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20 March 2018
Georgia Tax Return Preparer Sentenced to Prison for Filing Fraudulent Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
An Atlanta, Georgia, woman was sentenced today to 15 months in prison for filing a false tax return, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Byung J. Pak for the Northern District of Georgia.
According to documents and evidence presented in court, Gianna C. Liady co-owned K-1 Financial, a tax return preparation firm operating in Atlanta, Georgia. In November 2017, Liady pleaded guilty to a one-count Information charging her with assisting in the preparation and filing of a false federal income tax return. Liady prepared and filed false tax returns on behalf of K-1 Financial’s customers causing a tax loss to the United States of approximately $197,506.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge Eleanor L. Ross ordered Liady to serve one year of supervised release and to pay restitution in the amount of $197,506.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Pak thanked special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bernita Malloy and Trial Attorney Sean Beaty of the Tax Division, who prosecuted the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.Frisco Man in Custody on Federal Charges Stemming from a Murder-For-Hire PlotRead the Press Release
DALLAS — Eskandar Molavi, 69, of Frisco, Texas, is in federal custody following his arrest Friday, March 16, 2018 on federal charges stemming from a murder-for-hire plot to have his former business partner kidnapped and possibly killed. The announcement was made this afternoon by Erin Nealy Cox, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas.
Molavi is charged with one count of solicitation of kidnapping and one count of attempted kidnapping. He made his initial appearance yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Renee Harris Toliver. A detention hearing was held today and Molavi was ordered detained pending trial.
According to the criminal complaint affidavit filed in the case, Molavi approached a man, whom Molavi believed to be a pilot for a Mexican Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO), about kidnapping his former business partner, later identified as H.M., and forcing him to sign over a gas station that Molavi lost to H.M. in civil court. Molavi told the man that if the business partner did not sign the business over, he wanted him flown to Mexico and murdered.
On March 6, 2018, according to the affidavit, the individual Molavi contacted had an unplanned meeting with Molavi in Frisco, Texas. At the meeting, Molavi again asserted that he wanted H.M. kidnapped and forced to sign over the gas station. The man told Molavi that a man known as “D.J.,” also known as “Iceman,” would be in town, and would be the individual that would carry out the kidnapping/extortion scheme. The individual referred to as D.J. or Iceman was, in fact, an FBI agent.
On March 13, 2018, the FBI agent met with Molavi in Dallas, Texas. During the course of the meeting, Molavi told the agent about his dispute with H.M.; inquired about what services the agent could provide and the cost of such services. Molavi ultimately agreed to pay the agent $20,000 to kidnap H.M. and force him to sign over the business. Molavi provided the agent with H.M.’s true name, home address, business address, and information related to the location of the school that H.M.’s daughter attended. Molavi also told the agent that if H.M. did not sign over the business, that the agent should kill H.M. The agent told Molavi that the price for murder was $50,000.
After the meeting, Molavi asked the individual he originally contacted if he would be able to get him a gun and a silencer in the event that the agent was unsuccessful in getting H.M. to sign over the business.
A federal complaint is a written statement of the essential facts of the offenses charged and must be made under oath before a U.S. magistrate judge. A defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. The government has 30 days to present the case to a federal grand jury for indictment. If convicted, however, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the court after a review of the federal sentencing guidelines and factors unique to the case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record (if any), the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney P.J. Meitl is in charge of the prosecution.
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Former physician Richard Rydze sentenced to 10 years in prison for illegally distributing anabolic steroids, HGH, oxycodone and OxyContinRead the Press Release
Former physician Richard Rydze was sentenced to 10 years in prison for illegally distributing anabolic steroids, human growth hormone, oxycodone and OxyContin.
The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman of the Northern District of Ohio, and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony, who oversees the FBI’s Cleveland Office.
A jury last year convicted Rydze, 68, on all 180 charged counts, including conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids, human growth hormone, oxycodone and OxyContin.
“Rydze violated his legal, professional and ethical obligations,” U.S. Attorney Herdman said. “He flooded Pennsylvania with dangerous painkillers and prescribed steroids to enrich himself.”
“Greed and power often drives criminal activity as evidenced by this indictment, where a physician decided to abuse his medical privileges in order to line his pockets,” Anthony said. “The FBI will continue to aggressively pursue doctors who illegally divert prescription medications.”
U.S. District Judge Joy Flowers Conti also sentenced Rydze to pay $32,390 in restitution and $18,300 in special assessments.
Various conduct detailed in the months-long trial spanned from 2005 through 2012.
Rydze was the sole owner of Optimal Health Center LLC (OHC), located at 425 First Avenue, Pittsburgh, which opened in 2007. Prior to OHC, Rydze was involved with other physicians in a joint medical practice known as Diagnostic Medical Associates.
James Hatzimbes and William Sadowksi previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the case. Hatzimbes owned and operated HSE Salon and Wellness Center, aka HSE Anti-Aging & Wellness Center (HSE), formerly located in a strip mall at 2851 Saw Mill Run, Pittsburgh. It was located in the same strip mall where Hatzimbes owned and operated Hatz’s Solar Eclipse Tanning. Sadowski operated a Pittsburgh pharamacy called ANEWrx, according to court documents.
Together, they facilitated the conspiracy to illegally distribute controlled substances and, in the case of Sadowski, knowingly facilitated a kickback scheme from which Rydze directly benefitted.
Rydze conspired with others to distribute anabolic steroids, including Stanozolol, Nandrolone Decanoate, Testosterone Enanthate, Testosterone Cypionate, Oxandrolone and testosterone. He unjustly enriched himself by causing the distribution of the steroids for unauthorized uses such as bodybuilding and athletic performance enhancement, according to trial testimony and court documents.
Rydze and Hatzimbes scheduled “steroid clinics” at HSE nearly every other Saturday. Frequently, Rydze would falsely diagnose clients as having hormone imbalance or other conditions, and then knowingly prescribe steroids and human growth hormone, according to court documents.
Rydze and Hatzimbes had a financial relationship in which Rydze charged clients $75 for each visit at HSE, which Rydze and Hatzimbes split equally. Additionally, Hatzimbes received prescriptions for anabolic steroids and human growth hormone from Rydze on numerous occasions, which were filled at ANEWrx, despite no corresponding office appointments, notations or diagnosis to justify the prescriptions, according to court documents and trial testimony.
In early 2007, Rydze met with Sadowski, the co-owner of ANEWrx, and they agreed Rydze would be paid a commission on every prescription for human growth hormone, anabolic steroids and other specific medications filled at ANEWrx. Sadowski then provided Rydze with a list of ANEWrx’s price for each prescription. They agreed to mark up the price for Rydze’s patients, with Sadowski then kicking back additional money to Rydze, according to court documents and trial testimony.
Commission reports prepared by ANEWrx show that between August 2007 and January 2011, Rydze received $301,407 in commission payments. For commissions paid on mark-ups for Rydze’s patients, ANEWrx wrote one check to Rydze for $6,845 and three to OHC for $25,395. Additionally, ANEWrx made 14 deposits into OHC’s account totaling $146,465, according to court documents and trial testimony.
Rydze was also convicted of multiple counts of distribution of anabolic steroids, conspiracy to distribute human growth hormone, distribution of human growth hormone, distribution of controlled substances, obstruction of justice.
Rydze conspired with others to distribute controlled substances, including Oxycodone, Oxymorphone, Oxycontin and Opana, according to court documents.
Beginning in 2007, Rydze prescribed the painkillers to Williams Zipf. Later that year, Zipf requested Rydze put the prescriptions in the names of other people, including Zipf’s relatives. At times, Zipf requested Rydze write two prescriptions for him at the same time and leave the date blank on one so Zipf could fill it in later. Zipf took the prescriptions to numerous different pharmacies in order to avoid detection, according to court documents and trial testimony.
Zipf has pleaded guilty to crimes for his role in the case.
From 2005 through 2011, Rydze obtained more than 21,000 pills of Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen, commonly referred to as “Vicodin ES,” by calling in more than 200 prescriptions to Pittsburgh-area pharmacies. He did so by fraudulently and without lawful authority using a DEA registration number that was issued to another physician, and did so without the consent or knowledge of that physician, according to court documents and trial testimony.
The jury also found Rydze corruptly attempted to obstruct justice by calling his brother and asking his brother to lie to federal law enforcement by declaring that some of the diverted opioid prescriptions found in Rydze’s control during the execution of a search warrant were written to the brother. In fact, according to trial testimony and other evidence, the prescription was illegally written to Rydze’s deceased father. His brother refused and testified during the trial of this matter.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carol M. Skutnik and Brian McDonough following an investigation by the FBI.
Former QVC Director Pleads Guilty to Million-Dollar Fraud Scheme Involving Hollywood PR Agency and NYC Production CompanyRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – James D. Falkowski, a/k/a “Jamie Falkowski,” 42, of Buffalo, New York, pleaded guilty on March 20, 2018 in federal court to criminal charges for which he was indicted including eleven counts of wire fraud, and one count of conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen.
Falkowski pleaded guilty to operating a multi-faceted fraud scheme while working as a director at QVC, Inc., an American cable, satellite and broadcast television network and multinational corporation specializing in televised and internet home shopping based in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Falkowski – a QVC Director from 2008 until his termination in 2013 – was responsible for enhancing QVC’s brand and reputation in the entertainment and fashion industries. Falkowski used his position at QVC to embezzle and fraudulently obtain from QVC over $1,000,000 worth of money, goods and services, all without QVC’s knowledge or approval, including hundreds of thousands of dollars of first-class travel, luxury hotel and resort stays, spa treatments, upscale restaurants, luxury clothing, luxury accessories, and personal medical treatments such as botox treatment. To hide his actions from QVC, Falkowski created fake invoices purporting to be from The Four Seasons Hotels, luxury car service companies, and other vendors in order to deceive QVC into paying for Falkowski’s fraud. Falkowski also enlisted the assistance of two QVC vendors to help him defraud QVC: those two vendors – including Los Angeles-based public relations agency “The Steinberg Group,” doing business as “dOMAIN,” and a New York City-based production management company – agreed to submit to QVC fraudulently altered invoices and bills to hide Falkowski’s embezzlement.
Falkowski also pleaded guilty to crimes involving fraudulently causing QVC to pay over $200,000 in private luxury chauffeur rides for himself and his associates, approximately $70,000 in payments to his personal creditors – including by causing QVC to pay more than $28,000 for a coffee table and credenza table for Falkowski’s Philadelphia apartment – as well as $59,500 in gift cards from American Express, Tom Ford, and Barney’s New York that Falkowski claimed were for distribution to talent, but which he used for himself.
Falkowski also pleaded guilty to participating in illegal kickback deals with two separate QVC vendors – both of whom Falkowksi had caused QVC to hire, and both of whose relationships with QVC Falkowski controlled. First, Falkowski caused QVC to hire The Steinberg Group, doing business as dOMAIN; Falkowski thereafter instructed The Steinberg Group’s leadership to become a QVC “vendor representative” and earn royalties from QVC. Falkowski then covertly assisted The Steinberg Group’s leadership in negotiating against QVC by providing The Steinberg Group with QVC’s confidential, proprietary contractual information, which enabled The Steinberg Group to illicitly negotiate for – and fraudulently obtain – a larger royalty percentage over a longer period of time from QVC. In return for his fraudulent assistance, The Steinberg Group secretly cut Falkowski into their deal, agreeing to pay Falkowski a kickback of fifty percent (50%) on all royalty payments received from QVC. Falkowski and The Steinberg Group’s leadership also secretly entered into a separate kickback deal relating to products sold by a QVC competitor – all while Falkowski was an executive at QVC. Ultimately, The Steinberg Group/dOMAIN and Falkowski brought in $312,488.32 pursuant to their fraudulent kickback deal. After Falkowski was terminated by QVC in December 2013, Falkowski sent an email to The Steinberg Group’s leadership, stating: “Let’s be clear . . . You have a better deal than any other rep because of me solely. [W]e do not have any contract between us of our deal JUST [The Steinberg Group’s/dOMAIN’s President’s] word that we split things 50/50 always. This was because of the complications while I was at QVC.” Separately, also entered into a fraudulent kickback arrangement with the New York City-based production management company, pursuant to which he instructed the company’s leadership to become a QVC vendor representative, and in turn was secretly cut into that deal as a one-third (33%) partner. Falkowski and the New York City-based production management company brought in $314,768.92 pursuant to their fraudulent kickback arrangement.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James Petkun.
