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Thursday 22 March 2018
Four Correctional Officers Indicted for Introducing or Possessing Drugs in Tennessee PrisonRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Four individuals have been indicted for introducing or possessing drugs in the Tennessee Department of Correction. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the indictments today.
On February 20, 2018, a federal grand jury returned four indictments against four Tennessee Department of Correction officers who worked at the Northwest Correctional Complex, a state penitentiary in Lake County, Tennessee.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Official misconduct by public officers in positions of trust and authority undermines the foundational integrity of our government institutions and the security of correctional facilities. We will root out, expose, and hold accountable those officials who violate their oath for personal gain by introducing illegal narcotics into jails and prisons."
"Every day across this great state the overwhelming majority of correctional professionals perform their duties with professionalism in an environment few people have the strength to tread," shares TDOC Commissioner Tony Parker. "Officers that violate their oath will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
The four defendants listed are:
- Kiara Bogan, 27, Hickman, KY, indicted for distribution of marijuana.
- Michael Holland, 20, Union City, TN, indicted for two counts of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.
- Darreia Johnson, 21, Hickman, KY, indicted for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.
- Robert Sanders, 41, Newbern, TN, indicted for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.
"Law enforcement officers are accountable for enforcing the law and upholding the public trust, especially corrections officers who are responsible for overseeing those held in the custody of the state," said Special Agent in Charge Michael T. Gavin of the Memphis Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. "These indictments should not be a reflection on the vast number of law enforcement professionals who honorably serve their communities and represent their agencies every day, like those who vigorously investigated this matter."
During this investigation, agents seized 13 ounces of marijuana and 51 grams of cocaine.
If convicted, defendants Bogan, Holland and Johnson each face up to 5 years imprisonment. Defendant Sanders faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Tarnished Badge Task Force investigated the case against Bogan and Sanders. The Tennessee Department of Correction’s investigative unit investigated the case against Johnson and Holland.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Dean DeCandia is prosecuting these cases on the government’s behalf.
The charges and allegations in the indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proved guilty.
Former Val Verde County Commissioner Ramiro Ramon Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
In Del Rio today, a federal judge sentenced former Val Verde County Precinct 1 Commissioner Ramiro V. Ramon to 18 months in federal prison for underreporting his total income on three separate federal Income Tax Returns, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash, FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs and Acting IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Andy Tsui.
In addition to the prison term, United States District Judge Alia Moses ordered that Ramon pay $10,780 restitution to the Internal Revenue Service and be placed on supervised release for a period of one year after completing his prison term. Ramon remains on bond pending notification by the U.S. Bureau of Prison as to where to report to begin serving his prison term.
On April 27, 2017, Ramon pleaded guilty to three counts of false statements on Income Tax Returns. According to court records, since 2005, the defendant managed a Val Verde County real estate project called “the Ranch.” Between 2005 and 2012, Ramon accepted approximately $47,000 in payments from a San Antonio developer; approximately $10,500 from a group of New Braunfels business owners; and $5,000 from a California businessman, to manage the property. Ramon, admittedly, failed to report the total income he received from managing ‘The Ranch” on his electronically filed federal income tax returns for 2010, 2011 and 2012.
“Rooting out public corruption remains one of the IRS-CI’s highest priorities,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Andy Tsui, San Antonio Field Office. “Today’s sentencing of Ramiro Ramon further illustrates no public official gets a free pass to ignore the tax laws.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney William R. Harris prosecuted this case on behalf of the Government.
Former Seattle Police Officer Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Role in Marijuana Smuggling ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A former Seattle Police Officer was sentenced today to 6 years in prison, and his co-conspirator in an interstate marijuana distribution scheme was sentenced today to 14 years in prison, in U.S. District Court in Seattle, announced U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. Former officer ALEX CHAPACKDEE, 44, of Seattle pleaded guilty in November 2017 to conspiracy to distribute marijuana and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Ring leader TUAN VAN LE, 43, of Maple Valley pleaded guilty in December 2017 to conspiracy to distribute marijuana and conspiracy to commit money laundering. At Chapackdee’s sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Zilly said Chapackdee’s actions resulted in “[a] shame on his badge, his department, and on this community . . . and deserves to be punished accordingly.”
“These defendants – including a sworn law enforcement officer – flouted all applicable law when they shipped hundreds of pounds of marijuana to the East Coast in order to make the biggest possible buck,” said U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. “Marijuana remains illegal under federal law and shipping unlicensed and untaxed marijuana across state lines certainly is illegal under state law as well. We will continue working with our federal, state, local and tribal partners to ensure that federal drug and money laundering laws are properly enforced.”
An investigation by the FBI’s Public Corruption Squad, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Seattle Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations revealed that on multiple occasions between January of 2015, and April 2017, LE and others made repeated trips between Seattle and Baltimore. While LE often flew one way or roundtrip, other members of the conspiracy made the trip by driving virtually non-stop. The vehicles carried hundreds of pounds of marijuana to the Baltimore area and the cash proceeds back to Seattle. CHAPACKDEE participated in multiple trips, driving his RV one or both ways in September, October and November, 2016, as well as in March and April 2017. CHAPACKDEE -- who was an SPD officer throughout the conspiracy -- admits that while he was furthering the conspiracy he was armed and carried his Seattle Police Department badge. CHAPACKDEE, LE and the other conspirators linked up at both ends of the trip, distributing the marijuana on the East Coast and then returning with the cash proceeds to Western Washington. Bank records indicate CHAPACKDEE repeatedly deposited his share of the cash in his personal account, in amounts just under $10,000, thereby avoiding reports to law enforcement. CHAPACKDEE used his status as a police officer to cover and protect the conspiracy.
The bulk of the proceeds were laundered into a marijuana growing/processing business, Tetra Holding Company (THC) that was ostensibly “legal” under Washington law and in the process of applying for a license from the State of Washington. On paper, the business was owned by two of the co-defendants, LE’s nephew, Hoang Le and his girlfriend, MEIFANG YU, 45. In reality, TUAN VAN LE was the primary investor, and was in control of the business. However, as a convicted felon, TUAN VAN LE is prohibited under Washington State law from being an owner/investor in any permitted marijuana business. TUAN VAN LE nonetheless provided his nephew, often through his girlfriend, with very large amounts of money to get THC up and running – close to $1 million dollars.
MEIFANG YU was sentenced today to 3 years of probation, including 180 days of home confinement and 150 hours of community service for her role in the conspiracy.
In addition to the prison terms both LE and CHAPACKDEE will be on federal supervision following prison of 5 years and 4 years, respectively. Both men have been in custody since their arrest on May 8, 2017.
Coconspirator Samath Khanhphongphane was sentenced to 5 years in prison on February 8, 2018. Defendants Phi Nguyen and Hoang Le will be sentenced on April 12, 2018.
This was an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation, providing supplemental federal funding to the federal and state agencies involved. The case was investigated by the FBI, DEA, Seattle Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Multiple agencies assisted with the arrests and the serving of search warrants including the Port of Seattle Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Vince Lombardi and Justin Arnold.
Former Police Officer Arrested on Drug and Tampering ChargesRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A former Hampton Police Officer was arrested yesterday in Idaho on charges of conspiring to distribute narcotics and tampering with a witness.
According to allegations in the indictment, Deangelo Freeman, 30, conspired with Alex Jermaine Burnett, aka “Da Boss” aka “Styles”, Charles McMillan aka “Cee Mack”, Charles Bailey, Jr., Mario Deyon Barrett aka “Rio”, Jordan Davis, and Stanley Freeman aka “Pacman”, to distribute various narcotics in Hampton Roads. Freeman is also alleged to have committed witness tampering by providing the identity of an FBI confidential informant to his co-conspirators.
Freeman has been charged with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute narcotics, distribution of narcotics, and tampering with a witness. He faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison if convicted. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Tracy Doherty-McCormick, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Martin Culbreth, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, and Terry L. Sult, Chief of Hampton Police Division, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric M. Hurt is prosecuting the case.
The Hampton Police Division has fully cooperated and provided significant assistance with this investigation. The Idaho State Police provided assistance with the arrest of Freeman in Idaho.
The case was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), Operation Brim Reaper. 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. 4:17-cr-111.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
Former Live Oak Police Sergeant Sentenced to 120 Years in Federal Prison for Producing and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Kyle Adam Kirby (37, Live Oak) to 120 years in federal prison for producing, attempting to produce, possessing, and accessing images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of minors. Kirby was arrested on October 28, 2015, at the Live Oak Police Department and has remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since that date. A federal jury found him guilty on December 7, 2017.
According to testimony and evidence at trial, on October 22, 2015, FBI agents and other law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Kirby’s residence as a result of an online child exploitation investigation. At that time, Kirby was a sergeant with the Live Oak Police Department (LOPD). That same morning, the LOPD chief authorized the agents to inspect and search the computer located inside Kirby’s patrol car. A forensic examination of this computer revealed that it contained images depicting young children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Kirby had used the patrol car computer to search for, download, access, and possess child pornography from as early as December 24, 2014.
A subsequent search of an LOPD desktop computer used by Kirby revealed images depicting nude and partially undressed children in at least three different bathrooms. Kirby had used one or more concealed cameras to surreptitiously film the unsuspecting minors. He then transferred these images to the LOPD desktop computer, and later unsuccessfully attempted to delete them. Agents were able to locate folders on the computer named for several of his victims.
Chief Alton “Buddy” Williams from the Live Oak Police Department stated, “I have been in law enforcement for 30 years, and this has been the most difficult situation I have faced. A trusted friend, officer and protector of the public betrayed all facets of the job he swore to do. I realize that mistakes happen, but this was no mistake it was a choice, a choice that has impacted not only his agency, but his trusted friends, family, and community to include all brothers and sisters of the badge. I am appreciative of the FBI, the U.S Attorney’s Office and all others involved. Justice did prevail.”
“This case is another example of the relentless efforts of the FBI and our law enforcement partners to identify those who prey on our children,” said Charles P. Spencer, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division. “It is made even more egregious having been committed by someone who swore to uphold the law and protect the community. Let it be known that the FBI will stop at nothing to protect innocent victims, and seek justice for the heinous acts committed against them.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, with the full cooperation of the Live Oak Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Former Lakeland Man Charged with Storing Hazardous WasteRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Marian Walas (65, Lakeland) with storage of hazardous waste without a permit, in violation of the Resource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA). If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a fine of up to $50,000 per day of the violation. Walas was arrested in Atlanta on February 14, 2018.
According to the indictment, Walas was the president and manager of Rincat LLC (now defunct), a business that recycled automotive catalytic converters to recover the precious metal catalysts, mostly consisting of platinum, palladium, and rhodium. This recycling process generated hazardous waste, including chloride, sulfuric acid, and various heavy metals. Between August and December 2010, Walas allegedly stored this hazardous, corrosive, and toxic waste at a warehouse in Lakeland for a period more than 90 days without a permit issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency or the state of Florida, as required by the RCRA.
Specifically, between March and June 2010, Walas/Rincat hired a waste disposal company to remove eight loads (37,150 gallons) of hazardous waste from Rincat’s warehouse. On June 15, 2010, there were at least 21 containers of hazardous waste present. Walas/Rincat were evicted from the warehouse by the property owner on August 24, 2010. The following month, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) discovered approximately 38,550 gallons of hazardous waste left behind at the warehouse. Thereafter, the property owner worked with FDEP to properly dispose of the hazardous waste at a total cost of approximately $83,000.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel George and Kelley Howard-Allen.
