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28 February 2018
Justice Department Launches Initiative to Fight Sexual Harassment in the WorkplaceRead the Press Release
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division today announced a second initiative to combat sexual harassment; the effort announced today—the Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Initiative (SHWI)—focuses on workplace sexual harassment in the public sector.
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division enforces Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 against state and local government employers. The law prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, and religion. Sexual harassment is among the conduct prohibited by the law because it is a form of sex discrimination.
The Justice Department will also announce its first enforcement action brought under the SHWI. The Justice Department will file a lawsuit against the City of Houston, alleging that the Houston Fire Department (HFD) discriminated against two female firefighters on the basis of sex in violation of Title VII when it allowed them to be subjected to sexual harassment in the workplace.
As part of the Initiative, the Justice Department will continue to bring sex discrimination claims against state and local government employers with a renewed emphasis on sexual harassment charges. The Department will also work to develop effective remedial measures that can be used to hold public sector employers accountable where Title VII violations have been found, including identifying changes to existing employer practices and policies that will result in safe work environments.
Through the Initiative, the Department will also conduct outreach to state and local government employers that centers around five critical areas: (1) creating trusted and safe avenues for employees to report sexual harassment; (2) ensuring management support for anti-discrimination policies and practices; (3) implementing accountability measures to ensure the timely and effective resolution of sexual harassment complaints; (4) adopting comprehensive anti-sexual harassment policies and procedures that include regular, tailored, and interactive training for employees; and (5) providing safeguards against retaliation for persons who report sexual harassment and for employees who support them.
“All Americans are entitled to work with dignity in a place that is free of sexual harassment,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore for the Civil Rights Division, in announcing the Initiative. “Through enforcement actions, effective remedial measures, and outreach, the Justice Department—under Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ leadership—will fight to eliminate sexual harassment among public sector employers.”
The creation of this Initiative reflects the Department of Justice’s commitment to the aggressive enforcement of the nation’s anti-discrimination laws and an expansion of the Civil Rights Division’s efforts to eradicate sexual harassment under the leadership of Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
In October 2017, the Justice Department announced the Civil Rights Division’s first initiative to combat sexual harassment, the Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative. In 2017, the Justice Department recovered more than $1 million in damages for victims of harassment in housing. Many instances of sexual harassment in housing continue to go unreported. The Justice Department’s investigations frequently uncover sexual harassment that has been ongoing for years or decades and identify numerous victims who never reported the conduct to federal authorities.
Additional information about the Civil Rights Division, its enforcement of Title VII and other civil rights laws it enforces is available on its Web sites at http://www.justice.gov/crt/ and http://www.justice.gov/crt/emp.
Justice Department Files Lawsuit Against City of Houston for Sex Discrimination and RetaliationRead the Press Release
The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against the City of Houston, alleging that the Houston Fire Department (HFD) discriminated against two female firefighters on the basis of sex in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Title VII is a federal statute that prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin and religion.
The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of Texas, alleges that Jane Draycott and Paula Keyes were subjected to a hostile work environment based on sex when they were employed as firefighters at HFD’s Station 54. According to the complaint, HFD’s hostile work environment included males urinating on the walls, floors and sinks of the women’s bathroom and dormitory, disconnecting the cold water to scald the women while they were showering, and deactivating the female dormitory’s announcement speakers so the women could not respond to emergency calls. The complaint further alleges that the conduct culminated in death threats and vulgar slurs written on the walls of their work and living spaces at Station 54 and on their personal possessions. This conduct continued despite at least nine complaints made to management, according to the allegations.
The lawsuit further alleges that HFD retaliated against Draycott in response to her complaints by permitting her co-workers to publicly disparage her in an attempt to prevent her from returning to work at Station 54 and that she was forced into early retirement because of her intolerable working conditions.
Other female firefighters who had previously worked at Station 54 allegedly made similar complaints to HFD about sex-based discrimination prior to Draycott and Keyes working there. According to the complaint, HFD did not take meaningful steps to stop the discrimination.
Through this lawsuit, the United States seeks to require HFD to develop and implement policies that would prevent sex discrimination and retaliation. The United States also seeks monetary relief for Draycott and Keyes to compensate them for the damages they sustained as a result of the alleged discrimination.
“Far too often, women are targeted and harassed in the workplace because of their sex,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division. “Employees have the right to work in an environment that is free from sex discrimination and retaliation. The Civil Rights Division—under the newly created Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Initiative—will continue to work vigorously to protect employees from these workplace abuses.”
“No employee should be subjected to a hostile work environment based on their sex,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. “We will aggressively protect employees who are victims of sex discrimination and retaliation and pursue employers who violate the law.”
Draycott and Keyes each filed charges of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC’s Houston Office investigated the charges and made reasonable cause findings. After unsuccessful conciliation efforts, the EEOC referred the charges to the Justice Department.
The Civil Rights Division’s Employment Litigation Section brought the case in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Office for the Southern District of Texas.
This lawsuit is the first of a new initiative announced by the Department of Justice today, the Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Initiative, which is aimed at combatting sexual harassment and sex-based harassment in the public sector workplace. It is the second initiative created under the leadership of Attorney General Jeff Sessions to combat sexual harassment; the first initiative, the Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative, was announced in October 2017 to fight sexual harassment in housing.
More information about Title VII and other federal employment laws is available on the Civil Rights Division’s website at www.justice.gov/crt.
Justice Department Files Lawsuit Against City of Houston for Sex Discrimination and RetaliationRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against the City of Houston alleging the Houston Fire Department (HFD) discriminated against two female firefighters on the basis of sex in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick and Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division. Title VII is a federal statute that prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin and religion.
The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of Texas, alleges that Jane Draycott and Paula Keyes were subjected to a hostile work environment based on sex when they were employed as firefighters at HFD’s Station 54. According to the complaint, HFD’s hostile work environment included males urinating on the walls, floors and sinks of the women’s bathroom and dormitory, disconnecting the cold water to scald the women while they were showering and deactivating the female dormitory’s announcement speakers so the women could not respond to emergency calls. The complaint further alleges the conduct culminated in death threats and vulgar slurs written on the walls of their work and living spaces at Station 54 and on their personal possessions. This conduct continued despite at least nine complaints made to management, according to the allegations.
The lawsuit further alleges that HFD retaliated against Draycott in response to her complaints by permitting her co-workers to publicly disparage her in an attempt to prevent her from returning to work at Station 54 and that she was forced into early retirement because of her intolerable working conditions.
Other female firefighters who had previously worked at Station 54 allegedly made similar complaints to HFD about sex-based discrimination prior to Draycott and Keyes working there. According to the complaint, HFD did not take meaningful steps to stop the discrimination.
Through this lawsuit, the United States seeks to require HFD to develop and implement policies that would prevent sex discrimination and retaliation. The United States also seeks monetary relief for Draycott and Keyes to compensate them for the damages they sustained as a result of the alleged discrimination.
“No employee should be subjected to a hostile work environment based on their sex,” said Patrick. “We will aggressively protect employees who are victims of sex discrimination and retaliation and pursue employers who violate the law.”
“Far too often, women are targeted and harassed in the workplace because of their sex,” said Gore. “Employees have the right to work in an environment that is free from sex discrimination and retaliation. The Civil Rights Division—under the newly created Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Initiative—will continue to work vigorously to protect employees from these workplace abuses.”
Draycott and Keyes each filed charges of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC’s Houston Office investigated the charges and made reasonable cause findings. After unsuccessful conciliation efforts, the EEOC referred the charges to the Justice Department.
The Civil Rights Division’s Employment Litigation Section brought the case in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Office for the Southern District of Texas.
This lawsuit is the first of a new initiative that the Department of Justice announced today - the Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Initiative - which is aimed at combatting sexual harassment and sex-based harassment in the public sector workplace. It is the second initiative created under the leadership of Attorney General Jeff Sessions to combat sexual harassment. The first initiative - the Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative - was announced in October 2017 to fight sexual harassment in housing.
More information about Title VII and other federal employment laws is available on the Civil Rights Division’s website at www.justice.gov/crt.
Jury Convicts Woman of Defrauding Federal Program Intended to Improve Air QualityRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 45-year-old woman has been convicted of charges related to defrauding the Federal Highway Administration Congestion mitigation Air Quality and Surface Transportation Program (FHWA-CMAQ), announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick along with Special Agent in Charge Joseph Zschiesche of the Department of Transportation - Office of Inspector General (DOT-OIG). The jury deliberated for less than two hours following a two-day day trial before convicting Shonda Renee Stubblefield of all the counts in the indictment - theft of public money, mail fraud, wire fraud, money laundering and aggravated identity theft.
The jury found that Stubblefield, the owner of World Corporation Inc. (WCI)., stole $125,659.90 from the Department of Transportation (DOT) CMAQ program funded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
The CMAQ Program provides money to reduce traffic congestion and thereby reduce air pollution in certain areas. The jury heard that Stubblefield stole the money by falsely and fraudulently representing to Houston Galveston Area Counsel (HGAC) that she had hundreds of employees working at WCI who participated in a telework program designed to reduce air-pollution.
