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Tuesday 20 February 2018
Pittsburgh Felon to Spend 3½ More Years in Prison for Second Escape from Corrections CenterRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Tyrenzo Morton was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for escape from federal custody following a prior federal sentence, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Morton, 32, of Pittsburgh, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Nora Barry Fischer. Morton’s sentence also includes a term of three years of supervised release following the prison sentence. The sentence that Morton escaped from this time was for a prior escape from federal custody following prior sentences for the commission of felon in possession of firearm crimes, one of which was committed while on bond for the other.
Morton’s escapes were from Renewal, Inc., a community corrections center located in Pittsburgh. Morton was serving the last parts of his prior federal prison sentences at Renewal when he escaped this time and last time. In conjunction with Morton’s sentencing for his most recent escape, the Court was informed by the prosecution that, while residing at Renewal, Morton engaged in threatening and aggressive behavior toward a female Renewal employee and was engaged in drug dealing.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
The United States Marshals Service and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the conviction and sentence in this case.
Owner of Basketball Academy Pleads Guilty to Visa FraudRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Michael A. Rawson, age 48, of the United Kingdom, pled guilty in federal court in Greenville, to conspiracy to commit visa fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. Senior United States District Judge Henry M. Herlong, Jr., of Greenville, accepted the plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Rawson and other associates made false statements to the United States in an effort to get an L1 Visa, which allows for intra-company transfers if certain criteria are met, to aid in the establishment of a for-profit basketball academy in the United States: 22ft Basketball Academy. At one time 22ft Basketball Academy had relationships with Shannon Forrest Christian School and Anderson Christian School. A key false statement was that 22ft Dutch, a related entity, was operational in Europe and would remain so after Rawson immigrated to the United States to work with 22ft US. In truth, 22ft Dutch had no operational office and ceased to do business while Rawson was in the United States. Thus, there could be no legitimate intra-company transfer.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty Rawson can receive is a fine of $250,000 and/or imprisonment for 5 years, supervised release of 3 years, plus a special assessment of $100.
The case was investigated by agents with the ICE – Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office handled the case.
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New York Accountant Pleads Guilty in Stock Manipulation Scheme That Netted Millions in Illicit ProfitsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Cedarhurst, New York, man today admitted his role in a long-running market manipulation scheme that netted millions in illegal profits between 2014 and 2016, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Shaun Greenwald, 40, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John Michael Vazquez to an information charging him with one count of securities fraud conspiracy and one count of tax fraud conspiracy.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From 2014 to 2016, Greenwald, Joseph Taub, 38, of Clifton, New Jersey, and others conspired to manipulate securities prices of numerous public companies by coordinating trading in dozens of brokerage accounts that they secretly controlled.
These “straw accounts” were held in the conspirators’ own names, the names of their family members, and the names of entities they controlled. Many of the accounts were opened in the names of individuals who neither controlled the accounts nor traded the securities held in the accounts. Taub funded many of these accounts and used the account holders to conceal the scheme from regulators and law enforcement.
The fraudulent trades typically involved two types of straw accounts. First, a “Winner Account” purchased a large block of shares in a particular security. Next, a “Loser Account” placed multiple small orders in the same security to create upward pressure on the stock price. Once the price of the security moved higher due to the Loser Account’s manipulative orders, the conspirators sold their large position in the Winner Account and the shares from any executed trades in the Loser Account. While the Loser Accounts would generally lose money, the conspirators expected the gains from the Winner Accounts to more than make up for them.
Taub was one of Greenwald’s clients. As part of the scheme, Greenwald opened brokerage accounts in his name or entities that he controlled. However, the vast majority of the funding for these accounts was provided by Taub, which Greenwald concealed on the account opening forms. Greenwald then provided the log-in and password information to Taub so that he and others could use the accounts for trades. In return, Greenwald was paid a portion of the profits made from his accounts.
Greenwald also admitted that he performed accounting services for the conspiracy, including calculated the taxes on profits made from the straw accounts. Taxes were paid at the straw account holders’ tax rates, which were typically lower than Taub’s rates, even though the account holders – per their agreements with Taub – were only getting a fraction of the profits. While Taub did provide the account holders funds for the taxes on his portion of the straw account profits, he failed to declare any of this income on his tax returns.
Each count to which Greenwald pleaded guilty is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. Sentencing is scheduled for June 5, 2018.Taub was charged by complaint on Dec. 12, 2016. The charges and allegations against Taub are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Timothy Gallagher in Newark, special agents of IRS – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan D. Larsen in Newark, and special agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of New Jersey, with the investigation. He also thanked the SEC’s New York Regional Office for its assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Shapiro and Zach Intrater of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit in Newark; and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Devlin and Barbara Ward, Acting Chief of the office’s Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Unit.
Defense counsel: Marc Agnifilo Esq. and Joshua Kirshner Esq., New York
Nashville Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Federal Firearms ViolationRead the Press Release
Antonio Eugene Boyd, aka Tony T, 37, of Nashville, Tennessee, was sentenced last week to nine years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Don Cochran of the Middle District of Tennessee.
“The reckless actions of this defendant placed the lives of many school aged children in great peril,” said United States Attorney Don Cochran. “Armed felons have no place in our communities and we are aggressively increasing our efforts along with our law enforcement partners to remove those who pose such a grave danger to our law abiding citizens.”
According to court records, Boyd pleaded guilty in May 2017 to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. This followed an incident on September 15, 2016, in the Cayce Homes Public Housing Development, where Boyd fired approximately seven times from a 9mm pistol, at a vehicle occupied by two adults and a young child. Although no one was hit by the gunfire, at the time of the incident there were other young children in the area and a school bus picking up children for school.
The subsequent investigation determined that the pistol Boyd used had previously been stolen from a vehicle by another person, and Boyd obtained that pistol by trading cocaine for it. Boyd had previously been convicted in state court of robbery, two drug felonies, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sunny A.M. Koshy.
Monroe County Resident Sentenced to Nine Years in Child Exploitation CaseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announces that United States District Judge William H. Steele sentenced Eric Davis, 39, of Monroeville, Alabama, to 108 months imprisonment for coercion and enticement of a minor. As part of the sentence, the judge ordered that Davis pay a $100 special assessment and receive a life term of supervised release upon release from custody. The judge also ordered Davis to undergo mental health and sex offender treatment as directed by the United States Probation Office.
On August 31, 2017, a federal grand jury for the Southern District of Alabama charged Davis with one count of coercion and enticement of a minor and one count of transfer of obscene material to a minor. On November 7, 2017, Davis pleaded guilty before Judge Steele to the coercion charge.
As part of his plea deal, Davis signed a factual resume that summarized his offense conduct. That document states that from around June 2016 to around July 2016, Davis used a facility of interstate commerce -- a cell phone -- to knowingly persuade, induce, entice, and coerce an individual who had not attained the age of eighteen years to engage in sexual activity. The victim was fifteen years old at the time of the offense, which occurred in Monroe County, Alabama. Davis knew that the victim was less than eighteen years of age when he committed the offense. On July 11, 2016, he was interviewed at the Excel Police Department. There, Davis admitted to exchanging explicit pictures with the victim via cell phone. When Davis was shown a penis picture found in the victim’s phone, he wrote and signed a statement saying, “This is the picture of my penis I sent to [the victim] from my old phone.” Davis said that he and the victim frequently texted about kissing and sex. In text messages, Davis and the victim texted explicit photos to one another and discussed sexual activity. Davis and the victim texted to coordinate a rendezvous, which they had on July 5, 2016. That evening, Davis had sex with the victim.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Excel Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Sinan Kalayoglu prosecuted the case.
Martinsburg man admits to selling heroinRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Darnell Jermaine Fitzhugh, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to heroin distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Fitzhugh, also known as “DC,” age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin.” Fitzhugh admitted to selling heroin on July 11, 2016 in Berkeley County, West Virginia.
Fitzhugh faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office investigated.U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Man Sentenced to Prison for False Distress Call and ThreatsRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Newport News man was sentenced today to 56 months in prison for making a false distress call and threats to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Justin P. Stahmer, 39, was convicted by a federal jury on Nov. 13, 2017. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Stahmer made a false distress call on June 20, 2016, while several miles northeast of Cape Henry. Stahmer used the International Distress Frequency, VHF Channel 16, to call “man overboard,” despite being alone on his boat and knowing no one had fallen in the water. For over 45 minutes the Coast Guard sought more information from Stahmer over the radio and launched a full search for a person in the water, including deploying a 45-foot patrol boat, an 87-foot cutter, and a search and rescue helicopter. Once he was found, Stahmer initially denied making any distress call to the Coast Guard and then indicated he called the Coast Guard because he ran out of gas. As the Coast Guard Boarding Officers inspected Stahmer’s vessel, he became belligerent and angry. Ultimately, the Virginia Marine Resource Commission Police arrived and arrested Stahmer for boating under the influence of alcohol. While being transported back to shore, Stahmer began to kick and threaten one of the Coast Guard Boarding Officers, stating that Stahmer would “take him out” if he ever saw the Boarding Officer again.
Tracy Doherty-McCormick, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Marty J. Martinez, Special Agent in Charge, Coast Guard Investigative Service, Chesapeake Region, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph L. Kosky and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Gavin 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. 2:16-cr-123.
Man Pleads Guilty to Committing over $1 Million in Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on February 2, 2018, Dimas Chavez-Pina (age 29), of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, pled guilty to theft of government money, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641, and aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A. Chavez-Pina agreed to pay $1,058,827.69 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service. Chavez-Pina additionally agreed to be voluntarily deported from the United States and return to Mexico due to his lack of legal status in the United States.
