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Thursday 11 January 2018
Baltimore man admits to his role in a heroin distribution operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Baltimore, Maryland man has admitted today to distributing heroin, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Steven Robinson, also known as “H,” age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin.” Robinson admitted to conspiring with others to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin with an illegal street value of more than $300,000 in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties and elsewhere from August 2015 to December 2016.
Robinson faces up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth D. Grant, also with the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office, are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Attorney General Sessions Announces Hezbollah Financing and Narcoterrorism TeamRead the Press Release
Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced the creation of the Hezbollah Financing and Narcoterrorism Team (HFNT), a group of experienced international narcotics trafficking, terrorism, organized crime, and money laundering prosecutors. HFNT prosecutors and investigators are tasked with investigating individuals and networks providing support to Hezbollah, and pursuing prosecutions in any appropriate cases. The HFNT will begin by assessing the evidence in existing investigations, including cases stemming from Project Cassandra, a law enforcement initiative targeting Hezbollah’s drug trafficking and related operations.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division will supervise the HFNT, and will convene a coordination meeting focused on identifying and combatting such support to Hezbollah. The HFNT will coordinate with, among others, investigators from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), including the DEA’s Special Operations Division; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Homeland Security Investigations; Assistant United States Attorneys; and attorneys from the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and National Security Division.
“The Justice Department will leave no stone unturned in order to eliminate threats to our citizens from terrorist organizations and to stem the tide of the devastating drug crisis,” said Attorney General Sessions. “In an effort to protect Americans from both threats, the Justice Department will assemble leading investigators and prosecutors to ensure that all Project Cassandra investigations as well as other related investigations, whether past or present, are given the needed resources and attention to come to their proper resolution. The team will initiate prosecutions that will restrict the flow of money to foreign terrorist organizations as well as disrupt violent international drug trafficking operations.”
“The investigation and prosecution of terrorist organizations that contribute to the growing drug crisis are a priority for this administration,” said Acting Assistant General Cronan. “At the Attorney General’s direction, the HFNT will use all appropriate tools to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who provide financial support to Hezbollah in an effort to eradicate the illicit networks that fuel terrorism and the drug crisis.”
Armed Robber Sentenced to 149 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
Charles E. Peeler, III, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Edward W. Holt, III, was sentenced to 149 months in prison on January 10, 2018, for armed robbery and attempted armed robbery in violation of the Hobbs Act and for brandishing of a firearm during these robberies. Sentencing was by the Honorable Marc T. Treadwell, United States District Judge, in Macon, Georgia.
The evidence showed that in the early morning hours of August 12, 2015, Edward Holt approached the Taco Bell, located at 709 Lake Joy Road in Warner Robins, and attempted to rob the restaurant by pointing a firearm at an employee operating the drive-thru window. He also pointed the firearm at a customer waiting at the drive-thru window. The employee and customer fled the scene before Mr. Holt could rob them. Within four hours, Mr. Holt traveled to the Waffle House, located at 301 N. Ga. 49 in Byron, where he entered the establishment, pointed a gun at one of the employees and demanded money from the cash register. Upon being given the cash register drawer, Mr. Holt fled the scene and ran into the woods. Police officers found Mr. Holt hiding in the woods and arrested him, recovering parts of the register drawer and some money belonging to the Waffle House as well as a Colt Trooper Mark III, .357 caliber revolver, which was used to commit both robberies.
“Mr. Holt’s one night robbery spree disrupted two local businesses and put innocent citizens in fear for their lives, not to mention the threat he posed to the officers who arrested him. He is certainly deserving of the sentence imposed upon him as the result of these actions. Bringing him to justice is the result of cooperation between federal and state law enforcement and prosecuting agencies,” said United States Attorney Peeler.
This case was investigated by Byron Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly S. Easterling prosecuted the case for the Government.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or [email protected].
Acoma Pueblo Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Voluntary Manslaughter and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Darius L. James, 40, an enrolled member of Acoma Pueblo, N.M., pled guilty today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to voluntary manslaughter and firearms charges.
James was arrested on Aug. 24, 2017, on a criminal complaint charging him with killing an Acoma Pueblo man by shooting him three times on the Acoma Pueblo Indian Reservation in Cibola County, N.M. According to the complaint, James encountered the victim hidden in a bedroom closet in James’ residence. As the victim fled the scene, James followed him into a nearby field and fired several shots, killing the victim. At the time, James was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of his status as a convicted felon.
During today’s proceedings, James pled guilty to a felony information charging him with voluntary manslaughter and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. In entering the guilty plea, James admitted that on July 24, 2017, he used a rifle to shoot the victim. James also acknowledged that he was prohibited from possessing firearms because he was a convicted felon, and agreed to forfeit his firearms and ammunition to law enforcement.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the FBI and the Acoma Pueblo Tribal Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case.
56th Defendant Sentenced on Charges Arising out of ATF-Led Operation Targeting Drug Trafficking and Firearms Crime in Bernalillo CountyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – In Aug. 2016, a multi-agency investigation led by the ATF concluded with the filing of 59 federal indictments and a federal criminal complaint charging 103 Bernalillo County residents with federal firearms and narcotics trafficking offenses. To date, 84 of these defendants have been convicted, including 83 who have entered guilty pleas, and 56 of them have been sentenced.
The investigation was undertaken in support of a federal anti-violence initiative that targets “the worst of the worst” offenders for federal prosecution. Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies collaborate with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders for federal prosecution primarily based on their prior criminal convictions with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible.
Today, Mexican national Antonio Perez-Contreras, 30, was sentenced to 108 months in prison for his conviction on drug trafficking and firearms charges. Perez-Contreras will be deported following his prison sentence.
Perez-Contreras and co-defendant Jesus Manuel Garcia, 43, of Albuquerque, were charged by indictment on June 30, 2016, with methamphetamine trafficking, firearms and illegal reentry offenses. The indictment was superseded on July 28, 2016, and again on Jan. 12, 2017. The ten-count second superseding indictment charged Perez-Contreras and Garcia with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine from May 3, 2016 through July 6, 2016, and distributing methamphetamine on May 18, 2016 and July 6, 2016. Perez-Contreras was charged individually with being an alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition and illegal reentry into the United States on May 18, 2016, and distribution of methamphetamine on June 9, 2016. Garcia was charged individually with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition on May 17, 2016, May 18, 2016, June 7, 2016, and July 6, 2016. On Sept. 7, 2017, Perez-Contreras pled guilty to a felony information and admitted that on May 18, 2016, he distributed approximately 415.4 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover law enforcement agent. Perez-Contreras further admitted that he possessed a firearm and ammunition on May 18, 2016, and was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition because he was an alien unlawfully in the United States.
Sixteen of the defendants charged as the result of the ATF investigation have entered not guilty pleas. Charges in indictments are merely accusations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty in a court of law. Two defendants are fugitives and the charges against two defendants have been dismissed.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of ATF and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elaine Y. Ramirez and Raquel Ruiz-Velez.
Wednesday 10 January 2018
Zuni Pueblo Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Misdemeanor Assault ChargeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Malorie Reyannon Lujan (Lujan), 30, an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo who resides in Bosque Farms, N.M., pled guilty today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to an assault charge.
Terrence Lujan, 31, an enrolled member of the Isleta Pueblo who resides in Bosque Farms, was arrested in Aug. 2016, on an indictment charging him with assaulting a woman on July 19, 2015. The indictment was superseded on Dec. 20, 2016, to include Lujan and another assault charge. The two-count superseding indictment charged Lujan and Terrence Lujan with assaulting two women and causing them to sustain serious bodily injuries. According to the superseding indictment, Lujan and Terrence Lujan committed the crimes on July 19, 2015, on the Pueblo of Isleta in Bernalillo County, N.M.
During today’s proceedings, Lujan pled guilty to a misdemeanor information charging her with one count of assault by striking, beating or wounding. In entering the guilty plea, Lujan admitted that on July 19, 2015, she participated in the assault of one of the victims by hitting, kicking and striking the victim, and by aiding and abetting others who assaulted the victim. Lujan admitted committing this crime hile others assaulted the other victim.
At sentencing, Lujan faces a maximum penalty of one year in prison. A sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled.
Terrence Lujan has entered a not guilty plea to the charges in the superseding indictment. Charges in indictments are merely accusations and criminal defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by Southern Pueblos Agency of the BIA’s Office of Justice Services and the Isleta Pueblo Tribal Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Murphy and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucy B. Solimon are prosecuting this case as part of the Tribal Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (Tribal SAUSA) Pilot Project in the District of New Mexico, which is sponsored by the Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women under a grant administered by the Pueblo of Laguna. The Tribal SAUSA Pilot Project seeks to train tribal prosecutors in federal law, procedure and investigative techniques to increase the likelihood that every viable violent offense against Native American women is prosecuted in either federal court or tribal court, or both. The Tribal SAUSA Pilot Project was largely driven by input gathered from annual tribal consultations on violence against women, and is another step in the Justice Department's on-going efforts to increase engagement, coordination and action on public safety in tribal communities.
York Man Indicted on Drug Trafficking and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Alexander Larriuz-Otero, age 20, of York, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that Larriuz-Otero distributed crack cocaine in York on February 8, 2017, and possessed with the intent to distribute crack cocaine in York on June 1, 2017. The indictment also alleges that Larriuz-Otero unlawfully possessed a firearm as a previously convicted felon and possessed the firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the York City Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli.
This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes with firearms.
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 a lifetime term 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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Worcester Man Pleads Guilty to Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Worcester to a federal firearms charge.
Steven Rivera, 24, pleaded guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of ammunition. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman scheduled sentencing for April 12, 2018. Rivera was arrested on June 29, 2017, as part of a coordinated federal and state law enforcement operation that resulted in the arrests of nine individuals who have been charged with firearms-related offenses.
On Feb. 14, 2017, Rivera – who has multiple prior felony convictions, including drug-related offenses – sold two handguns and numerous rounds of ammunition to a cooperating source in Worcester. On Feb. 28, 2017, Rivera sold the cooperating source two more handguns and numerous rounds of ammunition.
The charge of possessing ammunition after being convicted of a felony provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.; and Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Abely of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
Wood County man pleads guilty to federal methamphetamine crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Wood County man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Timothy Waldron, 31, of Mineral Wells, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
On November 20, 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Waldron’s residence on Wills Street in Mineral Wells. Officers seized two rifles, nearly 1,300 grams of methamphetamine, digital scales, sandwich baggies, and approximately $17,000 in cash from a safe found in the residence. The safe also contained Waldron’s birth certificate and Social Security card. Waldron then gave a statement to law enforcement, admitting that he had obtained over 10 pounds of methamphetamine for distribution during the two months prior to the search.