The United States proved through documents and 25 witnesses that Stubblefield created a fake business list, fake bank records, fake income and earnings statements and other false WCI business records including employee timesheets, invoices and match documents. The testimony included that of an individual whose identification information Stubblefield stole and used to create a fake $18,100 check that was submitted to the government to further the theft. The evidence and testimony revealed Stubblefield created at least 500 fake and fictitious WCI employee profiles that included fake names, addresses and email accounts.
The defense attempted to convince the jury that Stubblefield was not the person who engaged in the criminal activity, despite the fact that her name was on virtually all WCI business records, at least four witnesses identified her and the money trail lead directly to Stubblefield’s bank account.
“These cases illustrate how agency works tirelessly against individuals who defraud hardworking taxpayers and steal money intended to reduce traffic congestion and improve the air quality in Texas,” said Zschiesche.
U.S. District Judge Alfred Bennett presided over the trial and will sentencing at a later date. At the time of her sentencing, Stubblefield faces up to 10 years in prison for theft of public money, 20 years for mail fraud and wire fraud, 10 years for money laundering as well as a mandatory two years for the identity theft which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed. All counts also carry as possible punishment a $250,000 maximum fine. Previously released on bond, Stubbefield was taken into custody following the guilty verdict where she will remain pending that hearing.
The DOT-OIG conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie Redlinger and Michael Day prosecuted the case.
Jefferson County Woman Sentenced for Drug Trafficking ViolationsRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas - A 29-year-old Beaumont, Texas woman has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown today.
Heather Nichole Lugo pleaded guilty on Oct. 11, 2016, to conspiracy to distribute, manufacture, and possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine and was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone.
According to information presented in court, on Nov. 11, 2015, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Lugo’s residence in Beaumont. During the execution of the warrant, officers discovered crack cocaine, firearms, marijuana and Hydrocodone. Lugo absconded while awaiting sentencing and remained a fugitive until her arrest on Dec. 1, 2017, resulting in an increased sentence.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, aimed at reducing gun and gang violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, ammunition and body armor, and improving the safety of residents in the Eastern District of Texas. Participants in the initiative include community members and organizations as well as federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Beaumont Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall L. Fluke.
Jackson Woman Pleads Guilty to Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Luscious Latrice Neal a/k/a Luscious Neal Harris, 43, of Jackson, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to her role in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Thomas M. Annello, Acting Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.
On September 24, 2015, Neal received a quantity of cocaine for distribution from a co-conspirator and subsequently delivered the cocaine to another co-conspirator on September 25, 2015. The case is the result of an extensive investigation, dubbed "Operation Pipeline," which began as an operation targeting illegal narcotics distribution in central Mississippi that involved the distribution of cocaine and marijuana. The distribution network encompasses the States of California, Texas and Mississippi.
Neal will be sentenced by Judge Wingate on May 29, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. and faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine.
The case was a joint investigation by U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Mississippi Highway Patrol, the Jackson Police Department, and the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Chalk.
Iowa Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Meth-Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
An Iowa man has been sentenced to federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy.
Dwight Chris Jorgensen, age 49, of Grafton, Iowa, received his prison term after an August 28, 2017, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
According to information disclosed at the sentencing and change of plea hearing, Jorgensen was receiving quarter pound, half pounds and pound amounts of methamphetamine and re-distributing it to others. In February 2017, during a search of Jorgensen’s residence, shop, and Jeep Cherokee, law enforcement seized a large amount of methamphetamine, a Taurus 9 mm handgun and $2,743.00. During his involved in the conspiracy Jorgensen distributed more than 1500 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine.
Jorgensen was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade. Jorgensen was sentenced to 168 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed. He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Jorgensen 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 Jack Lammers and investigated by the Division of Narcotics Enforcement; Franklin County Sheriff’s Office; Worth County Sheriff’s Office; Iowa State Patrol; Mower County Minnesota Sheriff’s Office; Austin Minnesota Police Department and Division of Intelligence.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-3027. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Illegal Alien Sentenced on Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Leonel Chavez Vargas, 29, an illegal alien from Mexico living in Neeville, Texas, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 70 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and unlawful possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Stephen G. Azzam. Vargas was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
On June 5, 2017, a Harrison County Sheriff’s Deputy stopped a vehicle driven by Vargas for a traffic violation. After the stop, Vargas consented to a search of his vehicle. The deputy noticed a panel inside the vehicle had been tampered with, and upon further inspection, he located 4,212 grams of cocaine. Vargas admitted to law enforcement that he was supposed to be paid $5,000 for transporting the cocaine.
On November 21, 2017, Vargas pled guilty to possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a detectable amount of cocaine hydrochloride in Harrison County, Mississippi, and being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm in the Southern District of Texas.
The firearm charge stemmed from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi agreeing to prosecute that charge on behalf of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas involving Vargas. Years ago, ATF agents in Houston, Texas, had begun an investigation into narcotics being sold from Vargas’ apartment. On August 30, 2011, agents went to the apartment and met with Vargas. He consented to a search of the apartment, and agents located drugs, firearms, and money throughout. Specifically, agents located a Taurus .40 caliber pistol under a mattress in Vargas’ bedroom. Vargas admitted that he was from Mexico and was unlawfully in the United States.
These cases was investigated by DEA, ATF, and Harrison County Sheriff’s Department, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.Huntington man pleads guilty for role in pain pill conspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man pled guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Joseph W. Melbar, 54, entered his guilty plea to aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute oxycodone. U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the West Virginia State Police.
“Getting pain pills off the streets of Huntington and holding drug criminals accountable is a top priority for me and my office,” said U.S. Attorney Stuart. “We are going to continue working with law enforcement to make sure that those who prey on the citizens of Huntington face serious hard time behind bars.”
Melbar admitted that on September 15, 2017, he arranged a drug deal for oxycodone pills with a confidential informant working with the DEA. The drug deal was scheduled to take place at Melbar’s residence on Collis Avenue in Huntington, where the informant met with Melbar, codefendant Curtis Holcomb, and another codefendant, to complete the transaction. After discussing the terms of the deal – 500 oxycodone pills in exchange for $20,000 cash, the codefendants left Melbar’s residence to acquire the pills. After Melbar’s codefendants picked up the pills, a trooper with the West Virginia State Police conducted a traffic stop on their vehicle on Artisan Avenue in Huntington. During the stop, the trooper seized 454 thirty mg oxycodone pills that Holcomb had concealed in his sock.
Melbar faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 29, 2018. Holcomb previously pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute oxycodone and faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 7, 2018.
Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is responsible for the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Hardin County Man Sentenced for Child Pornography ViolationsRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas — A 45-year-old Kountze, Texas man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for child exploitation violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown today.
John Edward Burns pleaded guilty on Aug. 16, 2017 to enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone.
According to information presented in court, on July 17, 2017, Burns began a conversation through social media and a mobile messaging application with a person he believed to be a 15-year-old female, but was actually an undercover investigator. During the course of the conversation, Burns attempted to persuade the child to send him nude photos of herself. Burns further made plans to meet the child and take her to a Tyler, Texas motel and engage in sexual intercourse. Burns was arrested on July 19, 2017 at a Beaumont park when he arrived to meet the person he believed to be a minor female.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the HSI-ICE, the Beaumont Police Department and the Texas Attorney General and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher T. Tortorice.
Hamden Man Who Distributed Oxycodone Involved in Weston Overdose is SentencedRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RYAN LOONEY, 21, of Hamden was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to three years of probation, the first six months of which LOONEY must spend in home confinement, for distributing oxycodone involved in an overdose in 2016.
This matter stems from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 3, 2016, a 22-year-old male purchased 30 oxycodone pills from Tahir Farid, of Hamden, in exchange for $900. On January 5, 2016, after consuming some of those pills, as well as other substances, the victim was found unresponsive at a friend’s residence in Weston. He remains in a coma with no brain activity and, according to medical personnel, is in a “persistent vegetative state.”
The investigation revealed that, prior to the victim’s overdose, Wayne Bradbury, of Hamden, supplied oxycodone pills and marijuana to LOONEY, who sold the oxycodone pills to Farid, who then distributed a portion of them to the 22-year-old victim.
On May 2, 2016, LOONEY pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, oxycodone. Farid pleaded guilty to the same charge on April 26, 2016. On July 18, 2017, Bradbury pleaded guilty to one count of distributing oxycodone and marijuana to an individual under 21 years of age, and one count of money laundering.
On November 30, 2016, Farid was sentenced to six months of imprisonment. On February 5, 2018, Bradbury was sentenced to 18 months of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, U.S. Marshals Service, Weston Police Department and Monroe Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Clark.