Former Bothell Resident Sentenced to 24 Years in Prison for Producing, Possessing, and Distributing Images of Child MolestationRead the Press Release
DONALD MCCOY JR , 53, of Bothell, Washington, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to twenty-four years in prison and lifetime supervised release for production, distribution and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. MCCOY was arrested in October 2016, and has been in federal custody since that time. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge James L. Robart said “that his sentence was intended to remove [the defendant] from society so he cannot do this anymore.”
“No sentence – no matter how long -- will ever address the harm this defendant did,” said U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. “Not only did he commit a horrific crime when he molested young children, but he also harmed other children when he participated in the trading of images and videos of their abuse. I commend the dedication of the law enforcement officers who ensure that offenders are taken off the internet and out of our communities so they can no longer hurt our kids.”
According to records filed in the case, MCCOY came to the attention of federal law enforcement in 2016, when an undercover agent using peer-to-peer file sharing software observed images of child rape being shared from a computer tied to an internet protocol address that traced back to MCCOY’s residence. After obtaining the address and a court authorized search warrant, law enforcement executed the search at MCCOY’s home. Forensic examination of various electronic devices revealed that MCCOY had produced images of his molestation of four young children between the ages of 6 and 13 years-old. MCCOY molested several of the children while they were asleep.
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 United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with assistant with the Seattle Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Hampton.
Federal Jury Convicts Louisiana Woman in Connection with Disaster Fraud and Identity Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin, who also serves as the Executive Director of the National Center for Disaster Fraud, announced today that a jury has convicted RENATA FOREMAN, age 38, of Independence, Louisiana, on multiple wire fraud and aggravated identity theft counts following a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Shelly D. Dick. The charges relate to FOREMAN’s scheme to fraudulently obtain over $150,000 in federal disaster assistance funds from FEMA following the historic August 2016 flooding in Louisiana.
Following the 2016 flooding, which affected 20 parishes in south Louisiana, FEMA funds were available to people who became unemployed because of the flood. The funds were administered by the Louisiana Workforce Commission in the form of Disaster Unemployment Assistance (“DUA”). In total, FOREMAN submitted approximately 55 fraudulent applications using stolen identities.
At trial, the jury heard testimony and saw evidence that FOREMAN kept logs and notebooks containing personally identifiable information (PII) of numerous people which she used in her scheme. The evidence also showed that FOREMAN submitted fraudulent claims from multiple locations in New Orleans and the surrounding area. During the commission of the crime, FOREMAN was residing in a federal halfway house stemming from her 2013 convictions for mail fraud, theft of government funds, and identity theft. As a result of yesterday’s conviction, FOREMAN could face a significant prison term and fines.
“We will continue to aggressively pursue fraudsters who are taking advantage of and exploiting vulnerable people who have been affected by devastating natural disasters,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, together with the National Center for Disaster Fraud and our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, is working diligently to root out fraudulent claims for assistance and ensure that government funds are available to those who truly are in need.” Fremin also thanked the Louisiana Workforce Commission (“LWC”) for identifying the potential fraud early on and working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to prosecute this important case. “Close cooperation with our state partners such as the LWC is the only way we can truly combat this type of fraud.”
Steve Grell, Special Agent-in-Charge, Dallas Region, of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, stated, “Renata Foreman stole the identities of more than 50 victims, including deceased persons, in an attempt to fraudulently obtain over $150,000 in financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Disaster Unemployment Assistance Program. We will continue to work with our federal and state law enforcement partners to protect those benefits intended for individuals unemployed as a direct result of a major disaster.”
Members of the public are reminded to apply a critical eye and do their due diligence before trusting anyone purporting to be working on behalf of disaster victims. Members of the public who suspect fraud, waste, abuse, or allegations of mismanagement involving disaster relief operations, or believe they have been the victim of fraud from a person or organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of disaster victims, should contact the National Disaster Fraud Hotline toll free at (866) 720-5721. The telephone line is staffed by a live operator 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also fax information to the Center at (225) 334-4707, or email it to [email protected]. Learn more about the National Center for Disaster Fraud at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Pete Smyczek and Fred Menner.
Federal Judge Sentences Mexican Smuggler who Crashed Pickup Truck Loaded with AliensRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 52-year-old resident of Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Jose Antonio Camacho-Partida pleaded guilty Nov. 1, 2017.
Today, visiting U.S. Appellate Judge Kimberly Moore handed Camacho-Partida a 92-month sentence. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face deportation proceedings following the sentence.
On the late evening of July 31, 2017, Border Patrol (BP) received information that a pickup truck with several subjects onboard was observed inside a ranch in Webb County. Upon their arrival, agents discovered the lock to the main gate had been cut. A pilot with a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) aerial unit located the vehicle and relayed that the pickup’s driver had exited the truck and cut the lock to another gate inside the property. The driver was later identified as Camacho-Partida.
Authorities then converged on the truck as it approached their position. Camacho-Partida attempted to get away, driving through a barbed wire fence at a high rate of speed and crashing into a tree. He ran from the truck as did additional suspects. Camacho and 12 others subjects were apprehended. All were determined to be undocumented aliens.
Camacho admitted he was hired to smuggle aliens through the ranch to avoid a Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint. He expected to be paid between $3,000 and $4,000 to smuggle the aliens to San Antonio.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigations with the assistance of CBP and BP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Bukiewicz is prosecuting the case.
Fairbanks Man Charged for Misapplying over $300,000 from Organization Receiving Federal FundsRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that a Fairbanks man has been indicted for willfully misapplying over $300,000 from an organization receiving federal funds, among other charges.
David Michael McGraw, 38, of Fairbanks, was named in a seven-count indictment charging him with misapplication from an organization receiving federal funds, money laundering, and making and subscribing a false return.
From 2010 to 2014, McGraw was the Finance Director for the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council (“Watershed Council”), a nonprofit corporation formed to improve and preserve the water quality of the Yukon River. The organization received federal grant money in excess of $1 million each fiscal year that McGraw was the Financial Director. According to the indictment, McGraw intentionally misapplied approximately $315,000 from the Watershed Council for his personal benefit including, among other things, the purchase of an airplane, maintenance on the airplane, flight school for himself, the purchase of real estate, more than a dozen firearms, and online pornography fees.
The indictment alleges that McGraw willfully misapplied funds from the Watershed Council by, among other methods, diverting money from the Watershed Council to two corporations set up at his direction, Clear Skies Aviation LLC and Interior Rentals LLC. McGraw used the money he diverted to these corporations to purchase and maintain an airplane and to make a down payment on real estate.
The indictment further alleges that, for the years 2011 to 2013, McGraw knowingly filed false personal income tax returns, which failed to disclose the business income from Clear Skies Aviation LLC.
If convicted, McGraw faces a sentence of up to 10 years in prison for the misapplication and money laundering charges, up to three years in prison for the false tax return charges, and a $250,000 fine.
The IRS-Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), with assistance from the Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Inspector General (“EPA OIG”) and the National Science Foundation, Office of Inspector General (“NSF OIG”), conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aunnie Steward.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Elementary School Janitor Sentenced for Selling Heroin on School GroundsRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Two Newport News men have been sentenced to a combined 87 months in prison for distributing heroin, including on the property of a local elementary school.
According to court documents, Aaron Williams, 28, who was employed as a janitor at Sedgefield Elementary School in Newport News, was involved with Scott Fletcher, 51, in distributing heroin in Newport News and Hampton. In October 2016, Williams sold heroin he acquired from Fletcher to a confidential informant on school property at Sedgefield Elementary School.
Williams was sentenced yesterday to 21 months in prison and six years of supervised release. Fletcher was sentenced today to 66 months in prison and four years supervised release.
Tracy Doherty-McCormick, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Michael K. Lamonea, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Norfolk, made the announcement after Fletcher’s sentencing by U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric M. Hurt is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:17-cr-89.
Edwardsville Man Pleads Guilty to Two Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
On March 22, 2018, Marcus J. Thornton, 37, of Edwardsville, Illinois, pled guilty in federal district court, in East St. Louis, to two counts of bank robbery, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today. Thornton faces a prison term of up to 40 years, a fine of up to $500,000, a minimum of five years of supervised release after his prison term, and an amount of restitution that is yet to be determined.
Court proceedings revealed that on October 13, 2016, Thornton entered the Regions Bank located at 107 E. Schuetz Street, Lebanon, Illinois, brandished a silver and black semi-automatic handgun, and demanded money from bank tellers. Thornton took a total of $13,710.90 in United States currency before fleeing in a vehicle.
Court proceedings also revealed that on February 9, 2017, Thornton entered the U.S. Bank located at 400 South Lincoln Avenue, O’Fallon, Illinois, brandished a silver and black semi-automatic handgun, and demanded money from bank tellers. Bank tellers gave $10,720 in United States currency to Thornton, who then put the currency into a white plastic bag, and fled in a vehicle.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel T. Kapsak and James G. Piper, Jr..
Doctor Sentenced to More Than 9 Years in Prison for Selling Fentanyl That Resulted in Manhattan Man’s Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that AVINOAM LUZON was sentenced this afternoon to 110 months in prison for selling fentanyl that resulted in the overdose death of Gabriel Tramiel, 32, of Manhattan, on October 22, 2016. LUZON was sentenced today by United States District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Today, Avinoam Luzon was sentenced to prison for selling a lethal dose of fentanyl that took the life of Gabriel Tramiel. He committed this crime as a trained medical doctor and while enrolled as a graduate student in public health at a university in Manhattan. Luzon’s conduct helped fuel the nation’s most serious health crisis, the opioid abuse epidemic.”
According to the Information and other documents filed in federal court, as well as statements made during LUZON’s plea proceeding and sentencing:
In the early morning hours of October 23, 2016, Gabriel Tramiel was found dead by his wife. The medical examiner determined the cause of Tramiel’s death to be acute fentanyl intoxication. The night before, LUZON and Tramiel met at a drug store on the Upper West Side of Manhattan where LUZON sold Tramiel a quantity of fentanyl. Tramiel then purchased a nasal spray bottle, and the two went to a nearby restaurant where Tramiel used the drugs in the restaurant bathroom. When Tramiel returned to the table, he was visibly inebriated from the effects of the narcotic. Shortly thereafter, surveillance video recovered from the apartment building where Tramiel died showed Tramiel inhaling the contents of the nasal spray bottle in the elevator. Tramiel died a few hours later. When LUZON learned of Tramiel’s death the following morning, LUZON called Tramiel’s wife and said he “might be responsible” but claimed he had given Tramiel “liquid morphine.” The contents of the nasal spray bottle used by Tramiel were tested and determined to be fentanyl. Law enforcement later searched LUZON’s dorm room and recovered over 160 grams of fentanyl and numerous nasal spray bottles.
In November 2017, LUZON pled guilty before United States Magistrate Judge Debra Freeman. At his guilty plea, LUZON admitted that he had intentionally and knowingly distributed fentanyl to Tramiel on October 22, 2016. Tramiel was found dead the next morning.
* * *
In addition to the prison term, LUZON, 33, of Mountain View, California, was sentenced to three years of supervised release.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding work of the New York City Police Department. Mr. Berman also thanked the New York State Department of Health’s Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement for their assistance with this investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karin Portlock and Matthew Podolsky are in charge of the case.
