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Thursday 8 March 2018
Suburban Man Indicted on Federal Drug Charges for Allegedly Importing a Fentanyl Analogue from ChinaRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A south suburban man has been charged with federal drug offenses for allegedly conspiring to import a fentanyl analogue from China into the Chicago area.
In the fall of last year, SANCHEZ LACKLAND, 35, of Hazel Crest, imported methoxyacetyl fentanyl from China, according to an indictment returned Wednesday in federal court in Chicago. Lackland and others had the substances shipped through the U.S. mail to approximately 19 Chicago-area addresses, according to the indictment and a criminal complaint previously filed in the case. In December, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Lackland’s home and seized quantities of heroin, methoxyacetyl fentanyl and acryl fentanyl, as well as a loaded revolver and approximately $300,000 in cash, the complaint states.
The indictment charges Lackland with drug and firearm offenses. Lackland is a convicted felon who is not legally allowed to possess firearms.
The indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; James M. Gibbons, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; Brian McKnight, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration; and Bill Hedrick, Acting Inspector-in-Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Chicago. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew C. Erskine.
The indictment also charges JERMOL MIXON, 35, of Orland Park, with drug and weapons offenses. On Dec. 12, 2017, law enforcement agents followed Lackland as he delivered a package to Mixon’s home, according to the complaint. A subsequent court-authorized search of Mixon’s home uncovered quantities of heroin, methoxyacetyl fentanyl, acryl fentanyl, $10,000 in cash and materials used to manufacture drugs, the complaint states.
During the search of Mixon’s home, agents encountered him in an upstairs room within arm’s reach of a loaded handgun, the complaint states. Mixon is a convicted felon who cannot legally possess firearms.
Arraignments for both defendants are set for March 14, 2018, at 11:00 a.m., before U.S. Magistrate Judge Young B. Kim.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Sentencings for March 6, 2018Read the Press Release
FELIPE QUIROZ-MERINO, 50, of Oaxaca, Mexico was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on March 6, 2018 for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Quiroz-Merino was arrested in Jackson, Wyoming. He received time served plus ten days to allow for deportation proceedings, and a $100 special assessment to be remitted at the time of deportation. This case was investigated by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
TIMOTEO RAMIREZ-IOC, 39, of Col. De Cuauhtémoc, Motozintla, Chiapas, Mexico was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on March 6, 2018 for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Ramirez-Ioc was arrested in Jackson, Wyoming. He received time served plus ten days to allow for deportation proceedings, and a $100 special assessment to be remitted at the time of deportation. This case was investigated by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
CARLOS PEREZ-LOPEZ, 36, of Puebla, Mexico was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on March 6, 2018 for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Perez-Lopez was arrested in Jackson, Wyoming. He received time served plus ten days to allow for deportation proceedings, and a $100 special assessment to be remitted at the time of deportation. This case was investigated by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Savannah Man Indicted for Historic District CarjackingRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: Earlier today, a federal grand jury in Savannah charged Jaquan Shakur Singleton, 23, with perpetrating an armed carjacking near Forsyth Park on February 12, 2018. The indictment alleges that Singleton brandished a nine-millimeter semiautomatic pistol and used force, violence, and intimidation to steal a Honda sedan before transporting the car into South Carolina. Shortly after the robbery, Singleton was arrested at the scene of a single-vehicle accident involving the stolen sedan. A South Carolina Highway Patrol (“SCHP”) trooper recovered a nine-millimeter semiautomatic pistol from the vehicle.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Southeast Georgia Violent Crimes Task Force and the Savannah Police Department investigated the carjacking. Along with SCHP, Jasper County Fire-Rescue responded to the accident.
If convicted of carjacking, Singleton could be sentenced to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. In addition, the defendant faces a consecutive sentence of seven years’ imprisonment for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Transporting a stolen vehicle across state lines is punishable by 10 years in prison. All federal sentences must be served without the possibility of parole.
United States Attorney Bobby L. Christine stated, “Working alongside our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, this Office has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to gun violence. We will respond – promptly and sharply – to those who threaten the safety and serenity of our community.”
U.S. Attorney Christine emphasized that an indictment is only an accusation and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the Government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Assistant United States Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. For any questions, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422.
Salvadoran National Sentenced for Illegal Reentry After DeportationRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Salvadoran national was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for illegally reentering the United States after deportation.
Gerardo Alberto Perez-Fuentes, 22, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to six months in prison and one year of supervised release. Perez-Fuentes will be subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence. In December 2017, Perez-Fuentes pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien.
Perez-Fuentes was previously deported on Sept. 4, 2015, and on Oct. 8, 2015. On Sept. 6, 2017, law enforcement in Chelsea encountered Perez-Fuentes and determined him to be illegally present in the United States.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Sacramento Man Indicted for Firearms TraffickingRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an 18-count indictment today against Shawn Darrell Wilson, 27, of Sacramento, charging him with dealing firearms without a license, possessing a firearm as a felon, and illegal possession of a machine gun, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, Wilson met with an undercover agent and two confidential sources on 17 occasions between September 12, 2017, and December 8, 2017, and sold them a variety of firearms, including a fully automatic machine gun, several AR-15-type rifles and pistols, and handguns. In all, Wilson sold investigators 46 firearms, many of which lacked a serial number or other identifying markings. Wilson is prohibited from possessing firearms based on a prior felony conviction.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with special assistance from the Sacramento Police Department and the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office’s Gangs, Hate Crimes, and Narcotics unit.
If convicted of dealing firearms without a license, Wilson faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for possessing a firearm as a felon and illegal possession of a machine gun is 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Rome City Man Sentenced to 180 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Jeremy Handshoe, 39, of Rome City, Indiana, was sentenced before Chief Judge Theresa L. Springmann on his plea of guilty to 2 counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Handshoe was sentenced to 180 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, on February 26, 2015 and April 1, 2015, Handshoe possessed a firearm after prior felony offenses. Handshoe had been convicted of serious drug offenses or violent felonies in Noble County Superior Court on or about October 10, 1997, December 14, 1998 and May 17, 2007. These three felony convictions qualified him for Armed Career Criminal status with a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, the Indiana State Police and the Rome City Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tina L. Nommay and David E. Hollar.
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Protecting Houses of Worship Summit to Be HeldRead the Press Release
Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that his office will hold a free summit on “Protecting Houses of Worship” on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. The summit will be held at the Macon campus of Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC), Building H, Room 111. CGTC is located at 3300 Macon Tech Drive in Macon.
All faith leaders and others involved with security at houses of worship are invited to attend and hear presentations on active shooters, security planning, hate crimes and the growth and management of threats to houses of worship.
To R.S.V.P. for this event or for questions, contact Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Pompano Beach Tax Preparer Sentenced on Charges of Filing False ReturnsRead the Press Release
A Pompano Beach tax preparer was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Scola to 30 months in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release for filing false tax returns.
Benjamin G. Greenberg, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), made the announcement.
Patrick Bernavil, 38, of Pompano Beach, previously pled guilty to one count of aiding and abetting the preparation and presentation of fraudulent income tax returns, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(2), and one count of presentation of fraudulent returns, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(1). The defendant was also ordered to pay $2,612,202.00 in restitution.
According to the stipulated facts filed with the court, Bernavil owned a tax preparation business known as BMS Tax and Accounting Services, Inc. (“BMS"), from 2004 through 2014. Bernavil employed tax preparers that he trained to complete tax returns at BMS. A credit was claimed for the American Opportunity Tax Credit (“AOTC") in the amount of $2500 on approximately three thousand returns prepared by BMS for tax years 2011 through 2013, among other false claims. The AOTC is a tax credit enacted by Congress to encourage people to continue their education at colleges and universities and can be claimed up to four years while an eligible student is enrolled. These fraudulent claims filed by the defendant and his employees caused approximately $2.9 million in tax loss. The defendant also made false claims on his personal income taxes for tax years 2012 and 2013 and failed to file a return for 2014, causing a tax loss of $183,471.
Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of IRS-CI. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ellen L. Cohen.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Phenix City Resident and Ringleader of Multi-Million Dollar Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud Schemes Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – A Phenix City, Alabama, resident was sentenced today to 30 years in prison for his role in masterminding multiple stolen identity refund fraud (SIRF) schemes, announced U.S. Attorney Louis V. Franklin, Sr. of the Middle District of Alabama, and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
William Anthony Gosha III, a/k/a Boo Boo, was convicted, following a jury trial in November 2017, of one count of conspiracy, 22 counts of mail fraud, three counts of wire fraud, and 25 counts of aggravated identity theft.
According to the evidence presented at trial and sentencing, between November 2010 and December 2013, Gosha ran a large-scale identity theft ring with his co-conspirators, Tracy Mitchell, Keshia Lanier, and Tamika Floyd, who were all previously convicted and sentenced to prison. Together they filed over 8,800 tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that sought more than $22 million in fraudulent refunds of which the IRS paid out approximately $9 million.
In November 2010, Gosha stole IDs of inmates from the Alabama Department of Corrections and provided the IDs to Lanier who used the information to seek fraudulent tax refunds. Gosha and Lanier agreed to split the proceeds. Gosha also stole employee records from a company previously located in Columbus, Georgia. In 2012, Lanier needed an additional source of stolen IDs and approached Floyd, who worked at two Alabama state agencies in Opelika, Alabama: the Department of Public Health and the Department of Human Resources. In both positions, Floyd had access to the personal identifying information of individuals, including teenagers. Lanier requested that Floyd primarily provide her with identities that belonged to sixteen and seventeen year-olds. Floyd agreed and provided thousands of names to Lanier and others at Lanier’s direction.
After receiving the additional stolen IDs, Gosha recruited Mitchell and her family to help file the fraudulent tax returns. Mitchell worked at a hospital located at Fort Benning, Georgia, where she had access to the personal identification information of military personnel, including soldiers who were deployed to Afghanistan. She stole soldiers’ IDs and used their information to file fraudulent returns.