Gulfport Man Sentenced to 74 Months in Federal Prison for Prescription Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Marcus Deshawn Price, 28, of Gulfport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Sul Ozerden, Jr. to 74 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Stephen G. Azzam. Price was also ordered to pay a $3,000 fine.
On October 17, 2017, Price pled guilty to conspiring with others to distribute several controlled substances, including but not limited to oxycodone, hydrocodone, and amphetamine. From 2014 to August, 2017, several employees of Gulf Oaks Clinic took prescription pads from the clinic and forged numerous prescriptions for individuals from Hattiesburg to the Gulf Coast. Those individuals were not patients and the individuals who wrote the prescriptions were not valid prescribers.
Price picked up several fraudulent prescriptions associated with the conspiracy. He provided the pharmacies with his Mississippi driver’s license and signed the pharmacy signature logs. Price also had other individuals pick up prescriptions for him and he used other individuals’ personal information to obtain fraudulent prescriptions. After getting the pills, Price would split the pills with other individuals.
The DEA’s Diversion Group investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.
Gulfport Man Sentenced to 103 Months in Federal Prison for Prescription Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Tyrone Leonard Thomas, Jr., 37, of Gulfport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 103 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute a controlled substance, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Stephen G. Azzam. Thomas was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
On October 18, 2017, Thomas pled guilty to conspiring with others to distribute several controlled substances, including but not limited to oxycodone, hydrocodone, and amphetamine. Thomas was involved in a conspiracy ring that started in 2014 and ended in June, 2017. He and two other coworkers of Gulf Oaks Mental Health Center in Biloxi, Mississippi, conspired to take prescription pads from the facility and write fraudulent prescriptions for numerous individuals in the community. Thomas helped recruit people to come to the clinic and get fraudulent prescriptions in their name. He admitted that people paid for the fraudulent prescriptions. Thomas also had at least two fraudulent prescriptions written in his own name.
The Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.
Gregg County Man Sentenced for Three East Texas Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A 48-year-old Kilgore, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for bank robberies in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown today.
Hector Camargo pleaded guilty on Sep. 27, 2017 to bank robbery and use of a firearm during a violent crime and was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Ron Clark on Feb. 27, 2018.
According to information presented in court, Camargo robbed three Gregg County banks over a five-month span between November 2016 and April 2017. On Nov. 14, 2016, Camargo robbed the Citizens National Bank in Longview, Texas, using a threat note that referenced a weapon, and stealing $5,574 from a teller. On Dec. 16, 2016, Camargo robbed the Citizens National Bank in Kilgore, Texas, brandishing a handgun, and stealing $4,218 from a teller. On Apr. 21, 2017, Camargo robbed the First National Bank of Hughes Springs in Kilgore, Texas, brandishing a handgun, and stealing $7,802 from a teller. Camargo was arrested on Apr. 21, 2017, the same day as the third robbery, after a citizen spotted his truck driving through town. The citizen had heard a description of the truck on a ‘be on the lookout’ that was broadcast over the police band radio.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Longview Police Department, and the Kilgore Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Locker.
Grand Rapids Man Pleads Guilty to Credit Card Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge announced that Kahwahnas Nucumbhi Potts, age 38, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, pled guilty to charges of aggravated identity theft and credit card fraud in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids today. Potts remains in federal custody.
According to the plea agreement, in December 2015, Potts stole a credit card after breaking into the home of a couple on the southeast side of Grand Rapids. Potts used the social security account number and date of birth of the homeowner when calling the credit card company to activate the card. Defendant used that credit card without authorization to withdraw over $16,000.00 at automated teller machines in December 2015 and January 2016. Defendant disguised himself with a mask, a stolen license plate on his vehicle, and gloves, when making the ATM withdrawals.
Potts stole mail from the mailboxes of West Michigan residents between March 2015 and April 2016. He used the names, dates of birth and social security account numbers of these victims when completing credit card applications over the internet. In an effort to avoid detection, he accessed the wireless internet service of an area business to apply for the credit cards using his cellular phone and directed the credit card companies to mail the credit cards to a fictitious address.
"Identity theft crime often causes serious and permanent damage to the credit history and financial lives of its victims," said U.S. Attorney Birge. "My office will continue to vigorously prosecute and convict those who commit identity theft, especially those who violate the privacy and integrity of the United States mail in order to carry out their identity theft schemes."
The sentencing hearing for Potts will occur in federal court in Grand Rapids, Michigan, at a date to be set by the court approximately 3 to 4 months from now. At that time, Potts will face a maximum penalty of up to 10 years’ imprisonment for his credit card fraud and a mandatory minimum penalty of 2 years’ imprisonment, consecutive to any other sentence that the court may impose, for each of his aggravated identity theft convictions. Potts will also be ordered to pay restitution to his victims.
The Grand Rapids Office of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, in conjunction with the Grand Rapids Police Department Metropolitan Fraud and Identity Theft Team, is handling the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald M. Stella is prosecuting the case.
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Four Indicted in Heroin and Gun Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal grand jury has charged four Franklin County men in a 13-count indictment alleging that they conspired to distribute heroin and sell guns illegally.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Trevor Velinor, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Columbus Police Chief Kim Jacobs announced the charges.
The indictment charges three men who live on the west side of Columbus, Christopher L. McElroy, 19, Lamarco T. Brown, 18, Nathan G. Nixon, aka “Fat Boy,” 20 and a Grove City man, Robert A. Petty, 31, with conspiracy to unlawfully sell firearms, which is punishable by a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The indictment charges three of the defendants, McElroy, Brown and Nixon, with conspiracy to distribute heroin, a crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
The indictment accuses them of other crimes, including illegal distribution of heroin, possession with intent to distribute heroin, unlawful sales of firearms and unlawful possession of firearms.
McElroy was arrested on February 12 and is in the custody of the U.S. Marshals. The other defendants are at large.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the ATF and Columbus Police, and Assistant United States Attorney David J. Bosley, who is prosecuting the case.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Four Florence County Residents Plead Guilty in Federal Court to Manufacturing and Passing Counterfeit MoneyRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Shadrick Jarmarcus Jett, age 26, Joel Ray Cain, Jr., age 25, Gary Jerome Smart, age 26, all of Florence, SC, and Christopher Jamall Moody, age 27, of Effingham, SC, pled guilty in federal court in Florence, South Carolina. Jett, Cain, and Smart pled guilty to conspiracy to manufacture and pass counterfeit money, and Moody pled guilty to conspiracy to pass counterfeit money, all in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. United States District Judge Bryan Harwell, of Florence, accepted the pleas and will impose sentences after he has reviewed the presentence reports which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
The evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that these four defendants were involved in a conspiracy to manufacture and pass counterfeit $100 and $50 bills in multiple states including South Carolina and North Carolina. This conspiracy, which began in 2015, included at least nine codefendants who were responsible for making and passing over $100,000 in counterfeit money.
Jett, Cain and Smart were involved in manufacturing counterfeit at multiple locations, including residences in Florence, SC. In fact, during a search of Cain’s Florence residence agents seized an Epson printer and a genuine $100 “parent note”, both of which belonged to Cain and were used to print counterfeit $100 bills. Jett was also found in possession of a genuine $100 “parent note” used to print counterfeit $100 bills when his car was stopped and searched by the Florence County Sheriff’s Office after a short chase. During the search of Jett’s car, deputies found the genuine parent note along with eleven completed counterfeit $100 bills and over 450 uncut partial images of counterfeit $100 bills all bearing the same serial number as the recovered parent note. Secret Service determined that 230 counterfeit $100 bills bearing this same serial number were passed beginning in June of 2017.
All four defendants also passed counterfeit $100 bills at various locations in South Carolina and North Carolina during 2016 and 2017. Cain passed a counterfeit $100 bill at a business in Easley, South Carolina. He also passed counterfeit $100 bills at businesses in Greensboro and Lenoir, North Carolina. Smart passed counterfeit $100 bills at businesses in Greenville and Spartanburg, South Carolina. Jett passed a counterfeit $100 bill in Concord, North Carolina. In March of 2017, Christopher Moody presented a counterfeit $100 bill to an employee of a business in Troy, North Carolina, after which he was arrested and found in possession of additional counterfeit $100 bills bearing serial numbers matching those of counterfeit bills passed by other codefendants in this case.
Ms. Drake stated the maximum penalty these four defendants can receive is imprisonment for 5 years and a fine of $250,000.00.
The case was investigated by agents of United States Secret Service with the assistance of the Florence County Sheriff’s Office and the Florence Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office is prosecuting the case.
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Fort Dodge Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
A woman who possessed methamphetamine was sentenced February 27, 2018, to over 17 years in federal prison.
Lara Pineda, age 33, of Fort Dodge, Iowa, received her prison term after a March 24, 2017, guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
At the guilty plea, Pineda admitted she possessed methamphetamine with the intent to distribute some or all of the methamphetamine to another person. On September 3, 2016, during a search of her vehicle Pineda was found in possession of approximately one pound of actual (pure) methamphetamine. After the plea hearing Pineda fled to Mexico and was arrested and transported back to the United States.