Sentencing was set for July 10, 2018, before U.S. District Judge Michael M. Baylson.
Former Marine Corps Staff Sergeant is Sentenced to 10 Years for the Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, United States District Judge Terrance W. Boyle sentenced MATTHEW HARTLEY BENTON, 36, from Jacksonville to 120 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release for the Receipt of Child Pornography (CP). BENTON pled guilty to the charge on January 4, 2018.
On March 20, 2017, agents with the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) initiated a query of a Peer-to-Peer file share network to identify distributors of child pornography (CP). As a result of the queries, it was discovered a computer was possessing and distributing CP videos and pictures. Specifically, agents secured a video which depicted a prepubescent female, having forced sex with an adult male. The child seems to be in extreme pain. Time Warner Cable provided the subscriber information for the IP address as belonging to BENTON in Jacksonville.
On March 31, 2017, HSI agents executed a search warrant on BENTON'S residence as soon as he arrived home. BENTON agreed to speak with the agents and admitted to downloading CP at times. BENTON denied ever doing anything to his children and only downloading videos and pictures via peer-to-peer on his desktop computer after moving from California to Jacksonville in August 2016. BENTON stated agents would probably find 50 to 100 images of CP on his computer in hidden folders. BENTON was then questioned about the existence of videos from a hidden camera that appeared to have been placed in his home and were discovered during a search of the computer. BENTON admitted purchasing a mini camera and using it to watch his wife and other female visitors in the bathroom when they lived in California. Though he stated he did not reinstall the camera after moving to Jacksonville, as there was no good location to put it. BENTON advised there were times his children used that bathroom and were recorded, but he stated he immediately deleted those videos.
Based on the investigation, BENTON used file sharing software to receive and store 2,860 images and 63 videos of CP, for a total of 7,585 images of CP as well as 125 images of child erotica. At least a portion of his collection was then made available for further distribution. Many of the images depicted children less than 12 years of age engaged in prohibited sexual acts, and multiple images portrayed sadistic or masochistic conduct or other depictions of violence. Videos were also found on BENTON’s devices that he made using the hidden camera and saved, which included partially nude children using the bathroom in BENTON’s house.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The federal prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel P. Bubar.
This case was part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative, a national program aimed at ensuring that criminals exploiting children are effectively prosecuted by making full use of all available law enforcement resources at every level. For more information about this important national project, Project Safe Childhood, go to www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Illegally Export Defense Articles to RussiaRead the Press Release
Vladimir Nevidomy, 31, of Hallandale Beach, Florida, pleaded guilty on March 19, to conspiring to illegally export military-grade night vision and thermal vision devices and ammunition primers to Russia.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Benjamin G. Greenberg for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Robert Lasky of the FBI’s Miami Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Mark Selby of Homeland Security Investigation’s (HSI) Miami Field Office made the announcement.
According to information contained in court documents, from as early as April 2013 through November 2013, customers in Russia contacted Nevidomy by email requesting night vision rifle scopes, thermal monoculars and ammunition primers, all of which were on the U.S. Munitions List and subject to export control by the U.S. Department of State. Nevidomy proceeded to obtain at least three ATN MARS 4x4 night-vision rifle scopes and an ODIN 61BW thermal multi-purpose monocular from U.S. vendors by falsely representing to the vendors that the items were not for export.
On or about April 16, 2013, a co-defendant caused a wire transfer from a Shanghai, China bank account in the amount of $11,755 for the purchase and shipment of two ATN MARS 4x4 night-vision rifle scopes. That same day, Nevidomy paid $9,599 to a U.S. vendor for the purchase of those two night-vision rifle scopes. On or about May 2, 2013, Nevidomy also caused a wire transfer in the amount of $10,000 to be sent to a U.S. vendor for the purchase of the ODIN 61BW thermal multi-purpose monocular.
Later, Nevidomy’s co-defendant caused a wire transfer from a bank account in Riga, Latvia in the amount of $18,036, part of which was for the purchase of a third ATN Mars 4X4 night-vision rifle scope. On the same day, Nevidomy caused a wire transfer in the amount of $9,599 to a U.S. vendor, part of which was for the purchase of the third ATN Mars 4X4 night-vision rifle scope.
After the U.S. vendors sent the night vision devices to Nevidomy in South Florida, he exported them to the co-defendant in Russia by either concealing the defense articles in household goods shipments sent through a freight forwarding company or using a private Russian postal service that operated in South Florida. In June 2013, Nevidomy aided and abetted the export of the ATN MARS 4x4 night-vision rifle scopes from the U.S. to the co-defendant in Russia, and in August 2013, he exported the ODIN 61BW thermal multi-purpose monocular from the U.S. to the co-defendant in Russia.
On or about July 19, 2013, the same co-defendant sent an email to Nevidomy requesting 1,000 large-rifle ammunition primers to be shipped to Vladivostok, Russia. On or about Oct. 2, 2013, Nevidomy attempted to export 1,000 Sellier & Bellot ammunition primers from the U.S. to the co-defendant in Vladivostok, Russia. These ammunition primers were seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
These night vision rifle scopes, thermal monocular, and ammunition primers required a license or other authorization from the U.S. Department of State before being exported from the U.S. since they were on the U.S. Munitions List. A certified license history check revealed that neither Nevidomy nor his associates ever applied or attempted to apply for an export license from the State Department for the night-vision equipment or ammunition primers.
Sentencing is scheduled before U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams, on May 25. Nevidomy, a Ukraine-born naturalized U.S. citizen, faces a maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment.
In addition, on Feb. 5, in a separate federal case, Nevidomy pleaded guilty to passport fraud and conspiracy to commit passport fraud in the Southern District of Florida.
Mr. Demers and Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of the FBI and HSI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Thakur and Rick Del Toro of the Southern District of Florida, and Trial Attorney Christian Ford of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Five Individuals Charged in Phony Debt Elimination SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. - Five individuals were arrested this morning and charged with using phony money orders, cashier’s checks, receipts and other fabricated documents to fraudulently discharge mortgages, student loans, and other financial obligations, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Melissa Reynolds, 42, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with three counts of conspiracy to commit bank and mail fraud, two counts of bank fraud, one count of mail fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, and one count of making false statements to the United States. Germaine King, 40, also of Elizabeth, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, one count of mail fraud and one count of making false statements to the United States.
Henry Grady James IV, 43, of Hillside, New Jersey, and Arthur N. Martin III of West Orange, New Jersey, are both charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank and mail fraud. Daniel K. Dxrams, 39, of Maplewood, New Jersey, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. All five defendants are expected to appear this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Newark federal court.
According to the complaint:Reynolds, King, James, Martin, Dxrams, and others used fraudulent money orders, cashier’s checks, and other fictitious documents to fraudulently discharge their debts or other obligations. In total, Reynolds and other conspirators caused and attempted to cause over $3 million in losses.
For example, in March 2013, Reynolds obtained a $417,276 mortgage from an entity referred to in the complaint as “Financial Institution One,” for the purchase of her Elizabeth residence. In May 2014, Reynolds mailed a fraudulent money order in the amount of $432,000 to Financial Institution One as a payoff on the mortgage. The money order falsely claimed to have been issued or processed by the IRS.
Financial Institution One’s mortgage business erroneously accepted the fraudulent payment and credited it as a payoff for her mortgage. Financial Institution One also mailed Reynolds an overpayment refund of $9,789. When Financial Institution One’s mortgage business filed a suit seeking to reinstate the fraudulently discharged mortgage, Reynolds and King continued to allege in court that the mortgage had been paid and even submitted a phony receipt for the bogus money order.
Reynolds and others unsuccessfully used the same scheme to seek the discharge of other mortgages, including Reynolds’ second residence in Newark, the residence of an individual in Bowie, Maryland, James’ residence in Hillside, New Jersey, and Martin’s residence in West Orange, New Jersey.
Reynolds also sought to fraudulently discharge over $52,000 in student loans with fraudulent money orders and cashier’s checks. For example, on March 20, 2017, Reynolds sent a fraudulent cashier’s check in the amount $67,000 to the Department of Education’s processing company. The payment was rejected.
Reynolds, King, and Dxrams conspired to fraudulently obtain luxury cars in a similar fashion. For instance, Reynolds sent a bogus $101,000 cashier’s check to a finance company that enabled Dxrams to obtain a 2012 Bentley. Dxrams sold the car to a third party for approximately $85,000 and then issued a bank check to King for approximately $25,000. The defendants also used this scheme in an effort to fraudulently obtain two Mercedes-Benz cars.
The bank fraud and bank fraud conspiracy charges are punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. The mail fraud and mail fraud conspiracy charges are punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. The false statement charge 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.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI and the Joint Terrorism Task Force, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Bradley W. Cohen in Newark; the N.J. Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, under the direction of Director Jared Maples; the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General Eastern Regional Office, under the direction of Assistant Special Agent in Charge Debbi Mayer; and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christina Scaringi.
The charges and allegations in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Moscato, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s National Security Unit in Newark.
Final Defendant Sentenced in Dog-Fighting ConspiracyRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Four Columbus men have been sentenced in U.S. District Court for crimes related to participating in a dog-fighting ring in central Ohio.
Charles A. Granberry, 42, was sentenced to 72 months in prison. Henry Gerard James Hill, Jr., 22, and Randall J. Frye, 59, were each sentenced to six months in prison. Dwayne T. Robinson, Jr., 34, was sentenced to three years of probation including six months of home confinement, 150 hours of community service and ordered to pay $3,700 in restitution.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Anthony V. Mohatt, Special Agent in Charge, Midwest Region, U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, Columbus Police Chief Kim Jacobs, Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney Ron O’Brien, and Columbus Humane Executive Director Rachel D.K. Finney announced the sentences handed down by U.S. District Judge James L. Graham.
According to court documents, investigators discovered evidence at two houses in Columbus in March 2016 that indicated the houses were used to train, fight and sell dogs, including at least 20 fighting dogs in the rear yard of one house that were chained to heavy automobile axles buried in the ground.
Officers subsequently executed search warrants on April 5, 2016 at five Columbus houses. Agents seized evidence including 46 dogs along with cages, treadmills, heavy chains and collars and other items. Agents found canine blood on the floor and walls of the basement of one home indicating that the area was used as a dog-fighting pit.
At the time of the search warrant, the Humane Society officials took extreme measures to ensure the safety of the seized dogs and the ASPCA provided animal behavioral specialists to conduct examinations of each dog. Some of the dogs reacted severely to loud noises and leashes during the examinations. For example, one dog latched on to a stuffed animal so aggressively that professionals had to cut the head off the toy.
Additionally, a large number of the dogs seized had a canine disease called Babesia Gibsoni, which results in anemia and ultimately death. The prevalence of the disease is unusually high in “bully breeds” used in dog-fighting operations through exposure to infected dogs’ blood and during non-sterile procedures such as tail docking, ear cropping and vaccinations of multiple animals with single needles.
Of the 46 dogs seized, specialists determined that 15 were eligible for placement in a shelter for adoption, and the remaining 31 dogs were euthanized for behavioral concerns or medical issues.
