” and other sexual activities, which in turn caused men to show up at the victim’s home. Lin engaged in a number of other activities targeting the female victim, including relentless anonymous text messaging and additional hoaxes, from shortly after he met her until October 2017.
In addition to his former housemate, Lin allegedly engaged in cyberstalking activity aimed at six other individuals, some of whom were associated with the former housemate, and others who were entirely unrelated. The additional victims include a female victim that was Lin’s housemate in Newton at the time of his arrest. It is also alleged that on multiple occasions, Lin sent unsolicited sexually explicit images of prepubescent children to the victim’s mother, the victim’s co-worker and housemate, a friend of the victim who resided in New Jersey, and two of Lin’s former classmates in New York.
It is further alleged that Lin falsely and repeatedly reported to law enforcement that there were bombs at the victim’s Waltham residence. Lin also allegedly created a false social media profile in the name of the victim’s housemate in Waltham, posting that he was going to “shoot up” a school in a nearby town. These threats expanded beyond Waltham and became part of an extensive and prolonged pattern of threats to local schools, private homes, businesses, and other institutions in the broader community.
Each count of cyberstalking provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $ 250,000. Each count of distribution of child pornography provides for a minimum sentence of five years and no greater than 20 years in prison, a minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Each count of making hoax bomb threats provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Each count of computer fraud and abuse provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $ 250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed. 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; Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan, of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Waltham Police Chief Keith MacPherson made the announcement today. The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to thank the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office and Watertown, Newton and Wellesley Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Harman Burkart, Chief of Lelling’s Cybercrime Unit, and Senior Trial Attorney Mona Sedky of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
New York man admits to firearm chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Stephan Cotterrell, of New York, New York, has admitted to using a firearm during a crime of violence, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Cotterrell, age 21, pled guilty to one count of “Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence.” He admitted to brandishing a .22 caliber revolver during a robbery in January 2017 in Morgantown, West Virginia.
Cotterrell faces not less than seven years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Morgantown Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
New York Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A New York man who took part in drug conspiracy between 2016 and 2017 pled guilty today in federal court in Huntington, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Karl Nesly Lamerique, 31, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute heroin and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. United States Attorney Stuart commended the work of the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
“Great teamwork between the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force and United States Postal Inspection Service means another out-of-state drug dealer is out of business and headed to the big house,” said United States Attorney Stuart. “We are building remarkable relationships among our federal, state and local partners and utilizing every tool at our disposal to prosecute anyone selling dangerous drugs in our communities.”
From at least February of 2016 to June of 2017, Lamerique obtained quantities of methamphetamine and heroin from California which were mailed to the Huntington and Cross Lanes areas. Lamerique and others would then distribute the drugs to customers in Cabell, Putnam, and Kanawha counties. Lamerique also utilized others to distribute drugs by providing large quantities of drugs on credit and receiving payment for the drugs after they were sold.
Lamerique admitted that during the conspiracy, he and others utilized a residence and a storage unit in Cross Lanes to store, prepare and distribute drugs. Lamerique provided drugs to individuals who stayed in the residence and distributed the drugs on behalf of Lamerique and another individual. On June 1, 2017, agents executed search warrants at the residence and storage unit. During the search, agents seized multiple firearms, ammunition, and over 3 kilograms of methamphetamine that was found to be 98% pure after testing by a forensic chemist. As part of his plea, Lamerique admitted that he was responsible for the distribution of up to 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine during the conspiracy.
Lamerique faces a mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on July 19, 2018.
Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is responsible for the prosecution. The investigation was conducted by the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart
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New Town Woman Indicted for Embezzlement and TheftRead the Press Release
BISMARCK – United States Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that Melissa Ann Mandan, aka: Melissa Fyten, age 33, was charged by an Indictment returned on April 4, 2018, for Federal Program Theft and Embezzlement and Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization.
The Indictment alleges that Mandan stole in excess of $40,000 worth of funds and amenities from the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation (Three Affiliated Tribes) Infant and Toddler Program while she was employed as an administrative assistant. The Infant and Toddler Program provides assistance to families whose children, between the ages 0 and 5, have not reached their physical or mental developmental milestones. The program provides tribal members resources for services to help the children with speech and physical therapy and other services intended to aid the children. The Indictment also alleges that in addition to stealing money from the Infant and Toddler Program, Mandan also fraudulently used the Infant and Toddler Program account to purchase thousands of dollars worth of goods and food. Mandan’s Initial Appearance and Arraignment was before Magistrate Judge Alice R. Senechal, at 2:30 p.m. today, April 9, 2018. The Indictment in this case is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan J. O’Konek.
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New Haven Man Sentenced to 77 Months in Prison for Role in Armed Robbery of Hamden Video Game StoreRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RASHON GRAY, also known as “Loke,” 24, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 77 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for participating in the armed robbery of a Hamden store in April 2016.
According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 4:22 p.m. on April 27, 2016, two men and two women, who had their head and faces partially concealed, entered the Game X Change in Hamden. One of the men pulled out a gun and ordered the store’s three employees to get down on the ground. The man with the gun put his foot on an employee’s back and pressed the gun against the employee’s head and neck, threatening to kill the employee if he did not give him money and the keys to the display case. The employee complied and the four suspects took several items, including cell phones, an iPad, an iPod, “Beats” headphones, and a cash box that contained $830. The four ran out of the store to a waiting car.
Investigators subsequently identified GRAY as the individual who brandished the firearm and threatened the store employee.
GRAY was on state probation at the time of the offense. On May 6, 2016, police and probation officers found him in possession of a cell phone that had been taken during the robbery and his probation was revoked.
GRAY has been detained in federal custody since his arrest on July 21, 2017. On December 4, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act Robbery.
Four other individuals have been charged and convicted as a result of this investigation.
This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Hamden Police Department, with the assistance of the New Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Event Set for April 13 in CharlottesvilleRead the Press Release
Charlottesville, VIRGINIA – In commemoration of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, the Jefferson Area Victim Assistance Coalition will host a Community Day on Friday, April 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., near the Sprint Pavilion on the downtown mall in Charlottesville. The event is designed to highlight recovery and other resources available to crime victims in the Greater Jefferson Area, provide the community with information about crime enforcement, emphasize prevention education, and foster the ties between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
“Ensuring that the voices of all victims of crime be heard is an integral part of the criminal justice system and something that I, as the United States Attorney, take extremely serious.” United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen said today. “This Friday’s community event will allow service providers and law enforcement agencies to come together to meet the community in an informal setting to build trust and forge lasting relationships that will help us better serve victims in the future.”
Friday’s event is free and family friendly with interactive demonstrations and information available from more than a dozen federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and service providers. There will be plenty for children to see and do, including police motorcycles, firetrucks, police cars, other law enforcement vehicles, K9 Officers, therapy dogs, activities, games, food and more.
In addition, there will be information available for adults about local community groups, service providers, drug prevention tips, exhibitions and more. A particular area of focus is crimes against the elderly. Information will be available from the United States Attorney’s Office that focuses on schemes directed at seniors, such as phone scams, healthcare scams, frauds involving grandchildren, and IRS imposter scams. Additional information will be available offering tips to keep seniors safe from falling victim to these frauds, as well as information about what to do if an elder person believes they have been a victim of a fraud.
The Office for Victims of Crime of the U.S. Department of Justice leads communities throughout the country in their annual observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by promoting victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. This year’s theme, Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims, highlights how the investment of communities in serving crime victims expands the opportunity for all victims, including those who are sometimes overlooked or marginalized, to disclose their victimization, connect with services, and receive the support they need.
The Jefferson Area Victim Assistance Coalition consists of members form the Albemarle County Victim/Witness Program, Charlottesville Victim/Witness Program, Fluvanna County Victim/Witness Program, Greene County Victim/Witness Program, Homeland Security Victim Assistance Program, Louisa County Victim/Witness Program, Sexual Assault Resource Agency, University of Virginia Victim/Witness Program, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Victim Assistance Program, the Shelter for Help in Emergency and the United States Attorney’s Office Victim/Witness Program.
Nashville Man Indicted for Hate Crime and Lying to the FBIRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE MAN INDICTED FOR HATE CRIME AND LYING TO THE FBI
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – April 9, 2018 - The Department of Justice today announced that Christopher Beckham, 32, of Nashville, Tennessee, was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act and lying to the FBI. U.S. Attorney Don Cochran of the Middle District of Tennessee and Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division made the announcement.
The indictment was unsealed today, following Beckham’s arrest on Friday night. He will appear before a U.S. Magistrate judge later today.
According to the indictment, on or about Oct. 24, 2017, in the Middle District of Tennessee, Beckham saw two teenage girls wearing hijabs and said “Allahu Akbar!” and “Go back to your country!” He then attacked the girls’ father by swinging a knife and punching at him, and shouted derogatory comments at the family. Also, according to the indictment, on or about March 12, 2018, Beckham falsely claimed to FBI special agents that he saw the girls trying to break into cars; that he never swung a knife at their father; and that, after he pulled out his knife, the girls yelled “Allahu Akbar!,” and then either one or both of them hit him on the back of the head.
If convicted on the hate crime charge, Beckham faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of making false statements to the FBI provides for a maximum sentence of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sara Beth Myers of the Middle District of Tennessee and Trial Attorneys Christine M. Siscaretti and Rachel Kincaid of the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Mountain Grove, Missouri, Man Pleads Guilty to Importation of Anabolic SteroidsRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Bobby E. McGraw, age 43, of Mountain Grove, Missouri pled guilty to Importation Of Anabolic Steroids, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 952(b), 960(a)(1) and 960(b)(5), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $500,000.00 or both.
