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16 April 2018
Anchorage Woman Sentenced to 105 Months in Federal Prison for Committing Three Bank Robberies Last MayRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that Jennifer Marie Trengove, 41, of Anchorage, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess to serve 105 months in federal prison for committing three bank robberies in Anchorage last May. Trengove previously pleaded guilty in August 2017 to three counts of bank robbery.
According to court documents, Trengove robbed three different branches of Alaska USA Federal Credit Union during a spree between May 24 and May 26, 2017. Trengove committed the robberies at the E. Dimond Blvd. branch on May 24, at the E. Northern Lights Blvd. branch on May 25, and at the Hartzell Road branch on May 26. At each robbery, Trengove walked up to a teller station and presented a demand note to the teller. It was later determined by law enforcement officers that Trengove had not been carrying a firearm during the robberies.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Burgess noted that Trengove had a long history of committing serious crimes dating back to when she was 13 years old. The previous convictions included a 2012 federal conviction for bank robbery in Oregon. Judge Burgess also noted that Trengove had a long history of substance abuse and mental health issues, and had been through multiple treatment programs, which had not prevented her from continuing to commit more crimes to support her drug dependency issues. Judge Burgess commented that there was little he could do at this point other than to protect the public by sentencing Trengove to a lengthy prison sentence.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Anchorage Police Department (APD) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph W. Bottini.
Allergan to Pay $3.5 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations Relating to LAP-BAND Bariatric Medical DeviceRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md (410) 209-4885
Baltimore, Maryland – New Jersey-based Allergan Inc. has agreed to pay $3.5 million to resolve allegations that Allergan caused health care providers to submit false claims to Medicare and other federal healthcare programs relating to the LAP-BAND Adjustable Gastric Banding System, a device approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for weight reduction for adult patients with obesity who have failed more conservative weight-reduction alternatives.
The settlement agreement was announced today by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Maureen Dixon, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services; and Robert E. Craig Jr., Special Agent in Charge for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Mid-Atlantic Field Office.
“Patients have every right to expect that medical devices used during surgery are free of defects. Patients also have the right to expect that procedures involving medical devices have been subject to the rigorous review and approval process of the Food and Drug Administration. When marketing and selling medical devices that may have defects or may be used in unapproved procedures, patients can be put at risk,” said Robert K. Hur, United States Attorney for the District of Maryland.
Allergan distributed, marketed, and sold the LAP-BAND, an inflatable silicone band that is placed around a patient’s stomach during a surgical procedure. Adding or removing saline fluid through a subcutaneous access port adjusts the LAP-BAND, which in turn constricts or expands the size of the stomach pouch.
The United States alleged that between January 2008 and November 2010, Allergan knowingly sold LAP-BANDs with defective or flawed access ports. To conceal the defect or flaw and to induce health care professionals to continue using the LAP-BAND, Allergan misrepresented facts concerning the cause of access port leaks to the public, health care professionals, and the FDA; failed to collect or maintain required data and complaint files; and offered and provided remuneration to health care professionals who reported access port leaks. Additionally, the United States alleged that between 2008 and 2012, Allergan knowingly advertised, marketed, and distributed the LAP-BAND for use in two procedures that were not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Some of these procedures were not reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of an illness or injury. To market and to induce health care professionals to use the LAP-BAND for these uses, Allergan provided remuneration to health care professionals in connection with proctoring, workshops, advisory boards, and training events in which these two uses were discussed and/or demonstrated.
The civil settlement resolves a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and obtain a portion of the government's recovery. The civil lawsuit was filed in the District of Maryland and is captioned United States ex rel. Schwartz and Tinsley v. Allergan, CCB-10-2796. As part of today’s resolution, Dr. Schwartz and Mr. Tinsley will receive approximately $594,064 from the settlement.
The Federal share of the civil settlement is $3,300,360 and the state Medicaid share of the civil settlement is $199,640. The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the HHS Office of Inspector General, Office of Personnel Management OIG, and the Department of Defense’s Criminal Investigative Services for their work in the investigation. Assistance also was provided by the National Association of Medicaid Fraud Control Units and offices of various state Attorneys General. The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Roann Nichols and Assistant Director Edward Crooke of the Department of Justice Civil Fraud Section.
14 April 2018
Two Individuals Charged for Robbery and CarjackingRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On April 11, 2018, a federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment charging Eddie Ruiz-Vélez, a state correctional officer, and Yissette Burgos-Santiago, for interference with commerce by robbery, and using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence. Ruiz-Vélez is also facing one count for carjacking, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is in charge of the investigation of the case and arrested both defendants without incident.
On January 21, 2018, Ruiz-Vélez and Burgos-Santiago, aided and abetted by others, planned and robbed a Chinese restaurant in the municipality of Yauco, PR. Burgos-Santiago was an employee of the Chinese restaurant. The defendants unlawfully took approximately $1,200 U.S. currency, from and in the presence of persons, against their will by means of actual and threatened force, violence, and fear of injury, immediate and future, to their person.
On that same date, Ruiz-Vélez, aiding and abetting others, with the intent to cause death or serious bodily harm took a 2010 Hyundai Elantra that had been transported, shipped, and received in interstate or foreign commerce, from and in the presence of a male victim by force, violence, and intimidation while carrying and brandishing a firearm.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Camille García-Jiménez is in charge of the prosecution case. If convicted, the defendants face from seven years to a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations; all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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13 April 2018
United States Attorney Russell Coleman Announces Addition of Assistant United States Attorney to the Paducah District OfficeRead the Press Release
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - United State Attorney Russell M. Coleman announced today the addition of Assistant United States Attorney Madison Sewell to the Paducah, Kentucky, District Office effective immediately.
“As promised, this Office is committing resources to the Purchase, Pennyrile, and rural communities of our District.” stated United States Attorney Russell M. Coleman. “Madison Sewell brings a wealth of experience, talent, and passion for prosecuting both criminal and civil offenses. As a former prosecutor for this Office, Mr. Sewell has a proven record in tackling drug trafficking organizations, removing illegally held firearms from our streets, and protecting our most vulnerable citizens.”
Sewell joins Assistant United States Attorney Seth Hancock, branch manager of the Paducah office, in prosecuting cases before U.S. District Judges, in United States District Courts, located in Paducah, Owensboro and Bowling Green.
A Henderson, Kentucky native, Sewell attended Yale University and Stanford Law School before clerking for a district court judge in Washington State and then Sixth Circuit Judge, Hon. Eugene Siler in London, KY. Sewell briefly served as an Assistant Federal Public Defender in Ohio before joining the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky from 2004-2008, to include a voluntary stint in the Paducah Office. Sewell prosecuted cases in the Environment and Natural Resources Division at Main Justice in Washington, D.C., and most recently served as an Assistant County Attorney in Henderson County.
“The announcement today of an additional full-time prosecutor is one more down payment on a promise to support our law enforcement partners in reducing criminal activity in the western part of the Commonwealth,” stated U.S. Attorney Coleman.
Union County, New Jersey, Tax Preparers Charged with Tax FraudRead the Press Release
NEWARK – Two Union County, New Jersey, tax preparers were arrested today on charges of filing scores of fraudulent tax returns, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Samuel Davis Jr., 52, and Kyna Felder-Ruiz, 35, both of Plainfield, New Jersey, were indicted by a federal grand jury on April 11, 2018. Davis is charged with conspiring to aid and abet the filing of more than 70 false tax returns, seven counts of aiding and abetting in the filing of false tax returns, and three counts of filing his own false tax returns. Felder-Ruiz is charged with conspiring to aid and abet the filing of more than 70 false tax returns and four counts of aiding and abetting in the filing of false tax returns. They are scheduled to appear today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court.
According to the indictment:
Davis is the owner and operator of Get Organized Tax & Accounting (GOTA), a tax preparation business in Plainfield. He retired as a detective sergeant from the N.J. State Police in 2016 after 28 years. Felder-Ruiz, who worked for the N.J. State Police as a public safety dispatcher for approximately two years and is currently a firefighter for the City of Plainfield, New Jersey, works as a tax preparer at GOTA. For the tax years 2011 to 2016, Davis and Felder-Ruiz prepared false individual income tax returns for various clients. They used a number of fraudulent practices, including falsely claiming deductions and fabricating educational credits in order to obtain refunds for their clients in amounts greater than those to which they were entitled.
For the tax years 2012 through 2014, Davis filed false individual income tax returns by falsely reporting the gross business income to GOTA. By doing so, Davis defrauded the IRS of tens of thousands of dollars in taxes.
The false filing charges with which Davis and Felder-Ruiz are charged each carry a maximum potential penalty of three years in prison and a $100,000 fine or twice the gross pecuniary gain or loss from the fraud. The maximum penalty for the conspiracy offense is five years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross loss or gain caused by the offense.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan D. Larsen with the investigation leading to the indictment.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shana W. Chen of the Criminal Division in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defense Counsel:
Davis: Thomas Ashley Esq., Newark
Felder-Ruiz: TBDU.S. Attorney’s Office Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
BISMARCK – U.S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on April 13, 2018, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of North Dakota hosted a National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Awards Ceremony to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights and to recognize individuals throughout the state who provide outstanding services to victims. Victim assistance awards were presented to the following individuals:
Assistant United States Attorney Victim Assistance Award – Jonathan O’Konek, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Bismarck.
Support Staff Victim Assistance Award – Vicki Thompson, Legal Assistant, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Fargo.
Victim-Witness Advocate Assistance Award – Amy Jacobson, Human Trafficking Navigator, Youthworks, Bismarck.
Special Agent Victim Assistance Award – Frank Gasper, Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bismarck.
State Law Enforcement Victim Assistance Award – Lt. Calise Linstrom, McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, Towner & Det. Dale Ackland, Jamestown Police Department, Jamestown.
Crime Victim Service Legacy Assistance Award – Paula Bosh, Victim Specialist, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Minot.
Special Courage Victim Assistance Award – Nikki Anderson, Thriver, Trained Therapeutic Arts Facilitator, Founder of Art of Hope and Healing, Plains Art Museum, Fargo.
United States Attorney Myers stated, “It is an honor to recognize these professionals who tirelessly work every day, and often into the evening, to ensure victims are safe and have a voice in the criminal justice system. These award winners are truly passionate about helping people and the recognition for their efforts is long overdue.”
The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) leads communities throughout the country in their annual observances of the national Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 8-14, by promoting victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. This year’s theme—Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims—highlights how the investment of communities in crime victims expands the opportunity for victims to disclose their victimization, connect with services, and receive the support they need. The theme also acknowledges the many barriers facing victims of crime especially those with disabilities, LGBTQ victims, older adults, speakers with limited English proficiency, American Indians and Alaska Natives, and others from historically marginalized communities.