Pineda was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade. Pineda was sentenced to 210 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed. She must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Lara 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 Jack Lammers and investigated by the North Central Iowa Narcotics Task Force and the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 16-3047.
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Former Utah CEO Sentenced to Prison for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
A former CEO of a Salt Lake City, Utah, company was sentenced today to 12 months and 1 day in prison for tax evasion, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney John W. Huber for the District of Utah.
Peter Nordberg, 62, of Alameda, California, pleaded guilty in September 2017 to tax evasion. According to court documents, Nordberg was the Chief Executive Officer of Max International, a company that produces and markets nutritional supplements directly and through independent associates and distributors. As an employee of Max International, Nordberg earned a salary and commissions equal to a percentage of sales. Nordberg caused Max International to pay his bonus income to a nominee entity he established, and used a bank account in the name of the nominee entity to pay personal expenses. Nordberg concealed the bonus income and nominee entity from his return preparer and filed false tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that underreported his income. Nordberg’s conduct caused a tax loss of approximately $275,000.
In addition to the term of prison imposed, U.S. District Court Judge Dee Benson ordered Nordberg to serve 1 year of supervised release and to pay $354,770 in restitution to the United States Treasury.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Huber thanked special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Tax Division Trial Attorney Matthew Hoffman and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ruth Hackford-Peer, who prosecuted the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Former Norwood Man Sentenced for Coercing a Minor for Sex While on Home MonitoringRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Cody Lee Jackson, 22, formerly of Norwood, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 165 months in prison for coercion and enticement of a minor.
Jackson lured a minor to his apartment to have sex with Jackson while he was on home monitoring after pleading guilty to a crime in Hamilton County Common Pleas court.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Angela L. Byers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters, Blue Ash Police Chief Scott Noel and Norwood Police Chief William Kramer announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Michael Barrett.
According to court documents, Jackson was under local supervision in Hamilton County in February 2015. While under supervision, he met the minor victim through social media and eventually persuaded her to come to his apartment.
Jackson would send a taxi to transport the victim, who was 14 years old at the time, to his apartment. He would engage in sexual activity on each visit, and took videos and photographs of the conduct.
Shortly after meeting the victim, he began to change her passwords to her social media accounts and give her instructions on what she could and could not do. If she broke his rules, he would verbally and physically abuse her.
Eventually, the minor became pregnant by Jackson.
In July 2015, Jackson left Ohio but began to contact the victim again on social media. He told the victim to send him sexually explicit pictures and threatened her family if she failed to comply.
Jackson was arrested in Utah in October 2015 after a federal complaint was filed in Cincinnati. He has been in custody since his arrest.
Following his arrest on federal charges, Jackson contacted the victim using other inmate’s calling numbers and threatened to take away the victim’s child and sue her. He also threatened to take the victim’s father’s home and car.
Jackson pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor in May 2017. As a part of that plea, parties agreed that Jackson’s federal prison sentence would run concurrent with sentences imposed in the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas.
He was also sentenced to a lifetime of supervised release.
“Jackson has used young girls for his own purposes, punishing his victims if they don’t do as he instructs,” U.S. Attorney Glassman said. “This illicit sexual conduct, paired with a seemingly complete disregard for the law, calls for the sentence he received today.”
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation by the FBI and Blue Ash Police Department, Norwood Police Department and coordination with the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office, as well as Assistant United States Attorney Christy L. Muncy, who is representing the United States in this case.
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Former Glendive Resident Sentenced to over Two Years for Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
BILLINGS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Frank Banks was sentenced to 30 months in prison, two years of supervised release, and a $200 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided over the hearing.
Banks previously entered a plea of guilty to a two-count indictment charging him being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. On November 23, 2015, law enforcement was notified that Banks was standing outside the Manor Apartments in Glendive and he was holding a gun. During a December 2015 search of Banks’ apartment law enforcement found a Hi-Point, model C9, 9mm Luger semi-automatic pistol in his bedroom. Officers also found a box of 9mm ammunition inside the apartment and six rounds of ammunition in Banks’ pocket. Banks is prohibited from possessing a firearm from a previous felony conviction from the state of Washington.
In a sentencing memorandum filed in federal court, federal prosecutors noted, “Banks has been involved in the criminal justice system since the age of 18; he is now 59 years old. Banks has a lengthy criminal history, with a number of violent offenses.” In arguing for a sentence to promote a respect for the law and provide adequate deterrence, it continued, “The government has a strong interest in protecting the public and restricting improper access to firearms.” In a letter filed with the district court, Banks acknowledged that he “became guilty of these charges weeks before that incident” and that he was guilty as soon the gun was “brought into our home.”
The Banks case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in conjunction with Glendive Police Department and other federal, state, and local agencies.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime. Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
Final Defendant Sentenced to 48 Months for Smuggling Contraband into Lexington Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Keith A. Griffith, 35, a federal inmate, was sentenced today to four years in prison by United States Chief District Court Judge Karen K. Caldwell, for bribing a corrections officer at the Federal Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky (“FMC Lexington”), a federal correctional facility, to smuggle prohibited items into the prison. This sentence is to be added to the term of imprisonment Griffith was already serving for narcotics related offenses.
Griffith previously admitted that he conspired with a federal corrections officer, James Carrington, Stephanie Dukes, and inmate Amai Rawls, to introduce prohibited objects into FMC Lexington, including mp3 players, tobacco, cell phones, weight supplements, and synthetic marijuana. Dukes, at the direction of Griffith, would purchase the contraband and deliver the items to Carrington, along with a payment for Carrington’s services. Carrington would then distribute the contraband to Griffith within the prison, for Griffith’s personal use and for distribution to other inmates. Carrington was considered a public official under the law.
James Carrington of Winchester, Kentucky, pleaded guilty to bribery of a public official, and was sentenced to 24 months in prison. Stephanie Dukes of Louisville, Kentucky, also pleaded guilty to bribing a public official and received a sentence of 18 months’ incarceration for her role in the scheme. Finally, federal inmate Amai Rawls pleaded guilty to conspiracy to introduce tobacco and cell phones into a federal correctional facility, a misdemeanor, for which he received a 5-month term of imprisonment. He will serve this sentence consecutive to the sentence he was already serving for narcotics related offenses.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, John F. Oleskowicz, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Office for the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, and Amy Hess, Special Agent in Charge of the Louisville Field Office for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, jointly made the announcement today after the sentencing.
Federal Jury Convicts Felon of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced that a federal jury unanimously convicted DEARIEUS DUHEART, age 34, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, of possessing with the intent to distribute marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841, following a trial before visiting U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk. The jury acquitted the defendant on two gun-related charges. As a result of his conviction, the defendant faces a term of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, forfeiture of assets, and a fine.
The evidence at trial reflected that law enforcement discovered the defendant, Jornell Keelen, and Derrick Keelen in a residence, sitting at a table, with packaged marijuana and a gun in close proximity. All three have now been convicted based on that discovery, with Jornell Keelen and Derrick Keelen having plead guilty before trial.
U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “Individuals who represent a clear and present danger to the people of this community will be prioritized for federal investigation and prosecution on whatever charges are available and appropriate. Such individuals should be on notice that federal, state, and local authorities are working closely together, and with members of the community and other partners, to identify and neutralize the small number of people who threaten our peace and security. I applaud the tremendous efforts of the ATF, BRPD, and our prosecutors and staff who handled this important matter.”
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Baton Rouge City Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rene Salomon and Cal Leipold.
Federal Gun, Cocaine and Heroin Defendant Sentenced to 15 YearsRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, United States Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced today that Thomas Brooks, 54, of Wilmington, was sentenced to 15 years’ incarceration by Chief U.S. District Judge Leonard P. Stark following convictions for conspiracy to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. This is Brooks’ sixth conviction for drug dealing crimes.
According to documents filed and statements made in open court, Brooks was a main sub distributor in an extensive drug conspiracy, dealing at least one kilogram of cocaine during the fall of 2016. Brooks was recorded making dozens of calls and sending drug-related text messages during the conspiracy investigation.
On November 3, 2016, three men broke into Brooks’ residence. The perpetrators shot another person inside the home. Brooks then used his own firearm to shoot back.. Wilmington Police Department responded to the shooting and discovered a handgun, 123 grams of cocaine and 14 grams of heroin Brooks subsequently fled to Minnesota, where he was later apprehended.
Following today’s sentencing, U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “Guns and drugs are a lethal combination and a scourge on our community, and today’s sentence reflects the danger posed by defendant’s conduct. My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, arrest, and vigorously prosecute those who use guns to promote their drug trade in Delaware.”
“Today’s sentencing is indicative of the success that can be attained when agencies combine resources to remove violent drug distributors off the street,” said FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson. “The citizens of Delaware have the FBI’s commitment that we will work with our local, state and federal partners to attack these dealers and remove violent criminals from their neighborhoods.”