In order to electronically file the fraudulent returns, Gosha, Lanier, and their co-conspirators applied for several Electronic Filing Identification Numbers (EFIN) with the IRS in the names of sham tax preparation businesses. Gosha, Lanier, and their co-conspirators then used these EFINs to file the returns and obtain tax refund related bank products from various financial institutions, which provided them with blank check stock. Gosha and his co-conspirators initially printed out the fraudulently obtained refund checks using the blank check stock.
However, the financial institutions halted Gosha’s and his co-conspirators’ ability to print checks. As a result, they recruited U.S. Postal employees who provided Gosha and others with addresses on their routes to which the fraudulent refund checks could be directly mailed. In exchange for cash, these postal employees intercepted the refund checks and provided them to Gosha, Lanier, Mitchell and others. Gosha also directed tax refunds to prepaid debit cards and had those cards sent to addresses he controlled.
In addition, between January 2010 and December 2013, Gosha participated in a separate SIRF scheme with Pamela Smith and others, in which Gosha sold the IDs that he had stolen from the Alabama Department of Corrections to Smith and others. Smith and others used the IDs to file returns that sought approximately $4.8 million in fraudulent refunds of which the IRS paid out approximately $1.85 million. Smith also has been convicted and sentenced to prison for this conduct.
At Gosha’s sentencing, the government offered victim impact statements from several individuals whose identities were stolen, and from companies and governmental agencies where the identity theft breaches occurred. An Alabama Department of Public Health representative noted, the identity theft was not only devastating financially, but it also had a chilling effect on the department’s ability to serve the residents of the State of Alabama. A mother of a young U.S. Army soldier who was an identity theft victim described the consequences of the fraud on her and her family, stating:
While [my son] was fighting for our country and all back home, I received a very disturbing phone call from [an] Agent from the IRS that my son, while at Ft. Benning training to defend our country, the land of the free, had his identity stolen and fraudulent tax returns were filed with his social security number. This news was devastating to think that my 19-year-old son, who was defending the very freedom this country stands [for], was wronged by one of those people [he] was willing to die for. My whole family could not believe what was happening. We now had to worry about this terrible act by one of our own. As I tried my best to keep composed and handle all of the gruesome mounds of paperwork to get this straightened out with the IRS, [my son] was then denied his tax refund [as result of this scheme]. This created a financial hardship on [him]. We were too afraid to tell [him] while he was deployed because we did not want to worry him and we wanted him to focus only on getting home alive and not have to worry about such an atrocious act by someone who did not even know [him].
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. Chief District Court Judge Keith Watkins ordered Gosha to serve three years of supervised release and to pay restitution in the amount of $9,052,049.
Prior to Gosha’s sentencing, thirty of his co-conspirators have been sentenced, including Keisha Lanier who received 15 years and Tracy Mitchell who received over 13 years.
U.S. Attorney Franklin and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman commended special agents of Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General who investigated this case and Trial Attorneys Michael C. Boteler and Gregory P. Bailey of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Ross of the Middle District of Alabama, who prosecuted the case.
Pennsylvania Man Pleads Guilty to Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Thomas A. Gillespie, 44, of East Brady, PA, pleaded guilty to production of child pornography, before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 30 years, and a fine of $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott S. Allen, Jr. and Russell T. Ippolito, Jr., who are handling the case, stated that between July 2014 and August 7, 2014, the defendant began communicating with a minor under the age of 12 in Cheektowaga, NY, via instant messaging on Vine.com. The communications were sexually graphic in nature, and involved the defendant coercing the minor victim into sharing sexually explicit images of herself. A search warrant was executed at the defendant’s apartment in East Brady where federal agents recovered Gillespie’s computer. A forensic examination recovered images of the minor victim, including one nude image of the victim.
The plea is the result of an investigation by detectives from the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Zack, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Kevin P. Lyons, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 12, 2018, at 2:30 p.m. before Judge Wolford.
Pedro Silva Segura Se Declara Culpable De Conspiración De Transportar Contrabando Humano Resultando En MuerteRead the Press Release
El Abogado de los Estados Unidos John F. Bash junto con Shane Folden, Agente Especial en Cargo del Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE, por sus siglas en inglés) y la Oficina de Investigaciones de Seguridad Nacional (HSI, por sus siglas en inglés) anunciaron ésta tarde en San Antonio que Pedro Silva Segura, 47 años, puede recibir la pena de cadena perpetua despues de declararse culpable de ser participante en transportar contrabando humano donde 10 personas fallesieron el año pasado.
Presentandose antes del Juez Majistrado Henry Bemporad, Silva se declaró culpable de un cargo de conspiración de transportar contrabando de humanos resultando en muerte. En declararse culpable, Silva admitió que mantieniba una casa in Laredo, Tejas para guardar los inmigrantes indocumentados mientras esperaban su tranportación a su último destino en los E.E.U.U. Más, Silva declaró que aproximadamente cinco inmigrantes indocumentados se despedieron de la casa el 22 de junio, 2017, y fueron entregados al camión de carga conducido por James Matthew Bradley, Jr., 61 años, destinado a San Antonio.
Conforme con los archivos de la corte, quales Silva y Bradley admitieron que son factualmente corectos, el Departamento de Policía de San Antonio (SAPD, por sus siglas en inglés) respondieron a la llamada del Wal-mart localizado en 8538 Carretera 35 después de medianoche el domingo, 23 de junio, 2017. El Oficial de Policía encontró el camion de carga detrás de la tienda, y encontó varias personas parados y acostados encima del camión de carga, y el conductor Bradley en el cabina. Los oficiales descubrieron 39 inmigrantes indocumentados. De los 39 inmigrantes indocumentados, 10 fallecieron, ocho fallecieron en el remolque y dos fallecieron en hospitales localizados en San Antonio. En en grupo transportados por Bradley, cuatro eran jóvenes de menor de edad desde 14 – 17 años sin compañeros adultos. Los archivos de la corte establecen que el remolque conteniba dentro de 70 inmigrantes indocumentatos, y desde 180 – 200 personas durante el transporte. Los archivos proveen las recompensas variables para ser transportado.
En el 16 de octubre, 2017, Bradley se declaró culpable a los cargos federales en conexión con ésta investigación. Bradley permanece en custodia federal mientras espera su audencia frente el Mayor Juez David A. Ezra para recibir su condena el 26 de marzo, 2018. Bradley enfrenta la pena de cadena perpetua, y esta de acuerdo de pérdida del camión de carga, el remolque, aproximadamente $5,600 en efectivo y una pistola de .38 que fue recuperada de la cabina. Silva también está bajo custodia federal con su audencia para recibir su condena citado el 29 de junio, 2018.
Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE) y la Oficina de Investigaciones de Seguridad Nacional (HSI) junto con la Oficina de Detención y Deportación (ICE ERO por sus siglas en inglés), el Departamento de Policía de San Antonio (SAPD por sus siglas en ingles), el Departamento de Bomberos de San Antonio (SAFD por sus siglas en inglés) investigaron éste caso. El Alguacil de Policía del Condado de Bexar (BCSO por sus siglas en inglés) y la Oficina de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza de los Estados Unidos (CBP, por sus siglas en inglés) ayudaron con la investigación. Christina Playton y Matthew Lathrope son los abogados fiscales de parte del gobierno.
Pedro Silva Segura Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Transport Undocumented Aliens Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
In San Antonio, 47–year-old Pedro Silva Segura faces up to life in federal prison after pleading guilty this afternoon to his role in an undocumented alien smuggling operation that resulted in ten deaths last year, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden.
Appearing before United States Magistrate Judge Henry Bemporad, Silva pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to transport undocumented aliens resulting in death. By pleading guilty, Silva admitted to operating a stash house in Laredo, TX, used as a holding area for undocumented aliens awaiting transportation to final destinations in the U.S. Silva further admitted that approximately five undocumented aliens left the stash house on the night of July 22, 2017, and were delivered to a truck driven by 61-year-old James Matthew Bradley, Jr., that was bound for San Antonio.
According to court records, which Silva and Bradley admitted in court were factually correct, San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) officers responded to a call at the Wal-Mart store located at 8538 Interstate 35 in San Antonio shortly after midnight on Sunday, July 23, 2017. An officer encountered a tractor-trailer behind the store, finding a number of people standing and lying in the rear of the trailer, and the driver, Bradley, in the cab. At the scene, law enforcement officers discovered 39 undocumented aliens. Of the 39 aliens found at the scene ten (10) died, eight (8) died in the trailer and two (2) died later in area hospitals. There were four juveniles, aged 14-17 years old, within the group of aliens in Bradley’s trailer who were unaccompanied by an adult. Court records further state that the undocumented aliens estimated the trailer contained between 70 and 180 to 200 people during transport. They also described differing fees for being transported.
On October 16, 2017, Bradley pleaded guilty to federal charges in connection with this investigation. He remains in federal custody awaiting sentencing scheduled for March 26, 2018, before Senior United States District Judge David A. Ezra. Bradley, who faces up to life in federal prison, also agreed to forfeit to the Government his tractor-trailer rig, plus approximately $5,600 in U.S. currency and a .38 caliber pistol recovered from inside the cab. Silva also remains in federal custody pending sentencing scheduled for June 29, 2018.
The U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated this case together with ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), the San Antonio Police Department and the San Antonio Fire Department. The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Border Patrol assisted in this investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Christina Playton and Matthew Lathrop are prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
Oxycodone Trafficker Convicted by Federal JuryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New York-based oxycodone trafficker was convicted yesterday following a three-day trial in Boston.
Ilir Bregu, 46, of Staten Island, N.Y., was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute oxycodone. U.S. District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. scheduled sentencing for June 7, 2018.
In 2014 and 2015, agents observed foot and vehicle traffic consistent with street-level drug sales coming and going from the home of Mario Scata, 71, and his son, Manuele Scata, 45, of Revere, and from Manuele Scata’s business, D & M Auto Doctor, on Bennington Street in East Boston. While investigating the Scatas’ oxycodone trafficking, Scatas’ pill supplier, Bregu, was identified through surveillance and phone analysis. After obtaining a search warrant to track the precise location of Bregu’s phone, it was determined that every two-to-three weeks, Bregu drove his vehicle from Staten Island to Revere or East Boston, met with one or both of the Scatas, and then returned to Staten Island.