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U.S. Attorney Reaches Settlement with Westchester Developer to Increase Accessibility for People with Disabilities at Two Apartment Complexes in Rockland CountyRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that the United States has settled a federal Fair Housing Act (“FHA”) lawsuit against GINSBURG DEVELOPMENT COMPANIES (“GINSBURG DEVELOPMENT”), which was filed in September 2016. Under the settlement, GINSBURG DEVELOPMENT has agreed to make retrofits to two apartment complexes in Haverstraw, New York, the Riverside and the Parkside, which together contain more than 200 rental units, in order to make them more accessible to individuals with disabilities. GINSBURG DEVELOPMENT also has committed to establish procedures to ensure that its future residential development projects will comply with the accessibility requirements of the FHA. Additionally, the settlement requires GINSBURG DEVELOPMENT to provide up to $125,000 to compensate aggrieved persons and to pay a civil penalty of $50,000. The resolution of this lawsuit was approved on April 12, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Nelson S. Román. Previously, on September 28, 2016, the United States obtained in this lawsuit a court-ordered preliminary injunction on consent that requires GINSBURG DEVELOPMENT to ensure accessibility at four Westchester rental complexes currently under development – Saw Mill Lofts in Hastings-on-Hudson, Harbor Square Crossings in Ossining, and River Tides and 1177 Warburton Avenue in Yonkers.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “The Fair Housing Act’s accessibility provisions protect people with disabilities wherever they live. Today’s settlement, just one day after the 50th anniversary of the FHA, is part of the Office’s ongoing effort to fulfill the Act’s promise of accessibility throughout the Southern District of New York. All people, with or without physical limitations, should be able to live with dignity in accessible accommodations.”
The FHA’s accessible design and construction provisions require new multifamily housing complexes constructed after January 1993 to have basic features accessible to persons with disabilities. According to the allegations in the complaint and the factual admissions in the settlement stipulation, the Riverside and Parkside apartment complexes, which GINSBURG DEVELOPMENT designed and constructed, have a number of inaccessible features, including excessively high thresholds within individual units, insufficient clear floor spaces in bathrooms and kitchens, and doors in both individual units and common areas that are not wide enough to accommodate people in wheelchairs.
Pursuant to the settlement, GINSBURG DEVELOPMENT agrees to make retrofits to both public and common use areas and individual units to ensure that Riverside and Parkside are accessible. The settlement also requires GINSBURG DEVELOPMENT to establish procedures to ensure FHA compliance at its future development projects, including to retain an FHA compliance consultant to assess the design documents and conduct site visits to identify non-compliant conditions. In addition, GINSBURG DEVELOPMENT agrees to institute policies and training to ensure that its employees and agents will comply with the FHA’s accessibility requirements.
The settlement requires GINSBURG DEVELOPMENT to provide up to $125,000 to compensate aggrieved persons. Aggrieved persons may be entitled to monetary compensation from the fund created through today’s settlement. Aggrieved individuals may include those who:
- Were discouraged from living at Riverside or Parkside because of the lack of accessible features;
- Have been hurt in any way by the lack of accessible features at Riverside or Parkside;
- Paid to have an apartment at Riverside or Parkside made more accessible to persons with disabilities; or
- Otherwise were discriminated against on the basis of disability at Riverside or Parkside as a result of the inaccessible design and construction of the properties.
Any individual who may be entitled to compensation can file a claim by contacting the Civil Rights Complaint Line at (212) 637-0840, using the Civil Rights Complaint Form available on the United States Attorney’s Office’s website http://www.justice.gov/usao/nys/ civilrights.html, or by sending a written claim to:
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York
86 Chambers Street, 3rd Floor
New York, New York 10007
Attention: Chief, Civil Rights Unit
Finally, the GINSBURG DEVELOPMENT also agrees to pay a civil penalty of $50,000.
Since 2010, the Office has filed nearly 30 lawsuits to enforce the FHA to combat racial, gender, and disability discrimination in housing, including in the areas of design and construction, sexual harassment, and fair lending.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Li Yu, Natasha W. Teleanu, Jacob Lillywhite, and Lauren Lively are in charge of the case.
U.S. Attorney Announces the Indictments of Nineteen Individuals on Federal Firearms Charges; Several are Convicted FelonsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – On March 29, 2018, a federal grand jury indicted 19 individuals for federal firearms violations. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the indictments today. As charged in the indictments, seventeen of the defendants are prohibited by federal firearms laws from possessing firearms. In three of the cases, the grand jury charged the defendants with using a firearm during a drug or violent crime.
Several defendants charged in this series of indictments are alleged to be convicted felons. Under federal law, it is illegal for an individual convicted of a felony to possess a firearm. This is a violation of Title 18, United States Code (USC), § 922(g)(1). A violation of this section is punishable by a term of up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of no less than two years. The penalty for a violation of § 922(g)(1) is enhanced when a defendant has a prior criminal record that includes three convictions for a violent felony or serious drug offenses. Under this enhanced sentencing provision, the defendant is subject to a mandatory minimumstatutory sentence of at least 15 years imprisonment, with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "It is the goal of the Justice Department to reduce violent crime. As part of this effort, our office places a high priority on the criminal prosecution of individuals who, because they are convicted felons or have convictions for misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence, illegally possess firearms, or who use firearms to commit violent crimes or engage in drug trafficking while armed. We will continue our effort to reduce violent crime in West Tennessee by aggressively prosecuting those who possess firearms illegally or use firearms to commit crimes."
Federal firearms laws also prohibit an individual convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence from possessing a firearm. This is a violation of 18 USC §922(g)(9). An individual convicted of violating this section is subject to a term of up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of no less than two years.
It is also against federal law to possess or use and carry a firearm during or in relation to a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime. This is a violation of 18 USC § 924(c). A violation of this section is punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of at least five years imprisonment to a maximum of life imprisonment.
Dennis Boykin, 26, of Memphis, was charged with possessing a Phoenix Arms .25 caliber pistol after being convicted of a felony, in violation of 18 USC § 922(g)(1). Assistant U.S. Attorney Libby Rogers is prosecuting this case.
Brian Brock, 38, of Memphis, was charged with possessing a Raven Arms .25 caliber pistol after being convicted of a felony, in violation of 18 § USC 922(g)(1). He was also charged in a second count of the indictment with possessing the same firearm after being convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence in violation of 18 USC § 922(g)(9). Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryce Phillips is prosecuting this case.
Kristen Brenner, 32, of Memphis, was charged with possessing a Sig Sauer 9mm caliber pistol after being convicted of a felony, in violation of 18 USC § 922(g)(1). Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Hartridge is prosecuting this case.
Jacob Buggs, 36, of Memphis, was charged with possessing a Jimenez 9mm caliber pistol after being convicted of a felony, in violation of 18 USC § 922(g)(1). Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Hartridge is prosecuting this case.
Timothy Cook, 27, of Memphis, was charged with possessing a Harrington and Richardson .32 S&W long caliber revolver after being convicted of a felony, in violation of 18 USC § 922(g)(1). Assistant U.S. Attorney David Biggers is prosecuting this case.
Marquez Harris, 25, of Memphis, was charged with possessing a Riger 9mm caliber pistol after being a convicted of a felony, in violation of 18 USC § 922(g)(1). Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Hartridge is prosecuting this case.
Artavious Holmes, 23, of Memphis, was charged with possessing a Baretta 9mm caliber pistol in furtherance of drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 USC § 924(c), and possession of less than 50 kilograms of marijuana with intent to distribute, in violation of 21 USC § 841(a)(1). The marijuana violation, as charged in the indictment, is punishable by imprisonment for up to five years, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 2 years. Assistant U.S. Attorney Libby Rogers is prosecuting this case.
Alfonzo Johnson a/k/a "Alphonzo Johnson," 37, of Memphis was charged with possessing a Raven Arms .25 caliber pistol after being convicted of a felony, in violation of 18 USC § 922(g)(1). Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryce Phillips is prosecuting this case.
Philanese Martin, 34, ofMemphis, has been charged with possessing a Ruger .380 caliber pistol after being convicted of a felony in violation of 18 USC § 922(g)(1) and with intent to distribute marijuana; cocaine; and crack cocaine, in violation of title 21 USC § 841(a)(1). As charged in the indictment, the § 841(a)(1) violations are punishable by imprisonment for no more than 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least three years. Assistant U.S. Attorney Libby Rogers is prosecuting this case.
Jeremy McGarvey, 23, of Munford, has been charged with possessing a Remington .30-06 caliber rifle and a Taurus .380 caliber pistol after being convicted of a felony, in violation of 18 USC § 922(g)(1). Assistant U.S. Attorney Raney Irwin is prosecuting this case.
Hittites McKinney, 24, of Memphis, has been charged with possessing a Sig Sauer .40 caliber pistol after being convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, in violation of 18 USC § 922(g)(9). Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryce Phillips is prosecuting this case.
Henry Mitchell, 39, of Memphis, has been charged with possessing a Browning 9mm pistol after being convicted of a felony, in violation of 18 USC § 922(g)(1). Assistant U.S. Attorney Libby Rogers is prosecuting this case.
Rodney Lee Parnell, 51, of West Memphis, AR, has been charged with the robbery of the Best Western Hotel on Madison Avenue in Memphis, in violation of 18 USC § 1951, and using and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, in violation of 18 USC § 924 (c). A violation of § 1951, the Hobbs Act, is punishable by a term of imprisonment of no more than 20 years, a fine of no more than $250,000, and a mandatory term of supervised release of five years. As charged in the indictment, a violation of § 924(c) is punishable by a minimum mandatory sentence of at least seven years imprisonment and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Whitmore is prosecuting this case.
Lazarus Payne, 34, of Memphis, has been charged with possessing an American Tactical 5.56 caliber rifle after being convicted of a felony, in violation of 18 USC § 922(g)(1). Assistant U.S. Attorney Raney Irwin is prosecuting this case.
Marlon Pruitt, 44, of Memphis, was charged with possessing a Winchester 20 gauge shotgun after being convicted of a felony, in violation of 18 USC 922(g)(1). He was also charged with possession of less than 50 kilograms of marijuana with intent to distribute in violation of 21 USC § 841(a)(1). This violation is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 5 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. William Crow is prosecuting this case.
Stephen Seward, 28, of Memphis, was charged in a four-count indictment with violating federal firearms and drug laws. In count 3 of the indictment, he was charged with possessing a Sig Sauer .22 caliber pistol and a Ruger .380 caliber pistol after being convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, in violation of 18 USC § 922(g)(9). He was also charged in 2 counts of the indictment with possession of heroin and cocaine with intent to distribute in violation of 21 USC § 841(a)(1). Each drug violation is punishable by a term of imprisonment of no more than 20 years, a fine of no more than $1,000,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 3 years. The grand jury also charged Seward with possessing a Sig Sauer .22 caliber pistol and a Ruger .380 caliber pistol in furtherance of the drug crimes charged in the indictment, in violation of title 18 USC § 924(c). A violation of § 924(c) as charged in this case is punishable by a minimum mandatory sentence of at least five years imprisonment and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. William Crow is prosecuting this case.