According to the plea agreement, Chavez-Pina fraudulently obtained Individual Tax Identification Numbers (ITIN) from the IRS. An ITIN is what the IRS issues to individuals who cannot, due to their immigration status, obtain a Social Security number. Individuals who obtain an ITIN use it to file their income tax returns.
To obtain an ITIN, an applicant has to provide the IRS certain personal identifying documents. Chavez-Pina admitted to obtaining personal identifying documents from citizens of Mexico, fraudulently applying for ITINs in their names, and then filing fraudulent tax returns using the ITINs that he obtained.
In the fraudulent tax returns that he filed, Chavez-Pina claimed the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). The ACTC reduces tax liability dollar for dollar, and the unused portion of a refundable credit is still payable to the taxpayer. So, when an individual has no income tax liability, a person may still file a tax return and receive a refund for the ACTC. Chavez-Pina falsely claimed dependents in the tax returns that he filed to receive the ACTC.
From 2011 through June 2014, Chavez-Pina received $1,058,827.69 in U.S. Treasury refund checks from his scheme. Chavez-Pina faces a mandatory minimum two years in prison, and a maximum of twelve years in prison for his offenses. He will be sentenced by United States District Judge Lynn Adelman on May 1, 2018. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Keith Alexander.
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For additional information contact:
Public Information Officer Dean Puschnig 414-297-1700
Luzerne County Man Guilty of Participating in Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced today that Charles Davis, III, age 46, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on February 16, 2018, before Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley, to conspiring with others to distribute heroin in Luzerne County during February through November 2014.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Davis admitted to transporting Desmond Mercer, the leader of the conspiracy, to more than 600 heroin transactions and to distributing heroin for Mercer to other customers in Luzerne County. Davis admitted to involvement in the distribution of between 100 and 400 grams of heroin, which is approximately equivalent to between 4,000 and 16,000 retail bags of heroin.
Desmond Mercer, the leader of the drug conspiracy, previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 14 years in prison. Shaliek Stroman and Shaquan Murphy, two key associates of Mercer, were each sentenced to more than 12 years in prison for their roles in the conspiracy. Another member of the drug ring, Antuan Jamison, was sentenced to five years in prison.
Davis was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2016, as a result of an investigation by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office, and Kingston Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
Judge Munley ordered a pre-sentence investigation to be completed, and scheduled Davis’ sentencing for May 21, 2018.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
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.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 40 years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. There is also a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment. 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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Local Man Sent to Prison for Robbing Two BanksRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A Corpus Christi resident has been ordered to federal prison for his conviction of bank robbery, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Johnathan Samuel Borden, 32, pleaded guilty Nov. 20, 2017.
Today, Senior U.S. District Judge John Rainey handed Borden a 48-month-sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay restitution to the banks.
On Jan. 6, 2017, law enforcement officers responded to a bank robbery at the Texas Bridge Credit Union in the 3100 block of Holly in Corpus Christi. After entering the bank, a male, later identified as Borden, handed the teller a bag and demanded money. Borden then left the bank with a significant amount of U.S. currency. During the investigation, agents were able to link Borden to an additional robbery that occurred Dec. 20, 2016, at the Navy Army Community Credit Union in the 9500 block of South Padre Island Drive in Corpus Christi. In that case, Borden again handed the teller a black bag, demanded money and left with it.
In federal custody since his arrest, Borden will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI and the Corpus Christi Police Department conducted the investigation.
Local Man Convicted of Armed Drug Trafficking of Synthetic NarcoticsRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 34-year-old Corpus Christi resident has admitted he possessed with intent to distribute synthetic cannabinoids and a firearm during a drug trafficking offense, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
On Feb. 27, 2017, Andrew Hernandez was arrested at a local restaurant in Corpus Christi for an outstanding felony warrant. As he was taken into custody, officers removed a loaded .380 caliber handgun from his pocket. As a previously convicted felon, Hernandez, is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition per federal law. At the time of arrest, officers also discovered several thousand dollars in U.S. currency and 72 packets of synthetic cannabinoids. Laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of FUB-AMB, which is controlled under the Controlled Substance Analog Act.
Synthetic cannabinoids are chemical compounds that mimic the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. These chemical compounds can be applied to carrier mediums such as plant material and ingested using rolling papers, pipes, vaporizers or otherwise taken orally. Synthetic cannabinoids are usually sold in small, foil or plastic bags containing dried leaves (resembling potpourri) and is marketed as incense that can be smoked. It is commonly sold and known on the street as synthetic marijuana, fake weed, legal and by its popular brand names such as Spice, K2, Kush, Klimaxx, Mr. Nice Guy, Pot-Pourri, Cloud 9, Geeked Out and many others.
Senior U.S. District Judge John Rainey accepted the plea today and set sentencing for May 14, 2018. At that time, Hernandez faces up to 20 years and a possible $1 million fine for the synthetic drug conviction as well as a minimum of five years and up to life for the illegal possession of a firearm which must be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed.
The Corpus Christi Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lance Watt is prosecuting the case.
Leesburg Gang Member Sentenced to 13 Years in Federal Prison for Carjacking and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Senior United States District Judge James D. Whittemore has sentenced Jonathan Kyle Lanier (24, Leesburg) to 13 years and 5 months in federal prison for carjacking, conspiracy to commit carjacking, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. A federal jury found him guilty on November 15, 2017.
According to court documents, on December 23, 2016, Lanier, along with his co-defendants Avery Tumer, Timotheus Reed, and Amy Scott, conspired to rob an individual of his money, other personal items, and his car by arranging a meeting at a gas station in Leesburg between the victim and Scott. The victim believed he was going to meet the woman only; however, shortly after he arrived, Lanier, Tumer, and Reed pulled the victim from his car and stole his wallet and other personal property. During the robbery, the three men wore masks and pointed firearms at the victim; Tumer later pistol-whipped the victim and took his car. All four individuals were arrested a short time later by officers from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Leesburg Police Department.
On November 30, 2017, a federal jury found Tumer and Reed guilty for their roles in this case and they are currently awaiting sentencing. Scott previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Daytona Resident Agency), the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and the Leesburg Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dale Campion.
KCK Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas City, Kan., man who stored hundreds of child pornography photos on his computer was sentenced Tuesday to 78 months in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Jesus H. Salcedo, 29, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. In his plea, he admitted that investigators downloaded child pornography from his computer using a file sharing program. The photos included prepubescent boys engaged in sex acts. Investigators found 480 images and 73 videos containing child pornography on Salcedo’s computer.
McAllister commended the Overland Park Police Department, the FBI Cyber Crimes Task Force and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney for their work on the case. For more information on the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood program see https://www.justice.gov/psc .
Justice Department Settles National Origin Discrimination Claim Against New York RestaurantRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today announced it has reached a settlement with Food Love 125 Inc., d/b/a Ichiba Ramen, a New York City restaurant, to resolve the Department’s investigation into whether the restaurant violated the Immigration and Nationality Act’s (INA) anti-discrimination provision.
A worker’s complaint initiated the Justice Department’s investigation, which revealed that Ichiba Ramen’s former chef discriminated against a job applicant when it refused to hire him as a server because he is not Korean or Japanese. The investigation also revealed that prior chefs had not placed such limitations on the restaurant’s hiring of servers. The INA’s anti-discrimination provision prohibits employers with four to 14 employees from discriminating against individuals because of their national origin.
Under the settlement agreement, Ichiba Ramen will pay a civil penalty, undergo training on the INA’s anti-discrimination provision, and post notices informing workers about their rights under the INA. The restaurant also paid $1,760 in back pay to compensate the affected applicant.
“Today’s settlement should serve as a reminder to small employers that hiring discrimination based on national origin violates the INA’s anti-discrimination provision, and the Justice Department is committed to holding employers accountable for such violations,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division.
The Division’s Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER), formerly known as the Office of Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices, is responsible for enforcing the anti-discrimination provision of the INA. Among other things, the statute prohibits citizenship status and national origin discrimination in hiring, firing, or recruitment or referral for a fee; unfair documentary practices; retaliation and intimidation. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, prohibits national origin discrimination by employers that employ 15 or more workers.
For more information about protections against employment discrimination under immigration laws, call IER’s worker hotline at 1-800-255-7688 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); call IER’s employer hotline at 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); sign up for a free webinar; email [email protected]; or visit IER’s English and Spanish websites.
Applicants or employees who believe they were subjected to retaliation; different documentary requirements based on their citizenship, immigration status or national origin; or discrimination based on their citizenship, immigration status, or national origin in hiring, firing, or recruitment or referral for a fee, should contact IER’s worker hotline for assistance.
Justice Department Reaches Settlement with West Hollywood-Based Vacation Company to Resolve ADA ViolationsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – The Justice Department today reached a settlement with Atlantis Events, Inc., a cruise and resort vacation company with offices in West Hollywood, to ensure that individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing are provided effective communication when travelling with the company.
The settlement agreement resolves complaints under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in which individuals who are deaf alleged that Atlantis failed to provide them with effective communication on a cruise. Atlantis – which buys and resells cabins on cruise ships and rooms at resorts – cooperated with the Justice Department throughout the investigation.
Under the agreement, Atlantis will ensure that interpreters, transcription services, written exchanges, assistive listening devices, captioning, or other auxiliary aids and services are provided to individuals with hearing disabilities free of charge when necessary for effective communication. The company also agreed to designate an ADA liaison on every cruise to respond to disability-related requests from passengers.