Davenport Man Sentenced to Prison for Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – On March 21, 2018, United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose sentenced Olajuwan Hakeem Culbreath, age 22, of Davenport, to 51 months in prison for a felon in possession of a firearm charge, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Culbreath was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment, pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund, and forfeit the firearm he possessed.
On October 13, 2017, Culbreath pleaded guilty to the charge that arose from an investigation by the Davenport Police Department. On June 6, 2017, law enforcement officers made contact with Culbreath and observed a firearm sticking out of Culbreath’s pants. The weapon was a stolen, loaded Taurus 9-millimeter pistol. Culbreath has prior felony convictions and was not allowed to possess a firearm.
This matter was investigated by the Davenport Police Department and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Davenport Man Sentenced to Prison for Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On Tuesday, March 20, 2018, United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose sentenced Davion Burge, age 22, of Davenport, to 84 months in prison for a felon in possession of a firearm charge, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Burge was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his imprisonment and pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
On September 14, 2016, Burge possessed a Walthar .22 caliber rifle, Model M-4, as he walked near West High School in Davenport, Iowa. When approached by law enforcement Burge ran and hid in a nearby apartment complex. Due to Burge’s location, the school was placed on lockdown for approximately one hour. When apprehended, Burge additionally was in possession of a Taurus, 9-millimeter pistol, Model PT 24/7, as well as ammunition for the Walthar rifle and Taurus pistol. Burge admitted he broke into a residence earlier that day and stole the firearms and ammunition. Burge was prohibited from possessing firearms as he has two prior felony burglary convictions and a felony conviction for escape.
This matter was investigated by the Davenport Police Department, Davenport Police Department’s Tactical Operations Bureau, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Covington Man Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DARRELL RICKS, age 66, of Covington, was sentenced today for crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children.
According to court documents, beginning at an unknown time to on or about October 21, 2016, RICKS knowingly downloaded and received images and videos depicting the sexual victimization of minors.
U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown sentenced RICKS to 108 months incarceration to be followed by ten (10) years of supervised release. RICKS will also be required to register as a sex offender pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U. S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations, the Louisiana State Police, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Fraud Section Chief, Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.
Columbia Man Sentenced to 23 Years for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Columbia, Mo., man and three Compton, Calif., men were sentenced in federal court today for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine that was shipped to Columbia through the mail.
Zachary Troy Fennell, 39, of Columbia, and Fernando Chavez, 33, Favbion Dawayne Holmes, 40, and Dijon Rasheed Brown, 25, all of Compton, were sentenced in separate appearances before U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough. Fennell was sentenced to 23 years and four months in federal prison without parole. Chavez and Brown were each sentenced to 15 years and eight months in federal prison without parole. Holmes was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison without parole.
Fennell, Chavez and Holmes each pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Fennell also pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Brown was convicted at trial of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and of being a felon in possession of a firearm. They are among 10 defendants who have been convicted and sentenced in this case.
According to court documents, Fennell – the leader of the conspiracy – began receiving methamphetamine through the mail and distributing it in Columbia as early as December 2014. In October and November 2015, investigators seized four parcels intended for delivery to Fennell that were found to contain a total of 3.55 kilograms of pure methamphetamine. Fennell, a former gang associate of his co-defendants from Compton, has been involved in criminal activity throughout his lifetime and has lived a violent, gang-related lifestyle.
According to court documents, Chavez mailed packages containing large quantities of almost pure methamphetamine to Fennell to distribute. Chavez was a gang member and heavily involved in criminal activities associated with gang affiliation. Holmes’ role in the conspiracy was to provide armed protection for Fennell. Holmes usually kept armed watch by the front door of Fennell’s residence, and accompanied Fennell on drug deals. Holmes has had lifelong affiliation with a street gang. Brown provided armed protection to Fennell and distributed methamphetamine. Brown has been an active gang member, and participated in the violent criminal lifestyle associated with gang affiliation. Brown has been involved in extensive criminal activity, including crimes of violence and weapons offenses.
In October 2015, according to court documents, Fennell was the victim of a home invasion robbery by rival drug dealers. His money, drugs and guns were stolen. He called his associates from California — Brown, Holmes and co-defendant Kameron Terrell Howard, 27, of Compton, to come to Columbia to help protect his drug enterprise. These men were present when investigators made a controlled delivery of a parcel containing methamphetamine to Fennell’s residence on Nov. 10, 2015.
Postal inspectors identified a suspicious parcel on Nov. 6, 2015, that was mailed from California to the residence of Fennell and co-defendant Melissa Guerra, 36, of Columbia, which was suspected to contain a controlled substance. Federal agents recovered 444.8 grams of pure methamphetamine, valued at more than $11,000, from the parcel inside a hollowed-out book.
Federal agents executed a controlled delivery of the parcel on Nov. 10, 2015. Officers conducting surveillance of the residence saw two men leave the house at approximately 9:55 a.m. in a white Chevrolet Suburban. The parcel was delivered at 10:04 a.m. and placed next to the front door. A man inside the residence was observed opening and closing the front door of the residence several times, viewing the package through the screen of the storm door.
The white Chevrolet Suburban, which had previously left the residence, was observed driving past the residence at approximately 10:31 a.m., conducting what appeared to be counter-surveillance. After passing the residence one time, the vehicle returned and parked in the driveway of the residence at approximately 10:33 a.m. Brown and the driver got out of the vehicle; Brown took the parcel off the front porch and brought it inside the residence. At approximately 10:36 a.m., Fennell was observed bringing the parcel back outside the residence and placing it next to the front door. Several occupants of the residence were observed sitting near the front porch.
Shortly thereafter federal agents, assisted by the Boone County Sheriff’s Department Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, approached the residence to execute the search warrant. Brown ran to the front door of the residence, opened it, and shut the door behind him. SWAT members were unable to breach the door as it had been reinforced. SWAT members entered at another location and agents saw Brown along with Holmes and Howard running out the back door of the residence attempting to evade law enforcement. They hopped the backyard fence and continued running into an area of overgrown vegetation. Holmes was apprehended a short distance on the other side of the fence. Howard and Brown were apprehended hiding in a pool shed approximately one-quarter to a half-mile away, after a brief manhunt which resulted in the lockdown of a nearby elementary school. Fennell was apprehended in the front yard of the residence.
Law enforcement officers also located three loaded firearms inside the residence, a small amount of methamphetamine in the freezer and in an upstairs bedroom dresser, and various documents that appeared to be ledgers for narcotics transactions.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jim Lynn and Ashley S. Turner. It was investigated by the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Columbia, Mo., Police Department and the Boone County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.
Columbia Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Columbia, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for producing and possessing child pornography.
Justin Gene Hull, 33, of Columbia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 15 years in federal prison without parole.
Hull, who pleaded guilty on Oct. 24, 2017, admitted that he used a child victim to produce child pornography on Dec. 9, 2015. Hull also admitted that he was in possession of child pornography from December 2014 to December 2015.
A detective in the Boone County Sheriff’s Department Cyber Crimes Task Force received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children on Oct. 6, 2015, regarding a complaint from Dropbox. Hull had uploaded approximately 71 videos believe to contain child pornography to his Dropbox account. Investigators examined Hull’s Dropbox records, which indicated that approximately 390 videos (with titles consistent with child pornography) had been uploaded between July 2014 and July 2015.
On Dec. 10, 2015, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Hull’s residence and seized a cell phone. During an examination of the phone, the Kik application was found to be installed on the phone, and numerous chats of a sexual nature were discovered. During various Kik chats, Hull claimed to have 400 child pornography videos, and during the chats he provided links to child pornography files stored on Dropbox. The content of the messages indicated that Hull was exchanging child pornography with other Kik users.
During a Dec. 9, 2015, conversation with a 16-year-old Kik user, Hull requested and received pornographic images she took of herself.
A total of 478 images depicting child pornography were found on Hull’s cell phone, the majority of which were thumbnail images associated with Dropbox. Other child pornography images were found associated with Skype and Kik. Numerous videos were found on the phone, as well as cached videos related to Kik and Dropbox.
According to court documents, Hull also engaged in a sexual relationship with another 16-year-old girl.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Lynn. It was investigated by the FBI, the Boone County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the St. Charles Cyber Crimes Forensic Laboratory.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Cherokee County Men Arrested on Federal Obstruction and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Gregory Ellis, age 21, of Gaffney; Isaac Harris, age 20, of Gaffney; Christopher Littlejohn, age 27, of Gaffney; Benjamin Morris, age 21, of Gaffney; Shemar Smith, age 21, of Gaffney; and Lazarus Wilson, age 20, of Chesnee, all had first appearances in federal court in Greenville on obstruction of justice charges. Harris, Littlejohn and Smith were also charged with felon in possession of a firearm and Morris was charged with providing false information to a federal law enforcement officer.
The indictment charges in Count One that Gregory Ellis, Isaac Harris, Christopher Littlejohn, Benjamin Morris, Shemar Smith and Lazarus Wilson did conspire with each other and others to corruptly influence, obstruct and impede or endeavor to influence, obstruct and impede the due administration of justice in United States of America v. Marcus Devante Horne, No. 7:17-CR-103, in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, by creating a scheme to place weapons in a residence in an attempt to obtain sentencing consideration for Marcus Devante Horne. The penalty for Count One is up to ten years and a fine of up to $250,000. Counts Two, Three and Four of the indictment charge each of Isaac Harris, Christopher Littlejohn and Shemar Smith with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The penalty for that offense is up to ten years and a fine of up to $250,000. Count Five alleges that Benjamin Morris did willfully and knowingly make a materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statement and representation in a matter within the jurisdiction of the judicial branch of the Government of the United States, to Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearm Special Agent Heather Cox-McClain. The penalty for that offense is up to five years and a fine of up to $250,000.
The Gaffney Police Department, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and ATF investigated the case. Seventh Circuit Assistant Solicitor Jennifer Wells, serving as a Special Assistant United States Attorney for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, is prosecuting the case.
The United States Attorney stated that all charges in these indictments are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Chalmette Woman Pleads Guilty to Disaster FraudRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TIFFANY RICHARDSON, age 30, of Chalmette, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to one count of disaster relief fraud before United States District Court Judge Susie Morgan.
According to the charging document, RICHARDSON applied for disaster assistance from the Small Business Administration following tornadoes that struck Oklahoma in 2013. She falsely claimed that she had a primary residence in an affected area of Oklahoma, when in fact, RICHARDSON lived in Chalmette, which is within the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Sentencing is on June 28, 2018. RICHARDSON faces a sentence of up to thirty (30) years in prison, up to $250,000 in fines, and up to three (3) years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General and the Department of Homeland Security for their investigation of the matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera is in charge of the prosecution.
Carson City Man Faces Life in Prison for Kidnapping and Assaulting A Woman After 12-Hour Armed Standoff with Police in WadsworthRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A Carson City man made his initial appearance today in federal court on charges related to kidnapping and assaulting a woman after holding her hostage during a 12-hour armed standoff with law enforcement on the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson of the District of Nevada.
Rocky Neil Boice Jr., 39, was indicted with one count of kidnapping, one count of use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, one count of felon in possession of a firearm, and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. He appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Magistrate Judge Valerie P. Cooke.