If you have information related to suspected dog-fighting activity, please call the Columbus Humane Cruelty Investigation Department at 614-777-7387 ext. 250.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation by the USDA-OIG, Columbus Police, the Humane Society and the ASPCA, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica W. Knight and J. Michael Marous, and Franklin County Assistant Prosecutor Heather Robinson, who are representing the United States in this case.
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Federal Judge Sentences Prior Felon to 22 Years in Prison for Armed CarjackingRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM – A federal judge today sentenced a Graysville man to more than 20 years in prison for a 2016 carjacking in Forestdale, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and FBI Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp Jr.
U.S. District Judge L. Scott Coogler sentenced MICHAEL DeWAYNE JOHNSON, 33, to 21 years and 10 months in prison on one count each of carjacking, being a convicted felon in possession of a gun and using a gun during the commission of a violent crime. Johnson pleaded guilty to the charges in October.
“This defendant was a violent career criminal. At the time of this offense, he had just recently been released on probation for another violent robbery in which he used a gun,” Town said. “The revolving door for Johnson is now locked tightly behind him and a warm prison bed awaits him.”
“I applaud the sentence handed down today because this is the type of violent offender who needs to be taken off the streets,” Sharp said. “I want to thank the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and my agents for their outstanding work on this case.”
According to Johnson’s plea agreement, the carjacking and his arrest occurred as follows:
Johnson stole a Chevrolet Trailblazer from a man stopped in the parking lot of a fast-food restaurant on Forestdale Boulevard on Aug. 17, 2016, by opening the truck door, twice striking the man with the butt of a pistol and ordering him out of the vehicle. The victim had stopped in the parking lot to call his wife and ask what she wanted him to order.
The victim reported the carjacking and a Jefferson County sheriff’s deputy spotted a truck matching the Trailblazer’s description about 30 minutes later at a gas station about five miles from the restaurant where the incident occurred. When the deputy pulled behind the Trailblazer, Johnson sped away, only to lose control and wreck the vehicle after a short chase. The truck flipped several times, strewing debris, before landing in a residential yard.
Law enforcement recovered two semi-automatic handguns among the debris, a Taurus Millennium .40-caliber and a Smith & Wesson .40-caliber, both matching the victim’s description of the gun used in the carjacking. The Taurus pistol was reported stolen from a burglary in Tarrant the day before the carjacking. A passenger in the Trailblazer with Johnson told investigators that he had no guns on him that night and both firearms found at the scene must have belonged to Johnson.
Johnson had at least two prior state felony convictions – first degree robbery in Jefferson County in 2004, and first degree robbery in Jefferson County in 2008.
The FBI and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Xavier O. Carter Sr. prosecuted.
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Federal Judge Sentences Greene County Man to 338 Years in Prison for Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Greene County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 338 years, one month and 11 days imprisonment, followed by a lifetime supervised release, on charges of production, distribution and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose imposed the sentence on Eric James Stull, age 50, of Clarksville, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the Court, from May 8, 2006 to December 26, 2015, Stull produced 39 videos and 106 image files of his sexual exploitation of a female minor. The conduct began when the minor was less than two years old and continued for ten years until she was 11 years old. Also, on July 21, 2015, Stull knowingly distributed a video containing material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor to an undercover Pennsylvania State Police Corporal. Further, on April 29, 2016, Stull possessed images in computer graphic files, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, some of whom had not yet attained 12 years of age.
In sentencing the defendant, Judge Ambrose stated that this was an "entirely heinous crime. The worst of its kind…" that she had seen. She stated to the defendant, "It’s hard to know what to say to you. You committed indefensible conduct."
Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Pennsylvania State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Greene County District Attorney’s Office for conducting the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Stull.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Federal & State Law Enforcement Authorities Announce Formation of Special Unit to Fight Public CorruptionRead the Press Release
Citizen Assistance Encouraged
Innovative Corruption “Button” Rolled OutCHARLESTON, W.Va. -- United States Attorney Mike Stuart and representatives from federal and state law enforcement announced today the formation of a Public Integrity Special Investigations Unit to investigate corrupt public officials, the misuse of public funds, campaign and election law violations and suspected criminal activity.
The Public Integrity Special Investigations Unit includes representatives from federal and state agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the United States Postal Inspection Service; the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division; the Inspector General’s Offices of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security; the West Virginia State Police; the West Virginia Commission on Special Investigations; and the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office. The West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office will assist in investigating campaign and election law violations.
“Maintaining public integrity is a tremendous priority for me and for the Southern District of West Virginia,” said U.S. Attorney Stuart. “Public corruption is a cancer on our system of government. If it’s not rooted out, the cancer grows. It causes the public to be cynical about the honesty of public officials and public institutions. There is an absolute burden on public officials and persons in a position of public authority to be honest brokers to protect the integrity of public service and the taxpayers’ wallets. Dirty politicians and dirty public officials must and will be held accountable for violations of the public trust,” Stuart continued.
U.S. Attorney Stuart explained that the Special Investigations Unit is focused on rooting out not only corrupt elected officials, but also federal, state and municipal employees who use their position for personal gain at the expense of the public. The Special Investigations Unit will investigate corruption that threatens public resources, the electoral process, and fair economic opportunities for citizens and businesses. The Special Investigations Unit is also charged with uncovering corruption within both public and private institutions that receive and misuse taxpayer dollars.
“The FBI is joining forces with our federal agency partners to combat public corruption and maintain public integrity throughout the southern district,” said Special Agent in Charge Bob Johnson. “The FBI looks forward to participating in this Special Investigative Unit with the USAO and our other federal, local and state law enforcement partners as we work to investigate allegations of federal crimes.”
“The Postal Inspection Service has enjoyed a close relationship with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia through the years working intricate and complex fraud cases that involve the illicit use of the U.S Mails,” said Inspector in Charge Tommy Coke of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service welcomes the formation of the USAO’s Public Integrity Special Investigations Unit, a partnership that presents a tremendous opportunity for agencies to pool resources and expertise to ensure public officials are held accountable.”
“Investigating public corruption remains one of IRS Criminal Investigation’s highest priorities,” said Kimberly Lappin, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service. “Public trust is broken when elected or appointed officials commit crimes – most often triggered by greed and resulting in unlawful personal financial gain.”
“As part of the Public Integrity Special Investigations Unit, HHS OIG will ensure that taxpayer’s dollars are not wasted though public corruption and are instead used for their intended purpose of providing needed care and assistance for the most vulnerable members of our society – including the elderly, poor, and children,” said Maureen Dixon, Special Agent in Charge of the Philadelphia Regional Office of the Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General. “Working with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we will continue to vigorously bring those who steal from these vital public programs to justice.”
“Today’s announcement affirms our dedication to aggressively pursue those that choose to engage in illicit behavior that undermines HUD programs,” said Bertrand Nelson, Special Agent in Charge, Mid-Atlantic Regional Office, HUD Office of Inspector General. “We will continue to work steadfastly as a partner of the Public Integrity Special Investigations Unit to bring cases such as these to prosecution.”
“The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs OIG looks forward to joining with our federal and state law enforcement partners as part of the Public Integrity Special Investigations Unit,” said Kim Lampkins, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Mid-Atlantic Field Office. “Public officials who break the law or use their positions for personal gain undermine the work of government. The VA OIG is dedicated to investigating fraud, waste, and abuse, and we will contribute our expertise to this team to hold officials accountable for their actions.”
According to U.S. Attorney Stuart, “I am looking forward to working closely not only with my federal partners but also our West Virginia partners. The West Virginia State Auditor’s Office is an invaluable resource for uncovering waste, fraud and abuse and the WV Secretary of State’s Office brings unparalleled expertise in maintaining the integrity of our election system through the investigation and prosecution of those that commit campaign and election fraud.”
“I am honored for the Secretary of State’s Office to have been asked to join this very important effort to address public corruption in West Virginia. I commend U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart for bringing this partnership together to work toward that end,” said Secretary of State Mac Warner.
U.S. Attorney Stuart encouraged citizens to report corrupt activity by either reporting suspected illegal activity by visiting the USAO’s website (https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdwv) and clicking on the “Corruption” button, an innovative new website reporting link, to route email tips to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, or calling 1-800-659-USAO.
“West Virginia’s unfortunate history with corruption is well known, but so is this Office’s history of combating corrupt activity,” said U.S. Attorney Stuart. “Our efforts have been aided by a dogged media and courageous, conscientious citizens, business owners and public officials who have provided information about corrupt activity. We call on public servants, the vast majority of whom are honest brokers, to not look the other way when they see indications of corruption. We cannot overstate the importance of citizen participation in our fight against corruption, and we urge all citizens to assist us in this effort.”
PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONTACT:
U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Deanna Eder
(304) 345-2200 [email protected]Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart
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Eight individuals with alleged ties to the Aryan Circle arrested and charged in connection with Evangeline Parish murderRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – Eight alleged members or associates of the Aryan Circle (AC) have been indicted and arrested for their alleged roles in the 2016 murder of an alleged fellow AC gang member in Evangeline Parish, Louisiana.
The indictments were announced by Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Alexander Van Hook of the Western District of Louisiana.
The superseding indictment, returned by a federal grand jury on March 14, and unsealed today, charges seven defendants with being accessories-after-the fact in violent crimes in aid of racketeering murder of Clifton Hallmark. The defendants charged in the superseding indictment are David Wayne Williams, aka Big Dave, 36, of Sulphur, Louisiana; Christina Marie Williams, 38, of Sulphur, Louisiana; Brian Elliot Granger, aka Sneak, 36, of Beaumont, Texas; Leland Edward Hamm, 43, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Richard Alan Smith, 47, of Little Rock, Arkansas; Michael Paul Auxilien, 34, of Mamou, Louisiana; and Stone Haynes, 49, of Beaumont, Texas. An indictment charging alleged AC gang member Jeremy Jordan, 38, of Orange, Texas, for the racketeering murder of Clifton Hallmark was returned by the federal grand jury on Dec. 14, 2017, and unsealed today.
According to the indictment, the AC is a powerful race-based, multi-state organization that operates inside and outside of state and federal prisons throughout Texas, Louisiana, and the United States. The AC was established in the mid-1980s within the Texas prison system (TDCJ). Recently, the AC’s structure and influence expanded to rural and suburban areas throughout Texas, Louisiana, and Missouri. The AC emerged as an independent organization during a period of turmoil within the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT). The AC was relatively small in comparison to other prison-based gangs, but grew in stature and influence within TDCJ in the 1990s, largely through violent conflict with other gangs, white and non-white alike.
The indictment further alleges that the AC enforces its rules and promotes discipline among its members, prospects and associates through murder, attempted murder, assault, robbery and threats against those who violate the rules or pose a threat to the organization. Members, and oftentimes, associates, are required to follow the orders of higher-ranking members without question.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This case is being investigated by a multi-agency task force consisting of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; Federal Bureau of Prisons; Louisiana State Police; Evangeline Parish, Louisiana Sheriff’s Office; Evangeline Parish District Attorney’s Office; Texas Department of Public Safety; Houston Police Department-Gang Division; Texas Department of Criminal Justice; the Carrollton, Texas, Police Department; and the Montgomery County Constable Precinct 1 in Texas.
The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney David Karpel of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominic Rossetti of the Western District of Louisiana.
Eight Individuals with Alleged Ties to the Aryan Circle Arrested and Charged in Connection with MurderRead the Press Release
Eight alleged members or associates of the Aryan Circle (AC) have been indicted and arrested for their alleged roles in the 2016 murder of an alleged fellow AC gang member in Evangeline Parish, Louisiana.
The indictments were announced by Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Alexander Van Hook of the Western District of Louisiana.