In addition, Atlantis will pay a civil penalty of $10,000 to the United States and $9,000 in damages to the complainants.
“The ADA guarantees people with disabilities equal access to public accommodations, including communications access,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division. “People with disabilities who are deaf or hard of hearing must be given the opportunity to fully participate on cruises and at resorts, and enjoy the services and activities a vacation company offers.”
“Individuals with disabilities, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing, have a right under federal law to the equal enjoyment of the services that travel companies provide to the public,” said United States Attorney Nicola T. Hanna. “Atlantis is to be complimented for acknowledging its obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and agreeing to implement policies and practices to ensure equal access and effective communication.”
Justice Department Reaches Settlement with Atlantis Events, Inc., to Resolve ADA ViolationsRead the Press Release
Today the Justice Department reached a settlement agreement with Atlantis Events, Inc., (Atlantis), a cruise and resort vacation company with offices in West Hollywood, California, to ensure that individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing are provided effective communication when travelling with the company.
The settlement agreement resolves complaints under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in which individuals who are deaf alleged that Atlantis failed to provide them with effective communication on a cruise. Atlantis cooperated with the Department throughout the investigation.
Under the agreement, Atlantis will ensure that interpreters, transcription services, written exchanges, assistive listening devices, captioning, or other auxiliary aids and services are provided to individuals with hearing disabilities free of charge when necessary for effective communication, and it will designate an ADA liaison on all of its cruises to respond to disability-related requests from passengers. In addition, Atlantis will pay a civil penalty of $10,000 to the United States and $9,000 in damages to the complainants.
“The ADA guarantees people with disabilities equal access to public accommodations, including communications access,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division. “People with disabilities who are deaf or hard of hearing must be given the opportunity to fully participate on cruises and at resorts, and enjoy the services and activities a vacation company offers.”
“Individuals with disabilities, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing, have a right under federal law to the equal enjoyment of the services that travel companies provide to the public,” said U.S. Attorney Nicola T. Hanna for the Central District of California. “Atlantis is to be complimented for acknowledging its obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and agreeing to implement policies and practices to ensure equal access and effective communication.”
People interested in finding out more about the ADA or this settlement agreement can call the toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD), or access the ADA website at http://www.ada.gov.
Justice Department Reaches Agreement with Arizona Election Officials to Protect the Rights of Military and Overseas Voters in Arizona Special ElectionRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today announced that the United States District Court for the District of Arizona has approved an agreement between the Department and the state of Arizona to help ensure that military service members, their family members, and U.S. citizens living overseas have an opportunity to participate fully in the upcoming Feb. 27, 2018, special primary election and April 24, 2018, special general election to fill a vacancy in the state’s 8th Congressional District. The agreement is necessary to ensure compliance with the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA).
The agreement provides additional time for state election officials to receive and count absentee ballots from eligible UOCAVA voters, in order to ensure that such voters will have sufficient time to receive and submit their absentee ballots for the Feb. 27, 2018 special primary election. Under the agreement, UOCAVA ballots sent back by mail will be accepted for an additional 10 days–until March 9, 2018–so long as they are executed and sent by Feb. 27, 2018 and otherwise valid. The agreement also requires that election officials take measures to notify UOCAVA voters of this extension and notify them of their options of returning their marked ballots by electronic upload or fax, or express mail at no expense to the voter. The agreement also provides additional steps, if needed, to protect UOCAVA voters for the April 24, 2018 special general election.
“This agreement reflects this Department’s deep commitment to protecting the right to vote for members of our armed forces, their families, and overseas citizens, and ensuring that these voters are afforded a meaningful opportunity to vote in all federal elections, including special vacancy elections,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore for the Civil Rights Division. “I commend Arizona, the Secretary of State’s office, and other state officials, who worked collaboratively with the Department to achieve our shared goal of providing UOCAVA voters a full and fair opportunity to participate in the state’s upcoming special election, and all future special federal elections.”
UOCAVA requires states to allow uniformed service voters, serving both overseas and within the United States, and their families, and U.S. citizens residing overseas to register to vote and to vote absentee for all elections for federal office. States are required to transmit absentee ballots to these voters, by mail or electronically at the voter’s option, no later than 45 days before each federal election, including special elections to fill vacancies for federal office.
Arizona law mandates a truncated election schedule for holding special elections to fill a vacancy for U.S. Representative, which prevented election officials from sending final ballots to UOCAVA voters by the 45th day before the Feb. 27, 2018 special primary election. Under the terms of the agreement, Arizona will also provide reports to the Department of the notice provided to affected voters, receipt of ballots for the special primary election, and transmission of ballots for the special general election. The state is also required to take the actions necessary to ensure that UOCAVA voters have a fair and reasonable opportunity to participate in future federal special elections.
More information about UOCAVA and other federal voting laws is available on the Department of Justice website at https://www.justice.gov/crt/uniformed-and-overseas-citizens-absentee-voting-act. Please report any complaints to the Civil Rights Division at 1-800-253-3931.
Judge Sentences Johnstown Heroin Dealer to 9 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court in Johnstown to 108 months in prison and three years’ supervised release on her conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Ava Blackwell, 25, of Johnstown, Pa.
According to information presented to the court, from Aug. 25, 2016, through Sept. 14, 2016, Blackwell conspired with a co-defendant to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute less than 100 grams of heroin.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Mr. Brady commended the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cambria County Drug Task Force for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Blackwell.
Jackson Woman Pleads Guilty in Murder for Hire PlotRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Velma White, 32, of Jackson, pled guilty today before Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III, to four counts of using a communications facility, a cellphone, to carry out a murder for hire plot, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Dana Nichols, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
On August 23, 2017, White contacted, via text messages from her cellular telephone, an undercover officer whom she believed to be a "hit-man." During a phone call, White explained to the undercover officer that she wanted her half-brother murdered, and she agreed to pay the undercover officer approximately $10,000 for the murder. Over the next few days, White and the undercover officer discussed and planned out the murder of White’s half-brother, with White given multiple opportunities to back out. However, White only affirmed her commitment to the murder scheme. White revealed that she was attempting to murder her half-brother in order to collect the proceeds of a $50,000 life insurance policy for which she was the sole beneficiary. White agreed to pay the undercover officer once she collected the life insurance money. White also expressed to the undercover officer her willingness to assist in other murder for hire plots in exchange for money.
"The swift actions and cooperation among our local and federal law enforcement agencies literally saved a person’s life and protected the public from a criminal who chose personal greed over human life. We will continue to be vigilant, expeditious and collaborative in investigating and prosecuting those who commit federal crimes," said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
White will be sentenced by Judge Jordan on May 21, 2018, at 9 a.m., and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Pearl Police Department, the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorney Carla J. Clark is prosecuting the case.
Hurricane felon pleads guilty to federal gun and drug crimesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - A Hurricane man pled guilty today to federal gun and drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Malcolm Hodges, 25, entered his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the West Virginia State Police, and the Dunbar Police Department.
“Drugs and guns are a bad combination. Either by itself can be deadly. Together they are lethal,” said U.S. Attorney Stuart. “Sadly, Hodges has earned a long time behind bars. The lesson is simple – don’t sell drugs and don’t illegally possess a gun.”
Hodges admitted that on September 1, 2016, he possessed a Smith and Wesson .45 caliber revolver. Officers recovered the weapon next to his car after he fled a DUI checkpoint in Putnam County. Hodges is prohibited from possessing any firearm because of a 2013 conviction in Kanawha County Circuit Court for wanton endangerment with a firearm.
Hodges also admitted to possessing with the intent to distribute over 72 grams of methamphetamine in Dunbar on April 23, 2017. Hodges threw the drugs out of his vehicle during a brief police pursuit, but officers with the Dunbar Police Department recovered the drugs shortly after the chase ended.
Hodges faces at least five and up to 50 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 21, 2018.
Assistant United States Attorney Matt Davis is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking with existing local programs targeting gun crime. This case is also part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Huntington man sentenced to prison for federal heroin crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man caught with heroin in January 2015 was sentenced today to two years and a month in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Daniel Justin Watts, 32, previously pled guilty to a single-count indictment charging him with possession with intent to distribute heroin. U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force.
“A safe Huntington is a top priority for me and my office,” said U.S. Attorney Stuart. “I can assure you that aggressive prosecution of drug dealers and violent criminals is the cornerstone of our strategy to take back Huntington from the opioid crisis. The federal prison population is down 17% and there’s plenty of room at the inn for drug thugs.”
On January 7, 2015, agents with the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force arrested Watts in a parking lot at 1034 14th Street West in Huntington after observing him distributing heroin in the area. Officers transported Watts to the Huntington Police Department and, during a search, found heroin he had concealed in his groin area. The heroin was packaged for distribution, and Watts admitted that he intended to sell the drugs. As part of the plea agreement, Watts further admitted that he distributed heroin in Huntington during the months of December 2014 and January 2015.
Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph F. Adams and Stephanie S. Taylor handled the case. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
This prosecution is part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Hudson County Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison for Robbing Jersey City BankRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Bayonne, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 46 months in prison for robbing Bayonne Community Bank in Jersey City, New Jersey, on May 25, 2016, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Patrick O’Boyle, 60, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton to an indictment charging him with one count of bank robbery. Judge Wigenton imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On May 25, 2016, O’Boyle robbed the Bayonne Community Bank by approaching the teller and demanding all “your 100s, 50s, and 20s and make it quick because my car is double parked outside.” O’Boyle had his left arm clutched at his side as if he had something under his hooded sweatshirt, which the teller thought might have been a gun. The teller handed him cash, and O’Boyle fled the bank.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Wigenton sentenced O’Boyle to three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Timothy Gallagher in Newark, and officers of the Jersey City Police Department, under the direction of Director James Shea, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ari B. Fontecchio of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
Hobbs Man Sentenced to Ten Years for Federal Methamphetamine Trafficking ConvictionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Jeremy W. Gough, 41, of Hobbs, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to 120 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for his methamphetamine trafficking conviction.
Gough and seven other residents of Lea County, N.M., including four Mexican nationals, and a resident of Yuma, Ariz., were charged in a 20-count indictment filed in July 2017, alleging federal drug trafficking and money laundering offenses. The indictment was the result of a multi-agency investigation into a significant drug trafficking organization allegedly led by Jose Raul Mendivil-Berrelleza, 34, a Mexican national who resided in Hobbs, that allegedly imported methamphetamine and cocaine into Lea County from Mexico through Arizona.
The investigation, which was led by the DEA and included HSI and the Lea County Drug Task Force of HIDTA Region 6, was designated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, a Department of Justice program that combines the resources and unique expertise of federal agencies, along with their local counterparts, in a coordinated effort to disrupt and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement authorities seized approximately 13 kilograms (28.6 pounds) of pure methamphetamine and 1.45 kilograms (3.2 pounds) of cocaine, a firearm and $19,000 in cash.
The 20-count indictment charged alleged ringleader Mendivil-Berrelleza and seven co-defendants with conspiracy, methamphetamine and cocaine trafficking, and money laundering offenses. Count 1 of the indictment charged all eight defendants with participating in a conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine and cocaine in Lea County and elsewhere between Nov. 2016 and July 2017. Count 2 charged Mendivil-Berrelleza and Roberto Rendon-Duran, 70, of Yuma, Ariz., with participating in an international money-laundering conspiracy. Counts 3 through 5 charged certain defendants with methamphetamine trafficking offenses and Count 6 charges certain defendants with a cocaine trafficking offense. Counts 7 through 20 charged certain defendants with using communications devices to facilitate their drug trafficking activity.
On Dec. 13, 2017, Gough pled guilty to conspiracy and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. In entering the guilty plea, Gough admitted that from Nov. 2016 through June 2017, he conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine in Hobbs by having methamphetamine delivered to Gough’s residence from his source of supply, which Gough would then deliver to other individuals in Hobbs through the use of couriers. Gough further admitted that on Nov. 5, 2016, he possessed approximately 152 grams of methamphetamine which he intended to sell to other individuals in Hobbs.
Four of Gough’s co-defendants have previously entered guilty pleas and are pending sentencing hearings. Two co-defendants have entered pleas of not guilty and are pending trial. Miguel Angel Luna-Arredondo has yet to be arrested and is considered a fugitive. Charges in indictments and criminal complaints are only accusations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the DEA and HSI offices in Las Cruces and the Lea County Drug Task Force with assistance from the Lea County Sheriff’s Office and the Hobbs Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Terri J. Abernathy and Dustin Segovia of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office are prosecuting the case.
The Lea County Drug Task Force is comprised of officers from the Lea County Sheriff’s Office, Hobbs Police Department, Lovington Police Department, Eunice Police Department the Tatum Police Department and the Jal Police Department, and is part of the NM HIDTA Region VI Drug Task Force. The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program was created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. HIDTA is a program of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) which provides assistance to federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States and seeks to reduce drug trafficking and production by facilitating coordinated law enforcement activities and information sharing.
Hazleton Man Indicted on Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Kevin Charles Brown, age 38, of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that in 2016 Brown conspired to distribute heroin, fentanyl and cocaine and delivered heroin and fentanyl on multiple occasions.
The case was investigated by the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotic Investigations, the Luzerne County Drug Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
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.
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 maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 30 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Harrisburg Man Indicted on Drug Trafficking and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that David Washington, age 43, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 14, 2018, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that Washington possessed with the intent to distribute cocaine base, heroin, psychostimulants, fentanyl, and clonazepam on August 7, 2017, in Harrisburg. The indictment also alleges that Washington possessed three rifles and three handguns during and in relation to his drug trafficking activities. It is further alleged that at least one of the handguns had previously had its serial number obliterated.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Harrisburg Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea Schinnour is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.]
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Fulton Man Sentenced for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Timothy A. Garrison, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Fulton, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for receiving and distributing child pornography after his lost cell phone, which contained images of child pornography, was turned in to law enforcement.
Anthony Quin Hodges, 51, of Fulton, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to seven years and three months in federal prison without parole.
Hodges, who pleaded guilty on May 9, 2017, admitted that he had been viewing child pornography from a variety of websites for approximately two to three years and storing the images on his Google Photos account. Hodges used his cell phone for searching, maintaining and distributing images of child pornography.
Two Fulton residents turned in the phone, which Hodges said had been lost or stolen, to the Fulton Police Department on Jan. 17, 2017, after they found it abandoned in their driveway. Prior to reporting the incident to law enforcement, the residents powered on the phone to try to identify the owner. Upon trying to locate the owner of the phone, they discovered images child pornography. One of the residents also opened the Facebook icon and observed a Facebook page for Hodges. Investigators obtained a search warrant for the phone and discovered pornographic images of prepubescent children as well as links to apparent child pornography websites.
Hodges also admitted sending unsolicited images of child pornography to an individual. Investigators interviewed the individual who received the text message from Hodges, which contained child pornography. The individual reported he received pornographic images of prepubescent females from Hodges on several occasions. He did not solicit these images, and repeatedly told Hodges to stop sending him child pornography. The individual repeatedly warned Hodges it was illegal to possess child pornography.
Hodges was already under investigation at the time his cell phone was turned in to law enforcement. On Oct. 24, 2016, a Boone County Cyber Crimes Taskforce detective received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Google had filed a complaint about an account holder, later identified as Hodges, who uploaded images of child pornography to Google Photos. Shortly after Hodges was identified by law enforcement, his cell phone was turned in to the police department.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley S. Turner. It was investigated by the FBI, the Boone County Cyber Crimes Taskforce and the Fulton, Mo., Police Department.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Four Individuals Charged with Bank Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
A six-count indictment was unsealed earlier today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Christian Hicks, Timel McRae, Stanley Valon and Roman Guevara with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, access device fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with a scheme to obtain funds from financial institutions by using victims’ personally identifiable information. Defendant Roman Guevara will be arraigned later today at the United States Courthouse in San Jose, California. Defendant Stanley Valon will be arraigned later today at the United States Courthouse in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Defendants Christian Hicks and Timel McRae were previously arrested on a complaint, and their arraignment on the indictment will be scheduled later this month.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the charges.
“As alleged in the indictment, the defendants used other people’s personally identifiable information, together with false information, to obtain loans by fraud and steal money from banks,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “This Office, together with our law enforcement partners, is committed to protecting our financial system from those who use fraud to line their own pockets.”
“As alleged, the defendants falsely represented their financial standing at the expense of others in order to receive loans and credit offers they didn’t qualify for—plain and simple,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney. “This is not a crime to be taken lightly, and as our charges today prove, this type of dishonorable behavior will not go unpunished.”
According to court filings, the defendants obtained other persons’ personally identifiable information, such as their dates of birth and social security numbers, by promising, among other things, to enter into joint vehicle ownership ventures with those persons or to improve their credit scores. After securing this information, the defendants used it, as well as false employment and salary information contained in forged documents they generated, to apply for automobile loans, obtain credit cards and secure lines of credit in the other persons’ names. The defendants used all of the funds provided by financial institutions as a result for their own purposes and not, as they had promised, to enter into joint vehicle ownership or improve anyone’s credit scores. In the course of their fraudulent scheme, the defendants applied to financial institutions for automobile loans, lines of credit and credit cards with a value of more than $1.5 million.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorney William P. Campos is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendants:
CHRISTIAN HICKS
Age: 41
Queens, New YorkTIMEL MCRAE
Age: 41
Brooklyn, New YorkSTANLEY VALON
Age: 33
Hempstead, New York
ROMAN GUEVARA
Age: 48
Sunnyvale, CaliforniaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-0085 (MKB) (VMS)
Former Youth Organizer Sent to Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A former teen mentor and founder of a nonprofit youth organization has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of sexual exploitation of a child, otherwise known as production of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Kevin Ray McMillan, 38, of Corpus Christi, was a former teen mentor with the Boys and Girls Club of Corpus Christi and founder of Texas Youth Entrepreneurs - a nonprofit youth organization that mentors aspiring young future business owners. He pleaded guilty Oct. 16, 2017.
Today, U.S. District Judge Senior U.S. District Judge John D. Rainey handed McMillan a 240-month sentence. Additional information was also presented today, including testimony from the victim and her parents who described the impact the crime had to the victim and her family. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that this type of crime destroys families. McMillan was further ordered to pay $18,066 in restitution to the victim and will serve 10 years of supervised release following completion of his prison term, during which time he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the Internet. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
In May 2017, authorities learned McMillan had been sending sexually-explicit text messages via cellular telephone to a juvenile female. The investigation led to the discovery that McMillan had engaged in sexual activity with the young girl, which was photographed via cellular telephone. He was taken into custody as he was traveling to engage in sexual activity with a minor.
