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Thursday 15 March 2018
Baltimore Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Carjackings and ShootingRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Baltimore, Maryland – United States District Judge Ellen L. Hollander sentenced Jerome Pittman, age 23, of Baltimore, Maryland today to 14 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit carjacking, carjacking resulting in serious bodily injury, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
The sentence was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning; Special Agent in Charge Daniel L. Board, Jr., of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; and Commissioner Darryl DeSousa of the Baltimore Police Department.
According to his plea agreement, on May 15, 2016, Pittman and a second male caught an unlicensed taxi in Baltimore, Maryland. The unidentified male entered the front passenger seat of the car and Pittman entered the rear passenger seat. The males then asked the driver to take them to a nearby treatment facility.
Upon arriving at the treatment facility, Pittman got out of the car, purportedly to retrieve some papers. The unidentified male then asked the driver to take him to the far, darker side of the lot so that the unidentified male could urinate.
A few moments later, the unidentified male opened the driver-side door, pointed a firearm at the driver, and ordered him out of the car. The driver got out of the car and ran around to the passenger side where he unexpectedly met Pittman, who shot him at close range in the thigh. The two men then drove off in the stolen vehicle leaving the injured driver in the parking lot.
Three days later, on May 19, 2016, Pittman and two co-conspirators were in a 2012 Mercedes Benz, which had been reported stolen. The men crashed the Mercedes Benz into another car and then fled the scene of the accident. They then walked to a nearby gas station, again in Baltimore, Maryland, where they brandished a firearm at a driver stopped at a traffic light, pressed the firearm into the driver’s stomach, and carjacked the vehicle.
The following day, the three men were together in the stolen vehicle and took a “selfie” with the victim’s cell phone.
Pittman’s co-defendants, Ti’Quan Dinkins and Rashad Harris, previously pleaded guilty to the carjacking on May 19, 2016, and related charges. Dinkins was sentenced to eight and a half years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Harris has not yet been sentenced.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning praised the ATF and Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dana Brusca and Patty McLane who prosecuted the case.
Authorities in Waco and California Arrest 15 Indicted on Federal Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
Today, federal, state and local authorities arrested eleven individuals in connection with a crystal methamphetamine trafficking operation in the Waco area, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash; Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Will Glaspy, Houston Division; Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven McCraw; McLennan County Sheriff Parnell McNamara; and, Waco Police Chief Ryan Holt.
A federal grand jury this week returned two related indictments charging those individuals, as well as four individuals who were previously arrested, with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. The defendants include Darris Thompson, who was the ringleader of the trafficking operation. Below is a complete list of defendants.
The indictments allege that since at least October 2016, the defendants have been responsible for a crystal methamphetamine supply network based in Hesperia, California, and a methamphetamine distribution network based in Waco.
During this investigation, authorities seized over 26 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, over 330 pounds of marijuana, and approximately 1,000 tabs of Xanax.
Given the drug quantity charged, if the defendants are convicted they will be subject to significant sentencing ranges--between ten years and life in federal prison for some defendants, and between five years and 40 years for others. All but two of the defendants will remain in federal custody pending detention hearings anticipated for next week in Waco.
These indictments resulted from an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation conducted by the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division, the Waco Police Department, the Waco office of the DEA, and the United States Marshals Service. In addition, the Ft. Worth and Riverside offices of the DEA and the Riverside Sheriff’s Office provided valuable assistance with this investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Smith-Burris is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering operations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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U.S. v. Thompson, et al. (W18cr093) defendants
Name Age Residence Statutory Max. Penalty
*Darris Kinita Thompson (aka “Piru”) 41 Waco, TX 10 years to life imprisonment
*Sedric Barshea Thompson 49 Waco 10 years to life imprisonment
*Meagan Anaise Keel 32 Waco 10 years to life imprisonment
*Christopher Derric Blount 46 Waco 5 – 40 years imprisonment
*Darrell Wayne Moore 50 Waco 5 – 40 years imprisonment
*Ulis Howard Alexander 27 Waco 10 years to life imprisonment
*Chelsea Laine Early Graves 30 Waco 5 – 40 years imprisonment
*Lamont Alexander Taylor 41 Waco 5 – 40 years imprisonment
*Ruby Clara Williams 55 Waco 5 – 40 years imprisonment
*Joe Angel Gayton 27 Waco 10 years to life imprisonment
*Johnny Perez, Jr. 38 Wichita Falls, TX 10 years to life imprisonmentU.S. v. Casillas, et al. (W18cr072) defendants
Name Age Residence Arrested Statutory Max. Penalty
*Johnny Casillas 36 Waco 2.28.18 10 years to life imprisonment
**Francisco Resendiz-Martinez 25 Hesperia, CA 3.1.18 10 years to life imprisonment
*Patricia Ferrer 53 Hesperia, CA 2.28.18 10 years to life imprisonment
**Veronica Barraza Real 40 Hesperia, CA 3.1.18 10 years to life imprisonment* Remains in federal custody
**Resendiz-Martinez and Real are currently on bond--$100,000 and $50,000, respectively.Attorney General Sessions Provides Further Support for Local Law Enforcement with Launch of New Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assistance CenterRead the Press Release
Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced the launch of the Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assistance Center (CRI-TAC) during the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Division Midyear Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.
This follows the Attorney General’s announcement in September of 2017 that the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services would shift to better align the program to support local law enforcement consistent with the original intent of the authorizing statute. Consistent with that, the CRI-TAC brings together a coalition of the nation’s top public safety organizations under the leadership of the IACP to provide tailored technical assistance and a field driven approach to local policing agencies through a $7 million award from the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office).
"Better training and the more sophisticated policing strategies were key reasons for 20 years of declining crime in America," Attorney General Sessions said. "I believe that continuing to advance our technical sophistication can help us reduce crime once again, and that's why we're investing in CRI-TAC. Improving access to training for our state and local law enforcement partners will mean better policing and a safer America."
Since the December 2017 announcement of the CRI-TAC award, the IACP and its partners have started planning technical assistance delivery to support three law enforcement agencies around their unique challenges. Those agencies include the Cedar Rapids (IA) Police Department, the McNeese State University (LA) Police Department, and the Knoxville (TN) Police Department, which has asked for technical assistance around effective gun violence reduction and prevention initiatives.
For the first time ever, the following law enforcement stakeholder organizations – and their over 420,000 members – are working together to create a center of resources and subject matter expertise explicitly focusing on the needs of local policing agencies:
International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)
- "The IACP is excited to work alongside eight leading law enforcement leadership and labor organizations to build and deliver this comprehensive technical assistance center that can support the diverse agencies and communities around the U.S. with customized solutions for the field, by the field," said IACP President Louis M. Dekmar, Chief of the LaGrange, Georgia, Police Department.
Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy Associates (FBINAA)
- “The vision of the FBI National Academy Associates is to provide continuous development and resources to the world's strongest law enforcement leadership network,” said Howard Cook, Executive Director, FBI National Academy Associates. “The Collaborative Reform Initiative for Technical Assistance Center (CRI-TAC) will allow us to provide cutting-edge and innovative education, training, and resources to law enforcement executives throughout the country. By focusing on the most relative and important 21st century issues, we will be able to continue to impact communities by providing and promoting law enforcement leadership and enhancing the trust our citizens have bestowed on us.”
Fraternal Order of Police (FOP)
- “The National Fraternal Order of Police is honored to be a partnering member of this initiative,” said Chuck Canterbury, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police. “We view our participation as critical to the delivery of quality training opportunities to front line officers who have dedicated their lives to the protection of the public under some of the most adverse conditions we have seen in recent times.”
International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA)
- “IACLEA is honored to be a part of this vital initiative,” said IACLEA President David Bousquet. “The input of campus public safety experts will enhance the project development and, ultimately, the technical assistance center. We look forward to rolling up our sleeves and working with our project partners.”
International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST)
- “IADLEST is proud to be a part of this project and to be partnering with so many other great organizations dedicated to increasing public safety and the effectiveness of community policing and reducing crime,” said Daniel Zivkovich, President of IADLEST. “We are very appreciative of the IACP for spearheading this initiative and allowing IADLEST to be a part of it. Being the only membership organization that represents POST agencies and Academy Directors nationwide, we believe that IADLEST is an integral partner in this initiative.”
Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA)
- “The Major Cities Chiefs Association looks forward to the ongoing partnership with the IACP and each program partner in the Collaborative Reform Initiative,” said Montgomery County, Maryland Police Chief Tom Manger. “The expertise of our combined membership will help provide solutions to some of the most challenging problems facing law enforcement in our commitment to service throughout our communities.”
National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE)
- “The National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE) is honored to be part of the rich coalition of participants,” said Valerie Cunningham, NAWLEE President. “We look forward to offering up the collective experience of our membership and subject matter expertise to deliver tailored resources to agencies looking for assistance.”
National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE)
- “The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) is very pleased to join the IACP and others in delivering Collaborative Reform Initiative technical assistance to law enforcement agencies across the nation,” said NOBLE President Clarence E. Cox, III. “We look forward to playing an integral role in this much needed effort which focuses on developing and executing a national law enforcement technical assistance program at all levels of law enforcement. The technical assistance offerings will include everything from Active Shooter Responses to Police Responses to Mass Demonstrations of which NOBLE is well versed.”
National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA)
- “For 35 years, the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) has been dedicated to enhancing the performance and professional status of law enforcement personnel by providing a credible and proven training resource, as well as a forum for the development of tactics and information exchange. We are excited to be a partner in the CRI-TAC and assist those agencies in need of our services.” Thor Eells, NTOA Executive Director.
For more information about the CRI-TA program, visit the COPS Office website https://cops.usdoj.gov/collaborativereform.
Law enforcement agencies seeking additional information or interested in submitting a voluntary request to participate in CRI-TAC should visit www.collaborativereform.org.
The COPS Office awards grants to hire community policing officers, develop and test innovative policing strategies, and provide training and technical assistance to community members, local government leaders, and all levels of law enforcement. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to help advance community policing.Arnold Man Indicted on Charges of Possessing Guns at Fox High SchoolRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Dustin Lockwood, 23, of Arnold, was indicted today on charges of possessing firearms in a school zone and possession of a silencer.
On February 20, 2018, Lockwood was sitting in his vehicle in the parking lot of Fox High School in Arnold, Missouri. Arnold Police Department and ATF responded after a school staff member contacted them and advised them of a rifle case in the rear of Lockwood’s black 2001 Toyota Corolla. Search of the vehicle revealed a .22 caliber rifle, .22 caliber revolver, multiple spent shell casings throughout the vehicle, a suspected homemade silencer, and multiple bags and boxes in the trunk of the vehicle containing explosive related material, multiple knives, a machete, and .22 and 9mm caliber ammunition. Lockwood indicated that he was at the school to pick up his sister. He was taken into federal custody and charged on a criminal complaint.
If convicted, the charge of possession of a firearm in a school zone carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine and the charge of possession of a silencer carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Arnold Police Department, St. Louis County Bomb Squad and the Jefferson County Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Rodney H. Holmes is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
As is always the case, charges set forth in the complaint are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Armed Felon Sentenced to 77 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Spokane – Joseph H. Harrington, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Nicholas Matthew McRae, age 36, of Spokane, Washington, was sentenced after having pleaded guilty on December 14, 2017, to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. United States District Court Judge Stanley A. Bastian sentenced McRae to a 77-month term of imprisonment, to be followed by a 3-year term of court supervision following release from Federal prison.
