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Friday 23 February 2018
Five Federal Inmates Charged with Possession of A WeaponRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that five federal inmates were indicted separately yesterday by a federal grand jury for possession of a weapon in prison.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Ernie Joseph Sandoval, age 31, an inmate at the United States Penitentiary, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania (USP Lewisburg), was indicted by a federal grand jury for possession of a weapon in prison. Sandoval was found in possession of a homemade sharpened piece of plastic, commonly referred to as a “shank,” during a search conducted on August 17, 2017.
Jose Capriata, age 25, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution Allenwood, White Deer, Pennsylvania (FCI Allenwood), was indicted by a federal grand jury for possession of a weapon and a controlled substance. On September 17, 2017, Capriata was found in possession of a homemade sharpened piece of plastic and a synthetic cannabinoid, MAB-CHMINACA.
Lenelle Gray, age 37, an inmate at FCI Allenwood, was indicted by a federal grand jury for possession of a weapon in prison. Gray was in possession of a homemade sharpened piece of metal during a search conducted on September 24, 2017.
Jorge Lopez-Cruz, age 47, an inmate at the United States Penitentiary, Allenwood, Pennsylvania (USP Allenwood), was indicted by a federal grand jury for possession of a weapon in prison. Lopez-Cruz was found in possession of a homemade sharpened piece of metal during a search conducted on September 21, 2017.
Michael Moore, age 23, an inmate at USP Allenwood, was indicted by a federal grand jury for possession of a weapon in prison. Moore was found in possession of a homemade sharpened piece of plastic during a search conducted on September 9, 2017.
The charges stem from an investigation by officers at the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Alisan VanFleet is prosecuting the cases.
Indictments 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 defendants are facing a maximum of five years of incarceration 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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Fairmont man arrested on firearm chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dustin Lynn Garrison, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was arrested this week after being indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Elkins on February 21, 2018, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Garrison, age 26, was indicted on two counts of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Garrison, having previously been convicted of two felonies in the Circuit Court of Marion County, is accused of illegally possessing a .308 semi-automatic pistol and a .22 caliber revolver in September and December 2017 in Marion County, West Virginia.
Garrison faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives and the Fairmont Police Department investigated. The United State Marshal Service arrested Garrison.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Erin Nealy Cox is Administered Oath of Office as United States Attorney for the Northern District of TexasRead the Press Release
At an investiture ceremony held this afternoon, Chief Judge Barbara M.G. Lynn of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas administered the Oath of Office for United States Attorney to Erin Nealy Cox.
Today’s formal ceremony, over which Chief Judge Lynn presided, was attended by hundreds of family members, friends and colleagues, as well as federal, state, and local dignitaries. Guest speakers included Chief Judge Barbara M.G. Lynn and Judge Jane J. Boyle of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, and Rachel Brand, former Associate Attorney General for the U.S. Department of Justice. Remarks were also given by U.S. Senator John Cornyn and U.S. Senator Ted Cruz. The invocation was given by Father Arthur Unachukwu and the benediction was given by Cate Cox, the daughter of U.S. Attorney Nealy Cox.
Other honored guests attending included former White House Counsel Harriet Miers, Chancellor Kent Hance, as well as, former United States Attorneys Paul Coggins, John Parker, Jim Jacks, Richard Roper, Richard Stephens, Jim Rolfe, and Matthew Orwig.
United States Attorney Nealy Cox was nominated by President Donald Trump on September 22, 2017 and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on November 9, 2017.
Ms. Nealy Cox, a Mississippi native, most recently worked as a Senior Advisor at McKinsey & Co. in the cybersecurity and risk practice. She also served on the Board of Directors of Sally Beauty Holdings, a large retailer on the NYSE. From 1999 to 2008, Ms. Nealy Cox served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Northern District of Texas, where she prosecuted cyber crimes, white collar crimes, and general crimes. In 2004 and 2005, she served at Main Justice as chief of staff and senior counsel to the Assistant Attorney General in the Office of Legal Policy. From 2008 to 2016, Ms. Nealy Cox was a member of the executive leadership team at Stroz Friedberg, a cybersecurity and investigations consulting firm. Ms. Nealy Cox ultimately lead the firm’s global incident response business, the unit responsible for assisting and supporting private sector corporations investigate complex computer intrusions. Ms. Nealy Cox clerked for the Honorable Henry A. Politz, when he served as Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and the Honorable Barefoot Sanders, United States District Judge in the Northern District of Texas.
As U.S. Attorney, Ms. Nealy Cox is the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the Northern District of Texas, which includes Dallas, Fort Worth, Lubbock and Amarillo. She oversees a staff of 215 employees, including 100 attorneys and a similar number of non-attorney support personnel.
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Elder Fraud Cases Are a Priority Nationally and Locally for the Justice DepartmentRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that as part of the Elder Fraud Initiative launched by the Department of Justice, he has appointed Assistant U.S. Attorney Aunnie Steward as the Elder Fraud Coordinator for the District of Alaska.
The District of Alaska has prosecuted several defendants targeting aging and vulnerable victims including most recently United States v. Floyd Jay Mann prosecuted by AUSA Steward. Mann was sentenced in December to 10 years in prison for defrauding more than 15 victims in Dillingham, Alaska. Mann’s first victim in that case was an elderly man dying of cancer. Mann convinced the elderly victim that he was due to receive a multi-million dollar lawsuit settlement from a pharmaceutical company. Mann falsely told the victim he needed help paying court costs and medical bills before the settlement would be released. Mann led the elderly victim to believe he would share millions of dollars of his settlement if the elderly victim helped him cover costs. The elderly victim gave his life savings and monthly social security payments to help Mann. The elderly victim died of cancer waiting for the payout promised. Mann moved on to the elderly victim’s friends and family in Dillingham targeting them with the same scheme. Mann obtained almost $3 million from his fraudulent scheme. Several victims lost homes and retirement savings.
As part of the Elder Fraud Initiative, AUSA Steward has coordinated with the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspectors, the State of Alaska Office of Elder Fraud and Assistance, and Senior Corps to identify cases appropriate for prosecution and to coordinate outreach to vulnerable groups.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced yesterday that he has made combatting Elder Fraud a priority for the Department of Justice. Attorney General Sessions was joined in the announcement yesterday by FBI Acting Deputy Director David Bowdich; Chief Postal Inspector Guy Cottrell; FTC Acting Chairman Maureen Ohlhausen; and Kansas Attorney General and President of the National Association of Attorneys General Derek Schmidt.
“The Justice Department and its partners are taking unprecedented, coordinated action to protect elderly Americans from financial threats, both foreign and domestic,” said Attorney General Sessions. “When criminals steal the hard-earned life savings of older Americans, we will respond with all the tools at the Department’s disposal – criminal prosecutions to punish offenders, civil injunctions to shut the schemes down, and asset forfeiture to take back ill-gotten gains. Today is only the beginning. I have directed Department prosecutors to coordinate with both domestic law enforcement partners and foreign counterparts to stop these criminals from exploiting our seniors.”
With this Initiative, the Justice Department is targeting schemes such as the following:
- “Lottery phone scams,” in which callers convince seniors that a large fee or taxes must be paid before one can receive lottery winnings;
- “Grandparent scams,” which convince seniors that their grandchildren have been arrested and need bail money;
- “Romance scams,” which lull victims to believe that their online paramour needs funds for a U.S. visit or some other purpose;
- “IRS imposter schemes,” which defraud victims by posing as IRS agents and claiming that victims owe back taxes;
- “Guardianship schemes,” which siphon seniors’ financial resources into the bank accounts of deceitful relatives or guardians.
- “Advance Fee Schemes,” which promise big payouts in the future if victims provide financial assistance up front.
These cases illustrate how an elderly American can lose his or her life savings to a duplicitous relative, guardian, or stranger who gains the victim’s trust. The devastating effects these cases have on victims and their families, both financially and psychologically, make prosecuting elder fraud a key Department priority.
Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftc.gov/media/71474 or at 4877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office of Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov.
Eagle Butte Man Sentenced for AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury was sentenced on February 21, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Timothy Bear Eagle, age 33, was sentenced to 60 months in custody, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Bear Eagle was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 17, 2017. He pled guilty on December 1, 2017.
The conviction stems from an incident on September 7, 2017, when Bear Eagle was arrested by a police officer with the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, for being intoxicated at an elderly person’s home. Bear Eagle was transported and booked into the CRST Adult Detention Facility, within the Walter Miner Law Enforcement Detention Center in Eagle Butte.
Initially, Bear Eagle was compliant. He sat down and was taking off his shoes, when he heard over the law enforcement scanner that his girlfriend had also been arrested and was being brought in. Bear Eagle got angry, stood up, and threw his shoes to the floor. A correctional officer went to grab onto Bear Eagle and Bear Eagle went towards him in a threatening manner, swung his right arm, and struck the correctional officer with a closed fist on the left side of his face, next to his left ear. The blow broke the correctional officer’s jaw. Bear Eagle was immediately taken to the floor by other officers and handcuffed.
The correctional officer was taken to the Indian Health Services Emergency Room. He was then transported to Rapid City where his jaw was wired shut.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Bear Eagle was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Eagle Butte Man Charged with AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting, Resisting, Opposing, and Impeding a Federal Officer.
Jasyn Curley, age 22, was indicted on February 14, 2018. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 21, 2018, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 8 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on November 17, 2017, Curley forcibly assaulted, resisted, opposed, impeded, intimidated, and interfered with an officer with the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, while the officer was in the performance of his official duties and said conduct involved physical contact with the officer.
The charge is merely an accusation and Curley is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller is prosecuting the case.
Curley was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Dyno-Nobel, Inc. Pleads Guilty for Failing to Notify Federal Authorities of Anhydrous Discharges Near St. HelensRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore. – On Friday, February 23, 2018, Dyno Nobel, Inc., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael H. Simon to one count of violating section 103(b) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), following a series of large-scale ammonia discharges from a urea-manufacturing plant outside St. Helens, Oregon, in July and August 2015. The offense is a class-E felony, carrying a maximum fine of $500,000 and up to five years’ probation.