Wilmington Police Chief, Robert J. Tracy stated, "All of our local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies were very instrumental in working with the U.S. Attorney's Office. The sentencing in this case is a result of everyone's great work. The successful conviction is beneficial to all agencies, involved, but it is most beneficial to the City of Wilmington as we continue to make progress towards making the communities in the City of Wilmington safe."
This case is the result of an investigation led by the FBI Delaware Violent Crime Safe Streets Taskforce and assisted by Wilmington Police Department and the Delaware Attorney General’s Office. The FBI Delaware Violent Crime Safe Streets Taskforce is a part of the New Castle County HIDTA, comprised of the Delaware State Police, Delaware Department Probation Parole, New Castle County Police Department, University of Delaware Police Department, and Wilmington Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. de Barrena-Sarobe and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Mackler.
Eight Charged in Drug Conspiracy Operating in Mecklenburg CountyRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – United States Attorney R. Andrew Murray announced today that eight individuals are facing federal drug conspiracy charges for their involvement in a narcotics distribution ring operating in Mecklenburg County. A federal criminal indictment was filed on February 22, 2018, and was unsealed late yesterday in federal court following arrests conducted during an early morning round-up.
“The federal charges announced today are the culmination of a 10-month investigation into a drug conspiracy responsible for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine and heroin in the Western District. The arrests of these individuals are a testament to the high level of cooperation between our federal and local law enforcement counterparts as we work together to achieve our common goal: to disrupt drug networks from operating in this district and to stem the flow of drugs they pour into our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.
“Drug abuse is a growing concern across North Carolina. Drug dealers victimize our communities, strain law enforcement resources, and diminish quality of life for everyone. The FBI will continue to join forces with our state and local law enforcements partners to track down these offenders to end the deadly cycle of drug abuse in our communities,” said John Strong, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina.
“This investigation is a good example of what ATF agents do on a daily basis. It also reflects our commitment to removing drug traffickers and their co-conspirators from our streets. ATF will continue to work collaboratively with our federal, state and local investigative partners to identify and apprehend violent career criminals and keep our communities safe,” said Wayne Dixie, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
“The role of IRS, Criminal Investigation in narcotics investigations is to follow the money, which enabled us to financially disrupt and dismantle this major drug trafficking organization. We were proud to provide this financial expertise as we worked alongside our law enforcement partners to bring these criminals to justice,” said Matthew D. Line, Acting Special Agent in Charge for IRS-CI.
“We will continue to work with our federal partners to identify and arrest anyone who brings these dangerous and highly-addictive drugs into our community,” said Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Kerr Putney. “They are destroying families. We must do everything we can to combat these deadly drugs and the many crimes they bring with them," said Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Kerr Putney.
“We are grateful for the hard work of all the federal agents, local officers and federal prosecutors who participated in this long term drug investigation. Unfortunately, heroin and methamphetamine has impacted virtually every community in the country, including Union County, and we must continue to use all available resources to protect our citizens and bring dealers to justice. Too many families have lost loved ones as a result of this epidemic, so every drug dealer taken off the street is potentially saving someone’s life,” said Union County Sheriff Eddie Cathey.
“I commend the work and efforts of all the individual officers and agents involved in this investigation. This investigation demonstrates the value of professional partnerships across jurisdictional lines and sharing resources to keep our communities safe,” said Gastonia Police Chief Robert C. Helton
According to allegations contained in the criminal indictment and other filed court documents, from 2015 until the present, the defendants operated as a drug conspiracy responsible for trafficking methamphetamine and heroin in Mecklenburg County and surrounding areas. The defendants named in the 33-count indictment are all charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Some of the defendants face additional drug trafficking and money laundering offenses. Those named in the indictment are:
- Emilio Mejia, 28, of Charlotte. (arrested)
- Rodolfo Medina, 47, of Charlotte. (arrested)
- Jose Javier Reyes, 19, of Charlotte. (previously arrested on a complaint)
- Mauco Contreras, 21, of Charlotte. (arrested)
- Kevin Eliezer Velasquez Melendez, 18, of Concord, N.C. (previously arrested on a complaint)
- Alejandro Jose Lopez Ceballos, 20, residence unknown. (arrested)
- Martha Olivia Placencia Beltran, 48, of Charlotte. (arrested)
- Edgar Jesus Magana, 24, of Charlotte. (arrested)
Rodolfo Medina, Jose Reyes, and Kevin Velasquez Melendez are also charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and possession with intent to distribute heroin. Emilio Mejia, Kevin Velasquez Melendez, Mauco Contreras, and Alejandro Ceballos are charged with additional counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Rodolfo Medina and Martha Beltran are also facing charges of international money laundering, stemming from money transfers of drug proceeds wired to Mexico.
A separate criminal indictment was filed charging Brandy Nicole Short, 34, of Gastonia, N.C. with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, bringing the total number of those arrested in connection this investigation to nine.
The penalties associated with the drug charges range from a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of up to life in prison and a monetary fine of up to $10 million. The money laundering charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The charges contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Murray praised the outstanding efforts of special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge John A. Strong; the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Wayne Dixie; the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, Charlotte Field Office (IRS-CI) under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew D. Line; officers of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department under the direction of Chief Kerr Putney; the Gastonia Police Department under the direction of Chief Robert C. Helton; the Monroe Police Department under the direction of Chief J. Bryan Gilliard; and deputies of the Union County Sheriff’s Office under the direction of Sheriff Eddie Cathey. U.S. Attorney Murray also noted the invaluable assistance provided by the North Carolina National Guard Counterdrug Program.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Dillon and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Erik Lindahl of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte are prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
East Hartford Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Heroin Near Hartford High SchoolRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RONALD PEREZ, 30, of East Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin. Judge Thompson also ordered PEREZ to perform 100 hours of community service while on supervised release.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2016, the East Hartford Police Department received information that individuals were packaging and selling heroin from an apartment at 50 Forest Street in Hartford, and that there were guns in the apartment. The apartment is directly across the street from Hartford Public High School. A law enforcement investigation in August and September 2016 confirmed drug activity at the location.
On September 13, 2016, members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department and the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force executed a search warrant at the apartment and encountered PEREZ, Marcus Tyson and Byron Rivera inside. A search of the apartment revealed more than 33,000 bags of heroin, approximately 283 grams of unpackaged heroin, three fentanyl patches, scales and other items used in the processing and packaging of heroin, two handguns and numerous rounds of ammunition. PEREZ, Tyson and Rivera were arrested at that time.
On October 3, 2017, PEREZ pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 100 grams or more of heroin. Tyson and Perez also previously pleaded guilty and were sentenced to 60-month prison terms.
The FBI Task Force includes members of the U.S. Marshals Service, Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
Deloitte & Touche Agrees to Pay $149.5 Million to Settle Claims Arising from Its Audits of Failed Mortgage Lender Taylor, Bean & WhitakerRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that Deloitte & Touche LLP has agreed to pay the United States $149.5 million to resolve potential False Claims Act liability arising from Deloitte’s role as the independent outside auditor of Taylor, Bean & Whitaker Mortgage Corp. (TBW), a failed originator of mortgage loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) in the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
“With taxpayer dollars at stake, auditors must take their obligations seriously when auditing companies that participate in government programs,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad A. Readler for the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “When auditors fail to exercise their professional judgment, and make false statements that allow bad actors to remain in government programs and submit false claims to the government, there will be consequences.”
Under HUD’s Direct Endorsement Lender program, TBW was authorized to originate and underwrite mortgage loans insured by the FHA. When a borrower defaults on an FHA-insured loan underwritten and endorsed by a Direct Endorsement Lender such as TBW, the holder of the loan can submit a claim to the United States to recoup losses resulting from the default. To maintain its status as a Direct Endorsement Lender, a lender is required to submit to HUD annual audit reports on its financial statements and related reports on its internal controls and its compliance with certain HUD requirements.
Deloitte served as TBW’s independent outside auditor, and issued audit reports for TBW’s fiscal years 2002 through 2008. The United States alleged that during that time period TBW had been engaged in a long-running fraudulent scheme involving, among other things, the purported sale of fictitious or double-pledged mortgage loans, and as a result, TBW’s financial statements failed to reflect its severe financial distress. The United States alleged that Deloitte’s audits knowingly deviated from applicable auditing standards and therefore failed to detect TBW’s fraudulent conduct and materially false and misleading financial statements. The United States alleged that Deloitte’s audit failures extended to the specific financial arrangements through which TBW carried out its fraudulent conduct. By failing to detect TBW’s misconduct, Deloitte’s audit reports allegedly enabled TBW to continue originating FHA-insured mortgage loans until TBW collapsed and declared bankruptcy in 2009.
A number of TBW officials were criminally convicted in connection with the conduct at issue.
“HUD relies on auditors to ensure the soundness of participants in HUD programs. When CPA firms and auditors fail to detect fraud, waste or abuse the consequences are significant to federal programs, and, ultimately, to the American taxpayer and must be addressed,” said Helen M. Albert, Acting HUD Inspector General.