According to information disclosed during court proceedings, officers assigned to the Spokane Police Department Patrol Anti-Crime Team (PACT) observed McRae driving his vehicle past the Union Gospel Mission and the barrel of a firearm pointed toward the open driver’s side window. The officers followed McRae and attempted a high-risk traffic stop. McRae sped past the Union Gospel Mission and eluded the pursuing officers for several minutes, causing multiple accidents. After a pursuing officer disabled McRae’s vehicle, McRae fled and a foot chase ensued until police apprehended him. A search of McRae’s vehicle revealed two firearms, an AK-47 style pistol with a drum magazine capable of containing 100 rounds of ammunition and a revolver. A search of the drum magazine revealed it was loaded with over 60 rounds of ammunition. As a previously convicted felon, McRae was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
Joseph H. Harrington said, “Prosecuting firearms-related crimes continues to be a priority for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington. Previously convicted felons should be aware that there are serious criminal penalties connected with possessing any firearm and ammunition and that this Office is committed to prosecuting aggressively firearm-related cases in the Eastern District of Washington.”
This case was investigated by the Spokane Police Department Patrol Anti-Crime Team (PACT) and the Spokane Resident Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
(ATF). This case was prosecuted by Patrick J. Cashman, Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
Allendale Man Sentenced to Fifteen Years for Distribution of Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Ernest Roberts, a/k/a “Balla Walla,” age 41, of Allendale, South Carolina, was sentenced for possession with intent to distribute and distribution of crack cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841. United States District Judge Mary G. Lewis, of Columbia, sentenced Roberts to 180 months in prison.
At trial, audio and video evidence presented established that on February 22, 2016, Roberts traveled to a pawn store in Fairfax, South Carolina, to meet with an informant working with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). After discussing the meet on several recorded phone calls, evidence established that Roberts sold the informant 26.35 grams of “crack” cocaine in exchange for $1300.00 while standing near 10th Street in Fairfax. SLED agents testified that they observed the transaction and identified Ernest Roberts as the individual who met with the informant to conduct the controlled purchase.
Roberts has numerous prior convictions, the most recent of which were for possession with intent to distribute oxycodone and crack cocaine in 2014, possession with intent to distribute marijuana in 2013, and distribution of cocaine in 2006.
This case was investigated by Special Agents with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and officers with the Allendale Police Department. The case was prosecuted pursuant to 14th Circuit Solicitor Duffie Stone’s longstanding partnership with the United States Attorney’s Office to target career criminals in Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton, Colleton, and Allendale Counties in federal court. Special Assistant United States Attorney Carra Henderson of the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office and Assistant United States Attorney JD Rowell of the US Attorney’s Office in Columbia prosecuted the case.
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Alleged MS-13 Member Charged in Violent Racketeering Conspiracy Including Drug Trafficking and ExtortionRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging an alleged MS-13 member residing in Arlington, Virginia with conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by extortion.
The indictment was announced by Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan; Acting U.S. Attorney Stephen M. Schenning for the District of Maryland; Special Agent in Charge Andre Watson of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Assistant Director in Charge Andrew W. Vale of the FBI Washington Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA); Chief Henry P. Stawinski III of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Angela D. Alsobrooks; Chief Douglas Holland of the Hyattsville Police Department; Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department; and Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy.
Luis Arnoldo Flores-Reyes, aka Maloso and Lobo, 37, is charged in a four-count superseding indictment that alleges that from at least 2015 through January 2018, he was a member and associate of the Sailors Clique of MS-13 and that he engaged in a racketeering conspiracy that included extortion, drug trafficking, murder and a conspiracy to commit murder. The defendant is also charged with drug trafficking conspiracy and conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by extortion. Flores-Reyes is in custody.
According to the indictment, MS-13 is a national and international gang composed primarily of immigrants or descendants from El Salvador. Branches or “cliques” of MS-13, one of the largest street gangs in the United States, operate throughout Prince George’s County and Montgomery County, Maryland. Eleven other individuals were previously charged in this case with racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, drug trafficking conspiracy and conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by extortion.
For a period of time beginning at least in 2015 through in or about 2017, members of the Sailors Clique, including Flores-Reyes, are alleged to have extorted owners of illegal businesses in the Langley Park and Wheaton areas of Maryland, with the extortion proceeds being sent to El Salvador to benefit MS-13. In addition, between 2015 and 2018, members of the Sailors clique, including Flores-Reyes, are alleged to have trafficked narcotics, including marijuana and cocaine in Langley Park, Maryland, with the proceeds benefiting the gang.
More specifically, in January 2018, Flores-Reyes gave directions to members of MS-13 in Houston, Texas that they should purchase a gun and shoot rival gang members who were believed to have killed a member of MS-13. On or about Jan. 28, 2018, members of MS-13 in Houston, Texas shot at and attempted to kill suspected rival gang members while Flores-Reyes and other MS-13 members, including MS-13 members in El Salvador, monitored the shooting by phone.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
Trial Attorney Catherine K. Dick of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys William D. Moomau and Daniel C. Gardner of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland are prosecuting this case.
Alleged MS-13 Member Charged in Violent Racketeering Conspiracy Including Drug Trafficking and ExtortionRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging an alleged MS-13 member residing in Arlington, Virginia with conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by extortion.
The indictment was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Stephen M. Schenning for the District of Maryland; Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan; Special Agent in Charge Andre Watson of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Assistant Director in Charge Andrew W. Vale of the FBI Washington Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA); Chief Henry P. Stawinski III of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Angela D. Alsobrooks; Chief Douglas Holland of the Hyattsville Police Department; Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department; and Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy.
Luis Arnoldo Flores-Reyes, a/k/a “Maloso” and “Lobo”, 37, is charged in a four-count superseding indictment that alleges that from at least 2015 through January 2018, he was a member and associate of the Sailors Clique of MS-13 and that he engaged in a racketeering conspiracy that included extortion, drug trafficking, murder and a conspiracy to commit murder. The defendant is also charged with drug trafficking conspiracy and conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by extortion. Flores-Reyes is in custody.
According to the indictment, MS-13 is a national and international gang composed primarily of immigrants or descendants from El Salvador. Branches or “cliques” of MS-13, one of the largest street gangs in the United States, operate throughout Prince George’s County and Montgomery County, Maryland. Eleven other individuals were previously charged in this case with racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, drug trafficking conspiracy and conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by extortion.
For a period of time beginning at least in 2015 through in or about 2017, members of the Sailors Clique, including Flores-Reyes, are alleged to have extorted owners of illegal businesses in the Langley Park and Wheaton areas of Maryland, with the extortion proceeds being sent to El Salvador to benefit MS-13. In addition, between 2015 and 2018, members of the Sailors clique, including Flores-Reyes, are alleged to have trafficked narcotics, including marijuana and cocaine in Langley Park, Maryland, with the proceeds benefiting the gang.
More specifically, in January 2018, Flores-Reyes gave directions to members of MS-13 in Houston, Texas that they should purchase a gun and shoot rival gang members who were believed to have killed a member of MS-13. On or about Jan. 28, 2018, members of MS-13 in Houston, Texas shot at and attempted to kill suspected rival gang members while Flores-Reyes and other MS-13 members, including MS-13 members in El Salvador, monitored the shooting by phone.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning commended the HSI, FBI, DEA and Prince George’s County, Hyattsville, and Montgomery County Police Departments for their work in the investigation. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys William D. Moomau and Daniel C. Gardner and Trial Attorney Catherine K. Dick of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section who are prosecuting this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.
Alien Located in Columbia Pleads Guilty to Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Hugo Rolando Canenguez-Montes, age 52, of El Salvador, entered a guilty plea in federal court in Columbia, to Illegal Re-Entry, a violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a). United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs, of Columbia, accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Canenguez was encountered by DHS/ICE agents on December 10, 2017, at the Lexington County Detention Center in Lexington after he was arrested for Kidnapping and Criminal Sexual Conduct 1st Degree. An investigation revealed that Canenguez is a citizen of El Salvador who had been deported five times pursuant to an order of removal. U.S. Attorney Drake stated the maximum penalty for Illegal Re-Entry is imprisonment for 2 years and/or a fine of $250,000.
The case was investigated by officers of the ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, II, of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.
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Alien Located in Columbia Pleads Guilty to Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Mario Almaraz-Juarez, age 23, of Mexico, entered a guilty plea in federal court in Columbia, to Illegal Re-Entry, a violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a). United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs, of Columbia, accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Almaraz was encountered by DHS/ICE agents on December 31, 2017, at the Lexington County Detention Center, in Lexington, after he was arrested for Hit and Run, Driving Under Suspension and No Insurance. An investigation revealed that Almaraz is a citizen of Mexico who had been deported pursuant to an order of removal. U.S. Attorney Drake stated the maximum penalty for Illegal Re-Entry is imprisonment for 2 years and/or a fine of $250,000.
The case was investigated by officers of the ICE-Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, II of the Columbia is prosecuting the case.
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Alien Found in Richland County Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Oscar Santiago-Bello, age 34, of Columbia, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina, for Reentry of Removed Aliens, a violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis, of Columbia, sentenced Santiago-Bello to time served (approximately 5 months imprisonment) with no supervised release because he is expected to be deported upon completion of his sentence.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Santiago-Bello is a Mexican citizen who had previously been deported three times and had previously been convicted of illegal reentry. He was encountered by Department of Homeland Security/ICE-ERO officers on August 6, 2017 at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center after being arrested for unrelated state charges.
Officers of the Department of Homeland Security/ICE-ERO investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, II, of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.
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Alien Found in Aiken County Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Jorge Luis Marin-Villa, age 36, of Augusta, Georgia, was sentenced today in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina, for Reentry of Removed Aliens, a violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis, of Columbia, sentenced Marin-Villa to one year and one day imprisonment, with no supervised release because he is expected to be deported upon completion of his sentence.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Marin-Villa is a Mexican citizen who had previously been deported two times and had previously been convicted of Reentry of a Removed Alien. He was encountered by Department of Homeland Security/ICE-ERO officers on September 10, 2017 at the Aiken County Detention Center after being arrested for unrelated state charges.
Officers of Department of Homeland Security/ICE-ERO investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, II, of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.
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Albuquerque Resident Pleads Guilty to Federal Bank Fraud and Identity Theft ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Shawn Dale Torrez, 40, of Albuquerque, N.M., pled guilty today in federal court to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft charges. Torrez entered the guilty plea under a plea agreement that recommends a sentence of 42 to 48 months of imprisonment followed by a term of supervised release to be determined by the court.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service arrested Torrez on Dec. 8, 2017, on a four-count indictment charging him with two counts of bank fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft. According to the indictment, Torrez committed the offenses from July 23, 2014 through April 16, 2015, in New Mexico, by stealing mail, which included personal identifying information of individuals, to create and use counterfeit drivers’ licenses and drivers’ licenses extensions to submit online applications for lines of credit and credit cards in the names of the individuals.