“Many of the nation’s environmental laws exist specifically to minimize the dangers essential industries pose to surrounding communities,” noted Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, “and this criminal conviction will serve as an important reminder that the EPA and the United States Attorney’s Office will work together to ensure that violations of those laws do not go unpunished.”
“Not only did this defendant release over six tons of anhydrous ammonia, impacting the neighboring community, they impeded response actions by failing to report the release,” said Jeanne Proctor, EPA’s special agent in charge of the Criminal Investigation Division in Seattle. “EPA will not tolerate this blatant disregard for public safety.”
According to Dyno Nobel’s plea agreement with the government, the company’s St. Helens plant discharged more than six tons of anhydrous ammonia vapor—a hazardous substance—into the air over the course of a three-day period starting on July 30, 2015. A subsequent investigation revealed that several failed attempts to restart the urea plant had caused a series of massive discharges from the facility, triggering numerous complaints of foul odors, eye irritation, and difficulty breathing from citizens of nearby Columbia City, Oregon.
Although Dyno Nobel personnel knew that excessive ammonia emissions were occurring, no effort was made to alert the authorities at the National Response Center until August 7, 2015—more than a week after the first discharge. Federal law requires such reports to be made “immediately.”
Dyno Nobel, Inc. is a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of IPL Group. The company entered its guilty plea at Friday’s hearing through Senior Vice President and Secretary Jeff Droubay. The parties’ plea agreement proposes a stipulated criminal sentence of two years’ probation, requiring remedial steps to better measure and detect future emissions, and a $250,000 criminal fine. Ultimately, however, the Court may reject the parties’ stipulation and impose a different sentence.
This case was investigated by EPA Criminal Investigations; it was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan W. Bounds and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla Gebel Perrin.
District Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Armed Robbery of Convenience Store in Northeast WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Daniel Skinner, 34, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to seven years in prison for an armed robbery he carried out at a convenience store in Northeast Washington, U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu announced.
Skinner pled guilty to the armed robbery charge in December 2017 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. He was sentenced by the Honorable Juliet McKenna. Following his prison term, Skinner will be placed on five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, on June 26, 2016, shortly after 5 a.m., Skinner entered a 7-Eleven store in the 900 block of Bladensburg Road NE and got a cup of coffee. He then went to the cash register, pulled up his shirt, and brandished what appeared to the store employee to be a black handgun from his waistband. The item was later determined to be a screwdriver. Skinner ordered the employee to open the cash register and the employee complied. Skinner leaned over the counter and took approximately $60 before fleeing.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) quickly responded to the scene and officers saw a cup of coffee on the counter; witnesses confirmed that the robber had this cup in his possession before fleeing the store. Additionally, surveillance footage of the robbery showed that the assailant was wearing a T-shirt that stated “Challenge Accepted” and a black bucket hat.
The coffee cup was submitted for DNA examination. The resulting DNA profile was uploaded to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), a web of state and national databases containing DNA profiles from convicted offenders and crime scenes that is used as an investigative tool. It revealed a match for Skinner. Additionally, Skinner was arrested a few weeks after the 7-Eleven robbery in Prince George’s County, Md. A search of the vehicle he was using led to the recovery of various items, including multiple screwdrivers, the “Challenge Accepted” T-shirt, and the black bucket hat.
Skinner earlier pled guilty to four other armed robberies in Prince George’s County and was sentenced to 40 years in prison for those crimes. The sentence in the District of Columbia case will run concurrently with the one he is now serving in Maryland.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Liu commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). She also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences and the Prince George’s County, Md. Police Department. Finally, she acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Vivien Cockburn, who investigated and prosecuted the matter.
District Man Sentenced to 32 Years in Prison for Setting House Fire That Killed 4-Year-Old GirlRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jerome C. Lewis, 51, of Washington, DC, was sentenced today to 32 years in prison on charges of first-degree murder with aggravating circumstances, second-degree murder, and first-degree cruelty to children in a house fire that led to the death of a four-year-old child, Samauri Michelle Jenkins.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu , Peter Newsham, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), Thomas L. Chittum III, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Gregory M. Dean, Chief of the District of Columbia Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DCFEMS).
Lewis was found guilty of the charges on Oct. 25, 2017, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. He was sentenced by the Honorable Milton C. Lee.
At today's sentencing, the government requested restitution for the estate of Samauri Jenkins or the imposition of a fine based on the defendant receiving a payout from an insurance company for the damage to his home and personal property. Judge Lee set a follow-up hearing for June 15, 2018 to consider the government’s request for orders of restitution and/or fines. In advance of that hearing, Judge Lee granted the government’s request to freeze Lewis’s assets.
According to the government’s evidence, Lewis owned a home in the 2600 block of 33rd Street SE. In late 2011, Lewis began renting the first and second floors to relatives while he lived in the basement. In early 2013, his relationship with his tenant-relatives had become strained and he was experiencing a financial crisis. On Feb.17, 2013, in the early hours of the morning, he set fire to his mattress located in his basement living area, causing a fire that spread throughout the basement and to the first floor of the home.
Everyone was able to escape the home, with the exception of four-year-old Samauri Jenkins. She was rescued from a second floor bedroom by the District of Columbia Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services. She was taken to a hospital with burns and smoke inhalation, but died from her injuries two days later.
Lewis was arrested on the morning of the fire and has been in custody ever since.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Liu, Chief Newsham, Special Agent in Charge Chittum, and Chief Dean commended the work of the D.C. Arson Task Force, which is comprised of members from MPD, the Washington Field Division of the ATF, and DCFEMS. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Supervisory Paralegal Specialist Sharon Newman; Paralegal Specialist Stephanie Gilbert; Legal Secretary Dawn White; Intelligence Analyst Zachary McMenamin; Litigation Technology Specialist Leif Hickling; Victim/Witness Advocate Marcia Rinker; Supervisory Victim/Witness Services Coordinator David Foster; Victim/Witness Services Coordinator Katina Adams-Washington; Supervisory Administrative Services Specialist Tina Wall, and Administrative Services Specialist Sallie Rynas.
Finally, they expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberley C. Nielsen and Michelle D. Jackson, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
District Man Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Fatally Shooting Man on Anacostia River TrailRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Wandell G. Roy, 42, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 27 years in prison for killing a man in July 2017 on the Anacostia River Trail in Southeast Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu and Peter Newsham, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Roy pled guilty in November 2017, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to the charge of second degree murder. He was sentenced by the Honorable Judith Bartnoff. Upon completion of his prison term, Roy will be placed on five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, on July 26, 2017, at approximately 8:30 a.m., the victim, Victor Williams, was walking his two puppies, heading south on the Anacostia River Trail from the East Capitol Bridge. Roy, riding a red bike, was also on the trail some distance behind Mr. Williams. Roy then discarded his bike on the side of the trail, came within approximately 20 feet behind Mr. Williams, and shot at Mr. Williams at least four times. After Mr. Williams’s body immediately dropped to the ground, Roy walked up to his body and shot him at close range at least two more times. Roy then stole Mr. Williams’s iPhone 7 off of his person and fled the area.
The autopsy revealed that Mr. Williams, 37, died of a gunshot wound to the midline of his back and another gunshot wound to the left side of his face. On the scene, officers with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) found that one of the puppies was also killed by a gunshot wound to the chest, and the other puppy was found alive.
Due to the quick thinking and cooperation of eyewitnesses, as well as the detective work of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch, Roy was identified as the shooter and arrested on Aug. 17, 2017. He has been in custody ever since. The investigation revealed no connection between Mr. Williams and Roy.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Liu and Chief Newsham commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the Firearms Examination Unit of the District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Victim/Witness Advocate Diana Lim, Paralegal Specialist Debra Joyner, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jin Park, who investigated and prosecuted the matter.
District Man Pleads Guilty to Felony Assault on Deputy U.S. MarshalRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Anthony Nowlin, 23, of Washington, D.C., pled guilty today to a federal charge stemming from a courthouse incident last year in which he assaulted a Deputy United States Marshal, announced U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu and Michael Hughes, U.S. Marshal for the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
Nowlin pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to a charge of assaulting, resisting or impeding a federal law enforcement officer. He remains held pending his sentencing on May 16, 2018 by the Honorable Tanya S. Chutkan.
According to the government’s evidence, on Sept. 6, 2017, Nowlin was appearing before the Honorable Maribeth Raffinan in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for violating terms of his probation in an earlier assault case. Two deputy U.S. marshals were assigned to the courtroom. Judge Raffinan revoked Nowlin’s probation and ordered that he be remanded to the custody of the deputy marshals. Nowlin became loud and belligerent while in the courtroom, and started to walk towards the cellblock before Judge Raffinan finished her ruling.
One of the deputy marshals instructed Nowlin to wait until Judge Raffinan concluded her ruling before leaving the courtroom and going to the cell block. Then, once Judge Raffinan concluded the hearing, the two deputy marshals escorted Nowlin to the cellblock behind the courtroom. Nowlin continued to be belligerent while in the cellblock and resisted efforts by the deputy marshals to search him for weapons or contraband.
As he continued to resist, Nowlin spun around and threw a punch at one of the deputy marshals. A struggle ensued, with Nowlin continuing to punch the deputy marshal in the face and head area. Other deputy marshals responded and Nowlin was subdued. The deputy marshal who was struck by Nowlin was taken to a hospital for medical treatment.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Liu and Marshal Hughes commended the work of those who handled the matter from the U.S. Marshals Service. They expressed appreciation for the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Jeannette Litz and Teesha Tobias and Legal Assistant Peter Gaboton. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Emory V. Cole, who prosecuted the case.
Des Moines Man Pleads Guilty to Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
David Marken Aikoriegie admitted to stealing firearms from area gun retailers
Des Moines, Iowa – On February 22, 2018, David Marken Aikoriegie, of Des Moines, appeared in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Celeste F. Bremer and pleaded guilty to charges related to a series of gun store burglaries in the Des Moines area, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum.