Waldron faces at least 10 years and up to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 10, 2018.
The Parkersburg Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John Frail is responsible for the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
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 illegal drugs, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Whitaker Man Gets 10½ Years in Prison for Distributing Drugs that Resulted in DeathRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Whitaker, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 126 months imprisonment followed by six years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose imposed the sentence yesterday on Justin Thornton, 34, of Whitaker, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, on August 7 and 8, 2015, Thornton distributed and possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of acetylfentanyl and a quantity of fentanyl. Thornton agreed that the drugs he distributed resulted in the death of A. N. Additionally, on August 13, 2015, Thornton possessed with intent to distribute heroin, acetylfentanyl, fentanyl, crack cocaine, and cocaine.
Assistant United States Attorney Katherine A. King prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Allegheny County Police Department, the West Mifflin Police Department, and the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Thornton.
Wheeling man admits to firearm chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Wheeling, West Virginia man has admitted today to a firearm charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Charles Smith Rippy, Jr., age 62, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Rippy, having been convicted of two felonies, admitted to illegally possessing a .22 caliber pistol in Ohio County in April 2017.
Rippy faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives and the Wheeling Police Department investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr., presided.Virginia man admits to a firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Stephens City, Virginia man has admitted today to a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Lawrence Craig Rich, age 34, pled guilty to one count of “False Statement in Connection with the Acquisition of a Firearm.” He admitted to making a false statement when attempting to purchase a rifle in Berkeley County in June 2017.
Rich faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul T. Camilletti is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Upshur County man admits to a firearms chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A Buckhannon, West Virginia man has admitted today to his role in a firearms theft and sale scheme, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Dustin Cain Anderson, age 24, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of a Stolen Firearm – Aiding and Abetting.” He admitted to conspiring with others to receive, possess, barter, sell, conceal and dispose of 21 firearms in Upshur County in October 2016.
Anderson faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives, The Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, the Greater Harrison Drug &Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, the West Virginia State Police, Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, the Buckhannon Police Department, and the Weston Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
United States Attorney Announces the Hiring of Two New Assistant United States AttorneysRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Trent Shores announced today the appointment of Ryan M. Roberts and Christopher J. Nassar as Assistant United States Attorneys in the Criminal Division of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma. As Criminal Division AUSAs, Messrs. Roberts and Nassar will represent the United States of America in the prosecution of criminal cases.
Mr. Roberts joins the U.S. Attorney’s Office from the District Attorney’s Office in Muskogee County where he was the First Assistant District Attorney. Previously, he proudly served the United States for over 15 years as a Special Agent with the United States Secret Service, an AUSA in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, and as an attorney in the Executive Office for United States Attorneys – General Counsel’s Office. Mr. Roberts received his undergraduate degree from Oklahoma State University and his J.D. from the University of Oklahoma.
Mr. Nassar joins the U.S. Attorney’s Office from Rodolf & Todd where he was an associate attorney. Previously, he served as a Judge Advocate and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney with the United States Marine Corps in California and North Carolina. Mr. Nassar received his undergraduate degree with honors from the University of Arkansas and his J.D. from the University of Oklahoma.
“I am thrilled that Ryan and Chris joined our team.” said U.S. Attorney Shores. “They have the knowledge, experience, and work ethic to make an immediate impact in our office. I am confident Ryan and Chris will help us to achieve our mission through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States.”
U.S. Attorney’s Offices Promote January as Human Trafficking Prevention MonthRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – The United States Attorney Offices in the Northern District and Southern District of West Virginia are teaming up with law enforcement, service providers, and non-profit organizations to shed light on human trafficking in West Virginia.
In 2016, approximately 8,000 cases of human trafficking were reported to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline, but only 21 of those cases were from West Virginia. Federal law enforcement officers believe that figure significantly underrepresents the scope of the problem in our state.
“With the climate in West Virginia ripe for human trafficking, more has to be done to educate the public about the issue and to combat it. Victims deserve more from all of us,” said U.S. Attorney Bill Powell, Northern District of West Virginia.
January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The U.S. Attorneys for West Virginia want community members to understand the causes of human trafficking, and report suspected human trafficking.
West Virginia has a Human Trafficking Task Force, chaired by the United States Attorney Offices from the Northern and Southern District of West Virginia. The Task Force is comprised of federal, state and local law enforcement officers, service providers, victim advocates, educators, and representatives of the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office, among others. The Task Force is unveiling its new website, https://stophumantraffickingwv.org. The Task Force will add more content and resources to the website as the year progresses.
Human trafficking is a federal crime involving the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit someone for labor, services, or commercial sex. In addition, the facilitation or solicitation of children for commercial sex—even without force, fraud, or coercion—is a trafficking crime. As a state, West Virginia is particularly vulnerable to trafficking because of its poverty, drug problems, and proximity to states with a high incidence of trafficking crime. Trafficking can occur anywhere, with anyone, and Task Force members are especially concerned about a growing trend of trafficking within families in the state.
“Human trafficking is a human tragedy for which too many cases go unreported. We need the public to know the red flags of human trafficking so we can put a stop to it,” said U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart, Southern District of West Virginia.
Residents should remain vigilant, watching for signs of trafficking. Some red flags for human trafficking include:
• Lacking freedom to make basic decisions during work or free time
• Sexually explicit online profile
• Involvement in prostitution
• Indebtedness to employer
• Lacking personal possessions
• Lacking control of identification documents
• Possessing multiple cell phones
• Lying about age or identity
• Avoiding answering questions about self
• Resisting offers for help
• Expressing unusual fear of law enforcementFoster children and runaways are exceptionally vulnerable for trafficking. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, 1 in 6 runaways are believed to be victims of sex trafficking, and 86% of those trafficked children were in foster care or social services.
Events are planned throughout the state to bring awareness and support for victims. For a current list, go to https://stophumantraffickingwv.org/events.
U.S. Attorney's Offices promote January as Human Trafficking Prevention MonthRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The United States Attorney’s Offices for the Northern and Southern Districts are teaming up with law enforcement, service providers, and non-profit organizations to shed light on human trafficking as part of Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
In 2016, approximately 8,000 cases of human trafficking were reported to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline, but only 21 of those cases were from West Virginia. Law enforcement officers believe that figure significantly underrepresents the scope of the problem in our state.
“Human trafficking is a human tragedy for which too many cases go unreported. We need the public to know the red flags of human trafficking so we can put a stop to it,” said U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart, Southern District of West Virginia.
“With the climate in West Virginia ripe for human trafficking, more has to be done to educate the public about the issue and to combat it. Victims deserve more from all of us,” said U.S. Attorney Bill Powell, Northern District of West Virginia.
As part of Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the U.S. Attorneys for West Virginia want community members to understand the causes of human trafficking, and report suspected human trafficking.
West Virginia has a Human Trafficking Task Force, chaired by the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Northern and Southern Districts of West Virginia. The Task Force is comprised of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, service providers, victim advocates, educators, and representatives of the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office, among others. The Task Force recently unveiled its new website, https://stophumantraffickingwv.org. The website includes information on reporting human trafficking, and the Task Force will add more content and resources to the website as the year progresses.
Human trafficking is a federal crime involving the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit someone for labor, services, or commercial sex. In addition, the facilitation or solicitation of children for commercial sex—even without force, fraud, or coercion—is a trafficking crime. West Virginia is particularly vulnerable to trafficking because of its poverty, drug problems, and proximity to states with a high incidence of trafficking crime. Trafficking can occur anywhere, with anyone, and Task Force members are especially concerned about a growing trend of trafficking within families in the state.
Residents should remain vigilant, watching for signs of trafficking. Some red flags for human trafficking include:
- Lacking freedom to make basic decisions during work or free time
- Sexually explicit online profile
- Involvement in prostitution
- Indebtedness to employer
- Lacking personal possessions
- Lacking control of identification documents
- Possessing multiple cell phones
- Lying about age or identity
- Avoiding answering questions about self
- Resisting offers for help
- Expressing unusual fear of law enforcement
Foster children and runaways are exceptionally vulnerable for trafficking. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, one in six runaways are believed to be victims of sex trafficking, and 86% of those trafficked children were in foster care or social services.
For more information, go to https://stophumantraffickingwv.org.
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Two Men Sentenced Today to Prison Terms for Their Roles in Trenton Drug Trafficking OperationRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – Two Trenton men were sentenced today to prison terms for their respective roles in a drug trafficking organization that distributed hundreds of grams of heroin in the Trenton area, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Ishmael Abdullah, a/k/a “Ish,” a/k/a “Gangsta,” a/k/a “Papi,” 27, pleaded guilty on Aug. 16, 2017, before U.S. District Judge Freda L. Wolfson in Trenton federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was sentenced to 176 months in prison.
Prince Sarnoe, 30, pleaded guilty on Sept. 8, 2017, before Judge Wolfson to an information charging him with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was sentenced to 120 months in prison.
In December 2016, Abdullah and nine other members of a drug trafficking organization operating in Trenton were charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute heroin. The complaint referred to the drug trafficking organization as the “Abdullah DTO” after the organization’s leader.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From May 2015 through December 2016, Abdullah and others participated in a drug trafficking organization that operated in the area of Spring and Passaic streets in the Trenton. Multiple members of the organization, including Sarnoe – a previously convicted felon – possessed and maintained access to firearms.
Through the authorized interception of telephone calls and text messages, controlled purchases of heroin, the use of confidential sources of information, and other investigative means, law enforcement learned that Abdullah was a leader of the organization and was responsible for obtaining significant quantities of heroin from multiple suppliers. Members of the Abdullah DTO used temporary prepaid phones, stash houses and cars, and spoke in code to avoid detection by law enforcement.
Abdullah admitted that he conspired with others to distribute at least 400 grams of heroin. Abdullah, who is a previously convicted felon, also admitted knowingly possessing a SCCY Industries CPX-2 firearm.In addition to the prison term, Judge Wolfson sentenced Abdullah to five years of supervised release and Sarnoe to three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited agents and officers with the Greater Trenton Safe Streets Task Force, including special agents of the FBI, Newark Division, Trenton Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Timothy Gallagher; special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Newark Division, Trenton Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge John B. Devito; officers of the Trenton Police Department, under the direction of Director Ernest Parrey Jr.; officers of the Princeton Police Department, under the direction of Chief Nicholas Sutter; officers of the Ewing Police Department, under the direction of Chief John P. Stemler III; and detectives of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencings.