The Indictment alleged that on or about June 7, 2017, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, Bobby E. Mcgraw, did knowingly and intentionally import into the United States from the Kingdom of Thailand, anabolic steroids, a Schedule III controlled substance.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace represented the United States.
Mexican Man Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOEL FLORES-GONZALES, age 41, a native of Mexico, was charged today in a one-count indictment with illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to the Indictment, FLORES-GONZALES was previously removed from the United States on June 20, 2016. He was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on March 12, 2018 and had not received permission from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter.
If convicted, FLORES-GONZALES faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 2 years, a fine of $250,000, one year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.
Mendocino County Resident Pleads Guilty to Illegally Importing Leopard Hunting Trophy from South AfricaRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – Adam Thatcher Lawrence pleaded guilty in federal court in Oakland today to mislabeling wildlife intended for importation, announced Acting United States Attorney Alex G. Tse and United States Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement Region 8 Assistant Special Agent in Charge Daniel Crum. The plea was accepted by the Honorable Haywood S. Gilliam, U.S. District Judge.
In pleading guilty, Lawrence, 38, of Willits, Calif., admitted that, in August 2011, he traveled to the Republic of South Africa and hunted, shot, and killed a leopard in that country. Lawrence did not personally possess a permit to kill a leopard in South Africa at that time, nor did he possess a permit allowing him to export the leopard from South Africa. Lawrence further admitted that in May 2012, he returned to South Africa with the primary purpose of bringing the leopard out of that country and into the United States. The leopard’s skin and skull were secretly transported into the Republic of Mozambique concealed inside a spare tire.
Leopards are a protected species under both the Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C. § 1531 et seq., and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, an international treaty to which the United States, South Africa, and Mozambique are signatories. As a result, the import and export of leopards is strictly regulated.
Lawrence admitted that he falsely claimed he had killed the leopard in Mozambique. He acquired the permits required to export the leopard parts from Mozambique, import them into South Africa, re-export them from South Africa, and import them into the United States. In each of those documents, he falsely stated that he had killed the leopard in Mozambique in 2012, rather than South Africa in 2011. Further, in April 2013, he imported the leopard skin and skull into the United States. In connection with the importation, Lawrence knowingly submitted a United States Declaration for Importation or Exportation of Fish or Wildlife in which he falsely stated he killed the leopard in Mozambique in 2012.
A federal grand jury indicted Lawrence on January 11, 2018, charging him with one count of importing wildlife contrary to law, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 545, and one count of mislabeling wildlife intended for importation, in violation of 16 U.S.C. §§ 3372(d) and 3373(d)(3). Under the plea agreement, Lawrence pleaded guilty to the mislabeling count and the importing count will be dismissed. Also as part of the plea agreement, Lawrence agreed to forfeit his interest in the leopard skin and skull that he imported, as well as the hunting rifle that he used to kill the leopard. He also has agreed to forfeit other contraband seized from his home in October 2016, including a mountain lion mount and skull, a carved hippopotamus tooth, whale bones, and a harbor seal skin.
Lawrence is released on bond. Judge Gilliam scheduled Lawrence’s sentencing hearing for June 25, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. The maximum statutory penalty for a violation of 16 U.S.C. §§ 3372(d) and 3373(d)(3) is five years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 plus restitution, if appropriate. However, any sentence will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Lloyd-Lovett is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Vanessa Quant. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement.
Massachusetts Man Charged with 24 Additional Offenses Associated with Cyberstalking Former HousemateRead the Press Release
A Newton, Massachusetts man, who was arrested and charged in October 2017 for conducting an extensive cyberstalking campaign against his former housemate, was charged today in federal court in Boston with an additional 24 offenses.
Ryan S. Lin, 25, was charged with seven counts of cyberstalking, five counts of distribution of child pornography, nine counts of making hoax bomb threats, three counts of computer fraud and abuse and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling for the District of Massachusetts, Special Agent in Charge Harold H. Shaw of the FBI Boston Field Office and Waltham Police Chief Keith MacPherson made the announcement today.
The conduct charged in the October 2017 complaint is incorporated into today’s charges. Specifically, from about May 2016 through Oct. 5, 2017, Lin engaged in an extensive cyberstalking campaign against a 24-year-old female victim. Lin, the victim’s former housemate, allegedly hacked into the victim’s online accounts and devices and stole the victim’s private photographs, personally identifiable information, and private diary entries, which contained highly sensitive details about her medical, psychological and sexual history, and distributed the victim’s material to hundreds of people associated with her.
Lin also allegedly created and posted fraudulent online profiles in the victim’s name and solicited rape fantasies, including “gang bang” and other sexual activities, which in turn caused men to show up at the victim’s home. Lin engaged in a number of other activities targeting the female victim, including relentless anonymous text messaging and additional hoaxes, from shortly after he met her until October 2017.
The Information further charges that, in addition to his former housemate, Lin engaged in cyberstalking activity aimed at six additional individuals. Some were associated with the former housemate, and others were entirely unrelated. The additional victims include a female victim that was also Lin’s housemate in Newton at the time of his arrest. It is also alleged that on multiple occasions, Lin sent sexually explicit images of prepubescent children on an unsolicited basis to the victim’s mother, the victim’s co-worker and housemate, a friend of the victim who resided in New Jersey, and two of Lin’s former classmates in New York.
In addition to the cyberstalking activity, it is alleged that Lin falsely and repeatedly reported to law enforcement that there were bombs at the victim’s Waltham, Massachusetts residence. Lin also allegedly created a false social media profile in the name of the victim’s housemate in Waltham and posted that he was going to “shoot up” a school in a nearby town. These threats expanded beyond Waltham and became part of an extensive and prolonged pattern of threats to local schools, private homes, businesses, and other institutions in the broader community.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Boston Field Office and the Waltham Police Department. The Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office and Watertown, Newton and Wellesley Police Departments assisted in the investigation. Senior Trial Attorney Mona Sedky of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Harman Burkart, Chief of Lelling’s Cybercrime Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.Note: To view the information click here.
Maryland Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for 2004 Sexual Assault of Woman in GeorgetownRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Benjamin Paz, 54, of Montgomery Village, Md., was sentenced today to 12 years in prison for sexually assaulting a 21-year-old woman after illegally entering her residence in Georgetown in February 2004, announced U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu and Peter Newsham, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Paz pled guilty in December 2017, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to one count of first-degree sexual abuse and one count of first-degree burglary. The plea agreement, which was contingent upon the Court’s approval, called for an agreed-upon prison sentence within the range of eight to 15 years. The Honorable Hiram E. Puig-Lugo accepted the plea and sentenced the defendant accordingly. Following his prison term, Paz will be placed on lifetime supervised release. He also must register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
“This prosecution is an example of our determination to ensure that violent crimes are not left unsolved,” said U.S. Attorney Liu. “By taking a fresh look at this case, we were pleased to join the Metropolitan Police Department and our other partners to get this dangerous predator off the street and achieve justice for the victim.”
According to the government’s evidence, on Feb. 22, 2004, at approximately 4:30 a.m., Paz broke into a residence in the 3300 block of Prospect Street NW, where the victim, then 21, was home alone, sleeping. Paz was a stranger to the victim. Paz removed the victim’s clothing and sexually assaulted her by force. During the assault, the victim was able to push Paz off her, after which he got up and ran out the back door into the alley. The victim ran out the front door to get help.
The victim made an immediate report to police, and was transported to an area hospital, where she received a Sexual Assault Nurse Examination. This examination included the collection of swabs from her intimate areas. The Physical Evidence Recovery Kit was later sent for forensic testing. That testing revealed an unknown male DNA profile developed from the victim’s swabs. That unknown male DNA profile was uploaded to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), a web of state and national databases containing DNA profiles from convicted offenders and crime scenes that is used as an investigative tool. There were no hits.
Paz was developed as a suspect in these offenses by MPD in 2017. On Feb. 9, 2017, a D.C. Superior Court judge signed a search warrant authorizing the collection of buccal swabs from the defendant. The warrant was executed on Feb. 15, 2017, and the swabs were later sent for forensic testing. During the testing, Paz’s DNA profile was developed and compared to the unknown male DNA profile developed from the testing of the victim’s swabs in the 2004 offense. The results of this comparison revealed that the DNA profile of the defendant matched the DNA profile of the unknown male on the swabs.
Paz was arrested on March 22, 2017, and has been in custody ever since.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Liu and Chief Newsham commended the work of the detectives of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Sexual Assault Cold Case Unit and Second Police District, as well as the Deputy Marshals from the U.S. Marshals Service. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Victim/Witness Advocate Tracey Hawkins, Victim/Witness Specialists LaJune Thames and Katina Adams-Washington, and Executive Assistant Shelia Miller.
Finally, they expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Zubrensky, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Man sentenced for obstructing justice in City of Atlanta corruption investigationRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Shandarrick Barnes was sentenced to three years and one month in prison, with five-months credit for time served, for obstructing justice in the federal corruption investigation involving City of Atlanta government. Barnes threw a concrete block through the window of E.R. Mitchell’s home, and placed dead rodents on his porch and elsewhere hoping to stop his cooperation with federal law enforcement.
“Barnes thought he could thwart the City of Atlanta corruption investigation by throwing a concrete block through a federal witness’ window,’” said U. S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “Instead, investigators became even more resolute in their efforts to root out a pay-to-play system that undermines the public’s trust in government.”
“Barnes used the tactic of fear to try to stop Mitchell from cooperating with FBI agents,” said David J. LeValley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “It is imperative that we send a strong message to anyone who would attempt to subvert law enforcement agents and officers in their search for the truth.”