On July 16, 2015, a series of search warrants were executed after tracking Bregu’s phone from Staten Island to East Boston and then watching as Bregu met with Mario and Manuele Scata at D & M Auto Doctor. During the searches, a sophisticated hidden compartment was discovered in Bregu’s vehicle, which contained $37,800 in U.S. currency. Approximately 1,900 oxycodone pills were also recovered, a loaded firearm, and a machete from Manuele Scata’s vehicle as well as additional oxycodone pills, a hand-written drug ledger, and nearly $12,000 in U.S. currency from the Scatas’ home.
In December 2017, Mario Scata pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and possession with intent to distribute oxycodone. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 22, 2018. On Feb. 26, 2018, Manuele Scata pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, possession with intent to distribute oxycodone, and use of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense. His sentencing is scheduled for May 29, 2018.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Revere Police Chief James Guido; Quincy Police Chief Paul Keenan; and Boston Police Commissioner William Evans made the announcement today. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Pohl, of Lelling’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit, and Miranda Hooker, of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit.
Oregon Pastor Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Prison for Transporting Child PornographyRead the Press Release
An Oregon man was sentenced today to serve 135 months in prison for transportation of child pornography, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Bob Troyer of the District of Colorado.
James Parkhurst, 57, of Portland, Oregon, formerly a pastor, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Marcia S. Krieger, who also ordered him to serve 15 years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Parkhurst pleaded guilty on Nov. 16, 2017 to one count of transportation of child pornography.
According to court filings, Parkhurst traveled to Colorado and produced images of child pornography in August 2010 and then transported those images to his home in Michigan. According to admissions made in conjunction with the guilty plea, Parkhurst took three trips, including the one to Colorado in August 2010, where he took photographs of nude minors who were in his care. A forensic examination of the electronic devices seized from the defendant’s Oregon residence in 2016 revealed hundreds of thousands of images and over 3,500 videos of minors in various stages of undress, including minors posed in sexually suggestive and erotic poses saved on the defendant’s computer and external hard drives.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated this case with assistance from an investigative analyst in the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). The U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of Oregon also provided assistance in the investigation. This case was prosecuted by CEOS Trial Attorney Lauren S. Kupersmith and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alecia L. Riewerts of the District of Colorado.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Oregon Pastor Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Prison for Transporting Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - An Oregon man was sentenced today to serve 135 months in prison for transportation of child pornography, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Bob Troyer of the District of Colorado.
James Parkhurst, 57, of Portland, Oregon, formerly a pastor, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Marcia S. Krieger, who also ordered him to serve 15 years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Parkhurst pleaded guilty on Nov. 16, 2017 to one count of transportation of child pornography.
According to court filings, Parkhurst traveled to Colorado and produced images of child pornography in August 2010 and then transported those images to his home in Michigan. According to admissions made in conjunction with the guilty plea, Parkhurst took three trips, including the one to Colorado in August 2010, where he took photographs of nude minors who were in his care. A forensic examination of the electronic devices seized from the defendant’s Oregon residence in 2016 revealed hundreds of thousands of images and over 3,500 videos of minors in various stages of undress, including minors posed in sexually suggestive and erotic poses saved on the defendant’s computer and external hard drives.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated this case with assistance from an investigative analyst in the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). The U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of Oregon also provided assistance in the investigation. This case was prosecuted by CEOS Trial Attorney Lauren S. Kupersmith and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alecia L. Riewerts of the District of Colorado.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Onslow County Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Selling Drugs Within 1000 Feet off a School and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that yesterday in federal court, Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever, III sentenced MICHAEL WAYNE RADETSKI, 42, of Holly Ridge, North Carolina to 120 months of imprisonment followed by 4 years of supervised release.
RADETSKI was named in a four-count Indictment on July 19, 2017. On December 4, 2017, RADETSKI pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Marijuana Within 1,000 Feet of a School and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
In April 2016, the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office received Crime Stoppers reports indicating there was drug activity at a mobile home park in Holly Ridge. The reports stated the suspect’s name was “Mike” and that there were many vehicles going to and from his residence. Officers identified the individual as RADETSKI.
On December 21, 2016, officers searched RADETSKI’s residence and found a loaded AR-15 .223 rifle, a 60-round drum magazine, three rifle magazines, three handgun magazines, a 9mm pistol, multiple rounds of ammunition, 156.2 grams of marijuana, a marijuana smoking pipe, a water bong, digital scales, grinders, a pistol holster, and a ballistic vest. Additionally, officers found tools and parts typically used to make and/or modify firearms.
Further investigation determined that RADETSKI purchased 20 to 30 pounds of marijuana for $3,500 per pound over the past year from his supplier. Additionally, RADETSKI paid a 19-year-old straw purchaser to buy the AR-15 rifle for him. In order to conceal the purchase, RADETSKI’s wife signed a notarized letter falsely claiming that the firearm was actually hers because RADETSKI was not allowed to possess a firearm as a convicted felon.
During the investigation, officers determined that Dixon High School students would purchase marijuana from RADETSKI’s residence, and either smoke it there or at school. Additionally, RADETSKI threatened to place explosives in the vehicle of any Dixon High School student who “snitched” on RADETSKI for selling marijuana. On at least one occasion, a Dixon High School student, who purchased marijuana from RADETSKI on a regular basis, was threatened by RADETSKI with a handgun at RADETSKI’s residence.
In summary, RADETSKI was selling marijuana from his residence to individuals, including under age students, within 1,000 feet of the high school. Additionally, RADETSKI, a convicted felon, was in possession of two firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking enterprise.
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.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorneys James J. Kurosad handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Okeechobee Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing over Half-Kilogram of Cocaine and Six Ounces of Fentanyl Found in CarRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – Kenneth McQueen (58, Okeechobee) has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. He faces a minimum of 5, up to 40 years, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, a City of Arcadia police officer pulled McQueen over for a minor traffic violation. McQueen volunteered that he was in possession of marijuana, but claimed he had just cleaned the car, so no other contraband would be found. A search of the vehicle revealed over a half-kilogram of cocaine and six ounces of fentanyl in multiple locations throughout the passenger compartment.
This case was investigated by the Arcadia Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael V. Leeman.
New Orleans Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison After Pleading Guilty to Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TIM NALL, age 62, of New Orleans, was sentenced today to sixty (60) months in prison by United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier after previously pleading guilty to receiving images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children. In addition to his term of imprisonment, NALL will also have to pay restitution in the amount of $5,000 to victims, and register as sex offender.
According to court documents, law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at NALL’S residence on July 25, 2017, during which time they seized numerous electronic items including one desktop computer and numerous loose storage media, such as CDs and DVDs that contained images and videos depicting the sexual victimization of children. A forensic examination of the device revealed that NALL used the devices to search for, download, and save images and videos of children younger than two (2) years old engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The forensic examination located approximately 2,080 images and 2 videos of prepubescent children engaging in sexually explicit on NALL’S digital devices.
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.projectsafechildhood.gov.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Murder of a Federal Witness, Conspiracy to Violate the Hobbs Act, Hobbs Act Robberies, and Obstruction of Official ProceedingsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that GREGORY DENSON, age 54, of New Orleans, was sentenced today after pleading guilty to an eight-count Superseding Bill of Information charging him with murder of a federal witness, Hobbs Act conspiracy, multiple Hobbs Act robberies, and obstruction of official proceedings.
According to court records, DENSON, along with eight (8) co-conspirators, was charged with numerous violations relating to their participation in a robbery and home invasion ring. As the leader of this robbery gang, DENSON had other members of his gang break into the residences of numerous known drug dealers and, through force and intimidation, including the use of firearms, rob them of drugs and drug trafficking proceeds, including cash and other property acquired with the drug cash. Additionally, DENSON murdered Ellery Boyd, who as a former member of DENSON’s robbery gang, became a potential government witness against DENSON. DENSON and his co-conspirators then obstructed the investigation of this murder by disposing of Boyd’s body in the Industrial Canal.
U.S. District Carl J. Barbier sentenced DENSON to term of 30 years and five (5) years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson, Gregory M. Kennedy, and James S. C. Baehr prosecuted this case.
New Jersey Man Indicted for Transporting A Minor for Sex and Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that David Taylor, age 29, of Blackwood, New Jersey, was indicted for production of child pornography, transporting a minor to engage in sexual activity, and committing a felony while required to register as a sex offender.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that between July 15, 2017, and July 18, 2017, Taylor produced child pornography and transported a minor from Pennsylvania to New Jersey with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. The indictment also alleges that Taylor committed both felony offenses while required by law to register as a sex offender.
The case was investigated by the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, the Gloucester Township Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Alisan VanFleet is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Taylor faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a potential 30-year maximum sentence for the production of child pornography charge and a mandatory 10 years in prison with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment for the transportation charge. Taylor faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years for committing a felony offense while required to register as a sex offender. The maximum possible fine for the offenses is $750,000. 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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Navajo Man from Churchrock Sentenced to Prison for Federal Voluntary Manslaughter ConvictionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Randy Payton, 35, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation who resides in Churchrock, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to 137 months in prison for his voluntary manslaughter conviction. Payton will be on supervised release for three years after completing his prison sentence.
Payton was arrested on Oct. 19, 2016, on a criminal complaint charging him with killing a Navajo man on the Navajo Indian Reservation in McKinley County, N.M., on Oct. 14, 2016. According to the criminal complaint, Payton killed the victim by hitting and kicking him repeatedly during a fight. Payton subsequently was indicted on the same charge on Nov. 15, 2016.
On July 18, 2017, Payton pled guilty to the indictment and admitted killing the victim during a fight on Oct. 14, 2016.
This case was investigated by the Gallup office of the FBI and the Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Novaline Wilson.
Nationwide Takedown Targets Brazen International Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
Presentation Images - Click HEREFor Further Information, Contact:
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew J. Sutton (619) 546-8941, David J. Rawls (619) 546-7966, and
Blanca Quintero (619) 546-7118SAN DIEGO – Indictments were unsealed today in San Diego federal court charging 40 members of an international money-laundering scheme with conspiring to launder tens of millions of dollars in drug money.