He also thanked special agents of the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Harpster; special agents of Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Debra Parker; officers of the N.J. State Police, under the direction of Superintendent Col. Joseph R. Fuentes; and officers of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John A. Kemler, for their assistance in the case.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Brendan Day of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.
Defense counsel:
Abdullah: David E. Schafer Esq., Trenton
Sarnoe: John S. Furlong Esq., West Trenton, New JerseyTopeka Man Pleads Guilty to McDonald’s Restaurant RobberyRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man pleaded guilty Wednesday to a robbery at a McDonald’s restaurant, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Brendon R. Thompson, 30, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of robbery and one count of aiding and abetting another robber who brandished a firearm during the robbery.
In his plea, Thompson admitted that on July 10, 2017, he and another man robbed the McDonald’s restaurant at 1100 South Kansas Avenue in Topeka. Thompson went behind the counter and took money from the registers while the other robber brandished a firearm. The robbers fled when police arrived. Thompson was arrested near the restaurant, while the other robber got away.
Anyone with information about the other robber is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers. Call 785-234-0007 or visit www.topekacrimestoppers.org online.
Thompson’s sentencing will be scheduled for a later date. Both parties have agreed to recommend a controlling sentence of not less than 130 months and not more than 165 months in federal prison.
Beall commended the FBI, the Topeka Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag for their work on the case.
Topeka Man Pleads Guilty to Five Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Topeka man pleaded guilty Wednesday to five bank robberies in four states, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Dakota Shareef Walker, 21, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to the following robberies:
- U.S. Bank, 5730 Southwest 21st, Topeka, Nov. 28, 2016.
- U.S. Bank, 221 West Gregory Blvd, Kansas City Missouri, Nov. 23, 2016.
- U.S. Bank, 748 Main Street, Evanston, Wyo, Dec. 6, 2016.
- U.S. Bank, 25 East 50 South, Malad City, Idaho, Dec. 14, 2016.
- Wells Fargo Bank, 5 North State Street, Preston, Idaho, Jan. 9, 2017.
In each case, Walker gave tellers a note warning not them not to activate any alarms or to make any sudden moves.
Sentencing is set for April 16. All parties have agreed to recommend a sentence in a range from 57 and 96 months in federal prison. Beall commended the FBI, the Topeka Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag for their work on the case.
Three Members and Associates of the Westside Crips Criminal Street Gang Sentenced to Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy Involving Sex Trafficking, Narcotics Trafficking, and Other CrimesRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorneys Alessandra P. Serano (202) 252-5843 or Joseph Orabona (619) 546-7951
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – January 8, 2018
SAN DIEGO – Two gang members of the Westside Crips and one hotel manager of two national brand hotels in Oceanside were sentenced last week for their participation in a racketeering conspiracy involving sex trafficking, narcotics trafficking, and other violent crimes.
Richard Cleveland (aka “Face”), Michael Sullivan (aka “Du-Low”), and Umesh Oza (aka “Kevin”), previously admitted their respective membership and association with the Westside Crips, who primarily operated in Oceanside and elsewhere. Last week, United States District Judge John A. Houston sentenced Cleveland to 57 months in prison, sentenced Sullivan to 36 months in prison, and Oza, a hotel manager for two national brand hotel chains, to 4 months in prison and 180 days of home detention. Three other co-defendants – Ameer Roby aka “Tiny Dum”, Peter Miranda aka “Lil’ Burger”, Shane Anderson aka “Tiny West” and Larry Monroe - are scheduled for sentencing for later this month.
According to court documents, the members of the conspiracy were involved in drug trafficking, prostitution, attempted murder, assaults, and robberies. Their criminal activity primarily occurred between 2004 through February 2017. According to court documents, members of Westside Crips are akin to a crime family, where all members work together committing various crimes for the purpose of making money. The indictment alleges that the defendants took on different responsibilities within the criminal enterprise. Some sold narcotics. Others managed prostitutes and transported them all over the country. The hotel manager provided a safe haven for the alleged gang members to conduct their illegal activities.
For that reason, the defendants are charged with racketeering conspiracy—the statute traditionally used for organized-crime syndicates and mobsters. But as members, associates, and facilitators of criminal street gangs such as these, join forces and become more sophisticated and prolific in their illicit business pursuits, this statute is an effective tool to address all aspects of the criminal conduct.
In furtherance of the RICO conspiracy, Sullivan admitted he engaged in an aggravated assault using a semi-automatic firearm on two suspected juvenile rival gang members in 2004. More recently, Sullivan admitted to promoting prostitution of adult females between 2013 and 2016. Sullivan also admitted to possessing methamphetamine for sale. Moreover, to further his role in the RICO conspiracy, Cleveland admitted he engaged in drug trafficking and promotion of prostitution of adult females between 2015 and 2016. His drug trafficking activity also involved the sale of methamphetamine.
Oza admitted that as the manager of two motels located in Oceanside, California, he further the RICO conspiracy by allowing members of the Westside Crips to utilize the motels for their criminal activity. In particular, Oza admitted that he allowed members, whom he believed were pimps working for the criminal enterprise, to rent rooms to adult females acting as prostitutes.
January marks National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. President Trump recently remarked in a nation press release:
Human trafficking is a modern form of the oldest and most barbaric type of exploitation. It has no place in our world. This month we do not simply reflect on this appalling reality. We also pledge to do all in our power to end the horrific practice of human trafficking that plagues innocent victims around the world.
“Gang members and associates and those who assist them continue to plague our community with sex trafficking, violence, drugs and other crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Adam L. Braverman. “Our office will continue to use any and all resources to combat the problem.”
DEFENDANTS Case Number 17cr0270-JAH
Richard Cleveland aka “Face” Age: 37 Oceanside, CA
Michael Sullivan aka “Du-Low” Age: 33 Oceanside, CA
Umesh Oza aka “Kevin” Age: 32 Oceanside, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Title 18, United States Code, Section 1962(d) - Conspiracy to Conduct Enterprise Affairs Through a Pattern of Racketeering Activity; Title 18, United States Code, Section 1963 - Criminal Forfeiture
Maximum Penalties: 20 years’ incarceration, a fine of $250,000, three years of supervised release
AGENCIES
North County Narcotics Task Force
Drug Enforcement Administration
Oceanside Police Department
Internal Revenue Service
Three Enter Guilty Pleas in Multi-Million Dollar Investment SchemeRead the Press Release
In Del Rio, 58-year-old James Edward Cox of Waxhaw, NC, admitted to conducting an advanced fee investment scheme through which he and others obtained in excess of $5 million from their victims announced United States Attorney John F. Bash and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio.
Appearing before United States District Judge Alia Moses yesterday afternoon, Cox pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Last year, co-defendants Kelly Ray Coronado, 50, of Del Rio and Gordon Richard Moskowitz, 54, of Sarasota, FL, pleaded guilty to the same charge.
By pleading guilty, the defendants admitted that from January 2010 to January 2017, they implemented a high-yield investment scheme to obtain money from multiple victims under false pretenses, promises and representations. Furthermore, they preyed on vulnerable parties – most of whom operated international non-profits – by promising them large-scale financing in exchange for upfront payments. Using a tapestry of deceit involving fake business entities, websites, and aliases, the defendants collected upfront payments from their victims, then worked together to frustrate law enforcement detection and victim redress.
All three defendants, currently on bond awaiting sentencing, face a maximum of 20 years in federal prison and restitution. Sentencing for Cox has yet to be scheduled. Sentencings for Coronado and Moskowitz are scheduled for March 14 and 19, respectively, in Del Rio before Judge Moses. Cox and Coronado have also agreed to forfeit to the Government their respective residences that were used to conceal the illicit proceeds gained from the defendants’ scheme.
Federal Bureau of Investigation special agents in Del Rio, Tampa and Charlotte conducted this investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Paul T. Harle and Daniel S. Lee are prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
Texas Mayor and Owners of Health Care Company Charged with Health Care Fraud, Money Laundering and ObstructionRead the Press Release
Four individuals, including a Texas mayor who was a licensed physician and medical director, and three owners of a health care company, were charged in an indictment unsealed today for their roles in a $150 million health care fraud and money laundering scheme. Three of the defendants were also charged with counts relating to obstructing justice and providing false statements.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick of the Southern District of Texas, Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs of the FBI’s San Antonio Field Office and Special Agent in Charge C.J. Porter of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Dallas Region made the announcement.
Rodney Mesquias, 47, of San Antonio, Texas; Henry McInnis, 47, of Harlingen, Texas; Jose Garza, 40, of Harlingen, Texas; and Franciso Pena, 82, of Laredo, Texas, were charged in an 11-count indictment filed in the Southern District of Texas. They were each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Mesquias and McInnis were charged with six counts of health care fraud, and Garza and Pena were each charged with one count of health care fraud. Pena was also charged with one count of false statements and one count of obstruction of a health care investigation. Mesquias and McInnis were each charged with one count of obstruction of justice.
As set forth in the indictment, from 2009 through the filing of the indictment, Mesquias owned and controlled the Merida Health Care Group (Merida Group), a collection of health care entities located throughout the State of Texas that provided hospice and health care services. McInnis and Garza helped control, manage and oversee Mesquias’s various entities. Pena, a licensed physician, served as the Mayor of Rio Bravo, Texas, and as a medical director for the Merida Group’s affiliated entities.
According to allegations in the indictment, Mesquias, McInnis, Garza and Pena participated in a health care fraud conspiracy that involved over $150 million in Medicare billings for hospice and home health services. Mesquias, McInnis and Garza caused kickbacks and bribes to be paid to medical directors, including Pena, for the Merida Group’s affiliated entities in exchange for certifying that patients qualified for services when, in fact, they did not, and for referring patients for such services. Mesquias, McInnis, Garza and Pena also fraudulently kept patients on hospice services for multiple years in order to increase revenue from Medicare.
The indictment also alleges that the scheme involved laundering the proceeds of the fraud by, for example, using nominees to conceal the identifies of the true beneficial owners of the Merida Group’s affiliated entities, and causing profit distributions to be issued to the nominees to further conceal and disguise control of the fraud proceeds. The indictment further alleges that Mesquias and McInnis used proceeds derived from the scheme to purchase expensive vehicles such as a Porsche, expensive jewelry, luxury clothing from high-end retailers such as Louis Vuitton, exclusive real estate and season tickets for premium seating to see the San Antonio Spurs.
