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Friday 6 April 2018
Waterbury Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Distributing OxycodoneRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that HARRY DUREN, 74, of Waterbury, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally distributing oxycodone.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately March 2011 and April 2016, DUREN obtained prescriptions for medications containing oxycodone from doctors in Connecticut and then arranged to resell the medications for his own profit. In total, DUREN and his co-conspirators sold approximately 45,000 30mg oxycodone pills. DUREN’s profit from the drug sales was approximately $700,000.
On September 6, 2017, DUREN pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, oxycodone.
DUREN, who is released on a $50,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on June 5, 2018.
DUREN has a prior federal conviction for mail fraud.
This investigation was conducted by the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, which includes officers from the Bristol, Hamden, Milford, Monroe, New Haven, Shelton, Wallingford and Wilton Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry.
United States Attorney’s Office bids farewell to distinguished Shreveport Assistant U.S. AttorneyRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced the retirement of Assistant U.S. Attorney James G. “Jim” Cowles Jr., who served in the Western District of Louisiana for more than 31 years. Cowles was honored today at a retirement ceremony and reception held at the Tom Stagg U.S. Court House in Shreveport.
“We are losing a talented, dedicated lawyer and public servant,” Joseph stated. “Throughout his career, Jim has played an integral role in prosecuting cases in our office. His years of service and dedication to the Department of Justice are a true testament of his commitment to justice and the citizens of this district. Jim will be greatly missed, and we wish him the very best as he starts the next chapter of his life. I am grateful for his tireless advocacy on behalf of the people of our community.”
Cowles began his federal service March 22, 1987 and retired on March 31, 2018. He joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia in 1987, prosecuting cases in the D.C. Superior Court and U.S. District Court. He assisted in creating the Sex Offense Unit of that office and received a Special Achievement Award in 1990 for the prosecution of a sex ring involving 11 child victims.
In 1992, Cowles joined the Western District of Louisiana. He received the Director’s Award from Attorney General Janet Reno in 1996 for the prosecution and convictions of 14 members of the Bottoms Boyz, Shreveport’s notorious street gang. He was sent to the United Nations in 1998 as a prosecutor of war crimes for the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague and received a Special Recognition Award from Attorney General Reno in 2001. Jim represented DOJ as resident legal advisor with the State Department, Kosovo, from 1999 to 2001, working in partnership with the United Nations in re-establishing the rule of law following the Balkan conflict. He received a Special Achievement Award from Attorney General Reno for this work in 2001. Cowles has represented the Department of Justice at conferences throughout Europe, Armenia, and Turkmenistan and has taught for DOJ national training conferences. He has tried approximately 200 jury trials since 1980.
Cowles is a 1975 graduate of Georgetown University and the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University in 1979.
United States Attorneys Offices and PATCO Resolve ADA ConcernsRead the Press Release
United States Attorneys Louis D. Lappen of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania announced that the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) has agreed with the Department of Justice to take action relating to the accessibility of DRPA’s PATCO train line for individuals with mobility assistance issues.
Following a government investigation, DRPA has agreed to post signs advising individuals with mobility assistance issues how to request alternate transportation in the event of an elevator outage at one of PATCO’s elevator-equipped stations. DRPA has for several years provided alternate transportation for such individuals in the event of an elevator outage. The additional signs will inform mobility-impaired patrons at the elevators of how to utilize this alternate transportation.
“It is in everyone’s interest that individuals with mobility impairments have full access to public transportation,” said U.S. Attorney Lappen of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, “and it is critical that those individuals know how to access the programs in place for them. We commend DRPA for its cooperation in the investigation and for agreeing to a common sense approach to this situation.”
The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Paul W. Kaufman and Anthony Scicchitano of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and Assistant United States Attorney Jessica O’Neill of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, in conjunction with David Knight of the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice.
United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen Announces New Management TeamRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen Announces New Management Team
Roanoke, VIRGINIA – United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen announced today changes to his management team within the Western District of Virginia. The changes take effect immediately.
“With this experienced leadership team in place, we will be well-positioned to implement the Attorney General’s priorities, including expanding our Project Safe Neighborhoods initiatives and reducing violent crime,” United States Attorney Cullen said today. “Specifically, we are all committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to identify those responsible for committing significant violent crimes within our communities and prosecuting them to the fullest extent of the law.”
Rick A. Mountcastle will serve as the First Assistant United States Attorney. Mr. Mountcastle previously served as the United States Attorney for the 15-month time period between presidentially appointed U.S. Attorneys. Prior to that, Mr. Mountcastle served as the First Assistant United States Attorney and the Chief of the Civil Division. He began his service with the Department of Justice in 1986 as a Trial Attorney with the Criminal Section of the Department of Justice’s Tax Division before coming to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia in 1995. Mr. Mountcastle has been the recipient of numerous Department of Justice awards, including the Attorney General’s Award for the Trial of Litigation and the Director’s Award for Superior Performance by a Litigative Team. As the First Assistant United States Attorney, Mr. Mountcastle will oversee the criminal, civil, and administrative divisions of the office.
Laura Day Rottenborn will serve as the Executive Assistant United States Attorney, a newly created position in the district. Ms. Rottenborn has been a federal prosecutor in the Western District of Virginia since 2012. She previously served as the Managing Assistant United States Attorney for the Roanoke Division where she supervised all of the Roanoke Division’s criminal prosecutors and support staff. Prior to becoming a federal prosecutor, Ms. Rottenborn was a litigator at Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago, where she practiced in the Financial and Securities Litigation group. Ms. Rottenborn is a graduate of Bucknell University and Stanford Law School. After law school, she was a law clerk to the Honorable Mary M. Schroeder, Chief Judge of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. In her new role as EAUSA, Ms. Rottenborn will serve as Chief of the Civil Division and Chief of the Appellate Division, direct law-enforcement and community initiatives, and oversee public affairs.
Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee will serve as the Chief of the Criminal Division. Mr. Lee has been a federal prosecutor in the Western District of Virginia since 2007. Prior to his work as a federal prosecutor, Mr. Lee was an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Bristol, Virginia. He is a graduate of Washington and Lee University and the University of Wyoming College of Law. Following law school, he was a law clerk to the Honorable James P. Jones, United States District Judge, Western District of Virginia. In his role as Criminal Chief, Mr. Lee will supervise all activities of the criminal division in Roanoke and all branch offices.
Assistant United States Attorney Heather L. Carlton will serve as the Deputy Criminal Chief for the Western District of Virginia. In this role, Ms. Carlton will oversee the district’s implementation and execution of the Department of Justice’s nationwide anti-gun and gang-violence program, known as Project Safe Neighborhoods, as well as all violent crime and narcotics prosecutions. Ms. Carlton has been a federal prosecutor in the Western District of Virginia since 2014. Prior to joining the district, Ms. Carlton worked as an AUSA in the most violent area of the District of Columbia from 2008 to 2012, before spending a few years in private practice at McGuire Woods LLP. In her collective 8 years of experience as a federal prosecutor, Ms. Carlton has prosecuted a wide variety of crimes, including homicides, racketeering, human trafficking, and white-collar fraud. Ms. Carlton is a graduate of both the University of Virginia and University of Virginia School of Law.
Jennie L. M. Waering will continue to serve as the Senior Litigation Counsel. Ms. Waering has worked as a federal prosecutor in the Western District of Virginia beginning in 1983. During her tenure, she has prosecuted a wide variety of cases including fraud, environmental crimes, healthcare fraud and opiate distribution. For the last several years, Ms. Waering has served as the Heath Care Fraud Coordinator. In her role as Senior Litigation Counsel, Mrs. Waering will oversee the district’s training, discovery, and mentoring programs.
Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer R. Bockhorst will serve as the Counsel to United States Attorney. Ms. Bockhorst, a graduate of Stanford Law School, has been an Assistant United States Attorney in the Western District of Virginia since 2002. She previously served as the First Assistant United States Attorney, the Counsel to the United States Attorney, as well as the district’s Ethics Advisor, Professional Responsibility Officer and Giglio Officer. In her role as Counsel to the United States Attorney, Ms. Bockhorst ensures the Office of the United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia complies with all ethical guidelines as set forth by Department of Justice policy.
United States Attorney Cullen also reappointed three experienced Assistant United States Attorneys to continue serving in their current roles as Managing AUSAs of the Western District’s three branch offices. Randy Ramseyer will continue serving as the Managing AUSA of the Abingdon Division, Ronald M. Huber will remain the Managing AUSA of the Charlottesville Division, and Jeb Terrien will continue to serve as the Managing AUSA of the Harrisonburg Division. In their roles, all three of the Managing AUSAs work closely with the criminal chief and deputy criminal chief on case intake and supervision.
U.S. Attorney creates Health Care Crimes Task ForceRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA –United States Attorney Bill Powell has announced the creation of the Health Care Crimes Task Force, an initiative to investigate and prosecute opioid diversion, health care fraud, and other illegal activities in the health care field.
“It is a priority of this office to prosecute those who use their professional license or health care business to cloak illegal activities. This task force will once again use the cooperative efforts of federal, state and local law enforcement to identify, investigate and prosecute those who engage in fraud, improper opioid distribution and other abuses of our health care system. The professional status of these individuals will not protect them from prosecution,” said Powell.
In 2016, the Department of Justice prosecuted 802 defendants for health care fraud-related crimes nationally, collecting more than $3.3. billion to be returned to the federal government and private individuals.
With West Virginia ranking highest in the country in regards to percentage of population enrolled in Medicaid benefits (31% of total population), and 23% of residents enrolled in Medicare, residents in the mountain state are particularly vulnerable to health care fraud-related crimes.
The task force is comprised of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of West Virginia, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the West Virginia Insurance Commission Fraud Unit, and the West Virginia Medicaid Fraud Unit.
To report suspected health care-related illegal activity to the task force, call 304-234-7711 or email [email protected].
Two Individuals Charged in Opa Locka City Contract Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
Benjamin G. Greenberg, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Robert F. Lasky, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, and Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), announce the latest case to arise from the ongoing Opa Locka municipal corruption investigation.
The former manager of a Miami-based licensed towing company (“the Towing Company”), and his father, who had a pending agreement to buy the Towing Company, were charged with participating in a conspiracy to pay bribes in order to obtain a contract with the City of Opa Locka.
Raul Sosa Sr. (“Sosa Sr.”) and Raul Sosa Jr. (“Sosa Jr.”) were charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit Federal programs bribery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, and substantive counts of Federal programs bribery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 666(a)(2). If convicted, the defendants face a maximum statutory sentence of five years’ imprisonment for the conspiracy count and ten years’ imprisonment for each of the bribery counts, as well as a fine up to $250,000 per count.
According to the Indictment, in April 2015, the City of Opa Locka published a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) seeking bids from licensed and experienced towing firms seeking multi-year non-exclusive contracts to provide Opa Locka with citywide towing services. Shortly after this RFP was published, then-City Commissioner Luis Santiago and a co-conspirator met with Sosa Sr., who agreed to pay them a $10,000 bribe to use their positions and influence to ensure that the Towing Company was selected as one of the companies receiving a towing contract with Opa Locka. During this meeting, Sosa Sr. paid the first installment of the bribe and designated his son, Sosa Jr., as the person who would work with Santiago and the co-conspirator to carry out the illegal arrangement.
The Indictment further alleges that Sosa Jr. made additional bribe payments, and that the co-conspirator arranged for an Opa Locka city employee to assemble and prepare the Towing Company’s bid package. After this bid was submitted, the co-conspirator violated the City’s purchasing Cone of Silence by contacting a member of the City’s committee ranking the towing bids and directing that individual to rank the Towing Company as the number one company. To complete the illegal arrangement, at the June 24, 2015, City Commission meeting authorizing the award of the towing contracts, Santiago used his position as a City Commissioner to vote in favor of the resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into towing contracts with the Towing Company and three other companies. The final installment of the bribe then was paid the day after the City Commission voted to award the Towing Company a city towing contract.
In a related case, arising from the Opa Locka corruption investigation, Santiago previously pled guilty to conspiring to commit Federal programs bribery and Hobbs Act extortion under color of official right (Case No. 16-20971-CR-WILLIAMS). Santiago was sentenced to 51 months’ imprisonment.
Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of the FBI Miami Area Corruption Task Force and IRS-CI in this matter. Mr. Greenberg thanked the Miami-Dade Police Department and Hialeah Police Department for their assistance. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward N. Stamm and Maurice Johnson.
An Indictment merely contains allegations and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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
Trenton Man Charged with Illegally Transporting FirearmsRead the Press Release
Clifford Riheem Elisah Bright, 29, of Trenton, New Jersey, was charged yesterday by indictment with transporting firearms from the Eastern District of Pennsylvania to New Jersey while engaged in the business of dealing in firearms without a license announced United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. Bright was also charged with 11 counts of interstate travel to acquire firearms for the purposes of unlicensed dealing in firearms and 15 counts of making false statements to a federal firearms licensee. The indictment alleges that from December 30, 2017 through February 24, 2018, while engaged in the business of dealing firearms without a license, Bright traveled from the State of New Jersey to the Eastern District of Pennsylvania to acquire the firearms and then transported them back to the State of New Jersey. The indictment also alleges that on or about November 18, 2017 through March 1, 2018, Bright purchased 24 firearms from three different federal firearms licensees, and in doing so, knowingly made false statements pertaining to information that the law requires the licensees keep.
If convicted of the charges, defendant faces a maximum sentence of 190 years’ imprisonment, 3 years’ supervised release, a $6,750,000 fine, and a $2,700 special assessment, restitution, and forfeiture of the firearms involved.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”), and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Katherine E. Driscoll.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Transportation Operator Sentenced to 14 Months for Defrauding the State DepartmentRead the Press Release
A local transportation operator was sentenced to 14 months today for stealing federal funds intended for a foreign exchange program maintained by the U.S. Department of State. Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Tracy Doherty-McCormick of the Eastern District of Virginia, Inspector General Steve A. Linick of the U.S. Department of State and Andrew W. Vale, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office made the announcement.
Denon T. Hopkins, 49, of Germantown, Maryland, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis, III of the Eastern District of Virginia. Hopkins pleaded guilty to a one-count information charging him with conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud and theft of public money on Dec. 21, 2017.
According to admissions made in connection with his plea, Hopkins was the operator and de facto owner of a transportation company that contracted with the State Department to provide bus and limousine services to a State Department component devoted to sports diplomacy and which sponsored a foreign exchange program for emerging athletes and coaches from various countries. The exchange program was managed by George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, through a federal grant and cooperative agreement with the State Department. During a time period when Hopkins received $247,200 in grant funds for legitimate transportation services, he and a State Department official conspired to steal portions of the federal money allocated to the exchange program by, among other things, falsifying vendor-related invoices and making fraudulent checks payable to Hopkins. In total, Hopkins stole approximately $17,335 from the State Department. He also admitted that he used portions of the funds to pay kickbacks to the State Department official to retain his transportation contract.
The Department of State’s Office of Inspector General and the FBI’s Washington Field Office investigated the case. Trial Attorney Edward P. Sullivan of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly R. Pedersen of the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case.
Three Plead to Tax Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Saferia Johnson, aged 34, formerly of Valdosta, Georgia and Leo McGill, aged 51, of Calera, Alabama have entered guilty pleas to one count of conspiracy to steal government funds, based on a fraudulent tax refund scheme seeing more than $2 million in refunds, and to one count of aggravated identity theft. Ms. Johnson and Mr. McGill entered their pleas on April 4, 2018, before Senior District Court Judge Hugh Lawson in Valdosta. Co-defendant Detrone Middleton, 38, of Douglas, Georgia entered his guilty plea to the charges on March 15, 2018.
The evidence supporting the plea showed that in 2012, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI) began an investigation after receiving information that a number of accounts controlled by the three co-defendants and others had received a large number of federal tax refund deposits issued in the name of people other than the owners of the bank accounts. IRS-CI identified individuals whose identities had been used on the returns in question and determined that Ms. Johnson, Mr. McGill and Mr. Middleton were involved in a scheme where fraudulent federal incomes tax returns were filed for tax years 2010 and 2011 and refunds deposited into 45 separate bank accounts.
In entering their pleas, the defendants admitted to filing approximately 984 fraudulent returns using stolen identities for tax years 2010 and 2011. The fraudulent returns, which were filed without the knowledge or permission of the individuals whose identities had been stolen, sought refunds of $2,082,275.00. Refunds totaling $1,498,776.00 were issued by the IRS on those returns in the form of direct deposits to the 45 bank accounts, checks, or debit cards. Ms. Johnson, Mr. McGill, and Mr. Middleton admitted in entering their pleas that those amounts were received by them or their associates.
Investigating agents interviewed a number of the individuals whose stolen identifying information was used to file fraudulent refunds. Those individuals confirmed that they did not file or authorize the filing of the returns. A majority of those whose identities were stolen were minors at the time the returns were filed.
Ms. Johnson, Mr. McGill, and Mr. Middleton each face up to five years in prison for the conspiracy charge and two years for the aggravated identity theft. The three may also be ordered to pay restitution of the $1,498,776.00 to the United States.
United States Attorney Charles E. Peeler stated: “Those who steal the identities of other people to commit fraud against the United States Government steal directly from the taxpayers and cause great harm to those whose identities are taken. Using the identities of other people to line your own pockets also shows a callous disregard for the frustration and difficulty their greed brings to innocent victims who may spend years correcting the mess they have caused. My office is committed to working with the IRS and other law enforcement agencies to ferret out identity thieves who are victimizing the public and bring them to justice, as occurred here.”
“Identity theft continues to be a serious crime that effects taxpayers on a daily basis,” said Thomas J. Holloman, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation. “With the filing season coming to a close in the next couple weeks, it is important that taxpayers protect their identities and inform the IRS when their identities may have been compromised in filing a tax return.” Go to IRS.GOV and click on 2018 Dirty Dozen for more on tax schemes.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigations. 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.
Third Defendant Pleads Guilty in Sex Trafficking RingRead 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 Feng Yang Chen, 43, of Flushing, NY, pleaded guilty to with conspiracy to violate the Mann Act and the Travel Act related to the operation of an interstate prostitution business and using the internet to promote prostitution before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth R. Moellering, who is handling the case, stated that between March 2011 and March 2016, Chen operated a multi-state prostitution organization. The defendant posted advertisements on Backpage.com and operated a call center from her home in Flushing, Queens that scheduled meetings between prostitutes and their clients. This led to encounters with prostitutes in multiple states including New York, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas. Some of the commercial sex acts took place in Tonawanda, NY and Henrietta, NY.
The defendant, who worked with co-defendants Chengqi Li and LiangLiang Guo, victimized at least 12 individuals who traveled state to state to engage in prostitution in various hotels. Some of the victims were recruited from China. Chen used threats of violence and deportation against the victims and their families to force participation. The prostitution organization posted more than 6,000 advertisements and generated more than $2,000,000 annually in proceeds.
The Government is seeking the forfeiture of approximately $450,000 in proceeds from the illegal prostitution activities; proceeds from the sale of a property located in Flushing, NY; a 2012 Porsche Cayenne; as well as multiple cellular telephones, computers, and iPads utilized during the prostitution conspiracy.
Defendants Li and Guo were previously convicted and are awaiting sentencing.
"In this disturbing case, the defendant was a member of a trafficking and prostitution organization that made millions of dollars each year preying upon at least a dozen young women,” said U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “The defendant, together with her codefendants, used threats of violence against these women, together with threats of deportation—both against the women and their families—to force them to work as prostitutes across the United States. The depravity involved in such exploitation is remarkable."
“Human trafficking is a horrific crime where the most vulnerable of our society are preyed upon and exploited,” said Kevin Kelly, Special Agent-in-Charge of HSI Buffalo. “HSI Special Agents and our partners have implemented proven strategies to target these criminal organizations involved in order to protect our communities and arrest those who prey on others.”
The plea is the result of an investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly; the Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief Jerome C. Uschold III; the New York Police Department, under the direction of Chief James P. O’Neill; the South Portland, Maine Police Department, under the direction of Chief Edward Googins; and the Fairview Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief Jason C. Loper.
Chen is scheduled to be sentenced on August 1, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Vilardo.
Texas Man Indicted for Trafficking over 50 Pounds of CocaineRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A Brownsville, Texas man has been indicted for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to distribute cocaine. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the indictment today.
According to the indictment, on September 25, 2017, officers with the West Tennessee Drug Task Force conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle heading east on I-40. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed over 50 pounds of cocaine. The occupants were bringing drugs from Houston, Texas through Tennessee on their way to Knoxville.
A thorough investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration offices in Memphis, Houston, and Brownsville, Texas revealed 39-year-old Jose Manuel Escobedo, as the source trafficking the drugs from Brownsville, Texas, a town situated directly on the border of the United States and Mexico. The defendant was recently arrested in Brownsville, Texas and transported to Memphis, where he has been detained pending the outcome of his trial. If convicted, Escobedo faces a mandatory minimum sentence of at least 10 years up to life in prison.
The West Tennessee Drug Task Force, an extension of the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office, investigated the case, along with the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Griffith is prosecuting this case on the government’s behalf.
Ten members of methamphetamine trafficking operation federally indictedRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – Ten members of an alleged methamphetamine trafficking operation that sought to distribute more than $1 million worth of drugs have been indicted in a 13-count superseding indictment on charges of violations of federal drug, firearm, and immigration laws. Seven defendants were arraigned today in federal court.
“Methamphetamine remains a major threat to our community and it continues to be the main illegally-trafficked drug in this district,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “When people enter our country illegally and traffic meth while in possession of guns, they not only spread their poison, they drive violence in our communities.”
“Methamphetamine continues to ravage many communities in our nation,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “Because of the positive results yielded in this case, other methamphetamine traffickers (particularly conversion lab operators) in the Atlanta metropolitan and surrounding areas are being put on notice that DEA, its law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will not tolerate their continued efforts to manufacture and distribute this insidious drug.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the indictment, and other information presented in court: Beginning in July 2017, agents with the DEA and the Atlanta-Carolina High Intensity Drug Trafficking Program (“HIDTA”) began investigating defendant Hugo Solano-Garcia a/k/a Gordo, and his associates in the Atlanta area, for trafficking methamphetamine allegedly smuggled into the U.S. from Mexico.
Over the course of the investigation, federal and local law enforcement agents uncovered a series of stash houses and methamphetamine conversion laboratories in two metro-Atlanta counties, DeKalb and Gwinnett, where the defendants would allegedly convert liquid methamphetamine into crystal methamphetamine for distribution, sometimes hiding the illicit drugs in hollowed-out fire extinguishers and car batteries. The defendants barricaded some of these conversion laboratories and guarded them with guns.
Agents raided one conversion laboratory in an apartment in Brookhaven, Georgia on January 30, 2018. In that apartment, they found approximately 65 kilograms of methamphetamine in crystal and liquid form and three firearms.
In total, law enforcement has seized more than 130 kilograms of methamphetamine over the course of this investigation. The drug trafficking conspiracy charge in the indictment names the following 10 defendants:
- Hugo Solano-Garcia, a/k/a Gordo, also charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime;
- Victor Pacheco-Solano, a/k/a Pelon, a/k/a Moro;
- Gerardo Calderon-Pacheco, a/k/a Plebe;
- Valentin Solano-Salas, also charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime;
- Juan Confesor Camilo, a/k/a Jean Carlos Camilo, a/k/a Tigre;
- Aldrin Barajas-Ramirez, also charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, illegal alien in possession of a firearm, and illegal re-entry after being deported;
- Miguel Pacheco-Penaloza, also charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and illegal alien in possession of a firearm;
- Octavio Pacheco-Torres, a/k/a Burro, also charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime;
- Sair Calderon-Pacheco; and
- Joaquin Reyes-Guillen, a/k/a Aviel Cabrera-Hernandez.