During today’s proceedings, Torrez pled guilty to the four-count indictment. In entering the guilty plea, Torrez admitted that on Jan. 10, 2015, he opened a fraudulent line of credit through Wells Fargo bank in the amount of $23,000 at an Albuquerque-area jewelry store. Torrez used the personal identifiers of a victim, without the victim’s permission, to open the account and to purchase a three-stone diamond ring and a wristwatch. Torrez also admitted that on March 15, 2015, he used a fraudulent Sandia Labs Credit Union check with the victim’s name and address to make an $860.07 furniture purchase at an Albuquerque-area store. Torrez acknowledged that he used the victim’s identity in order to commit fraud.
Torrez remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
24 Defendants Charged by Federal and State Prosecutors for Drug Trafficking and Firearm Related OffensesRead the Press Release
BRUNSWICK, GA – Federal indictments were unsealed yesterday revealing that sixteen (16) residents from Glynn County and McIntosh County, in the Southern District of Georgia, and elsewhere, have been charged with federal firearms and drug-trafficking offenses. The Brunswick District Attorney’s Office has charged an additional eight defendants.
The federal and state charges are the result of joint federal and local efforts to dismantle a major cocaine trafficking organization that was operating in the Southern District of Georgia and elsewhere. After law enforcement received information about a drug dealer who was selling large quantities of cocaine in Glynn County, the McIntosh Sheriff’s Office teamed up with the Glynn County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Investigators from local and federal law enforcement worked together to identify the members of the drug trafficking organization (DTO), their methods of operation, and where they stored and sold drugs. The team used a number of investigative techniques, including the use of informants, conducting surveillance, making undercover purchases of cocaine and crack cocaine, and the execution of search warrants.
Through search warrants and consensual searches conducted during this investigation, agents seized kilograms of cocaine, with a street value in excess of $150,000, over 30 pounds of marijuana, crack cocaine, over $60,000 cash, and dozens of firearms, including assault style rifles and substantial amounts of ammunition.
On March 13, 2018, a team of federal and local law enforcement investigators simultaneously executed over twenty (20) arrest warrants in the Southern District of Georgia and the Middle District of Florida. During the arrests, investigators seized an additional 21 firearms.
The following defendants have been charged in the thirty-six (36) page, thirty-six (36) count federal indictment:
JOHN EUGENE OVERCASH, a/k/a “Cowboy,” 52, Brunswick, GA,
KENNETH LEON BRADLEY, 50, Brunswick, GA,
JEREMY MCINTYRE, 37, Brunswick, GA,
RICHARD CARTER, 57, Brunswick, GA,
DARRIUS MERRELL, 38, Brunswick, GA,
ANDREW JACKSON, a/k/a “Drew,” 34, Orlando, FL,
KENEIL KING, 25, Brunswick, GA,
JESSICA TABUTEAU, 31, Orlando, FL,
TROY CROSBY, 49, Hortense, GA,
AMY MANSON, 37, Hortense, GA,
EDRIN TEMPLE, a/k/a “Pete McCiver,” 39, Darien, GA,
ANTHONY BERNARD LEWIS, a/k/a “Amp,” 46, Brunswick, GA,
JOSEPH SIMMONS, a/k/a “Bug,” 48, Brunswick, GA,
TOMMY MURRAY, 50, Brunswick, GA,
CLIFTON FOSTER, 64, Brunswick, GA,
MARCUS MUNGIN, 33, Brunswick, GA
The federal charges and maximum penalties include:
-Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 5 Kilograms or More of Cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846, which carries a potential sentence of not less than 10 years of incarceration, up to life. If a defendant has a prior felony drug conviction, then the charge carries not less than 20 years of incarceration up to life. If a person has two or more prior felony drug convictions, then not less than life.
-The Distribution of Cocaine and Crack Cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), which carries up to 20 years of incarceration. If a defendant has a prior felony drug conviction, then it carries not more than 30 years of incarceration.
-Felon in Possession of Firearm, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), which carries a potential sentence of 10 years incarceration. However, if a defendant has 3 prior convictions for violent crimes or serious drug offenses, then he/she faces not less than 15 years of incarceration up to life;
-Drug User in Possession of Firearm, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3), which carries a potential sentence of 10 years of incarceration;
-Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crimes, 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), which carries not less than 5 years of incarceration up to life;
-Use of a Communication Facility to Facilitate Drug Crime, 21 U.S.C. § 843(b), which carries not more than 4 years of incarceration.
The indictment also seeks to forfeit tools used in the crimes and proceeds from the crimes, including a residence located at 1199 West Shore Drive, Brunswick, Georgia.
The following individual was charged under the Georgia Controlled Substances Act with Conspiracy to Purchase Marijuana and Use of Communication Facility in Commission of a Felony Involving Controlled Substances:
Kenneth Bradley, Jr. (age 21) of Brunswick.
The following were charged under the Georgia Controlled Substances Act with Conspiracy to Purchase a Controlled Substance and Use of Communication Facility in Commission of a Felony Involving Controlled Substances:
Dana Smith (age 40) of Brunswick;
Clyde Underwood (age 58) of Brunswick;
Sarah Myrick (age 35) of Brunswick;
Eric Lashawn Hall (age 45) of Brunswick;
Antonio Givens (age 46) of Brunswick;
Doug Coffey (age 45) of Brunswick; and,
Travis Collins (age 39) of Brunswick.
United States Attorney Bobby L. Christine said, “The federal government is committed to working with local law enforcement agencies to dismantle the drug trafficking organizations who are ruining our communities and endangering our citizens. Let this indictment serve as another warning that we will hunt you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
ATF Resident Agent in Charge Timothy Graden states: “These arrests are the product of concerted collaborative efforts on the part of ATF, the Glynn County Sheriff’s office, the McIntosh County Sheriff’s office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to target, investigate, and prosecute the perpetrators of a major drug trafficking organization. Many of the defendants are convicted felons with extensive criminal histories that date back more than 20 years. ATF and its law enforcement partners acted judiciously on information developed during this 1 ½ year investigation resulting in the seizure of large quantities of cocaine, marijuana, U.S. currency, firearms and ammunition. ATF is pleased with the success of this operation, but unfortunately this operation also highlights the persistence of narcotics traffickers and demonstrates that this type of crime must be continuously battled. ATF will continue to dedicate federal resources in partnership with other law enforcement agencies in the pursuit of reducing violent crime and armed drug trafficking.”
McIntosh County Sheriff Stephen D. Jessup states: “I could not be more pleased with the results. Even though the majority of those involved in the drug trafficking organization lived and operated in Glynn County, the amount of cocaine flowing into McIntosh County through this organization had a staggering effect on our community. The work done here is exemplary of the type of partnerships and teamwork that I hope continues between these agencies.”
Glynn County Sheriff E. Neal Jump states: “This has proven to be a very successful operation and I believe it will have a significant impact on the illegal drug trade here in Glynn County. This case has led to one of the largest seizes of cocaine and marijuana in this area in quite some time. I, along with the men and women of my office, look forward to partnering with these agencies as well as others to continue working towards a safer community for our citizens.”
Jackie Johnson, District Attorney for the Brunswick Judicial Circuit, stated “Narcotics abuse and distribution is the driving force behind violent crime, theft and many other social ills in Glynn County. Our office is grateful for the work of our Sheriff, Federal law enforcement, and the U.S. Attorney in targeting this problem.”
United States Attorney Christine emphasized that an indictment is only an accusation and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the Government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The operation was investigated by ATF, the Glynn County Sheriff’s Office, and the McIntosh Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew Josephson and Greg Gilluly are prosecuting these cases for the United States. Assistant District Attorney Liberty Stewart is prosecuting these cases for the state of Georgia. For any questions, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422.
'Pimp' Sentenced to 15 Years for Transporting Women from Dayton Across the Country to Engage in ProstitutionRead the Press Release
DAYTON – Lord Tyrone Al-Ahmin, 43, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 180 months in prison and a seven-year term of supervised release for transporting women interstate to engage in prostitution.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Angela L. Byers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, and Dayton Police Chief Richard S. Biehl announced the sentence handed down today by U.S. District Judge Timothy S. Black.
According to court documents, the FBI received information that a number of women engaged in prostitution at Al-Ahmin’s direction and control since 2005. Victims told law enforcement they were physically assaulted and threatened by Al-Ahmin.
One victim said she met Al-Ahmin in Dayton, when Al-Ahmin told the female he was a pimp and traveled around the country with women who engaged in prostitution. He told the victim she could work for him but she would be required to provide him with all of her prostitution proceeds. In exchange, he would provide her with food, clothing and heroin.
Al-Ahmin regularly carried a handgun and threatened to kill the female on a daily basis. He pointed the gun at her head and hit her in the face with the gun. He also told the female he had killed somebody in the past.
A second female victim met Al-Ahmin when he posed as a prostitution client and responded to her Backpage.com advertisement. Al-Ahmin picked the female up in his vehicle in Dayton, but rather than engage in any sexual activity, he purchased crack cocaine for the victim to use and drove her to Wisconsin.
He physically assaulted her on nearly a daily basis and threatened to kill her. He hit her, fractured her ribs, held a knife to her face and urinated in her mouth. Al-Ahmin also had non-consensual and aggressive sex with her. He told this victim he had killed four people in the past.
The Statement of Facts details that from August to October 2014, Ah-Ahmin transported at least three adult females from Dayton to other cities in Ohio, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Texas and elsewhere to engage in prostitution.
In many of these cities, Al-Ahmin posted advertisements on Backpage.com to solicit prostitution clients. He sometimes paid for hotel rooms for use in servicing prostitution clients. Al-Ahmin was paid the money that the females received for sexual acts during their travels.
“The horrible facts of this case illustrate the reality of sex trafficking,” said U.S. Attorney Glassman.
Al-Ahmin pleaded guilty in June 2016 to three counts of transporting interstate for the purpose of prostitution. He was arrested by FBI agents in Las Vegas in January 2015.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the cooperative investigation by the FBI and Dayton Police Department, as well as Assistant United States Attorney Kyle J. Healey, who is representing the United States in this case.
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Wednesday 14 March 2018
Woman Arrested at Dulles with Seven Kilograms of Suspected HeroinRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A United States citizen who resides in Mexico was arrested early Saturday morning on charges of importing heroin into the United States.
According to court documents, Nelly Davila, 39, arrived at Washington Dulles International Airport on March 9 from Mexico City carrying a suitcase containing over seven kilograms of a substance that field-tested positive for heroin. Customs and Border Protection agents found the contraband concealed in her suitcase as she attempted to re-enter the United States.
Davila is scheduled for a preliminary hearing and detention hearing today at 2 p.m. at the federal courthouse in Alexandria.
Davila is charged with importing a schedule I controlled substance and faces a maximum penalty of 40 years and a mandatory minimum of five years 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, Casey Owen Durst, Director of Customs and Border Protection’s Baltimore Field Office, and Patrick J. Lechleitner, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C., made the announcement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Williamson 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. 1:18-mj-122.
A criminal complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
Winchester Woman Sentenced for Stealing More Than a Million DollarsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Winchester woman was sentenced today for bank fraud after using forged checks and account numbers to steal nearly a million dollars.
Sager Kopchak, a/k/a Sager Dallai, 34, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf to 18 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay a fine of $10,000. In September 2017, Kopchak was charged and agreed to plead guilty to four counts of bank fraud.