The indictment alleges that Pena gave a false statement to the FBI and obstructed a health care investigation. According to the allegations, a confidential source (CS) who worked in the health care industry met with Pena at City Hall, the Office of the Mayor for Rio Bravo, and elsewhere. During these meetings, the CS allegedly paid Pena a total of $5,000 in cash kickbacks for illegal referrals of hospice patients. In addition, during the course of the investigation, Pena allegedly told a cooperating witness that, with respect to hospice patients, “the way you make money is by keeping them alive as long as possible.” Thereafter, Pena was interviewed by the FBI and denied ever accepting kickbacks in exchange for patient referrals. After the FBI interview, Pena then allegedly contacted the CS and directed the CS to mislead the FBI in the event that the CS was interviewed about the cash kickbacks that Pena received in exchange for the illegal patient referrals.
The indictment also alleges that Mesquias and McInnis obstructed justice by producing false and fictitious records to a federal grand jury. As set forth in the indictment, a federal grand jury issued a subpoena to the Merida Group for specific medical records. In response, Mesquias and McInnis allegedly instructed their co-conspirators to manufacture false records and provide them to the federal grand jury in order to obstruct the grand jury’s investigation.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by the HHS-OIG’s McAllen Field Office, the FBI’s San Antonio Division, including the Laredo and McAllen Resident Agency Offices, and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Trial Attorney Kevin Lowell of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Swartz of the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which is part of a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country. The Medicare Fraud Strike Force operates in nine locations nationwide. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force has charged over 3,500 defendants who collectively have falsely billed the Medicare program for over $12.5 billion.
Terre Haute Man Charged with Hobbs Act RobberiesRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND - The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced an 8-count indictment against Rex Hammond, age 53, of Terre Haute, Indiana for 5-counts of Hobbs Act robbery, 2 counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence and 1 count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to documents in this case, Hammond allegedly committed a string of robberies by holding employees of businesses, listed below, against their will by means of actual and threatened force, violence, and fear of injury, immediate or future, by brandishing a firearm on the following dates and towns located in the Northern District:
Count 1- October 6, 2017, Gas Station in Logansport, Indiana
Count 2- October 7, 2017, Gas Station in Peru, Indiana
Count 3- October 9, 2017, Gas Station in Auburn, Indiana
Count 4- October 25, 2017, Gas Station in Decatur, Indiana
Count 5- October 27, 2017, Liquor Store in Logansport, Indiana.
Hammond also is being charged in Count 6 and 7 of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence for the robberies that occurred on October 6th and 7th. In Count 8, Hammond is being charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II said, “Federal, state and local law enforcement cooperation make these type of investigations possible.”
The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty in court.
If convicted in court, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Logansport Police Department, Peru Police Department, Indiana State Police, Auburn Police Department, Portage Michigan Department of Public Safety, Kalamazoo Michigan Department of Public Safety, Decatur Police Department, and Marshall County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Cass County Prosecutor’s Office, Miami County Prosecutor’s Office, DeKalb County Prosecutor’s Office, Adams County Prosecutor’s Office, Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office, and Coldwater Michigan Police Department. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly E. Donnelly.
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Summit County men indicted on carfentil charges; one man faces additional firearms and drug chargesRead the Press Release
Two Summit County men were indicted in federal court on charges involving firearms, carfentanil and other drugs, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and Akron Police Chief Kenneth Ball.
Da Nico D. Geter, 27, of Akron, and Dustin W. Somerville, 29, of Barberton, Ohio, were both indicted on charges of possession with intent to distribute carfentanil.
Geter is also charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine and a marijuana analogue. He faces additional charges for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm in connection with drug trafficking.
Geter and Somerville were arrested on Sept. 7, 2017 by the Akron Police Department and Akron Police Narcotics Unit. They were found with the aforementioned drugs and Geter had a Springfield Armory .45-caliber pistol and ammunition, despite previous convictions for heroin trafficking and possession of heroin, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal 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.
The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Teresa L. Riley following an investigation by the Akron Police Department.
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.
Statement of U.S. Attorney on Court’s Decision to Grant City of Seattle’s Motion for Full and Effective Compliance with the Consent DecreeRead the Press Release
SEATTLE – Today, U.S. District Court Judge James L. Robart granted the City of Seattle’s “Motion for Full and Effective Compliance with the Consent Decree.” The City entered into the Consent Decree with the Department of Justice (DOJ) in 2012 to address findings that DOJ made with respect to use of force and related constitutional issues. Both the DOJ and the Community Police Commission filed responses in support of the City’s Motion in October, and responded to further questions from the Court in December.
The Court ruled today that the City is in “full and effective compliance” with all requirements and obligations under the Consent Decree. The Court’s ruling is based on ten assessments that cover all of the requirements of the Consent Decree and were conducted by the Monitor and DOJ. The ruling now triggers a two-year period in which the Seattle Police Department (SPD) must hold compliance with those requirements.
The following is a statement from Annette L. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington:
Today, the Court recognized that the SPD has met a major milestone in the reform process – by putting in place new policies, critical training, and systems of oversight and accountability it has met all of the obligations contained in the Consent Decree. This is a credit to the hard work of SPD and City leadership, engaged community members including the Community Police Commission, and SPD officers whose dedication to the mission is essential to reform. We know that constitutional policing and effective policing go hand in hand, and that the safety of our City and the officers that serve us is enhanced when the civil rights of all are protected.
The Court’s ruling is based on rigorous assessments that examined SPD’s compliance with all aspects of the Consent Decree. As the Court pointed out, those data driven assessments demonstrate that SPD has eliminated the pattern or practice of unconstitutional policing that led to the Department of Justice’s investigation and findings in 2011.
Today’s ruling does not end the City’s hard work. SPD must sustain compliance for at least two years, and demonstrate that compliance to the Court and DOJ. The Court has indicated that it will continue to closely monitor SPD over the next two years before deciding whether termination of all or part the Consent Decree is warranted. We all must continue to hold SPD accountable to its commitments in the Consent Decree – to de-escalation, new and better approaches to people in crisis, and the internal supervision and independent civilian-led accountability systems that address problems when they arise.
We look forward to the continued engagement of the entire community in this next phase of the Consent Decree to ensure that reform in Seattle is real and lasting. There is no question that there remain parts of our City that expect more from their police department. Their engagement will continue to be important as we move forward. I know the new Mayor, City Attorney and City Council have made police reform a top priority, and I have full confidence that with that commitment, and the continued work by rank and file officers and command staff alike, SPD will continue its success under the Consent Decree
South Hills Man Sentenced to 6½ Years in Prison for Massive Mortgage Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 78 months of incarceration on his conviction of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, wire fraud, and mail fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Donetta Ambrose imposed the sentence on James Nassida, IV, age 50, of West Mifflin, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, Nassida owned and operated a mortgage broker business called Century III Home Equity (Century III), which assisted borrowers in obtaining loans collateralized by real estate. At the time of the events at issue, which was between 2002 and 2008, Century III was one of the largest mortgage broker businesses in the Western District of Pennsylvania, and during the course of that timeframe brokered hundreds of millions of dollars worth of loans using more than a dozen different lenders. Many of those loans, however, involved one or more aspects of fraud.
Some of the aspect of the fraud included the following:
- Appraisals that fraudulently inflated the true value of the properties;
- Settlement statements that falsely reflected that the borrowers made substantial payments associated with the purchases of real estate;
- Settlement statements that failed to disclose secondary financing;
- Settlement statements that failed to include cash payments charged by Century III and paid by the borrowers;
- Settlement statements and closing documents that were backdated to reflect that the settlements had occurred on a date prior to the actual settlement date; and
- Various loan documents, including loan approval forms, good faith estimates, and underwriting transmittal forms, that failed to disclose secondary financing and falsely represented the combined loan to value ratio.
The fraud also involved misrepresentations to some of the borrowers to induce them to enter into the transactions, including concealing the fees Century III received from lenders for the borrowers’ transactions and the impact of those fees on the borrowers’ interest rates; and concealing the nature of the mortgage products, including that some of the mortgage products could negatively amortize. Lastly, the fraud also involved Nassida’s receipt of kickbacks from the settlement company that he failed to disclose to the borrowers and lenders, as required.
Nassida also submitted multiple fraudulent documents associated with loans in which he served as a loan officer, but also that the loan officers working under his direction regularly submitted false information to lenders and borrowers. In addition, Nassida caused the submission of fake documents to the lender in connection with his purchase of a $300,000 vacation home near Seven Springs, including the following: (1) a settlement statement that overstated the sales price; (2) a loan application that falsely stated his income and assets; and (3) fake statements from an investment company that falsely verified that he had more than $600,000 in investments when he really had about $15,000. In the loan application, James Nassida reported that he earned approximately $980,000 in 2006, but he did not even file his tax returns in 2006, and his reported taxable income in 2004 and 2005 was not even close to that figure.
"This case was a breeding ground for many of the other investigations led by the Western Pennsylvania Mortgage Fraud Task Force," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Johnson. “Mortgage fraud cases are a priority for the FBI because mortgage lending and the housing market have such a significant effect on the overall economy. At the time of this case, James Nassida was living a fancy lifestyle, in a million dollar home, taking money from victims who put their trust in him. That is why today's sentencing is significant. Since the task force formation in February, 2008, more than 100 people were charged and more than a half billion dollars in fraudulent loans were uncovered," added SAC Johnson.
Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan T. Conway and Cindy Chung prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Mortgage Fraud Task Force for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Nassida. The Mortgage Fraud Task Force is comprised of investigators from federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and others involved in the mortgage industry. Federal law enforcement agencies participating in the Mortgage Task Force include the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations; the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General; the United States Postal Inspection Service; and the United States Secret Service. Other Mortgage Fraud Task Force members include the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office; the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office; the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office, Bureau of Consumer Protection; the Pennsylvania Department of Banking; the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Enforcement and Investigation; and the United States Trustee's Office.
South Bend Man Sentenced for Possession of Heroin and Possession of A Firearm During A Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND - The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that Denzel Rakim Bridges, age 25, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced before District Court Senior Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. for one count of possession of heroin and one count of possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.