“Witness intimidation is a serious crime and today’s sentence shows the consequences of obstructing a federal investigation,” said Thomas J. Holloman, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation. “This investigation is ongoing and we encourage anyone with any information to come forward without fear of reprisal or intimidation.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges, and other information presented in court: In late July 2015, special agents with IRS and the FBI approached E.R. Mitchell, Jr. for an interview relating to an ongoing investigation into corruption at the City of Atlanta. During the meeting, agents discussed corruption allegations as well as potential tax improprieties. Shortly after the IRS and FBI agents approached and interviewed him, Mitchell informed others that federal law enforcement had spoken with him and was asking questions.
Mitchell was interviewed on September 2, 2015, by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal agents and confessed to regularly paying “up-front money” for City of Atlanta contracts. On September 8, 2015, Mitchell returned to the office and completed a second debriefing with prosecutors and agents.
On September 11, 2015, at approximately 5:45 a.m., Barnes threw a concrete block with the words “ER, keep your mouth shut!” written on the side, through a plate glass window in Mitchell’s home. When Mitchell emerged from the house to see who had thrown the block, he saw that dead rats had been placed on his porch, car and in his mailbox. The police and FBI were summoned to the scene and law enforcement obtained security footage from the subdivision. The video revealed a car that appeared to match Barnes’ vehicle left the area minutes after the block was thrown through the front window. Further investigation by agents suggested that Barnes was involved.
On July 13 and August 17, 2016, Barnes was interviewed by the FBI and IRS. During the interviews, he admitted that he threw the concrete block through Mitchell’s window. Barnes specifically acknowledged that he was aware of the investigation into Mitchell and others, and that agents had asked about Mitchell’s taxes as well as payments Mitchell made to businesses associated with Barnes’ employer. He was well aware that Mitchell was actively cooperating with agents. He said he was livid and his decision to throw the brick through Mitchell’s window was motived by his desire to hinder Mitchell’s communication with agents. He said he felt that Mitchell’s communications to federal law enforcement would negatively affect his employer’s businesses. Barnes was concerned that the communication with agents was detrimental to obtaining other business that he and others were actively seeking at that time.
This case was investigated by the FBI and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Kurt R. Erskine and Jeffrey W. Davis, Chief of the Public Integrity and Special Matters Section prosecuted the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced today to 78 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in the Mosby Court public housing community.
According to court documents, on July 29, 2017, Tiwan Parham, 29, was approached by several Richmond Police Department (RPD) Officers in the 1400 block of Coalter Street, Richmond, inside the Mosby Court public housing community. After a brief discussion, Parham consented to a pat down and officers discovered within his waistband a .40 caliber, Glock pistol, with an extended magazine containing 31 rounds of ammunition. RPD Officers later determined Parham was a convicted felon, related to a 2004 second-degree murder conviction. As part of his plea agreement, Parham further admitted to a March 2017 incident within Mosby Court in which he pistol whipped a victim and shot into an occupied vehicle.
Tracy Doherty-McCormick, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Thomas L. Chittum, III, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division, and Alfred Durham, Chief of Richmond Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge M. Hannah Lauck. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:17-cr-122.
Man Pleads Guilty to Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Manassas man pleaded guilty today to using the Internet to pay women to sexually abuse children as young as six years old in the Philippines while he produced numerous images of the abuse.
According to court documents, from at least October 2011 until February 2012, Dwayne Stinson, 53, used an electronic payment service to pay women in the Philippines he was chatting with to sexually abuse children while he directed the abuse. He admitted that some of the children were as young as six or seven years old. Stinson contemporaneously produced numerous screenshot images of the abuse and stored them on his computer.
Stinson pleaded guilty to production of child pornography and faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison when sentenced on August 24. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Tracy Doherty-McCormick, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, John P. Cronan, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Patrick J. Lechleitner, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Liam O’Grady accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Whitney Doherty Russell and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James E. Burke IV are prosecuting the case.
The Prince William County Police Department and Northern Virginia/District of Columbia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (NOVA/DC ICAC) assisted in the investigation.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:17-cr-211.
Man Pleads Guilty to Obstructing Counterterrorism InvestigationRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Sterling man pleaded guilty today to obstructing a counterterrorism investigation and receipt of child pornography.
According to court documents, Sean Andrew Duncan, 22, altered, destroyed, mutilated, concealed, and covered up a thumb drive and memory chip with the intent to impede and obstruct an FBI terrorism investigation. He also knowingly and unlawfully received images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and possessed thousands of such images including images of infants being sexually abused.
Obstruction of Justice
In June 2017, the FBI learned that Duncan had been in contact with an individual who had been detained in a foreign country for actively planning to travel to join ISIS. In or around February 2015, Duncan told the individual that he wanted to make “hijrah” to Syria and that he wanted her to go with him. Later in February 2016, Duncan was denied entry into Turkey and returned to the United States.
Around this same time, the individual told Duncan she was upset at work due to non-Muslim women wearing shorts that exposed their bodies. Duncan replied with a link to a website, and a message saying she could “try this.” The link contained pictures and instructions on how to make weapons and bombs. The link was to an article titled, “How to build a bomb in the kitchen of your Mom” from Inspire magazine. In December 2016, Duncan contacted the individual and told her that he had come back from Turkey, where he and his wife were deported back to the United States. Duncan said he thought the FBI was monitoring him.
In or around October 2017, law enforcement authorities of a foreign government arrested one of their citizens (Recruiter 1) for inciting rebellion. Recruiter 1 is an ISIS recruiter who is suspected of drawing foreign fighters from around the world to Recruiter 1’s home country using social media. Recruiter 1 kept names and telephone numbers of individuals who had requested to join her social media and/or communication application groups. Recruiter 1’s notes included a handwritten name appearing to be “Sean Ibn Gary Duncan,” with Duncan’s known previous phone number and known previous mobile messaging account.
On or about Oct. 6, 2017, the Allegheny County Police Department (ACPD) provided a copy of Duncan’s phone to the FBI. ACPD had obtained this copy during an investigation surrounding the recent death of Duncan’s infant child (the cause of death in the autopsy was inconclusive). The FBI’s review of Duncan’s imaged phone revealed numerous internet searches for ISIS-related material, ISIS attacks, weapons, and body armor.
On Dec. 29, 2017, FBI agents executed the search warrant at Duncan’s residence. Upon execution of the warrant, the agents knocked on the door, identified themselves as FBI, and announced that they were there to execute a search warrant. Moments before the FBI agents entered the residence through the front door, Duncan ran out the back door, barefoot, and with something clenched in his fist. FBI agents guarding the back door yelled at Duncan to stop. Before stopping, Duncan threw a plastic baggie in the air and over the heads of the agents. FBI agents recovered the baggie thrown by Duncan. The baggie contained a memory chip from a thumb drive that had been snapped into pieces, and placed in a liquid substance that produced frothy white bubbles. Upon searching Duncan, agents recovered a broken casing for a thumb drive from Duncan’s pants pocket.
Receipt of Child Pornography
In December 2017, Duncan possessed a smartphone containing images of pre-pubescent minors that appeared to be engaged in sexually explicit conduct with adult males. Other images on the phone were of pre-pubescent minors posed to expose their genitalia in a sexual manner. Several of the images of child pornography were screen shots that Duncan had taken of websites containing child pornography that he had visited. The pre-pubescent minors in the photos were as young as infants, and the total number of images was in the thousands.
One image on his phone consisted of Duncan's hand exposing the genitalia of an infant in a sexual manner. Also found on several of Duncan’s phones and electronic devices were thousands of videos and images of children and women that Duncan took in a voyeuristic manner. Several of the videos and images are taken in public venues such as stores, metros, parks, and restaurants.
Duncan pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice and receipt of child pornography, and will be sentenced on July 6. By accepting the plea, the Court is bound to sentencing Duncan within 15-20 years in prison.
Tracy Doherty-McCormick, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Nancy McNamara, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, made the announcement after the plea was accepted by U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gordon D. Kromberg, Colleen E. Garcia, Jay V. Prabhu, and Trial Attorneys B. Celeste Corlett and Rachel Hertz of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:18-cr-19.
MS-13 Leader Sentenced to 19 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A leader of MS-13’s Enfermos Criminales Salvatrucha clique was sentenced today in federal court in Boston.
Rafael Leoner Aguirre, a/k/a “Tremendo,” 22, a Salvadoran national, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 19 years in prison and three years of supervised release, which he will begin serving after completion of the state prison sentence for which he is currently incarcerated. Leoner Aguirre will also be subject to deportation upon the completion of his federal sentence. In November 2017, Leoner Aguirre was convicted by a federal jury after a multi-week trial of conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy.
Leoner Aguirre was the leader of MS-13’s Enfermos Criminales Salvatrucha clique. In 2013, Leoner Aguirre entered the United States illegally from El Salvador and initially moved to Michigan. From there, he began recruiting and planning MS-13 activities impacting Massachusetts. Among other things, Leoner Aguirre created recruitment videos for MS-13 and posted them on YouTube. This enabled younger gang members and associates to view these videos, including one witness who testified that he first saw these videos while at a local high school in Massachusetts.
In March 2014, Leoner Aguirre moved to the Chelsea area and immediately began activating, organizing, and supervising the Enfermos clique. As part of that activity, Leoner Aguirre encouraged members of the clique to attack and kill rival gang members, in addition to committing other racketeering acts such as robberies. Leoner Aguirre himself committed a number of racketeering acts, including an attempted murder in Chelsea where Leoner Aguirre struck a victim in the head with a machete. Leoner Aguirre also committed an attempted murder involving a shooting, which is the incident for which he is currently serving a four-to-five year state prison sentence. Leoner Aguirre committed both of these attempted murders in daylight on busy public streets in Chelsea.