The indictment was returned on March 28, 2018. Solano-Garcia, Gerardo Calderon-Pacheco, Solano-Salas, Camilo, Barajas-Ramirez, Pacheco-Penaloza, and Pacheco-Torres were arraigned on April 6, 2018. Pacheco-Solano, Calderon-Pacheco, and Reyes-Guillen have yet to be arraigned.
Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendants are presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendants’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Atlanta-Carolina High Intensity Drug Trafficking Program, and the following agencies: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Department of State, DeKalb County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Unit, Georgia State Patrol, Gwinnett County Police Department, and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas N. Joy is prosecuting the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta recommends parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following web site: www.justthinktwice.gov.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.Ten Alleged Members of Surenos Gang Charged with Murder and Related CrimesRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO- A federal grand jury indicted ten people alleged to be members of a racketeering enterprise described as “the 19th Street/16th Street Surenos” for their respective roles in seven alleged murders, announced Acting United States Attorney Alex G. Tse and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Ryan L. Spradlin. The indictment, filed March 20, 2018, was unsealed today following the arrest of six defendants. A seventh defendant was taken into custody from the Santa Clara County Jail. Three other defendants are currently in the custody of the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, and are expected to make their appearances in court in the coming weeks.
According to the indictment, the 19th Street/16th Street Surenos is a racketeering enterprise made up affiliated members of Surenos gangs with adjoining territory in the Mission District of San Francisco. The Surenos gangs have roots in Southern California and Latin America and recognize the primacy of the Mexican Mafia prison gang. The indictment alleges that the two allied gangs maintain control of turf in areas of San Francisco by engaging in illegal activities such as the sale of narcotics, robberies, and other violent crimes, including murder. The 19th Street/16th Street Surenos also uses violence to enforce its own rules and to attack members of rival gangs, principally members of the Norteno gang. Nine of the defendants are alleged to have been directly involved in at least one murder, and a tenth is alleged to have helped plan a ”hunt” which led to one of the murders.
“The seven murders described in the indictment unsealed this morning refer to events going back for more than a decade,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Tse. “It is a priority of this office to prosecute gangs for the violence that can tear apart our community. This operation is proof that we will use the full power of law enforcement to uphold justice for the victims of violent crime. Successful law enforcement requires that our federal government work closely with our state and local law enforcement partners to eradicate gang violence in our communities. I commend the extraordinary work and coordination that went into executing this phase of the operation to bring these defendants to justice.”
“As the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security, leveraging its vast array of authorities and global resources, Homeland Security Investigations is well equipped in taking accused murderers, who are part of larger transnational criminal organizations, off the streets when we work closely with local law enforcement agencies,” said Ryan L. Spradlin, Special Agent in Charge of the San Francisco field office. “Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t recognize the countless hours and unyielding commitment of the men and women of HSI & the United States Attorney’s Office during the course of this long term investigation – but it’s the public who should commend the SFPD for pushing aside misconceptions about our mission and partnering with us in the interest of taking advantage of the critical public safety work HSI does.”
According to the indictment, the crimes alleged therein all are related to the activities of the 19th Street/16th Street Surenos. The defendants allegedly participated in acts of violence to defend their collective territory against rival gangs and to enhance the enterprise’s reputation. Among the acts described in the indictment are the following: participating in “hunting” for, shooting at, and murdering rival gang members and suspected rival gang members; selling drugs—whether crack cocaine, cocaine powder, heroine, or some combination of them—in and outside gang territory; committing assaults and strong arm robberies; carrying firearms and other dangerous weapons; and wearing distinctive tattoos to promote the gang and the defendant’s role as a member.
The age and precise charges against each defendant are set out in the chart below.
Defendant Age/Residence Charges Statute
JONATHAN AGUILAR, a/k/a “Trompo”
31
RICO Conspiracy
18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)
Conspiracy to Commit Murder in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(5)
Murder in Aid of Racketeering (2 counts)
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(1) and 2
Conspiracy to Commit Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(6)
Use/Possession of a Firearm Causing Murder
18 U.S.C. §§ 924(j)(1) and 2
LUIS CID-SALINAS, a/k/a “Lonely,” a/k/a “Lonely Boy”
33
Murder in Aid of Racketeering (2 counts)
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(1) and 2
Use/Possession of a Firearm Causing Murder (2 counts)
18 U.S.C. §§ 924(j)(1) and 2
JUAN CARLOS GALLARDO, a/k/a “Huero”
29
RICO Conspiracy
18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)
Conspiracy to Commit Murder in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(5)
Conspiracy to Commit
Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(6)
Murder in Aid of Racketeering: 1 count, plus add 924(j)(1)
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(1) and 2
JOSUE GONZALEZ, a/k/a “Ghost,” a/k/a “Fedi”
36
RICO Conspiracy
18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)
Conspiracy to Commit Murder in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(5)
Murder in Aid of Racketeering (2 counts)
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(1) and 2
Conspiracy to Commit Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(6)
Use/Possession of a Firearm Causing Murder
18 U.S.C. §§ 924(j)(1) and 2
ORLANDO HERNANDEZ, a/k/a “Chisto”
35
Murder in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(1) and 2
Use/Possession of a Firearm Causing Murder
18 U.S.C. §§ 924(j)(1) and 2
MICHAEL REBOLLEDO, a/k/a “Gallo”
30
RICO Conspiracy
18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)
Conspiracy to Commit Murder in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(5)
Murder in Aid of Racketeering (3 counts)
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(1) and 2
Conspiracy to Commit Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(6)
Use/Possession of a Firearm Causing Murder (2 counts)
18 U.S.C. §§ 924(j)(1) and 2
MARIO REYES, a/k/a “Shy Boy”
38
RICO Conspiracy
18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)
Conspiracy to Commit Murder in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(5)
Conspiracy to Commit Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(6)
LUIS ROJAS, a/k/a “Grizz,” a/k/a “Grizzly”
31
RICO Conspiracy
18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)
Conspiracy to Commit Murder in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(5)
Murder in Aid of Racketeering (2 counts)
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(1) and 2
Conspiracy to Commit Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(6)
Use/Possession of a Firearm Causing Murder
18 U.S.C. §§ 924(j)(1) and 2
EDDY URBINA, a/k/a “Rhino”
29
RICO Conspiracy
18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)
Conspiracy to Commit Murder in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(5)
Murder in Aid of Racketeering (2 counts)
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(1) and 2
Conspiracy to Commit Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(6)
Use/Possession of a Firearm Causing Murder
18 U.S.C. §§ 924(j)(1) and 2
WESTON VENEGAS, a/k/a “Cartoon”
30
Murder in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(1) and 2
Use/Possession of a Firearm Causing Murder
18 U.S.C. §§ 924(j)(1) and 2
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The maximum statutory penalties for the crimes of which the defendants have been accused are as follows:
Charge
Statute
Maximum Statutory Penalty
RICO Conspiracy
18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)
Life imprisonment, $250,000 fine, five years’ supervised release
Conspiracy to Commit Murder in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(5)
10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, three years’ supervised release
Conspiracy to Commit Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(6)
3 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, one year of supervised release
Murder in aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(1) and 2
Death, or mandatory life imprisonment, $250,000 fine, five years’ supervised release
Use/Possession of a Firearm Causing Murder
18 U.S.C. §§ 924(j)(1) and 2
Death, or up to life imprisonment, $250,000 fine, five years’ supervised release
Further, additional fines, forfeitures, and restitution may be ordered; however, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Several of the defendants were arrested April 5, 2018, as part of a coordinated criminal enforcement operation. All the defendants except Luis Cid-Salinas, Orlando Carlos Hernandez, and Weston Venegas, appeared before the Honorable Elizabeth D. Laporte, U.S. Magistrate Judge, this morning. Appearances have been tentatively scheduled for April 10, 2018, and April 13, 2018, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Laporte for identification of counsel and other pretrial issues. No appearance has yet been scheduled for Luis Cid-Salinas, Orlando Carlos Hernandez, and Weston Venegas. The case has been assigned to the Honorable Richard Seeborg, U.S. District Judge. No appearances have yet been scheduled before District Judge Seeborg. All defendants remain in federal custody.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Scoble and Kimberly Hopkins are prosecuting the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the HSI and the police departments of San Francisco and Richmond.
Statement to PressRead the Press Release
On April 5, 2018, a federal search warrant was executed in Grainger County, Tennessee, by agents with the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Criminal Investigation Division, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol, While it is the policy of the U.S. Attorney’s Office not to comment on ongoing investigations and/or pending litigation, documents associated with case #2:18-MJ-66, that are on file with the U.S. District Court and available to the public, can be accessed through www.pacer.gov. You can also monitor the U.S. District Court calendar online at http://www.tned.uscourts.gov/district-calendar for any scheduled court hearings regarding this or any other case being handled by our office.
St. Croix Man Sentenced to Prison for His Role in Conspiracy to Possess a Cocaine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Ray Harris, Jr., 24, of St. Croix, was sentenced on April 5, 2018 for conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
Chief District Court Judge Wilma A. Lewis sentenced Harris to twenty-four months in prison. Judge Lewis also sentenced Harris to three years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine and ordered him to pay a $100 special assessment.
On February 17, 2017, Harris pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute. According to documents filed in court, on May 4, 2016, the defendant and another individual who were employed by Worldwide Flight Services at the Rohlsen Airport, entered the TSA screening area before their scheduled shifts. The defendant attempted to pass through the screening area and triggered the metal detector. A search of his person revealed a brick-like package wrapped with gray duct tape strapped to one of his legs. The other individual also had a similar package strapped to one of his legs. The packages field-tested positive for cocaine.
The case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
San Joaquin County Biodiesel Firm and Employees Charged with Clean Water Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a 17-count indictment on Thursday against American Biodiesel Inc. and two employees at its biodiesel fuel manufacturing plant in Stockton for Clean Water Act violations, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
American Biodiesel Inc., registered in San Joaquin County as Community Fuels, manufactured biodiesel fuel at 809-C Snedeker Avenue, Stockton, on property leased from the Port of Stockton. The company is charged with conspiracy, 12 counts of tampering with monitoring equipment, two counts of unlawful discharge of industrial wastewater, and one count of false statements.
According to the indictment, Christopher Young, 41, of El Dorado Hills, is charged with conspiracy, 12 counts of tampering with monitoring equipment, two counts of unlawful discharge of industrial wastewater, one count of false statements, and one count of witness tampering. The same indictment charges his brother Jeremiah Young, 38, of El Dorado, with conspiracy, eight counts of tampering with monitoring equipment, and two counts of unlawful discharge of industrial wastewater.
The indictment alleges that, from March 2009 through December 2016, Christopher Young was Director of Operations, which is the highest-ranking position at Community Fuels’ manufacturing plant. In this capacity, he directed employees to tamper with pH, and flow and volume monitoring devices to allow Community Fuels to discharge hundreds of thousands of gallons of polluted industrial wastewater into the City of Stockton Municipal Utility District sewer in violation of the company’s wastewater discharge permit and in violation of the Clean Water Act. Jeremiah Young, while working as an Assistant Operator for Community Fuels from 2014 to 2016, allegedly participated in the conspiracy and in certain Clean Water Act violations.
Community Fuels’ unpermitted wastewater discharges into the Stockton sewer were allegedly polluted with methanol, glycerin, oils and fats, and acids. Instead of discharging the unpermitted wastewater into the sewer, Community Fuels had represented to the City of Stockton water regulators that it would employ tanker trucks to haul the wastewater to the East Bay Municipal Utility District wastewater treatment plant in Oakland.
The indictment alleges that Christopher Young and Community Fuels made false statements to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in an attempt to cover up the long‑term and recurring unlawful wastewater discharges.
The indictment further alleges that Christopher Young attempted to prevent a witness from communicating information relating to the commission of a federal offense to a law enforcement officer.
This case is the product of an investigation by the EPA, San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office, City of Stockton Municipal Utilities Department, San Joaquin County Environmental Health Department, Port of Stockton, and California Department of Toxic Substances Control.