Aikoriegie pleaded guilty to three counts of stealing a firearm from a federal firearm licensee and one count of unlawful possession, receipt, and sale of a stolen firearm. Aikoriegie admitted he stole three firearms from JLM Gun Shoppe in Urbandale on November 16, 2017; ten firearms from Rangemasters in Clive on December 2, 2017; and eleven firearms from Rangemasters on December 14, 2017. He also admitted to selling one of those stolen firearms to another person on December 16, 2017. A sentencing date has not been scheduled at this time.
This investigation was conducted by the Clive Police Department; United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Des Moines Police Department; and Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Department of Justice Announces Mary Daly as Opioid CoordinatorRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today announced Mary Daly will serve as the Director of Opioid Enforcement and Prevention Efforts in the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, a new position created on December 20, 2017.
“In the midst of the deadliest drug crisis in American history, we need to prosecute drug crimes aggressively and use our resources wisely,” Attorney General Sessions said. “That’s why today I am happy to announce that Mary Daly will help the Department of Justice coordinate our anti-opioid efforts. Mary is a talented and experienced prosecutor and she will help us act as effectively as possible in this time of crisis. I am confident in her leadership and I want to welcome her to Main Justice.”
Ms. Daly previously served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of New York and the Eastern District of Virginia, where she supervised the Narcotics unit and was the opioid coordinator. Over her 13-year career as a federal prosecutor, Ms. Daly focused on the prosecution of transnational drug trafficking organizations.
In her role as Director of Opioid Enforcement and Prevention Efforts, Ms. Daly will be responsible for assisting the Attorney General, Deputy Attorney General, and Department components in formulating and implementing Department initiatives, policies, grants, and programs relating to opioids, and coordinating these efforts with law enforcement.Convicted Felon Sentenced to 147 Months in Prison for Armed CarjackingRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Savario Beshawn Champion, 29, of Pensacola, was sentenced this week to 147 months in prison after pleading guilty on December 5, 2017, to carjacking, possessing a firearm during a violent crime, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
In July 2017, two men from Georgia were carjacked by Mr. Champion at gunpoint at a local hotel in Escambia County. Mr. Champion approached the two men pointing a black 9 millimeter pistol at the vehicle owner. He told the men to get out of the BMW and to give him their money and phones. The men got out of the vehicle, ran to the hotel, and called the police.
Later that morning, a Pensacola Police Department officer arrested Mr. Champion in Pensacola. At the time of the arrest, Mr. Champion was in possession of the stolen vehicle and a firearm.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Pensacola Police Department; and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey M. Tharp.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Carroll County Public School Teacher Indicted for Attempted Enticement of A Minor to Engage in Illegal Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury indicted Kenneth Brian Fischer, age 39, of Westminster, Maryland yesterday for using a facility of interstate commerce to attempt to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity.
The indictment was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Colonel William M. Pallozzi, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; Sheriff James T. DeWees of the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office; Colonel Edwin C. Roessler Jr. of the Fairfax County, Virginia Police; and the Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney’s Office.
According to the single count indictment, between August 31, 2017 and September 5, 2017, Fischer used electronic mail and text messaging to attempt to coerce a minor to meet him for sex. Fischer faces a mandatory minimum of ten years in prison and a maximum of life.
Fischer was previously arrested in Westminster, Maryland on related charges and has been in custody since September 13, 2017. His initial appearance in federal court is not yet scheduled. The case has been assigned to the Honorable Richard D. Bennett.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "resources" tab on the left of the page.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning commended the FBI, MSP, the Carroll County Sherriff’s Office, the Fairfax County Police, and the Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Ayn M. Ducao who is prosecuting the case.
California Man Sentenced for Role in Cocaine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Los Angeles man was sentenced today, by U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves, for his involvement in a large drug trafficking organization. Nestor Barron, age 26, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and 5 years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
Barron previously admitted that, in July 2017, he conspired with Fernando Lara Salas and Jorge Macias Pedroza to distribute between five and fifteen kilograms of cocaine, in Fayette County. Barron was found at the residence of Fernando Lara Salas on July 19, 2017, when members of the Lexington Police Department’s Narcotics Enforcement Unit executed a search warrant at the residence. Barron was found in a bedroom with a duffel bag that contained six kilograms of cocaine and $105,375 in U.S. currency. Barron admitted that he had obtained the six kilograms of cocaine and intended to distribute it. Barron agreed to forfeit his interest in the currency seized.
After a two-day jury trial in January 2018, Barron’s co-defendants, Fernando Lara Salas and Jorge Macias Pedroza, were convicted of multiple drug trafficking offenses, including conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and distribution of cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine and tramadol, as well as firearms and immigration offenses. They are both scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Reeves on May 4, 2018.
“I commend the cooperation among the law enforcement agencies involved in this investigation,” said Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “These strong partnerships help remove dangerous drugs from our streets and keep our communities safe.” United States Attorney Duncan, Chris Evans, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Louisville; and Ron Compton, Acting Chief of Police, Lexington-Fayette County Division of Police, jointly announced the sentence.
Under federal law, Barron must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence.
California Man Indicted for Trafficking Heroin into Jefferson CountyRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM – A federal grand jury on Thursday indicted a California man for trafficking heroin into Jefferson County, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and Drug Enforcement Administration Assistant Special Agent in Charge Bret Hamilton.
A one-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges ALEXANDRO PEDRO MONTES, 26, of Compton, Calif., with possessing with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin on Nov. 30.
“Enforcing drug-trafficking laws and attacking the epidemic of opioid abuse in our country is a top priority of the Department of Justice and we continue working with federal, state and local law enforcement to bring the most serious available charges against drug dealers,” Town said.
The charge carries a prison sentence of five to 40 years and a maximum fine of $5 million.
DEA investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney William G. Simpson is prosecuting.
An indictment carries only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Bronx Man Sentenced to 75 Years in Prison for Murder in Front of Bronx Daycare CenterRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that RUBEN PIZZARO, a/k/a “Chulo,” was sentenced to 75 years in prison for murder, participating in a narcotics conspiracy, and firearms charges. PIZZARO was convicted on June 13, 2017, following a one-week jury trial before U.S. District Judge Gregory H. Woods, who also imposed today’s sentence.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “In November of 2015, Ruben Pizzaro murdered a rival drug dealer in broad daylight close to a nearby daycare center. Pizzaro’s actions are another example of the wanton violence that often accompanies the sale of drugs. Ruben Pizzaro will now serve 75 years in federal prison for his brazen crimes.”
According to the Complaint, the Indictment, other filings in Manhattan federal court, evidence at trial, and statements made in court proceedings:
Between August 2015 and January 2016, PIZZARO was a member of a street gang that sold cocaine and crack cocaine in the vicinity of 180th Street and Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, New York. PIZZARO and his crew of drug dealers were in competition with a neighboring drug crew on Hughes Avenue in the Bronx. That competition played out in several violent shootings in late 2015. For example, on at least three occasions in October and November 2015, PIZZARO and his drug crew fired at members of the Hughes Avenue drug crew. Individuals were shot during two of those three incidents, and the third occurred in the vicinity of a Bronx middle school.
On November 24, 2015, PIZZARO shot and killed rival drug dealer David Rivera in broad daylight in front of a daycare center in the vicinity of 175th Street and Crotona Avenue in the Bronx.
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In addition to the prison term, PIZZARO, 26, was sentenced to 4 years of supervised release.
Mr. Berman thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Police Department for their work on the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn Crowley, Max Nicholas, and Robert Allen are in charge of the prosecution.
Billings Couple Sentenced to Federal Prison for Methamphetamine OffensesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – Raymond Thomas Tetzlaff, a 35-year-old resident of Billings, and Crystal Busby-Tetzlaff, a 36-year-old resident of Billings, were sentenced to prison today after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in November. Raymond Tetzlaff received 216 months in prison and 5 years of supervised released. Crystal Busby-Tetzlaff received 120 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Susan Watters handed down the sentences.
The Tetzlaffs and their associates possessed and sold methamphetamine in 2016 and early 2017. Specifically, the Tetzlaffs were bringing pounds of methamphetamine into Billings for distribution. During the investigation, law enforcement executed search warrants at their residence and a storage unit. Over six pounds of pure methamphetamine and drug distribution supplies were seized. That converts to 21,744 individual dosage units of the drug which was seized before reaching drug users in Montana. Additionally, Raymond Tetzlaff was found in possession of two loaded firearms during his arrest at the residence.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Godfrey and investigated by the Eastern Montana Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime. Today’s sentencings are a part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
Bank Robber Sentenced for Peninsula RobberiesRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Newport News man was sentenced today to 12 years in prison for robbing two banks and a check cashing store.
According to court documents, Robert S. Carpenter, 30, committed a series of robberies in Hampton and Newport News over two weeks in the Fall of 2016. On Aug. 23, 2016, Carpenter robbed Approved Cash Advance on J. Clyde Morris Boulevard in Newport News, implying he had a firearm. A week later, on Sept. 1, 2016, Carpenter robbed the Virginia Educator’s Credit Union on Main Street in Newport News. On Sept. 6, 2016, armed with a gun, Carpenter robbed the Wells Fargo bank on Marketplace Drive in Hampton. Carpenter entered each location masked and demanded money, and ultimately stole more than $21,000. Hampton police located Carpenter after Wells Fargo tellers placed GPS trackers into the stolen money.
Tracy Doherty-McCormick, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Thomas L. Chittum, III, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division, Terry L. Sult, Chief of Hampton Police Division, Michael C. Grinstead, Acting Chief of Newport News Police, and Anton A. Bell, Hampton Commonwealth’s Attorney made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy E. Cross prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:17-cr-32.