The other members and associates of the Enfermos clique were Hector Ramires, a/k/a “Cuervo;” Bryan Galicia Barillas, a/k/a “Chucky;” David Lopez, a/k/a “Cilindro,” a/k/a “Villano;” Daniel Menjivar, a/k/a “Roca,” a/k/a “Sitiko;” Angel Pineda, a/k/a “Bravo;” and Kevin Ayala, a/k/a “Gallito.” Each of these defendants has pleaded guilty and will be subject to deportation upon the completion of their sentences.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Commissioner Thomas Turco of the Massachusetts Department of Corrections; Essex County Sheriff Kevin F. Coppinger; Suffolk County Sheriff Steven W. Thompkins; Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley; Middlesex County District Attorney Marian T. Ryan; Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett; Boston Police Commissioner William Evans; Chelsea Police Chief Brian A. Kyes; Everett Police Chief Steven A. Mazzie; Lynn Police Chief Michael Mageary; Revere Police Chief James Guido; and Somerville Police Chief David Fallon made the announcement.
Las Vegas Man Sentenced to over 24 Years in Prison for Receipt, Possession and Advertising of over 30,000 Child Pornography Images and VideosRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today to 293 months in prison to be followed by lifetime supervised release for receiving, possessing, and advertising more than 30,000 images and videos of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI’s Las Vegas Division.
James Scott Alva, 45, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert C. Jones. In January, after a four-day trial, a jury convicted him of receipt of child pornography, possession of child pornography, and advertising of child pornography.
During an investigation into the online receipt and distribution of child pornography on a peer-to-peer network, a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department detective identified and downloaded child sexual exploitation files shared by Alva. The detective also obtained a “browse list” from Alva’s computer advertising 92 child pornography files available for sharing over the network. During the subsequent execution of a search warrant at Alva’s residence, law enforcement seized nine electronic devices from Alva’s bedroom, which contained a total of 28,403 images and 2,851 videos of child pornography. Of the child pornography images and videos, 167 depicted bondage, 1,136 depicted infants, and 20 depicted bestiality. In an interview with a detective, Alva admitted he searched for and received child pornography via peer-to-peer networks and the internet over the course of approximately 10 years. He also identified a laptop found in his room as containing child pornography and stated the child pornography on that laptop would be mostly videos and that some would depict “very young” children.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Burton and Elham Roohani prosecuted the case.
The 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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood and for information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Justice Department Leads Effort to Seize Backpage.Com, the Internet’s Leading Forum for Prostitution Ads, and Obtains 93-Count Federal IndictmentRead the Press Release
Note: To view the indictment click here.
The Justice Department today announced the seizure of Backpage.com, the Internet’s leading forum for prostitution ads, including ads depicting the prostitution of children. Additionally, seven individuals have been charged in a 93-count federal indictment with the crimes of conspiracy to facilitate prostitution using a facility in interstate or foreign commerce, facilitating prostitution using a facility in interstate or foreign commerce, conspiracy to commit money laundering, concealment money laundering, international promotional money laundering, and transactional money laundering.|
The seven defendants charged in the indictment are Michael Lacey, 69, of Paradise Valley, Arizona; James Larkin, 68, of Paradise Valley, Arizona; Scott Spear, 67, of Scottsdale, Arizona; John E. “Jed” Brunst, 66, of Phoenix, Arizona; Daniel Hyer, 49, of Dallas, Texas; Andrew Padilla, 45, of Plano, Texas and Jaala Joye Vaught, 37, of Addison, Texas.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Strange for the District of Arizona, U.S. Attorney Nicola T. Hanna of the Central District of California, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, U.S. Postal Inspection Service Chief Postal Inspector Guy Cottrell and Chief Don Fort of Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) made the announcement.
“For far too long, Backpage.com existed as the dominant marketplace for illicit commercial sex, a place where sex traffickers frequently advertised children and adults alike,” said Attorney General Sessions. “But this illegality stops right now. Last Friday, the Department of Justice seized Backpage, and it can no longer be used by criminals to promote and facilitate human trafficking. I want to thank everyone who made this important seizure possible: all of our dedicated and committed professionals in the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and our U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Arizona, the FBI, our partners with the IRS Criminal Investigation, our Postal Inspectors, and the Texas and California Attorney Generals’ offices. With their help, we have put an end to the violence, abuse, and heartache that has been perpetrated using this site, and we have taken a major step toward keeping women and children across America safe.”
“Backpage has earned hundreds of millions of dollars from facilitating prostitution and sex trafficking, placing profits over the well-being and safety of the many thousands of women and children who were victimized by its practices,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Strange. “It is appropriate that Backpage is now facing criminal charges in Arizona, where the company was founded, and I applaud the tremendous efforts of the agents who contributed to last Friday’s enforcement action and who assisted in obtaining the indictment in this case. Some of the internal emails and company documents described in the indictment are shocking in their callousness.”
“This website will no longer serve as a platform for human traffickers to thrive, and those who were complicit in its use to exploit human beings for monetary gain will be held accountable for their heinous actions,” said FBI Director Wray. “Whether on the street or on the Internet, sex trafficking will not be tolerated. Together with our law enforcement partners, the FBI will continue to vigorously combat this activity and protect those who are victimized.”
“The events of last Friday and today are a big win, not only for the agents who investigated these crimes, but more importantly for the victims, including children, who were harmed as a consequence of the alleged actions of Backpage.com,” said Chief Postal Inspector Cottrell. “By laundering the illegal gains of an enterprise, Backpage perpetuated the exploitation of victims and continued to finance their business. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to protecting our customers by stopping the money laundering to ensure the cycle of victimization ends.”
“An indictment of this magnitude is particularly troubling when you look at the various layers of corruption and exploitation that are alleged to have occurred,” said IRS-CI Chief Fort. “The masterminds behind Backpage are not only alleged to have committed egregious amounts of financial crimes such as money laundering, they did so at the expense of innocent women and children. While these types of investigations can be made more challenging with the use of virtual currency, offshore banking, and the anonymity of the Internet, it should serve as an example to all criminals that there is not a place they can hide where we will not find them.”
The charges and allegations contained in an indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The effort to seize Backpage was led by the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, with significant support from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, the office of the California Attorney General, and the office of the Texas Attorney General. The law enforcement agencies conducting the investigation and seizure include the FBI Phoenix Field Office, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and IRS-CI. The criminal case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Rapp, Dominic Lanza, and Margaret Perlmeter of the District of Arizona and Senior Trial Attorney Reginald E. Jones of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Kucera of the Central District of California is handling the asset forfeiture aspects of the case.Justice Department Leads Effort to Seize Backpage.Com, the Internet’s Leading Forum for Prostitution Ads, and Obtains 93-Count Federal IndictmentRead the Press Release
PHOENIX –The Justice Department announced the seizure of Backpage.com, the Internet’s leading forum for prostitution ads, including ads depicting the prostitution of children. Additionally, seven individuals have been charged in a 93-count federal indictment with the crimes of conspiracy to facilitate prostitution using a facility in interstate or foreign commerce, facilitating prostitution using a facility in interstate or foreign commerce, conspiracy to commit money laundering, concealment money laundering, international promotional money laundering, and transactional money laundering.
The seven defendants charged in the indictment are Michael Lacey, 69, of Paradise Valley, Ariz., James Larkin, 68, of Paradise Valley, Ariz., Scott Spear, 67, of Scottsdale, Ariz., John E. “Jed” Brunst, 66, of Phoenix, Ariz., Daniel Hyer, 49, of Dallas, Tex., Andrew Padilla, 45, of Plano, Tex., and Jaala Joye Vaught, 37, of Addison, Tex.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Strange for the District of Arizona, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Phoenix Field Office Michael DeLeon, IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Ismael Nevarez Jr., and Inspector in Charge Nichole Cooper, Los Angeles Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service made the announcement.
“For far too long, Backpage.com existed as the dominant marketplace for illicit commercial sex, a place where sex traffickers frequently advertised children and adults alike,” said Attorney General Sessions. “But this illegality stops right now. Today, the Department of Justice seized Backpage, and it can no longer be used by criminals to promote and facilitate human trafficking. I want to thank everyone who made this important seizure possible: all of our dedicated and committed professionals in the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and our U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Arizona, the FBI, our partners with the IRS Criminal Investigation, our Postal Inspectors, and the Texas and California Attorney Generals’ offices. With their help, today we put an end to the violence, abuse, and heartache that has been perpetrated using this site, and we take a major step toward keeping women and children across America safe.”
“Backpage has earned hundreds of millions of dollars from facilitating prostitution and sex trafficking, placing profits over the well-being and safety of the many thousands of women and children who were victimized by its practices,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Strange. “It is appropriate that Backpage is now facing criminal charges in Arizona, where the company was founded, and I applaud the tremendous efforts of the agents who contributed to last Friday’s enforcement action and who assisted in obtaining the indictment in this case. Some of the internal emails and company documents described in the indictment are shocking in their callousness.”
"The FBI will aggressively investigate those who exploit young children and women to facilitate sex trade activities and associated money laundering schemes. The FBI, along with our partners at the Department of Justice, United States Attorney's Office, Internal Revenue Service, and U.S. Postal Service are committed to combating this type of crime to protect victims and ensure the safety and wellbeing of our citizens and communities," stated Michael DeLeon, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Phoenix Field Office.
“Special Agents with IRS-CI are experts at investigating complex financial cases, including those involving the internet. IRS-CI is committed to assisting the U.S. Attorney’s Office in protecting the public from harm and delivering justice to those who are victimized by transnational internet crimes,” stated IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Ismael Nevarez Jr.