In addition to the indictments unsealed today in San Diego, a total of 75 defendants nationwide have been charged across the United States with crimes ranging from drug distribution to money laundering, all stemming from this investigation, including defendants in the Southern District of Ohio, the Eastern District of Kentucky, the District of Kansas, and the Eastern District of Washington.
credit Ray Christensen, USAO-SDCAAccording to the indictments and other publicly filed court documents, Jose Roberto Lopez-Albarran, a significant money broker for a Mexican-based international money laundering organization, along with other members of the organization, allegedly laundered tens of millions of dollars in narcotics proceeds from the United States to Mexico between 2015 and 2018. As a result of the investigation, law enforcement seized more than $6 million dollars in United States currency as well as 95 kilograms of methamphetamine, 63 kilograms of heroin, 10 kilograms of fentanyl, 92 kilograms of cocaine, 252 kilograms of marijuana, worth millions of dollars on the streets, and 20 firearms, including semiautomatic assault rifles and handguns.
Lopez-Albarran oversaw a network of co-conspirators to assist in transferring millions of dollars in narcotics proceeds from drug dealers in the United States to drug suppliers in Mexico, including to individuals working for the Sinaloa Cartel. As part of the investigation, the FBI deployed undercover agents and task force officers from the San Diego District Attorney’s Office, Bureau of Investigation, Chula Vista Police Department, and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office to infiltrate Lopez-Albarran’s organization and after gaining the trust of the organization, agreed to pick up bulk currency across the United States for transfer to Mexico. Over the course of the last two years, undercover agents identified multiple individuals known as “money movers,” i.e., people responsible for collecting narcotics proceeds and disposing of those proceeds as directed by either the drug trafficking organization or the money brokers.
Law enforcement then received phone numbers and code words from Lopez-Albarran to contact these money movers to arrange for the delivery of narcotics proceeds. The money movers concealed and transported amounts ranging from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars in narcotics proceeds at a time, hidden within compartments in vehicles, luggage, duffel bags and shoeboxes. These cash deliveries took place in locations such as parking lots of retail stores, hotels, and restaurants across the United States, including ones in San Diego, California; Los Angeles, California; Kansas City, Missouri; New York, New York; Cincinnati, Ohio; Dayton, Ohio; Lexington, Kentucky; Boston, Massachusetts; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Chicago, Illinois. By targeting these money movers, law enforcement was able to discover multiple drug trafficking cells across the United States responsible for importing and distributing substantial quantities of fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine.
In addition, another lead defendant, Manuel Reynoso Garcia, along with his co-conspirators were charged last month in San Diego federal court for their sophisticated money laundering activities. He and his co-conspirators directed money movers to travel throughout the East Coast to collect bulk cash and deposit the bulk cash into domestic bank accounts set up through a web of “funnel” bank accounts. Once the bulk cash was deposited into the funnel bank accounts, co-conspirators, under the direction of Reynoso and others, conducted international wire transfers of the funds to Mexican bank accounts associated with false companies in Mexico controlled by the money laundering organization.
Lopez-Albarran was arrested on February 9, 2018 in San Diego and remains in federal custody. Reynoso and four of his co-defendants were also arrested between January 11, 2018, and January 17, 2018, in San Diego. Sixteen of the remaining defendants charged in San Diego have been arrested in Boston, Massachusetts; Los Angeles, California; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and elsewhere. Five additional defendants were already in custody for previously charged crimes and will be transferred to the Southern District of California to be arraigned in the coming days.
In addition, approximately 35 other defendants have been charged in connection with this investigation in other jurisdictions including the Southern District of Ohio, the Eastern District of Kentucky, the District of Kansas, and the Eastern District of Washington.
“We have siphoned the cash and the life out of a San Diego-based international money laundering organization with ties to the Sinaloa Cartel,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Braverman. “By following the money, we have discovered large quantities of fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine that are no longer destined for the streets of America. That’s a one-two punch that takes these organizations completely out of the ring and makes our communities safer.”
“These types of complex investigations, spanning across the nation and our international boundaries, requires a fundamental change in how we share information, coordinate and collaborate. These joint investigations, where shared awareness and decentralized execution was the norm, can and must be how we disrupt these drug trafficking and money laundering networks in the future,” said Special Agent in Charge John A. Brown of the San Diego Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. “This case model is built upon the incredible collaboration of the federal, state, and local partners across the United States and in Mexico. Today, this case exemplifies how dedicated collaboration equals success.”
“Taking on and stopping transnational criminal organizations requires dedication and sacrifice,” said District Attorney Summer Stephan. “We worked collaboratively with our law enforcement partners and dedicated key resources over a two-year period. As a result, this undercover operation has brought down high-level cartel associates and stopped the distribution of dangerous drugs like heroin and fentanyl in San Diego and cities across the U.S.”
“When drug traffickers amass large quantities of cash from narcotics sales, they often attempt to transfer and/or legitimize these ill-gotten profits through the use of banks and financial institutions,” said Special Agent in Charge R. Damon Rowe, IRS-Criminal Investigation. “This joint investigation continues to demonstrate our efforts to ensure that the financial services industry will not be abused by large-scale narcotics traffickers, but will be operated in a fair and honest manner to promote the public interest.”
U.S. Attorney Braverman also praised federal, state, and local law enforcement for the coordinated team effort in the culmination of this investigation. This case was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Cross Border Violence Task Force (CBVTF). The CBVTF is a FBI-led task force comprised of federal and local law enforcement from the FBI, San Diego District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Customs and Border Protection, San Diego County Sheriff’s Office and the Chula Vista Police Department. Agents and officers from the IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Bureau of Prisons, U.S. Marshals Service and the California Highway Patrol also provided vital assistance. Attorneys from the Department of Justice, Office of Enforcement Operations, Electronic Surveillance Unit, likewise provided critical work as part of the investigative team. He also thanked our vital foreign partners - Mexican Federal Police, Mexico’s Procuraduria General de la Republic (PGR) and Mexican Financial Intelligence Agency (Unidad de Inteligencia Financial - UIF).
This case is the result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.
The United States is represented in court by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew J. Sutton, David J. Rawls, and Blanca Quintero.
Defendant Information
Defendants Criminal Case No: 18-cr-1129-GPC
Defendant Number
Name
Age
Hometown
1
Jose Roberto Lopez-Albarran
32
Culiacan, Mexico
2
Alfredo Cardenas-Uriarte
55
Culiacan, Mexico
3
Juan Duarte-Tello
53
Kansas City, Missouri
4
Diana Aurora Holguin-Gallegos
30
Kansas City, Missouri
5
REDACTED
X
REDACTED
6
Shontail Marie Hocker
42
Lexington, Kentucky
7
Nereida Valdez
30
Los Angeles, California
8
REDACTED
X
REDACTED
9
REDACTED
X
REDACTED
10
REDACTED
X
REDACTED
11
Jose Luis Fuentes
37
Los Angeles, California
12
REDACTED
X
REDACTED
13
Miguel Angel Flores
36
Los Angeles, California
14
REDACTED
X
REDACTED
15
Endy Santiago
29
Boston, Massachusetts
16
Luis Sanchez Baez
30
Boston, Massachusetts
17
REDACTED
X
REDACTED
18
Hendry Mateo
39
Boston, Massachusetts
19
REDACTED
X
REDACTED
20
REDACTED
X
REDACTED
21
REDACTED
X
REDACTED
22
REDACTED
X
REDACTED
23
Christian Brown
41
Boston, Massachusetts
24
Jose Figueroa
38
Boston, Massachusetts
25
Alfredin Mejia Soto
29
Boston, Massachusetts
Summary Of Charges
Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments (18 U.S.C. 1956(h)).
Maximum Penalties: Term of custody up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved, and 5 years of supervised release.
Defendants Criminal Case No: 18-cr-1127-GPC
Defendant Number
Name
Age
Hometown
1
Jesus Adolfo Rene Duarte Languren
35
Los Angeles, California
2
Manuel Vasquez Medina
44
Los Angeles, California
3
REDACTED
X
REDACTED
4
Manuel Dejesus Estrada
28
Los Angeles, California
5
REDACTED
X
REDACTED
Summary Of Charges
Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846.
Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments (18 U.S.C. 1956(h)).
Maximum Penalties: Term of custody including a mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine and 5 years supervised release. For money laundering charges, term of custody up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved, and 5 years of supervised release.
Defendants Criminal Case No: 18-cr-1128-GPC
Defendant Number
Name
Age
Hometown
1
Jose Roberto Lopez-Albarran
32
Culiacan, Mexico
2
REDACTED
X
REDACTED
3
REDACTED
X
REDACTED
4
REDACTED
X
REDACTED
Summary Of Charges
Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments (18 U.S.C. 1956(h)).
Maximum Penalties: Term of custody up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved, and 5 years of supervised release.
Defendants Criminal Case No: 17-cr-02203-WQH
Defendant Number
Name
Age
Hometown
1
Manuel Reynoso Garcia
62
Tijuana, Mexico
2
Perla Alejandra Perez Guirado
25
Tijuana, Mexico
3
Estefania Plascencia Ponce
35
Tijuana, Mexico
4
Joaquin Enrique Ramirez Calva
28
Tijuana, Mexico
5
Gilberto Beltran Salazar
29
Tijuana, Mexico
Summary of Charges
Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments (18 U.S.C. 1956(h))
Conspiracy to Operate an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business (18 U.S.C. 1960(a))
Maximum Penalties: Term of custody up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved, and 5 years of supervised release. For conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business, term of custody up to 5 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment, information, or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
AGENCIES
Federal Bureau of Investigation – Cross Border Violence Task Force
San Diego District Attorney’s Office - Bureau of Investigation
San Diego County Sheriff’s Office
Chula Vista Police Department
Drug Enforcement Administration
Customs and Border Protection
Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation
United States Marshals Service
U.S. Bureau of Prisons
California Highway Patrol
Department of Justice, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces
Department of Justice, Office of Enforcement Operations
Department of Justice, Office of International Affairs
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York
Mexican Federal Police
Mexico’s Procuraduria General de la Republic (PGR)
Mexican Financial Intelligence Agency (Unidad de Inteligencia Financial - UIF)
18CR1127-GPC - Redacted Indictment 18CR1128-GPC - Redacted Indictment 18CR1129-GPC - Redacted IndictmentMuskogee Man Sentenced to 97 Months for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Matthew Dylan Ernst, age 25, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 97 months imprisonment and 4 years supervised release for Distribution Of Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B). The charge arose from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The Indictment alleged that on or about November 4, 2016, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, Matthew Dylan Ernst, did knowingly and intentionally distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual), a Schedule II controlled substance.