According to allegations contained in the indictment and criminal complaint, on February 26, 2018, in Wadsworth, Nevada, Boice threatened two women with a knife and he stabbed one of the women in the face and abdomen. The second woman ran to a neighbor’s house to call for help. During an armed 12-hour standoff with law enforcement, Boice pointed a .22 caliber rifle multiple times at the hostage and shot her in the shoulder and head. He was arrested the next morning by law enforcement after the Washoe County SWAT team entered the home. Boice was convicted in 2002 of second degree murder and battery with a deadly weapon in Carson City.
If convicted, the statutory minimum penalty is life in prison for the kidnapping charge.
An indictment merely contains an allegation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Pyramid Lake Tribal Police Department, with the assistance of the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office and the Sparks Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon M. Bryant.
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Canadian Who Arranged Drug Smuggling Helicopter Flights Across Northern Border Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
A Canadian national who was extradited in January 2018 in connection with a 2008-2009 international drug smuggling scheme, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, announced U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. COLIN HUGH MARTIN, 46, from British Columbia, Canada, was indicted in 2010. At his sentencing hearing on June 29, 2018, MARTIN faces a mandatory minimum five years in prison and up to 40 years in prison. Prosecutors have agreed to recommend no more than ten years in prison. The ultimate sentence will be determined by U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik.
According to records filed in the case, MARTIN conspired with others to transport cocaine north across the Canadian border via helicopter. The cargo coming south was ecstasy or BC Bud marijuana. MARTIN gained a prominent role in the cross-border smuggling conspiracy following a March 2008 seizure of MDMA in Tukwila and of cocaine in California. MARTIN purchased and leased various helicopters and recruited pilots to fly the illegal drugs across the border. MARTIN recruited people to load and off load the helicopters. MARTIN and his coconspirators used encrypted Blackberry phones and code names to communicate.
The plea agreement connects MARTIN to these drug seizures: 83 kilos of cocaine that was seized in Utah in February 2009, on its way to a helicopter transport site in rural northeastern Washington; 190 kilos of marijuana flown into eastern Washington; 20 kilos of cocaine seized in Ontario, California in February 2009; and 79 kilograms of marijuana from Canada that was seized by agents from a helicopter that landed in Idaho on March 5, 2009.
Co-defendant Sean William Doak was sentenced in 2016 to seven years in prison. Other co-conspirators received sentences ranging from 18 months to ten years in prison based on their level of involvement in the drug ring.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) with assistance from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Utah Highway Patrol.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Vogel with assistance from the Department of Justice Office of International Affairs.
California Man Sentenced to 200 Months for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that LEONID DJUGA, a/k/a “Leonid Dzhuga,” age 40, a resident of Reseda, California, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk to 200 months in prison for charges stemming from a conspiracy to mail methamphetamine from California to south Louisiana for distribution.
According to court documents, in June 2014, St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office (SBSO) deputies investigating methamphetamine distribution in Arabi, Louisiana, arrested two men who were selling methamphetamine on West Judge Perez Drive. Through their investigation, deputies learned that their source of methamphetamine was DJUGA, a resident of Reseda, California. SBSO deputies coordinated with agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New Orleans Field Office, and between June 26th and 27th, 2014, federal agents and SBSO deputies intercepted four packages containing methamphetamine being mailed through Federal Express to Arabi, Louisiana. In total, the four packages contained over one kilogram of methamphetamine. According to DEA laboratory analysts, the methamphetamine in all four packages had a purity level of over 99%, with one shipment testing as 100% pure methamphetamine.
On July 15, 2014, DEA agents assisted by Los Angeles Police Department officers and a St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s deputy arrested DJUGA at his residence in Reseda, California, pursuant to a federal arrest warrant. At DJUGA’S residence, agents located plastic bottles that were similar to the bottles used to package the methamphetamine that was seized in Louisiana. Agents also seized from DJUGA’S office a notebook that appeared to be a drug ledger; a receipt for a package being shipped to Arabi, Louisiana; and three cellular telephones. Agents also located a BMW that was registered to DJUGA. In the trunk of the car, agents found a box cutter with residue. The residue was field tested which resulted in a presumptive positive result for the presence of methamphetamine. A subsequent search of DJUGA’S cellular phones pursuant to a warrant revealed text messages discussing shipments of packages to Louisiana and a photograph of a FedEx tracking label destined for Louisiana.
In sentencing DJUGA to 200 months in jail, Judge Africk also sentenced him to 5 years of supervised release after his term of imprisonment. In a related case, on February 8, 2018, one of DJUGA’S co-conspirators, Dan Pizarro, was sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in the scheme. Pizarro had been convicted of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine after a four-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office. U.S. Attorney Evans also thanked the District Attorney’s Office for Louisiana’s 34th Judicial District, the DEA Los Angeles Field Office, and the Los Angeles Police Department for their assistance in this successful prosecution. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew Payne, Brandon Long, and Shirin Hakimzadeh handled the prosecution.
Butte Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Methamphetamine and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – John William Wheeler, a 28-year-old resident of Butte, was sentenced today to 84 months in prison followed by 5 years supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and felon in possession of a firearm in October. U.S. District Judge Susan Watters handed down the sentence.
Wheeler and his associates possessed and sold methamphetamine from approximately January 2016 until June 2016. He also traded methamphetamine for stolen firearms. Wheeler received 10 to 15 stolen long guns for an ounce of methamphetamine. During a probation search of his residence, approximately 2.5 ounces of methamphetamine, a handgun, ammunition, marijuana, and $1900 in cash were seized.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Godfrey and Paulette Stewart and investigated by the Missouri River Drug Task Force, Montana Probation and Parole, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Park County Sheriff’s Office.
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.
Burlington Man Sentenced to 96 Months in Prison for Crack Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on March 22, 2018, Travis Barrow, 31, was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison after his guilty plea to the charge of possession with intent to distribute more than 28 grams of cocaine base. United States District Court Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford also ordered that Barrow serve four years of supervised release after his prison term.
According to court records, during April and May of 2017, Barrow sold cocaine base to an informant on three separate occasions. When a federal search warrant was executed at his Burlington residence, law enforcement located more than 100 grams of cocaine base and more than $6,000 of U.S. currency. Barrow has been in federal custody since the time of his arrest.
For his crimes, Barrow faced a 5-year mandatory minimum sentence and a statutory maximum term of 40 years in prison. The government and the defense agreed that a 96-month prison sentence was appropriate. In imposing that sentence, Judge Crawford considered a number of factors, including the severity of the offense, the harm drugs have caused the Vermont community, and Barrow’s criminal record, which included four felony drug convictions.
United States Attorney Christina E. Nolan commended the efforts of the Burlington Police Department and the Milton Police Department for their collaborative investigation of this case.
The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nate Burris. Barrow was represented by Federal Public Defender Michael Desautels.
Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to Mail FraudRead 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 Emmanuel Bao, 52, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty to mail fraud, before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan P. Cantil, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant is a French and Swahili interpreter. Bao interpreted the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles driver permit written test for multiple out-of-state individuals, usually individuals with refugee status who were most recently from the Massachusetts area.
The defendant created a scheme to defraud New York State by not interpreting the written tests. Rather, Bao provided answers to the questions for the applicants. The defendant then listed his own address on the permit application rather than the address of the applicant, which resulted in the Department of Motor Vehicles mailing the official driver’s permit to Bao’s address. The defendant would then mail the permit to the applicant’s actual address. Massachusetts has reciprocity with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles and multiple test takers had failed the Massachusetts written driver’s permit test before making arrangements with the defendant.
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, and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, under the direction of Executive Deputy Commissioner Theresa Egan.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 6, 2018, at 12:30 p.m. before Judge Arcara.
Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 188 Months for Intending to Distribute Large Quantities of Cocaine and MarijuanaRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK - Oniel McKenzie, age 37, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced today to 188 months in prison following an October 2017 jury conviction for possession with intent to distribute large quantities of cocaine and marijuana found in Rensselaer County.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and James J. Hunt, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also sentenced McKenzie to a 5-year term of supervised release, to begin after he is released from prison.
McKenzie’s conviction in October followed a 3-day jury trial. The evidence at trial showed that on October 4, 2013, McKenzie possessed 60 kilograms of cocaine in an apartment in North Greenbush, and more than 100 kilograms of marijuana in a storage unit he rented in Rensselaer, New York, and in a Jeep he was driving.
This case was investigated by the DEA and its Capital District Drug Enforcement Task Force, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Hanlon.
Biloxi Felon Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – John Wayne Clark, 32, of Biloxi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 120 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U. S. Attorney Mike Hurst. The firearm was forfeited to the government.
On May 7, 2015, DEA agents received information that Clark, a former member of the Simon City Royals, would be driving from Biloxi to Gulfport with a large amount of methamphetamine. In a search of his vehicle following a traffic stop, law enforcement found $652 in cash on the console, a .357 revolver in the engine compartment and a large quantity of methamphetamine behind the radio bezel in the dash. Clark was out on bond on two state felony drug charges at the time. Judge Ozerden ordered his federal sentence to run consecutive to his state sentence.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Drug Enforcement Administration as part of a violent crime initiative. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to over Fifteen Years for Possessing A Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell has sentenced Michael Moore (37, Sarasota) to 15 years and 8 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The court also ordered him to forfeit the firearm and ammunition used in the offense.
A federal jury found Moore guilty on December 7, 2017.
According to evidence presented at trial, on May 28, 2017, Moore had an altercation with girlfriend during which he removed her loaded firearm from her car and hid it in a friend’s apartment. The girlfriend then notified police that Moore had stolen her firearm. Days later, after Moore and his girlfriend had reconciled, he retrieved her loaded firearm from the apartment and returned it to her. At the time, Moore had at least 10 prior felony convictions and is therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Sarasota Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kaitlin R. O’Donnell and Michael Baggé-Hernández.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In October 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to develop districtwide crime reduction strategies, incorporating the lessons learned since the program’s inception in 2001. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Albuquerque Man Sentenced to Prison for Assaulting a Federal Law Enforcement OfficerRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Ernest A. Casias, 37, of Albuquerque, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court to 36 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for assaulting a federal law enforcement officer.
Casias was arrested on Jan. 4, 2017, on a criminal complaint charging him with assaulting a federal employee on Jan. 3, 2017, in Bernalillo County, N.M. According to the complaint, Casias assaulted a Task Force Officer of the South West Investigative Fugitive Team (SWIFT) of the U.S. Marshals Service by using his vehicle as a weapon when he rammed his vehicle into a government vehicle operated by the Task Force Officer. According to the complaint, Casias committed the assault when SWIFT Officers were executing arrest warrants on Casias for the underlying charges of failure to comply with probation, aggravated battery, battery against a household member and placing a child in a situation where the child is endangered.
Casias was subsequently indicted on Jan. 24, 2017, and charged with assaulting and resisting a federal officer by ramming his vehicle into a vehicle operated by a federal officer on Jan. 3, 2017, in Bernalillo County. On Dec. 1, 2017, Casias pled guilty to the indictment and admitted that on Jan. 3, 2017, he assaulted a federal employee by driving his vehicle into a vehicle operated by a federal employee at a high rate of speed because SWIFT officers were attempting to contain Casias’ vehicle and arrest him.
This case was investigated by the South West Investigative Fugitive Team (SWIFT) of the U.S. Marshals Service for the District of New Mexico and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eva Fontanez.