“The charges brought today reflect the dedication of law enforcement to stop the exploitation of victims, including children,” said Inspector in Charge Nichole Cooper of U.S. Postal Inspection Service Los Angeles Division. “Postal Inspectors have a history of investigating complex financial schemes used to maintain criminal enterprises, and we will continue our efforts to hold those engaged in such terrible crimes accountable for their actions.”
The charges and allegations contained in an indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The effort to seize Backpage was led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona and the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, with significant support from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, the office of the California Attorney General, and the office of the Texas Attorney General. The law enforcement agencies supporting the seizure include the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division. The criminal case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Rapp, Dominic Lanza, and Margaret Perlmeter of the District of Arizona and Senior Trial Attorney Reginald E. Jones of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Kucera of the Central District of California is handling the asset forfeiture aspects of the case.
backpage_0.pdf CASE NUMBER: CR-18-00422-PHX (BSB)RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-033_Backpage
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Justice Department Leads Effort to Seize Backpage.com, the Internet’s Leading Forum for Prostitution Ads, and Obtains 93-Count Federal IndictmentRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - The Justice Department today announced the seizure of Backpage.com, the Internet’s leading forum for prostitution ads, including ads depicting the prostitution of children. Additionally, seven individuals have been charged in a 93-count federal indictment with the crimes of conspiracy to facilitate prostitution using a facility in interstate or foreign commerce, facilitating prostitution using a facility in interstate or foreign commerce, conspiracy to commit money laundering, concealment money laundering, international promotional money laundering, and transactional money laundering.
The seven defendants charged in the indictment are Michael Lacey, 69, of Paradise Valley, Arizona; James Larkin, 68, of Paradise Valley, Arizona; Scott Spear, 67, of Scottsdale, Arizona; John E. “Jed” Brunst, 66, of Phoenix, Arizona; Daniel Hyer, 49, of Dallas, Texas; Andrew Padilla, 45, of Plano, Texas and Jaala Joye Vaught, 37, of Addison, Texas.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Strange for the District of Arizona, U.S. Attorney Nicola T. Hanna of the Central District of California, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, U.S. Postal Inspection Service Chief Postal Inspector Guy Cottrell and Chief Don Fort of Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) made the announcement.
“For far too long, Backpage.com existed as the dominant marketplace for illicit commercial sex, a place where sex traffickers frequently advertised children and adults alike,” said Attorney General Sessions. “But this illegality stops right now. Last Friday, the Department of Justice seized Backpage, and it can no longer be used by criminals to promote and facilitate human trafficking. I want to thank everyone who made this important seizure possible: all of our dedicated and committed professionals in the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and our U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Arizona, the FBI, our partners with the IRS Criminal Investigation, our Postal Inspectors, and the Texas and California Attorney Generals’ offices. With their help, we have put an end to the violence, abuse, and heartache that has been perpetrated using this site, and we have taken a major step toward keeping women and children across America safe.”
“Backpage has earned hundreds of millions of dollars from facilitating prostitution and sex trafficking, placing profits over the well-being and safety of the many thousands of women and children who were victimized by its practices,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Strange. “It is appropriate that Backpage is now facing criminal charges in Arizona, where the company was founded, and I applaud the tremendous efforts of the agents who contributed to last Friday’s enforcement action and who assisted in obtaining the indictment in this case. Some of the internal emails and company documents described in the indictment are shocking in their callousness.”
“This website will no longer serve as a platform for human traffickers to thrive, and those who were complicit in its use to exploit human beings for monetary gain will be held accountable for their heinous actions,” said FBI Director Wray. “Whether on the street or on the Internet, sex trafficking will not be tolerated. Together with our law enforcement partners, the FBI will continue to vigorously combat this activity and protect those who are victimized.”
“The events of last Friday and today are a big win, not only for the agents who investigated these crimes, but more importantly for the victims, including children, who were harmed as a consequence of the alleged actions of Backpage.com,” said Chief Postal Inspector Cottrell. “By laundering the illegal gains of an enterprise, Backpage perpetuated the exploitation of victims and continued to finance their business. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to protecting our customers by stopping the money laundering to ensure the cycle of victimization ends.”
“An indictment of this magnitude is particularly troubling when you look at the various layers of corruption and exploitation that are alleged to have occurred,” said IRS-CI Chief Fort. “The masterminds behind Backpage are not only alleged to have committed egregious amounts of financial crimes such as money laundering, they did so at the expense of innocent women and children. While these types of investigations can be made more challenging with the use of virtual currency, offshore banking, and the anonymity of the Internet, it should serve as an example to all criminals that there is not a place they can hide where we will not find them.”
The charges and allegations contained in an indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The effort to seize Backpage was led by the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, with significant support from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, the office of the California Attorney General, and the office of the Texas Attorney General. The law enforcement agencies conducting the investigation and seizure include the FBI Phoenix Field Office, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and IRS-CI. The criminal case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Rapp, Dominic Lanza, and Margaret Perlmeter of the District of Arizona and Senior Trial Attorney Reginald E. Jones of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Kucera of the Central District of California is handling the asset forfeiture aspects of the case
Iowa Inmate Charged with Threatening Federal JudgeRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – On April 5, 2018, a federal grand jury in the Northern District of Iowa charged Matthew James Howard with threats against a federal judge and mailing a threatening communication, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. This case is being prosecuted by Southern District of Iowa Assistant United States Attorney Melisa Zaehringer, who has been designated as a Special Assistant United States Attorney General, based on the recusal of the Northern District of Iowa United States Attorney’s Office.
While incarcerated at the Anamosa State Penitentiary, the Indictment alleges that on or about November 30, 2017, Howard wrote and mailed a letter through the United States Postal Service that threatened to kill Judge Linda R. Reade, a United States District Court Judge for the Northern District of Iowa. If convicted, Howard could face up to ten years imprisonment for each of the charged counts.
This matter is being investigated by the United States Marshals Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
The public is reminded that an Indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless he is proven guilty.
Houston Man Arrested on Federal Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A 40-year-old Houston man has been arrested for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown today.
John D. Leontaritis, owner and operator of Vanderhall Exotics of Houston, and former owner operator of Global Motorcars of Houston, Houston car dealerships that specialize in luxury automobiles, has been charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury on Apr. 4, 2018. Leontaritis was arrested on Apr.6, 2018 and will make an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Giblin tomorrow in Beaumont.
Leontaritis is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and conspiracy to launder and conceal the proceeds of his drug trafficking organization. The indictment alleges that from 2013 until June, 2017, Leontaritis conspired with others to traffic methamphetamine for distribution in the Houston and Beaumont, Texas areas. A federal grand jury has already indicted seven other members of this drug trafficking organization, charging them with manufacturing and distributing thousands of pills containing a mixture of methamphetamine as part of the conspiracy.
Under federal statutes, if convicted, Leontaritis faces at least 10 years and up to life in federal prison.
If anyone has any information on this case or defendant, please call 713-693-3000. Callers information will be kept confidential.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Houston Police Department and the Internal Revenue Service-CI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle S. Englade.
A grand jury indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Houma Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy Distribution of HeroinRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announces the guilty plea by ROLAND CHAMBERS, age 49, of Houma, before U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk.
CHAMBERS pleaded guilty to a bill of information charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 846. He faces a mandatory minimum of five and a maximum of 40 years in prison, a maximum $5,000,000.00 fine, at least four years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment. Sentencing is scheduled for June 28, 2018, before U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the investigative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Shirin Hakimzadeh and Matthew Payne.
Henderson Man Sentenced to over 6 Years in Prison for Shooting at Las Vegas Boat Harbor Marina Security GuardsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. - A man who fired multiple shots at security guards at the Las Vegas Boat Harbor Marina was sentenced today to 81 months in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada and Chief Ranger Adam Kelsey of Lake Mead National Recreational Area.
Jamie Joe Dulus, 29, of Henderson, Nevada, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey. In January, Dulus pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
On August 10, 2017, as the bar was closing at the Lake Mead National Park Las Vegas Boat Harbor, two security guards asked Dulus to leave the area because he was acting belligerent. Dulus argued with the guards as he walked along the walkway leading to the parking lot. The guards followed him to ensure he left the area. Dulus then set his beer bottle on the ground, lifted his shirt, and grabbed a .25 caliber Raven handgun from his waistband. Dulus aimed and fired once at each security guard, and then started running towards the guards firing one more shot. When Dulus reached the two guards, he pressed the barrel of the handgun to one guard's forehead. The second guard was able to pull Dulus's hand away as another shot was fired. The guards were able to wrestle Dulus to the ground, remove the gun from his hand, and hold him until National Park Service Rangers arrived on scene. No one was injured during the incident.
The case was investigated by the National Park Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elham Roohani.
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Gorham Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Christopher Shepard, 32, of Gorham, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge George Z. Singal to 15 years in prison and 10 years of supervised release for possessing child pornography. Shepard pleaded guilty on November 28, 2017.
According to court records, in April of last year, investigators from the Gorham Police Department executed a search warrant at Shepard’s apartment in Gorham. Investigators seized his cellular telephone, which was later found to contain several images of a girl under the age of 12 engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
The case was investigated by the Gorham Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
Gila River Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for MurderRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On April 6, 2018, Philip Anthony Osife, 28, a member of the Gila River Indian Community, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John J. Tuchi to 25 years in prison. Osife had previously pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. On March 23, 2017, Osife shot one victim twice in the face, and he shot a second victim in the neck, killing them both. Osife took the one victim’s car and left the victims there near a canal bank. A passing motorist found the victims two days later and then called the police.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Gila River Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Raynette Logan and Todd Allison, Assistants U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-17-00892-PHX-JJT
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-032_ Osife
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Former church employee sentenced for embezzling over $400,000 from churchRead the Press Release
NEWNAN, Ga. - C. Alana Vines was sentenced today for stealing over $400,000 from the church where she worked as a bookkeeper in Peachtree City, Georgia.