The superseding indictment, returned by a federal grand jury on March 14, and unsealed today, charges seven defendants with being accessories-after-the fact in violent crimes in aid of racketeering murder of Clifton Hallmark. The defendants charged in the superseding indictment are David Wayne Williams, aka Big Dave, 36, of Sulphur, Louisiana; Christina Marie Williams, 38, of Sulphur, Louisiana; Brian Elliot Granger, aka Sneak, 36, of Beaumont, Texas; Leland Edward Hamm, 43, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Richard Alan Smith, 47, of Little Rock, Arkansas; Michael Paul Auxilien, 34, of Mamou, Louisiana; and Stone Haynes, 49, of Beaumont, Texas. An indictment charging alleged AC gang member Jeremy Jordan, 38, of Orange, Texas, for the racketeering murder of Clifton Hallmark was returned by the federal grand jury on Dec. 14, 2017, and unsealed today.
According to the indictment, the AC is a powerful race-based, multi-state organization that operates inside and outside of state and federal prisons throughout Texas, Louisiana, and the United States. The AC was established in the mid-1980s within the Texas prison system (TDCJ). Recently, the AC’s structure and influence expanded to rural and suburban areas throughout Texas, Louisiana, and Missouri. The AC emerged as an independent organization during a period of turmoil within the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT). The AC was relatively small in comparison to other prison-based gangs, but grew in stature and influence within TDCJ in the 1990s, largely through violent conflict with other gangs, white and non-white alike.
The indictment further alleges that the AC enforces its rules and promotes discipline among its members, prospects and associates through murder, attempted murder, assault, robbery and threats against those who violate the rules or pose a threat to the organization. Members, and oftentimes, associates, are required to follow the orders of higher-ranking members without question.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This case is being investigated by a multi-agency task force consisting of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; Federal Bureau of Prisons; Louisiana State Police; Evangeline Parish, Louisiana Sheriff’s Office; Evangeline Parish District Attorney’s Office; Texas Department of Public Safety; Houston Police Department-Gang Division; Texas Department of Criminal Justice; the Carrollton, Texas, Police Department; and the Montgomery County Constable Precinct 1 in Texas.
The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney David Karpel of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominic Rossetti of the Western District of Louisiana.
Eagle Grove Man Sentenced to over 28 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting and Extorting a ChildRead the Press Release
A thirty-year old man who sexually exploited a child and then extorted the minor was sentenced to more than 28 years in federal prison on March 19, 2018.
Jason Marvets, age 30, from Eagle Grove, Iowa, received the prison term after pleading guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a child and one count of extortion. At the plea hearing, Marvets admitted that, between 2016 and 2017, he persuaded or coerced a child to send him sexually explicit depictions of herself. In a plea agreement, he admitted that this child was 11 and 12 years old and that he threatened to distribute depictions of her in order to get more depictions of her. In the plea agreement, he also admitted he obtained sexually explicit depictions from a 15-year-old child and threatened to ruin her life when she did not communicate with him.
Marvets was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Marvets was sentenced to 344 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a seven-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Marvets 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 Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Wright County Sheriff’s Office, the Webster County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the Michigan State Police.
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.”
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-CR-3034.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Dominican Man Sentenced to 87 Months in Prison for Fentanyl and Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Eris Manuel Paulino Guerrero, also known as Edward Garcia, 28, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced on Monday to serve 87 months in federal prison for drug trafficking offenses.
Documents filed with the court established that the defendant participated in a Lawrence-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) distributing heroin between June 2013 and October 2014. Evidence showed that he delivered drugs to customers of the DTO. In approximately October 2014, the defendant also began selling fentanyl to customers as part of a separate drug distribution network.
The defendant previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with the intent to distribute, heroin and distribution of fentanyl. He faces likely deportation after he serves his sentence.
The investigation and prosecution of this defendant was part of a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) effort to address heroin distribution in New Hampshire. In addition to Guerrero’s prosecution, Alberto Guerrero Marte, 38, was sentenced to 15 years, Toribio Guerrero Marte, 34, was sentenced to 10 years, Maria Miguelina Lara, 33, was sentenced to 36 months, Allan Raymond Pimentel, 22, was sentenced to 57 months, Jose De La Altagracia Pimentel Lara, 26, was sentenced to 63 months, Wilkin Andres Beltre Arias, 39, was sentenced to 54 months, Allison DeJesus, 19, was sentenced to five years of probation, and Jonaly DeJesus, 22, was sentenced to time served and five years of supervised release. In a related case, Mark Gagnon, 54, of Candia, was sentenced to 48 months. Michell DeJesus, 34, and Santo Rodolfo Garcia Mendez, 33, are awaiting sentencing.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to work hand-in-hand with our law enforcement partners to combat the threats posed by fentanyl and heroin,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Those who seek to profit from the sales of these deadly drugs will be prosecuted aggressively.”
“Those suffering from the disease of opioid addiction need access to treatment and recovery,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson. “But those responsible for distributing lethal drugs like fentanyl and heroin to the citizens of New Hampshire need to be held accountable for their actions. DEA’s top priority is combatting the opioid epidemic by working with our local, county and state law enforcement partners to bring to justice those that distribute this poison.”
This matter was investigated by the DEA; Homeland Security Investigations; the Massachusetts State Police; the Haverhill Police Department; the United States Marshals Service; the New Hampshire State Police; the Manchester Police Department; the Lawrence Police Department; the Lowell Police Department, the Methuen Police Department, and the Hillsborough County Drug Task Force.
This case was supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald A. Feith.
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Delaware Woman Charged with Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Rasheeda Overton, 38, of Dover, DE was charged in an indictment unsealed today with 23 counts of wire fraud and 4 counts of aggravated identity theft, announced United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen.
According to the indictment, Overton was a payroll manager of a Philadelphia-based non-profit entity that translates, publishes, and distributes copies of the Christian Bible to recipients around the world. Overton allegedly altered the bank account information of former employees that had been on file with the company so that any future payments to those former employees would be diverted into bank accounts that she controlled. Overton then allegedly arranged for her employer to pay more than $100,000 in wages to those former employees, all of which wound up in her bank accounts.
If convicted of all charges, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of at least two years’ imprisonment and a statutory maximum sentence of 468 years’ imprisonment, a $6.75 million fine, three years supervised release, and a $2,700 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark B. Dubnoff
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defense Contractor and Civilian Employee at U.S. Military Base Admit Bribery Scheme Involving Government ContractsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Two Sussex County, New Jersey, women, one a defense contractor employee and the other a civilian employee at Picatinny Arsenal, today admitted their roles in a scheme that traded bribes and other gratuities for favorable treatment on government contracts, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Irene Pombo, 68, of Hamburg, New Jersey, and her daughter, Nicole Pier, 38, of Byram Township, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John Vazquez in Newark federal court to separate informations charging them with conspiracy to give or accept anything of value in return for favorable assistance with government contracts and with making false claims against the United States.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Pombo was an employee of an entity referred to in the information as “Company A,” a defense contracting firm that works with the Department of Defense at Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. Army installation in Morris County, New Jersey. Pier was a civilian employee at Picatinny Arsenal.
From January 2006 through December 2017, Company A, Pombo, and other Company A employees conspired to offer a variety of valuable gifts, including Apple products, luxury handbags, Beats headphones, and tickets to a luxury sky box at professional sporting events, valued at least $150,000 to $250,000, to numerous individuals employed at Picatinny Arsenal, including Pier, in order to obtain and retain contracts and other favorable assistance.
Pombo admitted that she and other Company A employees filed false bills to the United States writing off the cost of the bribes as “materials” needed on government contracts.
The conspiracy charge to which Pombo and Pier pleaded guilty carries 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 for both defendants is scheduled for June 19, 2018.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Bradley W. Cohen in Newark; the U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Leigh-Alistair Barzey, and the U.S. Army, Major Procurement Fraud Unit, Criminal Investigation Command, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge L. Scott Moreland, with the ongoing investigation.
The government is represented by Senior Litigation Counsel Margaret Ann Mahoney of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s National Security Unit in Newark.
Defense counsel: Pier: Robert Galantucci Esq., Hackensack
Pombo: Edward Cillick Esq., HackensackDallas Man Sentenced to 166 Months in Federal Prison for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
DALLAS — Ivan Reyes Perez, 27, of Dallas, Texas, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge David C. Godbey to 166 months in federal prison and ordered to forfeit $27,080 for his role in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox of the Northern District of Texas.
Perez has been in custody since his arrest in April 2017. He pleaded guilty in October 2017 to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute and controlled substance.
Co-defendant Genesis Jaramillo, 24, was arrested in June 2017. Jaramillo pleaded guilty to her role and is awaiting sentencing.
According to the plea agreement factual resume, on March 25, 2017, law enforcement knocked on the door to room at a Hampton Inn Hotel in Mesquite, Texas. Jaramillo answered the door and Perez came up behind her. Officers were granted permission to search the room. Upon entering, officers observed a plastic bag containing a crystal like substance in plain view, a cooking pot and a pan that contained a crystal like substance. Officers also located a digital scale and plastic baggies, and a substance that is used to cut or supplement methamphetamine by those involved in the sale and distribution of methamphetamine.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Mesquite Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Leal prosecuted.
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Corpus Christi Man Convicted of Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 30-year-old Corpus Christi man has admitted he possessed child pornography, announced U.S. Ryan K. Patrick.
In January 2015, law enforcement identified Victor Staples after using peer-to-peer software to successfully download various files containing child pornography from an IP address associated with him. In June 2015, agents executed a search warrant at his residence, at which time they seized various electronic devices. Forensic analysis on those devices revealed more than 420 images and approximately 247 videos child pornography.
Today, the court heard that Staples has stated that he was familiar with peer-to-peer software. He admitted to viewing child pornography as early as November 2014 and estimated he saw approximately 100 files of child pornography on his computer. Staples described to law enforcement that he recalled viewing one image of a nude female child he believed was approximately 11-12 years old.
Sentencing is set before U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzalez Ramos July 20, 2108. At that time, Staples faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Upon completion of any prison term imposed, Staples also faces a maximum of life on supervised release during which time the court can impose a number of special conditions designed to protect children and prohibit the use of the internet.
Staples was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Corpus Christi Police Department’s 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."
Chandler Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Domestic Assault by Habitual OffenderRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Yesterday, Frank Lynn Kisto, 60, of Chandler, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Douglas L. Rayes to 30 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for assaulting a woman on the Gila River Indian Community. Kisto had previously pleaded guilty to domestic assault by a habitual offender.
Kisto assaulted the victim by punching her in the face in January 2017. Kisto was previously convicted of similar assaults against domestic partners in 1999 and 2009 in tribal court on the Gila River Indian Community. Both Kisto and the victim are enrolled members of the Gila River Indian Community.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Gila River Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Christine Ducat Keller, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-17-00993-PHX-DLR
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-029_Kisto
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Bridgeport Man Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for Distributing Heroin and FentanylRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOVANNI REYES, 24, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin and fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in late 2016, Bridgeport Police made three controlled purchases of heroin from REYES. On December 8, 2016, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of REYES’s Voight Avenue residence and seized more than 120 folds of heroin and a loaded 9mm handgun. The firearm had been reported stolen.
Analysis of the seized drugs revealed that some of the folds also contained fentanyl.
REYES has been detained since his federal arrest on January 25, 2017. On October 18, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin.
This matter was investigated by the Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale and Vanessa Richards.
Baytown Man Convicted in Cocaine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
LUBBOCK, Texas — Following a four-day trial before Senior U.S. District Judge Sam R. Cummings, a federal jury convicted Frederick Allen, 44, of Baytown, Texas, for his role in a drug conspiracy that operated throughout West Texas. U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox of the Northern District of Texas made today’s announcement.