Christopher Smith, 26, of Memphis, was charged with possessing a Magnum Research 9 mm caliber pistol after being convicted of a felony, in violation of 18 USC § 922(g)(1). Assistant U.S. Attorney Marques Young is prosecuting this case.
Leroy Taylor, 28, of Memphis, was charged with possessing a Ceska Zbrojovka 9 X 19mm caliber pistol after being convicted of a felony, in violation of 18 USC § 922(g)(1). Assistant U.S. Attorney Raney Irwin is prosecuting this case.
Terrance Ware, 25, of Memphis, was charged with possessing a Taurus .40 caliber pistol after being convicted of a felony, in violation of 18 USC § 922(g)(1). Assistant U.S. Attorney Marques Young is prosecuting this case.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Tonawanda Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing FentanylRead 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 Dominique McDowell, 26, of Tonawanda, NY, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of butyryl fentanyl and U-47700, before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul C. Parisi, who is handling the case, stated that the investigation began with the overdose death of an individual in the Town of Amherst. Subsequent investigation determined that between March 30, 2017, and April 18, 2017, the defendant sold butyryl fentanyl and U-47700 to undercover law enforcement officers on five separate occasions in the Town of Amherst and Tonawanda. In addition, between December 2016 and April 18, 2017, McDowell sold heroin to confidential sources on multiple occasions.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of James J. Hunt, Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Field Division; the Amherst Police Department, under the direction of Chief John C. Askey; the Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief Jerome Uschold; and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Edward Kennedy.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 28, 2018, before Judge Arcara.
Tonawanda Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing 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 Dakkar Young, 23, of Tonawanda, NY, pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography, before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. The charge carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Lamarque, who is handling the case, stated that in May 2017, the defendant uploaded eight pictures containing child pornography onto a social networking site. In December 2017, a search warrant was executed at the Young’s home and various electronics were seized. A forensic examination of the defendant’s cell phone revealed images of child pornography as well as videos of Young sexually abusing a child under the age of 16. As part of the plea, the defendant admitted to producing child pornography of the child.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police ICAC Task Force, under the direction of Major Edward Kennedy, and Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin P. Lyons.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 27, 2018, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Vilardo.
Terminix Employee Illegally Applied Pesticides Containing Methyl Bromide to Residences in St. John, St. Croix, and St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jose Rivera, 59, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for violating the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. According to the indictment, Rivera illegally applied fumigants containing methyl bromide in multiple residential locations in the U.S. Virgin Islands, including the condominium resort complex in St. John, where a family of four fell seriously ill in March 2015, announced Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey H. Wood of the Environment and Natural Resources Division and United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands.
The indictment alleges that Rivera knowingly applied restricted-use fumigants at the Sirenusa resort in St. John for the purpose of exterminating household pests on or about Oct. 20, 2014, and on or about March 18, 2015. The defendant was also charged with applying the restricted-use pesticide in eight residential units in St. Croix and one additional unit in St. Thomas between April 2013 and February 2015.
In 1984, EPA banned the indoor use of methyl bromide products. The few remaining uses are severely restricted. Pesticides containing methyl bromide in the U.S. are restricted-use due to their acute toxicity, meaning that they must only be applied by a certified applicator. Health effects of acute exposure to methyl bromide are serious and include central nervous system and respiratory system damage. Pesticides can be very toxic and it is critically important that they be used only as approved by EPA.
Earlier this year, TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX, USVI were sentenced to pay a total of $9.2 million in criminal fines and restitution. The companies were also ordered to perform community service following an investigation and guilty pleas to their use and application of illegal fumigants in multiple residential locations in the Virgin Islands.
The case was investigated by EPA Criminal Investigation Division, working cooperatively with the Virgins Islands government and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Senior Litigation Counsel Howard P. Stewart of the Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim L. Chisholm for the District of the Virgin Islands are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Patricia Hick, EPA Region II Regional Criminal Enforcement Counsel.
An indictment is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
For more information about EPA’s pesticide program and its requirements, visit www.epa.gov/pesticides/.
For more information on methyl bromide, visit www.epa.gov/region2/methyl-bromide.pdf.
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Strongsville man charged with selling anabolic steroidsRead the Press Release
A Strongsville man was charged in federal court for selling anabolic steroids, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.
George Najjar, 57, was charged in a criminal information with one count of possession with intent to distribute steroids. Najjar did knowingly and intentionally manufacture and possess with the intent to distribute and distributed anabolic steroids from 2013 through December 3, 2014, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal records, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry F. DeBaggis.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
South Jersey Business Owner Charged with Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Chung Lam, age 39, of Sicklerville, New Jersey, was charged today by Information with 12 counts of failure to collect and pay taxes, in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7202, announced United States Attorney William M. McSwain. Lam owned a C&L Labor, a company that provided temporary workers to other companies. Lam paid hundreds of its employees in cash, as “under the table” wages on which no employment taxes were withheld.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 60 years imprisonment, a fine of $3,000,000, a special assessment of $1,200, and three years of supervised release.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laurie Magid.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
South Florida Certified Public Accountant Indicted for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury sitting in Miami, Florida, returned an indictment on Tuesday, April 10 charging a Miami, Florida, certified public accountant with tax evasion, failing to file tax returns and failing to pay over payroll taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Benjamin G. Greenberg for the Southern District of Florida.
According to the indictment, Darryl Sharpton owned The Sharpton Group, a Miami-based public accounting firm that specialized in financial and management consulting, audit and attestation, and tax and wealth planning. Sharpton allegedly filed personal income tax returns for the years 2004 through 2008 and 2010, but failed to pay the reported taxes. Sharpton is further alleged to have failed to file personal income tax returns for years 2011 through 2016 despite his obligation to do so.
The indictment charges that after Sharpton failed to pay his taxes, the IRS audited and assessed additional taxes against him and issued levies and liens in further effort to collect the unpaid taxes. Sharpton allegedly responded by removing himself from his company’s payroll, paying his personal expenses through the corporate bank accounts, and lying to an IRS collections official.
In addition, the indictment alleges that Sharpton failed to timely pay over to the IRS payroll taxes that he withheld from the paychecks of The Sharpton Group’s employees.
If convicted, Sharpton faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison for the tax evasion charge, five years in prison for each count of failing to pay over payroll taxes, and one year in prison for each count of failing to file tax returns. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. An indictment merely alleges that a crime has been committed. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Greenberg commended special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, who investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Clark and Tax Division Trial Attorneys Sean Beaty, Mara Strier, and Charles M. Edgar, Jr., who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
South Charleston Meth Dealer Sentenced to 8 Years for Federal Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A methamphetamine dealer from South Charleston was sentenced today to 8 years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Jamie Harmon, 38, previously pled guilty to distribution of methamphetamine.
Stuart commended the thorough investigation conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
“Thanks to our law enforcement partners, another meth dealer is out of business,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Meth is a serious growing problem and now dealers are blending it with other poisons like fentanyl. It’s priority we keep these poisons off the streets and we’ll lock up every crystal meth dealer we can find.”
Harmon admitted that in January 2017, he and other individuals brought approximately four kilograms of crystal methamphetamine from Atlanta to Charleston. On January 12, 2017, officers with MDENT executed a search warrant at a hotel room and found over 130 grams of methamphetamine, scales, baggies, and a gun. The methamphetamine was part of the approximately four kilograms Harmon and others brought back from Atlanta, and it was lab-tested and confirmed to be over 90% pure. Harmon also admitted to distributing additional methamphetamine to confidential informants during controlled buys in March 2017.
Three other defendants involved in this methamphetamine conspiracy have been sentenced to federal prison. Quinton Funk, of Webster Springs, was sentenced to 21 years and 10 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Christopher Carte, of St. Albans, was sentenced to three years in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Holly Doub, of South Charleston, was sentenced to five days in federal prison for aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine.
Assistant United States Attorneys Eric Bacaj and Haley Bunn were responsible for the prosecutions. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over these cases.
These cases are being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart
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Seven Suspected Cocaine and Marijuana Traffickers ArrestedRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama– Seven suspected cocaine and marijuana traffickers were arrested early Thursday morning, announced United States Attorney Louis V. Franklin, Sr. These arrests follow an indictment by a federal grand jury charging the seven defendants with conspiracy to distribute narcotics, primarily in the Montgomery area.
The following individuals are in custody: Cyrus Phyfier, 49, Edgar Lee Coleston, 40, Erwin Marvin Smith, 57, Gene Earl Easterling, Jr., 46, and George Edward Jones, III, 40, all from Montgomery. As well as Ernest Lee Rhodes, 35, from Greenville, and Jacques Bradley, Jr., 34, from Ohio.
The federal investigation has led to the seizure of approximately $1,000,000.00 in U.S. currency and jewelry, as well as the seizure of firearms and controlled substances.
Each defendant is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. Each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The defendants made their initial appearance in federal court on Thursday and will remain in federal custody pending a detention hearing.
The investigating agencies include the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Montgomery Police Department, the Prattville Police Department, the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office, the Central Alabama Drug Task Force, the Autauga County Sheriff’s Office, the Millbrook Police Department, the Butler County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the State of Alabama Attorney General’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Curtis Ivy, Jr., and R. Randolph “Rand” Neeley are prosecuting the case.
Sentencings for April 6 - April 13, 2018Read the Press Release
CONRAD DEWAYNE WEBB, 53, of Glenrock, Wyoming was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on April 6, 2018 for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Webb was arrested in Glenrock, Wyoming. He received twenty-four months of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case.
STACY JO KNAPP (AKA Stacy Jo Rafay), 43, of Gillette, Wyoming was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on April 6, 2018 for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Knapp was arrested in Gillette, Wyoming. She received thirty-six months of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200.00 fine, and a $100.00 special assessment. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case.
NOE ROBLES-CANALES, 34, of Zacatecas, Mexico was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on April 11, 2018 for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States . Robles-Canales was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received time served plus ten days to allow for deportation proceedings and ordered to pay $100.00 in special assessment to be remitted at the time of deportation. The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency investigated this case.
LINUS SITTING EAGLE, 61, of Arapahoe, Wyoming was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on April 11, 2018 for Social Security Title II Representative Payee Fraud. Sitting Eagle appeared pursuant to a summons. He received twelve months of probation, and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $65,544.32 and a $100.00 special assessment. The Social Security Administration and FBI investigated this case.
DARREL "BUD" GOODMAN, 51, of Arapahoe, Wyoming was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on April 12, 2018 for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Goodman was arrested in Arapahoe, Wyoming. He received forty-six months of imprisonment, to be followed by ninety-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a restitution in the amount of $750.00 and a $100.00 special assessment. The Fremont County Sheriff Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Tribal Fish and Game, DEA, FBI, and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation investigated this case.