The claims settled by this agreement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, HUD and HUD’s Office of Inspector General.
Dallas Man Sentenced for East Texas Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A 52-year-old Dallas man has been sentenced to federal prison for investment fraud in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown today.
Carlton Chadbourne Sayers, also known as Chad Sayers, pleaded guilty on Sep. 18, 2017, to wire fraud and bank fraud and was sentenced to 132 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant on Feb. 27, 2018.
According to information presented in court, beginning in 2009, Sayers devised a real estate investment scheme in which individuals loaned or invested money with him and Wellington and Franklin Financial, a business that he controlled, representing that this money would be used to purchase and/or renovate various residential real properties, to be secured by an interest in the property. Sayers promised a significant rate of return (such as ten percent) to the investors, and frequently secured multiple investments based on a single piece of real property. However, Sayers did not invest the funds as he had represented to investors and did not provide the secured interests in real property as he represented to the investors. On some occasions, when Wellington and Franklin Financial or Sayers did actually own the residential properties, the property had been purchased with a pre-existing loan from a seasoned investor, and was already acting as security to that investor. Sayers was ordered to pay restitution to his victims in the amount of $2,102,617.27.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Gibson.
Crofton Man Pleads Guilty to Coercion and Enticement of A MinorRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Baltimore, Maryland – Piere Ceradoy, age 37, of Crofton, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to coercion and enticement of a minor.
The sentence was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning; and Special Agent in Charge Andre R. Watson of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
According to his plea agreement, between February 2016 and April 2017, Ceradoy repeatedly enticed a minor female to take photographs and stream live videos of herself engaging in sexually explicit conduct and send those images and videos to Ceradoy using a mobile phone and the internet. During the course of the exploitation of the victim, Ceradoy frequently threatened to expose the victim by disseminating the explicit files, and regularly threatened to kill the victim and her family. Ceradoy also sent images and videos of himself engaged in sexually explicit conduct to the victim. The victim was 13 years old.
Ceradoy engaged in this conduct after two convictions in 2014 relating to aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse, and abusive sexual conduct involving a minor. During this time, he was on parole for a sex offense conviction in the state of Washington, and was registered as a sex offender.
Ceradoy and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts the parties’ plea agreement Ceradoy will be sentenced to 25 years in prison and will be placed on supervised release for life. United States District Judge Marvin J. Garbis has scheduled sentencing for May 25, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. Ceradoy remains detained pending sentencing.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "resources" tab on the left of the page.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning praised HSI Baltimore, the Maryland State Police and the Franklinton, North Carolina Police Department, for their work in the investigation. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Budlow who is prosecuting the case.
Convicted Felon Indicted for Drug and Gun Law ViolationsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The four-count indictment, returned on January 16 and unsealed yesterday, named Tohn Robinson, aka "Tizzy," age 36, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, on August 22, 2016 and again on August 23, 2016, Robinson distributed and possessed with intent to distribute fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, resulting in serious bodily injury to the users of the fentanyl. In addition, on August 29, 2016, Robinson possessed with intent to distribute quantities of fentanyl and heroin. Further, the indictment charges that on or about April 3, 2016, Robinson, a convicted felon, was in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
For the drug distribution resulting in serious bodily injury, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 20 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. For the firearms offense, the law provides for a maximum total sentence 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin A. Loughran is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Penn Hills Police Department and the Monroeville Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Cleveland men indicted for robbing Richmond Heights bankRead the Press Release
Two Cleveland men were indicted for robbing a Richmond Heights bank.
Qaid T. Azeem and Zubali Ikangua Bell were each indicted on one count of bank robbery. They used force, violence and intimidation to take approximately $1,935 from a teller at Dollar Bank, located at 5201 Wilson Mills Road in Richmond Heights on Dec. 6, 2017, according to the indictment.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Patton and Ranya Elzein.
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 and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Buffalo Woman Pleads Guilty to Twitter Threats on Behalf of ISISRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Timothy A. Garrison, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Buffalo, Mo., woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to using Twitter to transmit threatening communications against several persons, including two FBI employees and two former members of the military and their families, on behalf of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, also known as ISIS.
Safya Roe Yassin, 40, of Buffalo, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to two counts of transmitting threatening communications across state lines, contained in a July 19, 2016, federal indictment.
By pleading guilty today, Yassin admitted that she maintained a series of Twitter accounts under the pseudonym “Muslimah” that she used to post, or tweet, messages in support of ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization. Yassin also re-posted, or re-tweeted, messages she knew were authored by ISIS operatives residing overseas.
Beginning in May 2015, Yassin communicated over Twitter with a person identified in court documents as “Individual A,” whom she believed was an ISIS operative located outside the United States. They discussed ISIS’s publishing of personally identifying information of U.S. government employees and others, to threaten violence against those persons on behalf of ISIS. From May 2015 through at least October 2015, Yassin and Individual A routinely communicated about promoting new pro-ISIS accounts to like-minded followers before Twitter suspended them.
Yassin knew that Individual A used Twitter accounts, including those that Yassin promoted, to tweet personally identifying information of government employees and others and to threaten those persons on behalf of ISIS. Yassin admitted that, knowing Individual A’s intent to threaten, she re-retweeted the personally identifying information on her Muslimah accounts several times so that the information could be more widely disseminated.
Throughout the month of August 2015, ISIS operatives tweeted additional personally identifying information, which Yassin re-tweeted to her followers, knowing that the intent of the messages was to threaten on behalf of ISIS. Yassin admitted that on Aug. 24, 2015, she re-tweeted one such message that contained the phrase “Wanted to kill,” followed by the first and last name, status as an employee of the FBI, city of residence, zip code, and phone number of Victim 1. In the same communication, she repeated the same “Wanted to kill” phrase, followed by the same personally identifying information for Victim 2. Yassin intended this communication as a threat against Victims 1 and 2.
Yassin also admitted that on Oct. 8, 2015, she re-tweeted a message from Individual A that linked to a publically viewable document containing the name and home address of Victim 3, a U.S. service member, along with photos of Victim 3, his family, and the names of his wife and children. The document further stated, “Once again I leave these details online to cause havoc in his life & for my brothers and Al-Qaeda in the U.S. to eventually hunt him down & kill him.”
The linked document also contained the name and home address of Victim 4, a former U.S. service member who had been the previous target of threats on Twitter by ISIS. Yassin knew that Individual A had previously threatened Victim 4 with violence and called him ISIS’s “number one target.” Yassin admitted that she intended to aid and assist Individual A in threatening Victims 3 and 4.
Under federal statutes, Yassin is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Casey and Abram McGull II. It was investigated by the FBI.
Buffalo Man Sentenced on Cocaine ChargeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Damar Currie, 42, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of cocaine, was sentenced to 54 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patricia Astorga and Timothy C. Lynch, who handled the case, stated that between December 10, 2014, and March 31, 2015, the defendant possessed and distributed cocaine and crack cocaine. On three occasions, Currie sold cocaine in exchange for money. In addition, the defendant utilized 55 Krupp Avenue and 24 Palos Place, both in Buffalo, for the purposes of manufacturing, distributing, and storing cocaine and crack cocaine.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin P. Lyons.
Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl ChargeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Charles Newkirk, 34, of Buffalo NY, pleaded guilty, before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo, to possessing with intent to distribute, and distributing, 10 grams or more of butyryl fentanyl. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Tokash, who is handling the case, stated that between June 25, 2015, and July 28, 2015, the defendant sold large volumes of heroin and butyryl fentanyl in the City of Buffalo. During that period, a confidential source made three undercover purchases of heroin and butyryl fentanyl from Newkirk.
The plea is the culmination of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 7, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Vilardo.
Buffalo Man Indicted on Fentanyl and Cocaine ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Luis Matias, of Buffalo, 27, with possessing with intent to distribute; and distributing, butyryl fentanyl and crack cocaine. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment and a previously filed complaint, in July 2017, law enforcement officers developed information that the defendant was distributing large quantities of butyryl fentanyl in the Buffalo area. During the investigation, a confidential source and undercover officers were used to conduct controlled purchases from Matias.
The defendant was arraigned this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder and is being detained.
The indictment is the culmination of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Edward Kennedy; and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Brooklyn Man Sentenced to Six Years for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Naquan Eley, 33, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge D. Brock Hornby to six years in prison and five years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute heroin and cocaine base, commonly known as “crack.” He pleaded guilty on October 11, 2017.
Court records reveal that between September and December 2014, the defendant conspired with others to distribute more than 28 grams of crack and more than 100 grams of heroin. The drugs were acquired in New York, transported to Maine, and distributed in Androscoggin County. On December 18, 2014, law enforcement agents searched two vacant apartments used by members of this conspiracy and seized crack, heroin and four firearms. Eley is the 27th defendant to be sentenced in connection with this investigation.