On March 19, 2018, a jury convicted Allen on one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Allen was remanded to custody following the verdict.
The penalties for the offenses is up to thirty years in federal prison and a $2,000,000 fine. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
The government presented evidence at trial that Allen would supply large quantities of cocaine to mid-level dealers, who in turn, would supply street dealers in Abilene, San Angelo, and the surrounding areas. Law enforcement relied on undercover federal agents to infiltrate Allen’s drug trafficking operation. On Sunday, October 22, 2017, federal agents conducted an undercover operation in Baytown, Texas. Frederick Allen and Jesse James Scott drove to the San Jacinto Mall and met with a person they believed to be a high-level drug dealer. In reality, the person they were meeting was an undercover federal agent. After Allen and Scott arrived at the mall in Baytown, the undercover agent purchased a ¼ kilogram of cocaine and approximately 3,000 methamphetamine tablets. The cocaine and methamphetamine tablets had a street value of at least $25,000.
Agents subsequently searched Allen’s residence and found approximately $7,000 in United States currency in various denominations. At trial, Allen told the jury that the money found in his apartment was from an old vehicle that he sold to his mother for $6,000. Allen later admitted that his sister had given him the vehicle for free and that the vehicle was only worth approximately $4,000. Allen also testified that he was not in Baytown during critical times in the conspiracy. However, after confronted with GPS data, phone records, and other evidence, Allen recanted his earlier testimony and admitted that he must have been in Baytown during the times alleged by the Government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation and was assisted by the Baytown Police Department, the San Angelo Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Russell Lorfing and Sean Long are prosecuting the case.
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Baltimore Man Indicted for Distribution of Controlled Substances Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted Coron Demon Johnson a/k/a “Savage,” age 23, of Baltimore, Maryland, on Distribution of a Controlled Substance with Death Resulting. The indictment was returned on February 21, 2018 and unsealed upon the arrest of Johnson.
The indictment was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning; Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder of the Drug Enforcement Administration – Washington Field Office; and Chief Henry P. Stawinski III of the Prince George’s County Police Department.
According to the indictment, on August 11, 2017, Johnson distributed heroin to an individual, which resulted in an overdose death in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
Johnson faces mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years with a maximum sentence of life in prison if found guilty. Johnson had his initial appearance in front of United States Magistrate Judge Timothy Sullivan in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt on March 19, 2018.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning commended the DEA, Prince George’s County Police and the City of Bowie for their work in the investigation. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin Pulice and Kelly Hayes, who are prosecuting the case.
Baltimore Felon Exiled to 7 Years in Prison for Possessing A Gun and CocaineRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Baltimore, Maryland – United States District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Darius Junior, age 26, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to seven years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possessing a firearm after a felony conviction and possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute.
The sentence was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the FBI- Baltimore Field Office; State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby of the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office and Commissioner Darryl DeSousa of the Baltimore Police Department.
According to the plea agreement, on February 12, 2016, Baltimore City police made a vehicle stop of a Toyota in the 3300 block of McCulloh Street, just south of Gwynn Falls Parkway. Upon approach, the police could readily detect the odor of marijuana emanating from the Toyota. Junior was in the front passenger seat of the car. During the investigation that ensued, the police observed and seized a .32 caliber revolver tucked in Junior’s waistband area. A search of Junior’s person yielded distributable amounts of cocaine, cash and a .32 caliber bullet. At the time of his arrest, Junior had sustained three felony convictions punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year, including a separate handgun violation and two armed robbery convictions in Baltimore City.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning commended the FBI, Baltimore Police Department and Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant United States Attorney Sandra Wilkinson, who prosecuted the case.
Akron jury convicts North Carolina man of conspiring to support ISISRead the Press Release
A Charlotte, North Carolina, man was convicted by a jury in Akron, Ohio, of conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Erick Jamal Hendricks, 37, will be sentenced at a date to be determined. The guilty verdict was announced by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman of the Northern District of Ohio and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Office following a two-week trial before U.S. District Judge John Adams.
“Hendricks used social media to recruit others to plan and carry out attacks on our homeland in the name of ISIS, with the goal of creating a sleeper cell on our soil,” said Assistant Attorney General Demers. “Thanks to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement, Hendricks’ plan was thwarted, and with today’s verdict he is being held accountable for his terrorist activities.”
“This defendant recruited and directed people here in the United States to launch attacks against our citizens, and attempted to recruit others to engage in similar attacks,” U.S. Attorney Herdman said. “Protecting our citizens from terrorist attacks remains our priority and our community will be safer with this defendant behind bars.”
“Erick Jamal Hendricks represents the significant online ISIS threat that we face daily -- a US citizen that becomes radicalized online and attempts to recruit and train individuals to commit jihad, all while on American soil,” Special Agent in Charge Anthony said. “The FBI urges the public to report information regarding individuals pledging their allegiance to ISIS or other identified terrorist groups. The FBI is pleased that Hendricks was stopped before he was successful and now will spend a significant amount of time behind bars.”
According to court documents and trial testimony, Hendricks tried to recruit people to train together and conduct terrorist attacks in the United States on behalf of ISIS.
Amir Al-Ghazi was arrested in the Northern District of Ohio in June 2015 after attempting to purchase an AK-47 assault rifle and ammunition from an undercover law enforcement officer. Al-Ghazi had pledged allegiance to ISIS in social media and made statements expressing interest in conducting attacks in the United States.
Hendricks had contacted Al-Ghazi over social media to recruit him in the spring of 2015. Hendricks allegedly told Al-Ghazi that he “needed people” and wanted to meet in person; that there were several “brothers” located in Texas and Mexico; that he was attempting to “get brothers to meet face to face;” and that he wanted “to get brothers to train together,” according to court documents and trial testimony
Al-Ghazi said Hendricks tested his religious knowledge and commitment, inquiring about his willingness to commit “jihad,” to die as a “martyr” and his desire to enter “jannah” (paradise). Al-Ghazi understood these statements to mean that Hendricks was recruiting people to train together for the purpose of conducting a terrorist attack in the U.S. and to see if Al-Ghazi was suitable for recruitment, according to the allegations. Al-Ghazi believed that Hendricks and the “brothers in Texas and Mexico” may have been responsible for a thwarted terrorist attack in Garland, Texas, on May 3, 2015, and therefore he decided to stay away from social media for a period following the attack to minimize detection by law enforcement.
Hendricks also communicated over social media with several other people, including an undercover FBI employee (UCE-1). Hendricks on April 16, 2015 instructed UCE-1 to download the document “GPS for the Ghuraba in the U.S.”, which included a section entitled “Final Advice” which advocated that “brothers and sisters” should not allow themselves to go to jail. This section also allegedly encouraged Muslims to die as a “Shaheed” (martyr), to “Boobie trap your homes,” to “lay in wait for them” and to “never leave your home without your AK-47 or M16.” Hendricks also directed UCE-1 to communicate online with other people and stated “It’s hard to sift through brothers;” “Allah chooses only the few;” and “Everyday I do this day in and day out,” according to court documents and trial testimony.
Hendricks told another person that his goal was to create a sleeper cell to be trained and housed at a secure compound that would conduct attacks in the United States. He mentioned that potential targets included military members whose information had been released by ISIS and the woman who organized the “Draw Prophet Mohammad contest,” and he claimed to have 10 members signed up for his group, according court documents and trial testimony.
On April 23, 2015, Hendricks used social media to contact Elton Simpson, who, along with Nadir Hamid Soofi, was inspired by ISIS and launched the attack on the “First Annual Muhammad Art Exhibit and Contest” in Garland. Simpson and Soofi opened fire, wounding a security guard, before Garland police returned fire and killed both Simpson and Soofi. Hendricks also connected UCE-1 with Simpson via social media; communicated with UCE-1 about the contest in Garland; and directed UCE-1 to go to the contest. Hendricks said: “If you see that pig (meaning the organizer of the contest) make your ‘voice’ heard against her.” He also asked UCE-1 a series of questions related to security at the event, including: “How big is the gathering?” “How many ppl?” “How many police/agents?” “Do you see feds there?’ “Do you see snipers?” and “How many media?” Shortly thereafter, Simpson and Soofi committed the attack on the cartoon drawing contest.
Al-Ghazi previously pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to a designated terrorist organization and being a felon in possession of firearms. He is awaiting sentencing.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Shepherd and Mark S. Bennett and Justice Department Trial Attorney Rebecca Magnone. This case was investigated by the FBI’s offices in Cleveland; Columbia, South Carolina; Baltimore; and Charlotte, North Carolina, with assistance the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the District of Maryland, District of South Carolina and the Western District of North Carolina.
Advanced Thermal Technologies and CEO Agree to Pay $100,000 for Failing to Account for Federal Research FundsRead the Press Release
Boston – Advanced Thermal Technologies, LLC (ATT), and its President and Chief Operating Officer, James W. Connell, of Upton, Mass., agreed today to pay $100,000 to resolve allegations that they failed to account for a portion of federal research grants they received and that they used a portion of the funds unlawfully.
“This office will take action when grant recipients misuse federal taxpayer money and fail to account for federal research dollars,” said United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling. “There are many deserving researchers who apply for government grants, and it is unacceptable and unethical for scientists to submit falsified information in order to gain a competitive edge.”
Allison Lerner, NSF Inspector General said: “The SBIR program is a valuable tool in advancing NSF’s mission to promote the progress of science by increasing opportunities for small businesses to undertake cutting-edge scientific research, and it is essential to vigorously pursue oversight of these taxpayer funds.”
April G. Stephenson, DOE Principal Deputy Inspector General said: “This settlement serves as a reminder that fraud in the SBIR Program will not be tolerated. The SBIR Program is an essential Department of Energy program that supports scientific excellence and technological innovation and we will investigate and pursue fraud aggressively.”
In a complaint filed today, the government alleges that ATT and Connell failed to account for federal grant funds under eight awards from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), in connection with the agencies’ Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. These programs grant awards to small, for-profit businesses, such as ATT, for the purpose of stimulating technological innovation, using small businesses to meet federal research and development needs, and increasing private sector commercialization of innovations derived from federal research and development. NSF and DOE awarded the research funds to ATT and Connell in response to grant applications that proposed research to identify and develop different materials and methods for dissipating the heat generated by high power electronics.
The government’s complaint alleges that on multiple occasions from 2007 to 2016, Connell personally certified to NSF and DOE that: (1) ATT maintained an adequate financial system to account for the award funds as required by regulations, (2) ATT would comply with the award terms and conditions, and (3) ATT spent the award funds and performed the research in accordance with the terms and conditions. The complaint alleges that these certifications were often false because ATT and Connell failed to prepare and maintain documentation substantiating that they used the funds for the awarded research projects, and, on occasion, that they claimed and received funds for NSF projects that were already completed.
U.S. Attorney Lelling, NSF Inspector General Lerner and DOE Principal Deputy Inspector General Stephenson made the announcement today. The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anita Johnson of Lelling’s Civil Division.
Adelphi Man Sentenced to 71 Months in Prison for Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Greenbelt, Maryland – United States District Judge Peter J. Messitte sentenced Jose Hernandez a/k/a “Plumhead,” a/k/a “David Hernandez,” a/k/a “Fathead,” age 27, of Adelphi, Maryland today to 71 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for distribution of 28 grams or more of crack and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The sentence was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning; Special Agent in Charge Daniel L. Board Jr. of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Baltimore Division; and Chief Henry P. Stawinski III of the Prince George’s County Police Department.
According to his plea agreement, between December 23, 2015 and January 12, 2017, at the direction of law enforcement, a confidential informant contacted Hernandez to arrange six controlled purchases of crack and heroin.