United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “Selling methamphetamine is a crime that has impacted every community in the United States. Drug dealers profit while the rest of society is left to pick up the pieces left by the destructive force of this insidious drug. Thanks to the DEA and its state, local, and tribal task force partners, a supply line has been broken in Eastern Oklahoma.”
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Kristin Harrington represented the United States. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the non-paroleable sentence will be served.
Muskogee Man Sentenced to 75 Months for Possession of Firearm and Ammunition in Furtherance of Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Rien Keith Irving, age 21, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment for Felon In Possession Of Firearm & Ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2); and to 60 months imprisonment for Possession Of A Firearm In Furtherance Of A Drug Trafficking Crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A), to be served consecutively. The charges arose from an investigation by the Tahlequah Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Indictment alleged that from on or about December 9, 2016, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, Rien Keith Irving, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, knowingly possessed in and affecting commerce, a firearm and ammunition which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.
Additionally, the Indictment alleged that on or about December 9, 2016, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant knowingly possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime for which he may be prosecuted in a court of the United States.
United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “Fighting against violent crime is a priority of the Department of Justice and the U. S. Attorney’s Office. The business of drug dealing is inherently a violent endeavor. When a gun is possessed to further a drug trafficking crime the likelihood of violence is even greater. Because of the professional and thorough work of the Tahlequah Police Department and the ATF, this office was able to successfully prosecute Irving and stop potential violence before it occurred.”
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the non-paroleable sentence will be served.
Multi-State Drug Trafficking Organization Leads to Federal Indictment and Seizure of AssetsRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Uy Nguyen, 34, of Vallejo, California, and Aaron M. Booker, 26, of Pensacola, were arraigned February 8 and today in the U.S. District Court in Pensacola after a federal grand jury returned an indictment, unsealed today, charging them with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The indictment was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
The indictment alleges that, between February 2015 and December 2017, Nguyen and Booker conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. The indictment also alleges that during the same time period, they conspired to launder money by transferring cash proceeds and purchasing precious metals and stones from funds of the drug trafficking conspiracy.
The indictment also seeks forfeiture of approximately $338,641 in U.S. currency; a firearm and ammunition; a cellular telephone; more than a dozen pieces of jewelry; and approximately 35 pieces of designer clothing and accessories.
Nguyen’s trial is scheduled for April 2, and Booker’s trial is scheduled for April 16, 2018.
If convicted, the defendants face 10 years to life in prison for the drug trafficking conspiracy and a maximum of 20 years in prison for the money laundering conspiracy.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case resulted from an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Pensacola Police Department, the State Attorney’s Office – First Judicial Circuit, the U.S. Marshals, and the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Mount Vernon Man Pleads Guilty to String of Livery Cab Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that ALLANMON MAVUMKAL pled guilty today to four counts of Hobbs Act robbery in connection with a spree in which he threatened livery cab drivers and robbed the drivers of cash, personal items, and their cabs. MAVUMKAL pled guilty today in Manhattan federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Katharine H. Parker.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “As he admitted today, Allanmon Mavumkal terrorized four livery cab drivers with a knife, robbing them of their money and cars. Now Mavumkal is facing significant prison time for his violent acts.”
According to the Complaint, Superseding Indictment, and other statements made in open court:
On September 21, 2017, MAVUMKAL hailed a livery cab in the Bronx, and directed the driver to a particular destination. After arriving at the drop-off location, MAVUMKAL threatened the driver with a large knife, which was captured on video footage from the cab, ordered the driver out of the cab, and then drove away in the cab. The day before, on September 20, 2017, MAVUMKAL robbed three other livery cab drivers in the Bronx and Mt. Vernon in a similar fashion.
* * *
MAVUMKAL, 30, of Mount Vernon, New York, pled guilty to four counts of Hobbs Act robbery, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 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 efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New York City Police Department in this case.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Justin V. Rodriguez is in charge of the prosecution.
Morgantown woman indicted on heroin distribution chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Morgantown woman was indicted this week by a federal grand jury on heroin trafficking charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Lori Murphy, age 28, was indicted on two counts of “Distribution of Heroin within 1000 feet of Protected Location” and two counts of “Distribution of Heroin.” Murphy is accused of distributing heroin, twice near North Elementary School, in April, July, and August of 2017 in Monongalia County.
Murphy faces up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000 for each of the counts involving distribution near a school and faces up to 20 years a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the other two distribution counts. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Monongalia County man admits to illegal possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Wilbur Higginbotham, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to illegally possessing a firearm, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Higginbotham, age 51, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Higginbotham, having previously been convicted of heroin and illegal firearms charges in U.S. District Court and drug charges in Prince George’s County Maryland Circuit Court, admitted to having a .22 caliber firearm in Harrison County in December 2017.
Higginbotham faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.Mission Man Sentenced for Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Roger Watts, age 34, of Mission, South Dakota, convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer was sentenced on March 7, 2018, by United States District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Roger Watts was sentenced to 126 months in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Watts was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 15, 2017. He was convicted following a two-day jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota.
The charge stems from an incident that occurred on January 20, 2017, in the North Antelope Community near Mission. On that date, Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services officers were investigating an allegation that Watts had stolen property and questioned him at a home in North Antelope. After being questioned, Watts was informed he was being arrested. Watts became combative and charged at one of the officers, physically engaging him. A struggle ensued and the officer sustained a knee injury during the struggle.
“Tribal law enforcement officers, like all law enforcement officers, have a tough and often dangerous job,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “An attack on one of them is an attack on all of us and can never be tolerated. Unfortunately, this is not the first time this Defendant has been convicted of assaulting a Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services officer. The sentence in this case reflects the severe penalties that a defendant faces when he chooses to assault an officer, particularly when he has a history of such criminal behavior.”
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Watts was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Milwaukee Man Receives 10 Year Sentence for Green Bay Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
Matthew D. Krueger, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on March 5, 2018, Levester R. Brown (age: 33) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, appeared in federal court in Green Bay and was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine distribution ring in Northeast Wisconsin.
In the Spring of 2017, Brown repeatedly travelled from his residence in Milwaukee to Phoenix, Arizona, for the purpose of obtaining pounds of pure methamphetamine. Brown then utilized the U.S. Postal Service to ship the methamphetamine to acquaintances in Milwaukee and Brown Deer, Wisconsin. He would then transport the drugs to his main distributor in Green Bay.
On June 6, 2017, Special Agents with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service arrested Brown as he attempted to ship approximately 9 pounds of methamphetamine to his associates in Wisconsin.
In pronouncing sentence, Chief U.S. District Court Judge William C. Griesbach noted the serious nature of Brown’s crime and the negative effect that methamphetamine has had on the community. The judge told Brown that his crime called for a harsh sentence. Following his release from prison, Brown will serve 10 years on federal supervised release.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Brown County Drug Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
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For Additional Information Contact:
Public Information Officer Dean Puschnig 414-297-1700
Michigan City, Indiana Man SentencedRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND - Curtis Glancy, age 24, of Michigan City, Indiana was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for conspiracy to distribute over 100 grams of heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Glancy was sentenced to 130 months imprisonment followed by 4 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, from 2015 to February of 2016, Glancy and several other individuals conspired to sell heroin. During that time on a weekly basis they sold heroin to individuals in Northern Indiana and in total sold between one and two kilograms of heroin. In 2016 Glancy’s two co-defendants were sentenced to 70 months and three years of supervised release. Glancy had previously been convicted of two felonies and seven misdemeanors, and was on bond for other cases during the time of the conspiracy.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the Michigan City Police Department. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Schaffer.
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Mexican National Sentenced to 50 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking MurderRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Timothy A. Garrison, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Mexican national was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a drug-trafficking conspiracy that resulted in the murder of a co-conspirator.
Yovanny Aroldo Mendivil-Balderama, 23, a Mexican national, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 50 years in federal prison without parole.
On Oct. 16, 2017, Mendivil-Balderama pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Greene County, Dallas County, Webster County and Christian County, Mo., from April 28, 2015, to April 26, 2016. He also pleaded guilty to using a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, resulting in the murder of Oscar Adan Martinez-Gaxiola on April 25, 2016, in Webster County.
According to court documents, Mendivil-Balderama and Martinez-Gaxiola obtained large amounts of methamphetamine from either Arizona or Mexico and transported it to Missouri. They supplied methamphetamine to co-defendant Brooke Danielle Beckley, 21, of Nixa, for distribution in the Springfield area. Beckley, who pleaded guilty to the same charges, was sentenced on Feb. 26, 2018, to 40 years in federal prison without parole.
Beckley met Mendivil-Balderama and Martinez-Gaxiola in January 2016, and Beckley and Mendivil-Balderama started a sexual relationship shortly afterwards.
On April 6, 2016, law enforcement officers seized from Beckley’s hotel room approximately 1.9 kilograms of methamphetamine, a loaded 20-gauge shotgun with a sawed off barrel and stock, four rounds of additional shotgun ammunition, a .22-caliber pistol, a drug ledger and $3,662.