McMillan was arrested on federal charges in May 2017 and has been in custody since that time where he will remain pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Corpus Christi Police Department - Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hugo R. Martinez is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Former Jewelry Store Manager Pleads Guilty to Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Frank Dunkow, 52, of Wellington, pled guilty before United States District Judge Robin L. Rosenberg, to bank fraud involving his repeated sales of jewelry to individuals using counterfeit credit cards in 2010-2011.
Benjamin G. Greenberg, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Ric Bradshaw, Sheriff, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO), Antonio J. Gomez, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Miami Division, and Brian Swain, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service (USSS), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.
Dunkow pled guilty to Count 5 of the Indictment, which charged him with bank fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1344(2) (Case No. 17-CR-80192-CR-ROSENBERG). At sentencing, he faces a maximum of 30 years imprisonment and up to $1 million in fines.
According to the court record, Dunkow was the store manager at Littman Jewelers in the Wellington Mall and directed his employees to accept counterfeit credit cards used by individuals on numerous occasions to buy expensive pieces of jewelry. Often, the first credit card presented by the co-conspirators would be declined, leading the buyers to present a second, third, or more credit cards until the charge was processed.
Between June 2010 and March 2011, dozens of such sales were processed by Dunkow and his staff, leading to just under $400,000 in financial losses.
Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of PBSO, USPIS and USSS. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Jorgensen and Alexandra Chase.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Former Head on Enfield Community Development Corporation Charged with Stealing Government FundsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Enfield Police Chief Carl Sferrazza today announced that DARRIN LAMORE, 47, of Enfield, has been charged by a federal criminal complaint with stealing government funds from the Enfield Community Development Corporation.
On February 16, 2018, LAMORE appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joan G. Margolis in New Haven and was released on a $25,000 bond.
As alleged in court documents, LAMORE was the executive director of the Enfield Community Development Corporation (“ECDC”), a non-profit corporation that oversees economic development projects in Enfield, primarily in the Thompsonville section of the town. The ECDC is supported with federal funds administered by the State of Connecticut. From June 2012 to October 2015, LAMORE conspired with an employee of the Town of Enfield to falsify invoices and divert funds intended for economic development in Enfield and apply them to LAMORE’s salary. Through this scheme, LAMORE stole more than $95,000 from the ECDC.
The complaint charges LAMORE with theft from a program receiving federal funds, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Connecticut Public Corruption Task Force, notably the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Enfield Police Department. The Task Force also includes members from the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Liam Brennan.
Citizens are encouraged to report corruption to the Connecticut Public Corruption Task Force by calling 203-238-0505.
Foreign National Arrested on Second-Degree Murder ChargeRead the Press Release
Lewis Bennett, 41, a dual citizen of Australia and the United Kingdom, was arrested by the FBI on a criminal complaint charging him with second-degree murder of his wife, Isabella Hellman, within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States.
Benjamin G. Greenberg, United States Attorney of the Southern District of Florida, Robert F. Lasky, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, and Thomas E. Robarge, Special Agent in Charge, United States Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS), Southeast Region, made the announcement.
The complaint charges Bennett with second-degree murder of Hellman, a naturalized U.S. citizen, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1111(a). Bennett was arrested in Miami on February 20, 2018.
According to the criminal complaint, in the early morning of May 15, 2017, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) received an emergency alert approximately 26 nautical miles from Cay Sal Bank, Bahamas, in international waters. Bennett also reported via phone that he was in distress in the same general location around the same time.
It is alleged that Bennett reported he was on board an approximately 40-foot catamaran with his wife, Hellman, sailing from Cuba to Florida. Bennett stated that he had retired below to sleep, leaving Hellman on watch, and was awoken by a crash. Bennett claimed that he moved topside, and Hellman was not there. Bennett indicated that he eventually realized the catamaran was taking on water, gathered his belongings, and abandoned ship to his life raft.
According to the complaint, an USCG helicopter ultimately rescued Bennett from a life raft in international waters, but Hellman was never located. During the search and rescue operation for Hellman, USCG took video and photographs of Bennett’s capsized catamaran. Video and photographs of the catamaran appear to show that damage to a small portion of each hull was in nearly the exact same location and came from the inside of the catamaran. These videos and photographs also showed that two escape hatches were open, which would cause water to enter the catamaran.
The complaint alleges that an associate professor of naval architecture, who analyzed evidence collected in the investigation, stated in a report detailing his findings that it did not appear the catamaran sinking was caused by accidental damage; rather, that the catamaran was scuttled. The complaint also alleges that Bennett did not activate his satellite phone and register his Personal Locator Beacon, until he was in Cuba in mid-May 2017, after he and Hellman had already traveled from St. Maarten to Puerto Rico, and from Puerto Rico to Cuba. It is alleged that the voyage from St. Maarten would have warranted having an activated satellite phone and registered Personal Locator Beacon as life-saving devices. However, Bennett allegedly waited to activate those devices until the final leg of his voyage to ensure his own rescue and survival after murdering his wife and intentionally scuttling his catamaran.
“The arrest of Mr. Bennett is the result of the vigorous investigation by prosecutors in this office and our federal law enforcement partners. Together, we were able to uncover the truth about what occurred aboard the catamaran, resulting in a tragic death,” stated U.S. Attorney Benjamin G. Greenberg.
“The FBI has the authority to investigate specific violent crimes committed against Americans and American interests overseas, including crimes on the high seas,” said Robert F. Lasky, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Miami. “We take this responsibility seriously. We commend the U.S. Coast Guard for their professionalism and close cooperation with this case.”
“The Coast Guard Investigative Service prides itself in being one of the premiere maritime law enforcement agencies, conducting professional and thorough maritime investigations,” said Thomas E. Robarge, Special Agent in Charge, CGIS Southeast Region. “We are honored to have worked jointly with the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office in reaching said objective.”
Bennett is scheduled to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Edwin G. Torres, on February 21, 2018, at 2 p.m. If convicted, Bennet faces a potential maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of the FBI and CGIS in this matter. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kurt K. Lunkenheimer and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily A. Rose.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Felon in Possession Sentenced to 120 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Martell McCoy, was sentenced to 120 months in prison, the maximum allowed by law, on February 14, 2018, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, before the Honorable Marc T. Treadwell, in Macon, Georgia.
The evidence showed that June 4, 2016 law enforcement officers responded to 176 Helen Circle in Milledgeville after having received information that McCoy was at the location. McCoy previously had been barred from the location by a court order. Police located McCoy inside of the residence. McCoy was arrested and a subsequent search of the residence revealed powder cocaine and a Lorcin .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol. McCoy had prior felony convictions for attempted possession with intent to distribute cocaine and aggravated assault.
“This is the case of a person with a prior felony conviction for a violent crime who not only ignored the law which prevented him from possessing a firearm, but did so at a home from which he had been barred for the protection of those living there. Since there is no parole in the federal system, at least for the next ten years Mr. McCoy won’t be able to thumb his nose at the law, the courts and society in the manner in which he did in this situation,” said United States Attorney Peeler.
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 investigation of this matter was conducted by the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Easterling prosecuted the case.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Exeter Man Pleads Guilty to Making False Statements to Obtain Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
CONCORD, N.H. – Brett Gessay, 55, of Exeter, pleaded guilty in federal court to making a false statement in order to obtain Social Security benefits, announced Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley.
According to public records in the case, Gessay began receiving Social Security disability benefits in January 2007. Beginning in at least January of 2008, Gessay was self-employed as a construction worker. His income from this job rendered him ineligible to get most of the Social Security disability benefits that he received while he was self-employed. Gessay did not report this work activity to the Social Security Administration (SSA), and concealed his self-employment and self-employment income from the SSA. In mid-2016, Gessay admitted to investigators that he had concealed his work and income from the SSA in order to continue receiving disability benefits. As a result of his concealment, Gessay received over $48,000 in disability benefits that he would not have received if he had disclosed his self-employment income.
Gessay is scheduled to be sentenced on May 30, 2018.
“Social Security disability benefits provide important financial support for those deserving individuals who are unable to work,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “We will continue to partner with the SSA’s Office of Inspector General to identify and prosecute those who use fraudulent means to obtain benefits that they are not entitled to receive. This will ensure that benefits only go to those who truly deserve them.”
Scott Antolik, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General, said “Mr. Gessay’s material omission of key facts resulted in him receiving thousands of dollars in disability benefits he was not entitled to. Protecting the Social Security Trust Fund from those who conceal their work activity is one of my office’s highest priorities. I thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their partnership in prosecuting those who seek to defraud the government”.
The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General, New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Special Investigations Unit, and prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew T. Hunter and Karen B. Burzycki.
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El Departamento de Justicia Resuelve una Denuncia Relacionada con la Nacionalidad de Origen contra un Restaurante en Nueva YorkRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy que ha llegado a un acuerdo con Food Love 125 Inc., conocido comercialmente como Ichiba Ramen, un restaurante en Nueva York. El Acuerdo resuelve la investigación liderada por el Departamento para determinar si el restaurante vulneró la disposición antidiscriminatoria de la ley de Inmigración y Nacionalidad (INA, por sus siglas en inglés).
La investigación del Departamento de Justicia se inició como respuesta a una denuncia presentada por un trabajador, que puso de manifiesto que el chef antiguo de Ichiba Ramen discriminó a un postulante de trabajo al negarse a contratarlo como camarero por no ser coreano o japonés. Asimismo, la investigación reveló que los chefs anteriores no habían impuesto tales limitaciones a la contratación de camareros para el restaurante. La disposición antidiscriminatoria de la INA prohíbe que empleadores con entre 4 y 14 empleados discriminen a individuos por motivos de su nacionalidad de origen.