The investigation was conducted by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the FBI in conjunction with the Southern Maine Gang Task Force, which is comprised of agents and officers from the FBI; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; and the Portland, South Portland, and Lewiston Police Departments. The investigation was part of the ongoing effort of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Brooklyn Man Arrested for Using a Weapon of Mass DestructionRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, a complaint was unsealed charging Victor Kingsley, a Brooklyn resident, with using a weapon of mass destruction that resulted in the death of a Queens resident in July 2017, and with the unlawful transportation of explosive materials. Kingsley used the explosive device in an apparent effort to target New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers. Kingsley is scheduled to make his initial appearance tomorrow afternoon at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn before United States Magistrate Judge Vera M. Scanlon.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division; William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and James P. O’Neill, Commissioner, NYPD, announced the charges.
“As alleged in the complaint, Kingsley used an improvised explosive device in an attempt to target an NYPD officer, and he killed an innocent civilian in the process,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “This Office and our law enforcement partners will use every tool at our disposal to bring to justice those who endanger the community through acts of senseless violence.” Mr. Donoghue extended his grateful appreciation to the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), which comprises a large number of federal, state and local agencies from the region, the NYPD and the Queen’s County District Attorney’s Office.
“There is no place in civil society for the spreading of fear through intimidation, violence and destruction,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney. “I commend the work of the joint FBI-NYPD investigative team for its determination and complete collaboration in bringing this accused criminal to justice.”
“Kingsley’s cowardly act was meant to target a New York City Police Officer for doing his job and resulted in the tragic death of an unintended victim,” said Police Commissioner O’Neill. “This was a case where the NYPD Detective Bureau, Intelligence Bureau, and FBI/NYPD Joint Terrorist Task Force combined their expertise and unique talents to find a needle in a haystack—the clues that would lead to the identification of a bomber who went to great lengths to remain hidden.”
As alleged in the complaint, Kingsley built the explosive device used in the July 28, 2017 murder as part of his broader effort to retaliate violently against several police officers who were part of an NYPD unit that had arrested him in January 2014. Despite the case against him having eventually been dismissed, Kingsley methodically sought revenge against the officers. He conducted internet searches and made telephone calls to determine the locations of the officers’ residences. He also accumulated explosive device components via online purchases made through Amazon, which he had delivered to his house in Brooklyn. Ultimately, he arranged for the explosive device to be placed outside of the Queens residence where Kingsley mistakenly believed one of his target officers resided. The building owner inadvertently detonated the device when he tried to open it, and he died as a result of his injuries.
Thereafter, Kingsley continued to acquire explosive device parts. According to Amazon purchase records, he placed additional orders for explosive device components as recently as earlier this month.
If convicted, Kingsley could face a maximum sentence of life in prison. The charges in the complaint are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The government’s case is being prosecuted by the office’s National Security & Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorney Margaret Lee is in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Trial Attorney Jacqueline L. Barkett of the Counterterrorism Section of the National Security Division.
The Defendant:
Victor C. Kingsley
Age: 37
Brooklyn, New YorkBridgeport Heroin Trafficker Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ERIC GREEN, 31, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, GREEN was a member of a Bridgeport-based heroin trafficking organization that, between approximately April 2015 and March 2017, received at least 30 kilograms of heroin that had been transported from Mexico, and then distributed the drug in the Bridgeport area. The investigation, which included multiple controlled purchases of heroin from GREEN, revealed that GREEN distributed more than three kilograms of heroin to his own customers.
On March 16, 2017, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging GREEN and six other individuals with heroin trafficking and related offenses. GREEN was arrested on March 24, 2017.
GREEN is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on June 20, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, and Bridgeport Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Vizcarrondo and Alina Reynolds.
Bossier City man sentenced to 12 years in prison for driving while intoxicated at Barksdale Air Force baseRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced today that a Bossier City man was sentenced to 12 years in prison, with two years suspended, for driving drunk and crashing his car into bollards guarding a gate at Barksdale Air Force Base.
Leandrew Smith, 56, of Bossier City, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. on one count of driving while intoxicated-fourth offense. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. On May 20, 2017, Smith drove his vehicle into bollards blocking the West Gate at Barksdale Air Force Base on May 20, 2017. The bollards, which were completely destroyed, caused Smith’s vehicle to go airborne before stopping. Security Forces Airmen rushed to the crash and asked Smith if he needed medical attention, which he declined. Smith’s breath smelled of alcohol, and Smith told Security Forces he had drank a beer. A half-full 40-ounce beer bottle was found on the back floorboard. Smith tried to get out of his car and fell down. Smith was unable to complete field sobriety tests other than the horizontal gaze nystagmus test, which he failed. He also passed out while Security Forces Airmen transported him to Security Forces headquarters where his blood alcohol concentration registered more than three times the legal limit at .295 percent. Smith has three prior convictions for driving while intoxicated in the last 10 years, including two in 2013 in Caddo Parish Court and one in 2015 in Shreveport City Court.
The FBI and the 2nd Security Forces Squadron of Barksdale Air Force Base conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike O’Mara prosecuted the case.
Beaumont Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking ViolationsRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas - A 29-year-old Beaumont, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown today.
Gerardo Federico Rodriguez pleaded guilty on July 10, 2017, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone.
According to information presented in court, on Jan. 27, 2017, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Rodriguez’s residence on West Lynwood in Beaumont. During the execution of the warrant, officers discovered a loaded semi-automatic handgun on a table in plain view along with a ledger reflecting drug transactions of over $30,000. At another location in the home, officers located a backpack containing another loaded handgun and a bag of methamphetamine. A television in a bedroom displayed a video surveillance feed of the property. Additional firearms, as well as methamphetamine and cocaine were located in the garage. Rodriguez was indicted by a federal grand jury on Mar. 1, 2017 and charged with drug trafficking violations.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, aimed at reducing gun and gang violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, ammunition and body armor, and improving the safety of residents in the Eastern District of Texas. Participants in the initiative include community members and organizations as well as federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Beaumont Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall L. Fluke.
Baldwin County Man Receives 36 Month Sentence for Possession of a Firearm After Felony ConvictionRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney, Richard W. Moore, announces that Bobby Amos, a 39 year old, resident of Foley, Alabama was sentenced to 36 months incarceration followed by three years of supervised release for possessing a firearm after four felony convictions for robberies committed when he was a juvenile.
On May 4, 2017, Foley, Alabama police officers arrested Amos for disorderly conduct and public intoxication. The charges resulted from Amos causing a disturbance at a local church. Amos told officers responding to the church that he wanted the officers to shoot him. Almost simultaneously to this Amos’ common law wife arrived at the church and reported to the police that she witnessed Amos hold a gun to his head earlier that day in their home and that he was suicidal. She said that she managed to get the firearm from him and told the officers she hid the firearm inside the church because he followed her to the church hoping to retrieve the firearm. The firearm was retrieved by responding officers. The firearm was a Bersa, .380 caliber pistol. On November 7, 2017, Amos pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
The Foley Police Department along with local task force officers assigned to the FBI’s Violent Crime Unit investigated the case and presented it to the United States Attorney’s Office for prosecution. The prosecutor assigned to the case was Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.
Auburn Man Charged with Illegal Firearm Possession and Marijuana TraffickingRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Brian J. Bilodeau, 33, of Auburn, Maine, was arrested yesterday and charged today by criminal complaint in U.S. District Court with illegal possession of a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
According to the complaint, the charges arose from an investigation into a drug trafficking organization located in the Lewiston-Auburn area that is alleged to have grown and distributed large quantities of marijuana in violation of federal law, and under the cover of, but in violation of, Maine’s Medical Marijuana program. The organization cultivated marijuana at numerous warehouses in Androscoggin County and distributed marijuana to people who were not participants in Maine’s Medical Marijuana program, including out-of-state customers. This organization also grew marijuana as a precursor for the illegal manufacture of marijuana concentrates known as butane hash oil and “shatter,” a product made from butane hash oil.
Yesterday, federal, state and local law enforcement agents executed over 20 search warrants in the Lewiston-Auburn area associated with the organization. The defendant’s Danville Corner Road residence was searched. Agent seized about 183 pounds of marijuana, butane hash oil, a loaded .380 caliber pistol, a loaded 9mm pistol, an unloaded .45 caliber pistol, and an unloaded .22 caliber rifle. Agents also seized a 2016 Lamborghini Huracan and a black 2014 Nissan GT-R pursuant to seizure warrants on the basis that they were forfeitable as proceeds of drug trafficking, facilitated drug trafficking, or were involved in money laundering offenses.
If convicted, the defendant faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine on the drug charge and between 5 years and life in prison and a $250,000 fine on the firearms charge.