VIRGIL JAMES BEHAN, III, 30, of Arapahoe, Wyoming was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on April 11, 2018 for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine . Behan was arrested in Arapahoe, Wyoming. He received thirty months of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. The Fremont County Sheriff Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Tribal Fish and Game, DEA, FBI, and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation investigated this case.
ALBERT MEDICINE CLOUD, 28, of Thermopolis, Wyoming was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on April 12, 2018 for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Medicine Cloud was arrested in Lander, Wyoming. He received twelve months and one day of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay community restitution in the amount of $200.00 and a $100.00 special assessment. The Fremont County Sheriff Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Tribal Fish and Game, DEA, FBI, and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation investigated this case.
HOKASHINA FASTHORSE, 31, of Riverton, Wyoming was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on April 12, 2018 for assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm. Fasthorse was arrested in Lander, Wyoming. Fasthorse received fifteen months of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. The Fremont County Sheriff Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Tribal Fish and Game, DEA, FBI, and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation investigated this case.
JAQUER GARCIA, 40, of Sheridan, Wyoming was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on April 13, 2018 for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Garcia was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received one hundred forty months of imprisonment, to be followed by sixty months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. The Sheridan Police Department, Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation investigated this case.
San Francsico Man Charged with Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – San Francisco resident Jin Ming Yan was charged today in a criminal information with evading federal income taxes, announced Acting United States Attorney Alex G. Tse and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Special Agent in Charge Michael T. Batdorf.
According to the information, Yan, 54, of San Francisco, Calif., is alleged to have substantially underreported the amount of taxable income he owed for the 2011 tax year.
Yan’s initial appearance and arraignment are yet to be scheduled.
An information merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the defendant in this case faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or twice the value of the gain or loss from the offense, restitution, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Salina Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Sexually Exploiting Three ChildrenRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Charles Poltenson, age 28, of Salina, New York, was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for sexually exploiting three children.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Vadim D. Thomas, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
As part of his guilty plea, Poltenson admitted that from 2014 through 2016 he used Skype to chat with numerous female children. During the course of these Skype chat sessions, Poltenson enticed girls between the ages of 10 and 15 to masturbate and/or show him their genitalia. These sexually explicit acts were recorded by Poltenson, who used computer software to record the Skype sessions so he could watch them again. During the course of these online interactions with children, Poltenson lied about his true identity, pretending to be a child himself.
Poltenson further admitted that in addition to the live Skype sessions that he recorded, he also would send, via the Internet, voice recordings with specific instructions about sexually explicit videos he wanted various female children between the ages of 10-15 to create for him. In response to these instructions, girls between the ages of 10 and 15 created sexually explicit videos for Poltenson and at his request sent them to him via email.
United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also imposed a 20-year term of supervised release, which will start after Poltenson is released from prison, ordered a $300 special assessment, and a payment of $6,000 in restitution for one of his victims. As a result of his conviction, Poltenson will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
This case was investigated by the New York State Police and the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey J. L. Brown.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Romanian Man Admits Illegal Re-entry into United StatesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Ioan Rostas, a/k/a Ioan Angel, age 29, and a citizen of Romania, pled guilty today to illegal re-entry into the United States.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Chief Patrol Agent John C. Pfeifer, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector.
Rostas was removed from the United States to Romania on September 28, 2017. On March 17, 2018, he was arrested by Border Patrol Agents in Chateaugay, New York. Rostas had entered the United States from Canada without inspection shortly before he was found by Border Patrol. Rostas admitted that he returned to the United States without permission following the 2017 removal.
As a result of his conviction, Rostas faces up to 2 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 when he is sentenced by United States District Judge Mae A. D ’Agostino on August 13, 2018. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case was investigated by Border Patrol and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Grogan.
Romanian ATM Skimmer Arrested in Troy, NC, Sentenced to Four Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO – A Romanian man arrested in July 2017 after using counterfeit bank cards to withdraw cash at an ATM in Troy, N.C., was sentenced to 48 months in prison for aggravated identity theft, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew G.T. Martin for the Middle District of North Carolina.
According to documents filed with the court, North Carolina State Employees Credit Union security personnel notified the U.S. Secret Service of possible ATM skimming fraud in progress on July 18, 2017, and the Troy Police Department arrested Valeri GORNET in a vehicle near the ATM. NCSECU security personnel had seen GORNET on ATM surveillance cameras engaged in similar activity thirty minutes earlier in Mount Gilead, N.C. GORNET presented police with an identification card in the name of Geani Vales of Lithuania, but fingerprint identification later showed his true identity to be Valeri GORNET, age 28, a Romanian national admitted to the U.S. on July 23, 2016, on an H1B non-immigrant visa not to exceed a stay beyond October 10, 2016. Further investigation showed that GORNET had also used cards re-encoded with the bank account information of other people to withdraw cash from ATM’s in Jamestown and Sanford, North Carolina.
United States District Judge William L. Osteen, Jr., sentenced GORNET yesterday, April 12, 2018, to two consecutive 24-month terms of imprisonment two violations of aggravated identity theft, 18 U.S.C. § 1028A. In addition to the prison term imposed, GORNET was ordered to serve one year of supervised release and to pay $5,000 in restitution to NCSECU.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service with assistance from the Troy Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anand Ramaswamy, Cybercrime Prosecutor for the Middle District of North Carolina.
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Ravenna man charged for defrauding insurance company out of $94,000 through phone schemeRead the Press Release
A Ravenna man was charged in federal court after defrauding an insurance company out of approximately $94,000.
Jody Foster was charged with one count of mail fraud.
Foster defrauded Asurion Insurance company between 2012 and 2016 through the submission of fraudulent insurance claims to obtain money and property from Asurion. He paid individuals, known and unknown, to purchase new cellular telephones and enroll in cellular telephones service plans which included insurance coverage with multiple cellular telephone service providers. Then these individuals provided the newly purchased cellular telephones to Foster, according to the criminal information.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal records, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry F. DeBaggis.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Press Conference to Be HeldRead the Press Release
Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, and U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Assistant Special Agent in Charge John Schmidt will hold a press conference on Monday, April 16, 2018 to announce the results of a significant law enforcement operation carried out pursuant to the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative.
The press conference will be held at 11:00 am on the steps of the United States District Courthouse located at 120 12th Street in Columbus.
Questions concerning the press conference should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison for Heroin Trafficking SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty and was sentenced in federal court to 70 months’ imprisonment on a charge of conspiracy to distribute heroin, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer accepted the guilty plea and imposed the sentence on Jenkins Everett, 28.
According to information presented to the court, Jenkins Everett was indicted in connection with a DEA wiretap investigation. The intercepted wiretap communications revealed that Everett and others conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute heroin between January and September 2016.
Assistant United States Attorneys Tonya Sulia Goodman prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises. United States Attorney Brady commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Jenkins Everett.
Pahrump Man Sentenced to A Total of 15 Years in Prison for Selling Stolen Firearms Including A High-Powered RifleRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Pahrump, Nevada, man was sentenced today to a total of 180 months in federal prison for selling a stolen revolver and a stolen semi-automatic rifle with a large capacity magazine, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada.
Paul Scott Nelson, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Chief Judge Gloria M. Navarro. He pleaded guilty in September 2017 to two counts of possession of a stolen firearm. Nelson has six prior felony convictions, including convictions for Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Battery with a Deadly Weapon, and Aggravated Stalking.
According to court documents, Nelson admitted that on December 8, 2014, he sold a stolen Dan Wesson .357 caliber revolver to an undercover ATF officer. Then, on February 6, 2015, he sold a stolen Norinco SKS 7.62 caliber semi-automatic rifle, along with a 30-round high capacity magazine, a tri-pod, and an optional wooden stock. The semi-automatic rifle is capable of accepting a large capacity magazine.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip N. Smith Jr. prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime. For more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv.
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Newark Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Receiving, Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Shawn P. Parrish, 38, of Newark, Ohio, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 180 months in prison and 10 years of supervised release for charges related to child pornography.
A United States District Court jury convicted Parrish in April of receiving and possessing child pornography. Parrish had been previously convicted of an offense involving aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse or abusive sexual contact of a minor.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Steve Francis, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin, Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien and other members of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force announced the sentence handed down by U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley.
According to court documents and testimony, investigation of a peer-to-peer file-sharing network led investigators to Parrish’s residence when they discovered child pornography being uploaded to an IP address there. While executing a search warrant at his Newark residence in August 2016, investigators found numerous images of a 12-year-old girl on Parrish’s phone.
Forensic evidence obtained from Parrish’s phone and the victim’s phone indicates that Parrish sent himself videos of the victim displaying her nude pubic area and that he received those videos via Facebook Messenger and thereafter created still images on his phone from the videos.
Parrish had previously been convicted in North Carolina in 1998 for Indecent Liberties with a Child and had been sentenced to 16-20 months in prison.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the Franklin County ICAC Task Force, as well as Assistant United States Attorneys Heather A. Hill and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer M. Rausch, Director of the Franklin County Special Victims Unit, who are prosecuting the case.
The Franklin County ICAC Task Force is a multi-agency effort dedicated to the fight against computer-facilitated crimes against children. The following agencies are members:
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
Ohio ICAC
Grove City Police Department
Columbus Police Department
Grandview Heights Police Department
Westerville Police Department
Hilliard Police Department
Franklin County Prosecutor's Office
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
Ohio Attorney General’s Office (BCI)
The Ohio State University Police Department
Upper Arlington Police Department
Circleville Police Department
Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office
Delaware County Sheriff’s Office
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New Hampshire woman admits to identity fraudRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Stephanie Lee Kenyon , of Manchester, New Hampshire, has admitted to identity fraud, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Kenyon, age 30, pled guilty to one count of “Identity Fraud.” Kenyon admitted to possessing 13 fraudulent driver’s licenses. The crime occurred in May 2017 in Ohio County, West Virginia.
Kenyon faces up to five 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 David L. Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Wheeling Police Department investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr., presided.
More Than Two Dozen People Indicted in Federal Drug Cases, Accused of Conspiring to Distribute Heroin, Cocaine and Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Eighteen people have been arrested following their indictments on federal charges in connection with an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking networks that distributed heroin, crack cocaine, and cocaine in the Washington, D.C. area. To date, more than 2,000 grams of cocaine and more than 200 grams of heroin have been seized as a result of the investigation, along with 16 firearms, six vehicles, body armor, and more than $40,000 in cash.
The charges are contained in two indictments unsealed on April 12, 2018, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The charges were announced today by U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu, Nancy McNamara, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Peter Newsham, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
The indictments charge a total of 27 people with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, crack cocaine, and cocaine. Two of the arrested defendants –Terrance Antonio Thomas, 46, of Temple Hills, Md., and Darius Wilson, 40, of Waldorf, Md. – are charged in both indictments. Eleven others are charged in one of the cases, and 14 others are charged in the other case. The indictments include a forfeiture count against all of those now charged in the investigation, which seeks all proceeds from the crimes.