If convicted, Christopher Young faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison on the witness tampering count, five years in prison on the conspiracy and false statement counts, three years in prison on the unlawful discharge counts, two years in prison on the counts charging tampering with monitoring equipment, and a maximum total fine of $4,250,000. If convicted, Jeremiah Young faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison on the conspiracy count, three years in prison on the unlawful discharge counts, two years in prison on the counts charging tampering with monitoring equipment, and a maximum total fine of $2,500,000. If convicted, Community Fuels faces a maximum $4 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; each defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Saginaw Woman Sentenced to 230 Months in Prison for Sex Trafficking of a MinorRead the Press Release
Meleney Pully, 38, of Saginaw, Michigan was sentenced on April 5, 2018, before United States District Judge Thomas L. Ludington to 230 months in Federal prison for sex trafficking of a minor, announced United States Attorney Matthew Schneider.
Joining in the announcement were Saginaw County Prosecutor John McColgan and Saginaw County Sheriff William Federspiel.
As part of her plea, Meleney Pully agreed that beginning in November 2016 and continuing until February 6, 2017, that she acted with her husband to cause a 16 year old minor victim to engage in commercial sex acts. Acting together, they provided the location for the commercial sex acts to occur and took the proceeds from the commercial sex acts. Meleney Pully advertised on a website, backpage.com, soliciting individuals to engage in sexual relations with the minor in exchange for money.
The case was investigated by the Saginaw County Sheriff’s Department with assistance from the Northeast Michigan Trafficking and Exploitation Crimes Task Force (“NEMTEC”). The prosecution of this case represents a cooperative effort between the Saginaw County Prosecutor’s Office and the United States Attorney’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Christopher Rawsthorne of the United States Attorney’s Office.
Roanoke Man Arrested for Threatening Congressman Bob GoodlatteRead the Press Release
Roanoke, VIRGINIA – United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen announced today the arrest of a Roanoke man accused of using social media to communicate threats against U.S. Congressman Bob Goodlatte. Congressman Goodlatte represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia in the United States House of Representatives and is the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.
The United States Attorney’s Office charged Christopher Michael McGowan, 38, in a criminal complaint with one count of making a threatening communication through interstate commerce.
“Federal law criminalizes threatening communications made through the internet or a telephone, and these types of threats are not protected by the First Amendment,” U.S. Attorney Cullen stated. “As this case indicates, our office will act swiftly to address threats of gun violence.”
According to the criminal complaint and affidavit, on or about December 17, 2017, McGowan allegedly tweeted to United States Congressman Bob Goodlatte a series of messages threatening the Congressman.
“I will do this in full belief I am defending the constitution of the United States. I am not making a joke. I will kill him. Should you believe my doing so would be illegal please arrest me so we can have this discussion in court BEFORE I actually do it. Thank you.”
On December 18, 2017, officers with the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office visited McGowan at his home and interviewed him. During the interview, McGowan admitted to sending the tweets the previous day, but stated he did not own firearms and did not intend on hurting Congressman Goodlatte or anyone else.
In a subsequent series of tweets sent from McGowan to Congressman Goodlatte on April 1, 2018, however, McGowan stated the following:
“I’m serious, @BobGoodlatte6 …you keep f**king with our constitution and challenging Mueller and the last you see will be my patriot ass behind a gun you should have long ago have prevented me owning pulling a trigger to your head (SIC). Want me arrested>? GO head.”
“#1 threatened my congressman with violence #2 stated I would kill people. #3: pretty much declared I would commit a plethora of anti-social behavior, publicly. Whom would like to bet I can purchase a gun three days from now and NOT be locked up in jail? #proudtobeanAmerican”
“…Corruption happens on so many levels and in so many ways…but YOU have truly taken it to an extreme. History will hate you even more than I do. You better get on those gun laws. I am buying one intended for you in 3 days. Can you legally stop me?”
McGowan was arrested this morning and had his initial appearance in U.S. District Court this afternoon. He was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals pending a bond hearing next Wednesday.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Roanoke City Police Department, the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Capitol Police. Assistant United States Attorney Jake Jacobsen will prosecute the case for the United States.
A criminal complaint is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the government to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Prince George's County Liquor Board Commissioner Sentenced to Two Years in Prision for Federal Bribery ConductRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Greenbelt, Maryland – United States District Judge Paula Xinis sentenced Anuj Sud, age 40, of Hyattsville, Maryland, to two years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and a $50,000 fine, for violating the Travel Act by committing bribery conduct. Sud solicited and accepted bribes in the performance of his official duties on the Prince George’s County Board of License Commissioners (“Liquor Board”).
The sentence was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Thomas Jankowski of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office; and Chief Henry P. Stawinski III of the Prince George’s County Police Department.
Sud was appointed by the Governor to be a Liquor Board Commissioner in 2015. Sud also was a licensed attorney in Maryland since 2005, until his disbarment following the current criminal charge. According to court documents, in July 2015, Sud traveled to Washington, D.C. to promote and establish a bribery relationship with another individual with business before the Liquor Board. In September 2015, Sud solicited bribes from the individual in exchange for Sud’s assistance with Liquor Board matters. At other meetings in 2015 and 2016, Sud and the individual discussed Sud voting favorably in upcoming Liquor Board hearings concerning the individual’s clients, in exchange for money. At each of the subsequent hearings, Sud took favorable action and made favorable votes on behalf of the individual’s clients. In total, from 2015 to 2016, Sud accepted three $1,000 cash bribe payments in exchange for Sud’s official action as a Liquor Board Commissioner.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning commended the FBI, IRS-CI, and Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas P. Windom who prosecuted the case.
Pimp Sentenced to 25 Years for Sex Trafficking MinorRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Florida man was sentenced today to 25 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release for sex trafficking a 16-year-old girl throughout the United States in 2017.
According to court documents, Andrew Lee Thompson II, aka “Slim,” 34, met the minor victim in Arizona and began sex trafficking her with his two co-defendants, Delberta Rose McKenzie and Rachel Lynn Robillard. Thompson posted prostitution advertisements on the Internet, and from February through June 2017, he drove and flew the minor victim across the country for prostitution, including to Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia. After the prostitution dates, he collected all the money.
While in Arlington, a security guard called police after seeing multiple men go in and out of two rooms at a hotel on Glebe Road. When law enforcement investigated, they found evidence of prostitution related activity in the hotel rooms and recovered the minor victim. After arresting Thompson, law enforcement found tattoos on his body bragging about his pimping activities, including on his arm and across his chest.
McKenzie and Robillard were each previously sentenced to five years in prison for sex trafficking of a minor.
Tracy Doherty-McCormick, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Andrew W. Vale, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and M. Jay Farr, Chief of Arlington County Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Claude M. Hilton. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen C. Cain 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. 1:17-cr-168.
Phoenix Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – Clarence Edward Henderson, a 50-year-old former resident of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced today to 48 months in prison followed by 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to felon in possession of firearms in August 2007. Henderson did not appear at his sentencing hearing set in May 2009 and was arrested in North Carolina in November of last year. U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy handed down the sentence.
In late December 2005, Henderson and two other men were sent by their employer to a Gallatin County residence to take a woman back to Phoenix, Arizona, after the Christmas holiday. She agreed to return to Arizona so her family would not be harmed. The three men wore “Special Agent” badges. Law enforcement seized two pistols, magazines, ammunition, a set of handcuffs, and a knuckle knife. Henderson said he handled the firearms during the drive between Arizona and Montana and his employer, provided the firearms for his use. Henderson was arrested for impersonating a police officer and possession of a firearm by a felon. Henderson’s prior felony convictions include robbery in Ohio and aggravated assault, possession of methamphetamine, attempted transportation of methamphetamine for sale, and forgery from Arizona.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette Stewart and investigated by the Bozeman Police Department, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime. Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
Owner of payroll company in Delphos indicted for stealing $914,000 from clientsRead the Press Release
A Putnam County woman was indicted on seven counts of bank fraud after she stole more than $900,000 from her clients, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.
Jennifer Edelbrock, 51, of Kalida, operated Edelbrock Enterprises LLC, which also did business as Edelbrock-Reitz LLC in Delphos. The company provided payroll and accounting services for companies in Northwest and Central Ohio. Those services included issuing payroll checks, including withholding federal and states taxes and making quarterly payments from money provided by the clients, according to the indictment.
Edelbrock fraudulently obtained at least $914,000 and used the money for her own personal enrichment, transferring the funds from clients’ bank accounts to the account of All Seasons Lawn and Recreation LLC, which was owned by her husband, according to the indictment.
Edelbrock used her position with her clients to obtain money and funds from financial institutions that she was supposed to hold in trust to pay her clients’ payroll expenses, including federal, state and local tax obligations. She concealed the late payment of taxes because notices of delinquencies and penalties often went only to Edelbrock, according to the indictment.
She also manipulated her clients’ payroll obligations by adding certain amounts (sometimes $25 to $90 per pay period) to the employer responsibility for taxes above and beyond what the employer actually owed. Edelbrock then used the amount she overcharged for her own personal enrichment, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The investigating agency in this case is the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Noah P. Hood.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Outlaws Gang Members Plead Guilty to Long Island Murder and ShootingRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, Pedro Merchant and Alton Gore, members of the Outlaws street gang, pleaded guilty to a firearm-related murder and assault in-aid-of racketeering charge and using a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, respectively. The charges against Merchant related to his participation in the September 11, 2013 murder of Dante Quinones. The charges against Gore related to his involvement in a September 14, 2014 shooting that wounded two rival gang members. The guilty pleas were entered before United States District Judge Joseph F. Bianco.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Patrick J. Ryder, Commissioner, Nassau County Police Department (NCPD), announced the guilty pleas.
“Merchant’s actions violently ended one life, while Gore attempted to take several others,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “This type of brazen violence in the name of their gang puts entire communities in danger. Today’s guilty pleas hold these defendants accountable for their crimes and demonstrate the commitment of this Office and our law enforcement partners to remove gangs from the streets of Long Island.”
“In the midst of their declared war on a rival gang, these members of the Outlaws put innocent people’s lives in danger,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners work every day on investigations targeting these violent criminals, and we will continue until we stop the illegal activity.”
“Today’s guilty pleas are a direct result of the combined efforts of law enforcement on Long Island which are dedicated to working together to ending gang violence in our area,” stated NCPD Commissioner Ryder. “The commitment of all Law Enforcement to eradicate gang violence is extremely important and we will not stop until all gang members are behind bars, thus ensuring that our residents and communities are safe. I would also like to congratulate the other agencies and their investigators for their dedication and diligence during this intense investigation.”
According to court filings and statements made during the guilty plea proceedings, Merchant shot and killed 17-year-old Dante Quinones in Hempstead. The confrontation began when Merchant and fellow Outlaws members approached Quinones to determine whether Quinones’ allegiance was to the Outlaws gang or their rivals, the Bloods. Merchant pulled out a pistol and shot Quinones several times at close range, killing him.
In the wake of Quinones’ murder, a gang war ensued between the Outlaws and the Bloods in Hempstead. During the following year, several shootings occurred between the two gangs, including several involving Gore, who pleaded guilty to the September 14, 2014 shooting of two Bloods members in Hempstead. In that incident, Gore, along with two other Outlaw members, staked out a home where Bloods members were watching a boxing match. Gore and his co-conspirators opened fire into the home, wounding a Bloods member in the leg, while another Bloods member was shot in the head and lost an eye.
When sentenced, each defendant faces a minimum term of 10 years in prison and a maximum term of life imprisonment.
Co-defendant Everett Brown, also known as “Ev,” an associate of the Outlaws street gang, was sentenced in November 2017 to 10 years’ imprisonment following his guilty plea to discharging a firearm during a crime of violence for his role in one of the shootings of rivals’ homes committed by the gang on August 19, 2014.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole Boeckmann, Christopher Caffarone and Michael Maffei are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendants:
PEDRO MERCHANT (also known as “Dro”)
Age: 25
Valley Stream, New YorkALTON GORE (also known as “A-Murder”)
Age: 27
Hempstead, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 16-CR-322 (S-1) (LDW)
Orange Landscaper Sentenced to Prison for Failing to Pay over Employment Taxes to IRSRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that THOMAS CAPECELATRO, 64, of Orange, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 60 days of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for failing to pay over more than $66,000 in employment taxes to the Internal Revenue Service.