Bridges was sentenced to 78 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, on or about May 2017 a search warrant was executed on Bridges’ address in South Bend for heroin trafficking. During the execution of the warrant officers located a loaded handgun, $3600 in currency, marijuana on a coffee table and multiple small Ziploc style “gem packs” containing a gray powdery substance which later field tested positive for heroin. Also during the search of the residence in another room of the home there was another loaded firearm found along with a digital scale and approximately 16.8 grams of a substance that later tested positive for heroin.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Project Disarm Task Force with assistance by the St. Joseph County Drug Investigation Unit and South Bend Police Department. This case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Gabrielse.
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South Bend Man Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND - The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that William Westley Dill, age 25, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced before District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for one count of possession of child pornography.
Dill was sentenced to 90 months imprisonment, 10 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $45,000 in restitution.
According to documents in this case, on or about July 27, 2016, Dill had computer storage devices that in total contained over 1,500 files of visual depictions, including photographs and videos, of a minor or minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Multiple visual depictions involved prepubescent minors and minors who had not attained the age of 12 years. Dill also had visual depictions that involved the sexual abuse or exploitation of infants and toddlers.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the St. Joseph County Cyber Crimes Unit with assistance from the South Bend Police Department. This case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly E. Donnelly.
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Soldier Creek Man Charged with Aggravated Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ronald A. Parsons, Jr. announced that a Soldier Creek, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aggravated Sexual Abuse and Sexual Abuse of a Minor.
Rylan Alton Joel Black Lance, age 22, was indicted on November 14, 2017. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on January 9, 2018, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, any term of years, not less than 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on August 5, 2017, Black Lance knowingly caused and attempted to cause a female victim to engage in a sexual act, by the use of force.
The charges are merely an accusation and Black Lance is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel C. Nelson is prosecuting the case.
Black Lance was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Six Charged in Complex Fraud Involving Fraudulent Processing of Credit Card PaymentsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - Six residents of New York, were indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh and arrested on a charges of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and bank fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
A one-count indictment, returned in December 2017, named Devan Abrams, 37, of New York, NY, Tamara Feldman, 29, of Brooklyn, NY, Azad Khizgilov, 43, of Staten Island, NY, and Roman Shaulov, age 50, of Brooklyn, NY. Separate one-count indictments named Philip Krasnikov, 31, of Brooklyn, NY and Svetlana Kapralova, 30, of Brooklyn, NY.
According to the indictments presented to the court, the conspirators were involved in a complex fraud that involved fraudulently processing credit card payments. The credit card companies will not allow their products and services to be used to pay for certain precluded activities, including the on-line sales of pharmaceutical drugs and of products violating trademark infringement laws. The defendants participated in the conspiracy designed to conceal from the credit card companies the fact they used their products and services to pay for precluded activities and to subvert the internal controls the credit card companies had in place to detect and prevent this type of activity. The fraud involved establishing shell corporations and web sites associated with the shell companies that falsely claimed that they sold products other than pharmaceutical drugs or products that violated trademark infringement laws. The conspirators then applied for merchant accounts from the credit card companies in the names of the shell corporations and the fake web sites. Once the merchant accounts were established, they were used to process payments for pharmaceutical drugs or products that violated trademark infringement laws. Additionally, the conspirators arranged for the credit card statements sent to the consumers to have the names of the shell corporations and telephone numbers. The conspirators set up a telephone bank to receive calls from customers questioning billings on their credit card statements, and the conspirators explained to the customers the true nature of the transactions in hopes of avoiding charge-backs that could cause the credit card companies to question the legitimacy of the transactions.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania State Police and United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Sioux Falls Men Sentenced in Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ronald A. Parsons, Jr. announces that two Sioux Falls, South Dakota, men convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine were sentenced on January 4, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Cody Baade, age 25, was sentenced to 210 months in custody and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Corey Roelfsema, age 29, was sentenced to 240 months in custody and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
A superseding indictment was issued against the two for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine by a federal grand jury on April 4, 2017. Baade pled guilty to the Indictment on September 27, 2017. Roelfsema was found guilty after a jury trial on October 4, 2017.
Starting in 2014, Baade, Roelfsema, and others were involved in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine that brought over 30 kilograms of methamphetamine to Sioux Falls.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga prosecuted the case.
Sinaloa Cartel Cell Leader Pleads Guilty for Involvement in the Importation of Tons of Narcotics into the United StatesRead the Press Release
Sinaloa Cartel cell leader Damaso Lopez-Serrano aka “Mini Lic,” pleaded guilty in federal court today to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances for purpose of unlawful importation following his self-surrender to U.S. law enforcement authorities at the Calexico West, Mexico Port of Entry on July 27, 2017.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Adam L. Braverman of the Southern District of California and Acting Special Agent in Charge Steve S. Woodland of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) San Diego made the announcement.
Lopez-Serrano, 29, of Culiacan, Mexico, is believed to be the highest-ranking Mexican cartel leader ever to self-surrender in the United States. Lopez-Serrano pleaded guilty to all charges in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in San Diego on Aug. 19, 2016, charging him and five of his close associates with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine intended for importation and conspiracy to import methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine.
Lopez-Serrano also pleaded guilty to an indictment returned Dec. 4, 2016, in the Eastern District of Virginia by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section charging him with conspiracy to distribute cocaine intended for importation.
In a proceeding today before U.S. District Judge Dana M. Sabraw, Lopez-Serrano accepted responsibility for his role as a leader within the Sinaloa Cartel, acknowledging that he organized the transportation and distribution of thousands of kilograms of controlled substances, including methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin, for importation from Mexico into the United States. Lopez-Serrano also admitted to possessing firearms for the purpose of promoting the Sinaloa Cartel’s narcotics trafficking activities. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 12, 2018 at 10 a.m. before Judge Sabraw.
“Damaso Lopez-Serrano’s conviction strikes a serious blow to the leadership of the Sinaloa Cartel and its violent drug trafficking activities,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Cronan. “The Administration, the Department and our law enforcement partners are steadfast in our commitment to pursuing and dismantling the international drug rings that poison our communities.”
“Cartel leaders have two options – self-surrender or we will work with our counterparts to find you, arrest you and extradite you to San Diego,” said U.S. Attorney Braverman. “For Lopez-Serrano’s distribution of literally tons of methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin across the border to America, he will now face justice in a San Diego federal court.”
“The guilty plea of this defendant tells the drug traffickers what they need to know,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Woodland. “DEA will keep picking off these violent criminals one by one until there are no more willing to get involved for fear that law enforcement will be coming for them soon. In the face of the current drug crisis we face in this country, DEA will continue to investigate and bring to justice these violent criminals.”
The Southern District of California indictment in this case marked the conclusion of the fourth phase of a five-year investigation that, in total, has resulted in charges against over 125 people and has had a significant impact on the worldwide operations of the Sinaloa Cartel. This investigation has also offered one of the most comprehensive views to date of the inner workings of one of the world’s most prolific, violent and powerful drug cartels. Cartel members and associates were targeted in this massive investigation involving multiple countries, numerous law enforcement agencies around the United States, a number of federal districts and over 250 court-authorized wiretaps in the Southern District of California.
This case began in late 2011 as an investigation of what was at first believed to be a small-scale drug distribution cell in National City and Chula Vista in San Diego County, California. It became evident that the drugs were being supplied by the Sinaloa Cartel, and the case evolved into a massive multi-national, multi-state probe that resulted in scores of arrests and seizures of 1,397 kilograms of methamphetamine, 2,214 kilograms of cocaine, 17.2 tons of marijuana, 95.84 kilograms of heroin, and $27,892,706 in narcotics proceeds.
The primary indictment in this investigation was previously unsealed targeting the alleged leader of the cartel, Ismael Zambada-Garcia, known as “El Mayo,” as well as two of his four sons - Ismael Zambada-Sicairos, known as “Mayito Flaco,” and Ismael Zambada-Imperial, known as “Mayito Gordo.” Zambada-Imperial was arrested by Mexican authorities in November 2014 and is pending extradition to the Southern District of California. Also part of that indictment is Ivan Archivaldo Guzman-Salazar, known as “Chapito,” whose father Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán Loera was the alleged leader of the Sinaloa Cartel along with Mayo.
As part of this investigation, U.S. authorities previously arrested and prosecuted another son of Mayo - Serafin Zambada-Ortiz, who pleaded guilty in the Southern District of California in September 2014 to drug trafficking charges.
José Rodrigo Aréchiga-Gamboa, commonly referred to by his alias “El Chino Ántrax,” was arrested in the Netherlands, extradited to the United States by Dutch authorities in July 2014 and pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges in May 2015. Arechiga-Gamboa is believed to have worked for the Sinaloa Cartel as the leader of a violent enforcement arm of the Sinaloa Cartel called “Los Antrax” and a key lieutenant of Mayo.
This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.
The investigation was conducted by DEA, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)’s Office of Field Operations, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, FBI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, the Criminal Division’s Office of Enforcement Operations and Office of International Affairs.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Sutton from the Southern District of California and Trial Attorneys Amanda Liskamm and Michael Lang of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys William M. Sloan and Mary K. Daly of the Eastern District of Virginia.
Sinaloa Cartel Cell Leader ConvictedRead the Press Release
Director of Media Relations Kelly Thornton
(619) 546-9726
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – January 10, 2018
SAN DIEGO – Sinaloa Cartel cell leader Damaso Lopez-Serrano, aka “Mini Lic,” pleaded guilty in federal court today following his self-surrender to United States law enforcement authorities at the Calexico West Port of Entry on July 27, 2017.
Lopez-Serrano, 29, is believed to be the highest-ranking Mexican cartel leader ever to self-surrender in the United States. Lopez-Serrano pleaded guilty to all charges in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in San Diego on August 19, 2016, charging him and five of his close associates with Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Heroin and Cocaine Intended for Importation and Conspiracy to Import Methamphetamine, Heroin and Cocaine.
Lopez-Serrano also pleaded guilty to an indictment returned December 4, 2016, in the Eastern District of Virginia by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section charging him with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine Intended for Importation.
In a proceeding today before United States District Judge Dana M. Sabraw, Lopez-Serrano accepted responsibility for his role as a leader within the Sinaloa Cartel, acknowledging that he organized the transportation and distribution of thousands of kilograms of controlled substances, including methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin, for importation from Mexico into the United States. Lopez-Serrano also admitted to possessing firearms for the purpose of promoting the Sinaloa Cartel’s narcotics trafficking activities. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 12, 2018 at 10 a.m. before Judge Sabraw.