One defendant – Zenja Truitt, 47, of Upper Marlboro, Md. – is a teacher in Prince George’s County, Md., and was among those arrested.
The prosecution grew out of the efforts of the FBI/MPD Safe Streets Task Force, a multi-agency team that conducts comprehensive, multi-level attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. Numerous law enforcement agencies assisted the FBI and MPD in the arrests and searches, including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Prince George's County, Md. Police, Montgomery County, Md. Police, Anne Arundel County, Md., Police, Charles County, Md., Police, and Calvert County, Md. Police Departments,. The number of arrests represents one of the largest enforcement efforts aimed at Washington, D.C. drug trafficking organizations in recent years.
Seventeen people were arrested on April 12, 2018, and one turned himself in today. Another was already in custody and eight remain at large. The defendants began making court appearances on April 12, 2018, with further proceedings scheduled for today.
A total of 21 locations were searched during the law enforcement actions on April 12, including four in the District of Columbia, 11 in Prince George’s County, two in Calvert County, Md., one in Charles County, Md., two in Anne Arundel County, Md., and one in Montgomery County, Md.
If convicted of the charges, 10 defendants face prison sentences of 10 years to life, six face sentences of five to 40 years, and 11 face sentences of up to 20 years.
In August 2016, the Safe Streets Task Force began a long-term investigation into drug trafficking in the Washington, D.C. and Prince George’s County, Md., border region. The indictments allege that various defendants conspired to carry out various facets of the drug operation from at least June 2016 until October 2017.
“These arrests and indictments are part of our continuing commitment to protecting the citizens of the District of Columbia from organizations bringing dangerous drugs into our community,” said U.S. Attorney Liu. “By breaking up these trafficking networks, we hope to cut off supply of heroin, cocaine and other drugs, and make our neighborhoods safer.”
"This case represents the epitome of law enforcement agencies working together to target and dismantle drug organizations that threaten the safety and stability of our neighborhoods,” said Assistant Director in Charge McNamara. “These arrests should send a strong message that the FBI, along with our partners on the Safe Streets Task Force, will continue to pursue those who wreak havoc on our communities through the sale of illegal drugs.”
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
In announcing the charges, U.S. Attorney Liu, Assistant Director in Charge McNamara, and Chief Newsham commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Safe Streets Task Force, including the FBI’s Washington Field Office and MPD. They acknowledged the sponsorship and support of the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). Additionally, they expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the Washington D.C./Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA); the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation’s (IRS-CI) Washington, D.C. Field Office; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Prince George's County, Md. Police, Montgomery County, Md. Police, Anne Arundel County, Md., Police, Charles County, Md., Police, and Calvert County, Md. Police Departments, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.
Finally they cited the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys Magdalena Acevedo, Kacie Weston and Mark Aziz, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Swanton, who assisted with the forfeiture aspects of the investigation.
Middletown Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Role in Cocaine and Crack RingRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CARLOS ROMAN, also known as “Frizz,” 38, of Middletown, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in a central Connecticut cocaine and crack cocaine trafficking ring.
This matter stems from a joint investigation headed by the DEA New Haven Task Force that included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of crack cocaine, and seizures of cocaine and cash proceeds. The investigation revealed that an associate of ROMAN was operating a cocaine and crack cocaine trafficking ring while the associate was incarcerated in state custody. ROMAN was a primary distributor of narcotics for the organization. During the investigation, an undercover officer made five controlled purchases of redistribution quantities of crack from ROMAN.
ROMAN was arrested on April 11, 2017. On that date, he possessed approximately 500 grams of cocaine. A subsequent search of his residence revealed a .380 caliber handgun.
On July 20, 2017, a grand jury in New Haven returned a nine-count indictment charging ROMAN and 10 other individuals with various offenses. On January 18, 2018, pleaded guilty to one count of with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 280 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”), and one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
ROMAN has been detained since his arrest.
This matter is being investigated by the DEA New Haven Task Force, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Middletown and New Britain Police Departments. The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, East Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden and Derby Police Departments, and the U.S. Marshals Service.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney H. Gordon Hall.
Mexican citizen living in Indiana indicted for traveling to Ohio to have sex with what he believed to be a 14-year-old girlRead the Press Release
A Mexican citizen living in Indiana was indicted for traveling to Brook Park, Ohio, to have sex with what he believed was a 14-year-old.
Isidro Lara-Sosa, 32, of Seymour, Indiana, was indicted on charges of enticement, travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, and transfer of obscene material to minors.
Lara-Sosa contacted an undercover law enforcement agent in April 2017. When Lara-Sosa asked the undercover agent’s age, the agent replied she was 14 years old. Lara-Sosa repeatedly stated he’d like to travel to Ohio to have sex with the underage girl and repeatedly sent nude images of himself, according to court documents.
Lara-Sosa stated on March 16, 2018 that he was traveling to Ohio to engage in sexual activity with what he believed was a 14-year-old. He arrived at the designed location to meet and was arrested, according to court documents.
Assistant United States Attorney Brian S. Deckert is prosecuting the case following an investigation by the Ohio Internet Crimes against Children Task Force and the Department of Homeland Security, Immigrations Customs Enforcement.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial, in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Mexican National Sentenced to 150 Months for Violating Federal Drug Trafficking and Firearms Laws in New MexicoRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Juan Carlos Varela-Maldonado, 28, a Mexican national illegally residing in the United States, was sentenced yesterday afternoon in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to 150 months in prison for his conviction on methamphetamine trafficking and being an illegal alien in possession of firearms and ammunition. Varela-Maldonado will be deported after completing his prison sentence.
Varela-Maldonado and co-defendant Oscar Gabriel Mendoza-Bailon, 30, also a Mexican national illegally residing in the United States, were arrested on April 2, 2015, on a criminal complaint charging them with distributing approximately 113 grams of methamphetamine to an individual working with law enforcement on March 23, 2015, in Bernalillo County, N.M. Varela-Maldonado and Mendoza-Bailon subsequently were charged in a two-count indictment filed on April 28, 2015, with methamphetamine trafficking offenses.
The indictment was superseded on Dec. 2, 2015, to add two more charges against Varela-Maldonado. The superseding indictment charged Varela-Maldonado and Mendoza-Bailon with conspiracy and distributing methamphetamine on March 23, 2015. Varela-Maldonado was also charged individually with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and being an illegal alien in possession of firearms and ammunition on April 2, 2015. According to the indictment, the defendants committed the crimes in Bernalillo County.
On Sept. 29, 2016, Varela-Maldonado pled guilty to the indictment without the benefit of a plea agreement.
Mendoza-Bailon entered a guilty plea to a felony information on May 11, 2016, charging him with distribution of methamphetamine. In entering the guilty plea, Mendoza-Bailon admitted that on March 23, 2015, he and Varela-Maldonado sold approximately 111.4 grams of 97.3% pure methamphetamine to an individual working with law enforcement. Mendoza-Bailon was sentenced on Sept. 14, 2016, to 42 months in prison and will be deported after completing his prison sentence.
This case was investigated by the Border Enforcement Security Taskforce of Homeland Security Investigations and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristopher N. Houghton, Joel R. Meyers and Peter J. Eicker prosecuted the case.
Many Farms Man Sentenced to 72 Months for Involuntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
PHOENIX– This week, Harrison Jumbo, 46, of Many Farms, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Diane J. Humetewa to 72 months’ imprisonment. Jumbo had previously pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter.
In March 2014, Jumbo drove his vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and prescribed medication. Jumbo collided with another vehicle causing the death of the victim. Jumbo is a member of the Navajo Nation, as was the victim.
Navajo Nation Criminal Investigations conducted the investigation. The prosecution was handled by Kiyoko Patterson, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix
CASE NUMBER: CR-17-8075-PCT-DJH
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-036_Jumbo
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Media Advisory-Attorney General Jeff SessionsRead the Press Release
Attorney General Jeff Sessions will travel to Raleigh, North Carolina, on TUESDAY April 17, 2018, to deliver remarks on the opioid crisis.
WHO:
Attorney General Jeff Sessions
WHAT:Attorney General Jeff Sessions will deliver remarks on the opioid crisis.
WHEN:
TUESDAY, April 17, 2018
2:15 p.m. EDT
WHERE:
U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina
3rd Floor Conference Room
310 New Bern Avenue
Federal Building, Suite 800
Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-1461OPEN PRESS
(Camera Preset: 1:15 p.m. EDT // Final access time for print media: 2:00 p.m. EDT)
Media will go through a security check on the first floor and hold in Room 158 before being escorted by USAO staff up to the 3rd floor conference room.
NOTE: All media must RSVP and present government-issued photo I.D. (such as a driver’s license) as well as valid media credentials. The RSVP and any inquiries regarding logistics should be directed to Kelly Laco in the Office of Public Affairs at (202) 305-5219 or [email protected]. Please RSVP with the email address of the person(s) attending the event, so that we may reach them directly if details change.
Los Angeles Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine Distribution Conspiracy and Misprision of a FelonyRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that LUCKY FUA IOSUA, age 47, of Los Angeles, California, has pleaded guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Distribute 500 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846, and one count of Misprision of a Felony, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 4.
LUCKY FUA IOSUA admitted that in around December 2016, he conspired with codefendants DAVID SUIAUNOA and NADINE SAMALAULU PAALA to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine, including selling 1,774.9 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover officer of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) in February 2017.
In addition, LUCKY FUA IOSUA admitted that he did not disclose to law enforcement information that DAVID SUIAUNOA and another person had committed a felony, namely, Conspiracy to Use Interstate Commerce Facilities in the Commission of a Murder-for-Hire.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is in charge of the prosecution.
Long Island Investment Portfolio Manager Sentenced to 28 Months in Prison for Scheme to Steal More Than $440,000 from ClientsRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Patrick Morgan Schiro, a resident of Rockville Centre, New York, and the founder of Black Rock Morgan LLC (BRM), was sentenced by United States District Court Judge LeShann DeArcy Hall to 28 months’ imprisonment, with restitution amount to be determined, for orchestrating a wire fraud scheme that defrauded five investors of approximately $440,000. Schiro previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud pursuant to a plea agreement with the government.
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 Office, announced the sentence.
According to court filings and facts presented at the plea hearing, Schiro incorporated BRM, a purported investment management business, in February 2014. From approximately July 2014 to October 2015, Schiro used false and misleading statements to induce five individuals to invest approximately $440,000 with BRM, and he concealed his prior federal conviction for securities fraud from at least four of them. For example, Schiro falsely told one investor that BRM had many clients, managed millions of dollars in assets, and had “a team of investment professionals with significant sector-specific expertise.” Once he had the funds, Schiro also deceived his investors by telling them that their investments were performing well. For example, Schiro told one investor that his investment of approximately $242,000 was valued at $711,000.