8 Charged in Connection with Trafficking Cocaine and Heroin from Mexico to Springfield AreaRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Eight men have been charged in three indictments on narcotics and money laundering offenses. The indictments are the result of a 14-month wiretap investigation into a large-scale drug trafficking organization supplied by sources in Mexico and spanning at least four states.
1. Miguel Betancourt, 50, of Springfield, was charged with conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and money laundering conspiracy;
2. Isaac Cardona, 31, of Springfield, was charged with conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, conspiring to traffic at least one kilogram of heroin, and money laundering conspiracy;
3. Rafael Cardona Sr., 58, of Springfield, was charged with conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and conspiring to traffic at least one kilogram of heroin;
4. Victor Hugo Gonzalez, 27, of Perris, Calif., was charged with conspiring to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, and money laundering conspiracy;
5. Jose Martinez, 32, of Lehigh Acres, Fla., was charged with conspiring to traffic at least one kilogram of heroin, and money laundering conspiracy;
6. Carlos Mares Jr., 39, of Springfield, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine;
7. Lorenzo Deconinck, 59, of Jamaica, Vt., was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine; and
8. Juan Ramos, 37, of Wardsboro, Vt., was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
Betancourt, Rafael Cardona Sr., Isaac Cardona, Mares, Deconinck, and Ramos were arrested yesterday and arraigned in federal court in Springfield. Gonzalez was arrested and made his initial appearance in Irvine, Calif., on Oct. 6, 2017, but failed to appear for his scheduled arraignment in Springfield on Nov. 1, 2017. He is currently a fugitive.
A ninth co-conspirator, David Cruz, 40, of Westfield, Mass., was arrested in September 2016 and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug offense, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 6, 2018.
According to court documents, Betancourt, the Cardonas, Gonzalez, and Martinez conspired with Cruz to traffic cocaine and heroin from Mexico, through California, to the Springfield area and into New England. The conspiracy involved approximately 32 kilograms of cocaine and at least one kilogram of pure fentanyl.
Cruz allegedly received his first shipment of cocaine from his drug sources in Mexico in the summer of 2015. Cruz distributed five kilograms of that cocaine to Betancourt, leaving Betancourt with a large drug debt. In an attempt to pay down his drug debt, it is alleged that Betancourt used his Enfield, Conn., used-car dealership, State Line Auto Sales LLC, to convey two vehicles to Cruz and register them in Massachusetts in the name of a third-party. In December 2015, Betancourt used a bank account held in the name of the dealership to wire $9,500 of Cruz’s drug proceeds to a bank account in Michoacán, Mexico, held by a relative of one of his Mexican cocaine sources.
It is further alleged that Cruz received additional shipments of cocaine from his Mexican sources in late 2015 and August 2016. In July 2016, the Mexican drug sources sent Gonzalez from California to Westfield, Mass., to oversee the arrival of a shipment of cocaine. According to surveillance videos, on Aug.2, 2016, the cocaine arrived, concealed in a vehicle, and Cruz and Gonzalez unloaded more than five kilograms of cocaine from the vehicle in a parking lot. Cruz then broke down and repackaged the cocaine for distribution in Vermont and Massachusetts, where approximately one and a half kilograms of cocaine was distributed to Isaac Cardona in early August 2016.
At the direction of the Mexican sources and Cruz, Gonzalez, and another co-conspirator, then deposited the cash proceeds from the cocaine sales into multiple accounts held by third parties in amounts under $10,000 in order to avoid triggering the banks’ reporting requirements.
The indictments also allege that Isaac Cardona owed Cruz money for one kilogram of the cocaine Cruz had distributed to him, and, in order to pay down that debt, Isaac Cardona, Rafael Cardona Sr., Martinez, Cruz, and other co-conspirators conspired to import at least one kilogram of heroin (which turned out to be pure fentanyl) from sources in Mexico. In late August 2016, Isaac Cardona and Martinez traveled by car to San Diego, Calif., with cash to pay for the heroin. Cruz later traveled to San Diego, retrieved the car and the cash, and, on Sept. 8, 2016, used the cash to purchase what he believed to be one kilogram of heroin. According to court proceedings, law enforcement in California seized the vehicle and recovered approximately one kilogram of pure fentanyl.
It is alleged that Mares, Deconinck, and Ramos purchased cocaine from Cruz for redistribution.
The charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin provide for a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $8 million. With a prior felony drug conviction, the charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years and up to life in prison, at least 10 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $20 million. The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5 million. With a prior felony drug conviction, the charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least eight years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $8 million. The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of $1 million. The charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of not more than $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the money laundering. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. DEA’s Carlsbad Resident Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Westfield Police Department assisted in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katharine A. Wagner of Lelling’s Springfield Office is prosecuting the case
The details contained in the indictments are allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
15 People Arrested in Montgomery for Federal Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama— Fifteen people in Montgomery were indicted last week and arrested yesterday for illegally possessing guns, announced Louis V. Franklin, Sr., United States Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama. Nationwide, gun crimes, gangs and shootings are at an all-time high and law enforcement in the River Region is working to make our neighborhoods safer and our citizens more secure. To that end, the following people have been indicted and/or arrested:
- Harold Brandon Abrams, 37 years old, a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Frederick Bell, 30 years old, a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and possession with the intent to distribute drugs;
- Tommy Ray Clayton, 55 years old, a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Timmarcus Tywaun Cole, 31 years old, a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Tracy Leanard Coleman, Jr., 23 years old, a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Byron Jamar Esco, 29 years old, a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Little Joe Foster, 30 years old, possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and possession with the intent to distribute drugs;
- Chaunce Deva Lewis, 20 years old, a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and possession with the intent to distribute drugs;
- Donte Deandre McDaniel, 35 years old, a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Christopher Lionell Miles, 49 years old, a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Frank Pollard, Jr., 38 years old, a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Paul Joequez Rowe, 25 years old, possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and possession with the intent to distribute drugs;
- Cedrick Smith, 32 years old, a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and possession with the intent to distribute drugs;
- Antonio Oscar Tatum, 32 years old, theft of a firearm, possession/sale of stolen firearm, and a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Shaundre Eugene White, 37 years old, a felon in possession of a firearm;
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, the defendants charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm face a maximum prison sentence of ten years, a fine of no more than $250,000 and a term of supervised release of no more than three years. If convicted of possession with the intent to distribute drugs, the defendants face a maximum prison term of 20 years, a fine of not more than $1,000,000, and a term of supervised release of at least three years. The defendants charged with possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime must be sentenced to at least five years, fined no more than $250,000 and serve a term of supervised release of no more than three years. The defendant charged with theft of a firearm and possession/sale of a stolen firearm faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 and a term of supervised release of no more than three years. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Montgomery pursuant to the Project Safe Neighborhood program. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun and gang crime in America by networking existing local programs that target gun and gun crime and providing these programs with additional tools necessary to be successful. These cases were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Montgomery Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Marshal Service Gulf Coast Fugitive Task Force, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the State of Alabama Attorney General’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Wednesday 21 March 2018
Wilmington Man Who Was a High Ranking Gang Member Sentenced for Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today in federal court, Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever, III sentenced JIMMY LEVON UNDERWOOD, 31, of Wilmington to 72 months of imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release.
On August 8, 2017, UNDERWOOD was named in a nine-count Indictment. On December 11, 2017, UNDERWOOD pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 100 grams or more of Heroin.
In March 2016, the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Wilmington Police Department, began investigating the narcotics activity of UNDERWOOD. From April to November 2016, law enforcement made seven purchases of heroin from UNDERWOOD. Several firearms were present during one of the purchases. Based upon the investigation, UNDERWOOD and others made trips to New Jersey to purchase heroin for distribution in Eastern North Carolina.
On November 28, 2016, investigators conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by UNDERWOOD. He initially pulled away from investigators and drove a short distance before pulling over again. During the pursuit, someone in the vehicle threw out a package which contained 148.26 grams of heroin which was recovered by law enforcement. The vehicle eventually stopped and the search of the vehicle resulted in 25 boxes of new and unused heroin packaging materials and three boxes of a cutting agent.
Following the traffic stop, law enforcement obtained search warrants for several locations associated with the organization in which weapons and items used for the distribution of heroin were found. Based on the investigation, UNDERWOOD was a high ranking gang member.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Street Task Force and the Wilmington Police Department conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Dennis M. Duffy and Timothy Severo handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Ward Pleads Guilty to Production of Child Pornography Faces up to 30 Years in Prison with 15-Year Mandatory MinimumRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY – Nathan Clark Ward, age 56, of Bountiful, pleaded guilty to production of child pornography Tuesday afternoon in U.S. District Court, admitting that he used a smart phone to stream several live videos from his home in Bountiful to Robert Francis in Lehi between June 2013 and August 2015.
Ward admitted that in some of the videos he lifted the shirt of a minor and in others pulled down the minor’s pants.
The maximum potential penalty for the conviction is 30 years in prison with a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence. U.S. District Judge Dee Benson, who presided at the hearing, set sentencing in the case for May 31, 2018. Ward remains in federal custody.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment in September 2017 charging Ward with production of child pornography, possession of child pornography, and distribution of child pornography. The case started with a tip reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that an individual had uploaded sexually explicit images of children to the internet. Further investigation showed the user was in the Salt Lake City metro area. NCMEC forwarded the case to the Utah Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for further investigation. The Davis County Sheriff’s Office, an ICAC affiliate agency, subsequently took the lead investigating the case.
The investigation of the Ward case led law enforcement officers to Robert Edwin Francis, age 41, of Lehi, Utah. Francis is serving 144 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to receipt of child pornography. U.S. District Judge Dee Benson imposed the sentence Jan. 22, 2018. Francis was charged with production, receipt, and possession of child pornography in an indictment returned in August 2017. Francis admitted he engaged in sexually explicit conduct involving children via an on-line social network and that he possessed at least 150 but fewer than 300 images of child pornography.
Ward and Francis represent two of 41 child exploitation cases filed by federal prosecutors in Utah during 2017. Several local, state, and federal Utah law enforcement agencies contributed to the case. These prosecutions are part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices, 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.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan D. Lyon of the Davis County Attorney’s Office and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Drew Yeates and Andrea Martinez of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Salt Lake City are prosecuting the cases. Special agents and officers from the Davis County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the Utah ICAC Task Force are investigating these cases.
Waltham Couple and Company Indicted for Conspiracy to Illegally Obtain U.S. Goods for SyriaRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Waltham couple, their company, and a Syrian national were indicted today in federal court in Boston in connection with a scheme to smuggle goods out of the United States and to supply services to Syria. The company and the defendants also conducted business with EKT Electronics, which was involved in the acquisition and/or development of improved explosive devices used against U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Anni Beurklian, a/k/a Anni Ajaka (“Beurklian”), 49, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Lebanon who resided in Waltham; her husband, Antoine Ajaka, a/k/a Tony Ajaka (“Ajaka”), 50, a lawful permanent resident from Lebanon who resided in Waltham; Amir Katranji, a/k/a Amir Hachem Katranji, a/k/a Amir Hachem Alkatranji, a/k/a Amir Katra (“Katranji”), 52, a Syrian national; and Top Tech US Inc., a U.S. company, which operated out of the Ajaka/Beurklian residence in Waltham, were indicted on conspiracy to violate U.S. export laws and regulations, conspiracy to defraud the United States, smuggling U.S. goods out of the United States, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and obstruction of justice. Beurklian, Ajaka, and Top Tech US Inc. are also charged with illegally providing services to persons located in Syria and mail fraud. Beurklian and Ajaka previously fled the U.S. and have not returned.