The loss of the 1.9 kilograms of methamphetamine created a $44,000 debt that Beckley owed to both Mendivil-Balderama and Martinez-Gaxiola. According to court documents, text messages between Mendivil-Balderama and Beckley revealed they both wanted to kill Martinez-Gaxiola as a way to reduce, or extend, the debt and to prevent Martinez-Gaxiola from possibly killing Beckley. Mendivil-Balderama suggested in a text to Beckley that he had “an idea of how we can do so you do not have to pay me everything.” Beckley, in a text on April 21, 2016, asked what he needed her to do. Mendivil-Balderama responded, “I just need someone to help me get rid of someone I need gone like now.” Subsequent text messages suggested that the person that needed to be “gone” was Martinez-Gaxiola.
Beckley then recruited co-defendant Anthony Edward Donovan, 21, of Springfield, Mo., to assist in killing Martinez-Gaxiola, and offered to pay him $6,000. Donovan recruited co-defendant Nathaniel Austin Lee, 20, of Seymour, Mo., to assist in the murder and allow for the use of Lee’s property in rural Webster County, Mo., in exchange for part of the $6,000. Lee then recruited Joshua Applegate (who was a minor under federal law at the time of the offense, and therefore charged as an adult in state court rather than in the federal indictment).
On April 24, 2016, Beckley, Donovan and Lee practiced for the murder of Martinez-Gaxiola by discharging various firearms at the Lee residence. On April 25, 2016, Mendivil-Balderama traveled with Martinez-Gaxiola to the Lee residence on the pretext that Beckley would pay the drug debt. Beckley, Donovan, Lee and Applegate were waiting at the residence; Donovan and Lee were armed with handguns. Upon arrival, Mendivil-Balderama got out of the vehicle first. When Martinez-Gaxiola exited the vehicle, Donovan and Applegate opened fire and Martinez-Gaxiola fell to the ground. Eventually, Donovan went up to where Martinez-Gaxiola lay and shot him once in the head. Martinez-Gaxiola was armed with a handgun but did not discharge it during his murder.
Lee’s neighbors reported the shots fired at the residence (it is estimated that the co-conspirators expended 30 to 60 rounds of ammunition during the murder). Webster County deputies responded to the location. Hearing the emergency sirens, the co-conspirators attempted to conceal Martinez-Gaxiola under a piece of tin siding, and then fled area. When the deputies arrived, they found Martinez-Gaxiola, who was still alive but critically hurt and who died before transportation to the hospital. Law enforcement officers captured all the co-conspirators by the end of the day on April 25, 2016.
Donovan and Lee have pleaded guilty to the same charges and await sentencing. Co-defendant Jourdan Ashley McGinnis, 29, of Nixa, pleaded guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy. McGinnis was sentenced on Dec. 18, 2017, to seven years and 10 months in federal prison without parole.
This case is being prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Timothy A. Garrison and Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall D. Eggert. It was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Christian County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Lawrence County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Webster County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Seymour, Mo., Police Department, the Rogersville, Mo., Police Department, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the Combined Ozarks Multijurisdictional Enforcement Team (COMET).
Mexican National Indicted for Smuggling 53 Aliens in Tractor TrailerRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A Mexican National on a visitor visa is set to appear in court on charges he attempted to smuggle illegal aliens behind a load of produce, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
A federal grand jury returned the indictment against Luis Valero-Carrizales, 39, Feb. 28. He is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jason Libby at 9:30 a.m. today, at which time the government expects to request his continued detention pending further criminal proceedings.
The charges allege Valero-Carrizales conspired to transport illegal aliens hidden behind a load of produce in the trailer portion of the 18-wheeler he was driving. On Dec. 16, 2017, Valero-Carrizales allegedly drove a freightliner and approached the primary inspection lane at the U.S. Border Patrol Checkpoint near Falfurrias. During a routine immigration inspection, a service canine alerted to the trailer, according to the charges.
The indictment alleges that during a subsequent search of the vehicle, authorities discovered 53 illegal aliens hidden inside. The temperature inside the refrigerated trailer was allegedly 54 degrees.
He was taken into custody at that time, upon the filing of a criminal complaint.
If convicted, Valero-Carrizales faces a maximum of 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the U.S. Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey S. Miller is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.Mexican National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RAMIRO MARTINEZ-RAMIREZ, age 43, a citizen of Mexico, was charged today in a one-count indictment with illegal reentry of a removed alien after deportation, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to the indictment, on February 16, 2018, RAMIRO MARTINEZ-RAMIREZ was found to have reentered the United States after having been previously removed.
If convicted, RAMIRO MARTINEZ-RAMIREZ faces a term of imprisonment of up to ten years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release after imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Chandra Menon is in charge of the prosecution.
Marion County man and Harrison County man indicted on firearm chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Marion County, West Virginia, man and a Harrison County, West Virginia, man were indicted this week by a federal grand jury on unlawful firearm possession charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
William D. Fulmer, of Rivesville, age 62, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Fulmer, who had previously been convicted of crimes in Venango County, Pennsylvania, is accused of having a .308 caliber rifle in July 2017 in Marion County.
In a separate case, Christopher Dent, of Bridgeport, age 32, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Dent, who had previously been convicted of crimes in New Jersey, is accused of having a 9mm caliber pistol in May 2017 in Harrison County.
Fulmer and Dent each face up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner is prosecuting the Fulmer case on behalf of the government. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the Dent case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated both cases. Bridgeport Police Department assisted in the Dent investigation.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Man Sentenced to Eighteen Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a Molotov Cocktail, Interstate Stalking, and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Spokane – Joseph H. Harrington, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Cameron C. Butler, age 38, formerly of Broward County, Florida, was sentenced after having pleaded guilty on November 9, 2017, to Possession of an Unregistered Destructive Device (a Molotov cocktail), Interstate Stalking, and Possession of Child Pornography. Chief United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Butler to an eighteen-year term of imprisonment, to be followed by a twenty-year term of court supervision after he is released from Federal prison. Upon release from prison, Butler will be required to register as a Sex Offender for the rest of his life.
According to facts disclosed during court proceedings, in the early morning of July 21, 2016, Butler threw multiple Molotov cocktails (glass beer bottles filled with gasoline and lit with a wick) at a residence occupied by his former girlfriend and four other people in Spokane, Washington. One Molotov cocktail broke a window and ignited a small fire in the residence, but Spokane Police Department officers quickly arrived and extinguished it. A Spokane Fire Department Arson Investigator recovered burned, broken, and unbroken Molotov cocktails at the scene. Investigators determined that Butler sent threatening messages to at least one of the residents the day before, and identified him as a suspect. One resident told investigators that the Molotov cocktail and ensuing fire caused her to fear for her life and the lives of other occupants.
Later that day, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Special Agents determined that Butler had outstanding arrest warrants from Broward County, Florida. The United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force developed information that Butler was in the Moses Lake, Washington area, and arrested him. Butler admitted making six Molotov cocktails in a hotel room in Ritzville, Washington, and then driving to Idaho and the Spokane residence of his former girlfriend, where he lit and threw the Molotov cocktails. When arrested, Butler also possessed a smartphone containing multiple images of child pornography as defined by federal law.
United States Attorney Harrington said, “Butler is a dangerous and violent criminal. The crimes he committed could have resulted in tragic deaths and injuries. The Court’s sentence will protect the community, punish Butler, and deter others who might consider committing similar crimes in our community. Ultimately, the positive resolution of this case demonstrates the essential partnerships between federal, state and local law enforcement that keep our community safe. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington will continue to prosecute aggressively and seek appropriate punishment for violent crimes and child pornography offenses.”
Darek G. Pleasants, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Seattle Field Division, said, “The investigation and conviction of Butler is a reflection of a successful joint investigation with state and federal partners. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives remains committed to partnering with our local, state, and federal agencies and the United States Attorney’s Office to investigate violent crime. This case demonstrates the success that law enforcement agencies can have when focusing on violent criminals and child predators.”
Brian Schaeffer, Fire Chief, Spokane Fire Department, said, “The Spokane Fire Department is extremely thankful to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, for their leadership and expertise in this case and throughout our long partnership. A case with this high level of legal complexity and with so many jurisdictional boundaries clearly demonstrates the importance of the collaboration between the Spokane Fire Department and our Federal partners. I firmly believe that all law and fire agencies should continue to collaborate and share expertise in order to have similar results as Mr. Butler’s conviction.”
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; United States Marshals Service; Spokane Police Department Domestic Violence Unit; and, Spokane Fire Department Special Investigations Unit. The case was prosecuted by James A. Goeke, an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
Man Sentenced to 36 Months for Conspiracy to Possess with the intent to Distribute MarijuanaRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Stephen Bernier, 53, of St. Croix, was sentenced today for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute marijuana, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez sentenced Bernier to 36 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered him to pay a $100 special assessment and perform 300 hours of community service.
On November 3, 2017, Bernier pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute marijuana. According to documents filed in court, between January 10, 2016 and March 8, 2017, Bernier and other co-conspirators possessed and distributed approximately 140 kilograms of marijuana through the United States Postal Service.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
Los Angeles man guilty of drug traffickingRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal jury sitting in Elkins found Cesar Navarro, of Los Angeles, California, guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and other counts for mailing methamphetamine through the U.S. mail, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
After less than two hours of jury deliberations, Navarro, age 39, was found guilty of one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute More than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine,” two counts of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility,” and two counts of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.”
Navarro often mailed at least one pound of crystal methamphetamine at a time to drug dealers in Grant and Hardy Counties and in Frederick County, Virginia, in exchange for large amounts of cash. Over a period of two years, Navarro was responsible for trafficking into West Virginia approximately fifty pounds of highly pure crystal methamphetamine.
“Methamphetamine distribution is an increasing threat to the communities in the district. We will not waiver in our commitment to prosecute these offenses to the fullest extent of the law. I greatly appreciate the hard work of our trial team and all of the law enforcement agencies which led to the guilty verdicts,” said Powell.