Contrary to these representations, Schiro invested only a small amount of the funds and used a significant amount of the money for his personal expenses, including approximately $190,000 to pay one of his children’s university tuition. When investors asked for their money back, Schiro often ignored their requests or provided false or misleading excuses. For example, when one investor asked to redeem $250,000 from his account, Schiro caused an email to be sent to that investor stating that the request had been denied because: “Consistent with our AML [anti-money laundering] responsibilities and U.S. patriot act regulations wire transfer withdrawals and redemptions MUST and will ONLY be sent to the bank account associated with your BRM Account.” In fact, no such policies were in place to prevent the transfer requested by the investor.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section. Assistant United States Attorney David K. Kessler is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant: PATRICK MORGAN SCHIRO
Age: 46
Rockville Centre, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 17-CR-130 (LDH)
Local Cemetery Owners Indicted for Defrauding 200 Customers of $500,000 in Pre-Paid FeesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Theodore Martin, age 54, and his wife, Arminda Martin, age 47, formerly of York County, Pennsylvania, were indicted by a federal grand jury for mail fraud and conspiracy to commit mail fraud.
According to U.S. Attorney David J. Freed, between 2003 and 2016, the Martins owned and operated Suburban Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Dover, Pennsylvania. As owners and operators of the cemetery business, the Martins sold burial services, including burial plots, vaults, caskets, and grave markers. The indictment alleges that from 2010 to on or about 2016, the Martins defrauded at least 200 of their customers of Suburban Memorial Gardens Cemetery out of approximately $500,000. Instead of applying the customers’ monies to the prepaid cemetery services and products contracted for, the Martins embezzled the money for their own personal gain including for gambling.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Northern York County Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph J. Terz.
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.
The maximum penalty under federal law is 20 years’ of imprisonment on each count, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Law Enforcement Agencies Join Forces to Address Birmingham Violent CrimeRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM – A task force designed specifically to reduce homicides and other violent crime in Birmingham held its first meeting today at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin.
The Birmingham Public Safety Task Force is an outgrowth of the U.S. Attorney and the mayor working together to develop a strategic plan for reducing violent crime in the Birmingham metro area, they said. Joining Town and Woodfin on the task force are representatives of the Birmingham Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Shelby County Drug Task Force, Housing Authority of Birmingham Division, Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles, and the federal law enforcement agencies FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, and Homeland Security Investigations.
“The federal partners here today stand shoulder to shoulder with Mayor Woodfin, Jefferson County Sheriff Mike Hale, and the citizens of Birmingham to aggressively pursue the worst offenders in this city,” Town said. “Returning Birmingham to its rightful owners, peaceful law-abiding citizens who should not have to live in a fog of violent crime, is the number one priority of this task force. This assembly of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies will move swiftly to smother the violent criminal activity afoot in this city.”
“Violent crime is a public health issue in too many cities across America, including our community. This is a challenge to the quality of life for the people in all 99 neighborhoods,” Woodfin said. “This issue must be addressed in three areas: prevention, enforcement and reducing the likelihood of repeat offenders. Today, we are announcing a critical partnership that supports all three areas with a focus on greater deterrence through strengthened and targeted enforcement,” he said. “I welcome the involvement of our federal, state and local partners in an unprecedented level of coordination and cooperation. Together we resolve to reduce violent crime and protect the people who live, work and play in our great city.”
"We are committed to stopping this culture of violence in its tracks now and for the long term,” said Jefferson County Sheriff Mike Hale. “We have never seen a stronger partnership come together. This initiative will have a long-term positive effect on eradicating violent criminals and behavior from our communities,” Hale said. “I appreciate all involved and we will be here as long as it takes. This is a great day for Birmingham and all of our surrounding communities."
Incorporating principles of the mayor's public safety initiative, Operation Step Up, and Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategy, along with the National Public Safety Partnership, the Birmingham task force will unite federal, state and local law enforcement to identify and work to apprehend the key offenders responsible for the majority of violent crime in hot spots across the Birmingham area.
One of the task force’s first orders of business was to develop a short list of serious offenders who have drawn the attention of various task force agencies. With task force members sharing information and resources, tracking the worst offenders should be made easier, Town said.
PSN is a nationwide Justice Department program committed to reducing gun and gang crime by networking existing local programs that target gun crime and supporting those efforts with training and funding.
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced PSP last year as a training and technical assistance program designed to enhance the capacity of local jurisdictions to address violent crime in their communities. He selected Birmingham as one of the initial 12 locations to participate in the program. The PSP and PSN programs both reinforce the federal, state and local task force model as one of the most effective ways to reduce violent crime.
U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and representatives of Birmingham Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Shelby County Drug Task Force, Housing Authority of Birmingham Division, Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles, and the federal law enforcement agencies FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, and Homeland Security Investigations gather at U.S. Attorney’s Office to launch the Birmingham Public Safety Task Force.KC, Blue Springs Men Indicted in $388,000 Scrap Metal SchemeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man and a Blue Springs, Mo., man have been indicted by a federal grand jury for embezzling more than $388,000 from their employer in a scheme to redeem scrap metal.
Russell R. Fotovich, 46, of Kansas City, Mo., and Thomas Ray Jones, 48, of Blue Springs, Mo., were charged in a 13-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday, April 10, 2018. That indictment was unsealed and made public today upon the arrests and initial court appearances of Fotovich and Jones.
The federal indictment alleges that Fotovich and Jones embezzled $388,645 from their employer, DST Systems, Inc., by redeeming scrap metal belonging to DST and keeping most of the proceeds for themselves. They did not declare the embezzled income on federal income tax returns, according to the indictment.
Fotovich and Jones worked at DST as facilities engineers at the DST Winchester Data Center. When the facility underwent major renovations from 2011 through 2016, copper wire and other metals were removed and redeemed at a local scrap dealer. Fotovich and Jones conducted all but one of the 138 scrap redemptions. According to the indictment, they turned in only 39 of 137 receipts. Of the total $563,556 in proceeds from the scrap redemption, the indictment says, they turned in only $174,910, causing a $388,645 loss to DST.
Fotovich owned two businesses apart from his DST employment – R&T Heating and Cooling and R&T Mechanical (R&T). Jones did some work for R&T. The indictment alleges they declared little of their income from R&T on federal income tax returns.
According to the indictment, Fotovich and Jones requested that the scrap dealer make checks payable to them personally rather than to DST, and that redemption tickets be split, in order to conceal the total amount of scrap redeemed. Sometimes Fotovich and Jones received as many as four receipts and corresponding checks in one day.
Fotovich and Jones requested that DST buy an industrial wire-stripping machine to improve and expedite the scrap redemption. The machine cost approximately $5,000, and allowed Fotovich and Jones to receive a higher redemption value for the DST-owned scrap they sold. (Non-stripped copper wire carried a lower redemption value.) After DST purchased the wire-stripping machine in early 2014, the indictment says, Fotovich and Jones increased their fraudulent thefts more than ten-fold. From 2014-2016, Fotovich and Jones embezzled $355,146 in scrap redemptions from DST.
Fotovich and Jones both purchased vehicles with proceeds from the conspiracy, including a 2010 Ford Mustang (purchased for $34,743), a 2012 Harley Davidson motorcycle (purchased for $29,000), a 2017 Chevrolet pickup truck (purchased for $49,350) and a 2016 Polaris Victory motorcycle (purchased for $23,626). They also paid personal expenses, including a home mortgage, with the proceeds.
In addition to the conspiracy, the indictment charges Fotovich and Jones together in one count of wire fraud. Fotovich also is charged with one count of money laundering and five counts of filing a false tax return. Jones also is charged with one count of money laundering and four counts of filing a false tax return.
The indictment also contains forfeiture allegations, which would require Fotovich and Jones to forfeit to the government any property derived from the proceeds of the alleged offenses, including $388,645 (representing the proceeds of the alleged fraud conspiracy), Fotovich’s residential property, a 2010 Ford Mustang and 2012 Harley Davidson motorcycle owned by Fotovich, and a 2017 Chevrolet pickup truck and 2016 Polaris Victory motorcycle owned by Jones.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen D. Mahoney. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation.
Justice Department Sends 1373 Compliance Letter to City of Oakland, Document Request and Subpoena Threat to Two Other JurisdictionsRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice yesterday sent the attached letters to the City of Seattle, Washington, and the State of Vermont, demanding the production of documents that could show whether each jurisdiction is unlawfully restricting information sharing by its law enforcement officers with federal immigration authorities.
The Department of Justice previously contacted these jurisdictions and raised concerns about laws, policies, or practices that may violate 8 U.S.C. § 1373, a federal statute that promotes information sharing related to immigration enforcement and with which compliance is a condition of FY2016 and FY2017 Byrne JAG awards.
The letters also state that failure to respond, respond completely, or respond in a timely manner will be subject to a Department of Justice subpoena.
The Justice Department also sent a letter to Mayor Libby Schaaf of the City of Oakland, regarding Oakland’s laws, policies, or practices, which the Department believes may violate 8 U.S.C. 1373.
“When cities and states enact policies that thwart the federal government’s ability to enforce federal immigration law, they choose to place the protection of criminal aliens over the safety of their communities,” said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. “The Justice Department will not tolerate this intentional effort to undermine public safety and the rule of law, and I continue to remind all jurisdictions to reconsider policies that put their residents in harm’s way.”
Failure to comply with 8 U.S.C. 1373 could result in the Justice Department seeking the return of FY2016 grants, requiring additional conditions for receipt of any FY2017 Byrne JAG funding, and/or jurisdictions being deemed ineligible to receive FY2017 Byrne JAG funding.
The Department of Justice periodically reviews the laws, policies, or practices of jurisdictions that previously certified compliance with section 1373 as a condition of their FY2016 Byrne JAG awards.
In addition to these actions, the Justice Department also notified the District of Columbia and the Louisville-Jefferson (KY) County Metro Government that there is no evidence that either jurisdiction is currently out of compliance with section 1373.
Justice Department Obtains Settlement of Case Alleging Disability-Based Discrimination in Housing in Ellensburg, WashingtonRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has settled a federal civil rights lawsuit against the owners, builder, and designer of the Ashlynn Estates, a three-building dormitory-style property near Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington. Keith and Tamra Riexinger own the property, and Riexinger Enterprises Inc. (also known as Crossroads Construction) designed and built it. The settlement resolves allegations that the defendants failed to design and construct the buildings to make them accessible to persons with disabilities in compliance with the Fair Housing Act’s (FHA) accessibility requirements.
“The Department is committed to ensuring that new multifamily housing—including housing designed for students—is accessible to persons with disabilities,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division. “This lawsuit and its resolution are just the latest steps in the Department of Justice’s efforts to ensure equal accessibility for persons with disabilities.”
“The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on any statutorily-protected basis, including disability,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Harrington for the Eastern District of Washington. “The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, HUD, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are committed to vigorously pursuing enforcement of the rights guaranteed by the Act. This settlement is an example of that commitment in the Eastern District of Washington and serves to promote equal access to multi-family housing for persons with disabilities.”