Conforme el acuerdo, Ichiba Ramen pagará sanciones civiles, participará en una capacitación sobre la disposición antidiscriminatoria de la INA y publicará notificaciones para informar a los trabajadores acerca de sus derechos. El restaurante también pagó $1.760 en pagos retroactivos para compensar al postulante afectado.
«El acuerdo que hoy celebramos debe servir como recordatorio a los empleadores pequeños que la discriminación en la contratación vulnera la disposición antidiscriminatoria de la INA y que el Departamento de Justicia está comprometido a obligar a los empleadores a rendir cuentas ante tales vulneraciones», declaró el Fiscal General Adjunto en funciones, John Gore, de la División de Derechos Civiles.
La Sección de Derechos de Inmigrantes y Empleados (IER, por sus siglas en inglés), que anteriormente se conocía como la Oficina del Consejero Especial para Prácticas Injustas en el Empleo Relacionadas a Inmigración, que pertenece a la División, es responsable de aplicar la disposición antidiscriminatoria de la INA. Entre otras cosas, esta ley prohíbe la discriminación por motivos de estatus migratorio, ciudadanía o nacionalidad de origen en los procesos de contratación, despido o reclutamiento o recomendación por comisión; la discriminación en el proceso de verificación de la elegibilidad para trabajar; las represalias y la intimidación. El Título VII de la ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, en su forma enmendada, prohíbe la discriminación por parte de empleadores que emplean a 15 empleados o más por motivos de la nacionalidad de origen de los mismos.
Para más información sobre protecciones contra la discriminación en el empleo en virtud de las leyes migratorias, llame a la línea directa de la IER para trabajadores al 1‑800‑255-7688 (1‑800-237-2515, TTY para personas con discapacidades auditivas); llame a la línea directa de la IER para empleadores al 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY para personas con discapacidades auditivas); matricúlese para un seminario en línea gratuito; mande un correo electrónico a [email protected] o visite la página web de la IER en inglés o español.
Aquellos postulantes o empleados que creen haber sido sometidos a otros requisitos documentales por motivos de su estatus migratorio, ciudadanía o nacionalidad de origen, o a la discriminación por motivos de su estatus migratorio, ciudadanía o nacionalidad de origen en los procesos de contratación, despido o reclutamiento o recomendación por comisión deben llamar a la línea directa de la IER para trabajadores para pedir ayuda.
East St. Louis Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that William C. Cosby, 33, of East St. Louis, Illinois, was sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois to 15 years in federal prison and six years of supervised release, following convictions for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Evidence presented to the District Court showed that on September 27, 2016, police stopped Cosby’s vehicle because the vehicle did not have a front license plate. An East St. Louis Police officer ran a records check and learned that Cosby’s license was suspended, and Cosby was arrested.
During a search of Cosby following his arrest, two bags containing a total of two grams of crack cocaine were located in Cosby’s jacket pocket. During a search of Cosby’s vehicle, East St. Louis police officers located a .45 caliber pistol loaded with an extended magazine containing fifteen rounds of ammunition and equipped with a laser sight under the driver’s seat. The firearm had previously been reported stolen.
At the sentencing hearing, the Court heard evidence that Cosby had been previously convicted of first degree murder in the Circuit Court of St. Clair County in April of 2013 before being granted a new trial and ultimately acquitted in a subsequent trial in December of 2014. The Court heard evidence that during the second trial, Cosby admitted that he carried a firearm "all the time" despite the fact he was a convicted felon.
The Honorable Nancy J. Rosenstengel noted Cosby’s criminal history, which included prior felony convictions for residential burglary, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of a firearm by a felon and stated, "The public needs to see that these crimes are taken seriously" before imposing sentence.
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 investigation was conducted by the East St. Louis Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with assistance from the Illinois State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Reppert.
Conrad Man Sentenced to Prison for Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – Jonathan Paul Schulz, a 48-year-old resident of Conrad, Montana, was sentenced today to 27 months in prison followed by 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Judge Brian Morris handed down the sentence.
Investigators first learned about Schulz’s possible illegal possession of firearms because of posts to his Facebook account. Schulz had made comments such as “i am a convicted fellon as well however the Constitution says nothing about it :) some of the later laws that water down our rights deal with that, so in my opionion **** the law that says we cant arm ourselvs. I stand with the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Indipendance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want to look em in the eyes as thay take their last breath.” In later postings, Schulz bragged that he had thousands of rounds of ammunition and mortar with hundreds of rounds hidden in an “outpost.” Additionally, Schulz posted photographs of himself with several rifles and a Judge pistol. Referring the Judge, Schulz stated, it was “one of two new additions to my arsenal” and that “this one goes everywhere I do.” In later posts, Schulz talked about how it was time to start killing cops.
On August 4, 2016, FBI agents executed a federal search warrant at Schulz’s residence. During the search, agents found a Smith & Wesson, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol. The pistol was located on top of the kitchen cabinets. The firearm was loaded including one round in the chamber. It was later learned that Schulz had stolen the firearm from his father-in-law. During the search, agents also found various caliber ammunition in the garage. Because Schulz had a prior felony conviction from the State of Texas, he was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan R. Whittaker and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime. Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
Columbia Father, Son Charged with Marijuana Trafficking, Illegal FirearmRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Timothy A. Garrison, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Columbia, Mo., father and son were charged in federal court today with possessing marijuana to distribute.
Osama Nadir Yanis, 48, and his son, Nader Robert Osama Yanis, 23, both of Columbia, were charged in two separate but related criminal complaints filed in the U.S. District Court in Jefferson City, Mo.
Today’s criminal complaints charge both Osama and Nader Yanis with possessing 50 kilograms or more of marijuana with the intent to distribute. Osama Yanis is also charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Osama Yanis’s residence on Monday, Feb. 19, 2018, after witnessing the delivery of a crate that contained 72 pounds of high-grade marijuana. Nader Yanis, who arrived at the residence shortly after the delivery, was arrested during a vehicle stop when he left the residence. Osama Yanis was detained during the execution of the search warrant.
According to an affidavit filed in support of today’s criminal complaints, law enforcement officers had been notified a few days earlier about two suspicious shipments addressed to another person at Osama Yanis’s address. One crate contained approximately 50 pounds of marijuana and the second crate contained approximately 72 pounds of high-grade marijuana.
On Monday, Feb. 19, 2018, the second crate was delivered to Osama Yanis’s residence in Columbia. Osama Yanis was observed accepting the delivery and conversing with the delivery personnel. A short time later, Nader Yanis arrived at the residence. Approximately 10 to 15 minutes later, Nader Yanis left the residence carrying a bag and left the area in his black Cadillac Escalade. Columbia police officers executed a vehicle stop away from the residence. After making contact with Nader Yanis, police officers found that he was in possession of marijuana and a small amount of a white substance believed to cocaine.
Officers searched the residence and found weapons, drugs and a large sum of cash. In addition to the 72 pounds of marijuana delivered in the crate, the affidavit says, approximately 33 additional pounds of marijuana was found in a bedroom closet and hidden in an HVAC closet. Osama Yanis told investigators that the weapons found in his residence belonged to him, including a revolver pistol located on his desk next to a large gun safe. Osama Yanis explained that his gun safe contained his .223-caliber rifle, shotgun and semi-automatic pistol.
Following his arrest, Osama Yanis turned over to law enforcement approximately $19,000 that he had in his possession.
Garrison cautioned that the charges contained in these complaints are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. Oliver. It was investigated by the FBI, the Columbia, Mo., Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Chief Executive Officer of Armored Vehicle Company Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Prison for Role in Scheme to Defraud the United StatesRead the Press Release
The owner and chief executive officer of an armored vehicle company was sentenced today to 70 months in prison for his role in orchestrating a scheme to defraud the United States by providing the U.S. Department of Defense with armored gun trucks that did not meet ballistic and blast protection requirements set out in the company’s contracts with the United States.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle of the Western District of Virginia, Special Agent in Charge Adam S. Lee of the FBI’s Richmond, Virginia, Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Robert E. Craig Jr. of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s (DCIS) Mid-Atlantic Field Office made the announcement.
William Whyte, 72, of King City, Ontario, the owner and CEO of Armet Armored Vehicles of Danville, Virginia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jackson L. Kiser of the Western District of Virginia, who also ordered Whyte to serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence and to pay restitution in the amount of $2,019,454.36.
On Oct. 9, 2017, after a two-week trial, Whyte was found guilty of three counts of major fraud against the United States, three counts of wire fraud and three counts of criminal false claims. Whyte was charged by an indictment in July 2012.
Evidence at trial demonstrated that Whyte executed a scheme to defraud the United States by providing armored gun trucks that were deliberately under-armored. Armet contracted to provide armored gun trucks for use by the United States and its allies as part of the efforts to rebuild Iraq in 2005. Despite providing armored gun trucks that did not meet contractual specifications, Whyte and his employees represented that the armored gun trucks were adequately armored in accordance with the contract, the evidence showed. Armet was paid over $2 million over the course of the scheme, the evidence showed.
The case was investigated by the FBI and DCIS. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Caitlin Cottingham of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Carlton of the Western District of Virginia.
Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Assaulting a Federal EmployeeRead the Press Release
A Cedar Rapids man who assaulted a federal employee was sentenced on February 15, 2018, to 21-months in federal prison.