Navarro faces up to life in prison and a $4,000,000 fine for the conspiracy count, up to four years incarceration and a fine of up to $30,000 for each of the communication counts, and faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the each of the distribution counts. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen Warner and Andrew R. Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Postal Inspection Service, The West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations, and the Frederick County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Lockport Woman Pleads Guilty to Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy Jr. announced today that Kathyln Ventura, 25, of Lockport, NY, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, controlled substances. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan A. Tokash, who is handling the case, stated that in late December 2014, the defendant became a drug runner for Oliver Kimmons, who is named in a separate indictment on charges of narcotics distribution and human sex trafficking. Ventura drove Kimmons’s vehicle to conduct drug deals on his behalf.
On January 21, 2015, the defendant sold crack cocaine to a confidential source working for the DEA. On January 30, 2015, the defendant met with an individual identified as H.C. at a bowling alley in Lockport, New York and sold drugs to H.C. H.C. died hours later from a fentanyl overdose.
On February 12, 2015, the Niagara County Drug Task Force executed a New York State search warrant on Kimmons’s car which Kimmons was driving. The defendant was a passenger. Law enforcement officers seized fentanyl from inside the car. Kimmons and Ventura were arrested.
On March 4, 2015, a DEA confidential source again bought crack cocaine as well as heroin from the defendant.Charges are pending against Oliver Kimmons. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division, the Lockport Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Niethe, and the Niagara County Drug Task Force, under the direction of Sheriff James Voutour.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 7, 2018, at 11:30 a.m. before Judge Geraci.
Leavitt Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud, Money Laundering in Connection with Affinity Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY -- Ronald Wayne Leavitt, age 61, of Stansbury Park, Utah, who targeted friends, members of his church, and some of their relatives in a fraud scheme, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering in connection with the affinity fraud scheme Wednesday in federal court.
The plea agreement includes a stipulated sentence of 36 months in federal prison, which is subject to the approval and acceptance of the Court. Leavitt agreed that the total loss amount for the fraud was $679,420.55. He returned $160,000 of the money he obtained by fraud to three of the victims. He has agreed to pay $519,420.55 in restitution as a part of the plea agreement. U.S. Magistrate Judge Brooke Wells took the change of plea Wednesday. Sentencing in the case is set for June 4, 2018, before U.S. District Judge David Nuffer.
In a court document filed as a part of the plea agreement, Leavitt acknowledged that he told a variety of lies to friends and neighbors to get them to invest in his schemes. He told some that he owned several limousines while telling others he was the executor of large trust fund and that he owned property worth millions of dollars. He also told some victims he had inherited millions of dollars from his parents. He also told victims that the investment opportunity was limited and, if they were lucky, he could get them a spot in the investment. He told others victims that an investor had pulled out and, although other investors would be upset, he would allow them to invest and make it work.
After gaining their trust, Leavitt admitted he convinced several individuals to invest in one of three different ventures. Leavitt pitched a real estate venture in California, a high-end real estate development venture in Moab called Hidden Mesa, and a sugar substitute start-up company.
According to documents filed as a part of the plea agreement, Leavitt admitted that the real estate venture in California was an investment he fabricated.
The Hidden Mesa real estate development venture was an idea that Leavitt had discussed with an individual who had purchased land in Moab. This individual discussed with Leavitt the possibility of developing the land and talked with Leavitt about seeking investors for the project. However, without this individual’s knowledge, Leavitt used the concept of the venture to pitch the investment opportunity to some of his neighbors and some of their family members, eventually persuading some of them to invest in the venture. He promised them returns as large as 300 percent within 60 to 90 days. Leavitt admitted that once they made an investment in the project, he never provided any of that money to the individual who had purchased the land in Moab.
The sugar substitute start-up company is an actual company that Leavitt’s brother was involved in. Leavitt had talked with his brother and another individual about trying to find investors. As a part of his scheme to defraud, Leavitt admitted he convinced individuals to invest in the company. Once they did, he did not inform the company of their investment or give them the money. Like the other two ventures, Leavitt admitted he kept the funds for himself and spent them.
Leavitt admitted at the plea hearing Wednesday that he spent the majority of the money he took from victims of the fraud schemes rather than investing it in anything.
Special agents of the FBI and members of its Financial Crimes Task Force are investigating the case. An IRS Criminal Investigation agent, assigned to the task force, is also investigating the case. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’ Office in Salt Lake City.
Leader of Cocaine Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 135 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS – William M. Totten, 55, of Canal Winchester, Ohio was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to serve 125 months in prison for leading a drug trafficking organization in central Ohio that distributed more than 20 kilograms of cocaine. Totten and four others were charged following a cooperative investigation by federal, state and local law enforcement in Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Ryan L. Korner, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation, Angela L. Byers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin and Columbus Police Chief Kim Jacobs announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Watson.
According to court documents, Totten used a residence in Columbus and his residence in Canal Winchester to store narcotics and to conduct cocaine transactions. During a search warrant conducted at Totten’s residence when agents arrested him on December 6, 2013, investigators found 10 plastic wrapped packages, each containing two kilograms of cocaine powder, concealed in the basement. Agents also seized additional cocaine and kilogram-sized wrappers with residue.
Totten pleaded guilty on September 5, 2014 to one count of conspiracy to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine and one count of money laundering.
Totten agreed to forfeit the proceeds of the drug activity, which include nearly $95,000 in cash, jewelry and three real properties.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the cooperative investigation by the IRS, FBI, Columbus Division of Police and Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, as well as the cooperation of the DEA, which provided information vital to the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Kelley, who represented the United States in the case.
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Laurel County Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky. — Dustin Higginbotham, 33, of London, Ky., was sentenced Tuesday to 20 years in prison, by United States District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove, for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Higginbotham pleaded guilty to the charges in July of 2017. During his guilty plea, Higginbotham admitted that he had possessed more 50 grams of actual methamphetamine that he intended to distribute. These charges were related to the execution of a search warrant at Higginbotham’s residence, during which law enforcement officers recovered 564.6 grams of 100% pure methamphetamine.
Under federal law, Higginbotham must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence; and upon release, he will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for 10 years.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Chris Evans, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration; John Root, Laurel County Sheriff, and Wayne Bird, Williamsburg Chief of Police, jointly made the announcement.
The DEA Task Force – London, the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, and the Williamsburg Police Department, conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Trimble represented the United States.
Las Vegas Man Convicted of Armed Jewelry Store RobberyRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas man was found guilty by a jury yesterday for robbing two jewelry store employees at gunpoint and stealing more than $450,000 in cash and jewelry, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada.
Following a four-day trial, Joshua Sadat Washington, 37, was found guilty of one count of interference with commerce by robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of transportation of stolen goods. United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey scheduled sentencing for June 11, 2018. At the time of sentencing, Washington faces the statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The firearms charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years which must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed.
According to the indictment and other court documents, on August 13, 2016, Washington and co-defendant Fedel Ezekiel Sakers, who was armed with a handgun, stole cash and jewelry from Alfredo’s Jewelry in Las Vegas. The day of the robbery, Washington mailed some of the stolen jewelry to Miami, Florida. The remaining jewelry was mailed by Washington the day after the robbery. A total of approximately $471,000 in cash and jewelry were stolen in the robbery.
The case was investigated by the FBI and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
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Lackawanna Man Sentenced on Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that James R. Duncan, 52, of Lackawanna, NY, who was convicted of conspiring to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, was sentenced to 165 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan T. Cullinane, who handled the case, stated that Lackawanna Police executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence on Roland Avenue. Officers recovered methamphetamine, cocaine, hydrocodone, and approximately $53,000 in United States currency.
A co-defendant, Susan Dietrich, has also been convicted.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Michel, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division.
Kmart Corporation Pays $525,000 to Settle False Claims Act Allegations of Improper Medi-Cal BillingsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Kmart Corporation has paid $525,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the federal False Claims Act when it knowingly submitted claims for reimbursement to California’s Medi‑Cal program that were not supported by applicable diagnosis and documentation requirements, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today.
Kmart is an Illinois corporation that provides pharmacy services in several states with approximately a half dozen locations in California over the relevant time period. The Medi-Cal program is administered by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and relies on both federal and state funding to provide health care to millions of Californians, including those with low incomes and disabilities.
Medi-Cal utilizes a formulary list, commonly known as “Code 1” drugs, which designates certain restrictions for each listed drug, including restrictions pertaining to diagnoses. Medi-Cal will reimburse certain Code 1 drugs only for approved diagnoses, taking into account criteria such as the drug’s safety, efficacy, misuse potential, and cost. Pharmacies serve the critical gatekeeping function of confirming and certifying that these Code 1 drugs are dispensed for the approved diagnoses. Kmart may bill for drugs prescribed outside of the approved diagnoses only if it submits a request to DHCS that includes a justification for the non‑approved use. Today’s settlement resolves allegations that Kmart failed to confirm and document the requisite diagnoses, and in some instances dispensed drugs for non-approved diagnoses, then knowingly billed Medi-Cal for these prescriptions.
The allegations resolved by this settlement were first raised in a lawsuit filed against Kmart under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act by a pharmacist who worked as Pharmacist in Charge at a California Kmart location. The False Claims Act allows private citizens with knowledge of fraud to bring civil actions on behalf of the government and to share in any recovery. The whistleblower in this matter will receive approximately $96,500 of the recovery proceeds.
This settlement is the result of a joint effort by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California and California’s Bureau of Medicaid Fraud and Elder Abuse. Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine J. Swann handled the matter for the United States, with assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The claims settled by this agreement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Kentucky Defendants Prosecuted as Part of Nationwide TakedownRead the Press Release
Lexington defendants charged with drug trafficking, money laundering offenses
SAN DIEGO and LEXINGTON, Ky. – Multiple indictments were unsealed today, in San Diego federal court, charging more than 40 members of an international scheme with conspiring to launder millions of dollars in illegal drug proceeds. These indictments are part of a nationwide takedown stemming from a multi-year investigation led by the FBI San Diego Cross Border Violence Task Force and other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
In addition to the federal indictments unsealed today in San Diego, dozens of additional defendants have been charged across the United States related to the investigation. Those include defendants charged in the Southern District of Ohio, the Eastern District of Kentucky, the District of Kansas, and the Eastern District of Washington.