As alleged in the indictment, beginning no later than 2012 and continuing until Jan. 9, 2018, Beurklian and her husband operated an export business, Top Tech US Inc., out of their Waltham residence. The couple used their business to procure goods, including electronics, computer equipment, and electrical switches, from U.S. companies and export those goods out of the United States to customers in Lebanon and Syria. One of their customers was Amir Katranji, a citizen of Syria who operates and manages EKT Electronics (EKT), a company headquartered in Syria. In 2007, EKT and its founder, Mohammad Katranji, Amir Katranji’s father, were added to the Department of Commerce’s Entity List because the U.S. Government had determined that EKT and Mohammad Katranji were involved in activities related to the acquisition, attempted acquisition, and/or development of improvised explosive devices, which were being used against U.S. and Coalition troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. As a result, since 2007, no U.S. person has been permitted to export U.S. goods to EKT without first obtaining an export license from the Department of Commerce. As alleged in the indictment, no one has sought or obtained an export license to export any U.S. goods to EKT or Mohammad Katranji.
The indictment further alleges that in or about 2013, Ajaka and Beurklian began doing business with Katranji and supplying U.S. origin goods to EKT using Top Tech US. Ajaka and Beurklian knew that Katranji operated a business in Syria and that they were providing brokering services to Katranji and his Syrian company, EKT, by buying and shipping U.S. origin goods to EKT and its customers. EKT paid Ajaka and Beurklian more than $200,000 through Top Tech US bank accounts for their services. To conceal their illegal activity with EKT and evade the mandatory export filing requirement, Ajaka and Beurklian, with the knowledge and agreement of Katranji, falsified shipping paperwork and undervalued goods being shipped overseas directly to, or on behalf of, EKT.
Additionally, the indictment alleges that, in or about 2016, after U.S. Government officials began detaining international shipments made by Top Tech US before they had exited the country, Beurklian, Ajaka, and Katranji conspired to obstruct justice and obstructed justice by manipulating, deleting, and falsifying records regarding shipments of U.S. goods overseas. The indictment further alleges that, on Jan. 9, 2018, after engaging in plea negotiations with the U.S. Government, Beurklian and Ajaka fled the United States to avoid prosecution. To date, they have not returned.
The charge of conspiring to violate U.S. export laws provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. The charges of conspiring to defraud the U.S. and conspiring to obstruct justice each provide for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of smuggling U.S. goods out of the U.S. provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charges of illegally providing services to persons located in Syria and mail fraud provide for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison and three years of supervised release. The fine for violating U.S. Syrian sanctions is $1 million, and the fine for mail fraud is $250,000..
The corporate defendant, Top Tech US, faces up to a $500,000 fine if convicted of smuggling goods from the United States, obstructing justice, conspiring to defraud the United States, and mail fraud; and up to a $1 million fine if convicted of conspiring to violate U.S. export laws and violating the U.S. Syrian Sanctions Regulations. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew Lelling; Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigation, Boston Field Office; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Boston Field Division; Michael Imbrogna, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement, Boston Field Office; and Leigh Alistair-Barzey, Special Agent in Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office, made the announcement today. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney B. Stephanie Siegmann of Lelling’s National Security Unit.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Verona Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing FentanylRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – An Allegheny County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Terence Starr, age 45, of Verona, PA, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about July 12, 2017, Starr possessed with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance.
Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for July 24, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $2,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Tonya Sulia Goodman and Caitlin A. Loughran are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
This prosecution is part of a long-term investigation by the FBI Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, which targeted a large scale Drug Trafficking Organization operating in Butler, Beaver and Allegheny Counties. The FBI, Wilkinsburg Police Department, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigations, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Allegheny County Police Department, and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Starr.
University of Pittsburgh Professor Pays $132,000 and Agrees to Exclusion to Resolve Allegations of False Claims for Federal Research GrantsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – Christian Schunn, Ph.D., a professor at the University of Pittsburgh since 2001, has agreed to pay the United States $132,027 to resolve allegations that he violated the False Claims Act by submitting false documents to the National Science Foundation (NSF) in order to obtain federal grants to fund his research, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Under the terms of the settlement, Schunn will also be excluded from applying for or participating in any federal grants, through October 15, 2019. Schunn will also withdraw from any pending applications for federal funding, provide certifications and assurances of truthfulness to NSF for up to five years, and agree not to serve as a reviewer, advisor, or consultant to NSF for a period of three years.
Since 1998, Schunn has served as Principal Investigator on more than 24 awards from NSF, valued at over $50 million. Schunn’s research in the areas of education and psychology frequently involves human subjects. When research involves human subjects, NSF requires institutional review board (IRB) approvals to be obtained in order to ensure that the rights and welfare of human subjects are protected.
The settlement resolves allegations that from 2006 through 2016, Schunn created false IRB approvals and submitted them to NSF in connection with multiple proposals for NSF funding totaling more than $2.3 million. Following Schunn’s submission of each false IRB approval, NSF awarded funding to the University of Pittsburgh with Schunn as Principal Investigator, and award funds were drawn down. Schunn then allegedly made, or caused others to make, false claims for payment by certifying that the drawdowns were being made in accordance with the terms and conditions of the awards, when in fact, no proper IRB approval had been in place. The United States contends that Schunn also made false certifications in connection with annual and project reports associated with these awards.
"Federal awards for research are highly competitive and a privilege to receive, and it is imperative that applicants for federal award funding follow the rules, particularly those ensuring the welfare of human research subjects," said United States Attorney Scott W. Brady. "This case demonstrates our office’s commitment to protecting federal grant money and ensuring that applicants for funding are truthful and responsible stewards of taxpayer funds."
"Federally-funded research involving human subjects requires IRB approval to ensure that the research is conducted safely, appropriately, and consensually," said National Science Foundation Inspector General Allison Lerner. "Circumventing the IRB process by submitting false IRB approvals, as Dr. Schunn did, not only has the potential to place human subjects at risk, but is also an affront to the integrity one expects from a scientific researcher. I commend the U.S. Attorney’s Office for its work on this case."
This matter was investigated by the Office of Inspector General of the National Science Foundation. Assistant United States Attorney Christy C. Wiegand handled the investigation that led to this settlement on behalf of the United States.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
United States Files Lawsuit Against Sedamsville Landlord and His Wife for Discriminating Against Female TenantsRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – The Justice Department filed a civil complaint today in U.S. District Court in the Southern District of Ohio alleging a Sedamsville landlord violated the Fair Housing Act by discriminating against female tenants.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, announced the filing against John Klosterman and his wife Susan Klosterman, both of Cincinnati.
According to the complaint, from 2013 to the present, John Klosterman owned or had an ownership interest in at least 55 residential properties in the Sedamsville neighborhood of Cincinnati. He controlled accepting or rejecting prospective tenants, settings rates for rent and security deposits, collecting rent, accepting requests for repairs and evicting tenants.
The complaint alleges Klosterman subjected female tenants of his properties to discrimination on the basis of sex, including severe, pervasive and unwelcome sexual harassment, on multiple occasions.
The conduct included unwelcome sexual advances, unwanted sexual text messages and photos, touching female tenants without their consent and offering to reduce the rent and overlook late or unpaid rent in exchange for sex.
The complaint further alleges that Klosterman evicted tenants or refused to make repairs for female tenants who refused the sexual advances.
Klosterman allegedly preferred renting to single female tenants and took adverse housing actions against female tenants upon learning that they were not single.
Finally, the complaint alleges he entered the homes of his female tenants without their consent and monitored their daily activities with cameras directed at their units and through other means.
“No woman should have to endure sexual harassment in order to remain in her home,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division. “Sexual harassment in housing is unacceptable and illegal, and landlords should be on notice that the Justice Department will continue to vigorously enforce the Fair Housing Act to combat this type of discrimination and to obtain relief for victims.”
“Fair housing is fundamental,” said U.S. Attorney Glassman. “No one should have to experience a landlord’s pervasive sexual harassment. That’s not only wrong, but also illegal under federal law. This office is committed to vigorously enforcing the protections guaranteed by the Fair Housing Act.”
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended Deputy Civil Chief Matthew J. Horwitz and Trial Attorney Kathryn Ladewski of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division Housing and Civil Enforcement Section, who are representing the United States in this case.
In October 2017, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division announced the Sex Harassment in Housing Initiative (SHI). The Initiative specifically seeks to increase the Department’s efforts to protect individuals from harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, security guards and other employees and representatives of rental property owners.
The Justice Department has filed or settled seven sexual harassment cases since January 2017, and has recovered over $1 million for victims of sexual harassment in housing.
Today’s lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate the victims, civil penalties, and a court order barring future discrimination. The complaint contains allegations of unlawful conduct. The allegations must be proven in federal court.
The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at http://www.justice.gov/crt. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment or other types of housing discrimination at rental dwellings owned or operated by John or Susan Klosterman, or who have other information that may be relevant to this case, can contact the Housing Discrimination Tip Line:
- English language: Call 1-800-896-7743, then press 1 to continue in English and select mailbox 9992 to leave a message; or
- Spanish language: Call 1-800-896-7743, then press 2 to continue in Spanish and select mailbox 6 to leave a message.
Individuals can also report sexual harassment and other forms of housing discrimination by e-mailing the Justice Department at [email protected].
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Uncle and Nephew and Two Brothers-In-Law Among Six Defendants Charged in Federal Drug and Gun Probe in West Suburbs of ChicagoRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — Six defendants, including two brothers-in-law and a man and his nephew, are facing criminal charges as part of a federal investigation into drug and gun trafficking in Chicago’s western suburbs.
The investigation centered on drug sales in Maywood, Bellwood and Hillside, and resulted in the seizure of approximately 700 grams of heroin, some of which tested positive for fentanyl, and more than $15,000 in narcotics proceeds. Authorities also seized four military-style assault rifles, three handguns and several hundred rounds of ammunition that one of the defendants allegedly sold to an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement.
The probe was conducted under the umbrella of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of OCDETF is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug and weapons trafficking organizations.
Criminal complaints and affidavits filed in federal court in Chicago charge four defendants with conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with intent to deliver; one defendant with distribution of a controlled substance; and one defendant with illegal possession of a firearm by a felon. Several of the defendants were arrested Tuesday. Detention hearings will be held on Thursday and Friday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sidney I. Schenkier.
The charges were announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Jeffrey S. Sallet, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Substantial assistance was provided by the Cook County Sheriff’s Police Department, Maywood Police Department, Chicago Police Department, Illinois State Police, and Johnsburg Police Department.
According to the charges, WINDELL REEDY, 43, of Hillside, operated a drug trafficking organization in the western suburbs. A source cooperating with law enforcement purchased various quantities of heroin from Windell Reedy on multiple occasions, the complaint states.
Windell Reedy allegedly worked with his uncle, DANNY REEDY, 56, of Bloomingdale, to purchase and obtain wholesale quantities of heroin in the Chicago area and transport it to Memphis, Tenn. RONALD SCALES, 53, of Hillside, and his brother-in-law, HOWARD BAKER, 58, of Hillside, worked with the Reedys to distribute the heroin, including to the individual in Tennessee, the charges allege. The complaint accuses DARYL KIMBROUGH, 48, of Bellwood, of performing quality tests on the heroin obtained by the Reedys, and distributing the drug.