According to court documents and statements made in court, CAPECELATRO has owned and operated an unincorporated landscaping business known as Chestnut Ridge Landscaping (“Chestnut Ridge”) since approximately 1984. From approximately October 2010 through 2013, CAPECELATRO caused Chestnut Ridge to withhold $42,322.64 in payroll taxes from its employees but failed to truthfully account for and pay over that money to the IRS. During that same period, CAPECELATRO failed to pay $24,089.28 in federal employment taxes and $1,347.54 in federal unemployment taxes that Chestnut Ridge owed. Chestnut Ridge also failed to file quarterly employment tax returns (Forms 941) with the IRS.
The total tax loss to the U.S. Treasury from October 2010 through 2013 was $67,759.46.
On November 28, 2017, CAPECELATRO pleaded guilty to one count of willful failure to account for and pay over employment taxes.
In May 2017, CAPECELATRO made restitution of $67,759.46 for the delinquent taxes. He owes additional penalties and interest on that amount, and additional restitution for unpaid taxes, interest and penalties for the third quarter of 2005 through the third quarter of 2010.
CAPECELATRO, who is released on bond, was ordered to report to prison on June 6.
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan L. Wines.
One Member of Gangster Disciples Pleads Guilty to Rico ConspiracyRead the Press Release
This week, one of 16 alleged Gangster Disciples members and associates indicted on racketeering charges in May 2016 pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U. S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant of the Western District of Tennessee, Special Agent in Charge Michael T. Gavin of the FBI’s Memphis Division, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jack Webb of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Memphis Field Division, made the announcement.
Tommy Earl Champion, Jr., aka Duct Tape, 29, of Jackson, Tennessee, pleaded guilty on April 2, before U.S. District Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr. to one count of conspiracy to participate in a racketeering offense, and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
According to the indictment, the Gangster Disciples is a highly organized national gang active in more than 35 states. The scope of the Gangster Disciples’ crimes is wide-ranging and consistent throughout its national operation. The gang protects its power through threats, intimidation, and violence, including murder, attempted murder, assault and obstruction of justice. The Gangster Disciples promotes its enterprise through member-only activities and provides financial and other support to members charged with or incarcerated for gang-related offenses or who are fugitives from law enforcement.
Members and associates of the Gangster Disciples are subject to a strict code of discipline and are routinely fined, beaten and even murdered for failing to follow the gang’s rules. "Enforcers" within the enterprise ensure that members who violate the strict rules of the enterprise are appropriately punished.
Champion is scheduled to be sentenced on July 6.
The FBI; ATF; the Memphis Multi-Agency Gang Unit; the Memphis Police Department; the Shelby County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Office; the Jackson Police Department Gang Enforcement Team; the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation; the Madison County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Department; the 28th District West Tennessee Drug Task Force; The Tipton County, Tennessee, Sheriff’s Office; the 26th Judicial District Attorney General’s Office; the 25th Judicial District Attorney General’s Office; the Atascosa County, Tennessee District Attorney’s Office; and the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office investigated this case. Trial Attorney Francesca Liquori of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Beth Boswell of the Western District of Tennessee and Samuel Stringfellow of the Northern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the case.
Niagara Falls Man Arrested, Charged with Receipt and Possession of Child PornographyRead 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 Randy Colucci, 33, of Niagara Falls, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with receipt and possession of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Lamarque, who is handling the case, stated that according to the criminal complaint, in April 2017, a Department of Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent, working undercover, discovered multiple files containing videos and images of child pornography being shared on a peer to peer website. Some of the videos and images depicted prepubescent children in sexual situations. Investigators determined that the IP address connected to the files was utilized by the defendant, which led to the execution of a search warrant at Colucci’s residence. Digital media recovered from the defendant contained child pornography.
Colucci is currently on New York State parole for a 2011 manslaughter conviction, involving the death of his two-year old daughter.
The defendant is being held pending a detention hearing on April 12, 2018, at 9:30 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy.
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
New York Resident Sentenced to 124 Months in Prison for Theft from City of Miami BeachRead the Press Release
David J. Miller, 45, of Syracuse, New York, was sentenced today to 124 months in prison for stealing over $3.5 million from the City of Miami Beach’s bank account through unauthorized electronic transfers.
Benjamin G. Greenberg, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Robert F. Lasky, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, and Daniel J. Oates, Chief, City of Miami Beach Police Department, made the announcement.
At sentencing, United States District Judge Federico A. Moreno ordered Miller to pay $1,563,187 in restitution to the victims of the offense, including the City of Miami Beach. Miller will serve a five-year term of supervised release at the conclusion of his prison sentence.
According to publicly filed court documents, Miller was responsible for the theft of approximately $3.5 million from the City of Miami Beach’s general depository account at SunTrust Bank. Using funds from the City of Miami Beach’s account, Miller purchased approximately 157 seat licenses at NFL stadiums around the country. Miller also used stolen funds to purchase season and individual game tickets at NFL games and other sporting events.
Miller previously pled guilty to bank fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1344(2), and aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A(a)(1).
Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of the FBI and the City of Miami Beach Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher B. Browne, Harold E. Schimkat, and Nalina Sombuntham.
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.
New Mexico Husband and Wife Plead Guilty to Federal Charges in Connection with Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
In El Paso today, 39-year-old Michael Nedal Annabi and his wife, 34-year-old Perla Maldonado Annabi of Santa Teresa, NM, pleaded guilty to federal charges associated with a scheme to defraud multiple local banks and credit unions through applications for over $900,000 in personal loans and lines of credit, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Emmerson Buie, Jr.
Appearing before Senior United States District Judge David Briones, both defendants pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of wire fraud. By pleading guilty, the defendants admitted to participating in a three-year scheme beginning in 2013 which defrauded 21 financial institutions nationwide. Throughout the scheme the defendants and others would obtain loans and lines of credit after providing the financial institutions with fraudulent personal and income information. Sentencing for the Michael and Perla Annabi is scheduled for July 13, 2018.
Yesterday, 25-year-old Jenzel Nash of El Paso; 26-year-old Terrance Yelder of El Paso; and, 30-year-old Miguel Munoz of Santa Teresa, all entered guilty pleas in connection with this investigation. Nash pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting making a false statement on a loan/credit application. Yelder pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Munoz pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement on a loan application. Sentencing for Yelder and Nash is scheduled for July 12, 2018. Sentencing has yet to be scheduled for Munoz.
On March 14, 2018, 34-year-old Basem Elgelda of Petaluma, CA, pleaded guilty to three counts of making a false statement on a loan application. Elgelda is scheduled to be sentenced on June 6, 2018.
“These guilty pleas are a big win for the people of El Paso. The fraudulent actions of a few bad actors can make it much harder for our local financial institutions to serve the community," stated U.S Attorney John F. Bash.
Litigation is still pending against the remaining co-defendant in this case, 21-year-old Daniel Munoz of Santa Teresa. Munoz is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and making a false on a loan application. Jury selection is currently set for June 4, 2018, in El Paso before Judge Briones.
All of the defendants remain on bond. Each defendant faces up to 30 years in federal prison upon final conviction.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the El Paso Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Rifian S. Newaz, Robert Almonte and Debra Kanof are prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
New Hampshire Residents Sentenced for Participating in Scheme to Distribute Misbranded DrugsRead the Press Release
CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that John Hayes, 53, and his wife, Plabpleung Hayes, 50, of New Ipswich were sentenced today for participating in a scheme to distribute misbranded prescription drugs that they obtained from India.
John Hayes was sentenced to serve 30 months in prison and to pay a $2,500 fine. Plabpleung Hayes was sentenced to serve a year and a day in prison. Both previously pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute misbranded prescription drugs into interstate commerce. Plabpleung Hayes faces possible deportation to Thailand following the completion of her sentence.
According to court documents and statements in court, the defendants conspired with others, including John Hayes’ brother (James Hayes) and sister-in-law (Shannon Hayes) in North Carolina, to receive shipments of pills from India. During the course of the conspiracy, John and Plabpleung Hayes, along with their co-conspirators in North Carolina, received over 2.4 million prescription drugs from India, many of which were controlled substances. The defendants attempted to conceal their scheme by having the drugs shipped to numerous Post Office boxes, including boxes in southern New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts.
In addition, United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized more than 60 shipments from India destined for locations controlled by John Hayes that were found to contain more than 100,000 additional pills. The pills were packaged in blister packs, with no packaging that a person would recognize as retail-type packaging, and with no directions for use. CBP sent numerous letters to John Hayes advising him that the seizures occurred because the drugs were imported contrary to federal regulations that prohibit the importation of controlled substances without the express authorization of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The defendants sent more than 5,000 packages to locations throughout the United States, including outside of New Hampshire, between February 2012 and September 2013. The defendants used an email account to manage and confirm the receipt of drugs from India, to receive and track customer orders for drugs, and to coordinate payments.
When a search warrant was executed at the Hayes residence in New Ipswich, investigators found more than 100,000 pills, including prescription drugs and controlled substances, as well as shipping labels, empty shipping containers, and other documents. Among those documents were two letters from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) informing John Hayes that Tramadol tablets shipped to him were being refused entry into the United States because the drugs appeared to be unapproved and misbranded.
The drugs distributed by the defendants were not approved by the FDA and included foreign versions of Hydrocodone, Percocet, Valium, Xanax, Adderall, Ritalin, Ativan, Ambien, Tramadol, Soma, Sildenafil, and Tadalafil.
James Hayes, Shannon Hayes, and two additional co-conspirators were convicted of related charges in North Carolina.
“Misbranded drugs present a danger to the public,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “The millions of pills that the defendants were distributing were not approved by the FDA and had the potential to harm, rather than heal, those who took them. The defendants placed their interests in profits over patient safety. I commend the law enforcement agents whose hard work dismantled this criminal scheme.”
“The FDA's requirements are designed to ensure that American consumers receive drugs that are safe and effective. When criminals import and sell misbranded prescription drugs, they risk patients’ safety and health,” said Catherine Hermsen, Acting Director of FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations. “The work that’s done by CBP, FDA and our other partner agencies at the International Mail Facilities, where international mail entering the U.S. is received and processed, provides a front line defense against illegal, illicit, unapproved, counterfeit and potentially dangerous drugs from entering the United States. We are committed to pursuing those who jeopardize the public health by importing and distributing these dangerous products.”
“The Postal Service has no interest in being the unwitting accomplice to anyone using the U.S. Mail to distribute misbranded drugs. By using the mail system for a criminal purpose, Mr. and Mrs. Hayes put our customers’ health at risk. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to preserve the integrity of the mail by investigating those who use it illegally.” said Raymond Moss, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Field Division.
“Mr. and Mrs. Hayes ran a dangerous operation, distributing unsafe drugs that endangered the public’s health. Their illicit pill mill was a family affair and now they are finally being held accountable,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division. “The FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to do everything we can to curtail this illegal activity and ensure that our communities remain safe.
“This case shows how vital effective federal law enforcement cooperation is to the safety of Americans,” said Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston. “Through close law enforcement coordination, thousands of Americans were protected from the reckless actions of these individuals, who cared about nothing but enriching themselves at the expense of a serious life-threatening risk to the unwitting American consumer.”
This case was investigated by FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Arnold Huftalen and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Hawkins, who is Senior Counsel, Office of Chief Counsel, U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
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Nampa Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Fentanyl and Methamphetamine resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
BOISE – Ryan E. Curtis, 44, of Nampa Idaho, pleaded guilty on April 4, 2018, in the United States district court to distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine resulting in death, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. Curtis was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boise on January 9, 2018.
According to court records, on August 13, 2017, Ryan Curtis distributed fentanyl to D.S. in Nampa Idaho. In Curtis’ presence, D.S. ingested a portion of the fentanyl, overdosed and lost consciousness. Instead of calling 911, Curtis attempted to revive D.S. by injecting him with methamphetamine. D.S. ultimately died from the drugs.
The charge of distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine resulting in death is punishable by a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 20 years up to life, a term of supervised release of at least three years, and a maximum fine of $1,000,000.
Sentencing is set for July 3, 2018, before Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge at the federal courthouse in Boise.