On December 16, 2016, ATF agents executed a search warrant at Hernandez’s residence and recovered a 12-gauge pump action shotgun, and a single round ammunition. Prior to December 16, 2016, Hernandez had been convicted of crimes punishable by more than one year in prison, which made him ineligible to possess a firearm and ammunition. His civil rights had not been restored.
At the time of the Defendant's arrest on January 12, 2017, ATF agents recovered approximately $5,572 from Hernandez's wallet, five cellular telephones, and two knotted baggies in the center console of the vehicle which contained approximately one gram of crack and approximately one gram of heroin.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning praised the ATF and Prince George’s County Police for their work in the investigation. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Sykes and Michael Packard who prosecuted the case.
19 March 2018
Wheeling man sentenced to nearly five years for firearm, methamphetamine chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA - Peter Hankish, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 57 months incarceration for firearm and drug charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hankish, age 44, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” in January 2018. Hankish, having previously been convicted of Theft in the Camp Lejeune Marine Corps General Court, possessed a 7.62 caliber rifle. Hankish admitted to possessing methamphetamine. The crimes occurred in April 2017 in Ohio County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
Westlake woman charged with defrauding Social Security by cashing deceased father-in-law's checksRead the Press Release
A Westlake woman was charged today with theft of government funds, said Justin E. Herdman, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
Rimjhim Gupta, 40, fraudulently converted to her own use her father-in-law’s Title II Retirement Insurance benefits after her father-in-law died. The Social Security Administration was not made aware of the death and continued to pay benefits to a checking account held by Gupta’s father-in-law. Over the course of several years, Rimjhim Gupta accessed her father-in-law’s account and withdrew over $38,000 in federal benefits which she was not entitled.
Kelly Clark from the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation. Special Assistant United States Attorney Payum Doroodian is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, the Court will determine the defendant’s sentence after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum. In most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
An information is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Vancleave Woman Sentenced to over 23 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Sharon Marie Stallone, aka "Boss," aka "Sharbear Boss," age 36, of Vancleave, was sentenced on Thursday by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to 278 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for distributing methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Christopher Freeze, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Stallone pled guilty on November 28, 2017, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Stallone was part of a group of individuals selling methamphetamine and other drugs from an area called "the Hill" in Vancleave.
The case was investigated by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.
United States Resolves Claims That Philadelphia Cardiologist Billed Medicare for Unnecessary Stent ProceduresRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Vidya Banka, M.D., a cardiologist and former director of Pennsylvania Hospital’s cardiac catheterization lab, has entered into a settlement agreement with the United States to resolve allegations that he improperly submitted Medicare claims for unnecessary cardiac stent procedures.
The University of Pennsylvania Health System (“UPHS”), which owns Pennsylvania Hospital, brought the matter to the United States’ attention through a voluntary self-disclosure. In January 2017, UPHS reached a separate settlement with the United States. The United States then continued to investigate Dr. Banka.
Dr. Banka had privileges to admit patients to Pennsylvania Hospital and ceased working there in September 2012.
The United States alleged that between May 5, 2010 and September 7, 2012, Dr. Banka performed cardiac stent procedures at Pennsylvania Hospital that were not medically necessary. According to the United States, claims were then submitted to Medicare for stent procedures that Dr. Banka performed.
To resolve the matter, Dr. Banka has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $126,617. He has also agreed to a five-year term of exclusion from Medicare, Medicaid, and all other Federal health care programs. Dr. Banka admitted no liability as part of the agreement.
“We encourage health care organizations to make voluntary disclosures to the government when they identify false claims,” said United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. “This agreement with Dr. Banka shows that we will and must hold individuals accountable. Voluntary disclosure by an institution is not a free pass from accountability for the individual directly responsible for the false claims.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. Macko handled the matter. The matter was investigated by the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services, and by Auditor Dawn Wiggins of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Union County Man Admits Armed Crime Spree of Bank Robberies; Carjackings, and Hostage TakingRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Union County, New Jersey, man today admitted robbing seven banks – and attempting to rob an eighth bank while brandishing a firearm – committing one carjacking and attempting to commit three additional carjackings, and taking a hostage at gunpoint while fleeing, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Marlon Peek, 41, of Plainfield, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden in Newark federal court to Counts One through 11, 13, 15, and 17 of an indictment. The counts include: seven counts of bank robbery, one count of carjacking, one count of attempted bank robbery with a dangerous weapon, one count of use and brandishing of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of attempted carjacking, and one count of forced accompaniment in attempting to avoid apprehension for the attempted armed bank robbery.
“This defendant cut a swath of violent crime through central New Jersey for two months, brandishing guns to terrify innocent victims as he robbed banks and carjacked vehicles,” U.S. Attorney Carpenito said. “The excellent work of local and federal law enforcement officers have taken a violent criminal with no regard for the lives and safety of others off the streets. The crimes to which the defendant pleaded guilty justifiably expose him to significant prison time.”
Peek robbed or attempted to rob the following New Jersey banks:
Bank
Location
Date
TD Bank
Edison, New Jersey
March 17, 2015
Magyar Bank
Edison, New Jersey
March 31, 2015
Investors Bank
Dunellen, New Jersey
April 9, 2015
Wells Fargo Bank (aiding and abetting)
South Plainfield, New Jersey
April 14, 2015
Unity Bank
Middlesex Borough, New Jersey
April 15, 2015
PNC Bank
South Plainfield, New Jersey
April 21, 2015
TD Bank
Springfield, New Jersey
April 21, 2015
Bank of America (armed attempt)
Linden, New Jersey
May 6, 2015
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:From March 2015 to May 2015, Peek and others committed a string of crimes. At each bank, Peek presented a note demanding cash from bank tellers, including, on at least six occasions, statements that he had a gun and would shoot. During the robbery of the TD Bank in Edison, New Jersey, on March 17, 2015, Peek handed a teller a note that read, in part, “I have gun will shoot to kill you have 3 seconds.” In the course of the attempted robbery of the Bank of America, Peek pointed a loaded firearm directly at a bank teller.
Peek admitted that he committed a carjacking in Plainfield, New Jersey, on April 21, 2015, between robbing the PNC Bank and the TD Bank that day, and that he committed three attempted carjackings using a loaded firearm directly after attempting to rob the Bank of America in Linden on May 6, 2015. He also admitted that in attempting to flee from the attempted robbery of the Bank of America, he entered a warehouse, took a hostage, held a loaded gun to the hostage’s head, and forced the hostage to accompany him. Law enforcement officers arrived on the scene and ordered Peek to drop his gun. Peek then surrendered his weapon and was arrested.
The seven bank robbery charges to which Peek pleaded guilty each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. The four carjacking or attempted carjacking charges to which Peek pleaded guilty each carry a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. The charge of armed attempted bank robbery to which Peek pleaded guilty carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
The charge of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, while brandishing the firearm, carries a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison and a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. The sentence imposed for this charge must be consecutive to the sentence for any other count. This charge also carries a maximum fine of $250,000.
The charge of forced accompaniment in attempting to avoid apprehension for the attempted robbery of the Bank of America carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for June 11.
Peek’s co-defendant, Nathaniel Brown, pleaded guilty to Count Four of the indictment and is scheduled to be sentenced May 30, 2018.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Bradley Cohen in Newark; and officers of the Linden Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Hart; the Edison Police Department, under the direction of Chief Thomas Bryan; the Dunellen Police Department, under the direction of Chief Jeffrey E. Nelson; the South Plainfield Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Parker; the Middlesex Police Department, under the direction of Chief Matthew P. Geist; the Plainfield Police Department, under the direction of Director Carl Riley; and the Springfield Police Department, under the direction of Chief John Cook with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. U.S. Attorney Carpenito also thanked the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Michael A. Monahan, and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey, for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elisa T. Wiygul of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.
Defense counsel: Alyssa A. Cimino Esq., Fairfield, New Jersey
U.S. Attorney’s Office to Conduct Election Day MonitoringRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — The U.S. Attorney’s Office will monitor the federal, state and local primary elections in Chicago and surrounding suburbs on March 20, 2018, John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, announced today.
As part of the monitoring effort, the office will operate a telephone hotline for citizens to report complaints related to the voting process. Assistant U.S. Attorneys and other office personnel will monitor the hotline and respond to complaints as needed.
The hotline number, staffed on Election Day only, is (312) 469-6157.
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program seeks to ensure public confidence in the voting process.
Federal voting-rights laws protect the rights of voters to mark their own ballot or be assisted by a person of their choice. Actions designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places may constitute a violation. Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. Violations carry penalties ranging from one to ten years in prison and fines of up to $250,000.
For information as to the location and hours of polling sites, Illinois residents are advised to contact the Illinois State Board of Elections by logging on to www.elections.il.gov or by calling (312) 814-6440.
Tyler County man sentenced for meth distribution and a firearm violationRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – William “Jack” Parr, of Middlebourne, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 30 months incarceration for drug distribution and illegally possessing a firearm, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Parr, age 51, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess With Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine” and one count of “Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person” in January 2018. Parr admitted to distributing methamphetamine from 2015 to August 2017 in Tyler County, West Virginia. Parr, having previously been convicted of a felony in the Circuit Court of Tyler County, also admitted to illegally possessing two .22 caliber pistols, a 9mm pistol, and a .45 caliber pistol.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr., prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
Stanislaus County Man Pleads Guilty in Helicopter Laser StrikesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Roger Shane John, 32, of Turlock, pleaded guilty today to aiming the beam of a laser pointer at a Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department helicopter, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, on the evening of October 22, 2017, John struck a Stanislaus County Sheriff’s helicopter, Air 101, five to six times with a powerful green laser, causing visual interference of both the pilot and tactical flight officer and disrupting an air support response to a domestic violence call. The laser strikes occurred within the FAA‑designated laser-free zone of the Modesto Airport. In pleading guilty, John admitted he knew that shining a laser at an aircraft is illegal. An examination of John’s laser revealed that it emitted 85 milliwatts (mW) of power and is 17 times more powerful than what is legally permissible for handheld laser devices. The FDA, which regulates handheld laser devices, has found that such power emission is dangerous and can cause either temporary visual effects or an eye injury.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department, and Modesto Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar is prosecuting the case.
John is scheduled for sentencing by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd on June 11, 2018, in federal court in Fresno. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Seven Individuals Plead Guilty to Multi-Million Dollar International Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Seven individuals have pled guilty to participating in a multi-million dollar international money laundering conspiracy.
Benjamin G. Greenberg, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Robert F. Lasky, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.
On March 7, 2018, Geannis Gonzalez, 31, formerly of Peyton, Colorado, Alfredo Tovar, 36, of Miami Gardens, Robinson Castillo, 32, of Pembroke Pines, and Jamie Vives Castillo, 41, of Pembroke Pines, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. On March 15, 2018, Quiana Velasco, 35, of Miami, Jose Daniel Estrella, 38, of Hallandale, Pedro Reyes, 38, of Hialeah, pled guilty to the same offense. Each defendant faces a possible maximum statutory sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment. Defendants Gonzalez, Tovar, Velasco, Estrella, Reyes, and Castillo will be sentenced on May 25, 2018, by the United States District Judge Ursula Ungaro. Defendant Vives Castillo will be sentenced on May 30, 2018.
According to stipulated facts filed in court, the defendants admitted to opening bank accounts established in the names of shell corporations to receive the proceeds of various fraudulent schemes, including romance frauds, email hacking schemes, and inheritance and lottery scams, that victimized individuals and corporations across the United States. The defendants further admitted that, after banks closed the bank accounts that the defendants had opened, often on suspicion that the accounts were being used for fraud or other illegal activity, the defendants would recruit other individuals to act as “money mules,” establishing additional shell corporations in the money mules’ names. The defendants would then instruct the money mules to open new bank accounts throughout South Florida in the names of the new shell corporations, and telling the mules to falsely represent to the banks that the shell corporations were legitimate businesses engaged in the import, export, or sale of various goods. Once these bank accounts received money wired from a fraud victim, the defendants would instruct the money mules to wire the money to other accounts overseas.