“Stealing from a church is a despicable crime,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “The defendant abused the trust that the church had placed in her, diverting over $400,000 of the congregation’s contributions for her own personal gain. We hope that today’s federal prison sentence will bring some solace to the church and its members, and deter others who might consider stealing from vulnerable victims like churches and charitable organizations.”
“The U.S. Secret Service and our law enforcement partners will continue to take an aggressive approach to arrest criminals like Vines,” said Malcolm D. Wiley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Atlanta Field Office. “In this case we were particularly resolved to bring to justice a person who chose to take advantage of unsuspecting members of the public in environments of reverence and trust. Today’s sentence should be a warning to other like-minded criminals that manipulating and stealing from the American people will not go unpunished.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court: The victim church, located in Peachtree City, Georgia, hired Vines as a bookkeeper, first as a temporary employee in March 2013 and then as a full-time employee beginning in August 2013. In her position, Vines wrote checks, paid bills, made electronic bank transfers, made entries in the church’s accounting software, and prepared financial statements.
In 2017, the church hired an outside auditor to perform an examination of its books. The auditor first noticed that the cash deposits in the bank were about $1,000 less than the amount that had been counted at the time of the collections. The auditor interviewed Vines about this discrepancy. She admitted to stealing about $1,000 from the church’s collections but stated that she had not stolen more.
The ensuing investigation revealed, however, that Vines had written nearly $400,000 in checks to herself and to business entities with which she was affiliated, without the church’s knowledge or authorization. In issuing the checks, Vines sometimes forged the signature of the church’s Treasurer on them. She signed many of the fraudulent checks herself. Vines falsely recorded many of these checks in the church’s accounting software to make it appear as if they had been issued to payees other than herself and her affiliated businesses. She falsely recorded that the checks had paid vendors for maintenance, repairs, building security, janitorial supplies, mission support, small group ministry, stewardship, and insurance expenses, when in fact Vines had issued the checks to herself and her affiliated businesses. Vines failed to record many of the fraudulent checks in the church’s accounting software at all. That failure caused the church’s accounting records to overstate the amount of money the church actually had.
In addition to stealing collections and issuing fraudulent checks, Vines also made numerous online purchases from Amazon and paid for them with the church’s checking account. Vines fraudulently purchased over $20,000 in items for her personal benefit, including computers, video equipment, pool supplies, golf equipment, clothing, shoes, and jewelry.
In total, Vines embezzled approximately $420,000.
C. Alana Vines, 38, of Sharpsburg, Georgia, was sentenced to two years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $420,620.07, by United States District Judge Timothy C. Batten, Sr. Vines was convicted of wire fraud on December 7, 2017, after she pleaded guilty.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the Peachtree City Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen H. McClain prosecuted the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Former Youth Minister from Las Cruces Pleads Guilty to Federal Child Sexual Exploitation ChargeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – U.S. Attorney John C. Anderson and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jack P. Staton of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in El Paso announced today that Stephen Mendoza Arellano, 30, of Las Cruces, N.M., pleaded guilty in federal court to traveling in interstate commerce for the purpose of engaging in sexual contact with a minor. The plea agreement recommends that Arellano be sentenced to a prison term of 57 to 71 months followed by 15 years of supervised release.
HSI Special Agents arrested Arellano on Oct. 7, 2017, on a criminal complaint charging him with attempted production of child pornography, enticement of a child to engage in sexual activity, and travel to meet a minor to engage in sexual conduct between May 2017 and Aug. 2017 in Dona Ana County, N.M., and elsewhere. At the time of his arrest, Arellano was an ordained minister of the Apostolic Assembly Church and was serving as the Church’s District of New Mexico Youth President. According to the criminal complaint, Arellano traveled from Las Cruces to El Paso, Tex., with the intention of having illicit sexual contact with the child victim who was 15-years-old when he began contacting her.
The complaint noted that Arellano was a National Ordained Minister for the Apostolic Assembly Church, at the time, held the title of District of New Mexico Youth President, and was a member of the same church as the victim. HSI initiated the investigation into Arellano after receiving a report from the parents of Arellano’s victim. According to the criminal complaint, Arellano began communicating with the victim in a sexually explicit manner in May 2017, when the victim was fifteen-years-old; sent nude photos of himself to the victim and requested nude photos of the victim via cellular phone messaging between May 2017 and Aug. 2017; and engaged in sexual activity with the victim in July and Aug. 2017. The investigation revealed that Arellano was aware of the victim’s age because he assisted in making a video for the victim’s Sweet 16 birthday party.
During today’s proceedings, Arellano pled guilty to a felony information charging him with interstate travel with intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor. In entering the guilty plea, Arellano admitted that in the early summer of 2017, he began to pursue a romantic relationship with the 15-year-old minor victim, whom he knew through the Apostolic Assembly Church and their families’ relationship. Arellano admitted that in June 2017, he traveled from Las Cruces to El Paso, Texas, with the intent to engage in illicit sexual contact with the victim. Arellano also admitted to attempting to engage in that contact.
Arellano has been in custody since his arrest and remains detained pending his sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of HSI and the Las Cruces Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa A. Ong as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
Former Wealth Manager Sentenced for Wire Fraud, Identity Theft, and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Leon A. Smith, a former wealth manager for professional athletes, was sentenced today to 51 months in federal prison for stealing nearly $1.3 million from his clients and misusing their identities.
U.S. District Court Judge Joseph M. Hood sentenced 45-year-old Smith, now of Batesville, Indiana, for wire fraud, identity theft, and money laundering. In addition to the 51-month term of incarceration, Judge Hood ordered Smith to forfeit $1,298,506.82, the approximate gross proceeds of his offense.
During two separate guilty plea hearings in November and December 2017, Smith admitted that he had misused his clients’ personal and financial information to transfer their funds into his own bank accounts and to open unauthorized credit cards and other lines of credit in their names. Smith also admitted that he concealed his activities from his clients by changing passwords to restrict his clients’ access to their accounts and by fabricating expense reports that used fake expenses to explain the low account balances that resulted from his thefts. Smith admitted that this scheme began in September 2011 and continued through January 2015.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Christopher Altemus, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-CI; Amy Hess, Special Agent in Charge, FBI; and Lawrence Weathers, Chief of the Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the IRS-CI, the FBI, and the Lexington Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew T. Boone and Kathryn M. Anderson.
Former Administrator Sentenced for Stealing $227,000 from Pettis County Ambulance DistrictRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The former administrator of the Pettis County Ambulance District was sentenced in federal court today for embezzling more than $227,000 from the district.
Michael Paul Gardner, 62, of Sedalia, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to two years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Gardner to pay $227,649 in restitution to the ambulance district.
Gardner, who was hired as the administrator of the Pettis County Ambulance District in December 2012, pleaded guilty to bank fraud on Dec. 14, 2017. Gardner admitted that he forged board members’ signatures on 44 checks totaling $123,721. Gardner also admitted that he received $103,928 in unapproved payroll expenses from 2015 to 2017. The total amount embezzled by Gardner from the ambulance district was $227,649.
Gardner was arrested on March 29, 2017. Two board members of the ambulance district came to the Sedalia, Mo., Police Department on March 24, 2017, to present suspicious checks and financial transactions made by Gardner. The board had been notified by Central Bank of Sedalia that there was suspicious activity being conducted on the district’s bank accounts. The board members presented several ambulance district checks to police investigators in which Gardner was the payee and upon which the signatures of two board members had been forged. Board members also presented several checks made out to another person, identified in court documents as “T.R.,” which also contained forged board members’ signatures.
Gardner admitted to investigators that he had been forging board members’ signatures on checks payable to himself or to T.R., then depositing them into either his or her personal bank accounts, for about a year.
The ambulance district employed an independent auditing firm to conduct an intensive fraud investigations to determine the amount of funds misappropriated by Gardner. The firm identified 44 forged checks totaling $123,721.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lawrence E. Miller. It was investigated by the FBI, the Sedalia, Mo., Police Department and the Pettis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Federal Grand Jury Criminal Indictments AnnouncedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney R. Trent Shores announced today the results of the April 2017B Federal Grand Jury.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
Anthony Dion Harris. Aiding and Abetting a Conspiracy. Harris, 27, of Broken Arrow, is charged with aiding and abetting a conspiracy to steal marijuana from the mail. The indictment charges that Harris, then employed by the Postal Service at its Tulsa Mail Processing and Distribution Center, watched as a lookout while another employee rifled a parcel and secreted it in a cabinet. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The Office of the Inspector General for the Postal Service is the investigative agency.
Steven Marion Barnes. Aiding and Abetting a Conspiracy. Barnes, 58, of Sperry, is charged with aiding and abetting a conspiracy to steal marijuana from the mail. The indictment charges that Barnes, then employed by the Postal Service at its Tulsa Mail Processing and Distribution Center, assisted the conspiracy by installing a floor safe at the residence of another employee to protect the stolen marijuana. The Indictment further charges that Barnes assisted by removing a pound of stolen cocaine from the Mail Processing Center. Barnes maintained possession of the cocaine and later buried it after learning of the arrest of two Postal Service employees. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The Postal Service Office of the Inspector General, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Tulsa Police Department, and the Sperry Police Department are the investigative agencies.
Federal Criminal Complaint Dismissed Against Mark Conditt in Connection with Austin Bombings InvestigationRead the Press Release
In Austin today, authorities dismissed a federal charge pending against Mark Conditt of Pflugerville, TX, in connection with a string of bombing incidents in the city of Austin and surrounding areas last month, stated Austin Police Chief Brian Manley, FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, ATF Special Agent in Charge Fred J. Milanowski, Travis County District Attorney Margaret Moore and United States Attorney John F. Bash, Western District of Texas.