Nicholas Stephen Corporon, age 40, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 28, 2017, guilty plea to assaulting a federal employee. In a plea agreement, Corporon admitted he knowingly and forcibly assaulted a United States Marshal Service Task Force officer when the officer attempted to arrest him. Specifically, Corporon resisted when the officer attempted to place him in handcuffs, and then ran from the officer. Once the officer caught Corporon following a foot chase, Corporon again struggled and resisted being placed in handcuffs. As a result of the struggle, the officer was physically injured.
Corporon was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade. Corporon was sentenced to 21 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed, and he was ordered to make $97,936.42 in restitution to the victim. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Corporon is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa C. Williams and investigated by United States Marshal Service.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-cr-0049.
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Catonsville Man Convicted for Food Stamp FraudRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal jury has convicted Mahmood Hussain Shah, age 58, of Catonsville, Maryland, on charges of wire fraud in connection with a scheme to illegally redeem food stamp benefits in exchange for cash.
Shah and his co-defendant Muhammad Rafiq, age 33, of Reisterstown, Maryland, operated Corner Groceries, on Darley Avenue in Baltimore, and from October 2010 through August 2016, obtained more than $1,610,556 in payments for food sales that never occurred.
The verdict 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 Special Agent in Charge Bethanne M. Dinkins of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as the Food Stamp Program, is administered by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), together with state agencies. The program funds low-income individuals to allow them to obtain a more nutritious diet. In Maryland, the program provides eligible individuals with an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card called the Independence Card, which operates like a debit card. Recipients obtain EBT cards through the state Department of Human Resources, then use the EBT card to purchase approved food items from participating retailers.
Retailers must apply to and be approved by FNS to participate in the program. Authorized retailers use a point-of-sale terminal that checks the EBT card information and deducts the cash value of the purchase from the customer’s SNAP benefit balance. SNAP reimbursements are paid to retailers through electronic funds transfers. Retailers must bill the government only in return for providing approved food items.
When Shah exchanged EBT benefits for cash, he typically paid the SNAP recipient half the value of the EBT benefits and kept the other half for himself. To avoid detection, Shah often debited the funds from the card in multiple transactions over a period of hours or days, or called a different store where the transaction was processed manually.
Shah faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the conspiracy. His sentencing date has been set for May 29, 2018.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning commended the FBI and USDA Office of Inspector General for their work in the investigation. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean R. Delaney and Paul E. Budlow, who prosecuted the case.
Carlsbad Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Methamphetamine in Southeastern New MexicoRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Kenneth Dickerson, 56, of Carlsbad, N.M., pled guilty today in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to methamphetamine trafficking charges under a plea agreement requiring him to be sentenced to 36 months of imprisonment followed by a term of supervised release to be determined by the court
Dickerson pled guilty to charges resulting from a multi-agency investigation into a criminal organization that allegedly was trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine and firearms in southeastern New Mexico in spring 2017. The investigation initiated by the DEA, ATF and the HIDTA Region VI Pecos Valley Drug Task Force and initially targeted a methamphetamine trafficking organization operating in southeastern New Mexico that allegedly was supplied by Daniel P. Bruton, 39, of Artesia, N.M., and Marcos A. Martinez, 31, of Roswell, N.M. The investigative team quickly expanded to include HSI, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Border Patrol, the New Mexico State Police, the Chaves County Metro Narcotics Task Force, and the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office, and the investigative targets expanded to include other alleged drug traffickers in Eddy and Chaves Counties. The investigation was designated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, a Department of Justice program that combines the resources and unique expertise of federal agencies, along with their local counterparts, in a coordinated effort to disrupt and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations. During the investigation, law enforcement authorities seized more than 2.5 kilograms of methamphetamine and 44 firearms.
Dickerson, Bruton and Martinez were charged along with seven other co-defendants in a 34-count indictment filed on Oct. 3, 2017, that alleges that Dickerson, Bruton, Martinez and their co-defendants conspired to violate the federal narcotics trafficking and firearms laws from May 2017 through Oct. 2017 in Eddy and Chaves Counties and elsewhere in New Mexico. The indictment includes 55 overt acts that discuss the conspiracy’s operations, including the quantities of methamphetamine – ranging from multiple ounces to five pounds – allegedly distributed by the defendants on a routine basis. It also describes the firearms – including assault rifles that allegedly were to be smuggled into Mexico – allegedly used by the defendants in relation to their drug trafficking activities.
During today’s proceedings, Dickerson pled guilty to two counts of the indictment charging him with conspiracy and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. In entering the guilty plea, Dickerson admitted that between April 2017 and July 2017, he conspired with his codefendants to distribute methamphetamine in Eddy County. Dickerson further admitted that on April 19, 2017, he distributed 6.9 grams of pure methamphetamine to an individual working with law enforcement, and on July 27, 2017, he picked up approximately 116.62 grams of pure methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it to other individuals. A sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled.
One of Dickerson’s co-defendant, Chelcy A. Vasquez, 26, of Dexter, N.M., previously entered a guilty plea on Feb. 5, 2018, to methamphetamine trafficking charges and the use of a cellular phone in the commission of a drug trafficking crime. At sentencing, Vasquez faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled.
The remaining eight co-defendants have entered pleas of not guilty to the charges against them. Charges in indictments and criminal complaints are only accusations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
These cases were investigated by the DEA, ATF, HSI, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Border Patrol, the New Mexico State Police, the HIDTA Region VI Pecos Valley Drug Task Force, the HIDTA Region VI Chaves County Metro Narcotics Task Force, and the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Clara N. Cobos and Assistant U.S. Attorney Renee L. Camacho of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office are prosecuting the cases filed as the result of the investigation.
The Pecos Valley Drug Task Force is comprised of officers from the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office, Carlsbad Police Department and Artesia Police Department and is part of the HIDTA Region VI Drug Task Force. The HIDTA Chaves County Metro Narcotics Task Force is comprised of investigators from the Roswell Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI and the Chaves County Sherriff’s Office. The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program was created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. HIDTA is a program of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) which provides assistance to federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States and seeks to reduce drug trafficking and production by facilitating coordinated law enforcement activities and information sharing.
Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Heroin and Fentanyl That Led to the Deaths of Two PeopleRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Aaron J. McDuffie, aka “G”, 23, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin and butyryl fentanyl causing death, and distribution of fentanyl, butyryl fentanyl, and furanyl fentanyl causing death before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Wei Xiang, who handled the case, stated that on June 27, 2015, the defendant met with a repeat drug customer identified as “A.E,” a 24 year-old Cheektowaga man. McDuffie sold A.E. a quantity of powder that the defendant advertised as “fire,” a mixture that contained heroin and butyryl fentanyl. A.E. died as a result of using the drugs McDuffie provided to him.
On November 23, 2016, McDuffie met with another repeat drug customer identified as “D.M,” a 34 year-old West Seneca man, and sold him a quantity of powder that the defendant advertised once again as “fire.” This mixture contained fentanyl, butyryl fentanyl, and furanyl fentanyl. D.M. also died as a result of using the drugs McDuffie provided to him.
On November 30, 2016, law enforcement officers arrested McDuffie leaving his residence in Buffalo. The defendant was on his way to distribute a quantity of powder that contained fentanyl, butyryl fentanyl, and furanyl fentanyl. Under McDuffie’s’s living room couch, officers recovered a Hi-Point, .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun that was loaded with eight rounds of .40 caliber ammunition.
“With his plea, this defendant has admitted that the drugs he sold killed two people,” stated U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “Under federal law, he is, therefore, legally responsible for their deaths. Any entrepreneur who is considering getting into the illicit drug trade must recognize that a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison represents a very significant cost of doing business. The reason the price is so steep is because the lives of all people in our community—even those who are broken and addicted—are valuable. Hopefully, this plea will help to deliver that message.”
DEA Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt stated, “Opioid traffickers fill glassine bags branded with stamps to attract customers; in this case, the highly potent doses were branded with ‘Fire.’ Today’s plea is another step in the process of bringing justice to the family and friends of ‘A.E.’ and ‘D.M.’ who overdosed after using ‘Fire.’ DEA and our partners in law enforcement will continue to fight opioid distributors at all levels, from the street dealers to international traffickers.”
The plea is result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of James J. Hunt, Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Field Division; Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Zack; and the West Seneca Police Department, under the direction of Chief Daniel Denz.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 30, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Vilardo.
Brockton Woman Charged with Stealing Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton woman was arrested today and charged in federal court in Boston with stealing Social Security benefits.
Catherine M. Anzalone, 55, was charged with one count of theft of public funds. According to the indictment that was unsealed today, from April 2000 through April 2017, Anzalone stole approximately $155,736 in Social Security benefits.
The charge of theft of public funds provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Attorney General Sessions Announces New Cybersecurity Task ForceRead the Press Release
Attorney General Jeff Sessions has ordered the creation of the Justice Department’s Cyber-Digital Task Force, which will canvass the many ways that the Department is combatting the global cyber threat, and will also identify how federal law enforcement can more effectively accomplish its mission in this vital and evolving area.
“The Internet has given us amazing new tools that help us work, communicate, and participate in our economy, but these tools can also be exploited by criminals, terrorists, and enemy governments,” Attorney General Sessions said. “At the Department of Justice, we take these threats seriously. That is why today I am ordering the creation of a Cyber-Digital Task Force to advise me on the most effective ways that this Department can confront these threats and keep the American people safe.”