In late 2009, Kopchak contacted an individual she knew and asked to stay with the individual for a few weeks while Kopchak received cancer treatment. Kopchak stayed with the individual from late 2009 until the summer of 2010, and paid neither rent nor utilities. In reality, Kopchak did not have cancer and was not undergoing cancer treatment. While staying with the individual, Kopchak stole a checkbook and, over the next eight years, stole nearly $1 million by forging checks and using the routing numbers from the stolen checks to make charges against the individual’s account. Kopchak used the stolen money to make high end purchases such as a pair of 2.05 karat diamond earrings ($9,700), five fur coats (totaling $21,297), Chanel purses (totaling $9,649), a Cartier watch ($3,250) and a trip to the Bahamas ($11,166), among other things.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. The case was investigated with the assistance of the Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Miron Bloom of Lelling’s Economic Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Wheelwright Man Sentenced to 120 Months for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PIKEVILLE, Ky. – A Wheelwright, Ky. man, David Glenn Boyd, 53, has been sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, to be followed by a Life term of supervised release, for knowingly distributing child pornography.
Yesterday, Chief United States District Judge Karen K. Caldwell formally sentenced Boyd, who must serve 85 percent of his federal prison sentence.
Boyd previously admitted that, in August of 2016, he knowingly distributed images of child pornography over the Internet. A forensic examination of Boyd’s laptop computer revealed 42 still images and 35 videos of child pornography. The investigation was the result of a Cyber Tipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). As a result of the Cyber Tip, the Kentucky State Police (KSP) conducted an investigation, which led them to obtain a search warrant for Boyd’s residence. During the execution of that search warrant the KSP seized Boyd’s computer and other electronic media.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Amy Hess, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Rick Sanders, KSP Commissioner, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and KSP. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney David Marye.
West Virginia Business Owner Sentenced to Prison for Failing to Pay Employment TaxesRead the Press Release
A Fayette County, West Virginia, business owner was sentenced today to 15 months in prison for failing to pay over employment taxes, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Michael B. Stuart for the Southern District of West Virginia.
According to documents and information provided to the court, from 2008 through 2012, Steve Lopez, 68, owned and operated Ready Transport Services (RTS), a transportation business that mainly provided taxi services. From 2009 through 2012 he also owned RTS Ice Cream, Coffee and Candy Shop. Both businesses were located in Montgomery, West Virginia. Lopez was responsible for collecting and paying over to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) social security, Medicare, and income taxes withheld from his employees’ wages. He also was responsible for paying the employer’s share of his employees’ social security and Medicare taxes. Lopez admitted that he did not pay approximately $393,851 in employment taxes due to the IRS, including funds he withheld from his employees’ paychecks as well as money he owed as their employer.
In addition to the term of prison imposed, U.S. District Court Judge John T. Copenhaver Jr. ordered Lopez to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $393,851 in restitution to the IRS.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Stuart commended special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Tax Division Trial Attorneys Mara Strier and Alexander Effendi, who prosecuted the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Waterloo Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison after Illegally Possessing Gun Used in Shooting of 17 Year-Old BoyRead the Press Release
A Waterloo man who illegally possessed a gun he used to shoot a minor was sentenced today to the maximum allowed under the law, ten years in prison.
Eric Cortez Sallis, age 27, from Waterloo, Iowa received the prison term after a July 14, 2017, guilty plea to possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon.
At the guilty plea, Sallis admitted that on December 10, 2016, he illegally possessed a loaded Sig Sauer 9mm handgun. Police located the gun during a search of an apartment in Waterloo. Evidence at the sentencing hearing established that Sallis had shot another person on November 27, 2016. On that day, while at a residence in Waterloo, Sallis confronted a 17 year-old boy. During the confrontation, Sallis shot the boy three times. The victim was taken to Allen Memorial Hospital and treated for gunshot wounds. Law enforcement examined the gun that police seized on December 10 and determined it was the gun used in the shooting. Sallis admitted to shooting the victim at the sentencing hearing.
Sallis was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade. Sallis was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Sallis is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa C. Williams and was investigated by a Federal Task Force composed of the Waterloo Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms assisted by the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office and Cedar Falls Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-CR-2017.
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Virginia Man Arraigned on Armed Bank Robbery ChargeRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Ahmed Sadek, 23, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, was arraigned today in U.S. District Court on an armed bank robbery charge.
According to court records, on November 17, 2017, the defendant robbed a Key Bank branch located in Portland using what appeared to be a firearm.
The defendant faces up to 25 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Portland Police Department in conjunction with the Southern Maine Gang Task Force, which is comprised of agents and officers from the FBI; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; the York County Sheriff’s Office; and the Portland, South Portland, and Lewiston Police Departments.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney Chris Myers to Serve on Native American Issues and Controlled Substance SubcommitteesRead the Press Release
North Dakota’s U.S. Attorney Chris Myers will be serving on the Native American Issues Subcommittee (NAIS), which is part of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC).
The AGAC was created in 1973 to serve as the voice of U.S. Attorneys and to advise the Attorney General on policy, management, and operational issues impacting U.S. Attorneys. The NAIS is made up of U.S. Attorneys from across the United States whose Districts contain Indian Country or one or more federally recognized tribes. The NAIS focuses exclusively on Indian Country issues, both criminal and civil, and is responsible for making policy recommendations to the Attorney General of the United States regarding public safety and legal issues that affect tribal communities. U.S. Attorney Myers added, "The U.S. Attorney’s Office has dedicated an Assistant U.S. Attorney to each of the reservations in North Dakota. Violent crime in our tribal communities continues to be a priority." NAIS is chaired by U.S. Attorney Trent Shores of the Northern District of Oklahoma.
U.S. Attorney Myers will also serve on the Controlled Substances Subcommittee of AGAC. U.S. Attorney Myers noted, "The opiate crisis continues to be priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in North Dakota. We will continue our strong partnership with all stakeholders in North Dakota to further build upon the multi-faceted approach to this deadly challenge. The Controlled Substance Subcommittee is chaired by U.S. Attorney Christina Nolan of Vermont.
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Two Plead Guilty to Insurance Fraud by ArsonRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Two men pled guilty today in federal court for their respective roles in a scheme to commit insurance fraud by arson, announced United States Attorney Michael B. Stuart. Dudley Bledsoe, age 63, of Hanover, Wyoming County, and Ricky Dwayne Gleason, age 54, of Peach Creek, Logan County, both pleaded guilty to a charge of unlawful monetary transactions before Senior District Court Judge David A. Faber in Bluefield. United States Attorney Mike Stuart commended the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, the West Virginia State Police and the West Virginia Office of the Insurance Commissioner.
“As West Virginia citizens, we all ultimately pay the price for this type of crime. That is why, regardless of the amount of monetary loss, we will continue to aggressively prosecute individuals who perpetrate fraudulent schemes,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.
In the spring of 2012, Bledsoe, with the assistance of James Edward Lester, also known as “Punkin,” and others, purchased a house in Matoaka, Mercer County. The purchase price was approximately $38,000. They insured the property for over $300,000 and set fire to the house in December of 2012 using cardboard and unscented candle oil. Bledsoe, with the help of others, then filed false claims for the house and its contents. Bledsoe collected the proceeds and divided the proceeds with others involved in the scheme.
In May of 2013, Gleason purchased a house in his name on Norwood Road in Huntington, West Virginia for $100,000 and insured it for over $400,000. Funds for the purchase were provided by others involved in the scheme. The next month, Gleason and others staged the house to be burned using cardboard and unscented candle oil. While Gleason was out of town in order to concoct an alibi, others connected with the scheme set fire to the house. Gleason filed a claim for the loss of the house as well as false contents lists with the insurance company and collected over $280,000 in insurance proceeds. The proceeds were divided with others in the scheme.
Bledsoe and Gleason each face up to 10 years imprisonment and up to a $250,000 fine when they are sentenced on May 30, 2018. Windel Lester, James Edward Lester, also known as “Punkin,” Georgetta Kenney, Greg A. Lester and James Keith Browning are currently facing charges in a 40 count indictment for their respective roles in the scheme. Their trial is set for May 8, 2018, in Bluefield.
Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart
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Two More Defendants Plead Guilty for Roles in Federal Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Two men pled guilty today for their roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. James Rodney Staples, 39, of Woodbridge, VA, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine, more than 280 grams of cocaine base, and more than one kilogram of heroin. Esau Burnette, 38, 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. Staples and Burnette 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.
“A drug trafficking network has been dismantled as a result of this long-term, cooperative investigation. Along with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners we will continue to take down networks of traffickers pedaling dangerous drugs in our communities,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.
James Rodney Staples admitted that between August 2016 and June 28, 2017, he took part in a drug trafficking conspiracy with multiple participants involving the distribution of cocaine, cocaine base, also known as “crack,” and heroin. Staples admitted that Velarian Carter, another co-defendant in this case, requested his help in operating the drug trafficking organization while Carter was incarcerated on other drug charges. Staples admitted he paid other members to assist him in distributing the controlled substances and to collect money acquired through the illegal drug trafficking. As part of the agreement, Staples agreed to the forfeiture of $50,000, which represented proceeds of his illegal drug trafficking activity.
Esau Burnette 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. Burnette admitted to assisting in manufacturing cocaine into “crack.” During this time he admitted to distributing and possessing with intent to distribute approximately 20 ounces of cocaine. Burnette further admitted that on June 28, 2017, police officers executed a search warrant at his residence in Beckley. Officers found $2,797 in cash, and a quantity of “crack.” Burnette admitted that the cash was obtained through the illegal drug trafficking activity and has agreed to forfeit the cash to the United States.
Staples faces at least 10 years and up to life, and Burnette faces at least five years and up to 40 years in federal prison, when they are sentenced on May 30, 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, face a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison when they are sentenced on March 14, 2018. 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.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of these prosecutions. The Staples and Burnette 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.
Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart
Tulsa Man Sentenced to 13 ½ Years in Prison for CarjackingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Trent Shores announced that Joshua Wofford, 33, of Tulsa, was sentenced today by United States District Judge John Dowdell to serve 162 months in federal prison. A jury previously found Wofford guilty of violating the federal carjacking statute. The jury acquitted Wofford of a related firearm count. After release from prison, Wofford must serve three years on supervised release. Parole has been abolished in the federal system.
On June 4, 2017, Wofford took a Chevrolet truck from a mother and her three children while they were parked in a convenience store parking lot in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He then led Tulsa Police Officers on a high speed chase and hid in a wooded area until he was captured by Tulsa Police Officers.
United States Attorney Shores stated, “Violent crime can come with big time in the federal system. Carjackers should be on notice that federal prosecutors are working side by side with the Tulsa Police Department and ATF to protect our community. A 13 1/2 year sentence sends a strong message to any would be violent criminal.”
The Tulsa Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives jointly investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Eric O. Johnston represented the United States at the jury trial.
Transport Logistics International Inc. Agrees to Pay $2 Million Penalty to Resolve Foreign Bribery CaseRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Greenbelt, Maryland - Transport Logistics International Inc. (TLI), a Maryland-based company that provides services for the transportation of nuclear materials to customers in the United States and abroad, agreed to resolve criminal charges in connection with a scheme that involved the bribery of an official at a subsidiary of Russia’s State Atomic Energy Corporation and to pay a $2 million criminal penalty. Three individuals have been charged for their alleged roles in the bribery scheme.