The case was investigated by the Nampa Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Board. The Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Board is a collaboration of local law enforcement drug task forces and prosecuting agencies dedicated to addressing regional drug trafficking organizations that operate in Ada, Canyon, and Malheur County.
Muscatine Man Sentenced to 135 Months in Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – On April 5, 2018, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Michael William Elliott, Jr., age 46, of Muscatine, to 135 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Elliott was ordered to serve five years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
On November 17, 2017, Elliott pleaded guilty to the charge that arose from an investigation by the Muscatine County Drug Task Force. Elliott was involved in a methamphetamine conspiracy from July 2016 through April 12, 2017. During that time, Elliott was responsible for distributing over 1,100 grams of methamphetamine and he possessed a dangerous weapon.
This matter was investigated by the Muscatine County Drug Task Force and the Iowa Department of Public Safety, DCI Criminalistics Laboratory. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Members of Family-Run Drug Trafficking Organization Charged with Selling Heroin and Fentanyl Resulting in Two Fatal and Four Non-Fatal OverdosesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - Five Allegheny County residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The 15-count indictment, returned on April 4 and unsealed today, named:
Brad Reed, age 26, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
Greg Reed, age 26, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
Justin McBride, age 26, of Munhall, Pennsylvania;
Antoinette McBride, age 29, of Munhall, Pennsylvania; and
Richard Ruby, age 31, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Brad Reed and Greg Reed are twin brothers. Richard Ruby and Justin McBride are both cousins of the Reed twins. Antoinette McBride is married to Justin McBride.
"This indictment charges these five individuals for their roles in a criminal heroin/fentanyl trafficking organization that is responsible for causing two overdose deaths and four non-fatal overdoses in which the victims needed to be revived with naloxone," stated U.S. Attorney Brady. "My office will continue to be relentless in our mission to identify and prosecute drug dealers, reduce overdoses and protect the people of Western Pennsylvania."
According to the indictment presented to the court, from in and around January 2014, and continuing until in or around December 2017, Brad Reed, Greg Reed, Justin McBride, Antoinette McBride, and Richard Ruby conspired to distribute and possess with the intent distribute heroin and fentanyl. The indictment further alleges that on or about October 3, 2016, Justin McBride distributed fentanyl which caused serious bodily injury and the death of a user of fentanyl; on or about December 8, 2016, Brad Reed caused serious bodily injury to a user of heroin and fentanyl; on or about December 31, 2016, Greg Reed caused serious bodily injury to a user of heroin and fentanyl; on or about January 30, 2017, Justin McBride caused serious bodily injury to and the death of a user of heroin and fentanyl; and on or about July 1, 2017, Justin McBride caused serious bodily injury to a user of heroin and fentanyl.
The indictment also alleges that on or about December 16, 2016, Brad Reed possessed with intent to distribute and distributed a quantity of heroin and fentanyl. The indictment further alleges that on or about January 31, 2017, Brad Reed, Justin McBride, and Antoinette McBride possessed with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine and, on that same date, Justin McBride also possessed with intent to distribute crack cocaine. The indictment further alleges that on or about February 21, 2017, Brad Reed and Greg Reed possessed with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl and Brad Reed unlawfully disposed of property for the purpose of preventing the government from taking the narcotics into its lawful custody. The indictment also alleges that on January 31, 2017, Justin McBride and Antoinette McBride possessed a firearm, a black Taurus .380 caliber pistol, in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy.
Further, during various times between January 2014 and December 2017, the five defendants maintained and used various premises for manufacturing and distributing heroin and fentanyl. Specifically, the indictment alleges Greg Reed and Brad Reed used and maintained 5116 Lytle Street in Hazelwood; Justin McBride and Antoinette McBride used and maintained an apartment at 1813 West Street in Munhall; and Richard Ruby and Justin McBride used and maintained 5108 Glenwood Avenue in Hazelwood, all for the purpose of manufacturing and distributing heroin and fentanyl.
With respect to the charges against Justin McBride, Brad Reed, and Greg Reed, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 20 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $2 million, or both. For Antoinette McBride and Richard Ruby, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy M. Lanni and Heidi M. Grogan are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation – Western District of Pennsylvania Opioid Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. This Task Force is comprised of FBI Special Agents and state and local Task Force Officers, including officers from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sherriff’s Department, Allegheny County Police, Port Authority Police, Munhall Police Department, West Mifflin Police Department, and Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Maryland Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Sexually Abusing 13-Year-Old GirlRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Mark Chuvala, 41, of Berlin, Md., was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for sexually abusing a former teenage piano student, announced U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu and Peter Newsham, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Chuvala was found guilty by a jury on Jan. 30, 2018 of four counts of first-degree child sexual abuse, three counts of second-degree child sexual abuse, one count of indecent sexual proposal to a minor, one count of misdemeanor sexual abuse of a child, and one count of use of a minor in a sexual performance. The verdict followed a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. He was sentenced by the Honorable Ronna L. Beck. Following his prison term, Chuvala will be placed on 10 years of supervised release. He also will be required to register as a sex offender for 10 years.
According to the government’s evidence, Chuvala was the victim’s piano teacher in 2011 at Middle C Music in the Tenleytown neighborhood of Northwest Washington. At the time of the lessons, Chuvala was 34, and the student was 13 years old. When the lessons had concluded, Chuvala asked the girl to stay in touch, and they began a relationship over text communications.
The two got together a few days later and walked to a park in Montgomery County, Maryland, where Chuvala kissed the girl and engaged in the first sexual contact with her. Chuvala has pled guilty in Montgomery County to three counts of third-degree sex offense for this conduct, and is awaiting sentencing there on April 9, 2018.
Shortly after they got together in Montgomery County, Chuvala and the girl met on at least two occasions in the middle of the night in Washington, D.C. During those two incidents, Chuvala performed oral sex on the victim and had her perform oral sex on him, among other sexual conduct. After these sexual encounters, Chuvala and the victim continued to exchange numerous texts with each other at all hours of the day and night. When Chuvala moved from the Washington, D.C. area, he engaged in conversations with the girl over video Skype, in which he would ask her to undress, masturbating as he watched her, and would ask her to masturbate.
In the spring of 2012, the victim first disclosed the abuse to a friend, and her friend told a school counselor. The counselor notified law enforcement, and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) opened an investigation. However, the victim was not ready to go forward with a police investigation at the time, and persuaded her parents not to provide the abuser’s name to police. Ultimately, in the fall of 2014, the victim decided that she was prepared to go forward with a police investigation. The investigation led to Chuvala’s arrest on June 24, 2015. Following the verdict, the judge ordered that he be placed in custody pending sentencing.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Liu and Chief Newsham praised the work of detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Youth and Family Services Division. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists D’Yvonne Key and Brenda Williams, Victim/Witness Advocate Veronica Vaughan, Investigative Analyst William Hamann, and Litigation Technology Specialist Anisha Bhatia. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elana Suttenberg and Nicholas Miranda, who investigated and prosecuted this case.
Maryland Man Sentenced for Dogfighting ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Maryland man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for his role in a conspiracy to engage in dogfighting, as well as a separate role as a ringleader in a credit card fraud and identity theft scheme.
According to court documents, Rodriguez Rodney Lomax Norman, 31, was fully immersed in the world of dog fighting in the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia area. Norman and his associates bred, trained, and exhibited dogs in organized fights where animals suffered severe bites, gashes, and other injuries, and were expected to fight nonetheless. When law enforcement searched Norman’s Maryland and D.C. properties in August 2017, they found over a dozen dogs, an animal treadmill, heavy dog chains, shock collars, lunge whips, performance-enhancing animal pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies like syringes and skin staplers.
“Dog fighting is a crime marked by brutality and cruelty,” said Acting United States Attorney Tracy Doherty-McCormick. “Those who choose to brutalize animals for entertainment, sport, and profit must know that their criminal conduct will be severely punished. This complex investigation was a success due to the expertise and skill of our investigative partners. I want to thank them for their outstanding work on this important case.”
In court documents, Norman admitted that also found on his Maryland property was a fighting ring that bore traces of animal blood, and a noose-like contraption that was apparently put on a dog’s neck and used to hang him to build muscle. Norman continued to fight his dogs for years after law enforcement officials first contacted him about dog fighting, even though he knew that doing so was illegal.
“Dog fighting is a barbaric spectacle that has no place in any civilized society,” said Andrew W. Vale, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Washington Field Office. “Today’s sentencing highlights our continuing efforts to investigate and prosecute organized crime, and those who seek to profit from the abuse and suffering of helpless animals.”
In separate criminal activity, Norman helped organize and lead a conspiracy where for over two and a half years, members purchased thousands of stolen credit and debit card numbers, encoded those numbers onto fraudulent credit cards, and used those cards to buy merchandise including gift cards and cartons of cigarettes. During the conspiracy, the group made hundreds of thousands of dollars from selling cigarette cartons to buyers from New York City.
Norman was sentenced today to 108 months in prison for his role as a ringleader in the credit card fraud and identity theft scheme, and 12 months in prison for dogfighting. He was also ordered to forfeit $143,605.
Norman is one of 12 defendants who were arrested in the credit card fraud and identity theft case in August 2017 (and the only defendant charged with dogfighting). All pleaded guilty and have now been sentenced.
Name, Age
Hometown
Convictions
Sentence
Rodriguez Norman, 31
Temple Hills, Maryland
Conspiracy to Engage in an Animal Fighting Venture;
Conspiracy to Commit Bank and Wire Fraud, Conspiracy to Traffic in Contraband Cigarettes, Aggravated Identity Theft
120 months
Travon Williams, 33
Portsmouth
Conspiracy to Commit Bank and Wire Fraud, Conspiracy to Traffic in Contraband Cigarettes, Aggravated Identity Theft
108 months
Jamar Johnson, 31
Portsmouth
Conspiracy to Commit Bank and Wire Fraud, Aggravated Identity Theft
84 months
Nathaneal Williams, 25
Manassas
Conspiracy to Commit Bank and Wire Fraud, Conspiracy to Traffic in Contraband Cigarettes, Aggravated Identity Theft
84 months
Marvin Mitchell, 33
Virginia Beach
Conspiracy to Commit Bank and Wire Fraud, Aggravated Identity Theft
Awaiting sentencing
Ashley Carrillo Howell, 34
Bowie, Maryland
Conspiracy to Commit Bank and Wire Fraud, Aggravated Identity Theft
70 months
Gentle Tyson, III, 33
Virginia Beach
Conspiracy to Commit Bank and Wire Fraud, Aggravated Identity Theft
25 months
Ebony Coe, 29
Virginia Beach
Conspiracy to Commit Bank and Wire Fraud, Aggravated Identity Theft
25 months
Ronnie Beale, 33
Fort Washington, Maryland
Conspiracy to Commit Bank and Wire Fraud
14 months
Ryan McNeil, 32
District Heights, Maryland
Conspiracy to Commit Bank and Wire Fraud
14 months
Eugene Cuffee, 34
Norfolk
Conspiracy to Commit Bank and Wire Fraud
12 months
Denae Horton, 25
Chesapeake
Conspiracy to Commit Bank and Wire Fraud
2 months
Tracy Doherty-McCormick, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Andrew W. Vale, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maya D. Song, Whitney Russell, and Katherine Rumbaugh prosecuted the case, with significant assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Gordon D. Kromberg and former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan N. Turgeon.
The Manassas Park Police, Fairfax County Police, and Arlington County Police provided significant assistance during this investigation.
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 Nos. 1:17-cr-214, 226, 227, 240, 252, 251, 254, 312.
Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges in Fraudulent Billing Scheme Targeting D.C. Public SchoolsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Charles E. Scott, Jr., a vendor who claimed to be providing tutoring and mentoring services for students with special needs, pled guilty today to federal charges stemming from a scheme in which he collected more than $75,000 from the District of Columbia Public Schools for work that never was performed.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu, Andrew W. Vale, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and District of Columbia Inspector General Daniel W. Lucas.