A federal criminal complaint signed by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Lane on March 20, 2018, charged Conditt with one count of unlawful possession and transfer of a destructive device. That complaint was signed, and an arrest warrant issued, just hours before Conditt detonated a destructive device as authorities were attempting to apprehend him in Round Rock, TX. Conditt died during the incident.
The Travis County Medical Examiner, in connection with the Round Rock Justice of the Peace Dain Johnson, has officially positively identified the deceased as Mark Conditt and released the remains to his family. The identification of Conditt was necessary before federal authorities could move to dismiss the criminal complaint.
This investigation continues as authorities are still reviewing evidence collected in this case, namely computer related information.
The Austin Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives are investigating this case. The Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Rangers, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the United States Marshals Service, the Round Rock Police Department, the Schertz Police Department, the Pflugerville Police Department, and the Cedar Park Police Department are providing valuable assistance in this investigation. The Travis County District Attorney’s Office and the Austin Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas have collaboratively provided legal support during the investigation of these incidents.
Donna Man Sentenced for Alien SmugglingRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 19-year-old resident of Donna has been ordered to federal prison for five years as a result of his conviction for conspiracy to transport undocumented aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Jesse Zuniga pleaded guilty on Dec. 19, 2017.
Today, U.S. District Judge Randy Crane sentenced Zuniga to 60 months imprisonment to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. The sentence was enhanced as the court took into consideration Zuniga’s role in the conspiracy, his use of minors to transport undocumented aliens and that fact Zuniga was heavily involved in overseeing the transportation cell of the alien smuggling organization. The court also considered the total number of aliens transported during the conspiracy, that a vehicular accident occurred during one of the transports which resulted in multiple aliens being sent to the hospital for minor injuries and that Zuniga had been arrested several times for transporting aliens when he too was a minor, among other factors.
Zuniga was involved in coordinating at least two separate alien transporting events from April 23, 2017, to Oct. 21, 2017.
On or about April 23, 2017, Border Patrol agents were conducting surveillance in the Donna area when they observed individuals emerge from the Rio Grande riverbank and load into a vehicle. After the vehicle departed from the area, agents attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The vehicle failed to stop and led agents on a pursuit that lasted approximately five miles and reached speeds of 100mph, which ended when the vehicle rolled over into an open field. Agents apprehended 16 undocumented aliens who were passengers in the vehicle, which included a three-year-old child. Five of the aliens were transported to a local hospital where they were treated for minor injuries.
On the second occasion, agents observed two vehicles driving in tandem near the riverbank of the Rio Grande near Donna. At the location, multiple subjects emerged from the nearby area and loaded into both vehicles, which then drove in a northbound direction away from the river. Shortly thereafter, agents stopped both vehicles. Between both vehicles, agents apprehended a total of 10 undocumented aliens who were passengers in the vehicles.
Zuniga has been and will remain in federal custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Jacqueline Christine Medrano, 28, of McAllen, pleaded guilty for her role in the April event and is set for sentencing June 18, 2018. Darryin Nicole Uribe, 19, of San Juan, and Rey Angel Silguero, 19, of Alamo, were charged for their roles in the October smuggling event Both have pleaded guilty and are set for sentencing April 17, 2018.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Linda Requénez prosecuted the case.
Doctor Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison for Selling Prescriptions of Suboxone and KlonopinRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Dr. Azad Khan, 64, of Villanova, PA, was sentenced to 24 months in prison by the Honorable Lawrence F. Stengel in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. A federal jury found Khan guilty on July 25, 2017 of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and two counts of distribution of controlled substances, all arising from Khan’s employment at a clinic run by co-defendant Dr. Alan Summers.
Dr. Khan worked at a medical clinic operated by Dr. Summers on South Broad Street in Philadelphia that sometimes operated under the business name “NASAPT” (National Association for Substance Abuse-Prevention & Treatment). As proven at trial, Summers, Khan, and the other doctors employed at the clinic prescribed large doses of Suboxone and Klonopin in exchange for large cash payments. Suboxone is a brand name for a drug used to treat opiate addiction. The government’s experts and the defendant’s own expert testified at trial that Suboxone and Klonopin should never be prescribed together, except in rare cases when absolutely necessary. At Dr. Summers’s clinic, virtually all customers received prescriptions for both Suboxone and Klonopin, regardless of their medical need. During the duration of the conspiracy, Dr. Summers, Dr. Khan, and other doctors at the clinic illegally sold over $5 million worth of these controlled substances.
Almost all of the prescriptions for Suboxone and Klonopin were pre-printed before the customer met with a doctor. Summers, Khan and the other doctors working at the clinic failed to conduct medical examinations or mental health examinations as required by law in order to legally prescribe these controlled substances. The amount of Suboxone and Klonopin which Khan and the other doctors prescribed depended on the amount of cash the customer paid rather than any medical reason. For $200, the customers received a month’s supply of Suboxone and Klonopin. For $50, the customers received a week’s supply. Evidence at trial demonstrated a stunning lack of medicine being performed at Summers’s clinic by Khan and many of the other doctors at the clinic.
Several customers who frequented this clinic testified that they were, in fact, drug dealers or drug addicts who sold the prescribed medications. Khan’s own records showed that his customers tested positive for illicit drugs and negative for Suboxone and Klonopin. Khan ignored the drug tests which showed that some of his customers were not taking the prescribed medications and he continued to prescribe them large doses of Suboxone and Klonopin.
Dr. Summers, as well as two other doctors involved in this scheme, Dr. Keyhosrow Parsia and Dr. Clarence Verdell, have pleaded guilty and have either already been sentenced or await sentencing.
“Every doctor who abandons his or her ethics to engage in the prescription-for-pay culture is breaking the law,” said United States Attorney William M. McSwain. “It is ironic that these defendants, while holding themselves out as professional addiction treatment specialists, preyed on the very people they should have been helping. By recklessly selling preprinted prescriptions for cash, they chose greed over their duty to heal. Our office will continue to investigate and prosecute drug organizations on the street and in doctors’ offices when their unscrupulous and illegal conduct contributes to this deadly opioid epidemic.”
“Dr. Khan’s flagrant disregard for his oath as a doctor and total lack of concern for the well-being of his customers led to the illegal distribution of $5 million worth of controlled substances,” said Jonathan A. Wilson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division. “The DEA is responsible for the prevention, detection, and investigation of the diversion of controlled pharmaceuticals; we will continue to aggressively pursue the rogue doctors that choose to engage in this criminal activity.”
“Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that health care fraud and drug diversion will not be tolerated,” said Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon, of the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect government funds and keep the public safe from dangerous drugs.”
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, with assistance from the Philadelphia Police Department and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Narcotics Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert Livermore and Katherine Driscoll.
Co-Conspirators Plead Guilty to Tax FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Charles E. Peeler announces that Belinda Harris, age 33, of Valdosta, GA; Cynthia Clarkston, age 38, of Valdosta, GA; and Susie Hall Sherman, age 46, formerly of Valdosta, GA, all entered guilty pleas in U.S. District Court April 4, 2018 before Senior District Court Judge Hugh Lawson. Co-defendants Tanya Franklin, age 42, of Valdosta, Georgia and Johnny Gary a/k/a Johnny Sherman a/k/a “Little Johnny,” age 27, of Valdosta, Georgia, entered guilty pleas in the same case on March 15, 2018.
Ms. Harris pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, present false claims, steal and embezzle public money, and possess unauthorized access devices and one count of aggravated identity theft all in connection with a scheme to file fraudulent tax returns seeking more than $600,000 in refunds. She faces a maximum sentence of seven years in Federal prison and restitution of the refund money received.
Ms. Clarkston, Ms. Sherman, and Mr. Gary each entered guilty pleas to the conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, present false claims, steal and embezzle public money, and possess unauthorized access devices. They each face up to five years imprisonment and restitution of the taxpayer money stolen. Ms. Franklin pled guilty to one count of theft of government funds arising from cashing fraudulently obtained checks related to the conspiracy. Ms. Franklin faces up to 10 years in federal prison and more than $300,000 in restitution to the United States.
In entering their pleas, Ms. Harris, Ms. Clarkston, Ms. Sherman and Mr. Gary admitted to working together between 2010 and 2012 to file numerous fraudulent tax returns using the stolen identity information of other people. During searches conducted by Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office investigators and the United States Secret Service, stolen identity information was found in the homes of Ms. Harris, Ms. Clarkston and Ms. Sherman. The identity information used included more than 100 identities obtained by Mr. Gary from an individual employed at Valdosta State University. The Internal Revenue Service investigation of the scheme determined that 222 fraudulent federal income tax returns for the years 2010 and 2011, were directly linked to the conspiracy, claiming refunds totaling $670,860.00. Actual refunds of $258,914.00 were issued on those fraudulent returns. A number of victims were interviewed by investigators and stated that the federal income tax returns that were filed in their names were completely false and that they did not authorize anyone to file or accept a tax refund in their names.
Additionally, Ms. Franklin admitted to using her business bank accounts to cash fraudulently obtained checks, including those obtained by Ms. Sherman, Ms. Clarkston and others. Ms. Franklin knowingly cashed 99 fraudulent U.S. Treasury checks in 2011 and 2012 in the total amount of $334,380.10.
United States Attorney Charles E. Peeler stated: “This case is another example of good work by both local and federal investigators partnering to bring people making a living stealing both identities and money to justice. Through diligent effort over the course of a lengthy investigation, this group of individuals lining their own pockets at the expense of those whose identities were taken and American taxpayers, will now pay for what they have done. The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to working with the IRS and other law enforcement agencies to find and punish identity thieves victimizing the public, as well as those committing any form of income tax fraud.”