These stipulated facts further revealed that the defendants received repeated warnings that the funds coming into the shell corporation bank accounts were the proceeds from illegal activity. The defendants also admitted that these bank accounts received total amounts of illegal proceeds ranging from $3,381,110 to $7,177,442. The defendants would receive a small percentage of these funds as their commission. According to the allegations in the indictment in which the defendants were charged, the overall conspiracy, which was led by defendant Roda Taher, laundered approximately $94 million.
Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared M. Strauss and Michael G. Walleisa.
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.
Ripley Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of a Pipe BombRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that Steven Jones, 31, of Ripley, was sentenced to 12 months and a day in federal prison for possession of a pipe bomb. Jones pled guilty in December, admitting that on November 6, 2017, he possessed a pipe bomb he had constructed in his garage. Jones further admitted having built and detonated two additional pipe bombs and posting videos of the explosions on the internet. Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the West Virginia State Police, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
“A citizen tip to authorities about a pipe bomb prevented what could have been a horrific tragedy. Cases like this depend on the vigilance of citizens bravely willing to step forward to report this kind of dangerous activity,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “The horrific events happening in Austin, Texas, are a tragedy we don’t want to happen here in West Virginia. Bombs in the hands of citizens are highly dangerous, reckless and illegal. My Office is committed to strengthening the relationship between the public and law enforcement so that we can keep dangerous criminals like this bomb maker behind bars.”
United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence in federal court in Charleston. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks prosecuted the case.
Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart
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Randallstown Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin and FentanylRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Baltimore, Maryland – Anthony Renard Wynn, age 47, of Randallstown, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
The guilty plea was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning; Special Agent in Charge Andre Watson of the ICE Homeland Security Investigations; Colonel Woodrow Jones of the Maryland Transportation Authority Police; and Chief Terrence B. Sheridan of the Baltimore County Police Department.
According to his plea agreement, in connection with an investigation into drug trafficking and the laundering of drug proceeds through Maryland-based casinos, HSI investigators discovered that Wynn had placed into and cashed out in excess of one million dollars at those casinos from 2016 to 2017, although he only earned $30,000 in 2016.
HSI investigators were able to identify the places where Wynn received, transported, and stored drugs and other contraband. Specifically, Wynn received packages containing drugs from an animal hospital in Pikesville, Maryland and transported the drugs to the Southeast region of Washington, D.C. Wynn stored the drugs in a storage unit in Windsor Mill, his home in Randallstown, and in a Pikesville barbershop. Wynn also shipped several packages to a co-conspirator in California, one of which contained $244,040 in drug proceeds.
On June 9, 2017, an HSI investigator observed Wynn talking on a cell phone while driving and informed a Baltimore County patrol officer who conducted a traffic stop of Wynn’s vehicle. During that traffic stop, a Maryland Transportation Authority Police officer conducted a canine scan of Wynn’s vehicle and recovered a one-kilogram heroin brick and $11,620 in cash that was separated by rubber-banded bundles. The search of Wynn’s person incident to arrest revealed a digital scale and two $500 casino chips.
HSI investigators obtained search warrants for Wynn’s residence and storage unit and recovered approximately 1 kilogram of fentanyl, 3 kilograms of heroin, and an electronic money counter. Numerous gift cards totaling $5,575, $16,602 in cash that was bundled in small denominations, and an “owe sheet” were among the items that the HSI investigators recovered from Wynn’s residence.
Wynn faces a maximum sentence of life, in prison, with a minimum mandatory term of 10 years. U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett has scheduled sentencing for July 16, 2018 at 11 a.m.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning commended HSI, MTA police, Baltimore County Police Department. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samika N. Boyd and Christopher J. Romano who are prosecuting the case.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joseph P. Kelly announced that Traynell Toney, age 24, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today by the Honorable Laurie Smith Camp having previously pled guilty to robbing two U.S. Bank branches in two Baker’s Supermarkets. Toney was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment, 3 years’ supervised release, and ordered to pay $5,597 in restitution.
On June 2, 2017, Toney went to the U.S. Bank in Baker’s at 5555 North 90th Street, Omaha. He passed a note to the teller demanding money, stating that he would kill her and that he was carrying a gun in his sweatshirt. He was able to leave the bank with $3,170.00. He left the note at the bank.
On June 9, 2017, he passed a similar note to a teller at the U.S. Bank in Baker’s at 13250 West Maple Road. That note also stated he had a gun and threatened to kill a customer if he wasn’t given money. The teller complied and Toney got $2,427.
Law enforcement was able to identify Toney through surveillance at both banks that appeared to be the same person, a Crime Stopper’s tip, and his fingerprints were identified on the note from the June 2 robbery.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Omaha Police Department.
Ocean Springs Man Sentenced to over 13 Years in Federal Prison for Accessing the Internet with Intent to View Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Steven Dedual, Jr., 45, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 159 months in federal prison followed by 10 years of supervised release for accessing the internet with intent to view child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Thomas Annello, Acting Special Agent in Charge of U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans. Judge Ozerden also ordered Dedual to pay a $5,000 fine; restitution to three victims in the amount of $5,000 each, for a total of $15,000; and a $5,000 special assessment under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.
From November 2015 through May 2016, Dedual, through his use of computers in Gulfport and Ocean Springs, Mississippi, accessed the internet as a user of a file-sharing network with the intent to view visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, to include visual depictions of a minor who had not attained 12 years of age.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.
North Carolina Woman Charged with Alien SmugglingRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office and the Swanton Sector of the United States Border Patrol announce that Carmen Melari Ferrufino Perdomo, 28, a naturalized U.S. citizen who lives in North Carolina, appeared today in United States District Court in Burlington on a charge that she transported six illegal aliens within the United States. U.S. District Judge Christina Reiss released the defendant on conditions pending her next court hearing in early April.
According to the criminal complaint that was filed today, on the early morning of March 18, 2018, Border Patrol officers noticed six people walking into the United States from Canada on Rainville Road, in Highgate, Vermont. Shortly after a white SUV was observed travelling towards the border along Rainville Road, Border Patrol officers saw a white Ford SUV travelling south, away from the border, along Rainville Road. Border Patrol stopped the white SUV, which was driven by the defendant. Border Patrol identified six undocumented persons from Mexico in the car as well. The defendant had flown to Burlington, Vermont on March 17, 2018, and rented the white Ford claiming that it would be returned on March 18, 2018 in New York. The Mexican citizens admitted entering the United States that night.
The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charge in the complaint is merely an accusation, and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until she is proven guilty.
If convicted, Ferrufino Perdomo faces up to five years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. The actual sentence would be determined with reference to federal sentencing guidelines.
The Swanton Sector Border Patrol is responsible for securing the land border between ports of entry in Vermont as well as New Hampshire and northeastern New York. The assistance of citizens is invaluable in helping the U.S. Border Patrol accomplish their border security mission and they welcome community members to help them keep our nation’s borders safe by reporting suspicious activity at 1-800-689-3362.
For more on CBP’s mission at our nation’s ports of entry with CBP officers and along U.S. borders with Border Patrol agents, please visit the Border Security section of the CBP website.
Ferrufino Perdomo was represented at today’s hearing by Federal Public Defender Steven Barth. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Van de Graaf.
New Orleans Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Violating the Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
DORIAN GIVENS, age 30, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced today by the Honorable Susie Morgan for violating the Federal Gun Control Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane Evans.
According to the court records, GIVENS on two separate occasions possessed a firearm after being convicted of distributing crack cocaine in a prior federal case. In June 2016, police found GIVENS in possession of a gun in the driver’s side door panel of the vehicle he was in when he was shot several times. In January 2017, police found a gun in a hotel room where GIVENS had been arrested. GIVENS admitted on a recorded jail call to being in possession of that gun.
Judge Morgan sentenced GIVENS to a term of imprisonment in the Bureau of Prisons of 30 months on each count, to run concurrently, as well as three years of supervised release following the term of imprisonment.
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.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Special Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the New Orleans Police Department, and the Jefferson Parish Sherriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller.
New Haven Heroin Dealer Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on March 16, 2018, LUIS RIVERA, JR., also known as “Pop” and “Gordo,” 43, of New Haven, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford 60 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 3, 2016, an individual working with law enforcement purchased heroin from RIVERA in New Haven. The next day, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of RIVERA’s residence and car and seized heroin packaged for street sale, a digital scale and other items used to process and package narcotics for distribution.
RIVERA has been detained since his arrest on March 4, 2016. On October 13, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.
RIVERA’s criminal history includes several prior convictions, including felony convictions for sale of narcotics, robbery in the first degree, possession of narcotics, larceny in the third degree, assault on law enforcement personnel, and possession of a firearm.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah P. Karwan.
Middletown Cocaine and Crack Dealer Sentenced to 10 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that COLLYER GOODMAN, a/k/a “West,” was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in supplying at least 14 other drug dealers with cocaine and crack cocaine in Middletown, New York. GOODMAN was convicted after a jury trial in October of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine. Numerous other members of the conspiracy, including Juan Beniquez, a/k/a “Johnny,” have already been sentenced. Beniquez was sentenced to 9 years in prison. U.S. District Court Judge Cathy Seibel imposed the sentences. Several other members of the conspiracy, including Oscar Boria Jr., and Damon Wheeler, are expected to be sentenced this spring.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Collyer Goodman has persistently sold crack and cocaine in Middletown and elsewhere at great risk to the community. Today’s sentence shows that drug dealers will neither profit from nor get away with their crimes.”
According to the Indictment, other filings in White Plains federal court, evidence at trial, and statements made in court proceedings:
Collyer Goodman supplied packages of redistribution quantities of cocaine to co-conspirators Oscar Boria Jr., Damon Wheeler, and Juan Beniquez, among others. All of those individuals were drug dealers with their own customers who repackaged the cocaine, in some cases cooked it into crack cocaine, and resold it to mid-level and street-level dealers and to drug users. Goodman sometimes also sold crack cocaine directly to his customers.
Over the period from 2015 through August 2016, Goodman distributed in excess of five kilograms of cocaine and 28 grams of crack cocaine.
* * *
In addition to the prison sentence, GOODMAN was sentenced to five years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit $226,260.
Mr. Berman praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force and the Middletown Police Department.
This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Anden Chow and Allison Nichols are in charge of the prosecution.
Miami County Man Charged with Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
DAYTON – A federal grand jury has charged Shawn Bradley, 36, of West Milton, Ohio with producing child pornography in an indictment unsealed here today.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Steve Francis, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and Miami County Sheriff Dave Duchak announced the charges.
According to the indictment, between May 2015 and February 2018, Bradley coerced a minor into engaging in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography.
Producing child pornography is a federal crime punishable by a range of 15 to 30 years in prison.
Bradley was arrested on February 28.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by HSI and the Miami County Sheriff’s Office, as well as Assistant United States Attorney SaMee Harden, who is prosecuting the case.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Mexican National Sentenced for Destructive Marijuana Cultivation Operation in Sequoia National Forest in Kern CountyRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Alfredo Cardenas-Suastegui (Cardenas), 57, of Michoacán, Mexico, was sentenced today to five years in prison for conspiring to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana in the Sequoia National Forest, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced. U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill also ordered Cardenas to pay $5,233 in restitution to the U.S. Forest Service for the damage to public land and natural resources.