“Damaso Lopez-Serrano’s conviction strikes a serious blow to the leadership of the Sinaloa Cartel and its violent drug trafficking activities,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Administration, the Department and our law enforcement partners are steadfast in our commitment to pursuing and dismantling the international drug rings that poison our communities.”
“Cartel leaders have two options – self-surrender or we will work with our counterparts to find you, arrest you and extradite you to San Diego,” said U.S. Attorney Adam L. Braverman. “For Lopez-Serrano’s distribution of literally tons of methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin across the border to America, he will now face justice in a San Diego federal court.”
“The guilty plea of this defendant tells the drug traffickers what they need to know,” said DEA San Diego Assistant Special Agent in Charge Steve S. Woodland. “DEA will keep picking off these violent criminals one by one until there are no more willing to get involved for fear that law enforcement will be coming for them soon. In the face of the current drug crisis we face in this country, DEA will continue to investigate and bring to justice these violent criminals.”
The Southern District of California indictment in this case marked the conclusion of the fourth phase of a five-year investigation that, in total, has resulted in charges against over 125 people and has had a significant impact on the worldwide operations of the Sinaloa Cartel. This investigation has also offered one of the most comprehensive views to date of the inner workings of one of the world’s most prolific, violent and powerful drug cartels. Cartel members and associates were targeted in this massive investigation involving multiple countries, numerous law enforcement agencies around the United States, a number of federal districts and over 250 court-authorized wiretaps in this district alone.
This case began in late 2011 as an investigation of what was at first believed to be a small-scale drug distribution cell in National City and Chula Vista. It became evident that the drugs were being supplied by the Sinaloa Cartel, and the case evolved into a massive multi-national, multi-state probe that resulted in scores of arrests and seizures of 1,397 kilograms of methamphetamine, 2,214 kilograms of cocaine, 17.2 tons of marijuana, 95.84 kilograms of heroin, and $27,892,706 in narcotics proceeds.
The primary indictment in this investigation was previously unsealed targeting the alleged leader of the cartel, Ismael Zambada-Garcia, known as “El Mayo,” as well as two of his four sons - Ismael Zambada-Sicairos, known as “Mayito Flaco,” and Ismael Zambada-Imperial, known as “Mayito Gordo.” Zambada-Imperial was arrested by Mexican authorities in November 2014 and is pending extradition to the Southern District of California. Also part of that indictment is Ivan Archivaldo Guzman-Salazar, known as “Chapito,” whose father Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán Loera was the alleged leader of the Sinaloa Cartel along with Mayo.
As part of this investigation, U.S. authorities previously arrested and prosecuted another son of Mayo - Serafin Zambada-Ortiz, who pleaded guilty in the Southern District of California in September 2014 to drug trafficking charges.
José Rodrigo Aréchiga-Gamboa, commonly referred to by his alias "El Chino Ántrax,” was arrested in the Netherlands, extradited to the United States by Dutch authorities in July 2014 and pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges in May 2015. Arechiga-Gamboa is believed to have worked for the Sinaloa Cartel as the leader of a violent enforcement arm of the Sinaloa Cartel called “Los Antrax” and a key lieutenant of Mayo.
This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.
The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Sutton from the Southern District of California and Trial Attorneys Amanda Liskamm and Michael Lang of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section.
DEFENDANT Case Numbers: 16CR1896-DMS and 17CR3687-DMS
Damaso Lopez-Serrano, aka Mini Lic Age: 29 Culiacan, Mexico
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances for Purpose of Unlawful Importation, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 959, 960 and 963; Term of custody including a mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine and 5 years supervised release.
Conspiracy to Import Controlled Substances, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 952, 960 and 963. Term of custody including a mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine and 5 years supervised release.
AGENCIES
Drug Enforcement Administration
Homeland Security Investigations
Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations
Customs and Border Protection, Office of Border Patrol
United States Marshals Service
Internal Revenue Service
Federal Bureau of Investigation
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Virginia
Department of Justice, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces
Department of Justice, Office of Enforcement Operations
Department of Justice, Office of International Affairs
Saugus Man Sentenced for Role in Lawrence-Based Heroin/Fentanyl Trafficking SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Saugus man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his role in a heroin trafficking scheme operating in and around Lawrence.
Edwin Soto, 46, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to four years in prison, six years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $99,200 in forfeiture. In October 2017, Soto pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of a controlled substance – heroin and fentanyl.
From about April 2015 to March 2016, law enforcement investigated the drug distribution activities of Ramon Baez and his associates in and around the City of Lawrence. Baez obtained kilograms of heroin and cocaine from local suppliers and suppliers based in Mexico. Baez’s co-conspirator, Jose A. Rosario, supplied Baez with heroin, which Baez then repackaged for distribution.
Soto and co-defendant Waner Manuel Lara purchased heroin and fentanyl from Baez. On Dec. 29, 2015, law enforcement officers seized $99,200 in drug proceeds from Soto, intended for Baez. On March 19, 2016, agents seized from Lara 140 grams of heroin and fentanyl supplied to him by Baez.
Baez was sentenced in June 2017 to 121 months in prison, and Rosario was sentenced in September 2017 to 22 months in prison. Lara pleaded guilty in October 2017 and is awaiting a sentencing date.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Ferguson of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the cases.
Salvadoran National Sentenced for Illegal Reentry After DeportationRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Salvadoran national was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for an immigration crime.
Salvador Portillo-Diaz, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to time served and three years of supervised release. Portillo-Diaz will be subject to deportation. In October 2017, Portillo-Diaz pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien.
On March 18, 2006, and May 24, 2011, Portillo-Diaz was deported from the United States. On June 2017, federal agents encountered Portillo-Diaz at the Suffolk County House of Correction and determined him to be illegally present in the United States.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Richard B. Myrus Appointed First Assistant United States AttorneyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch today announced the appointment of Assistant United States Attorney Richard B. Myrus to the position of First Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island. Mr. Myrus, an experienced criminal prosecutor and civil litigator, most recently served as Civil Division Chief of the United States Attorney’s Office.
Appointed an Assistant United States Attorney in May 2007, Mr. Myrus has served as a prosecutor in the Criminal Division’s drug, gun and white collar crime units, and as a civil litigator in the office’s Civil Division. Mr. Myrus was named Civil Division Chief in February 2014.
In addition to successfully prosecuting a number of significant drug, firearm, fraud and identity theft cases, Mr. Myrus was co-counsel in an investigation of online search engine Google. The investigation determined that Google’s AdWords program targeted consumers in the United States, resulting in the unlawful importation of controlled and non-controlled prescription drugs into the United States by Canadian online pharmacies. The investigation resulted in a halt to the online advertisements and Google’s forfeiture of $500 million dollars. $240 million dollars of the forfeited funds were distributed to state and local law enforcement agencies in Rhode Island.
Prior to his appointment as an Assistant United States Attorney, Mr. Myrus was a partner in two Boston law firms specializing in patent litigation and served as a law clerk in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
A veteran, Mr. Myrus served in the United States Navy as a helicopter aircraft commander and flight instructor. Mr. Myrus was awarded the United Nations Humanitarian Service medal for the rescue of Vietnamese refugees in the South China Sea.
A 1984 graduate of Columbia University and a 1992 graduate of the University of San Diego, Mr. Myrus earned his law degree from Fordham University School of Law in 1995.
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Rhode Island Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Cocaine DistributionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Rhode Island man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his role in a wide-ranging operation that distributed cocaine and heroin throughout Bristol County, Mass., and Providence, R.I.
Jorge Luis Sanchez-Lopez, 43, of Pawtucket, R.I., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release. In September 2017, Sanchez-Lopez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms of cocaine.
Sanchez-Lopez was one of 10 individuals involved in a drug trafficking operation led by co-defendant Luis Lopez that imported hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico to New Bedford and Fall River, as well as distributed heroin, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl in Bristol County. Sanchez-Lopez coordinated shipments of cocaine through the U.S. mail with the assistance of co-defendant Chindy Diaz, who received cocaine-filled packages on Luis Lopez’s behalf and delivered it to Luis Lopez at his Fall River residence. Co-conspirator Israel Santiago also helped coordinate the receipt of cocaine on behalf of Luis Lopez, who then sold the cocaine to other drug dealers, including Nuno Fonseca and Tyson Britto.
In June 2016, the 10 defendants were charged for their individual roles in the operation. All of the conspirators have pleaded guilty and been sentenced. In January 2017, Luis Lopez was sentenced to 15 years in prison and Sharik Mendes was sentenced to 30 months in prison. In April 2017, Tyson Britto and Israel Santiago were sentenced to 78 months in prison and two years in prison, respectively. In June 2017, Fonseca was sentenced to 130 months in prison. In July 2017, Tyson Depina and Eric Desousa were sentenced to six years in prison and three years in prison, respectively; and in September 2017, Diaz was sentenced to three years in prison.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; and Shelly Binkowski, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Rosen of Lelling’s Criminal Division prosecuted the cases.
Rhode Island Man Charged with Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Rhode Island man was charged in federal court in Boston with bank robbery.
Stephen A. Davidow, 55, of Pawtucket, R.I., was charged with one count of bank robbery. Davidow appeared before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Donald L. Cabell yesterday and was ordered detained.
According to court documents, between Dec. 6 and Dec. 11, 2017, an individual, later identified as Davidow, robbed four banks in the Greater Boston area. Based on the physical location of the banks, bank surveillance footage, the bank tellers’ descriptions of the robber, and other similarities, law enforcement determined that the same individual was involved in each robbery. On Dec. 15, 2017, having distributed images of the alleged perpetrator on the local news, law enforcement received a tip that the suspect was Davidow. Photos of Davidow were shown to one of the tellers who then positively identified Davidow as the man who robbed the bank. The investigation also revealed that Davidow has a 2007 bank robbery conviction in federal court in Rhode Island and had an active warrant for a violation of his supervised release.
The charge provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office; John Gibbons, U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; Boston Police Commissioner William Evans; and Boston University Police Chief Kelly A. Nee made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Rapper Sentenced for Trafficking Fentanyl and HeroinRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Johnston, R.I., rapper whose songs include “Sell Drugz,” “Feds Watching” and “All White,” was sentenced Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Providence to 36 months in federal prison for trafficking heroin and fentanyl.