The defendant charged with illegal gun possession is KENNETH LOGAN, 38, of Maywood. Logan sold the rifles and handguns to the cooperating source on four occasions in November and December of last year, the complaint states. The transactions allegedly occurred in Maywood. Logan is a convicted felon who was not legally allowed to possess a firearm.
The public is reminded that a complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The conspiracy charge against Danny Reedy, Scales, Baker and Kimbrough carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and maximum of life, while the distribution charge against Windell Reedy is punishable by up to 20 years and the firearm charge against Logan by up to ten years. If convicted, the Court must impose reasonable sentences under federal sentencing statutes and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys James P. Durkin and Philip Fluhr, Jr., are representing the government.
Two More Defendants Plead Guilty for Roles in Federal Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Defendants are latest to plead guilty out of nearly two dozen indicted after long-term narcotics investigation
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Two men pled guilty today for their roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. George E. Brockman, II, 37, of Montgomery, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin, a quantity of cocaine, and a quantity of oxycodone. Charles Hill, aka “Unc,” 54, of Beckley, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 28 grams of cocaine base, and a quantity of cocaine. Brockman and Hill are two of 23 defendants indicted in June 2017 after a comprehensive investigation of drug trafficking in Southern West Virginia. U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the cooperative investigative efforts of several agencies, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Beckley Police Department, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, the West Virginia State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the United States Postal Inspection Service also provided assistance throughout the investigation.
“Brockman and Hill were part of a large drug trafficking conspiracy that sold a smorgasbord of dangerous drugs,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “My Office, along with our law enforcement partners, are serious about getting drug thugs and drug punks off the streets and away from our families. If you are a drug dealer and distributing opiates, cocaine, marijuana or any other illegal drug, we will aggressively prosecute you in the Southern District of West Virginia and seek the harshest penalties available to lock you up as long as we possibly can.”
George E. Brockman, II admitted that between August 2016 and June 28, 2017, he took part in a drug trafficking conspiracy with multiple participants involving the distribution of heroin, cocaine, and oxycodone. Brockman admitted that he obtained over 100 grams of heroin from another co-defendant in this case, and intended to distribute the heroin in the southern district of West Virginia. Brockman further admitted that due to quality issues, he requested another co-defendant, James Rodney Staples, to exchange the heroin for cocaine, which he also planned to distribute in the southern district of West Virginia. Brockman also admitted to working with other members of the drug trafficking organization to obtain a kilogram of heroin and approximately 2000 oxycodone tablets to distribute around Fayette County. On June 28, pursuant to searches performed by law enforcement, police officers recovered 84.49 grams of heroin from a truck that Brockman possessed and over $124,000 that Brockman admitted were drug proceeds. $115,000 of that money was found in the trunk of a 2008 Ford Mustang GT500. Brockman has agreed to forfeit the cash as well as the Ford Mustang. As part of the plea defendant further agreed to the forfeiture of a 2016 Chevrolet Corvette.
Charles Hill admitted that between August 2016 and June 28, 2017, he participated in a drug trafficking organization that distributed cocaine and more than 28 grams of cocaine base, or “crack,” in and around Beckley, Raleigh County, West Virginia. Hill admitted to assisting Velarian Carter, Detria Carter, and Rashaun Carter in distributing ‘crack,” in Raleigh County. During this time he admitted to distributing and possessing with intent to distribute approximately 15 ounces of “crack.” Hill further admitted to meeting with other members of the drug trafficking organization to discuss and plan the manufacturing of cocaine into cocaine base. When officers executed a search warrant at Hill’s residence in Beckley on June 28, 2017, they recovered an additional 47.17 grams of “crack” that Hill intended to distribute in the community of Beckley.
Brockman and Hill each face at least five years and up to 40 years in federal prison when they are sentenced on June 5, 2018.
Several individuals implicated as a result of this investigation have entered guilty pleas to drug charges and are awaiting sentencing. Cheyenne Fragale and Macon Fragale, two brothers from Boomer in Fayette County, have been sentenced by United States District Judge Irene Berger. Cheyenne Fragale received a sentence of 12 years in federal prison while Macon Fragale will serve 16 years and 8 months. Velarian Carter, of Beckley, faces a mandatory minimum of not less than 20 years and up to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 17, 2018. Dominic Copney, of Beckley, faces a mandatory minimum of five and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 17, 2018. Detria Carter, of Beckley, faces a mandatory minimum sentence of not less than five and up to 40 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on April 24, 2018. Donald Scalise, of Montgomery, faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 25, 2018. Tiffany Ramsey, of Boomer, faces at least five years and up to 40 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on May 2, 2018. Shawn Akiem Anderson, of Mt. Hope, faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 29, 2018. Rory White, of Montgomery, faces at least five years and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 6, 2018.
Karl Funderburk, of Teays Valley, who previously pled guilty to a gun charge, faces at least 5 years and up to life in federal prison for using and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime when he is sentenced on May 29, 2018.
Shaun Jones has entered a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin. Jonathan Moore has entered a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine. Each faces at least five years and up to 40 years in federal prison when they are sentenced on May 29, 2018.
Corey Larkin previously entered a plea to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine and more than 100 grams of heroin. He also faces at least five years and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 5, 2018.
Esau Burnette, of Beckley, has entered a plea to conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute more than 28 grams of cocaine base and a quantity of cocaine. He faces at least five years and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 30, 2018. James Rodney Staples, of Woodbridge, Virginia, faces at least 10 years in federal prison and up to life when he is sentenced on May 30, 2018 after entering a plea to conspiracy to distribute or possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, more than 280 grams of cocaine base, and more than one kilogram of heroin.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of these prosecutions. The Brockman and Hill plea hearings were held before Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber.
These cases are being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Two Men Detained after their Arrests for Possession with Intent to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – On March 21, 2018, Dexter Harley, 32, of Tortola, BVI, and Jose Squiabro, 44, of St. Thomas, were both detained today pending further proceedings after their arrests on Monday, March 19, 2018, for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert, announced. Both made their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller on Monday after being charged in an indictment.
According to the indictment, from December 15, 2015 to February 9, 2016, Harley and Squiabro conspired to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a substance that contained cocaine.
Possession with intent to distribute cocaine in the amount for 500 grams or more carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years and a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.
United States Attorney Shappert reminds the public that an indictment is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is a result of an investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anna A. Vlasova.
Two MS-13 Members Plead Guilty and Accept Responsibility for their Role in 2015 MurderRead the Press Release
BOSTON –Two MS-13 members have pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to charges of racketeering conspiracy involving murder.
Oscar Recinos Garcia, a/k/a “Psycho,” 24, a Salvadoran national, pleaded guilty today to RICO conspiracy and being an alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled Recinos Garcia’s sentencing for June 13, 2018.
Yesterday, Jose Andrade a/k/a “Inocente,” 27, a Salvadoran national, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO, and conspiracy to distribute marijuana. Judge Saylor scheduled Andrade’s sentencing for June 12, 2018.
Andrade and Recinos Garcia were both members of the Everett Locos Salvatrucha, or ELS clique, of MS-13. The defendants admitted that their racketeering activity, on behalf of MS-13, included their involvement in the murder of a teenager who was associated with MS-13 and wrongly suspected by the gang of cooperating with law enforcement. On July 5, 2015, the victim was murdered in Lawrence by Josue de Paz a/k/a “Gato” and another MS-13 member. Evidence showed that Andrade and Recinos Garcia were both involved in planning the murder and shared the intent to have the victim killed. The evidence also showed that Andrade was part of the original plan to kill the victim, but was unable to participate in the murder because he was arrested in June 2015. The gang then recruited De Paz to commit the murder, and Recinos Garcia passed along the message to De Paz to kill the victim.
De Paz and Recinos Garcia were arrested on July 8, 2015, in Somerville in a raid that resulted in the recovery of a firearm, several large knives, photographs of MS-13 members flashing gang signs, and a large volume of MS-13 paraphernalia, including blue and white hats, bandanas and rosary beads. Recinos Garcia was also charged with possession of the firearm seized on that day. Andrade was also charged with conspiracy to distribute marijuana after evidence revealed that he and other MS-13 members distributed marijuana on behalf of the gang. De Paz pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy involving murder and is awaiting sentencing.
The charges of RICO conspiracy involving murder provide for a sentence of up to life in prison, up to five years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine. The charge of conspiracy to distribute marijuana provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, a lifetime supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. The charge of being an alien in possession of a firearm provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine. Andrade and Recinos Garcia will be subject to deportation upon the completion of their sentences. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Andrade and Recinos Garcia are the 36th and 37th defendants, respectively, to be convicted in this case either after trial or after entering a guilty plea.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Commissioner Thomas Turco of the Massachusetts Department of Corrections; Essex County Sheriff Kevin F. Coppinger; Suffolk County Sheriff Steven W. Thompkins; Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley; Middlesex County District Attorney Marian T. Ryan; Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett; Boston Police Commissioner William Evans; Chelsea Police Chief Brian A. Kyes; Everett Police Chief Steven A. Mazzie; Lynn Police Chief Michael Mageary; Revere Police Chief James Guido; and Somerville Police Chief David Fallon made the announcement.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Three from Houston area charged in federal court for having more than three pounds of fentanyl in ToledoRead the Press Release
Three people from the Houston area were charged in federal court after authorities arrested them in Toledo with what is believed to be more than three pounds of fentanyl.
Anthony Robinson, 32, Barbera Wilson, 21, and Darrius Lewis, 29, were each charged with conspiracy possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
On Tuesday night, Robinson and Wilson traveled from a Red Roof Inn to the United States Post Office on Bancroft in Toledo, where Robinson and Wilson attempted to mail one kilogram of suspected fentanyl. The drugs were wrapped in multiple layers of heat-sealed plastic bags. The drugs field tested positive for fentanyl, according to an affidavit filed in federal court.
Agents then obtained search warrants for the Red Roof Inn rooms where the defendants were staying. All three were arrested at the motel and a search of their rooms discovered an additional half-kilogram of suspected fentanyl, as well as approximately $8,018 in cash, according to the affidavit.
“The fentanyl seized last night is enough to kill everyone in Toledo several times over," said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. "This is a great example of law enforcement working together to make our community safer."
“Fentanyl is a dangerous synthetic opioid with deadly consequences for users and those in law enforcement,” said Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Steve Francis. “This significant seizure clearly demonstrates HSI’s resolve to combatting the ongoing epidemic affecting Ohio, which we redoubled last week by pledging increased resources in the state.”
“Individuals from out of state who think they can come into Ohio to traffic drugs undetected should know that we have task forces like this one across the state whose mission is to find you, seize your drugs, and stop you from profiting off of Ohioans who are suffering from addiction," said Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine. "It took this task force less than a day and a half to identify these suspects and intercept the package of deadly fentanyl before it left the post office. I commend task force members for their swift work."