Armed Career Criminal Who Sold Short-Barreled Rifle Sentenced to 25 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza has sentenced Troy Bennett (30, Orange County) to 25 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and for failing to register the firearm, a short-barreled rifle, with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Due to his prior multiple felony convictions, he qualified for an increased penalty under the Armed Career Criminal Act.
A federal jury found Bennett guilty of the offenses on December 6, 2017.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, on two occasions in August 2017, Bennett met with a confidential informant (CI) to sell firearms and drugs. During the first meeting, Bennett sold the CI crack cocaine and discussed his ability to obtain and sell a rifle to the CI. About a week later, during their second meeting, Bennett sold cocaine, a short-barreled rifle, and 28 rounds of ammunition to the CI. As a previously convicted felon, Bennett is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kara M. Wick.
“ATF’s primary focus is protecting the public by reducing violent crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Daryl McCrary. “ATF continues to aggressively pursue violent offenders and will continue to protect and serve communities with our law enforcement partners.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In October 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to develop districtwide crime reduction strategies, incorporating the lessons learned since the program’s inception in 2001. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Arkansas Man Sentenced to Prison for Developing and Distributing Prolific MalwareRead the Press Release
An Arkansas man was sentenced today to 33 months in prison for aiding and abetting computer intrusions by selling malicious software, or “malware,” to individuals who used the malware to steal sensitive information, surreptitiously activate webcams, and conduct other illegal intrusions.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Tracy Doherty-McCormick for the Eastern District of Virginia and Assistant Director in Charge Andrew W. Vale of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, made the announcement.
Taylor Huddleston, 27, of Hot Springs, Arkansas was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Liam O’Grady. Judge O’Grady also ordered the defendant to serve two years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Huddleston pleaded guilty on July 25, 2017.
According to court documents, Huddleston developed, marketed, and distributed two products that were extremely popular with cybercriminals around the world. The first is the “NanoCore RAT,” a type of malware that is used to steal information from victim computers, including sensitive information such as passwords, emails, and instant messages. The NanoCore RAT even allowed users to surreptitiously activate the webcam on the victim computers in order to spy on the victims. Huddleston’s NanoCore RAT was used to infect and attempt to infect tens of thousands of computers. Huddleston’s other product, “Net Seal,” was licensing software that he used to distribute malware for co-conspirators for a fee. For instance, Huddleston used Net Seal to assist Zachary Shames in the distribution of malware to 3,000 people that was in turn used to infect 16,000 computers. In his guilty plea, Huddleston admitted that he intended his products to be used maliciously.
The case was prosecuted by Senior Counsel Ryan K. Dickey of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kellen S. Dwyer of the Eastern District of Virginia.
Ambulance Provider and Hospital Agree to Pay $1,425,000 to Settle Ambulance Transportation ClaimsRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced today that North East Mobile Health Services (“North East”), of Scarborough, has entered into a civil settlement agreement with the U.S. in which it will pay $825,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the federal False Claims Act by providing medically unnecessary ambulance transportation. Maine Medical Center (“MMC”), of Portland, also agreed to pay $600,000 pursuant to a separate civil settlement.
North East’s settlement resolves allegations that it improperly billed Medicare for non-emergency ambulance transportation of patients discharged from MMC from 2007 onward. The government alleged that North East improperly billed Medicare for ambulance transports of patients it falsely claimed were either “bed-confined” or for whom such transport was otherwise medically necessary. The settlement also resolves allegations that North East knowingly retained Medicare overpayments.
MMC’s settlement resolves allegations that MMC personnel provided North East with statements containing incomplete or inaccurate information about the medical necessity of transporting patients by ambulance, which North East thereafter used to bill Medicare.
Both North East and MMC cooperated with the investigation. Federal authorities encourage health care providers to cooperate with investigations involving the possible submission of false claims to federal programs.
The case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The civil action is docketed United States v. North East Mobile Health Services, 2:18-cv-00081-NT (D. Me.).
Alleged Serial Bank Robber Indicted for Five Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
ALLEGED SERIAL BANK ROBBER INDICTED FOR FIVE BANK ROBBERIES
Dandre R. Brown, 29, of Godfrey, Illinois, was indicted on February 21, 2018 on five counts of bank robbery and one count of transportation of stolen vehicle, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today.
The indictment alleges Brown committed five bank robberies in southern Illinois between November 29, 2017 and January 10, 2018. On November 29, 2017, Brown allegedly robbed the U.S. Bank at 1520 Washington Avenue in Alton, Illinois. On December 20, 2017, Brown allegedly robbed the Reliance Bank at 2810 Godfrey Road, in Godfrey, Illinois. On December 22, 2017, Brown allegedly robbed the Regions Bank at 347 W. Main Street, in East Alton, Illinois. On January 2, 2018, Brown allegedly robbed the U.S. Bank at 1301 Edwardsville Road, in Wood River, Illinois. Finally, on January 10, 2018, Brown robbed 1st MidAmerica Credit Union at 1702 Troy Road, in Edwardsville, Illinois. A sixth count in the indictment alleges that on December 11, 2017, Brown transported a stolen vehicle from Missouri into Illinois.
If convicted of bank robbery, Brown faces a prison sentence of up to 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years supervised release. If convicted of all bank robbery counts, Brown could face discretionary, consecutive sentences totaling 100 years. If convicted of Transportation of Stolen Vehicle, Brown faces a prison sentence of up to ten years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years supervised release.
On January 23, 2018, Brown was apprehended by United States Marshals on a federal arrest warrant in Atlanta, Georgia.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
This prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI, Illinois State Police, Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office, and the following police departments: Granite City, Alton, St. Louis County, Godfrey, East Alton, Wood River, and Edwardsville. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James G. Piper, Jr.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, that charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Albuquerque Man Pleads Guilty to Child Sexual Abuse and Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alfonso Navarrete, 43, of Albuquerque, N.M., pled guilty yesterday in federal court to child sexual abuse and child pornography charges under a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The FBI arrested Navarrete on June 22, 2017, on a criminal complaint charging him with possessing child pornography on June 16, 2017, in Bernalillo County, N.M. The FBI initiated an investigation into Navarrete in May 2017, after receiving information alleging that Navarrete allegedly sexually assaulted a minor in Ireland sometime between 2014 and 2015. During an interview of Navarrete on June 20, 2017, FBI Special Agents and Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) detectives found a computer and thumb drive belonging to Navarrete that contained child pornography.
During yesterday’s change of plea hearing, Navarrete pled guilty to a three-count felony information charging him with engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place, production of a visual depictions of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct, and possession of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. In entering the guilty plea, Navarrete admitted that in June 2015, while temporarily living in Ireland, he engaged in illicit sexual conduct with a 12-year-old victim. Navarrete also admitted using a cellular phone to produce child pornography of a 14-year-old victim in May 2013, and transporting the images from Ohio to New Mexico sometime before his arrest in 2017. Finally, Navarrete admitted that from June 16, 2017 through June 20, 2017, he possessed approximately 730 images and seven videos of child pornography on a thumb drive.
At sentencing, Navarrete faces a maximum penalty of 30 years of imprisonment for engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place; a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison for producing child pornography; and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for possessing child pornography. Navarrete faces up to a lifetime of supervised release following any prison sentence imposed, and will be required to register as a sex offender. Navarrete remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the FBI, the BCSO and the New Mexico Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Mease is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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 http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
The case also was brought as a part of the New Mexico ICAC Task Force’s mission, which is to locate, track, and capture Internet child sexual predators and Internet child pornographers in New Mexico. There are 86 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies associated with the New Mexico ICAC Task Force, which is funded by a grant administered by the New Mexico Office of the Attorney General. Anyone with information relating to suspected child predators and suspected child abuse is encouraged to contact federal or local law enforcement.
Alabama Men Sentenced for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, KY. – Sergio Acosta, 28, and Jose Luis Luviano Lopez, 36, both of Montgomery, Alabama, were sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Danny C. Reeves for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. Acosta was sentenced to 97 months imprisonment. Luis Luviano was sentenced to 87 months imprisonment.
Acosta and Luviano Lopez previously admitted to transporting nearly 1,000 grams of methamphetamine for distribution. The methamphetamine was found in the back seat of a pickup truck driven by Luviano Lopez, in which Acosta was a passenger, during a traffic stop conducted by the Kentucky State Police in Madison County on September 6, 2017. During the traffic stop, Acosta admitted there was a “kilo” in the truck. Acosta and Luviano Lopez pleaded guilty to the charges in November of 2017.
Under federal law, Acosta and Luviano Lopez must each serve 85 percent of his prison sentence, and, upon release, will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Chris Evans, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Louisville, and Richard Sanders, Commissioner, Kentucky State Police, jointly made the announcement today after the sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA and Kentucky State Police. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Tanner Bradley.
9 Charged with Conspiracy to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
HAMMOND - The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced the return of a 19-count indictment against 9 individuals for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and other offenses.
According to the Indictment, the following individuals were charged as follows:
- Teddia Caldwell a/k/a Teddy, 42, of Gary, Indiana
- Count 1-Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
- Count 2, 3, 4, 5, 16, 17- Distribution of Crack Cocaine
- Count 6, 9-Distribution of Crack Cocaine and Heroin
- Count 10-Distribution of Heroin
- Count 11-Felon in Possession of A Firearm
- Count 12, 13-Possesion of A Firearm in Furtherance of A Drug Trafficking Crime
- Count 18-Murder of Akeem Oliver While Engaging in A Narcotics Conspiracy
- Count 19-Murder of Kevin Hood While Engaging in A Narcotics Conspiracy
- Victor Young a/k/a Vic, 44, of Calumet City, Illinois
- Count 1-Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
- Count 6-Distribution of Crack Cocaine and Heroin
- Cornell Allen a/k/a Knuckles, 39, of Gary, Indiana
- Count 1-Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
- Count 2- Distribution of Crack Cocaine
- Devonte Hodge, 26, of Gary Indiana
- Count 1-Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
- Count 18-Murder of Akeem Oliver While Engaging in A Narcotics Conspiracy
- Devontae Martin, 24, of Gary, Indiana
- Count 1-Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
- Count 19-Murder of Kevin Hood While Engaging in A Narcotics Conspiracy
- Terry Brown, 32, of Gary, Indiana
- Count 1-Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
- Count 7, 8, 14-Distribution of Cocaine
- Count 15- Possession of A Firearm in Furtherance of A Drug Trafficking Crime
- Paronica Bonds, 34, of Gary, Indiana
- Count 1-Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
- Demetrius Brinkley a/k/a Detroit, 31, of Gary, Indiana
- Count 1-Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
- Taquan Clarke a/k/a Boonie, 24, of Gary, Indiana
- Count 1-Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
- Count 19-Murder of Kevin Hood While Engaging in A Narcotics Conspiracy
U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II said, “My office and the federal law enforcement agencies are committed to addressing the senseless violence that results from illegal drug trafficking. If you are distributing drugs or committing acts of violence in the Northern District of Indiana, expect federal agencies to be focused on you.”