Cardenas pleaded guilty on October 2, 2017. According to the plea agreement, for four months, Cardenas tended to 3,850 marijuana plants at an area known as the “Box 6” grow site in the Sequoia National Forest in Kern County. Co‑defendants Sair Maldonado-Soto, 22, and Coral Herrera, 21, both of Perris, Riverside County, supplied material, equipment, and personnel to Box 6 and to a grow site in the Lucas Creek drainage with a total of 10,396 marijuana plants for both sites. Maldonado-Soto and Herrera were also responsible for transporting Cardenas and co‑defendant Abel Toledo‑Villa, 35, of Michoacán, Mexico, away from the Box 6 grow site after it was raided. A rifle, ammunition, and processed marijuana were seized from the vehicle occupied by the four defendants as it drove away from the Box 6 grow site.
The marijuana cultivation operations at both sites caused extensive damage to the land and natural resources. Toxic pesticides and fertilizers, miles of plastic irrigation lines, and large amounts of trash were found at both sites. Native trees and vegetation were also removed to make room for the marijuana plants.
Maldonado-Soto was sentenced to three years and four months in prison, Herrera was sentenced to five years of probation, and Toledo-Villa was sentenced to five years in prison.
This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) , Southern Tri-County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) task force, California Department of Justice’s Campaign Against Marijuana Planting (CAMP), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Kern County Sheriff’s Office, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Fontana Police Department, and Victorville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Karen Escobar prosecuted the case.
Mexican Citizen Sentenced to 57 Months for Money Courier Role in Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Eduardo Nunez Serna, age 44, and a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced today to 57 months in prison for conspiring to launder the proceeds of a large cocaine trafficking organization.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith; James J. Hunt, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); James D. Robnett, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of IRS-Criminal Investigation; and Special Agent in Charge Kevin Kelly of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo Field Office.
Between August 2014 and March 30, 2016, a money laundering and drug trafficking organization based in Montreal, Canada, collected cash from selling marijuana in the United States and cocaine in Canada. The cash was delivered to couriers in, among other places, Albany County, Ulster County, and Montreal so that the cash could be delivered, either by a courier or by wire, to cocaine suppliers to purchase cocaine. At least $1 million was sent to Chicago, Los Angeles, Peru, Mexico and Colombia; money was also wired to China. The organization then arranged for the smuggling of cocaine back to Canada, and transported some of the cocaine through northern New York.
Nunez Serna, an illegal alien, acted as a money courier based in Chicago, Illinois, where he lived. Nunez Serna picked up cash sent by the money laundering and drug trafficking organization from the sale of marijuana in northern New York on at least two occasions. He forwarded this money to a cocaine supplier based in Acapulco, Mexico. On October 27, 2015, law enforcement searched Nunez Serna’s residence and found $710,827 in cash as well as a money ledger denoting transactions. Nunez Serna also had cellophane wrapping, duct tape, rubber bands, a heat sealer, money counter, and other packaging items used to count and repackage this cash.
United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also sentenced Nunez Serna to a 3-year term of post-imprisonment supervised release, to begin after he is released from prison and in the event he remains in the country. Nunez Serna was also ordered to forfeit $355,000 in drug proceeds.
As part of the same case, all of the following people have pled guilty to conspiracy to commit international or promotional money laundering. Iraklis Haviaropoulos, Carlos Alberto Ocampo Garcia, and Jose Mauricio Ortiz Bolanos have also pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, before Judge D’Agostino:
Name
Age
Residence
Charges
Sentencing Date
Iraklis Haviaropoulos
41
Montreal, Canada
Cocaine conspiracy > 5 kilograms
International money laundering conspiracy
May 23
Carlos Alberto Ocampo Garcia
56
Cali, Colombia
Cocaine conspiracy > 5 kilograms
International money laundering conspiracy
May 30
Jose Mauricio Ortiz Bolanos
30
Cali, Colombia
Cocaine conspiracy > 5 kilograms
International money laundering conspiracy
May 31
James DeSantis
56
Pompano Beach, Florida
International money laundering conspiracy
May 30
This case is the result of the close cooperative efforts of the DEA, including the Albany District Office and DEA offices in Peru, Mexico, Colombia, Guatemala, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, and Worcester, Massachusetts; IRS-Criminal Investigation and HSI. These federal agencies worked closely with the Sûreté du Québec, the Canada Border Services Agency, the Peruvian National Police, and the Colombian National Police. U.S. Border Patrol, the Malone Police Department, the New York State Police, the Chicago Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police, and the Watervliet Police Department also provided assistance. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth R. Rabe.
Masked Robber Gets 14 Years in Prison for Stealing Prescription Meds from PharmaciesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 171 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, on charges of conspiracy to commit pharmacy robbery, pharmacy robbery, brandishment of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, and possession with the intent to distribute Schedule II controlled substances, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose imposed the sentence on Stephan Edward Corrick, 67, formerly of Harmarville, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, on March 11, 2016, Palmer's Pharmacy located in Russellton, Pennsylvania, was robbed by two individuals armed with firearms and wearing masks. The suspects stole approximately 10,000 dosage units of prescription drugs, including Oxycodone and Fentanyl, with an estimated street value of approximately $235,000. As a result of their comprehensive and extensive investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration and West Deer Police Department developed a general description of at least one suspect.
Then on April 28, 2016, Keystone Pharmacy located in New Alexandria Boro, Pennsylvania, was robbed by two individuals wearing masks. One suspect had a gun and the other had pepper spray. The assailants placed employees on the ground and handcuffed them. Investigators determined that between 15,000 and 20,000 dosage units were stolen. Noting the similarities between both robberies, DEA then coordinated its investigation with that of the Pennsylvania State Police to identify and arrest the individuals in question. Through the investigation, agents identified Corrick as one of the suspects. After locating and interviewing him, agents secured a full confession. Immediately thereafter, the other suspect, was also identified and arrested. Corrick had recently been released from prison after serving time for armed robbery.
Corrick’s co-defendant, Dana Lee Shipley, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was sentenced in January to 216 months imprisonment, followed by six years of supervised release, for his role in the robberies.
Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Brady commended the DEA, the Pennsylvania State Police and the West Deer Township Police Department for conducting the investigation leading to the prosecution of Corrick.
Man Pleads Guilty to Gun Charge, Drug Conspiracy, and Possession with Intent to Distribute HeroinRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that KEVIN SAM, age 43, of New Orleans, pled guilty today to a Superseding Bill of Information charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute heroin, possession with the intent to distribute heroin, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, SAM was the target of a narcotics investigation that was investigated by members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Members of the FBI received information that SAM was selling heroin from his residence, located in the 1300 block of Reyes Street in New Orleans, Louisiana. Agents obtained a search warrant of SAM’s residence and located multiple bags of heroin that were packaged for sale. A pistol was also located inside of the residence. SAM, a convicted felon, is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm. At the time of his arrest, agents, while conducting a pat down of SAM, located additional individually wrapped bags of heroin inside of SAM’s clothing.
Judge Susie Morgan will sentence SAM on June 27, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. SAM faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment for his participation in the drug conspiracy and for possessing heroin with the intent to distribute. For the firearms violation, SAM faces a maximum sentence of 10 years.
In August 2017, SAM was sentenced to serve 10 years for his role in a drug conspiracy in the Eastern District of Texas (Beaumont Division).
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany L. Reed is in charge of the prosecution.
Last of Four Defendants Sentenced to Prison in Multi-State Dog Fighting ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Four defendants were sentenced this month in federal court in Trenton, New Jersey, as a result of their roles in a multi-state dog fighting conspiracy that extended to New Mexico and Indiana. Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey H. Wood of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division and U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito of the District of New Jersey made the announcement.
- Today, Lydell Harris, 32, of Vineland, New Jersey, a/k/a “Sinn,” was sentenced to serve 17 months in prison. He had pleaded guilty to one felony count of conspiracy to sponsor or exhibit a dog in an animal fighting venture, and one felony count of possessing a dog intended for use in an animal fighting venture.
- Anthony “Monte” Gaines, 37, of Vineland, New Jersey, was sentenced on March 5, 2018, to serve 42 months in prison. Gaines had pleaded guilty to two felony counts of conspiracy to buy, sell, receive, transport, deliver, and possess dogs intended for use in an animal fighting venture, and one felony count of possessing a dog intended for use in an animal fighting venture.
- Frank Nichols, 40, of Millville, New Jersey, was sentenced March 9, 2018, to serve 57 months in prison. He had pleaded guilty to one felony count of conspiracy to transport, deliver and receive dogs intended for use in an animal fighting venture, and one felony count of possessing a stolen firearm subsequent to a felony conviction.
- Pedro Cuellar, 47, of Willow Springs, Illinois, was sentenced on March 12, 2018, to serve 12 months and a day in prison. He had pleaded guilty to one felony count of conspiracy to transport, deliver, and receive dogs intended for use in an animal fighting venture.
A fifth co-defendant who has pleaded guilty will be sentenced on April 18, 2018. The court is expected to set a trial date for four additional defendants for some time this summer. Judge Anne E. Thompson sentenced Gaines and Judge Peter G. Sheridan sentenced Harris, Cuellar, and Nichols.
According to court documents filed in connection with the cases, from October 2015 through June 1, 2016, the defendants and their associates fought dogs – including to the death – and trafficked in dogs with other dog fighters in Indiana, Illinois, New Mexico, and elsewhere so that those dogs could be used in dog fights. They also maintained fighting dogs and dog fighting equipment such as dog treadmills, intravenous drug bags and lines, “breeding stands” used to immobilize female dogs, and chains weighing up to several pounds per linear foot. Agents found canine blood on the floor, walls, and ceiling of the basement of one defendant’s residence, indicating that the area was likely used as a dog fighting pit. Among other acts involved in the charges, one of the pleading defendants admitted that his dog died in his car on the way home after losing a dog fight.
“In close partnership with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and USDA Office of Inspector General, our Division is aggressively pursuing those who engage in illegal animal fighting ventures,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Wood. “These sentencings demonstrate our firm commitment to prosecute those who violate federal laws banning the torture of animals in the fighting ring. As these cases also demonstrate, animal fighting ventures often involve other forms of serious criminal conduct like illegal gambling and illegal trafficking in drugs and weapons. I applaud the law enforcement officers and prosecutors who worked tirelessly to deliver justice in these cases.”
“Dog fighting is vicious and cruel. And beyond the needless suffering it inflicts on animals, it exacts a toll on local animal shelters, charitable humane organizations, and the taxpayers of New Jersey,” said U.S. Attorney Carpenito. “We applaud our local and federal partners who investigated this case and brought the offenders to justice. The message from these sentencing is simple: if you fight dogs in New Jersey, you will face prosecution and imprisonment.”
“The provisions of the Animal Welfare Act were designed to protect animals from being used in illegal fighting ventures, which often entail other forms of criminal activity involving drugs, firearms and gambling,” said Special Agent in Charge Bethanne M. Dinkins for U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General. “Together with the Department of Justice, animal fighting is an investigative priority for USDA OIG, and we will work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and assist in the criminal prosecution of those who participate in animal fighting ventures.”
“Homeland Security Investigations is proud to have been involved in this interagency investigation that sends a clear message that New Jersey will prosecute such offenders to the fullest extent of the law,” said Resident Agent in Charge Richard Reinhold for Cherry Hill Homeland Security Investigations. “It also points to the diverse law enforcement work that HSI performs on a daily basis.”
This case is part of Operation Grand Champion, a coordinated effort across numerous federal judicial districts to combat organized dog fighting. The phrase “Grand Champion” is used by dog fighters to refer to a dog with more than five dog fighting “victories.” To date, 98 dogs have been rescued as part of Operation Grand Champion, and either surrendered or forfeited to the government. The Humane Society of the United States assisted with the care of the dogs seized by federal law enforcement. The government is represented by Trial Attorney Ethan Eddy of the Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen O’Leary. The case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.