The defendant is expected to make an initial appearance in U.S. District Court today at 4:00 p.m. in Portland.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the FBI; the Maine State Police; and the Lewiston, Auburn, Windham, Biddeford and Scarborough Police Departments.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Ansonia Man Admits Role in Naugatuck Valley Crack Distribution RingRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JACOB FREEMAN, 22, of Ansonia, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
According to court documents and statements made in court, FREEMAN was a member of a drug trafficking organization that trafficked large quantities of crack cocaine throughout the Naugatuck Valley. The investigation revealed that members of the organization shared the same cellphone to service drug customers in shifts. Between May and September 2017, investigators made multiple controlled purchases of crack from FREEMAN and other members of the drug trafficking organization.
Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for May 30, 2018, at which time FREEMAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
FREEMAN has been detained since his arrest on November 15, 2017.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force and the Ansonia and Derby Police Departments. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.
Algiers Woman Sentenced for Theft of Nearly $300,000 in Social Security FundsRead the Press Release
PAMELA THOMPSON (“THOMPSON”), age 63, of Algiers, Louisiana, was sentenced today for Theft of Government Funds, announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court records, THOMPSON had continued to receive her mother’s Social Security Administration (“SSA”) benefits after her mother died in 2008. SSA determined that THOMPSON’s mother’s monthly benefits of $2,973.20 were deposited directly into her bank account. The investigation revealed that THOMPSON had access to her mother’s account and spent $297,325.70 in SSA benefits that were intended for her mother.
U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman sentenced THOMPSON to three years of probation and restitution to the Social Security Administration in the amount of $297,325.70.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Fraud Unit Chief, Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.
Alachua County Man Pleads Guilty to Harboring Undocumented Aliens and Evading Workers' Compensation and Payroll TaxesRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Mac Johnson, 50, of Newberry, Florida, pled guilty yesterday afternoon to tax fraud, wire fraud, structuring financial transactions to evade reporting requirements, and harboring undocumented aliens. The guilty plea was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Johnson, who owns roofing, tree service, and dumpster businesses, devised a scheme to conceal the amount of wages earned by his undocumented alien employees to avoid paying more than $1.7 million in federal income, Medicare, and social security taxes, as well as more than $1 million in Florida worker’s compensation premiums. Johnson concealed the wages from the State of Florida by inaccurately and incompletely identifying all employees, representing that lower wages were paid than the true amounts, and paying by cash or a non-payroll check in amounts of less than $10,000 to avoid reporting requirements.
The investigators discovered that undocumented alien employees on work sites did not speak English or have any personal identification. Their names did not match the names on the insurance policy, and their files contained employment eligibility verification forms that did not match their handwriting. Johnson also provided transportation to the work sites and rented residences he owned to the undocumented workers for which he deducted money from their pay.
The potential penalties are:
- Failure to collect and pay over taxes: a maximum term of 5 years in federal prison;
- Wire fraud: a maximum of 20 years;
- Structuring: a maximum of 10 years; and
- Harboring undocumented aliens: a maximum of 10 years.
The sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 29 at 2:00 p.m. at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville.
This case resulted from an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Insurance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory P. McMahon is prosecuting the case.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Akron man sentenced to 20 years in prison for having methamphetamine and a firearmRead the Press Release
An Akron man was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for having a firearm and methamphetamine.
Robert E. Evans, 40, was previously found guilty of one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Evans had approximately one ounce of pure crystal methamphetamine in his home last year as well as a Colt .45 caliber pistol, despite two prior felony convictions for drug trafficking which prohibited him from possessing firearms, according to court documents.
“A convicted drug trafficker with a firearm and methamphetamine can only end with tragic results for our community,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “This prison sentence again demonstrates that targeted enforcement can make Akron and all of our cities in this district safer for everyone.”
“The targeted and cooperative work by ATF and Akron's Gun Violence Reduction Unit is making our city safer,” Akron Police Chief Kenneth Ball said. “The arrest, conviction and sentencing of Robert Evans is a positive example of this. We must protect our communities from those that deal illicit drugs and illegally carry firearms. We are thankful for a sentence that reflects this priority.”
“ATF’s core mission is reducing violent gun crime in our communities,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Trevor Velinor. “We are committed to working with our partners in the Akron Police Department to follow the gun and remove the most violent criminals from our streets.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron P. Howell following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Akron Police Department’s Gun Violence Reduction Unit.
Akron man previously convicted of attempted murder with a firearm indicted for having two firearmsRead the Press Release
An Akron man previously convicted of attempted murder with a firearms specification was indicted for illegally having a firearm, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.
Gino Hunter, 27, was indicted on two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Hunter knowingly possessed a 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistol on Oct. 27, 2017 and a loaded 5.7mm Masterpiece Arms pistol on Nov. 27, 2017, according to the indictment.
Hunter was convicted in 2011 in the Summit County Court of Common Pleas of attempted murder with a firearms specification, making it illegal for him to possess a firearm, according to the indictment.
This case was investigated the Akron Police Department’s Gun Violence Reduction Team, the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark S. Bennett.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Additional Charges Filed Against Two Philadelphia Men for Heroin Introduction at USP CanaanRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Sable Daniel, age 29, and Russell Whitmore, age 34, both of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, were charged yesterday in a four-count superseding indictment with additional charges that both Daniel and Whitmore conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, stemming from a delivery of heroin to an inmate at United States Penitentiary, Canaan, (USP Canaan).
According to United States Attorney David Freed, Daniel and Whitmore were originally indicted on December 6, 2016, with charges alleging that Daniel delivered heroin to Whitmore during a visit at USP Canaan. Daniel is also charged with distribution of heroin and providing an inmate with a contraband narcotic, and Whitmore is charged with possession of contraband narcotic by an inmate.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and officers at USP Canaan. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sean A. Camoni.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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27 February 2018
Woman Sentenced for Participating in Kidnapping of Two U.S. Citizens in MexicoRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 31-year-old Mexican woman has been ordered to federal prison for her role in conspiring to hold two U.S. nationals hostage in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Ruth Sarahi Lopez-Espinoza, of Nuevo Laredo, pleaded guilty Feb. 15, 2017.
Today, Visiting U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison handed Lopez-Espinoza a total sentence of 153 months in federal prison. At the hearing, two kidnapping victims spoke of the pain and destruction this event inflicted on them and their families. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that this was one of the worst cases he has seen during his time on the bench. Lopez-Espinoza was ordered to pay $25,000 in restitution to the two victims. Not a U.S. citizen, Lopez-Espinoza is expected to face deportation proceedings following the sentence.
On July 16, 2006, four men wearing masks and brandishing pistols kidnapped two U.S. nationals as they were leaving a wedding reception of a co-worker from a Laredo restaurant. The masked captors forced the victims into the victims’ vehicle and to wear hoods. They were taken to an unknown residence in Nuevo Laredo and detained for two days until the ransom demands were met. The captors demanded $20,000 and the victims’ two vehicles.
During their confinement, the captors told the victims there was an employee at the restaurant who was providing them with current information about what actions were being taken to secure their release. The kidnappers also said they knew about the wedding reception and that they were targeted because of their vehicle - a Chrysler 300.
With cooperation from Mexican law enforcement, U.S. authorities eventually identified Christina Rodriguez, an employee at the restaurant where one of the victims worked at the time, and her sister - Lopez-Espinoza - as the persons who provided the captors with information about the wedding date, location, targets and real time information about investigative efforts during the detention of the victims.
Lopez-Espinoza was arrested in Nuevo Laredo on March 12, 2015, and later extradited to the United States June 28, 2016.
She has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Rodriguez, 42, of Laredo, was also convicted and previously sentenced to 168 months in federal prison and also ordered to pay restitution to the victims.
The kidnappers who executed the plot are currently incarcerated in Mexico for a separate but similar scheme.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Christopher S. Coker is prosecuting the case.
Wilson Man Sentenced to 24 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Abuse of A Child Under 12 YearsRead the Press Release
MARQUETTE, MICHIGAN - Patrick Roy Wandahsega, 40, of Wilson, Michigan, was sentenced to 288 months (24 years) imprisonment for engaging in sexual contact with a child under 12 years of age, U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge announced today.
The charge arose from an incident in December 2015, in which Wandahsega sexually abused a six-year-old child at his home on the Hannahville reservation. Hannahville law enforcement became aware of the incident when the victim reported the abuse to relatives and later a physician. After an extensive investigation, a federal grand jury indicted Wandahsega on two counts – the first charging Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child and the second charging, Abusive Sexual Contact Involving Young Children. On October 27, 2017, after a four-day trial, the jury found Wandahsega guilty of the second charge. U.S. District Court Judge Paul L. Maloney rendered the sentence.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney's Office, county and tribal prosecutor's offices, the Internet Crimes Against Children task force (ICAC), federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement are working closely together to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children. The partners in Project Safe Childhood work to educate local communities about the dangers of child exploitation, and to teach children how to protect themselves. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit the following web site: www.projectsafechildhood.gov. Individuals with information or concerns about possible child exploitation should contact local law enforcement officials.
The Hannahville Tribal Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hannah N. Bobee and Paul D. Lochner prosecuted the case.
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