Eight of the individuals named in the indictment have been arrested. Law enforcement is currently seeking the whereabouts of Demetrius Brinkley. If you have any information as to the whereabouts of the above individual please contact the ATF at 1-800-ATF-GUNS.
The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty in court.
If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
This case is being investigated by the ATF/HIDTA Task Force and FBI/GRIT Task Force with the assistance of the Indiana State Police, the Lake County Sheriff’s Auto Detail and the Gary Police K-9. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas R. Mahoney and David J. Nozick.
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- Teddia Caldwell a/k/a Teddy, 42, of Gary, Indiana
Thursday 22 February 2018
Windsor Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Tax OffenseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CRAIG FRANCIS, also known as Horus Durjaya Bey, 44, of Windsor, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of filing a false tax return.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2009, FRANCIS E-filed a 2008 federal income tax return that listed falsely inflated amounts of both interest income received and taxable income withheld by the government, and requested a fraudulent refund of $255,904. The Internal Revenue Service issued the refund before determining that the tax return was fraudulent, and that FRANCIS was actually entitled to a refund of only $4,073.
FRANCIS spent more than $220,000 within five weeks of receiving the fraudulent refund.
FRANCIS is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson on May 17, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three years. FRANCIS has agreed that, as of today’s date, he owes restitution to the IRS of $380,448.06, which includes interest and penalties.
FRANCIS was arrested on June 7, 2017, in Kissimmee, Florida. He is released on a $250,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry Kopel.
Wilburton Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Keith Ray Morgan, age 34, of Wilburton, Oklahoma, pled guilty to Felon In Possession Of Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, or both.
The Indictment alleged that on or about August 9, 2017, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm, to wit: One (1) New England Firearms, Pardner Model, 12-guage shotgun, serial number NS356513, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.The charges arose from an investigation by the Latimer County Sherriff’s Office, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the District 16 Drug Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States.
Westmoreland County Woman Sentenced to Probation for Defrauding Victoria’s SecretRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A Westmoreland County resident has been sentenced in federal court on her conviction of mail fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Charlene D. Moff, 60, of New Derry, PA. Moff received a sentence of two years probation and was ordered to pay approximately $30,169.56 in restitution.
According to information presented to the court, from September 2013 to March 2016, Moff fraudulently ordered merchandise from Victoria’s Secret using her or her husband’s online account. After the items were delivered, she would call customer service and falsely represent one of the following: that she did not receive the shipment of merchandise, the shipment was missing certain items, or some of the merchandise was incorrect or damaged. She would then receive a credit to her account or a re-shipment of merchandise.
Assistant United States Attorney Shardul S. Desai prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the United States Postal Inspection Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Moff.
Westmoreland County Man Sentenced for Selling Deadly Heroin and FentanylRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Monessen, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 96 months in prison on his conviction of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence yesterday on Jalen Cameron Madison, age 24.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from 2013 until October 26, 2016, Madison knowingly, intentionally and unlawfully conspired with persons, both known and unknown to the United States Attorney, to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and heroin. In addition, Madison admitted that the drugs he sold caused the August 22, 2015 death of victim John Brooks Watkins.
Judge Conti called the defendant’s actions in selling heroin and fentanyl "playing with death" and ordered that Madison be supervised by federal Probation Officers for four years after his release from the 96-month period of imprisonment.
Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt, a federal prosecutor in the Violent Crime section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Washington County Drug Task Force, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Washington County District Attorney’s Office, and numerous local police departments including the Canonsburg Police Department, the Donora Police Department, the Monessen Police Department, and the Charleroi Police Department, as well as the Washington County Coroner’s Office, and the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Madison.
Waterloo Man Sentenced to More Than 3 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
A man who illegally possessed multiple firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition was sentenced today to more than three years in federal prison.
Paris Clevont’e Lyes, age 22, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 21, 2017, guilty plea to possessing firearms and ammunition as an illegal drug user. At the guilty plea, Lyes admitted he possessed a Glock 9mm pistol, a Mossberg .22 caliber pistol, a Romarm Model Mini Draco 7.62x39mm pistol, and more than 800 rounds of ammunition.
Lyes was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade. Lyes was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment and fined $5,000. A special assessment of $100 was imposed. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Lyes is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily K. Nydle and was investigated by a Federal Task Force composed of the Waterloo Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms assisted by the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office and Cedar Falls Police Department.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-cr-2057.
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Vidalia man pleads guilty to cocaine distributionRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that a Vidalia man pleaded guilty Tuesday to possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
Demond Fleming, 40, Vidalia, La., pleaded guilty before U.S District Judge Dee D. Drell to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. According to the guilty plea, law enforcement agents noticed Fleming parked in the middle of Concordia Park Drive in Vidalia on July 11, 2017. Agents searched his car and found 82.18 grams of cocaine, two hydrocodone pills and $4,751. They also discovered that he was on supervised release for a previous drug conviction.
Fleming faces 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $1 million fine. The court set a sentencing date of May 18, 2018.
The DEA and Louisiana State Probation and Parole conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney James G. Cowles Jr. is prosecuting the case.
Vermont Man Pleads Guilty to Child Sexual OffensesRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that Joseph Norko, 50, of Saint Johnsbury, Vermont, pleaded guilty today to two counts of attempted online enticement and one count of interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual activity.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Norko’s charges were based on two online undercover investigations. One investigation was conducted by the Portsmouth Police Department and one was conducted by the Lebanon Police Department. In July of 2017, the defendant responded to an online advertisement posted by a Portsmouth police officer purporting to offer sex with a 12-year-old girl. In September of 2017, he responded to an online advertisement posted by a Lebanon police officer purporting to be a 15-year-old girl. The defendant then traveled from Vermont to New Hampshire in order to engage in sexual contact with the person he thought was 15 years old.
A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for June 1, 2018.
“The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect the children of the Granite State,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “This case is yet another example of the dangers that lurk on the Internet. I am grateful to the law enforcement officers whose work led to the conviction of this Internet predator.”
“Online exploitation of children is one of the most disturbing crimes we investigate. It’s always very satisfying when our close coordination with our federal and state partners successfully brings the predators who engage in this behavior to justice,” said Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge, for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in Boston.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Lebanon Police Department, the Portsmouth Police Department, and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which includes members of several other police departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana Konesky.
In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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United States Citizens and Illegal Aliens Sentenced for Involvement in Brevard Marriage Fraud RingRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced three individuals for their involvement in a marriage fraud ring operating out of Brevard County. William Matthew Tex Price (31, Cocoa) was sentenced to two years in federal prison for marriage fraud to run concurrent to a two-year sentence for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Maria Rogacheva (28, Russia) was sentenced to 5 months’ imprisonment and Khagan Mushfig Oglu Nabili (24, Azerbaijan) was sentenced to time served.
According to court documents, in October 2015, agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations worked with the Brevard County Clerk of the Court to investigate a significant surge in the number of aliens from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and other former Soviet countries marrying U.S. citizens in Brevard County. This led to the arrest of Denis Yakovlev (40, Russia) and Meghan Toole (28, Cocoa) on July 13, 2016.
After his arrest, Yakovlev admitted to introducing approximately 100 individuals to each other over an 18-month period for the purpose of them entering into sham marriages for immigration benefits. Yakovlev claimed that his payment ranged from $1,000 to $2,000 per sham marriage, and that the American citizens were paid between $10,000 and $20,000 each.
Yakovlev “employed” Price, who recruited at least 20 U.S. citizens to participate in the scheme. In August 2015, Price recruited a U.S. citizen to enter into a sham marriage with Nabili. The citizen then filed an immigration petition on Nabili’s behalf in an attempt to obtain lawful status for him. The following month, Price recruited his ex-wife, Toole, to enter into a sham marriage with Bakhramovich Yadigarov (26, Uzbekistan). Toole filed an immigration petition on Yadigarov’s behalf in an attempt to gain lawful status for him.
Price also engaged in fraudulent marriages with Maria Rogacheva and Svetlana Vladimirovna Shakhramanyan (28, Azerbaijan). Rogacheva attempted to avoid prosecution by filing a lengthy petition falsely claiming to be a battered spouse based on her sham marriage to Price. She later admitted that she had not entered into the marriage in good faith, she had never lived with Price as husband and wife, and she had never been battered by Price.
“These criminals defrauded the government and undermined the integrity of our nation’s legal immigration system” said HSI Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. “This case should send a clear message that we will continue to target those who try to circumvent our nation’s immigration laws.”
Denis Yakovlev (40, Russia) and Meghan Toole (28, Cocoa) previously pleaded guilty for their involvement in this conspiracy. In November 2016, Yakovlev was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment for encouraging or inducing an alien to reside in the United States, and Toole was sentenced to 4 months’ imprisonment for marriage fraud.
April Coleen Moore (24, Satellite Beach) pleaded guilty on January 2, 2018, for her sham marriage to Valriy Tsoy (33, Kazakhstan). Her sentencing hearing is on March 23, 2018. Tsoy, Yadigarov, and Shakhramanyan are set for trial in May 2018.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Enforcement and Removal Operations, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services - Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina R. Downes who is on assignment from the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor, ICE.