“This arrest should show that the Toledo Police Department, with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners will continue to work diligently and aggressively to keep Toledo’s streets free from this poison,” said Toledo Police Chief George Kral. “I commend those dedicated investigators who were involved in this large seizure and arrests. God only knows how many lives have been saved, and subsidiary crimes avoided, because of these dedicated men and women. I sincerely hope anyone considering committing illegal activity in Toledo will reconsider doing so.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alissa M. Sterling following an investigation by the the Toledo Bulk Cash Smuggling Task Force, which consists of representatives of the Toledo Police Department, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Border Patrol, the Lucas County Prosecutor's Office, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
A charge is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Three Aliens Indicted on Illegal Reentry Charges, False Representation of a Social Security Account Number, False Claim of Citizenship, and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned indictments charging JESUS FERNANDO BERRUN-ZARAGOZA, age 20, of Mexico, and EMITERIO MENDOZA-JAIMES, age 23, of Mexico with illegal reentry of a deported alien.
Additionally, a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned an indictment charging ANIBAL HERNANDEZ-SANCHEZ, age 30, of Guatemala, with false representation of a social security account number, false claim of citizenship with intent to engage unlawfully in employment in the United States, aggravated identity theft, and illegal reentry of an alien subsequent to a felony conviction.
If convicted of illegal reentry of a deported alien, JESUS FERNANDO BERRUN-ZARAGOZA, previously deported and found in Wake County, and EMITERIO MENDOZA-JAIMES previously deported and found in New Hanover County would face maximum penalties of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of false representation of a social security account number, false claim of citizenship, aggravated identity theft, and illegal reentry, ANIBAL HERNANDEZ-SANCHEZ, previously deported and found in Wayne County, would face maximum penalties of twenty-two years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The cases are being investigated by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations.
Tallahassee Man Convicted of Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Dayton Michael Cramer, 71, of Tallahassee, was convicted of attempted enticement of a minor this afternoon in the U.S. District Court in Tallahassee after a three-day trial. The verdict was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
During February 2017, undercover investigators conducted “Operation Cupid’s Arrow” to identify individuals seeking to engage in sexual activity with minors they meet online. Cramer responded to two Craigslist advertisements in which an undercover officer posed as a 14-year-old girl and also as the stepmother of a 13-year-old girl who was being offered for sex. Over the course of several days, Cramer discussed sexual activity with various undercover officers and traveled to meet who he thought was the stepmother of the 13-year-old girl to discuss the opportunity to have sex with the girl at a later date. Cramer was arrested after arriving at the designated meeting location.
Cramer faces a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 5, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee.
United States Attorney Christopher P. Canova stated, “The North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force once again demonstrates why undercover online operations targeting those individuals who want to engage in sexual activity with minors are so crucial to the protection of our children and local community from online predators.”
“It is disheartening that a man in a position of such power and influence would try to sexually abuse a young child,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. “This verdict highlights the important work of HSI special agents, and the multi-agency North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, in the investigation and prosecution of such heinous crimes.”
“It does not matter who you are, if you prey on our children, you will be arrested,” said FDLE Tallahassee Special Agent in Charge Mark Perez. “These cases continue to be a priority for FDLE.”
The case was investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Tallahassee Police Department, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals, and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Thielemann.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Springfield Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Leading Large-Scale Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The leader of a large-scale conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Greene County, Mo., was sentenced in federal court today along with two of his co-conspirators.
Patrick R. Brigaudin, 55, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 30 years in federal prison without parole. Co-defendant William Frank Eft, 67, of Springfield was sentenced to six years in federal prison without parole. Co-defendant Gayla Rochelle Phillips, 42, of Willard, Mo., was sentenced to three years in federal prison without parole.
Brigaudin, Eft and Phillips each pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Brigaudin and Phillips also pleaded guilty to a related money-laundering conspiracy.
In total, the quantity of pure methamphetamine involved in the conspiracy, which lasted from October 2013 to Feb. 29, 2016, weighed in excess of 4.5 kilograms. The methamphetamine distributed during the conspiracy, according to court documents, primarily originated from Mexico and was smuggled to Missouri.
In March 2015, a shipment of approximately 15 pounds of pure methamphetamine was interdicted by law enforcement officers. Three persons were arrested following a controlled delivery of the methamphetamine to a Springfield hotel. Brigaudin admitted that he attempted to possess some or all of the methamphetamine, which he intended to distribute to others. Brigaudin also admitted to distributing methamphetamine on several occasions in 2015 and 2016.
According to court documents, a steady stream of purchasers came to Brigaudin’s residence to purchase methamphetamine from him, or to deliver methamphetamine to him. On Feb. 29, 2016, co-defendants Eduardo Diaz, 53, and Adrian Ortiz-Corrales, 43, both of Las Vegas, Nev., transported approximately 12 pounds (5.4 kilograms) of methamphetamine and six pounds of heroin to Brigaudin’s residence. While they were removing the methamphetamine from a vehicle, they and Brigaudin were arrested.
Today’s sentencing reflects the court’s finding that Brigaudin made his living by drug trafficking. During 2016, Brigaudin lost tens of thousands of dollars at casinos, paid the mortgage on his residence and purchased a 2006 Lincoln Mark LT pickup truck for $15,700. Although he worked as a taxi driver during this time, law enforcement surveillance found that he hardly ever picked up fares for his taxi.
Eft obtained methamphetamine from Brigaudin, which he then distributed to others. On at least one occasion, Phillips also obtained methamphetamine from Brigaudin to distribute to another person. According to court documents, Phillips received user amounts of methamphetamine from Brigaudin, her boyfriend, free of charge. She assisted Brigaudin to launder drug proceeds by helping to arrange the purchase of a vehicle using $15,700 of drug proceeds. She also accompanied Brigaudin to various casinos to gamble using drug proceeds.
Brigaudin, Eft and Phillips are among four defendants who have been sentenced in this case. Co-defendant Jennifer Minor, 42, of Springfield, was sentenced on March 14, 2018, to seven years and 10 months in federal prison without parole. Eleven co-defendants have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
This case is being prosecuted by United States Attorney Timothy A. Garrison and Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall Eggert. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Ozark, Mo., Police Department, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, COMET (the Combined Ozarks Multijurisdictional Enforcement Team) and the South Central Drug Task Force.
Schenectady Man Indicted for Distributing Heroin and Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – William Hale, a/k/a “Man,” age 44, of Schenectady, New York, was arraigned yesterday on charges that he distributed heroin and crack cocaine.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Vadim D. Thomas, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
According to the indictment, Hale distributed heroin on July 14, 2016 and distributed more than 28 grams of cocaine base (a/k/a crack cocaine) on November 18, 2016. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
If convicted, Hale faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison, as well as a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 8 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
Hale was arraigned yesterday before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart. Today, Judge Stewart ordered Hale detained pending trial.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.
Saratoga Springs Man Indicted for Fentanyl Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Steven M. Boice, age 28, of Saratoga Springs, New York, was indicted today on a charge of distributing fentanyl that caused an overdose death in Saratoga County in February 2017.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith; Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, New York Division, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); and Saratoga Springs Police Department Chief Gregory Veitch.
According to the indictment, on February 3, 2017, Boice distributed furanyl fentanyl to a person with the initials B.L., who died from ingesting that furanyl fentanyl.
Boice also faces charges of possessing two firearms – a DPMS Panther Arms semi-automatic rifle and a Mossberg Maverick shotgun – in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, as well as possession with intent to distribute furanyl fentanyl. Furanyl fentanyl is a fentanyl analogue that the DEA Administrator listed as a Schedule I controlled substance in November 2016.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
If convicted of all charges, Boice faces at least 25 years and up to life in prison, as well as post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 3 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
Boice will be arraigned at a later date. He has been in custody since February 10, 2017, when Saratoga Springs Police arrested him on state charges following a search of his residence. During the search, Saratoga Springs Police and the DEA located approximately 360 bags containing furanyl fentanyl, the semi-automatic rifle and shotgun, and high-capacity ammunition magazines, according to a criminal complaint previously filed in this case.
This case is being investigated by the DEA and its Capital District Drug Enforcement Task Force, which includes members of the Saratoga Springs Police Department, Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, and Washington County Sheriff’s Office. The Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office is also assisting in the investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.
Riverview Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Government PropertyRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Virginia Hernandez Covington today sentenced Chris J. McDonald, Sr. (53, Riverview) to one year and one day in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to commit theft of government property. As part of his sentence, the Court also ordered him to pay $117,952.35 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service, and entered a separate money judgment against McDonald in the amount of $64,924.
McDonald was found guilty on December 14, 2017, following a four-day jury trial.
This case is related to the earlier federal prosecution of Jeanette Hevel, a former Tampa Police Department (TPD) corporal who stole 13 United States Treasury tax refund checks, money orders, and a refund anticipation loan from various locations inside TPD, including its secure evidence property room. Her unlawful conduct occurred over an approximately 9-month period, beginning in or around September 2011. In April 2015, Hevel pleaded guilty for her conduct pursuant to a plea agreement in which she agreed to cooperate in the government’s ongoing investigation of those responsible for cashing the stolen tax refund checks.
On December 9, 2015, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against McDonald and Joseph Lugo for their roles in the criminal conduct. According to court records, Hevel provided 9 of the 13 stolen tax refund checks to Lugo, who then delivered them to Robert Sanders and McDonald. McDonald deposited the checks into one of his bank accounts and then typically returned to the bank the next business day and withdrew the funds and shared them with the conspirators. None of the conspirators knew any of the payees listed on the tax refund checks, nor did they have permission from any of the payees to possess or deposit the checks.
Lugo pleaded guilty in June 2017. Sanders pleaded guilty in 2014 and testified for the government at trial.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jay G. Trezevant and Frank Murray.
Real Estate Investor Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Rigging Bids at Northern California Public Foreclosure AuctionsRead the Press Release
A real estate investor was sentenced today for his role in conspiracies to rig bids at public real estate foreclosure auctions in Northern California, the Department of Justice announced.
Michael Marr was charged on Nov. 19, 2014, in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Northern District of California. He was convicted on June 2, 2017, of conspiring to rig bids at foreclosure auctions in Alameda and Contra Costa County. Today, Marr was sentenced to serve 30 months in prison and to serve 3 years of supervised release. In addition to his term of imprisonment, Marr was ordered to pay a criminal fine of $1,397,061.59.
“Michael Marr was a driving force behind a multi-year conspiracy to corrupt the public foreclosure auction process through a system of illegal payoffs,” said Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. “Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of that crime.”
The evidence at trial showed that the defendant conspired with others to rig bids to obtain hundreds of properties sold at foreclosure auctions. The conspirators designated the winning bidders to obtain selected properties at the public auctions, and negotiated payoffs among themselves in return for not competing with one another. They subsequently conducted private auctions among themselves at or near the courthouse steps where the public auctions were held, awarding the properties to the conspirators who submitted the highest bids in those private auctions.
As the CEO of Community Fund, LLC and Community Realty Property Management Inc., Marr sent multiple employees to the foreclosure auctions to rig bids on his behalf. As part of the conspiracies, Marr’s agents purchased several hundred properties through the bid-rigging conspiracies and were owed payoffs on hundreds more.
When real estate properties are sold at public auctions, the proceeds are used to pay off the mortgage and other debt attached to the property, with the remaining proceeds paid to the homeowner.
The sentence is a result of an ongoing investigation into bid rigging at public real estate foreclosure auctions in California’s San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties, which is being conducted by the Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Office and the FBI’s San Francisco Office. Anyone with information concerning bid rigging or fraud related to public real estate foreclosure auctions should contact the Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Office at 415-934-5300 or call the FBI tip line at 415-553-7400.