“Housing units that don’t meet the needs of persons of disabilities make it impossible for them to enjoy their homes,” said Anna María Farías, HUD’s Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. “Providers that built housing after March 1991 have an obligation to construct units that are accessible to persons with disabilities, and HUD will continue to work with the Justice Department to ensure that they meet that obligation.”
The FHA’s accessible design and construction provisions require new multifamily housing constructed after March 1991—including dormitory-style housing—to have basic features accessible to persons with disabilities. According to the allegations in the complaint, the defendants designed and constructed Ashlynn Estates with various barriers inhibiting access to the 12 ground-floor units and the associated public and common-use areas at the property. Those barriers include: inaccessible building entrances; inaccessible routes to the buildings; inaccessible parking, bathrooms, closets and electrical outlets; and door knobs throughout the buildings that make entrances inaccessible to many people with disabilities.
The lawsuit arises from a complaint filed with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by the Northwest Fair Housing Alliance (NWFHA), a private, nonprofit corporation whose mission is to provide education regarding fair housing laws and to ensure compliance with those laws in Washington. NWFHA inspected the Ashlynn Estates and observed accessibility barriers. After conducting an investigation, HUD issued a charge of discrimination and referred the case to the Justice Department.
Under the settlement, defendants will retrofit the properties to make the 12 ground floor units and common areas accessible, pay $10,000 to the NWFHA, train new employees on the FHA, and adopt a nondiscrimination policy.
The Justice Department, through the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Civil Rights Division, enforces the FHA, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. Among other things, the FHA requires all multifamily housing constructed after March 12, 1991, to have basic accessibility features, including accessible routes without steps to all ground-floor units. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.usdoj.gov/crt. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of housing discrimination can call the Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743, email the Justice Department at [email protected], or contact HUD at 1-800-669-9777.
Justice Department Obtains Settlement of Case Alleging Disability-Based Discrimination at Ashlynn Estates in Ellensburg, WashingtonRead the Press Release
Spokane – Today, near the 50th Anniversary of the enactment of the Fair Housing Act, Joseph H. Harrington, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced settlement of a federal civil rights lawsuit against the owners, builder, and designer of the Ashlynn Estates, a three-building dormitory style property near Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington. The settlement resolves allegations that Keith and Tamra Riexinger, and Riexinger Enterprises, Inc., also known as Crossroads Construction, failed to design and construct the buildings to make them accessible to persons with disabilities in compliance with the Fair Housing Act’s (FHA) accessibility requirements. The FHA’s accessible design and construction provisions require new multi-family housing constructed after March 1991—including dormitory style housing—to have basic features accessible to persons with disabilities. Under the settlement, the Riexingers and their company will retrofit the properties to make the 12 ground floor units and common areas accessible to persons with disabilities; pay $10,000 to the NWFHA; train new employees on the FHA; and adopt a nondiscrimination policy.
According to court records, the Department of Justice (DOJ) alleged that the Riexingers and their company violated the FHA because they designed and constructed Ashlynn Estates with various barriers inhibiting access to the 12 ground-floor units and the associated public and common-use areas, including: inaccessible entrances, parking, bathrooms, walk-in closets, electrical outlets, and doorknob hardware.
The lawsuit arose from an initial complaint filed with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by the Northwest Fair Housing Alliance (NWFHA), a private, nonprofit corporation whose mission is to provide education regarding fair housing laws and to ensure compliance with those laws inWashington. NWFHA inspected the Ashlynn Estates and observed accessibility barriers. After investigating, HUD issued a charge of discrimination and referred the case to the Justice Department, which filed the instant federal civil rights lawsuit against the Riexingers and their company.
Joseph H. Harrington said, “The Fair Housing Act was originally enacted in April of 1968 following the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and prohibits discrimination based on any statutorily-protected basis, including disability. The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, HUD, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are committed to vigorously pursuing enforcement of the rights guaranteed by the Act. This settlement is an example of that commitment in the Eastern District of Washington and serves to promote equal access to multi-family housing for persons with disabilities. It is also a reminder that even now, near the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act and during Fair Housing Month, we are committed to eliminating housing discrimination and creating equal opportunity in every community.”
“The Department is committed to ensuring that new multi-family housing—including housing designed for students—is accessible to persons with disabilities,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division. “This lawsuit and its resolution are just the latest steps in the Department of Justice’s efforts to ensure equal accessibility for persons with disabilities.”
“Housing units that don’t meet the needs of persons of disabilities make it impossible for them to enjoy their homes,” said Anna María Farías, HUD’s Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. “Providers that built housing after March 1991 have an obligation to construct units that are accessible to persons with disabilities, and HUD will continue to work with the Justice Department to ensure that they meet that obligation.”
The Justice Department, through the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Civil Rights Division, enforces the FHA, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. Among other things, the FHA requires all multifamily housing constructed after March 12, 1991, to have basic accessibility features, including accessible routes without steps to all ground-floor units. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.usdoj.gov/crt. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of housing discrimination can call the Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743, email the Justice Department at [email protected], or contact HUD at 1-800-669-9777.
The settlement was negotiated by Joseph P. Derrig, an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, and U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Trial Attorney, Noah D. Sacks. The claims settled by this agreement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Justice Department Honors Travis County, Texas Sheriff’s Office Volunteer ProgramRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice recognized the Travis County Sheriff’s Office Victim Services Unit Volunteer Program with the Volunteer for Victims Award. This honor is awarded to individuals or programs that provide extraordinary service to crime victims without compensation. The program was honored during the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
“The women and men of the Victim Services Unit cater to the specific needs of area victims, including through on-scene services, continuing education, and expanded access to legal assistance,” Attorney General Sessions said. “Their innovative model – which relies on both professional and volunteer support – is an inspiration, and I applaud them for their critical work on behalf of crime survivors in and around Travis County.”
The Travis County Sherriff’s Office Victim Services Unit was established in 1984, prior to state mandates requiring crime victim liaisons within law enforcement agencies. The unit is composed of a Victim Services Director, a Social Services Program Coordinator, and six Victim Service Specialists.
These trained volunteers provide an immediate response and support to victims of various criminal and crisis circumstances. Volunteers help victims establish their personal safety, secure access to community services, and apply for victim compensation.
“Without compensation, the Travis County Sheriff’s Office Victim Services Unit volunteers provide assistance and services to victims 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” said Director of the Office for Victims of Crime Darlene Hutchinson. “The Department of Justice is proud to honor them for their remarkable contributions and for their commitment to justice for all individuals victimized by crime.”
During today’s ceremony, the Justice Department recognized a dozen individuals and organizations for their outstanding efforts on behalf of victims of crime. Awardees were selected from public nominations in ten categories.
Each year in April, the Department of Justice observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney’s Offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 8-14, with the theme Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.
The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/.Justice Department Honors Tennessee Woman for Her Service to Victims of Crime and Their FamiliesRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice recognized Tina L. Fox, State Director of Victim Services for the Tennessee Board of Parole, with the National Crime Victim Service Award during the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
“Through her newsletter, her toll-free hotline, and in so many other ways, Tina Fox has helped countless crime survivors throughout Tennessee,” Attorney General Sessions said. “I want to add my voice to theirs in thanking Ms. Fox for her extraordinary service.”
Fox has served as State Director of Victim Services for the Tennessee Board of Parole since January 2012. During this time, she has implemented statewide training for all victim coordinators, probation officers, parole officers, and board members; established a 1-800 number for victim services; coordinated National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and Tennessee Season to Remember commemorations; developed and distributed a monthly Victim Services Newsletter; and supported victims in the passage of legislation; and formed a statewide Victim’s Support Committee.
“Ms. Fox’s work is making Tennessee a better place for those who tragically become victims of crime,” said Director of the Office for Victims of Crime Darlene Hutchinson. “The Department of Justice is proud to honor her remarkable contributions and her commitment to justice for all victims of crime.”
During today’s ceremony, the Justice Department recognized a dozen individuals and organizations for their outstanding efforts on behalf of victims of crime. Awardees were selected from public nominations in ten categories.
Each year in April, the Department of Justice observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney’s Offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 8-14, with the theme Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.
The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/.Justice Department Honors Tennessee Woman for Her Service to Victims of Crime and Their FamiliesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Justice recognized Tina L. Fox, State Director of Victim Services for the Tennessee Board of Parole, with the National Crime Victim Service Award during the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
“Through her newsletter, her toll-free hotline, and in so many other ways, Tina Fox has helped countless crime survivors throughout Tennessee,” Attorney General Sessions said. “I want to add my voice to theirs in thanking Ms. Fox for her extraordinary service.”
Fox has served as State Director of Victim Services for the Tennessee Board of Parole since January 2012. During this time, she has implemented statewide training for all victim coordinators, probation officers, parole officers, and board members; established a 1-800 number for victim services; coordinated National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and Tennessee Season to Remember commemorations; developed and distributed a monthly Victim Services Newsletter; and supported victims in the passage of legislation; and formed a statewide Victim’s Support Committee.
“Ms. Fox’s work is making Tennessee a better place for those who tragically become victims of crime,” said Director of the Office for Victims of Crime Darlene Hutchinson. “The Department of Justice is proud to honor her remarkable contributions and her commitment to justice for all victims of crime.”
During today’s ceremony, the Justice Department recognized a dozen individuals and organizations for their outstanding efforts on behalf of victims of crime. Awardees were selected from public nominations in ten categories.
Each year in April, the Department of Justice observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney’s Offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 8-14, with the theme Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.
The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/.Justice Department Honors Oklahoma City Chief of Police for Service to Victims of CrimeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Justice recognized Oklahoma City Chief of Police Captain William Citty with the Allied Professional Award. The honor is awarded to individuals outside the victim assistance profession for their service to victims and contributions to the field of victim services. He was honored during the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
"Chief Citty has served and protected the people of Oklahoma City for more than 40 years, and has been a champion for victims of crime," Attorney General Sessions said. "He has consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty in serving them, including by helping to open Palomar, Oklahoma City’s Family Justice Center. I applaud his dedication to victims and I am grateful for his tireless service on their behalf."
"Oklahoma City is fortunate to have a Police Chief so focused on helping victims of crime," said Acting U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. "My office is honored to work with him and his Department in reducing violence in Oklahoma City and serving those most affected by crime."Citty became Oklahoma City’s 48th Chief of Police in 2003. Citty championed the creation of Family Justice Center, which has changed the framework of Oklahoma City’s response to crime victims by providing wraparound services to victims of domestic violence and other crime. Previously, Oklahoma City victims were sent from location to location for services, often hindering their ability to heal from traumatic experiences.
"Mr. Citty’s compassion and leadership has significantly improved the way victims of crime are treated in Oklahoma City," said Director Darlene Hutchinson of the Office for Victims of Crime. "The Department of Justice is proud to honor him for his remarkable contributions to his community and for his commitment to justice for all victims of crime."