United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina Collects over $12 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2017, and $4.8 Million in Asset Forfeiture ActionsRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announced today that his office collected over $12 million in criminal and civil actions in fiscal year 2017. Of this amount, $7,115,289.63 was collected in criminal actions and $5,008,219.81 was collected in civil actions.
The Eastern District of North Carolina also collaborated with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $581,492.70. Of this amount, $59,927.77 was collected in criminal actions and $521,564.93 was collected in civil actions.
Overall, the Justice Department collected just over $15 billion in civil and criminal actions in fiscal year 2017.
In the past fiscal year, the Eastern District of North Carolina has returned millions of dollars to crime victims. For example, in United States v. William Larry Rogers, over $695,000 was recovered in victim restitution. Additionally, in United States v. Ronald Doerrer, over $550,000.00 was recovered for victims of the defendant’s criminal conduct.
The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws. For example, in United States v. James Taggart, $995,000.00 was recovered for the Health and Human Services’ Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Internal Revenue Service, Small Business Administration and Department of Education.
“We will use every tool in our arsenal to aggressively collect victim restitution and criminal fines, and recover taxpayer dollars lost to fraud and owed to government agencies,” said Mr. Higdon. “We are proud of the men and women in our office who have worked so hard to ensure justice through their collection efforts. They are to be congratulated for their tremendously successful efforts.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Offices, along with the Department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the United States and criminal debts owed to the victims of federal crimes. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the Department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of North Carolina, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $4,800,593.00 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2017. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes. Mr. Higdon stated, “asset forfeiture serves an important law enforcement interest, and we will continue to aggressively forfeit instrumentalities and fruits of criminal conduct.”
U.S. Attorney’s Office for Eastern District of Tennessee Supports Justice Department Initiative to Protect Elders from Fraud and AbuseRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Attorney General Jeff Sessions and law enforcement partners announced today the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history. The cases involve more than 250 defendants from around the globe who victimized more than a million Americans, most of whom were elderly. The cases include criminal, civil, and forfeiture actions across more than 50 federal districts. Of the defendants, 200 were charged criminally. In each case, offenders engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused losses of more than half a billion dollars. The Department coordinated its announcement with the FTC and state Attorneys General, who independently filed numerous cases targeting elder frauds within the sweep period.
“The Justice Department and its partners are taking unprecedented, coordinated action to protect elderly Americans from financial threats, both foreign and domestic,” said Attorney General Sessions. “Today’s actions send a clear message: we will hold perpetrators of elder fraud schemes accountable wherever they are. When criminals steal the hard-earned life savings of older Americans, we will respond with all the tools at the Department’s disposal – criminal prosecutions to punish offenders, civil injunctions to shut the schemes down, and asset forfeiture to take back ill-gotten gains. Today is only the beginning. I have directed Department prosecutors to coordinate with both domestic law enforcement partners and foreign counterparts to stop these criminals from exploiting our seniors.”
The actions charged a variety of fraud schemes, ranging from mass mailing, telemarketing and investment frauds to individual incidences of identity theft and theft by guardians. A number of cases involved transnational criminal organizations that defrauded hundreds of thousands of elderly victims, while others involved a single relative or fiduciary who took advantage of an individual victim. The schemes charged in these cases caused losses to more than a million victims.
“Although not directly involved in today’s national sweep, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee fully supports this initiative,” said U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey. “Protecting our seniors has been, and will continue to be, a top priority of our office. Working with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners, we will investigate and build cases for successful prosecution of these individuals who choose to victimize some of our most vulnerable citizens. I encourage everyone to speak out and tell someone if he or she has been a victim of elder abuse or financial fraud. Please do not remain silent,” added U.S. Attorney Overbey.
In the Eastern District of Tennessee, two individuals were recently sentenced for their roles in a conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud against elderly victims. In July 2017, Christy A. Greider, 40, and Jason A. Greider, 42, both of Huber Heights, Ohio, were sentenced in U.S. District Court in Knoxville to serve 33 and 27 months respectively in federal prison.
Christy Greider worked as the bookkeeper for M-3 Construction, Inc., located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. She also helped the company’s elderly owners keep track of their personal finances. Christy and Jason Greider made unauthorized purchases totaling more than $350,000 using the company’s and its elderly owners’ personal credit cards. Some of these unauthorized purchases included a boat, pool, furniture, and a trip to Hawaii.
These charges and subsequent guilty plea and sentencing were the results of a cooperative investigation by the Oak Ridge Police Department and FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly A. Norris represented the United States in the court proceedings.
In another case in U.S. District Court in Chattanooga, John Allen Morris, Jr., 51, of Knoxville, Tennessee, was sentenced to serve 36 months in federal prison and ordered to pay over $1.2 million in restitution to identified victims of his offenses, for wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, and wrongful use of a government seal.
Morris was employed as an insurance and annuities broker with a legitimate insurance company. His scheme to sell fraudulent annuities to elderly clients began in late 2006 when he established two fictitious companies and convinced elderly clients to cash out legitimate annuities and invest their money with those companies, promising a higher rate of return. He created and provided his clients with imaginary elaborate and personalized financial statements reflecting the supposed status of their accounts. Establishing multiple accounts at various banks, Morris would deposit investment checks from his clients, and later use these funds to pay off initial investors in a Ponzi-like scheme, as well as pay personal bills, buy material items for himself and his family and invest himself in his own ventures. These schemes included a Lamborghini car kit selling enterprise and “Football Tech,” a company created to train high school football players by attempting to attract prominent former NFL players and coaches into contributing to camps for kids based on Morris’s claims of his own football coaching expertise.
A cooperative investigation by the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance lead to the indictment, guilty plea and subsequent sentencing of Morris. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Neff represented the United States in court proceedings.
Although not as recent as the other two referenced cases, Mark Kevin Tudor, 42, of Knoxville, Tennessee was sentenced in 2014 to serve 36 months in federal prison and pay $266,227.80 in restitution for federal wire fraud charges.
An investigation by the Knoxville Police Department and U.S. Postal Inspection Service determined that Tudor abused a position of trust after having been granted a power-of-attorney by his 93-year-old great aunt, who suffered from a visual disability and needed assistance with her financial affairs. Without his great aunt’s permission or authority, Tudor systematically depleted her bank and credit union account and life insurance policy. In total, Tudor stole over $267,000 before the fraud was discovered, which nearly depleted her life savings. According to a written statement read by his great aunt in court, when the she discovered the fraud only $347 remained in her credit union account, which held over $200,000 before the theft. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Morris represented the United States in court proceedings for this case.
Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office of Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov.
For the full-version of the Department’s release on today’s national sweep click here: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-coordinates-nationwide-elder-fraud-sweep-more-250-defendants
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U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart to hold press conference today regarding indictmentRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart will hold a press conference at 2:00 p.m. today announcing an indictment.
WHO: Michael B. Stuart, United States Attorney, Southern District of West Virginia
FBI Officials
West Virginia Legislature Commission on Special Investigations Officials
Other Law Enforcement Officials
WHAT: Press Conference
WHEN: Thursday, February 22, 2018, at 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse
300 Virginia Street, East
Charleston, WV 25301
United States Attorney’s Office
4th Floor, Suite 4000
- Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
Two Sentenced for Conspiracy to Sexually Exploit a ChildRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Trent Shores announced today that District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced Chance Tyler Hood, 20, of Sapulpa, to serve 180 months in federal prison and Kristina Jean Koehn, 29, of Hominy, to serve 240 months in federal prison for Conspiracy to Sexually Exploit a Child.
Koehn took sexually explicit pictures of her 4-year-old daughter by cell phone and then distributed the images by text message to Hood.
United States Attorney Shores stated, “This office will aggressively prosecute defendants who victimize those who cannot protect themselves and, as in this case, are in the hands of those who exploit them. We are thankful for the hard work of the Sapulpa Police Department, Osage County Sheriff’s Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for joining together to fight child sexual exploitation.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The prosecution resulted from an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Sapulpa Police Department, and the Osage County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Shannon B. Cozzoni handled the prosecution of this case.
Two More Defendants Sentenced and One More Pleads Guilty to Charges Arising Out of ATF-Led Operation Targeting Drug Trafficking and Firearms Crime in Bernalillo CountyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – In Aug. 2016, a multi-agency investigation led by the ATF concluded with the filing of 59 federal indictments and a federal criminal complaint charging 103 Bernalillo County residents with federal firearms and narcotics trafficking offenses. To date, 85 of these defendants have been convicted, including 84 who have entered guilty pleas, and 64 of them have been sentenced.
The investigation was undertaken in support of a federal anti-violence initiative that targets “the worst of the worst” offenders for federal prosecution. Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies collaborate with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders for federal prosecution primarily based on their prior criminal convictions with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible.
Today, two more Albuquerque residents were sentenced for their convictions on drug trafficking charges in federal court. Anthony Barela, 34, was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for his methamphetamine trafficking conviction. Chere Juarez, 29, was sentenced to 42 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for her methamphetamine trafficking conviction.
In addition, Albuquerque resident Letitia Toya, 39, entered a guilty plea in federal court in two cases charging her with methamphetamine trafficking and assault on a federal officer. Under the terms of her plea agreement, Toya will be sentenced within the range of ten to twelve years in federal prison followed by a term of supervised release to be determined by the court.
Barela and co-defendants Guajira Maya Lovato, 45, Janet Bowman, 40, and Juan Jose Rivas, 33, were charged by indictment in July 2016, with a methamphetamine trafficking offense. The indictment later was superseded to add a fifth defendant, Maria Citlaly Beltran-Ahumada, 37, and another methamphetamine trafficking charge. The superseding indictment charged the five defendants with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine from June 21, 2016 through Aug. 9, 2016, and with distributing methamphetamine on June 22, 2016. On Aug. 3, 2017, Barela pled guilty to an information charging him with distributing methamphetamine. Lovato pled guilty on July 27, 2017, and was sentenced on Feb. 15, 2018, to 60 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release. Beltran-Ahumada pled guilty on June 9, 2017, and was sentenced on June 26, 2017 to time served. Rivas pled guilty on July 27, 2017, and is scheduled for sentencing on March 8, 2018. The charges against Bowman were dismissed on Aug. 22, 2017.