Michael Persaud, aka “Montana Millz,” 30, also faces sentencing in Lebanon County, Pa., having been convicted at trial in August 2017 on 16 of 23 heroin trafficking, conspiracy and other drug trafficking related charges brought as a result of an investigation into his drug trafficking activities in Pennsylvania.
Persaud’s sentence, imposed by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., is announced by United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch; East Providence Police Chief Christopher Parella; and Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Field Division.
The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines range of imprisonment in this matter is 78-97 months. The government recommended the Court impose a sentence of 78 months in prison. Persaud pleaded guilty on October 23, 2017, to five counts of distribution of fentanyl, and one count each of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and distribution of heroin.
According to information presented to the Court, during a 4 ½ month period of time beginning in October 2016, an East Providence undercover detective arranged for several purchases of heroin and fentanyl from Persaud. In total, nearly 22 grams of fentanyl and 2 grams of heroin were delivered to the detective. In several instances, Persaud used other individuals to assist in the delivery of the drugs. In at least two such instances, Persaud was driven by his girlfriend and mother of three of his children to deliver fentanyl to the undercover detective.
On March 30, 2017, members of the East Providence Police Department, with the assistance of the RI DEA Drug Task Force, executed a court-authorized search of the Providence residence of the mother of one of Michael Persaud’s children. Law enforcement seized 44 grams of fentanyl hidden in the residence by Persaud.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ly T. Chin and Ronald R. Gendron.
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Phoenix Man Sentenced to 70 Months in Federal Prison for His Role in a Methamphetamine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
DALLAS — Hiban Molina Camacho, 28, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced this week before U.S. District Judge David C. Godbey for his role in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox of the Northern District of Texas.
Camacho was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison following his guilty plea in May 2017 to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute a schedule II controlled substance.
Camacho was charged along with twenty-one others with various offenses related to a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy. Of the twenty-one charged, eighteen have pleaded guilty, five have been sentenced and three are awaiting trial.
According to the plea agreement factual resume filed in the case, on May 23, 2015, Camacho engaged in a series of conversations to request a kilogram of methamphetamine.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated, with assistance from the Dallas Police Department and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Leal prosecuted.
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Ohio Computer Programmer Indicted for Infecting Thousands of Computers with Malicious Software and Gaining Access to Victims’ Communications and Personal InformationRead the Press Release
An Ohio man was charged in a 16-count indictment today for allegedly creating and installing malware on thousands of computers for more than 13 years in order to watch, listen to, and obtain personal data from unknowing victims, as well as produce child pornography.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, First Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja for the Northern District of Ohio, and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Field Office made the announcement.
Phillip R. Durachinsky, 28, of North Royalton, Ohio, was charged with Computer Fraud and Abuse Act violations, Wiretap Act violations, production of child pornography, and aggravated identity theft.
According to the indictment, Durachinsky is alleged from 2003 through Jan. 20, 2017, to have orchestrated a scheme to access thousands of protected computers owned by individuals, companies, schools, a police department, and the government, including one owned by a subsidiary of the U.S. Department of Energy. He is alleged to have developed computer malware later named “Fruitfly” that he installed on computers and that enabled him to control each computer by accessing stored data, uploading files, taking and downloading screenshots, logging a user’s keystrokes, and turning on the camera and microphone to surreptitiously record images and audio.
As alleged in the indictment, Durachinsky used the malware to steal the personal data of victims, including their logon credentials, tax records, medical records, photographs, banking records, Internet searches, and potentially embarrassing communications. According to the indictment, Durachinsky used stolen logon credentials to access and download information from third-party websites.
Durachinsky is further alleged to have watched and listened to victims without their knowledge or permission and intercepted oral communications taking place in the room where the infected computer was located. In some cases, the malware alerted Durachinsky if a user typed words associated with pornography. According to the indictment, Durachinsky saved millions of images and often kept detailed notes of what he saw.
“For more than 13 years, Phillip Durachinsky allegedly infected with malware the computers of thousands of Americans and stole their most personal data and communications,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Cronan. “This case is an example of the Justice Department’s continued efforts to hold accountable cybercriminals who invade the privacy of others and exploit technology for their own ends.”
“This defendant is alleged to have spent more than a decade spying on people across the country and accessing their personal information,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sierleja.
“Durachinsky is alleged to have utilized his sophisticated cyber skills with ill intent, compromising numerous systems and individual computers,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony. “The FBI would like to commend the compromised entities that brought this to the attention of law enforcement authorities. It is this kind of collaboration that has enabled authorities to bring this cyber hacker to justice.”
The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case was investigated by the FBI. This case is being prosecuted by Senior Counsel Brian L. Levine of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel J. Riedl, Michelle M. Baeppler and Om M. Kakani of the Northern District of Ohio.
Number of Federal Defendants Charged and Imprisoned Rises in 2017Read the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM – The number of people charged with federal crimes in the Northern District of Alabama in 2017 and the percentage of those defendants sentenced to prison was the highest since 2011, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town.
“Charging more defendants, putting more criminals behind bars, and preventing future criminal activity makes the Northern District a safer place for our families,” Town said. “I am very proud that my office has successfully prosecuted the priorities of the Department of Justice and we will continue to do so. In addition to our impressive prosecutorial and litigation numbers, we continue to install and manage comprehensive violence reduction and crime prevention initiatives across the Northern District, such as Project Safe Neighborhoods and the Public Safety Partnership, which will continue to make our communities more secure, our partnerships more robust, and our law enforcement agencies more impactful.”
The priorities of the Department of Justice to reduce illegal gun crimes, reduce violent crime, pursue criminal immigration matters, and to aggressively address the opioid epidemic in Alabama were all successfully executed by the Northern District in 2017. The U.S. Attorney’s Office showed vast improvement in all categories in 2017 over the previous fiscal year.
The data provided by the Department of Justice indicates that the Northern District’s conviction rate of 94.4 percent is the highest since at least 2004. Defendants charged totaled 540 for Fiscal Year 2017, up 32.4 percent from the 408 defendants charged in FY 2016. The number of defendants sentenced to prison in 2017 rose 15 percent, from 283 in 2016 to 325 in 2017.
The 239 defendants charged with violent crimes in 2017 was a 39.8 percent increase over the 171 charged with violent crimes in 2016. The 33 defendants charged with opioid-related crimes in 2017 represented a 65 percent increase over the 20 defendants charged with opioid crimes in 2016.
Illegal firearms prosecutions rose 36 percent in FY 2017 to 225 from 165 in FY 2016. Illegal firearms prosecutions are 57.9 percent higher than the average of the previous four fiscal years.
In FY 2017, the prosecution of criminal immigration cases saw a 212.5 percent increase in the number of defendants, rising from 16 in FY 2016 to 50, which is the highest number of defendants charged with criminal immigration violations since at least 2004.
Our Civil Division achieved favorable judgments in nearly every category of litigation. Our Appellate Division won 95.4% of all civil and criminal appeals.
See attachment for a full explanation of FY2017.
North Royalton man charged in a 16-count indictment for creating and installing malware on thousands of computers for more than 13 yearsRead the Press Release
A North Royalton man was charged in a 16-count indictment today for allegedly creating and installing malware on thousands of computers for more than 13 years in order to watch, listen to, and obtain personal data from unknowing victims, as well as produce child pornography.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, First Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja for the Northern District of Ohio, and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Field Office made the announcement.
Phillip R. Durachinsky, 28, was charged with Computer Fraud and Abuse Act violations, Wiretap Act violations, production of child pornography, and aggravated identity theft.
According to the indictment, Durachinsky is alleged from 2003 through Jan. 20, 2017, to have orchestrated a scheme to access thousands of protected computers owned by individuals, companies, schools, a police department, and the government, including one owned by a subsidiary of the U.S. Department of Energy. He is alleged to have developed computer malware later named “Fruitfly” that he installed on computers and that enabled him to control each computer by accessing stored data, uploading files, taking and downloading screenshots, logging a user’s keystrokes, and turning on the camera and microphone to surreptitiously record images and audio.
As alleged in the indictment, Durachinsky used the malware to steal the personal data of victims, including their logon credentials, tax records, medical records, photographs, banking records, Internet searches, and potentially embarrassing communications. According to the indictment, Durachinsky used stolen logon credentials to access and download information from third-party websites.
Durachinsky is further alleged to have watched and listened to victims without their knowledge or permission and intercepted oral communications taking place in the room where the infected computer was located. In some cases, the malware alerted Durachinsky if a user typed words associated with pornography. According to the indictment, Durachinsky saved millions of images and often kept detailed notes of what he saw.
“For more than 13 years, Phillip Durachinsky allegedly infected with malware the computers of thousands of Americans and stole their most personal data and communications,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Cronan. “This case is an example of the Justice Department’s continued efforts to hold accountable cybercriminals who invade the privacy of others and exploit technology for their own ends.”
“This defendant is alleged to have spent more than a decade spying on people across the country and accessing their personal information,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sierleja.
“Durachinsky is alleged to have utilized his sophisticated cyber skills with ill intent, compromising numerous systems and individual computers,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony. “The FBI would like to commend the compromised entities that brought this to the attention of law enforcement authorities. It is this kind of collaboration that has enabled authorities to bring this cyber hacker to justice.”
The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case was investigated by the FBI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel J. Riedl, Michelle M. Baeppler and Om M. Kakani, as well as Senior Counsel Brian L. Levine of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section.
Mon Valley Men Charged with Violating Federal Narcotics LawsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Three Mon Valley men have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh and charged with violations of the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The two-count indictment, returned on January 9, 2018, named the defendants as:
- Deaubre Lightfoot, age 27, formerly of Monessen, PA;
- Anthony Davis, age 38, of Donora, PA; and
- Brandon Thomas, age 38, formerly of Donora, PA.
According to the indictment, on or about December 13, 2017, Lightfoot possessed with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. On the same date, Davis and Thomas are charged with possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and not more than 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both, for Lightfoot. For Davis and Thomas, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, 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, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Lanni is prosecuting this case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police, with assistance from the South Strabane Police Department, the Elizabeth Borough Police Department, the Penn Hills Police Department and the Perryopolis Police Department, conducted the investigation that led to the Indictment in this case.
An Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Mobile Man Sentenced to Prison for Email ThreatsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Lamarcus Moore, 32, of Mobile, was sentenced to 21 months in prison for emailing threats to kidnap and kill a woman in Mobile. United States District Judge Kristi K. DuBose imposed the sentence.