Scott, 38, of Baltimore, Md., pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to mail fraud and identity theft. Mail fraud carries a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison and identity theft carries a statutory maximum of 15 years. Both charges carry potential financial penalties. Under federal sentencing guidelines, Scott could face a sentence of 15 to 27 months in prison and a fine. The plea agreement also requires him to pay $75,398 in restitution to the District of Columbia Public Schools and an identical amount in a forfeiture money judgment. The Honorable Rudolph Contreras scheduled sentencing for July 5, 2018.
According to a statement of offense filed as part of the plea, the scheme took place from approximately February 2013 through December 2013. During that time, Scott submitted invoices, timesheets and other documents to the Office of Special Education, a component of the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS). The Office of Special Education manages the school system’s Compensatory Education Program.
The Compensatory Education Program awards services to eligible students to assist with their educational needs and development. Students awarded compensatory education services have learning, mental, and/or behavioral disabilities that create an educational barrier that prevents them from reaping the full benefits of education. Services consist of tutoring, individualized education, monitoring, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral and psychological analysis. Once DCPS approves specific services, parents or guardians receive letters specifying the services that can be provided and it is up to the parent or guardian to identify an independent provider to perform the authorized services.
Scott’s invoices included the names and dates of birth for 10 minor children for whom he claimed to have performed services. The accompanying timesheets included what purported to be the signatures of the parents or guardians whose children had purportedly received the services as well as the signatures of the tutors who supposedly did the work. Nearly all of what purported to be signatures of the parents and guardians were forged. Tutors’ signatures also were forged.
Scott did not have permission to use the names and dates of the children listed on his invoices and did not have approval from parents or guardians to sign their names.
All told, Scott obtained a total of $75,398 for services that were never performed. In addition, the District of Columbia disputed and never paid him for $20,314 worth of invoices and timesheets that he submitted for services that never were performed.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Liu, Assistant Director in Charge Vale, and Inspector General Lucas commended the work of those who investigated the case from the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the District of Columbia Office of the Inspector General. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Lucas, who is handling forfeiture issues, Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrienne Dedjinou, and Paralegal Specialists Joshua Fein, Aisha Keys, and Kristy Penny. Finally, they expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter C. Lallas, who is prosecuting the case.
Man Sentenced for Defrauding Investors of over $5 MillionRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Florida man was sentenced today to four years in prison for defrauding investors in his company of more than $5 million.
According to court documents, David Webb, 59, of North Palm Beach, made false statements to more than 70 investors from Virginia and other states. Webb told them that he had a very successful government contracting business, G4i Capital Partners, and that he would only use the investors’ money to pay subcontractors between the times when contracts were awarded and when the government started to pay invoices. Webb also told the investors that their investments were safe. Webb claimed that if his company failed, a trustee would collect the money the government owed for the work already done and repay the investors. Webb provided many false documents and emails to support his fraud scheme. In fact, Webb used later investors’ money to make “interest” payments to earlier investors. Webb lent a large portion of the money to a friend who was trying unsuccessfully to start his own government contracting business. Finally, Webb paid himself a salary and used other money collected from investors on various personal expenses. Webb’s company never obtained a single government contract.
In addition to the prison sentence, Webb was ordered to pay full restitution to his victims and sentenced to three years of supervised release.
Tracy Doherty-McCormick, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Andrew W. Vale, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Claude M. Hilton. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jack Hanly and Grace L. Hill 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. 1:17-cr-46.
Lockport Man Sentenced on Oxymorphone and Marijuana ChargesRead 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 Troy Gillon, Jr., 25, of Lockport, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, oxymorphone, possession with intent to distribute THC and marijuana, and maintaining a drug-involved premises, was sentenced to 18 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan A. Tokash, who handled the case, stated that on three separate occasions between October 26 and November 29, 2016, the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted controlled purchases of oxymorphone from the defendant. On December 16, 2016, a federal search warrant was executed at the Gillon’s residence on Dysinger Road in Lockport. Agents recovered 95 vials and five mason jars containing marijuana, eight oxycodone tablets, 113 marijuana tablets, various marijuana chocolate chip cookies and gummy bears. In addition to the drugs, two packages of clear plastic baggies for drug distribution, a drug ledger containing drug distribution transactions, three digital scales, six cellular telephones, a Micro SD sim card, a 14-karat gold diamond bracelet, and $2,243.65 in U.S. currency. The money and bracelet were acquired as illegal drug sales proceeds. The drugs seized from the house were for distribution in the community and the defendant maintained his home as a drug premises.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division; Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly, and the Lockport Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Niethe.Kansas Man Pleads Guilty to Charges Related to the Sexual Exploitation of Children in Southeast AsiaRead the Press Release
A 71-year-old Kansas native who was residing in Panama pleaded guilty today to use of sexually explicit depictions of a minor for importation into the United States, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick of the Southern District of Texas.
Jebediah Dishman, of Fredonia, Kansas, pleaded guilty to an information charging him with use of sexually explicit depictions of a minor for importation into the United States before U.S. District Judge Ewing Werlein Jr. of the Southern District of Texas. Sentencing is set for July 6.
Dishman was arrested in Houston on Nov. 8, 2016, on a criminal complaint. On Feb. 1, 2017, a grand jury in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas indicted him on one count each of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a minor in a foreign country, production of child pornography, sex trafficking of children, and obtaining custody and control of a minor for the purpose of producing sexually explicit visual depictions of the minor.
According to admissions made in conjunction with a plea agreement, in September 2014, Dishman began an approximately six-month trip to several countries in Southeast Asia. During his trip to Indonesia, another tourist observed Dishman engaging in suspicious interactions with minors, masturbating while watching minors, and using a tablet to take photographs of a three-year-old German child. The tourist confronted Dishman, seized his tablet, and turned it over to local authorities. U.S. authorities later reviewed the tablet pursuant to a search warrant and discovered sexually explicit images of minors, including of the German child, as well as Internet searches indicating an interest in the sex trafficking of minors in Southeast Asia.
The FBI is investigating this case with the cooperation of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. Trial Attorneys James E. Burke IV and William M. Grady of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sherri Zack of the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elly Peirson of the Central District of Illinois, previously on detail at CEOS, also served as a vital member of the prosecution team at earlier stages of the litigation.
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.
Justice Department Continues Enforcement Actions Across the Country to Stop and Punish Dishonest Tax Return PreparersRead the Press Release
With the tax season in full swing, the Justice Department warns taxpayers to avoid unscrupulous tax return preparers who seek to harm taxpayers, and also reminds taxpayers that they could still be responsible for any unpaid taxes, penalties, and interest, resulting from errors made on their returns.
In the last year, the Justice Department’s Tax Division, in collaboration with U.S. Attorney’s Offices, filed dozens of civil and criminal actions throughout the United States seeking court orders to shut down tax return preparers who allegedly prepared false tax returns and to punish dishonest tax return preparers for their fraudulent activities.
“The Tax Division will continue to protect the American public by holding fraudulent tax return preparers accountable,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman. “The Justice Department is committed to working with the IRS to stamp out this fraud.”
In the past decade, the Tax Division has obtained convictions and injunctions against hundreds of unscrupulous return preparers. Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department’s website. An alphabetical listing of persons enjoined from preparing returns can be found on this page. If you believe that one of the enjoined persons or businesses may be violating an injunction, please contact the Tax Division with details.
Examples of some of the criminal convictions obtained by the Tax Division in the last year include:
- In January 2018, a Kansas City, Kansas tax return preparer was sentenced to 96 months in prison for preparing income tax returns for clients that reported false business income and losses, medical and dental expense deductions, job-related expenses, charitable donations, and other fraudulent items.
- In August 2017, a Gulfport, Mississippi tax return preparer was sentenced to 48 months in prison for obstructing the internal revenue laws and aiding in the preparation of a false tax return. She ran a home-based tax return preparation business where she instructed several of her clients, who owed income taxes to the IRS, to write payment checks directly to her rather than to the IRS. She kept these funds for herself and used the money to gamble at local casinos. Typically, she provided copies of accurate returns to her clients, but then did not file any return with the IRS.
- In April 2017, a San Diego, California tax return preparer was sentenced to 37 months in prison for preparing fraudulent tax returns. She prepared fraudulent returns for her clients that reported fake business losses, charitable contributions, and medical, dental, education and unreimbursed employee expenses. In total, her conduct caused a tax loss of more than $1.2 million.
Examples of some of the civil injunctions obtained by the Tax Division in the last year include:
- In October 2017, a federal court in Houston, Texas permanently enjoined a woman and a corporation from preparing federal tax returns for others. According to the government’s complaint, the woman, through her business, routinely prepared federal tax returns for customers that reported false expense deductions, as well as false claims for education tax credits and improper dependents.
- In September 2017, a federal court in Detroit, Michigan permanently barred a tax return preparation company and its owner from operating a tax return preparation business and preparing federal tax returns for others. The owner prepared tax returns with false income and expenses, bogus dependents, improper filing statuses, and false itemized deductions, all with the purpose of fraudulently maximizing customer refunds and refundable credits, according to the government’s complaint.
- In July 2017, a federal court in New York permanently enjoined the owners and their multiple businesses from preparing federal tax returns for others. The owners prepared federal tax returns for customers that contained false or erroneous claims for education tax credits, fuel tax credits, and the Earned Income Tax Credit, according to the government’s complaint.
When return preparers violate these civil injunction orders, the Tax Division is committed to holding them responsible:
- In December 2017, a Louisiana woman, who continued to file returns even after a federal judge permanently enjoined her from preparing returns, was sentenced to seven years in prison for filing fraudulent income tax returns. She filed returns that included fake business losses, deductions, and tax credits in order to fraudulently increase her clients’ refunds.
- In November 2017, a federal court in Florida found a woman in contempt of the court’s injunction barring her from preparing tax returns for others. The court ordered her to pay the government $11,572.57 as a sanction for costs incurred investigating her contempt.
- In May 2017, a federal court in Maryland found that a man had violated the court’s previous permanent injunction barring him from preparing tax returns for others and from operating a tax preparation business. The court ordered that he comply with the previously entered injunction and that he pay the United States $29,914.38 for its costs incurred investigating whether he had complied with the injunction.
Tax return preparer fraud is one of the IRS’s Dirty Dozen Tax Scams for 2018 and taxpayers seeking a return preparer should remain vigilant. The IRS has some information on its website about selecting a return preparer and has launched a free directory of federal tax preparers. Also, the IRS has a list of steps on its website that you can take now in anticipation of filing your 2017 federal income tax return and ten tips for choosing a tax preparer.
Jury Convicts Springfield Man of $1 Million Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man was convicted by a federal trial jury today of his role in a conspiracy to distribute more than $1 million worth of methamphetamine in southern Missouri and in the Kansas City, Mo., area.
Michael Ryan Nevatt, 28, of Springfield, was found guilty of all seven counts contained in a Nov. 17, 2016, federal indictment. Nevatt was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and three counts of money laundering.
Evidence introduced during the trial indicated that Nevatt participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from Jan. 1, 2014, to Nov. 17, 2016. Co-defendant Kenneth Lake, 56, of Strafford, Mo., was the original head of the organization, coordinating vehicle transport shipments of methamphetamine from a Mexican cartel source in Texas to Springfield. Conspirators in Springfield divided the methamphetamine for distribution to the Lebanon, Mo., and Kansas City, Mo., areas. Lake has pleaded guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy.
Nevatt subsequently became the head of the organization. Nevatt and other conspirators made regular trips, and sometimes travelled several times a week, to pick up multiple-pound supplies of methamphetamine. For example, Nevatt traveled to Texas regularly to pick up 10 pounds of methamphetamine and bring it back to Springfield. Nevatt would later return to Texas with approximately $100,000 in cash to pay for it. On one occasion, Nevatt met sources in Dallas, Texas, to purchase 40 pounds of methamphetamine. Mexican sources also delivered multiple-pound shipments of methamphetamine by truck or car to Springfield.
Nevatt was stopped by Springfield police officers on one occasion while operating a motorcycle without a valid motorcycle endorsement or insurance. Officers seized $66,960 in the saddle bag of the motorcycle. On another occasion, Springfield police officers seized $97,390 from a hotel room rented in Nevatt’s name, which was occupied by his girlfriend and Lake.