Juarez and co-defendant David Rayford, 26, were charged in a three-count indictment on June 30, 2016. Rayford and Juarez were charged with distribution of methamphetamine on June 7, 2016, and June 14, 2016, and Rayford was charged individually with being a felon in possession of a firearm on May 27, 2016. On June 19, 2017, Juarez pled guilty to a felony information charging her with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. In entering the guilty plea, Juarez admitted that on June 14, 2016, she sold approximately two ounces of methamphetamine to an undercover law enforcement agent. Rayford is currently scheduled for trial in April 2018.
Toya was charged in the following two cases arising out of this operation. The indictment in the first case charged Toya and co-defendant Eugene Fales, 53, in a six-count indictment with methamphetamine trafficking and firearms offenses. The indictment charged Toya and Fales with distributing methamphetamine on May 23, 2016, May 25, 2016, and June 20, 2016, and with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine on May 25, 2016 and June 20, 2016. Toya was charged individually with being a felon in possession of firearms on May 27, 2015, because of her prior felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance, tampering with evidence, aggravated assault on a peace officer and trafficking a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Fales pled guilty on Aug. 14, 2017, and is pending sentencing. The indictment in the second case charged Toya with assaulting a federal officer on July 6, 2016.
During today’s proceedings, Toya pled guilty to Count 3 in the first case charging her with distributing methamphetamine, and to the indictment in the second case. In entering the guilty plea in the first case, Toya admitted that on May 25, 2016, she arranged for the delivery and distributed approximately 45.8 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover law enforcement agent. In pleading guilty in the second case, Toya admitted that on July 6, 2016, she assaulted a federal officer by spitting in the face of a federal officer while being taken into custody. Toya remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.
Fifteen of the defendants charged as the result of the ATF investigation have entered not guilty pleas. Charges in indictments are merely accusations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty in a court of law. Two defendants are fugitives and the charges against two defendants have been dismissed.
These cases were investigated by the Albuquerque office of ATF. The case against Barela was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Presiliano Torrez, the case against Juarez was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David M. Walsh and Norman Cairns, and the case against Toya is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Walsh.
Two Individuals Plead Guilty to Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Christina Crystal Hernandez, age 37, of Poteau, Oklahoma; and Deana Marie Oakes, age 35, of Panama, Oklahoma, pled guilty to Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2, punishable by not less than 10 or more than life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000.00 fine, or both.
The Indictment alleged that on or about August 8, 2017, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendants, did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.The charges arose from an investigation by the Panama City Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States.
Two Illinois Postal Employees Indicted for Theft and Delay of United States MailRead the Press Release
On February 21, 2018, a federal grand jury for the Southern District of Illinois returned two separate indictments against former United States Postal Service employees who had been employed in Post Offices in Belleville, Illinois, and Godfrey, Illinois, announced Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois.
In the first indictment, Briana N. Burrage, 22, of Belleville, Illinois, was charged with unlawful delay of United States Mail while working as a letter carrier at a Belleville, Illinois Post Office. The indictment alleged that in September of 2017, Burrage, failed to deliver thousands of pieces of United States mail by placing the mail in large trash bags in her personal vehicle over a several week period.
The second indictment charged Amber J. Brawley, 36, of Godfrey, Illinois with theft and embezzlement of United States Mail while working as a postal employee at a Godfrey, Illinois Post Office. The indictment alleged that in August of 2017, Brawley stole items from the United States Mail and converted the contents of the mail for her own use.
Burrage and Brawley both face up to five years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The investigations were conducted by the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General and are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ranley R. Killian.
Two Delaware Men Indicted for Sex Trafficking of A Child by Force, Fraud, and CoercionRead the Press Release
February 22, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted Steven M. Williams a/k/a “Brother Ray,” a/k/a “Ray”, age 38, and Harry E. Rivers a/k/a “Hakeem,” a/k/a “Pots,” age 28, both of Delaware, for sex trafficking of a child and by force, fraud, and coercion. The indictment was returned on February 21, 2018.
The indictment was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Chief Matthew Donnelly of the Elkton Police Department.
According to the indictment, Williams and Rivers were pimps, engaged in the business of recruiting, enticing, harboring, transporting, providing, obtaining, advertising, and maintaining by any means girls and women to engage in commercial sex acts. In July 2017, a female child, “Girl 1,” was a victim of these crimes. “Girl 1” was a resident of Delaware, had recently completed the eighth grade, and was 15 years old.
Williams and Rivers both face a maximum sentence of life in prison. An initial appearance has not yet been scheduled.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "resources" tab on the left of the page.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning commended the FBI, the Elkton Police Department, the Newark (Delaware) Police Department, the Wilmington (Delaware) Police Department, the Cecil County Department of Social Services, the Cecil County State's Attorney's Office, and the Delaware Department of Justice for their work in the investigation. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patricia McLane and Zachary A. Myers, who are prosecuting the case.
Two Area Men Sentenced to Prison Terms for Conspiracy to Rob Banks in District of Columbia and MarylandRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – John King Lionell, 26, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 42 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to rob banks in the District of Columbia and Maryland. A co-defendant, Steve Jamal Smith, also known as Jabrail Love, 23, of Hyattsville, Md., earlier also was sentenced to a 42-month prison term.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu, Andrew W. Vale, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, Peter Newsham, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), J. Thomas Manger, Chief of the Montgomery County, Md., Police Department, and Ron Pavlik, Chief of the Metro Transit Police.
Lionell and Smith were found guilty by a jury in November 2017 of conspiracy to commit bank robbery, following a trial in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Upon completion of their prison terms, each defendant will be placed on three years of supervised release. Smith was sentenced on Feb. 2, 2018, by the Honorable Randolph D. Moss and Lionell was sentenced today.
According to the evidence at trial, on Jan. 26, 2016, at approximately 1:50 p.m., Lionell and Smith entered a BB&T Bank in the 3100 block of 14th Street NW. While inside, they inquired about opening a bank account. A bank employee provided them with a brochure. Both defendants were observed in possession of the brochure. They then walked to a bank teller, and Lionell presented a demand note for money. He also instructed the teller not to press the silent alarm. The teller did not provide the defendants with any money. After not receiving any cash, Lionell told Smith: “Hurry up let’s go! Let’s go!”
At that time, the two men exited the bank together. They then entered the Columbia Heights Metro station and rode Metrorail to the Silver Spring stop.
After exiting the subway station, at approximately 2:40 p.m., Lionell and Smith entered a Capital One Bank in the 8600 block of Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring and approached the teller’s window. This time, Smith displayed a demand note for money to the teller, while Lionell stood next to him. Smith told the teller: “Put your hands up ... Don’t put your hands down.” They did not receive any money at this bank, either, and left the branch.
During the course of the investigation by law enforcement of the bank robbery at the BB&T Bank, the FBI retrieved the bank brochure that the defendants had possessed, and sent it to be further examined for possible fingerprints. A subsequent forensic examination by an FBI fingerprint examiner determined that Smith’s fingerprint were on the brochure. After the identification of Smith from his fingerprint on the BB&T brochure, agents from the FBI were able to identify several witnesses who identified both defendants from bank surveillance photos.
In announcing the sentences, U.S. Attorney Liu, Assistant Director in Charge Vale, Chief Newsham, Chief Manger, and Chief Pavlik commended the work of those who investigated the case from the FBI’s Washington Field Office, the Metropolitan Police Department, the Montgomery County Police Department, and the Metro Transit Police Department. They expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the FBI Laboratory.
Additionally, they acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa Walters, Paralegal Specialists Jeannette Litz and Teesha Tobias; Legal Assistant Peter Gaboton and Litigation Technology Specialist Claudia Gutierrez. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kamilah O. House and Emory V. Cole, who prosecuted the case.
Twentieth Defendant Pleads Guilty to Fraud and Money Laundering Charges Related to Telemarketing EnterpriseRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Timothy Murphy, a/k/a Mr. Black, a/k/a Colby Muhlberg, a/k/a Arthur Whitton, 34, of Phoenix, Arizona, pled guilty to one count of wire fraud in connection with telemarketing and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering on Thursday, February 22, 2018, before United States Judge John Ross. Sentencing has been set for May 22, 2018. All twenty defendants have now pled guilty in federal court in connection with a multi-count indictment arising from their participation in a fraudulent telemarketing enterprise that often targeted elderly victims.
On November 20, 2017, Michael McNeill, a/k/a Mr. White, a/k/a Todd Lockwood, 48, of Phoenix, Arizona, pled guilty to one count of wire fraud in connection with telemarketing and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering before United States Judge John Ross. Also on November 20, 2017, Joshua Flynn, a/k/a Mr. Pink, a/k/a Jeff Thomas, 36, of Chandler, Arizona, pled guilty to one count of wire fraud in connection with telemarketing and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Sentencings for both are set for March 6, 2018.
As organized and led by Defendant McNeill and Defendant Flynn, and others, the telemarketing enterprise sold false and fictitious business opportunities as part of a scheme that reached across the United States and Canada and generated in excess of $20,000,000 in fraudulent sales. The Phoenix, Arizona, based telemarketing enterprise operated under multiple business names and utilized multiple business entities over the course of the scheme, including Smart Business Pros LLC of Warson Woods, Missouri. The sophisticated money laundering activity of the telemarketing enterprise and the conspiracy included transfers involving criminal proceeds used for the purchase of gold and silver coins, ultimately distributed to McNeill and Flynn as the owners of the enterprise.