Moore pled guilty to the charge in September. Court documents filed in connection with his plea indicate that Moore sent at least nine separate emails over a period of a month to the victim. The emails contained explicit threats to kill the woman. At the time, Moore was in federal prison in Yazoo City, Mississippi, serving a sentence on an unrelated charge. Following his release from prison, Judge DuBose ordered that Moore be supervised by the United States Probation Office for three years.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sean P. Costello.
Mission Man Convicted of Possession of Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ronald A. Parsons, Jr. announced that Jesse J. Waln, age 32, of Mission, South Dakota, was found guilty of two counts of Possession of Stolen Firearms as a result of a federal jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota.
The charges each carry a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Waln was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 19, 2017.
During the weekend of November 11 to 13, 2016, several co-defendants broke into a home located in Mission, and stole many household items, clothes, tools, power tools, an ATV, firearms, and ammunition.
Waln received and possessed a stolen Benelli SuperNova 12 Gauge Shotgun, which he later hid in a tree line. He also received a stolen Savage .204 caliber rifle that was traded for methamphetamine and recovered at a known drug house. Waln admitted he was also a regular user of methamphetamine.
The jury found the defendant knew the firearms were stolen and that the defendant possessed each of the firearms with such knowledge.
In addition, on the morning of the first day of the jury trial, the defendant admitted he burglarized another home in Mission in May 2016. Regarding that offense, he was convicted of First Degree Burglary and Larceny for working with others to purloin property from his neighbor’s house, and that he entered and stole a valuable Michael Jordan autographed poster.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meghan N. Dilges and Daniel C. Nelson prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing hearing was set for March 19, 2018, when Waln and several of his crime partners will be sentenced. Waln was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Missing Securities Broker IndictedRead the Press Release
BOISE – Rodney Allen, 65, the sole owner and president of KA Investments, LLC, of Boise, Idaho, was indicted on January 9, 2018, by a federal grand jury sitting in Boise for wire fraud, and an arrest warrant was issued, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced.
The indictment alleges that from in or about 2016 to in or about 2017, Allen devised a scheme to defraud clients of his brokerage company, KA Investments, LLC, and obtain their money by false pretenses and promises, and misappropriate their money. Namely, the indictment alleges that Allen misrepresented in monthly statements provided to clients that clients were earning positive returns on investments, when in truth and in fact, clients were earning negative returns on investments.
For instance, the indictment alleges that on December 6, 2016, Allen emailed a November 2016 monthly statement to client M.F. In the statement, Allen represented that M.F.’s account had earned 1.903 percent that month. In reality, M.F.’s account had lost 36.01 percent.
Further, according to the indictment, Allen misrepresented to clients of KA Investments, LLC that he was taking between a 14-percent and 18-percent commission on investment profits. In truth, he was misappropriating client deposits for his personal use, regardless of profit or loss, and at a greater percentage.
On April 20, 2017, Allen was reported missing. From April through September 2017, law enforcement conducted multiple searches for Allen in the vicinity of his abandoned truck, in a remote area near the Snake River. These searches included searches with cadaver dogs. The searches were unsuccessful in locating Allen or his body, and Allen remains missing. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to Allen’s arrest. In addition, Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to Allen’s arrest.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Boise Police Department.
An indictment is a means of charging a person with criminal activity. It is not evidence. A person is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Milwaukee Man Sentenced to 21 Years for Sex Trafficking and Forced LaborRead the Press Release
Paul Carter, 47, of Milwaukee was sentenced today to 21 years in prison, reduced by three years for time served, after pleading guilty on Oct. 6, 2017, to four counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion and one count of conspiracy to commit forced labor and sex trafficking, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Gregory Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge James M. Gibbons.
According to documents filed in court and in connection with the defendant’s guilty plea, for over a decade, from 2001 to 2013, the defendant recruited young women and girls to dance at clubs using false promises of money and a better life. He then used a combination of physical violence, isolation, emotional manipulation, sexual assault, and threats to harm the victims’ families to exert control over the victims and compel them to engage in commercial sex acts.
For example, on one occasion, the defendant used a heated wire hanger to brand a “P” on a victim’s buttock to demonstrate his ownership of her. When he learned that another victim was considering leaving, he put the barrel of a gun in her mouth and threatened to “blow her head off.”
On another occasion, the defendant, believing that a victim had hidden money from him, responded by searching her genitals and then forcing her to engage in sexual intercourse with him. In another instance, the defendant required her to choose between two punishments: drowning or jumping out of a window. After the victim jumped out of the window and fell to the ground, the defendant kicked her several times in the head, threw the victim to the ground, and stepped on her head hard enough to break her teeth.
President Donald J. Trump recently announced January 2018 as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, which culminates on February 1, 2018 with the annual celebration of National Freedom Day. In February 2017, President Trump signed an Executive Order, which directed the Attorney General to dismantle transnational criminal organizations, including those involved in human trafficking.
“Combatting sex trafficking—a heinous crime that often times preys on the youngest and most vulnerable members of our society—is one of the highest priorities of the Justice Department,” said Associate Attorney General Rachel Brand. “We will continue to work tirelessly to vindicate the civil rights of victims of human trafficking.”
“Sex traffickers target and prey upon some of the most vulnerable members of our society, threatening victims and subjecting them to extraordinary levels of violence,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin. “Sex traffickers use violence not only to coerce victims into engaging in commercial sex acts, but also as a way to keep victims from cooperating with trafficking investigations and prosecutions. The United States Attorney’s Office remains committed to working with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to vindicate the rights of sex trafficking victims and to protect citizens from these violent and predatory offenses.”
“This case is an example of the ruthlessness of human traffickers who are willing to do anything, including victimizing women and girls, to make money,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge James M. Gibbons. “Human trafficking is modern-day slavery and HSI will continue to collaborate with community partners to bring justice to those impacted by this terrible crime.”
Two of Carter’s co-defendants previously pleaded guilty. Defendant David Moore pleaded guilty on October 27, 2015, to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and trafficking with respect to forced labor. Sentencing is scheduled for January 30, 2018. Defendant Najee Moore pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and use of an interstate facility to promote a prostitution business enterprise on June 9, 2014, and was sentenced to 10 years in prison on December 22, 2016.
This prosecution is the result of the joint investigation by the Eastern District of Wisconsin’s Human Trafficking Task Force and cooperative efforts of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the State of Wisconsin Department of Justice, the Milwaukee Police Department, the FBI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin and the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karine Moreno-Taxman and Laura Kwaterski of the Eastern District of Wisconsin and Trial Attorney Vasantha Rao of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.
Middlesex County, New Jersey, Man Pleads Guilty to Stealing $184,936 in Social Security Benefits Paid to Deceased RelativeRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Perth Amboy, New Jersey, man today admitted stealing Social Security benefits that were mistakenly paid to his deceased great aunt, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Lance D. Nelson, 56, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Anne E. Thompson in Trenton federal court to Count 1 of an indictment charging him with theft of government funds.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Nelson’s great aunt received Social Security retirement benefits that were sent to a joint bank account that she shared with Nelson. The Social Security Administration, unaware of her death in February 1998, continued to issue her monthly retirement benefits.
Nelson admitted that he intentionally failed to notify the Social Security Administration of her death so that he could continue to receive her benefits, which he withdrew from their joint account and used for his personal benefit. In total, Nelson, who was employed as an assistant zoning officer for the City of Perth Amboy through the end of 2017, admitted today that he took $184,936 in Social Security benefits to which he was not entitled.
The charge to which Nelson pleaded guilty carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. As part of his plea agreement, Nelson must forfeit the $184,936 he stole from the Social Security Administration. Sentencing is scheduled for April 17, 2018.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents with the Social Security Administration - Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge John F. Grasso of the New York Field Division, with the investigation leading to today’s plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark J. McCarren and Cari Fais of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Special Prosecutions Division in Newark.
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Defense counsel: Carol Gillen Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Newark
Members and Associates of Genovese Crime Family Charged in Manhattan Federal Court with Racketeering Conspiracy and Related OffensesRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and James P. O’Neill, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing today of an Indictment charging VINCENT ESPOSITO, STEVEN ARENA, FRANK GIOVINCO, FRANK COGNETTA, and VINCENT D’ACUNTO, JR., each a member or associate of the Genovese Organized Crime Family of La Cosa Nostra, with racketeering conspiracy and related offenses arising out of a multi-year investigation. COGNETTA was arrested on January 8, 2018, and charged by criminal complaint. The remaining defendants were arrested this morning and are expected to be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara C. Moses later today. The case has been assigned to United States District Judge Victor Marrero.
The following allegations are based on the Indictment and other documents filed in Manhattan federal court[1]:
La Cosa Nostra, also known as the “Mob” or the “Mafia,” operates through entities known as “Families.” One of the Families operating in the New York City area is the Genovese Crime Family. From 2001 to 2017, ESPOSITO, ARENA, GIOVINCO, COGNETTA, and D’ACUNTO, along with other members and associates of the Genovese Crime Family, committed a wide range of crimes, including multiple acts of extortion, honest services fraud, and bribery. In particular, and as charged in the Indictment, ESPOSITO conspired with ARENA and D’ACUNTO to extort annual cash payments from an officer at a labor union by threatening the officer with violence and the loss of the officer’s job. COGNETTA, himself a labor union officer, engaged in multiple schemes to defraud his union of his honest services by, among other things, soliciting and accepting bribes and steering union benefit plans into investments in exchange for kickbacks.
* * *
Set forth below is a chart containing the names, ages, residences, charges, and maximum penalties for the defendants. The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI, the NYPD, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General and Office of Labor-Management Standards, and the Special Agents of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared P. Lenow, Kimberly J. Ravener, and Jason M. Swergold are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
DEFENDANT
AGE
CHARGES
MAXIMUM PENALTY
VINCENT ESPOSITO
50
RICO Conspiracy; Extortion Conspiracy
40 years in prison
STEVEN ARENA
60
RICO Conspiracy; Extortion Conspiracy
40 years in prison
FRANK GIOVINCO
50
RICO Conspiracy
20 years in prison
FRANK COGNETTA
42
RICO Conspiracy; Six Counts of Honest Services Fraud; Two Counts of Bribery in Connection with Employee Benefit Plans
126 years in prison
VINCENT D’ACUNTO, JR.
49
RICO Conspiracy; Extortion Conspiracy
40 years in prison
[1] As the introductory phase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.