During today’s ceremony, the Justice Department recognized a dozen individuals and organizations for their outstanding efforts on behalf of victims of crime. Awardees were selected from public nominations in ten categories.
Each year in April, the Department of Justice observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney’s Offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 8-14, with the theme Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.
The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/.Justice Department Honors Oklahoma City Chief of Police for Service to Victims of CrimeRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice recognized Oklahoma City Chief of Police Captain William Citty with the Allied Professional Award. The honor is awarded to individuals outside the victim assistance profession for their service to victims and contributions to the field of victim services. He was honored during the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
“Chief Citty has served and protected the people of Oklahoma City for more than 40 years, and has been a champion for victims of crime,” Attorney General Sessions said. “He has consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty in serving them, including by helping to open Palomar, Oklahoma City’s Family Justice Center. I applaud his dedication to victims and I am grateful for his tireless service on their behalf.”
Citty became Oklahoma City’s 48th Chief of Police in 2003. Citty championed the creation of Family Justice Center, which has changed the framework of Oklahoma City’s response to crime victims by providing wraparound services to victims of domestic violence and other crime. Previously, Oklahoma City victims were sent from location to location for services, often hindering their ability to heal from traumatic experiences.
“Mr. Citty’s compassion and leadership has significantly improved the way victims of crime are treated in Oklahoma City,” said Director Darlene Hutchinson of the Office for Victims of Crime. “The Department of Justice is proud to honor him for his remarkable contributions to his community and for his commitment to justice for all victims of crime.”
During today’s ceremony, the Justice Department recognized a dozen individuals and organizations for their outstanding efforts on behalf of victims of crime. Awardees were selected from public nominations in ten categories.
Each year in April, the Department of Justice observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney’s Offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 8-14, with the theme Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.
The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/.Justice Department Honors New Jersey Human Trafficking Victim AdvocateRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice recognized Dawne Lomangino-DiMauro, co-chair of the Anti-Trafficking Taskforce of All Counties (New Jersey), with the Crimes Victims’ Rights Award. This honor is awarded to individuals whose efforts to advance or enforce victims’ rights have benefitted victims at the state, tribal, or national levels. She was honored during the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
“Human trafficking is a violent and abhorrent crime, and its victims deserve our highest levels of our support,” said Attorney General Sessions. “Throughout her career, Dawne Lomangino-DiMauro has consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty to support trafficking survivors. Her advocacy has led to clear improvements in New Jersey’s response to the criminal sex trade as well as greater awareness of its victims. I am grateful for her courageous service.”
Lomangino-DiMauro has been an active member of the anti-trafficking movement in New Jersey for 12 years. She is the co-chair of the Anti-Trafficking Taskforce of All Counties; she has promoted passage of legislation to help victims, including the New Jersey Prevention, Protection, and Treatment Act; and she implemented DreamCatcher, New Jersey’s first state-funded victim service program devoted solely to raising awareness and networking services for identified victims.
Lomangino-DiMauro successfully advocated for new arrest policies in New Jersey, and was instrumental in developing a partnership with the New Jersey Department of Children and Families supporting mandatory human trafficking training for all staff.
“Through her tireless efforts to enhance victims’ rights, Ms. Lomangino-DiMauro has changed the way trafficking victims are treated in the state of New Jersey,” said Director Darlene Hutchinson of the Office for Victims of Crime. “The Department of Justice is proud to honor her for her remarkable contributions and for her commitment to justice for all individuals victimized by crime.”
During today’s ceremony, the Justice Department recognized a dozen individuals and organizations for their outstanding efforts on behalf of victims of crime. Awardees were selected from public nominations in ten categories.
Each year in April, the Department of Justice observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney’s Offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 8-14, with the theme Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.
The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/.Justice Department Honors Muscogee (Creek) Nation Victim AdvocateRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice recognized Shawn Partridge, Director of the Family Violence Prevention Program (FVPP) for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, with the National Crime Victim Service Award. This honor is awarded to individuals or programs for exceptional service to victims of crime. She was honored during the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
“Survivors in American Indian and Alaska Native communities have unique needs, and Shawn Partridge has dedicated her career to serving them,” Attorney General Sessions said. “Her innovative approach to supportive services has expanded access to specialized populations, including teens and children impacted by dating and sexual violence. I am grateful for her passion and applaud her courage.”
FVPP provides support services to victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking and other violent crimes in the Muscogee (Creek) community. Under Partridge’s leadership, the FVPP has expanded services, including the creation of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s first Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program.
Partridge’s work also includes the development of Warriors Honor Women, a movement led by Muscogee men to end violence against women and children. Her efforts promoting the reauthorization of the 2013 Violence Against Women Act helped to restore tribes’ authority to hold accountable non-American Indian/Alaskan Native individuals who commit domestic violence on tribal lands.
“Through her dedication and compassion for victims, Ms. Partridge has made groundbreaking improvements to the assistance victims receive in the Muscogee (Creek) Nation,” said Director Darlene Hutchinson of the Office for Victims of Crime. “The Department of Justice is proud to honor her for her remarkable contributions and for her commitment to justice for all individuals victimized by crime.”
During today’s ceremony, the Justice Department recognized a dozen individuals and organizations for their outstanding efforts on behalf of victims of crime. Awardees were selected from public nominations in ten categories.
Each year in April, the Department of Justice observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney’s Offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 8-14, with the theme Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.
The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/.Justice Department Honors Kentucky Sexual Assault Survivor and ActivistRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice recognized Michelle L. Kuiper, who is a sexual assault survivor and activist, with the Special Courage Award for her work on behalf of victims of sexual assault. This honor is awarded to victims or survivors who exhibit exceptional perseverance and determination in dealing with his or her own victimization, or who acted bravely to prevent a victimization. She was honored during the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
"In my nearly 40 years in and around law enforcement, I have found that some of the strongest and most inspiring people I have met are survivors of crime. Michelle Brooks Kuiper is no exception,” said Attorney General Sessions. “She has turned the grief from her own personal tragedy into a motivation to help others, resulting in legal reforms that better serve victims of sexual assault. Her perseverance has improved the lives of survivors in Kentucky and Indiana, and her story will inspire countless others throughout our country.”
Kuiper was a freshman in college when she was taken off her front porch by a stranger and sexually assaulted under a neighbor’s deck. It took 17 years for her rapist to be tried and convicted of this crime, in addition to three other assaults, resulting from a DNA match.
Kuiper became an activist shortly after her assault. She strives to support others who have been sexually assaulted by advocating for legislative change. Her efforts led to the passage of six new laws in three years. One of these laws required Kentucky to test its backlog of approximately 3,000 rape kits, and another is changing the way Kentucky handles rape kits in the future by tracking all kits. In 2017, Kuiper helped Indiana pass a law mandating the collection of DNA for all felony arrests and requiring the state to test its backlog of rape kits.
“We are grateful for Ms. Kuiper’s dedication to empowering sexual assault victims,” said Director Darlene Hutchinson of the Office for Victims of Crime. “The Department of Justice is proud to honor her for her remarkable contributions and for her commitment to justice for all individuals victimized by crime.”
During today’s ceremony, the Justice Department recognized a dozen individuals and organizations for their outstanding efforts on behalf of victims of crime. Awardees were selected from public nominations in ten categories.
Each year in April, the Department of Justice observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney’s Offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 8-14, with the theme Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.
The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/.Justice Department Honors Individuals and Teams for Advancing Rights and Services for Crime VictimsRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice honored 12 individuals and programs for their exceptional service to victims of crime during the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C.
"In law enforcement, we are sworn to serve and protect," Attorney General Sessions said. "We carry out this oath every day by protecting the rights of law abiding people from criminals and by achieving justice for crime victims. Today, we remember the millions of Americans who are either the brave survivors or the loved ones that have been left behind after criminal attacks. We also thank those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in their service to those victims. As we do so, we recommit ourselves to fulfilling our oath and to reducing crime in America."
The Office for Victims of Crime, a component of the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, leads communities in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year and hosts an awards ceremony to honor outstanding work on behalf of crime victims. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 8-14, 2018 with the theme Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.
“The extraordinary contributions that these individuals and teams have made, and the exceptional service that they perform each and every day on behalf of victims, is remarkable,” said Alan Hanson, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is proud to recognize their achievements and to share in their day of honor.”
The following are award recipients who were selected by the Office for Victims of Crime from public nominations in 10 categories. Individual press releases are available using the included links: Allied Professional Award recognizes individuals from a specific discipline outside the victim assistance field for their service to victims and/or contributions to the victim assistance field.
Recipient: William (Bill) Citty of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Award for Professional Innovation in Victim Services recognizes a program, organization, or individual who has helped to expand the reach of victims’ rights and services.
Recipient: The late Joye E. Frost of Washington, D.C.
Crime Victims Financial Restoration Award honors individuals, programs, or teams that developed innovative ways of funding services for crime victims, or instituted innovative approaches for securing financial restoration for crime victims.
Recipient: Program Management and Training Unit in the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, Criminal Division, U.S. Department of Justice of Washington D.C.
Crime Victims’ Rights Award honors the dedicated champions throughout our nation whose efforts to advance or enforce crime victims’ rights have benefited victims of crime at the local, state, tribal, or national level.
Recipient: Dawne Lomangino-DiMauro of Galloway, New Jersey
Federal Service Award recognizes the extraordinary efforts of federal agency personnel who lead initiatives or reforms and make extraordinary contributions that impact victims of federal, tribal, and military crimes, or more broadly promote victims’ rights and services for underserved victims nationally and internationally.
Recipient: Kevin Rivers and Sherry Rice of Sacaton, Arizona
National Crime Victim Service Award honors extraordinary individuals and programs that provide services to victims of crime.
Recipients: Shawn Partridge of Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tina L. Fox of Nashville, Tennessee
Debra McCall Reed of Dover, Delaware
Ronald Wilson Reagan Public Policy Award honors those whose leadership, vision, and innovation have led to significant changes in public policy and practice that benefit crime victims.
Recipient: Casey Gwinn of San Diego, California
Special Courage Award recognizes a victim or survivor who has exhibited exceptional perseverance or determination in dealing with his or her own victimization.
Recipient: Michelle L. Kuiper of Louisville, Kentucky
Tomorrow’s Leaders Award seeks to honor and highlight youth up to age 24 who have dedicated their efforts to supporting victims of crime.
Recipient: Shelby Kay Looper of Muncie, Indiana
Volunteer for Victim Award honors individuals for their extraordinary and selfless efforts resulting in positive and lasting changes in the lives of crime victims.
Recipient: Travis County Sheriff’s Office, Victim Services Unit Volunteer Program of Austin, Texas
Each year in April, the Department of Justice observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney’s Offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 8-14, with the theme Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.
The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/.