In October 2016, nine individuals were initially indicted. In February 2017, an additional ten individuals were indicted. In July 2017, an additional individual was indicted. All twenty defendants have now pled guilty to one or more offenses arising from the telemarketing enterprise and the scheme to defraud. Multiple defendants have also pled guilty to money laundering offenses.
Ashley Powell, a/k/a Brittany Wilson, 26, of Phoenix, Arizona, pled guilty to one count of wire fraud in connection with telemarketing on January 22, 2018, before United States Judge Audrey Fleissig. Sentencing is set for May 4, 2018.
Dean Miller, a/k/a Jeffrey Wilkes, 44, of Phoenix, Arizona, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud; and Michael Silver, a/k/a Michael Wright, 33, of Phoenix, Arizona, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud on January 12, 2018, before United States Judge John Ross. Sentencings are set for April 17, 2018.
Scott Shocklee, a/k/a Fredo, 40, of Phoenix, Arizona, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering on January 4, 2018, before United States Judge John Ross. Sentencing is set for April 10, 2018.
Jason Gallagher, 36, of Gilbert, Arizona, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud on December 12, 2017, before United States Judge John Ross. Sentencing is set for April 19, 2018.
Donald Schnock, 34, of Phoenix, Arizona, pled guilty to one count of wire fraud in connection with telemarketing and one count of money laundering on November 17, 2017, before United States Judge John Ross. Sentencing is set for March 1, 2018.
Russell Hibbert, 44, of Phoenix, Arizona, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud on November 17, 2017, before United States Judge John Ross. Sentencing is set for March 8, 2018.
Andre Devoe, 43, of Tempe, Arizona, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and Thomas Silhaa/k/a Keith Henderson, a/k/a Dave Marsh, 56, of Phoenix, Arizona, pled guilty to one count of wire fraud in connection with telemarketing on November 4, 2017, before United States Judge John Ross. Sentencing for Andre Devoe has been set for March 14, 2018. Sentencing for Thomas Silha has been set for March 8, 2018.
Shawn Casey, a/k/a Shawn Anderson, a/k/a Daniel Arenson, 41, of Phoenix, Arizona, pled guilty to one count of wire fraud in connection with telemarketing; and Bruce Doll, 52, of Las Vegas, Nevada, pled guilty to one count of wire fraud in connection with telemarketing on August 29, 2017, before United States Judge John Ross. Sentencings have been set for March 7, 2018.
Cybill Osterman, 26, of Scottsdale, Arizona, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering on August 28, 2017, before United States District Judge John Ross. Sentencing is set for March 7, 2018.
Brian Phillips, 28, of Tempe, Arizona, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering on August 25, 2017, before United States District Judge John Ross. Sentencing is set for March 7, 2018.
Jennifer Hansen, a/k/a Hailee Randall, 35, of El Mirage, Arizona, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud; and John Balleweg, a/k/a Trent Lombardi, 37, of Phoenix, Arizona, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud on August 18, 2017, before United States District Judge John Ross. Sentencings have been set for March 8, 2018.
Philip Hale, 37, of Brentwood, Missouri, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering; and Anthony Swiantek, 40, of Salina, Kansas, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud on August 15, 2017, before United States District Judge John Ross. Sentencings have been set for March 14, 2018.
As to Mr. Murphy’s offenses, wire fraud in connection with telemarketing carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, a fine or both. Conspiracy to commit money laundering, carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine or both. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
This case is being investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, IRS Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the Arizona Attorney General. Assistant United States Attorneys Charles Birmingham and Gwendolyn Carroll are handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Deandrae Damonn Washington, 33, of Dallas, Texas, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
On August 20, 2017, Washington’s vehicle was stopped at a checkpoint in Magee, Mississippi. During the stop, officers smelled marijuana emitting from the vehicle, and Washington admitted to smoking marijuana an hour before being stopped. Upon consent being given to search the vehicle, officers located several packages of methamphetamine concealed in a backpack. Washington admitted to knowing the methamphetamine was in the vehicle and conspiring to transport it from Texas to Jackson County, Mississippi. He further admitted that he had previously transported methamphetamine on seven separate occasion to the Gulf Coast. A laboratory analyzed the methamphetamine and determined it had a purity level of 100% and weighed 1,964 grams. A Federal Grand Jury indicted Washington on September 19, 2017.
Washington will be sentenced on June 26, 2018, by Judge Ozerden, and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine.
The case was investigated by the Magee Police Department, South Mississippi Metropolitan Enforcement Team, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.
Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Marijuana and Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Juan Luis Cantu a/k/a "Flaco," 24, of La Joya, Texas, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and 100 kilograms or more of marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Stephen G. Azzam.
During the investigation of a drug conspiracy ring, DEA agents learned through cooperating sources that Cantu was a source of supply of cocaine and marijuana for individuals on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Specifically, during the DEA investigation, one source who knew Cantu only as "Flaco" stated that he negotiated with Cantu for the delivery of over 100 kilograms of marijuana. The source was also able to identify Cantu in a photo lineup provided by DEA agents.
Two of Cantu’s co-defendants stated that Cantu was instrumental in introducing the two of them to each other for the purposes of assisting in the distribution of at least 500 grams or more of cocaine. The co-defendants also stated that Cantu was present at a meeting where they discussed the distribution of narcotics, specifically one kilogram of cocaine and 117 pounds of marijuana, and those discussions ultimately led to the distribution of narcotics on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Cantu was apprehended on October 23, 2017, in McAllen, Texas and brought to Mississippi for prosecution.
Cantu will be sentenced on June 13, 2018, by Judge Ozerden, and he faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine.
The case was investigated by the DEA and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.
Sweepstakes Scheme Targets Elderly Missouri ResidentRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Fernando Reyes, 37, a resident of Florida, was indicted today on charges of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and mail fraud.
The indictment alleges that beginning in April 2016, Reyes and other individuals telephoned a Missouri resident over the age of 80 to advise the resident that he had won large sums of money through a sweepstakes. In order to secure his winnings, the Missouri resident was advised to mail various amounts of money to an individual in New Hampshire and the defendant in Florida. During the telephone calls, the caller identified Reyes as a federal attorney. However, Reyes is not affiliated with the United States Department of Justice or any other federal agency or department.
Four checks totalling more than $53,000 were deposited into defendant’s financial accounts. After the deposits, Reyes electronically transmitted a portion of the funds to an individual in Costa Rica, and kept the remaining funds for his personal use.
If Reyes is convicted, each charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
As is always the case, charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Berry is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
This indictment coincides with the United States Department of Justice coordination of a nationwide elder fraud sweep. Attorney General Jeff Sessions and law enforcement partners are coordinating the largest sweep of elder fraud cases in history. The cases involve more than two hundred and fifty defendants from around the globe who victimized more than a million Americans. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused losses of more than half a billion dollars. The Department coordinated its announcement with the FTC and state Attorneys General, who independently filed numerous cases targeting elder frauds within the sweep period.
Elder Fraud Complaints
Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office of Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov.
Stewart County Students to Participate in "Successful Tips for Youth on Law Enforcement Encounters"Read the Press Release
LUMPKIN: Stewart County Middle School students will participate in a program designed to teach them how to have positive encounters with law enforcement on Friday, February 23, 2018. “Successful Tips for Youth on Law Enforcement Encounters” (STYLE) is a program developed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to bridge the gap between our youth and our law enforcement community.
In order to foster positive relationships in our community, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia has partnered with the Columbus Field Office of the FBI, the Stewart County Sheriff’s Office, the Lumpkin Police Department and the Richland Police Department to host this youth program for students.
In addition to building relationships, the program is designed to teach our youth how to have a positive encounter with law enforcement, if ever faced with such a situation.
The program consists of various mock scenarios that mirror a potential traffic stop, a home encounter, and a street encounter. The various scenarios have been carefully designed to show our youth both the right and wrong way of dealing with law enforcement.
The students are also provided with a demonstration of use of force scenarios, which allow them to see the split-second decisions that law enforcement officers often face.
Next, the students are able to engage our law enforcement during a roundtable discussion. During this time, students and law enforcement get to know each other, and discuss the scenarios in further detail.
Finally, students are equipped with an understanding of the proper way to file a civil rights complaint should they feel their rights were violated during a law enforcement encounter.
S.T.Y.L.E. is an element of the Middle District’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN is a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
For further information, contact Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, at 478-731-1824 or [email protected].
South Saint Paul Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Check Forgery SchemeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory G. Brooker today announced the sentencing of JAMES MARIO LEWIS, a/k/a/ “Lowdown,” 47, to 61 months in prison for operating a years-long check fraud scheme. The defendant, who pleaded guilty on July 6, 2017, to one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft, was sentenced on February 20, 2018, before Senior Judge Michael J. Davis in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minn.
“The recent sentencing of Mr. Lewis to over five years in prison for theft of mail should be a wake-up call to those individuals who are contemplating a similar crime”, said Acting Postal Inspector in Charge Dana Carter of the Denver Division. “The US Postal Inspection Service continues a long tradition of protecting the American public from those individuals who would steal or use the US Mail in furtherance of their criminal activities.”
According to his guilty plea and documents filed in court, from May 2009 through April 2014, LEWIS led a fraud scheme in which he and multiple co-conspirators would steal checks from victims’ mailboxes, change the name on the checks, deposit them at local banks, and then withdraw the cash proceeds. LEWIS would use chemicals to “wash” the stolen checks to remove the true payee and rewrite the checks using the names and bank account information of his co-conspirators. In total, LEWIS and his co-conspirators cashed or attempted to cash more than 60 counterfeit checks totaling more than $120,000.00.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, and the Minnesota Financial Crimes Task Force.
Assistant United States Attorney Manda M. Sertich prosecuted this case.
Defendant Information:
JAMES MARIO LEWIS, a/k/a/ “Lowdown,” 47
South Saint Paul, Minn.
Convicted:
- Bank fraud, 1 count
- Aggravated identity theft, 1 count
Sentenced:- 61 months in prison
- Five years supervised release
- $57,963.41 in restitution
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600