Nevatt is among 15 defendants charged in the indictment; 13 have pleaded guilty and one has been sentenced.
Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., deliberated for just short of three hours before returning the guilty verdicts to U.S. Chief District Judge Greg Kays, ending a trial that began Monday, April 2, 2018.
Under federal statutes, Nevatt is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce Rhoades and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashleigh Ragner. It was investigated by the Buchanan County Drug Strike Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, the Buchanan County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Central Oklahoma Metro Interdiction Team.
Jury Convicts KC Man of Drug Trafficking, Illegal FirearmRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was convicted by a federal trial jury today of drug-trafficking and illegally possessing a firearm.
Robert L. White, 46, of Kansas City, was found guilty of all 16 counts contained in a July 19, 2016, federal indictment. White was found guilty of nine counts of distributing crack cocaine, three counts of possessing crack cocaine with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On two occasions in 2013, White was arrested in a traffic stop and officers found crack cocaine either on him or in his vehicle. On nine occasions in 2016, White distributed crack cocaine to sources who were cooperating with a law enforcement investigation.
On June 6, 2016, White was arrested after Kansas City police officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop. White fled in his vehicle, then abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot, but was found and arrested. When officers searched his vehicle they found a clear plastic baggie that contained 22 individually-wrapped baggies of crack cocaine.
Officers executed a search warrant at White’s residence on the same day and seized $5,000, cocaine, and a loaded Kel Tec 9mm handgun.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. White has three prior felony convictions for possession of controlled substances and prior felony convictions for theft, conspiracy to possess cocaine and conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine.
Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., deliberated for four hours before returning the guilty verdicts to U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark, ending a trial that began Monday, April 2, 2018.
Under federal statutes, White is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey Q. McCarther and Bradley K. Kavanaugh. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Jose C. Pena Sentenced for Distribution of CocaineRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Jose C. Pena, 38, of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for distribution of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Pena was sentenced to 97 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, in 2011 Pena was involved with a group of people in Indiana, Texas and Ohio in the distribution of cocaine. Cocaine would be shipped from Texas to Elkhart, Indiana and drivers would then transport the cocaine to the Columbus, Ohio area. Pena was responsible for making the arrangements for these shipments.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigative Division. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Schaffer.
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Jefferson County, Ohio man admits to firearm chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Shaheim Price, of Wintersville, Ohio, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Price, age 23, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Price, having previously been convicted of a felony, admitted to possessing a 9mm pistol. The crime occurred in Ohio County in October 2017.
Price faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven L. Vogrin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Wheeling Police Department.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr., presided.Jackson County Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine OffensesRead the Press Release
On April 5, 2018, Answar D. Rollins, Jr., a/k/a "Chuck" and "Swar," age 31, of Carbondale, Illinois, pled guilty to a two-count indictment charging conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and unlawful distribution of methamphetamine. The offenses occurred between March 2017, and August 8, 2017, in Jackson County. The conspiracy offense carries a maximum penalty of five to 40 years imprisonment, to be followed by four years supervised release, and a $5,000,000 fine. Rollins also faces a maximum penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment, three years supervised release, and a $1,000,000 fine on the distribution offense.
During the plea hearing, Rollins also admitted that he had violated the terms of his supervised release relating to a 2006 federal drug offense. Rollins is currently being held without bond pending his July 18, 2018 sentencing hearing.
The investigation was conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Jackson County States Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
Investigation of A Tax Refund Scheme Results in PleaRead the Press Release
Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Tony Cherenfant. age 34, of Miami, Florida, entered a plea of guilty April 4, 2018 to conspiracy to steal government funds based on a fraudulent tax refund scheme seeking more than $1.2 million in refunds. Mr. Cherenfant entered his plea in Valdosta before Senior District Court Judge Hugh Lawson.
Facts stipulated in the plea agreement show that Mr. Cherenfant was stopped, while travelling with two other individuals, on Interstate 75 in Valdosta by a Camden County Sheriff’s Office deputy working patrol with the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office. Additional Lowndes County deputies arrived and conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle. During the search of the vehicle, deputies found the personal identifying information of approximately 1500 individuals and tax refund documents, both in written and electronic form in notes, notebooks, a computer and a cell phone. The identifying information included the names, dates of birth and social security numbers of the individuals.
The Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office investigator contacted the IRS-Criminal Investigations, which identified a fraudulent tax scheme involving the identity information. In entering the plea, Mr. Cherenfant admitted to possessing the identities and that he was involved in a conspiracy which resulted in the filing of approximately 400 fraudulent federal tax returns with the IRS for tax year 2012 claiming refunds of $1,285,729. Actual refunds paid on those claims filed without the knowledge or permission of the taxpayers whose identities were used, totaled $582,751.
United States Attorney Charles E. Peeler stated, “This investigation represents a shining example of the positive results of local and federal law enforcement partnering to bring to justice someone preying on both individuals and society. This crime affected not only those whose identities were stolen, but all American taxpayers who are ultimately victimized by this form of theft. The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to supporting this kind of teamwork by aggressively prosecuting those who commit identity theft and tax fraud to line their own pockets.”
“Each of these identity theft investigations are unique, and criminals are inventing new ways to commit fraud,” said Thomas J. Holloman, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation. “Especially during filing season, taxpayers need to safeguard tax information and make sure that it doesn’t get into the wrong hands.” Go to IRS.GOV and click on 2018 Dirty Dozen for more on tax schemes.
Mr. Cherenfant faces up to five years in prison and restitution to the United States of the stolen funds.
The case was investigated by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations. 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.
Illegal Alien Sentenced to Prison for Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Laurel man was sentenced today to over five years in prison for conspiracy to distribute heroin.
According to court documents, Jeffrey Okyere, 32, was living in a luxury apartment building in National Harbor, Maryland, while he was a member of a drug conspiracy that was transporting heroin from Texas to the Washington, D.C. area for distribution. Okyere and another member of the conspiracy cut heroin inside his apartment in National Harbor, and Okyere supplied the conspiracy with heroin after members of the conspiracy stopped transporting heroin to the area from Texas.
Okyere has several prior felony convictions and was deported to Ghana in 2010. He was caught attempting to reenter the country illegally in 2011, but after serving prison time for that offense, he was not deported again. He was sentenced today to 63 months in prison, and three years of supervised release.
Tracy Doherty-McCormick, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Andrew W. Vale, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, Karl C. Colder, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division, and Colonel Edwin C. Roessler Jr., Fairfax County Chief of Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Liam O’Grady. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Tyler McGaughey and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Peters prosecuted the case.
The case was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Operation Puppet Master. The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
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-159.
Huntsville Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Firearms ViolationRead the Press Release
Fort Smith, Arkansas - Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Gregg Nicholas, age 55, of Huntsville, was sentenced April 4, 2018, to 60 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The Honorable P.K. Holmes, III, Chief United States District Judge, presided over the sentencing hearing in Fort Smith.
According to court records, in April 2017, Huntsville law enforcement responded to a report from a Huntsville business that Nicholas claimed to be a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employee and requested the business to sew on DHS patches on camouflage shirts. When law enforcement responded to the report, a detective observed Nicholas wearing both a federal game warden badge and a United States Department of Treasury badge. When the detective asked Nicholas about his employment with DHS, Nicholas then claimed he was retired from DHS, was a trained United States Marine, and completed several undercover jobs with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms in his career. While speaking with the detective, Nicholas alluded to the fact that he possessed several firearms at his residence. At this point, Nicholas was arrested by local law enforcement for Criminal Impersonation. The detective then contacted Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for assistance with the investigation. HSI agents conducted a criminal record check and identified that Nicholas had a prior felony conviction. Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on Nicholas’ residence and discovered fourteen firearms and ammunition inside. Nicholas was indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2017 and entered a guilty plea in October 2017.
This case was investigated by Huntsville Police Department, Madison County Sheriff’s Office; Homeland Security Investigations; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the United States Postal Inspector. Assistant United States Attorney Candace Taylor prosecuted the case for the United States.
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.
Honolulu Man Sentenced to 57 Months for Defrauding University of HawaiiRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – U.S. District Court Judge Leslie E. Kobayashi sentenced Marc Hubbard, age 50, to 57 months in prison today for defrauding the University of Hawaii in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343. Hubbard pled guilty to the offense on October 4, 2016.
Kenji M. Price, U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii, said that according to court documents and information presented in court, in 2012, Hubbard falsely represented that he could book Stevie Wonder for a proposed concert to benefit the athletics program at the University of Hawaii. He made those false representations to an associate of his, whom he knew would relay them to the University. When his associate did so, in reliance on those false statements and to secure the concert, the University of Hawaii wired $250,000, and a supporter of the University wired an additional $50,000. The money was sent to Hubbard’s associate, and Hubbard personally received $147,500 of those funds, which he kept for himself and used for his own purposes.
The day before Hubbard was originally scheduled to be sentenced, he moved to withdraw his guilty plea. Judge Kobayashi gave Mr. Hubbard time to submit additional written materials, and then held a hearing during which Mr. Hubbard testified under oath, denying that he had committed fraud. After considering his testimony, and the evidence in the case, Judge Kobayashi denied Hubbard’s motion to withdraw his guilty plea. At today’s sentencing, Judge Kobayashi commented that Mr. Hubbard’s recent testimony was “completely opposite” the testimony he gave when he pled guilty. Because the testimony was so “diametrically opposed” to what Mr. Hubbard had previously stated, Judge Kobayashi found that Hubbard had willfully given false testimony and obstructed justice. She also found that he had failed to accept responsibility. Those determinations exposed Hubbard to a longer sentence.
Judge Kobayashi ordered that Hubbard’s 57-month sentence run consecutively to the 78-month sentence he is currently serving in another case in Pennsylvania. In imposing a consecutive sentence, Judge Kobayashi noted several aggravating factors. She highlighted the significance of the fraud on the local community, noting that it had “deeply wounded morale” at the University of Hawaii.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc A. Wallenstein.
Honduran National Charged with Violations of the Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ELMER JAVIER ACOSTA-MEJIA, age 27, a citizen of Honduras, was charged in a two-count indictment for violations of the Federal Gun Control Act.
According to the indictment, ACOSTA-MEJIA, an alien illegally present in the United States, possessed two firearms. ACOSTA-MEJIA is prohibited from possessing any firearm because he is an alien illegally in the United States
For each charge, ACOSTA-MEJIA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than ten years, a fine of $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00. Additionally, ACOSTA-MEJIA is subject to a period of supervised release after imprisonment of up to three years.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.
Hammon Man Charged with Murder in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal grand jury has charged TOMMY DEAN BULLCOMING, 54, of Hammon, Oklahoma, with first-degree murder in Indian Country, announced Robert J. Troester, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.
A five-count indictment unsealed today charges Bullcoming with five crimes he allegedly committed on September 6, 2017: first-degree premeditated murder, first-degree felony murder, carjacking resulting in death, kidnapping resulting in death, and arson. The indictment states he "used force, violence, and intimidation to intentionally take a Lexus RX300" from an Indian and that this resulted in her death. It further alleges he killed the victim "by stabbing and cutting her with a sharp object" and acted "in an especially heinous, cruel, and depraved manner in that the offense involved torture and serious physical abuse." The arson count alleges he maliciously set fire to the victim’s dwelling in Hammon.
If convicted of carjacking resulting in death, Bullcoming could face the death penalty. The Attorney General of the United States will decide whether to seek the death penalty based on the recommendation of the U.S. Attorney and after carefully considering the defendant’s background and the circumstances of the crime. If convicted of first-degree murder, felony murder, or kidnapping resulting in death, Bullcoming would face mandatory life in prison. The death penalty is not available for these offenses because federal jurisdiction is based on allegations they took place in Indian Country, and the relevant tribe has not opted in to the death penalty for those subject to its jurisdiction. The maximum punishment for arson would be 25 years in prison.
The public is reminded these charges are merely accusations and that Bullcoming is presumed innocent unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt by a unanimous jury.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark R. Stoneman and Arvo Q. Mikkanen are prosecuting the case.
Reference is made to court filings for further information.