Acting U.S. Attorney Stephen M. Schenning of the District of Maryland, Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Principal Deputy Inspector General April G. Stephenson of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Inspector General (DOE-OIG) and Assistant Director in Charge Andrew W. Vale of the FBI’s Washington, D.C. Field Office made the announcement.
TLI entered into a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) with the Department in connection with a criminal information filed in the District of Maryland charging the company with conspiracy to violate the anti-bribery provisions of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). In the DPA, TLI and the Department agreed that, because of the company’s financial inability to pay the penalty calculated under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, the appropriate criminal penalty is $2 million. As part of the agreement, TLI also committed to cooperate fully with the Department’s ongoing investigation, and to continue to implement a compliance and ethics program designed to prevent and detect violations of the FCPA and other anti-corruption laws throughout its operations. In reaching the resolution with the Department, TLI received full credit for its substantial cooperation with the Department’s investigation and for engaging in remedial measures, including terminating the employment of all employees engaged in the misconduct.
“Bribery of foreign officials not only distorts markets and undermines democratic institutions; it can also pervert the incentives of those who are in a position to safeguard the public, as it did in this case involving the transportation of nuclear material,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Cronan. “Today’s resolution, along with the related charges against the corporate executives and the Russian official in this matter, underscore the Department’s continued commitment to holding both companies and individuals accountable for their roles in corruption-related crimes and for breaching the public’s trust.”
“The Department of Energy remains committed to ensuring the integrity of our contractors and subcontractors, as well as providing the nation transparency, accountability, and security when it comes to safe and reliable transport of sensitive materials,” said Principal Deputy Inspector General Stephenson. “We appreciate the efforts of the FBI, the Justice Department’s FCPA Unit and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in pursuing this matter and will continue to work collaboratively with them to aggressively investigate those who seek to defraud Department programs.”
“Today’s charges reflect the determination and ability of the FBI to investigate and prosecute companies that engage in foreign corrupt business practices, regardless of how sophisticated or far-flung the scheme may be,” said Assistant Director in Charge Vale. “No entity is above the law and those that try to perpetrate a similar scheme will be pursued by the FBI.”
According to admissions and court documents, beginning in at least 2004 and continuing until at least 2014, TLI conspired with others to corruptly pay more than $1.7 million to offshore bank accounts associated with shell companies, at the direction of, and for the benefit of, Vadim Mikerin, a Russian official at JSC Techsnabexport (TENEX), a subsidiary of Russia’s State Atomic Energy Corporation. The bribe payments were made to help TLI secure improper business advantages and obtain and retain business with TENEX. In order to effectuate and conceal the bribe payments, TLI executives and others caused fake invoices to be prepared, purportedly from TENEX to TLI, that described services that were never provided. TLI then wired payments for those purported services to shell companies in Latvia, Cyprus and Switzerland to further the bribery scheme.
On June 17, 2015, TLI co-president Daren Condrey pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the FCPA and commit wire fraud. On Aug. 31, 2015, Mikerin pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering involving violations of the FCPA, and Mikerin was sentenced to 48 months in prison on Dec. 15, 2015. On Jan. 12, an 11-count indictment was unsealed against TLI co-president Mark Lambert, which charged Lambert with one count of conspiracy to violate the FCPA and to commit wire fraud, seven counts of violating the FCPA, two counts of wire fraud and one count of international promotion money laundering. The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The cases against TLI and Lambert are assigned to U.S. District Court Judge Theodore D. Chuang of the District of Maryland.
The case is being investigated by DOE-OIG and the FBI. Assistant Chiefs Ephraim Wernick and Christopher J. Cestaro and Trial Attorney Derek J. Ettinger of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorneys David I. Salem and Michael T. Packard of the District of Maryland, are prosecuting the case.
The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in this matter. The Department also thanks its law enforcement colleagues in Switzerland, Latvia and Cyprus for providing valuable assistance with the investigation and prosecution of the case.
The Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting all FCPA matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa.
Torrey Scott Indicted for Violations of the Federal Gun Control Act and the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
TORREY SCOTT, age 46, a resident of New Orleans, was charged in a four-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury for violations of the Federal Gun Control Act and the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to the indictment, SCOTT possessed firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, possession with the intent to distribute quantities of cocaine hydrochloride, heroin, and MDMA (ecstasy).
The charges arose out of two arrests of SCOTT by the New Orleans Police Department: the first on March 15, 2016, when SCOTT, a twice-convicted felon, possessed two Glock semi-automatic pistols, and the second on November 18, 2016, when SCOTT was found with the drugs, four other weapons, and $14,000 in cash.
If convicted, SCOTT faces, on Counts 1 and 2 of the indictment, a term of imprisonment of up to ten years and a fine of up to $250,000; five years to run consecutive to any other sentence as to Count 3; and up to twenty years and/or a $1,000,000 fine as to Count 4.
U. S. Attorney Duane A. Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the New Orleans Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Michael E. McMahon.
Three Miami-Area Home Health Agency Owners Charged for Role in Health Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Three Miami, Florida-area home health agency owners were charged in an indictment unsealed yesterday for their alleged participation in a health care fraud scheme involving a now-defunct home health agency in Miami.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Benjamin G. Greenberg of the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Robert F. Lasky of the FBI’s Miami Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Shimon R. Richmond of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Miami Regional Office made the announcement.
Ailin Consuelo Rodriguez Sigler, 39; Zoila C. Rios, 57; and Tomas A. Rodriguez, 66, were charged in an indictment filed in the Southern District of Florida with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, and three counts of health care fraud. Sigler, Rios and Rodriguez were arrested yesterday morning and appeared yesterday afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Alicia M. Otazo-Reyes.
The indictment alleges that from approximately January 2011 through November 2014, Sigler, Rios and Rodriguez, owners of Florida Patient Care Corp. of Miami, Florida, were involved in a fraudulent scheme whereby they agreed with the owners and operators of multiple home health therapy staffing companies and others to bill Medicare for services that were medically unnecessary, not eligible for Medicare reimbursement, or were never provided.
According to the indictment, Sigler, Rios, Rodriguez and their co-conspirators allegedly caused the submission of false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for home health therapy care, and physical and occupational therapy services purportedly provided by Florida Patient Care Corp.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case was investigated by the FBI and HHS-OIG and was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, supervised by the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. Fraud Section Trial Attorney Yisel Valdes is prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, now operating in nine cities across the country, has charged nearly 3,500 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $12.5 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
Three Individuals Indicted in March 2018 Federal Grand JuryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office announced today the results of the March 2018 Federal Grand Jury.
The following named individuals have been charged with a federal crime or crimes by the return of an indictment by the Grand Jury. A grand jury Indictment does not constitute evidence of guilt. A grand jury Indictment is a method of bringing formal charges against the defendant. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and may not be found guilty unless evidence establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. United States Sentencing Guidelines may be considered, upon conviction, by the sentencing court. Federal prison sentences are non-parolable.
NICHOLAS RYAN RENFRO, age 25, of Tahlequah, OklahomaPossession Of A Counterfeit Obligation Of The United States (4 Counts)
On or about January 10, 2018, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the Defendant, NICHOLAS RYAN RENFRO, did knowingly have in his possession and custody, with intent to sell or otherwise use, falsely made and counterfeited notes, made after the similitude of obligations issued under the authority of the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 474(a); punishable by not more than 25 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00 or both for each count.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Tahlequah Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the United States Secret Service.
Assistant United States Attorney John David Luton.
RICHARD CURTIS WHETSELL, age 27, of Stilwell, OklahomaInterstate Violation Of A Protection Order
On or about the 7th day of February 2018, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, entered into and was present in Indian Country, with the intent to engage in conduct that would violate a portion of a protection order in the State of Oklahoma that was issued by the Adair County District Court on February 6, 2018, that ordered the defendant to leave and remain away from a specific residence, and the defendant did subsequently engage in such conduct by going to that specific location, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2262(a)(1), punishable by not more than 5 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00 or both.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Adair County Sheriff’s Office, the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Edward Snow
RONNIE RAY NEIHART, age 68, of Durant, OklahomaWire Fraud (15 Counts)
Beginning on or about June 3, 2010, and continuing through on or about August 31, 2017, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, RONNIE RAY NEIHART, defendant herein, knowingly and with the intent to defraud, devised and executed a scheme by making false statements to investors in order to sell them units of ownership in OG Land & Mineral, LLC, and EX-OG Energy, LLC, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, punishable by not more than 20 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00 or both for each count.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Melody Nelson
Thomas Lawton Evans Jr. Federally IndictedRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that Thomas Lawton Evans Jr., 37, of Boiling Springs, South Carolina, was charged in a three count federal indictment. Count One charges Kidnapping Involving a Person Under the Age of 18, a violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1201(a)(1) and (g), and is punishable by a minimum term of imprisonment of 20 years and up to life. Count Two charges Transportation of a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2423(a), and is punishable by a minimum of 10 years imprisonment and up to life. Count Three charges Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Person under the age of Twelve, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2241(c), which is punishable by a minimum term of imprisonment of 30 years and a maximum sentence of life.
Evans was initially charged with a federal complaint. An arraignment date for his current federal charges has been set for March 27, 2018 at 9:45 in the Charleston Federal Courthouse, 85 Meeting St. Evans also faces several charges in state court.
The charges are the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Nathan Williams and Nick Bianchi are prosecuting the case.
The United States Attorney stated that all charges are merely accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Statement of John C. Anderson, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, Before the Senate Committee on Indian AffairsRead the Press Release
Chairman Hoeven, Vice-Chairman Udall, and Members of the Committee:
Thank you for inviting us today to discuss this critical issue and the Department of Justice’s (the Department) efforts to support Native communities dealing with the devastating aftermath of the opioid epidemic. The Department has been uncompromising in our commitment to combatting drug abuse and drug crimes, particularly opioids, in Indian country and across the nation.
In my district, New Mexico, the opioid crisis in Indian Country is particularly acute. Despite its staggering natural beauty, northern New Mexico, and Espanola, New Mexico in particular, has one of the highest opioid overdose death rates in the country. For decades, Espanola has had a severe heroin problem. And as you may know, Espanola is surrounded by Indian reservations. Many New Mexico Indian Pueblos, including the Pueblos of Santa Clara, Ohkay Owingeh, San Ildefonso, Picuris, Pojoaque, Nambe and Tesuque are all within a short distance of the Espanola area. The opioid epidemic knows no boundaries, and so our Pueblos are equally affected by heroin and prescription opioids; individuals and communities alike continue to be plagued by the opioid scourge and its secondary effects.
At a recent consultation in New Mexico, one Pueblo Governor shared photographs of the parking lot of their casino. The photos revealed discarded needles, syringes and other drug paraphernalia scattered about the casino parking lot.
At the same consultation, a Pueblo Chief of Police emotionally described losing a brother to a heroin overdose and a sister to a prescription opioid overdose. The Chief of Police explained that the drug epidemic is dire in Northern New Mexico and that something needs to be done to address the problem.