“Today’s plea is another example of the great work being done by our agents” said Thomas J. Holloman, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation. “We will continue to utilize the resources of our law enforcement partners in combatting identity theft. The identities which are stolen are harmed, and it can take sometimes years to unravel the damage done by these criminals.” Go to IRS.GOV and click on 2018 Dirty Dozen for more on tax schemes.
“Identity theft continues to be a serious crime that affects millions of Americans each year. The defendants in this case were involved in a complex conspiracy to steal identities for the purpose of defrauding the nation’s financial system. The identity theft victims had their lives invaded in a way that often causes long lasting financial consequences. This investigation exemplifies what can be achieved when Local and Federal law enforcement works together in unity. The Lowndes County Sherriff’s Office played a vital role throughout this investigation. The guilty pleas send a clear message that the U.S. Secret Service along with our law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively pursue those committing these crimes,” said Clint A. Bush, Resident Agent in Charge, Albany, Georgia Resident Office, United States Secret Service.
This case was investigated by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Secret Service and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. McCullers is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
California Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Vincente Manuel Ruiz, age 37, of Modesto, California, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and DEA Special Agent in Charge Stephen G. Azzam.
The investigation into Ruiz started after agents with the DEA executed a search warrant at an individual’s property in Soso, Mississippi. Agents located 951 grams of heroin at the residence. The investigation revealed that the heroin had been supplied by Ruiz. After the arrest of Ruiz, agents located two cell phones that showed an individual had previously sent packages of money to Ruiz in California. Ruiz pled guilty to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute heroin from August 2017 through December 13, 2017.
Ruiz will be sentenced by Judge Starrett on July 17, 2018. He faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and the Ellisville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk is prosecuting the case.
Buffalo Man Sentenced on Gun ChargeRead 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 Jimmy Lee Barner, 35, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of being a felon-in-possession of a firearm and violating supervised release, was sentenced to 70 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura A. Higgins, who handled the case, stated that on December 7, 2016, Amherst, NY police officers stopped a vehicle in connection with a report of larceny from a Kohl’s department store on Transit Road in Williamsville, NY. The defendant was one of four occupants and was sitting in the front passenger seat. Stolen merchandise was recovered from some of the occupants.
A subsequent search of the vehicle for additional items of stolen property resulted in the seizure of a .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol from the glove box. The firearm was loaded with nine rounds of ammunition. Subsequently, a DNA sample was taken from Barner to compare with DNA collected from the firearm. Testing confirmed that the defendant’s DNA was on the firearm.
Barner was previously convicted of local charges in Erie County Court as well as federal charges in the Western District of New York of and is legally prohibited from carrying a firearm.
Today’s sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ashan Benedict, and the Amherst Police Department, under the direction of Chief John Askey.Bronx Man Arrested for Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Saul E. Pacheco, age 37, of the Bronx, New York, was arrested last week and charged with conspiring to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin in Columbia County.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith; Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, New York Division, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); and Columbia County Sheriff David P. Bartlett.
According to the criminal complaint, Pacheco was supplying heroin to a Columbia County drug dealer from December 2017 through April 2018. Pacheco was arrested on April 4, 2018, while attempting to meet the Columbia County dealer in the parking lot of a casino in Yonkers, Westchester County. In the parking lot, DEA Special Agents located a plastic bag containing approximately 50 grams of heroin, which Pacheco had possessed and then discarded once he noticed Agents approaching him. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
If convicted, Pacheco faces at least 5 years and up to 40 years in prison, as well as a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 4 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
Pacheco appeared today for a detention hearing before United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel, who ordered him released with conditions, including a secured bond, electronic monitoring and home confinement.
This case is being investigated by the DEA and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.
Bowie Doctor Indicted for Health Care Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted Sampson Sarpong, age 61, of Bowie, Maryland, today on charges related to a scheme to defraud health care benefit programs and aggravated identity theft. The indictment was returned on April 4, 2018, and unsealed today upon the arrest of Sarpong.
The indictment was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning; Nancy McNamara, Assistant Director in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Washington Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Bret D. Mastronardi of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) – Office of the Inspector General (OIG).
According to the 20-count indictment, Sarpong was a licensed physician in Maryland and specialized in the field of allergy and immunology. Sarpong owned and operated the Center for Allergic Diseases, LLC, which had numerous locations, including in White Plains, Maryland, and Glenn Dale, Maryland. Sarpong allegedly billed health care benefit programs for a variety of procedures used to test for and identify a patient's allergic disorder, including skin prick tests (“SPT”) and patch tests (“PT”).
From September 2011 through March 2017, Sarpong allegedly devised a scheme and artifice to defraud health care benefit programs by knowingly performing SPTs and PTs on patients for whom such tests were not medically required. Sarpong tested excessive numbers of allergens that were not necessary based on the patient’s complaints, symptoms, history, and environment. In addition, Sarpong allegedly submitted false and fraudulent claims to health care benefit programs for services that were not rendered. Further, Sarpong is alleged to have used the identification of eight different patients in relation to the fraud.
According to the indictment, Sarpong allegedly caused health care benefit programs to pay him more than $850,000 based on hundreds of false claims submitted.
Sarpong faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison each count of health care fraud and a mandatory consecutive two years in prison for aggravated identity theft.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning commended the FBI and OPM OIG for their work in the investigation. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly O’Connell Hayes and Gregory Bernstein, who are prosecuting the case.
Saturday 7 April 2018
U.S. Marshals Arrest Federal Escapee Nathaniel Thomas and VIPD Homicide Suspect Ivan JamesRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI –U.S. Marshal Jim Clark for the District of the Virgin Islands announced the arrest of federal escapee Nathaniel Thomas who was wanted for Escape and Ivan James wanted for Double Homicide by the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD).
On March 15th, 2018 federal inmate Nathaniel Thomas escaped from the Golden Grove Detention Center two days after being convicted by a jury in District Court for weapons related offenses. Ivan James was wanted by the Virgin Islands Police Department for the double homicide that occurred in February of 2018 at the cockpit located in St. Croix. Early this morning the U.S. Marshals from the District of the Virgin Islands working with the U.S. Marshals Florida Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force and the U.S. Marshals Task Force in Puerto Rico located and arrested Nathaniel Thomas along with Ivan James without incident in Ponce, PR.
During this fugitive investigation the U.S. Marshals were assisted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the United States Attorney’s Office, and Crime Stoppers USVI.
Friday 6 April 2018
William M. McSwain Sworn in as United States AttorneyRead the Press Release
William M. McSwain, who served as a federal prosecutor in Philadelphia before entering private law practice, returned to government service today as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
The Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Lawrence F. Stengel, administered the oath of office to Mr. McSwain, who was nominated by President Trump to serve as U.S. Attorney on December 20, 2017 and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate on March 20, 2018. A public investiture ceremony will be held at a later date.
“It is a privilege to serve as the Eastern District of Pennsylvania’s U.S. Attorney, and I am deeply grateful to all who have supported my nomination,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “I look forward to working with the dedicated public servants in the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the brave men and women of our law enforcement partners in the pursuit of justice for the people of our District and nation.”
Louis D. Lappen, who for the past 15 months served as Acting U.S. Attorney, will remain with the Office as the Deputy United States Attorney, a senior advisor to U.S. Attorney McSwain.
Prior to his appointment as U.S. Attorney, Mr. McSwain was a partner at the law firm of Drinker Biddle & Reath in the firm’s Philadelphia office. He served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania from 2003 to 2006. Mr. McSwain graduated with honors from Yale University in 1991 and from the Harvard Law School in 2000, where he served as an editor of the Harvard Law Review. He clerked for the Honorable Marjorie O. Rendell, United States Circuit Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Prior to law school, Mr. McSwain served as a U.S. Marine Corps infantry officer and scout/sniper platoon commander.
As U.S. Attorney, Mr. McSwain is the chief federal law enforcement officer responsible for all federal criminal prosecutions and civil litigation involving the United States in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, which is one of the nation’s most populous districts with over 5 million people residing within its nine counties (Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, and Philadelphia counties), covering about 4,700 square miles. Mr. McSwain supervises a staff of approximately 130 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and a similar number of non-attorney support personnel at offices in Philadelphia and Allentown.
Mr. McSwain is the 39th U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, an office that was established in 1789. He resides in Chester County, PA and is the first Chester County native to hold the position.
Westside Man Pleads Guilty to Meth Conspiracy and Possessing a Firearm to Further the ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A felon who conspired to distribute over 100 pounds of methamphetamine and possessed a GSG, MP5, .22-caliber firearm to further the conspiracy pled guilty today, April 5, 2018, in federal court in Sioux City.
Robert “Bobby” Whitenack, 37, from Westside, Iowa, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm during and in furtherance of the methamphetamine conspiracy.
In a plea agreement, Whitenack admitted that from January 2014 through May 2017, he conspired to distribute over 100 pounds of methamphetamine. Whitenack admitted that he made multiple trips to Denison, Iowa, and Omaha, Nebraska, to pick up pound-quantities of methamphetamine, and recruited at least four individuals to do the same. Whitenack received or expected to receive compensation for every pound of methamphetamine sold by his recruits. Whitenack admitted that, in January 2016, he directed a coconspirator to pick up approximately $10,000 in cash from a customer in Milford, Iowa, and bring it to Whitenack so that he could pay his source. In February 2017, Whitenack admitted that he possessed a GSG, MP5, .22-caliber firearm to further the conspiracy.
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.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Whitenack remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Whitenack faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life years’ imprisonment, a $20,000,000 fine, and 10 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney
Ajay J. Alexander and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations, DEA Tri-State Drug Task Force, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, Denison Police Department, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, and Carroll Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-CR-3020-LTS.
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