Shontail M. Hocker, 42, of Lexington, Ky., was charged in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California with conspiring to commit money laundering based on her involvement with individuals implicated in the San Diego investigation. According to the indictment filed in San Diego, Hocker conspired with others to transport drug proceeds, to promote drug trafficking activity and to conceal the nature and ownership of the drug proceeds. If convicted, Hocker faces up to 20 years imprisonment. The indictment against Hocker is an accusation only, and she is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Based on investigations into Hocker’s money laundering activities, law enforcement developed information related to drug trafficking activities occurring in the Eastern District of Kentucky. Multiple law enforcement agencies partnered to conduct the investigations.
On May 18, 2017, the Lexington Police Department and the Kentucky State Police, in coordination with FBI, stopped a Jeep Cherokee towing a trailer. A search of the trailer revealed six kilograms of cocaine. Officers and agents arrested the occupants of the Jeep, Gerardo Mejia-Palacio and Hector Salas-Pina, both from Phoenix. Mejia-Palacio and Salas-Pina were charged in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky with drug trafficking crimes. Further investigation revealed that Mejia-Palacio and Salas-Pina conspired with Ansar I. McIver, and others, to distribute controlled substances in Lexington. On June 12, 2017, FBI, the Kentucky State Police, and the Lexington Police Department executed a federal search warrant at McIver’s residence. During the course of that search, agents seized $586,000 cash, approximately 750 grams of fentanyl and over 100 grams of cocaine. McIver was subsequently charged in federal court with conspiracies to distribute controlled substances and commit money laundering.
On September 15, 2017, Mejia-Palacio pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. His sentencing is scheduled for May 18, 2018. Mejia-Palacio faces not less than 10 years in federal prison.
On January 24, 2018, McIver pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and 1,000 grams or more of heroin. McIver also pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit money laundering and agreed to forfeit the $586,000 in cash. In his plea agreement, McIver admitted he has a prior federal felony drug conviction. McIver’s sentencing is scheduled for May 25, 2018. He faces a prison sentence of not less than 20 years.
On February 5, 2018, Salas-Pina was found guilty by a jury of a conspiracy to distribute controlled substances (5 kilograms or more of cocaine; 400 grams or more of fentanyl; and 1,000 grams or more of heroin) and possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. Salas-Pina also pleaded guilty to unlawful reentry, after having been deported following a conviction for an aggravated felony offense. Salas-Pina’s sentencing is scheduled for May 18, 2018. He faces not less than 10 years in federal prison.
“Through cooperative efforts, law enforcement personnel disrupted significant drug trafficking operations in Kentucky,” stated Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “McIver, Salas-Pina, and Mejia-Palacio were involved in distributing large amounts of deadly drugs, including fentanyl, in our community. Due to the cooperation of several federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, large quantities of deadly drugs were removed from our streets and likely saved many lives. I commend our law enforcement partners for their tremendous cooperation and effort.”
The Court will impose any sentences for McIver, Salas-Pina, and Mejia-Palacio after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and applicable federal statutes.
In addition to the money laundering charges from San Diego, Hocker is also facing federal drug trafficking charges in Lexington. On February 9, 2018, DEA and the Kentucky State Police arrested Hocker, David Morris, and Kim Davis. Then, on March 1, 2018, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Hocker, Morris, and Davis, charging them with conspiring to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, and possessing 500 grams or more of cocaine with intent to distribute it, for conduct alleged to have occurred in Shelby County, Kentucky. Hocker was also charged with possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute it. The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of $105,880 in cash. Hocker, Morris, and Davis each face imprisonment for not less than 10 years on the cocaine conspiracy charge.
Hocker, Morris, and Davis are scheduled to be arraigned on these charges on March 8, 2018, in United States District Court in Lexington.
United States Attorney Duncan; Amy Hess, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Louisville; Chris Evans, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Louisville; Richard Sanders, Commissioner Kentucky State Police; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Kentucky State Police, and Lexington Police Department conducted the investigations in the Eastern District of Kentucky. Assistant United States Attorneys Gary Todd Bradbury and Roger W. West represent the United States in the cases in the Eastern District of Kentucky.
The cases are the result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.
Any indictment is an accusation only. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Jefferson County man admits to firearm chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Tyler Hall, of Ranson, West Virginia has admitted to a firearm charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hall, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Drug User in Possession of a Firearm – Aiding and Abetting.” Hall admits to illegally possessing a Taurus 38 Special handgun. The crime occurred in September 2015 in Jefferson County.
Hall faces up to ten years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul T. Camilletti is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.Jamestown Man Indicted on Multiple Counts of Enticement, Child Sex Trafficking, and Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a 14-count indictment charging James A. Chapman, a/k/a Fatz Guy, a/k/a Perverted Doe, 37, of Jamestown, NY, with enticement of a minor; sex trafficking of a minor; production, distribution, possession, and receipt of child pornography; and making a false statement. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between November 24 and November 25, 2014, the defendant attempted to coerce a minor to engage in prostitution and sexual activity. On those same dates, Chapman recruited two minor victims (Victim 1 and Victim 2) to engage in a commercial sex act. In addition, the defendant is accused of producing a visual depiction of their encounter. On multiple occasions between December 14, 2016, and April 7, 2017, Chapman distributed an image of child pornography depicting Victims 1 and 2.
On April 7, 2017, Chapman coerced a third minor victim (Victim 3) to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction. The defendant also received, possessed and distributed child pornography depicting Victim 3.
The indictment further states that on January 24, 2018, the defendant made a false statement to a Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation claiming that he thought Victim 1 and Victim 2 were 18 years-old, when in truth and in fact, Chapman knew they were minors. In addition, the defendant possessed images of child pornography on his cellular telephone and social media account.
The defendant was arraigned this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and is being held pending a detention hearing on March 12, 2018, at 11:30 a.m.
Anyone with information about James Chapman's, a/k/a Fatz Guy, a/k/a Perverted Doe, contact with minors is urged to call the FBI Buffalo office at 716-856-7800 and to press zero (0) and to ask to speak with an agent about James Chapman.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin P. Lyons, and the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Harry Snellings.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Investment Adviser Convicted of Defrauding InvestorsRead the Press Release
Earlier today, following a four-day trial, Louis F. Petrossi, the founder and president of the Wealth Research Institute, a purported investment research firm, was convicted by a federal jury in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, of securities fraud, investment adviser fraud and wire fraud for his role in a scheme to defraud investors. Petrossi falsely claimed to investors that money they had invested in purported investment funds called Chadwicke would be used to invest in startup companies. Instead, the defendant used the investors’ money to pay for personal expenses, and he issued fraudulent statements that overstated both the cost and value of the securities held by Chadwicke.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Division (FBI), announced the verdict. Mr. Donoghue expressed his appreciation to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania for their assistance with the case.
The evidence at trial established that between January 2015 and January 2017, Petrossi solicited more than $1.8 million in investments in one of the Chadwicke funds from more than 25 investors, including one who resides in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Petrossi promoted Chadwicke as providing the opportunity to invest in high-profile startup companies such as Lyft, Inc., Maplebear Inc., Pinterest Inc., Spotify Technology SA and Palantir Technologies, Inc., among others. Petrossi invested approximately $665,400 in privately held startup companies but used more than $1.1 million in investor funds to pay for personal expenses, including payments to BMW, renovations to his home and payment of his personal legal fees. In or around August 2016, Petrossi sent emails to Chadwicke investors attaching a spreadsheet that contained false and misleading statements about the purchase price and value of the securities held by the Chadwicke funds in order to conceal his misappropriation of investor money.
On May 3, 2016, Petrossi was arrested in Nevada pursuant to an indictment returned by a federal grand jury sitting in the Eastern District of New York for his role in a securities fraud scheme involving the securities of ForceField Energy Inc. Under the terms of Petrossi’s pre-trial release, the defendant was prohibited from employment “directly involving the handling of investors.” Between May 3, 2016 and approximately January 2017, Petrossi continued to engage in the Chadwicke scheme by emailing the August 2016 spreadsheet and soliciting $210,000 in investor funds.
Petrossi faces a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment when he is sentenced by United States Chief District Judge Christopher C. Conner of the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
Petrossi was convicted in May 2017 by a federal jury in Brooklyn for his role in the ForceField Energy Inc. market manipulation scheme. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment when he is sentenced by United States District Judge Brian M. Cogan of the Eastern District of New York.
The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark E. Bini of the Eastern District of New York and Special Assistant United States Attorney John O. Enright of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission’s Enforcement Division.
The Defendant:
LOUIS F. PETROSSI
Age: 77
Residence: Reno, NevadaM.D.P.A. Docket No. 17-CR-192 (CCC)
Illegal Alien Sentenced for Unlawful Reentry and Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - On March 7, 2018, Ludwin Leonel Monterroso-Lemus, a/k/a Ludwid Lemus, 31, a native of Guatemala most recently residing in Lenoir City, Tennessee, was sentenced by the Honorable Pamela Reeves, U.S. District Judge, to serve 24 months in prison.
Monterroso-Lemus pleaded guilty in October 2017 to a three-count indictment charging him with illegally reentering the United States after being deported and illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition.
According to documents on file with the U.S. District Court, Monterroso-Lemus, a native of Guatamala, was deported from the United States near Hidalgo, Texas, in May 2010, by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He reentered the United States without the consent of Homeland Security and was arrested in Lenoir City, Tennessee in June 2017, after officers responded to a shots fired report. At the time of his arrest, he was in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Monterroso-Lemus admitted to discharging the firearm after a dispute with three males.
“This case emphasizes the commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to enforcing immigration laws and reducing violent crime, two top priorities of the Department of Justice and Attorney General Jeff Sessions,” said U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey.
Agencies involved in the investigation of this case include the Lenoir City Police Department and U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bart Slabbekorn represented the United States during court proceedings.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a comprehensive national strategy that creates local partnerships with law enforcement agencies to effectively enforce existing gun laws. It provides more options to prosecutors, allowing them to utilize local, state, and federal laws to ensure that criminals who commit gun crime face tough sentences. PSN gives each federal district the flexibility it needs to focus on individual challenges that a specific community faces.
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