The catastrophic impact that opioid abuse can have at every level of a community, from family units to infrastructure and economic stability, demands our best efforts to put forth effective and sustainable support to communities in crisis. The Department has developed a multi-faceted response to addressing the threat and the impact of opioid abuse. Our approach in Indian country is based on the belief that the Tribes are in the best position to identify solutions to problems in their communities. We have sought to develop resources and initiatives that rely on partnership with the Tribes and are continually interested in hearing from our Tribal and federal partners as we adjust our efforts to better meet the needs of Native communities.
An important element of the Department’s support is in providing opportunities for funding. In fiscal year 2017, the Department awarded nearly $59 million to strengthen drug court programs and combat the opioid epidemic. The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) administers the Department’s “Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Program.” The goals of the Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Program are twofold: First, the program aims to reduce opioid misuse and the number of overdose fatalities. Second, the program supports the implementation, enhancement, and proactive use of prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) to support clinical decision-making and prevent the misuse and diversion of controlled substances. Tribes are eligible to apply for a variety of funding opportunities under this program. As an example of recent awards under this program, in Fiscal Year 2017, the Seneca Nation Peacemakers Court was awarded funds to create a community-driven, culturally competent diversion project aimed at helping Native American opioid users. The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe was awarded funds in Fiscal Year 2017 to support drug courts and programs that support veterans. The Department will continue to offer these opportunities to Tribes going forward.
The Department understands that effective coordination among federal agencies is crucial to ensuring our efforts are successful. We have participated in the High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program, funded through the Office of National Drug Control Policy, for many years now. The HIDTA program increases collaboration and information sharing between Tribal law enforcement and federal, state, and local agencies to improve investigation and interdiction in Indian country. As the Department continues to participate in the HIDTA program, our law enforcement agencies, particularly the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), have been working to build stronger relationships with other law enforcement agencies and service providers active in Indian country so that we are able to adjust our Task Force presence in Indian country most effectively.
The Indian Country Law Enforcement Coordination Working Group, co-chaired by the Department of Justice and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) at the Department of the Interior, has become important to enhancing inter-agency federal law enforcement coordination in tribal communities. The group includes representatives from 13 federal law enforcement agencies and has focused heavily on several aspects of the opioid epidemic including proliferation, identifying top challenges to law enforcement, and coordinating responses. We will continue to use this working group to strengthen our coordinated efforts. For example, trafficking through the mail is a significant concern and we intend to use this working group as a forum to develop better ways to stop the movement of opioids through the postal service.
We recognize that the crisis requires more than a law enforcement response, so our efforts to coordinate go beyond law enforcement. For example, the Department is working closely with the Indian Health Service (IHS) of the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure that other federal agencies are aware of updated Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) protocols in IHS facilities. The updated protocols have an impact on how some drug crimes are investigated and prosecuted, and on efforts to introduce safeguards against opioid abuse. Additionally, we have developed a number of training opportunities to better equip law enforcement and service providers working in Indian country to address the drug crimes and the familial and community impacts of opioid abuse. The Department has presented recent trainings, often in coordination with BIA, on opioid trends, investigative techniques, drug handling precautions regarding opioids, naloxone use, and indicators that opioids are present in a community. Other training is available on violent crime associated with opioids, prescription drug diversion, and investigating and prosecuting medical professionals and others involved in distributing prescription medications outside the scope of legitimate medical practice. These training opportunities are available to Tribal law enforcement and, in some cases, entirely geared for a Tribal audience. The Department is currently working with BIA on a new opportunity tentatively slated for this summer that will bring Tribal law enforcement representatives together with a number of federal law enforcement agencies to train on a wide range of drug-related topics.
Community outreach is another important aspect of our approach to this issue. The DEA has conducted a prolonged community outreach effort in Indian country to educate Tribal leaders and citizens on opioids and other drugs. Additionally, on October 28, 2017, the Department and BIA collaborated on the most recent Prescription Drug Take Back Day, which is a nationwide program that has also allowed the successful collaboration between BIA and DEA. This initiative provided a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing prescription drugs, while also educating Native communities on the potential for opioid abuse. Over 115 Tribal communities participated; we intend to repeat this initiative and expand participation in the future.
Improved information sharing plays a crucial role in any law enforcement effort, even more so in the context of opioids as we all work to get ahead of this terrible epidemic. The Tribal Access Program for National Crime Information (TAP) is an effective tool for participating Tribes to track and contribute data on opioid-related crimes and to perform required background checks. TAP assists Tribes by providing a means of access to national crime databases maintained by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division for both criminal justice and civil background check purposes. This has been an especially important tool for performing checks on those who have regular contact with children in Indian country, including schools and foster care. Service providers in Indian country carry much of the burden of healing communities in the wake of opioid abuse, so we believe TAP plays an equally necessary role in ensuring safe providers as it does in sharing important law enforcement information.
The use of data analytics to combat the opioid crisis is among the new tactics that are under development Department-wide. Attorney General Sessions formed the Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit to utilize data analytics, such as distribution and inventory figures, to identify patterns, trends, and statistical outliers that can be developed into targeted law enforcement operations. As we better understand the data across the country we will be able to better understand patterns and trends in Indian country.
Our goal is clear: we must continue working in partnership with Tribal, federal, state, and local partners to respond to the opioid epidemic and to support communities that are affected by the crisis. We are committed to putting forth our best efforts in this joint undertaking. We appreciate this committee’s focus on this issue and look forward to working with you going forward. Thank you again for the opportunity to participate today.
Springdale Man Setenced to over 5 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Methamphetamine with the Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas - Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that John Mullens, age 38, of Springdale, was sentenced today to 67 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release and was ordered to pay a $2,500.00 fine on one count of Possession With Intent To Distribute more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, on or about August 11, 2017, investigators the 4th Judicial Drug Task Force ("DTF") searched the home where John Mullens was present in Springdale, Arkansas. During the search investigators found 11 bags containing approximately 158 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, digital scales, baggies and a methamphetamine pipe. Mullens stated that everything in the living room belonged to him. The Arkansas State Crime Lab results reflect that the substance recovered contained approximately 130.1 grams of actual methamphetamine.
Mullens was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2017 and entered a guilty plea in December 2017.
This case was investigated by the 4th Judicial District Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Amy Driver prosecuted the case for the United States.
South Carolina Man Sentenced to Ten Years for Federal Methamphetamine Trafficking Conviction in New MexicoRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Brandon Carr, 28, of Pawleys Island, S.C., was sentenced this afternoon in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to 120 months in prison for his methamphetamine trafficking conviction. Carr will be on supervised release for four years after completing his prison sentence.
Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) deputies arrested Carr in Aug. 2014, after finding approximately 5,808 grams of methamphetamine in Carr’s vehicle following a routine traffic stop. The methamphetamine was concealed in four 1.5 liter bottles of liquid. Carr subsequently was indicted on Sept. 9, 2014, and was charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on Aug. 13, 2014, in Bernalillo County, N.M.
On April 5, 2017, Carr pled guilty to a felony information charging him with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. In entering the guilty plea, Carr admitted that on Aug. 13, 2014, BCSO deputies found four 1.5 liter bottles, which were labeled as apple juice but contained 5,808 grams of methamphetamine, in the trunk of his vehicle following a routine traffic stop. Carr admitted that he obtained the methamphetamine in Los Angeles, Calif., and intended to deliver the methamphetamine to another person.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the DEA and the BCSO and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James R.W. Braun.
Social Security Administration Security Guard Pleads Guilty to Creating A False Incident Report Omitting the Fact That the Guard Repeatedly Punched A VisitorRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that EDWIN CABAN, a former Protective Security Officer, pleaded guilty yesterday to creating a false incident report in which CABAN intentionally omitted the fact that CABAN had repeatedly punched a member of the public at a branch of the Social Security Administration (“SSA”), despite knowing that this omission was unlawful. CABAN pled guilty to a Superseding Indictment before U.S. District Court Judge Lorna G. Schofield, who will impose sentencing.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Protective Security Officers are charged with protecting those who enter federal facilities. But, as he admitted in court, Protective Security Officer Edwin Caban repeatedly punched a visitor and then filed a false incident report omitting that fact. Caban betrayed the public trust and violated the law.”
According to the allegations in the Superseding Indictment, to which CABAN pled guilty today as to Count Two, and the related Complaint in which he was originally charged on April 24, 2017:
The SSA has multiple branch offices located throughout New York City, where claimants may request SSA services and make inquiries regarding social security benefits and Social Security cards. One branch office is located at 123 William Street (the “123 William Office”), in Manhattan. The 123 William Office is staffed by two Protective Security Officers, who are employees of a contractor for the Federal Protective Service of the United States Department of Homeland Security. The 123 William Office has several surveillance cameras, which captured the incident.
The Incident
At approximately 12:37 p.m. on June 22, 2016, the victim (“Victim-1”) entered the 123 William Office, wheeling an elderly gentleman in a wheelchair into the reception area. CABAN attempted to move the wheelchair, which Victim-1 asked him not to do. After CABAN stepped away, Victim-1 withdrew a cellphone from his pocket. CABAN then walked back to Victim-1 and repeatedly accused him of taking a picture with his cellphone, which Victim-1 denied.
As recorded by security camera footage obtained from the SSA, CABAN at this point reached out toward Victim-1, and Victim-1 put both of his hands up in the air, with his palms facing CABAN. CABAN then took hold of Victim-1’s waist with both hands, pivoted, turned Victim-1 around, and then pushed Victim-1 backward toward the elevator bank. CABAN continued to push Victim-1 backward, toward a desk adjacent to the opening to the elevator bank, until Victim-1 fell backward over the desk. CABAN then took hold of Victim-1’s arms, and, as Victim-1 struggled to shake free of CABAN’s hold, CABAN took Victim-1 into the elevator bank.
After a brief struggle in the elevator bank, CABAN pushed Victim-1 up against a wall. Placing his left hand at the base of Victim-1’s throat, CABAN pinned Victim-1 against the wall. As Victim-1 stood there, not moving, with his hands up in the air in a gesture of surrender, CABAN punched Victim-1 four times in the chest and ribs. Victim-1 collapsed forward, and CABAN continued to hold on to Victim-1 as Victim-1 remained bent forward, clutching his abdomen.
At this point, CABAN’s partner, another protective security officer (“PSO-1”), arrived in the elevator bank from a back area of the office and approached CABAN and Victim-1. CABAN let go of Victim-1, who remained against the wall, not moving. As PSO-1 stood a few feet away, CABAN punched Victim-1 again in the chest. After several minutes passed, CABAN and PSO-1 escorted Victim-1 out of the elevator bank and back into the main floor area, back toward where the man in the wheelchair was waiting.
As a result of the attack, Victim-1 suffered bodily injuries, including fractured ribs, bruising, and physical pain.
Shortly after the incident, Victim-1 called 911 and two New York City Police Department officers responded. One of these officers (“Officer-1”) entered the 123 William Office and spoke with CABAN about Victim-1’s allegations. CABAN stated to Officer-1 that he put his hands on Victim-1 to remove him from the office, at which point Victim-1 “flopped” onto the desk, knocking things over. CABAN denied touching Victim-1 after that point and denied entering the elevator bank during the incident.