The Task Force will be chaired by a senior Department official appointed by the Deputy Attorney General and will consist of representatives from the Department’s Criminal Division, the National Security Division, the United States Attorney’s Office community, the Office of Legal Policy, the Office of Privacy and Civil Liberties, the Office of the Chief Information Officer, the ATF, FBI, DEA, and the U.S. Marshals Service. The Deputy Attorney General may invite representatives from other Department of Justice components and from other federal agencies to participate in the Task Force. He may also establish subcommittees to focus the Task Force’s efforts.
The Task Force will be responsible for issuing a report to the Attorney General by the end of June.
The Attorney General has asked the Task Force to prioritize its study of efforts to interfere with our elections; efforts to interfere with our critical infrastructure; the use of the Internet to spread violent ideologies and to recruit followers; the mass theft of corporate, governmental, and private information; the use of technology to avoid or frustrate law enforcement; and the mass exploitation of computers and other digital devices to attack American citizens and businesses. The scope of the Task Force’s report is not limited to these categories.
Atlantic County Man Admits Health Care Fraud Conspiracy Targeting State Health Benefits ProgramsRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A retail director for a local candy company today admitted defrauding New Jersey state health benefits programs and other insurers out of over $2 million by submitting fraudulent claims for medically unnecessary prescriptions, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito and New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal announced.
Nicholas Tedesco, 44, of Linwood, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler in Camden federal court to an information charging him with conspiracy to commit health care fraud.
Nicholas Tedesco’s brother and a leader in the conspiracy, Matthew Tedesco, pleaded guilty to his role in the scheme on Aug. 17, 2017.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From January 2015 through April 2016, Nicholas Tedesco and others recruited individuals in New Jersey to obtain very expensive and medically unnecessary compounded medications from an out-of-state pharmacy, identified in the information as the “Compounding Pharmacy.”
The conspirators knew that certain compound medication prescriptions – including pain, scar, antifungal, and libido creams, as well as vitamin combinations – were reimbursed for thousands of dollars for a one-month supply. The conspirators also knew that some New Jersey state and local government and education employees, including teachers, firefighters, municipal police officers, and state troopers, had insurance coverage for these particular medications.
An entity referred to in the information as the “Pharmacy Benefits Administrator” provided pharmacy benefit management services for the State Health Benefits Program, which covers qualified state and local government employees, retirees, and eligible dependents, and the School Employees’ Health Benefits Program, which covers qualified local education employees, retirees, and eligible dependents. The Pharmacy Benefits Administrator would pay prescription drug claims and then bill the State of New Jersey for the amounts paid.
Nicolas Tedesco and others recruited public employees and other individuals covered by the Pharmacy Benefits Administrator to fraudulently obtain compounded medications that were not medically necessary. The prescriptions were faxed to the Compounding Pharmacy, which filled the prescriptions and billed the Pharmacy Benefits Administrator.
The pharmacy then paid one of Nicholas Tedesco’s conspirators a percentage of each prescription filled and paid by the Pharmacy Benefits Administrator, which was then distributed to Nicholas Tedesco and other members of the conspiracy. Nicholas Tedesco paid individuals with insurance coverage in cash to reward them for obtaining prescriptions.
According to the information, the Pharmacy Benefits Administrator paid Compounding Pharmacy over $50 million for compounded medications mailed to individuals in New Jersey.
As part of the plea agreement, Nicholas Tedesco must forfeit $782,766.56 in criminal proceeds and pay restitution of at least $2,069,847.42. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. Sentencing is scheduled for June 1, 2018.
Fourteen other conspirators – including Matthew Tedesco, Robert Bessey, Michael Pepper, Thomas Hodnett, Steven Urbanski, John Gaffney, Judd Holt, George Gavras, Richard Zappala, Michael Neopolitan, Andrew Gerstel, Timothy Frazier, Michael Pilate, and Shawn Sypherd – pleaded guilty from August through February 2018 and await sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited agents of the FBI’s Atlantic City Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Timothy Gallagher in Newark, IRS – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan D. Larsen in Newark, and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Peter Nozka in New York, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea. He also thanked the Pensions and Financial Transactions Section of the Division of Law, within the Attorney General’s Office, under the direction of Attorney General Grewal and Division Chief Eileen Schlindwein Den Bleyker, for its assistance in the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacqueline M. Carle and R. David Walk, Jr. of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden.
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Defense counsel: David Jay Glassman Esq., Philadelphia
Arizona Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Trafficking Charges in New MexicoRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Esmeralda Dominguez, 33, of Glendale, Ariz., pled guilty today in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to methamphetamine trafficking charges.
Dominguez and co-defendant Frank Lara, 45, of Albuquerque, N.M., were charged by criminal complaint in July 2017, with methamphetamine trafficking offenses. According to the complaint, Dominguez and Lara distributed approximately 56.09 grams of 99% pure methamphetamine to an individual working with law enforcement on July 15, 2016, in Dona Ana County, N.M.
Dominguez and Lara subsequently were charged in a two-count indictment filed on Oct. 19, 2017, with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from July 14, 2016 through July 15, 2016, and distribution of methamphetamine on July 15, 2016. According to the indictment, the offenses took place in Dona Ana County.
During today’s proceedings, Dominguez pled guilty to the charges in the indictment without the benefit of a plea agreement. At sentencing, she faces a mandatory minimum penalty of ten years and a maximum of life in federal prison. A sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled.
Lara has entered a plea of not guilty the charges against him. Charges in criminal complaints and indictments are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the DEA and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Luis A. Martinez.
Area Man Sentenced for Preparing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Desmond Lamar Williams was sentenced for Preparation of False Tax Returns, a violation of Title 26, United States Code, § 7206(2). Chief United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten, of Columbia, sentenced Williams to 24 months in jail after a sentencing hearing.
Facts presented in court established that Williams was an active duty member of the United States Army for many years, and that for the tax years 2011-2014, he also worked as a tax preparer. An investigation by the Internal Revenue Service revealed that many of the returns Williams prepared contained false information. As a result of Williams’ fraudulent actions, the government suffered a loss of $712,728.00.
The Internal Revenue Service investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney John C. Potterfield, of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
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Altoona Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Altoona, Pa. has been sentenced today in federal court to 84 months in prison, followed by 10 years’ supervised release, and was ordered to register as a convicted sex offender within three days of this sentence, on his conviction of possession of child pornography, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Trenton Stehley, 20, of Altoona, Pa.
According to information presented to the court, on August 11, 2015, Stehley knowingly possessed videos and images in individual computer graphic files which were produced using minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The computer graphic files were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines, prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Mr. Brady commended the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Altoona Police Department for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Stehley.
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 better 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.
19 Year Old Man Accused of Sending Threats to South Burlington High School Students and Faculty Sentenced to Five Year Probationary TermRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Josiah Leach, 19, of South Burlington, Vermont, appeared today before the Honorable Geoffrey W. Crawford for sentencing. Leach previously pled guilty to sending threats in interstate commerce that terrorized students and faculty at South Burlington High School in April 2017. Leach, who was first arrested on April 21, 2017, has been in custody for a total of approximately three months and ten days since the initial charges were filed.
Following argument from both parties and a statement by Leach, Chief Judge Crawford imposed a sentence of five years of probation. Judge Crawford commented on the seriousness of the harm caused by Leach’s threats, but noted that Leach also possessed the capacity to redirect his life in a more positive direction.
Under the terms of his release, Leach is forbidden from having any contact with the individuals he listed on a “kill list” at the time of the offense. He is also required to engage in mental health and substance abuse treatment as needed, and will be prohibited from coming within 500 feet of the South Burlington High School complex. Leach’s computer use will be subject to monitoring by the United States Probation Office and he will be required to meet with Judge Crawford every six months. As a convicted felon, Leach is prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms. If Leach violates any condition of his release, he will be subject to resentencing on the underlying offense, exposing him to a term of up to five years of incarceration.
U.S. Attorney Christina E. Nolan thanked the FBI, the South Burlington Police, and the Vermont State Police for their rapid, collaborative response in April 2017, their efficient identification of Leach as the perpetrator, and their continuous support throughout the investigation. Nolan also recognized David Young, Superintendent of South Burlington Schools, and Pat Burke, Principal of South Burlington High School, for their leadership during and in the aftermath of Leach’s crime. She stated, “no child or employee should ever have to fear for their safety, especially not in an educational setting. Law enforcement at all levels will continue to work together to prioritize combatting violent crime and bringing swift justice to those who would strike terror in our educational institutions. Children are our future, and law enforcement agencies will continue to collaborate with each other and our community leaders to protect them and their schools.”
Leach was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Elizabeth Quinn. AUSAs Michael Drescher and Eugenia A. P. Cowles represented the United States.
12-Time Felon Sentenced for Cocaine and Firearms CrimesRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A man who has been convicted of a dozen prior felonies was sentenced to 18 years in prison today for cocaine and firearms offenses.
According to court documents, Clarence L. Lyons, 44, of Newport News, distributed cocaine, cocaine base, and heroin in Newport News during February 2017. As law enforcement investigated Lyons, they received information that he was usually in possession of a firearm when engaged in narcotics distribution. On Feb. 24, 2017, law enforcement conducted surveillance of Lyons’s hotel room in Newport News, and arrested Lyons as he came out of the hotel room. At the time of his arrest, he was carrying a loaded firearm, marijuana, cocaine, cocaine base, and heroin. Law enforcement searched his hotel room, where they located a syringe and a marijuana smoking device.
Tracy Doherty-McCormick, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Karl C. Colder, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division, and Michael C. Grinstead, Acting Chief of Newport News Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert G. Doumar. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan M. Cowles 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-87.