That same afternoon, CABAN placed a telephone call to an FPS reporting center, in which CABAN made an oral report about the incident. CABAN stated that there was “a disruptive client in here that needed to be escorted out;” he did not disclose that he struck Victim-1.
CABAN wrote and submitted a Security Incident Report. In that report, CABAN stated that, as he “attempted to guide [Victim-1] out” of the office, Victim-1 “yelled and jumped onto the security desk flairing [sic] arms and legs knocking equipment around.” CABAN then stated that he placed Victim-1 in an “arm bar” and “took him by the elevator banks,” that Victim-1 “tried to break [his] hold” at which point CABAN “grabbed him under his chin” and “mainta[ined] a hold of his arm.” CABAN stated that PSO-1 then arrived. CABAN reported no other use of force against Victim-1. In particular, nowhere in the report did CABAN state that he struck Victim-1.
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CABAN, 56, of Astoria, New York, pled guilty to one count of filing a false form, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Berman praised the investigative work of the FPS.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption and Civil Rights Units. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alison Moe and Jacob Lillywhite are in charge of the prosecution.
Settlement Between Department of Justice and Western Union will Provide $586 Million to Victims of FraudRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa is reminding consumers that if they lost money to a scammer through Western Union between January 1, 2004, and January 1h, 2017, they can submit a claim to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to potentially get their money back. The deadline to do so has been extended to May 31, 2018.
These potential refunds for consumers are the result of joint investigations by the FTC, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Western Union agreed to pay a $586 million settlement, and that money will be used to provide refunds. Once a consumer’s claim is verified by the DOJ, the amount of money returned to the consumer will depend on the total number of valid claims submitted.
Consumers who wish to file a claim or learn more about the refund process can visit the Western Union Refunds page on the FTC’s website at FTC.gov/WU. Consumers may also call 1-844-319-2124 to start a claim.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Sallisaw Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Samuel Jason Nutt, age 50, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, pled guilty to Felon In Possession Of Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(a)(2) and 924(e), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, or both; however, should the court determine he is an armed career criminal, he will be sentenced to not less than 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, or both.
The Indictment alleged that on or about December 29, 2017, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, Samuel Jason Nutt, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm, to-wit: One (1) Chinese, Model 54-1, 7.62 x 25mm caliber pistol, serial number 3700126799, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.The charges arose from an investigation by the Sallisaw Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States.
Registered Sex Offender Convicted of Receipt and Possession of Images of Child RapeRead the Press Release
A registered sex offender with prior convictions for raping a 12-year-old girl he met via the internet, was convicted today in U.S. District Court in Seattle of two federal felonies involving his receipt and possession of images of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. RICHARD DAVID BLICK, 65, formerly of Edmonds, Washington was indicted in September 2017, following an investigation by the King County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigation (HSI). The jury deliberated for about three hours following a two-day trial. U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour scheduled sentencing for June 12, 2018.
According to records in the case and testimony at trial, the electronic service provider Dropbox made a report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that an account later linked to BLICK was uploading pictures of child pornography. The subsequent law enforcement investigation revealed BLICK owned the Dropbox account and that he was a Level 3 registered sex offender with a 2001 conviction for raping a 12-year-old girl. In August 2017, law enforcement served search warrants on BLICK’s residence, an RV in Edmonds. On BLICK’s various electronic devices were thousands of images of child pornography as well as chats and videos with a 14-year-old California child whom BLICK convinced to send him sexually explicit images. BLICK has been in federal custody since his arrest in August 2017.
In closing arguments prosecutors noted that possession and receipt of child pornography is not a victimless crime, “Children are injured each and every time an adult trades in their misery… Child pornography keeps alive in the dark recesses of the internet the suffering that they have endured,” prosecutors told the jury.
BLICK faces a mandatory minimum 15 years in prison and up to 40 years in prison for receipt of child pornography. Possession of child pornography is punishable by a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of 20 years.
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 the King County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Hampton and Special Assistant United States Attorney Cecilia Gregson. Ms. Gregson is a Senior King County Deputy Prosecutor specially designated to prosecute child exploitation cases in federal court.
Ravenna men indicted on firearms and drug chargesRead the Press Release
Two Ravenna men were indicted on firearms and marijuana charges, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.
“These indictments demonstrate our commitment to prosecute people who carry firearms when they are not allowed by law to have them,” Herdman said. “We often see drug dealers using firearms as a tool of their trade, which increases the odds of a deadly encounter.”
Damen Winning, 23, was indicted on charges of possessing with intent to distribute marijuana, possessing a firearm in connection drug trafficking and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Winning on Nov. 16, 2017 possessed marijuana with the intent to distribute the drug. He also possessed firearms in connection to his drug trafficking. Winning possessed a Glock .40 pistol and ammunition, despite a prior conviction in the Portage County Court of Common Pleas for drug trafficking, according to the indictment.
Richard Lester Thomas, 63, is charged possession with intent to distribute marijuana and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Thomas on Sept. 20, 2017 possessed marijuana with the intent to distribute the drug, and a Ruger .22 rifle and ammunition despite prior convictions for attempted possession of chemicals to manufacture controlled substances and possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs in the Portage County Court of Common Pleas, according to the indictment.
The cases are unrelated.
Both cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer. The Winning investigation was conducted by the United States Marshal Service, the Akron Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. The Thomas investigation was conducted by the Portage County Drug Task Force and the ATF.
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.
Princeton Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. - A Princeton man pleaded guilty today to federal drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Jerome Jones, 53, of Princeton, West Virginia, entered his guilty plea to 7 counts distribution of a quantity of cocaine base, 2 counts possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base, and 1 count distribution of a quantity of cocaine.
Stuart praised the work of the West Virginia State Police. “We are committed to working with the fine men and women of the West Virginia State Police in their efforts to make West Virginia communities safer places to live, work and play,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.
Jones admitted that between May 18, 2016, and November 13 , 2017 , he sold quantities of cocaine and cocaine base to a confidential informant who was working with the police. Jones further admitted that on June 1, 2016 , and then again on December 20, 2017 , the West Virginia State Police executed a search warrant and at his residence and seized quantities of cocaine and cocaine base.
Jones faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each county when he is sentenced on May 30, 2018. United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the plea hearing.
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Portland Man Sentenced to Five Years for Crack TraffickingRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Salman Mohamed, 20, of Portland, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge D. Brock Hornby to five years in prison and four years of supervised release for possessing with intent to distribute cocaine base, commonly known as “crack.” He pleaded guilty on September 20, 2017.
Court records reveal that on May 31, 2017, the defendant possessed over 100 grams of crack. At that time, he was also on bail for a separate drug trafficking charge.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Portland Police Department.
Pittsburgh Man Charged with Violating Federal Drug LawsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh and charged with violations of the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The three-count indictment, returned on March 13, named Lewis Lamont Johnson, 35, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, from on or about September 22, 2017 to on or about October 11, 2017, Johnson conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of acetyl fentanyl. The indictment also alleges that on or about October 11, 2017, Johnson possessed with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. The indictment further alleges that on or about October 11, 2017, Johnson attempted to possess with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of acetyl fentanyl.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000.00, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Shardul S. Desai is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)/Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), United States Postal Inspection Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Physician Owner of HNC and Wife Sentenced for Health Care Fraud Offenses Involving Prescription Opiate Pain MedicationRead the Press Release
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – On March 14, 2018, Dr. Abdelrahman Mohamed, 64, and Cecilia Manacsa, 59, both of Morristown, Tennessee, were sentenced by the Honorable J. Ronnie Greer, U.S. District Judge, to serve 36 months and 16 months respectively in federal prison. In addition to his prison sentence, Mohamed also paid $730,000 in restitution.
Mohamed and Manacsa both pleaded guilty in September 2017, to an 11-count information charging them with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and 10 counts of health care fraud.
Mohamed was the owner and operator of Hamblen Neuroscience Center (HNC), a neurology and pain management facility located in Morristown, Tennessee. Manacsa, his wife, worked at HNC as a supervisor of various employees, including the employee responsible for submitting bills to Medicare and Medicaid (known as TennCare in the state of Tennessee). A detailed account of their offenses is included in the information and plea agreements on file with the U.S. District Court.
Mohamed, who was the only physician on staff at HNC, provided medical treatment to a variety of patients, most of whom sought treatment for chronic pain and had health insurance provided by TennCare or Medicare. Between January 2012 and September 2016 Mohamed and Manacsa developed a scheme to schedule far more patients per day than could be attended to by Mohamed. On average, they scheduled between 40 and 60 pain management patients per day, during the estimated six-hour period that Mohamed worked. To deal with the high volume, on many occasions staff members were instructed to line up the patients in the hallway outside of Mohamed's office, escort the first patient into the office for a one to two minute open-door meeting, then hand Mohamed a partially completed prescription for an opiate pain management medication, which he signed and gave to the patient. This process was repeated until all waiting patients had received a prescription for a controlled substance. Each patient was then scheduled for another appointment the following month at which time the process was repeated.
Mohamed admitted that during the fraud he issued thousands of prescriptions for opiate controlled substances and frequently did so on a recurring monthly basis, often for years. He also admitted that when he issued such prescriptions he was doing so outside of the scope of ordinary medical practice.
After these visits, Mohamed and Manacsa instructed HNC staff members to submit fraudulent bills to TennCare and Medicare claiming that they were owed approximately $1,538,000 for services they had not actually provided to these patients. This fraud resulted in Medicare and TennCare paying approximately $733,000 to HNC.
“This case sends a clear message to physicians and other health care providers in the Eastern District of Tennessee that investigating and prosecuting healthcare fraud related to prescription opioids is a top priority for the Department of Justice as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said J. Douglas Overbey, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee. “Our district’s participation in the Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit will provide us with the resources necessary to effectively investigate and prosecute medical providers, such as Mohamed and Manacsa, who are contributing to this epidemic by unlawfully diverting or dispensing opioids outside the scope of acceptable professional practice,” added U.S. Attorney Overbey.
“These defendants enriched themselves at the expense of taxpayers by defrauding Medicare and TennCare,” said Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “Their actions risked the health and safety of patients by prescribing opioids without a comprehensive physical exam. This sentence sends a strong message
that this type of behavior will be dealt with seriously,” added Jackson.
This case was investigated by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General. Assistance was provided by the Tennessee Department of Health as well as District Attorney General Dan Armstrong and the District Attorney’s Office for the Third Judicial District. Assistant U.S. Attorney T.J. Harker represented the United States.
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Newport News Couple Indicted for Robbery SpreeRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging a Newport News couple with 12 counts of robbery and two counts of use of a firearm during a crime of violence.
According to allegations in the indictment, Christopher Robertson, 33, and Aquilla Jones, 38, conspired together to commit a series of robberies in Virginia Beach, Newport News, York County, Chesapeake and Spotsylvania County.
According to the indictment, Robertson and Jones, along with unnamed co-conspirators agreed to rob these local businesses:
Date
Business
Sept. 24, 2013
Gulf Gas Station, 2120 Plank Road, Fredericksburg
Oct. 1, 2013
Captain D’s, 2626 Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg
Oct. 6, 2013
Big Lots, 4318 George Washington Highway, Yorktown
Oct. 8, 2013
Fast Mart, 5166 Mudd Tavern Road, Spotsylvania
Oct. 13, 2013
Food Lion, 7100 Salem Fields Blvd. Spottsylvania (Attempt)
Dec. 4, 2014
Citgo Gas Station, 780 J. Clyde Morris Ave., Newport News
Dec. 6, 2014
Shell Gas Station, 600 Hampton Highway, Yorktown
Dec. 6, 2014
Hop and Shop, 12961 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News
Dec. 8, 2014
Shell Gas Station, 10732 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News
Dec. 10, 2014
Smoke Shop, 3115 Western Branch Blvd., Chesapeake (Attempt)
Dec. 11, 2014
Mini-Mart, Green Meadows Drive, Virginia Beach
Dec. 12, 2014
Gulf Gas Station, 2120 Plank Road, Fredericksburg
Dec. 13, 2014
Subway Restaurant, 9817 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Fredericksburg
Robertson and Jones are charged with conspiracy to commit robbery, use of a firearm in a crime of violence, and Hobbs Act robbery. Each faces a mandatory minimum of 32 years in prison with 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, and Martin Culbreth, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement. 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.
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.
New York Man Indicted for Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A New York man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on charges of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The two-count indictment, returned on March 13, named Andrew Michael Dubois, age 32, of Jamestown, New York, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, on December 7, 2017, Dubois knowingly travelled in interstate commerce for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. The indictment further alleges that on December 7, 2017, Dubois possessed images and videos in computer graphic files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, some of whom had not yet attained 12 years of age.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 40 years imprisonment, a maximum term of lifetime supervised release, and a fine of $500,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)/Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the North Strabane Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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.justice.gov/psc.
New York Man Convicted of Heroin and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Reginald McBride, 41, of New York, New York, was convicted today following a three-day jury trial in U.S. District Court of being a felon in possession of a firearm, possessing heroin with the intent to distribute it, and using a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking offense. The charges arose out of a June 26, 2016 shooting at the Walmart in Augusta, Maine.
The evidence at trial revealed that on June 26, 2016, the defendant drove a vehicle to the Augusta Walmart carrying over 40 grams of heroin and a 9-mm pistol. When the defendant got to the Walmart, he engaged in a firefight with another individual. After the shooting, the defendant fled in his vehicle. Officers located the defendant and recovered the heroin. Officers later seized a loaded revolver, two more firearms, ammunition, a speed loader, and a scope from the vehicle.
Trial evidence revealed that the defendant used numerous aliases including “Kweasia McBride,” “Reggie McBride,” “Reginald Washington,” “Benjamin McBride,” “John Doe,” and “Sunny.” The defendant had prior felony convictions from Virginia and New York under a combination of these aliases.
The defendant faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release on the felon in possession charge; up to 20 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine, and life on supervised release on the drug charge; and a consecutive term of between five years and life, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release for using a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking offense.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Augusta Police Department; the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency; the Maine State Police Crime Laboratory; and the Bangor and Hallowell Police Departments.
New Bedford Seafood Wholesaler Sentenced for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former New Bedford seafood wholesaler was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for failing to file tax returns and filing a false tax return for his business’ income.
George F. Estudante, 57, formerly of Marion, Mass., was sentenced to one year and one day in prison, one year of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution of $105,357. In December 2017, Estudante pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to file tax returns and one count of filing a false income tax return.
Estudante failed to file an income tax return for 2010, even though his business, Basic Fisheries, received approximately $1,418,629 in payments. He also failed to file a tax return for 2011, although his business received approximately $1,607,726 in payments that year. Furthermore, Estudante falsely swore on his 2012 tax return that he had received approximately $533,078 in gross receipts when his bank account reflected that he had received over $740,000.
United States Andrew E. Lelling and Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen P. Heymann of Lelling’s Economic Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Multiple Defendants Sentenced for Participating in Large Scale Heroin and Cocaine RingRead the Press Release
DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces the successful completion of a Colorado law enforcement operation, resulting in convictions of 17 defendants for conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine, possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine, distribution of heroin and cocaine, money laundering, or using phones to facilitate felonies. In addition, the operation seized an estimated 12 kilos of heroin, 2 kilos of cocaine, 4 guns and $190,000 in cash.
Twenty-three individuals were indicted on June 23, 2016, for a variety of criminal charges linked to the “Castores” group, which was comprised mostly of individuals from Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico. Between approximately January 2010 and March 2015, this group transported heroin and cocaine from Arizona to Denver, Colorado, where they stored it in stash houses. Members then coordinated heroin and cocaine deliveries to approximately 20 street-level distributors in the Denver area. The organization’s “dispatcher” coordinated the runners and the street-level distributors each day, making sure the street-level distributors were ready to open the door for the runners as soon as the runners arrived. The day before the deliveries, the dispatcher would send requests for daily orders to the street-level distributors and make sure the runners knew what the street-level dealers wanted in terms of drug type (heroin or cocaine), quantity, and quality.
In order to facilitate the drug distribution, members used telephones to set the time, location, quantity, and price for the drug sales. The dispatcher frequently changed phones to avoid detection by law enforcement. Additionally, members used commercial wire transfer services to conceal and disguise the source, ownership, control, and location of the proceeds being sent to the suppliers in Sinaloa, Mexico. The members used false “sender” names and addresses to conceal the true ownership of the wires when they were sent.
Of the 23 defendants named in the fourth superseding indictment, 10 were sentenced as follows:
- Paul Rubio-Sepulveda aka Pelon – 235 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years supervised release;
- Juan Miguel Espinoza-Romero aka Macizo – 144 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years supervised release;
- Yonger Ricardo Matute-Venegas aka Yonger Venegas – 84 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years supervised release;
- Jose Cruz-Cruz aka Jefferson – 78 months imprisonment, followed by 4 years supervised release;
- Natasha Santistevan – 36 months imprisonment, followed by 2 years supervised release;
- Luis Cruz-Medina aka Carlos Medina aka Marlon Arturo Velasquez-Medina aka Chucky – 40 months imprisonment;
- Jose Nemecia-Garcia aka Jose Luis Galeas-Almendarez – time served, which was 33 months imprisonment;
- Ema Belinda Bustamante-Raudales aka Yeime Belinda Saensz aka Jaime – time served, which was 39 months imprisonment, followed by 2 years supervised release;
- Aaron Flores-Villegas aka Missael Valdez-Osorino – 70 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years supervised release; and,
- Jose Lopez-Robles aka Javier Sanchez Vega aka Popote – 96 months imprisonment, followed by 4 years supervised release.
In addition, Marco Castro-Cruz was also named as a defendant in the Fourth Superseding Indictment. Along with defendants Kyle Adams and Reynieri Centeno-Velasquez, he was separately indicted in the District of Wyoming for Distribution of Heroin Resulting in Death. Those charges stem from a heroin transaction in Denver, Colorado, that led to an overdose death in Laramie, Wyoming. After pleading guilty in both cases, Castro-Cruz was sentenced to 240 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Kyle Adams and Centeno-Velasquez were separately sentenced to 5 and 6 year terms of imprisonment (respectively), followed by three year terms of supervised release.
Four other named defendants received felony convictions and seven defendants remain fugitives. The case is captioned U.S. v. Aguilar-Cruz, et al., Case No. 14-cr-00144-CMA.
This case was investigated by the Front Range Task Force, which is comprised of agents and officers from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Marshals Service, Denver Police Department, Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Guy Till, Barbara Skalla, and Laura Hurd represented the United States. The District of Wyoming indictment was investigated by the Laramie Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorneys Guy Till and Brad Giles also worked on that prosecution.
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Monroe County Man Guilty of Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Charles McRae, age 37, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on March 13, 2018, before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to distribution of heroin.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, McRae admitted to selling heroin in Stroudsburg on January 20, 2016.
McRae was indicted by a grand jury in December 2016.
Judge Mannion ordered a presentence report to be completed. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and local police from Monroe County. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is 20 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Meridian Nurse Practitioner Pleads Guilty to Obtaining Controlled Substances by FraudRead the Press Release
BOISE – Cheri Susan Thomas, 37, of Meridian, Idaho, pleaded guilty yesterday to obtaining controlled substances by fraud, identity theft, and misbranding a drug while held for sale, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. A Boise federal grand jury indicted Thomas on January 9, 2018.
According to court records, Thomas was employed as a nurse practitioner by a medical facility with multiple facilities in Idaho. Each facility had a locked cabinet where controlled substances were kept. Thomas did not have access to the locked cabinets. On at least seven occasions, however, Thomas accessed the cabinets at different facilities, and took bottles of Schedule II controlled substances, including hydrocodone. Thomas then replaced the controlled substances with different medications, resealed the bottles and placed them back in the cabinets. For example, on October 31, 2017, Thomas knowingly and intentionally removed a bottle of hydrocodone/APAP 10mg/325mg containing 20 tablets. She removed the hydrocodone pills, replaced them with Flexeril tablets, and put the bottle back into the cabinet. The replacement of the controlled substances with other medication caused the drugs to be misbranded because the labeling became false and misleading as to the bottle’s contents. In addition, when Thomas replaced the misbranded drug back into the cabinet, she moved the pack of bottles around to place the misbranded drugs in the back.
On two occasions, Thomas knowingly and intentionally forged fraudulent prescriptions to herself using another provider’s information. For example, on October 26, 2017, Thomas forged a prescription for hydrocodone/APAP 10mg/325mg using another provider’s information to facilitate the crime of obtaining controlled substances by fraud. The other provider never saw Thomas as a patient and did not authorize the prescription. Thomas fraudulently filled the prescription in Meridian, Idaho, obtaining 30 tablets of hydrocodone/APAP 10mg/325mg.
The charge of obtaining controlled substances by fraud is punishable by up to four years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of one year of supervised release. The charge of identity theft is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of three years of supervised release. The charge of misbranding a drug while held for sale is punishable by up to three years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of one year of supervised release.
Sentencing is set for June 5, 2018, before Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge at the federal courthouse in Boise.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration led Tactical Diversion Squad, the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, and the Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations.
Members of Multi-State Drug Trafficking Organization SentencedRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that Jimmy Hallums, age 40, and Christine Wellwood, age 34, were sentenced to 188 months (or 15 ½ years) imprisonment and 144 months (or 12 years) imprisonment, respectively in federal court in Greenville.
The evidence presented during their guilty pleas and sentencing hearings showed that Hallums met the leader of the organization, Dustin Tiller, while both men were serving prison sentences in the South Carolina Department of Corrections in 2015 for drug offenses. Working in conjunction with Tiller and at Tiller’s direction, Hallums recruited drug couriers, rented storage units to store drugs, met with sources of supply, and facilitated the shipment of methamphetamine from the Atlanta area to the Upstate of South Carolina for redistribution in South Carolina. Hallums and a courier he recruited were arrested by federal and state law enforcement officials on March 8, 2016, in Georgia while traveling in tandem with approximately 20 pounds of methamphetamine.
Wellwood also was closely associated with Tiller. The evidence showed that Wellwood acted as a money courier for Tiller. At his direction, Wellwood would meet with high-ranking members of the organization, would receive drug proceeds, and would transport the proceeds to locations that Tiller designated.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andy Moorman, Deputy Chief for the Narcotics Unit, is the lead prosecutor.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, the Anderson Police Department, and the Franklin County (GA) Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
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