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22 February 2018
Hammonton Man Charged with Enticement of A MinorRead the Press Release
Joseph Picchi, 49, of Hammonton, NJ, was charged today by Indictment[1] with one count of enticement of a minor announced United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. The indictment alleges that on or about July 20-21, 2017, attempted to entice a minor online, who he believed had not attained the age of 18 years, to engage in sexual activity, for which any person could be charged with a criminal offense.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of lifetime imprisonment.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), the Borough of Conshohocken Police Department, and the East Norriton Police Department and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Josh A. Davison.
[1]An Indictment or Information is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Greenville Man Sentenced in Federal Court on Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Dustin Gregory Martin, age 47, of Greenville, was sentenced in federal court in Greenville for felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g). United States District Judge Michelle Childs imposed a sentence of 115 months followed by three years of supervised release.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on April 5, 2017, Greenville County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a motel room on Augusta Road in reference to locating a wanted person. Martin was in the room when the Deputies arrived and a Glock .9mm pistol was seized from under the pillow on the bed in the room.
The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office along with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case. This case is part of the Real Time initiative. Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen in the Greenville U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case.
The Real Time initiative is part of South Carolina’s continued application of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
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Greensburg Drug Lab Owner and Kentucky Psychiatrist Charged in Kickbacks for Referrals SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pa., and a resident of Louisville, Ky., were indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The indictment, returned on February 21, named William J. Hughes, 70, of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Dr. Varanise C. Booker, 62, of Louisville, Ky.
According to the indictment presented to the court, Universal Oral Fluid Labs (UOFL) was a clinical drug testing and drug screening lab located in Greensburg, Pa. William J. Hughes was the owner and operator of UOFL. Dr. Varanise C. Booker was a Kentucky licensed physician in the area of psychiatry, who owned and operated Family and Children Behavioral Health Services, in Louisville, Ky.
Both Dr. Booker and UOFL were enrolled providers in the Medicare program and the Kentucky Medicaid program. As a condition of becoming a Medicare and/or Medicaid provider and being authorized to bill Medicare and/or Medicaid, Dr. Booker and UOFL were required to certify on their enrollment applications, Medicare Form 885B, that they would comply with all applicable federal and state laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and program requirements.
UOFL billed, and was paid by, Medicare and KentuckyMedicaid for performing drug tests and related services for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries who were referred to UOFL by physicians enrolled in the program, including Dr. Booker. UOFL also billed, and was paid by, various private health care insurance companies in the business of providing health care insurance to individuals and entities under various insurance policies, pursuant to which the private insurers paid UOFL for drug tests and related services performed for insureds who had been referred to UOFL by physicians.
From in or around October, 2011, and continuing thereafter until at least August, 2013, Dr. Booker conspired with Mr. Hughes and others to commit offenses against the United States, that is, to solicit and receive remuneration, directly and indirectly, overtly and covertly, in cash and in kind, namely kickbacks, from Mr. Hughes and UOFL in return for referring patients to UOFL for the furnishing and arranging for the furnishing of items and services, that is, the referral of patient lab work, for which payment was made in whole or in part under a federal health care program,
namely, Medicare and Medicaid, contrary to Title 42, United States Code, Section 1320a-7b(b)(1)(A).
Dr. Booker received cash payments from Mr. Hughes and UOFL in exchange for referring Medicare and Medicaid patients to UOFL. Likewise, Dr. Booker received monthly checks from Mr. Hughes/UOFL in exchange for referrals, including Medicare and Medicaid referrals. Mr. Hughes and Dr. Booker also agreed on the value of the "kickbacks" that Mr. Hughes/UOFL would pay Dr. Booker for each referral of lab work sent to UOFL by Dr. Booker. Specifically, the monthly "kickback" checks Mr. Hughes paid to Dr. Booker were paid pursuant to the terms of a "Joint Venture Agreement" that Dr. Booker entered into with Mr. Hughes/UOFL. Under this "Joint Venture Agreement," Dr. Booker referred her patients, including Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, to UOFL for saliva drug testing. Mr. Hughes/UOFL, in turn, billed third-party payors, including Medicare and Medicaid, for such tests, and then "kicked back" to Dr. Booker, for each referred patient, reimbursement amounts for the tests that exceeded the agreed upon threshold of $150.00. Dr. Booker received these "joint venture" payments from Mr. Hughes in exchange for the referrals Dr. Booker provided to UOFL, and not in exchange for the performance of any other services.
Between September, 2012 and August, 2013, Dr. Booker received $843,242.31 in "kickbacks" from Mr. Hughes/UOFL for referrals. UOFL then received millions of dollars from third party payors (including Medicare), based on Dr. Booker’s referrals.
The law provides for a maximum sentence, for each defendant, of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Section conducted this investigation.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Georgians sentenced to prison for scheme to purchase luxury vehicles using stolen identitiesRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – Nadir Anwar Jabbar and Scarlett Capri King have been sentenced to federal prison for conspiring to defraud various car dealerships and car loan financing institutions by using stolen identities to purchase luxury vehicles.
“The five victims in this case never knew their personal information had been compromised, nor did they know of the potential damage to their credit,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “Jabber and King sought over a million dollars in riches on the backs, and credit, of the victims. They thought, as all thieves do, that they would get away undetected. Fortunately, they were discovered and will now serve time in a federal prison. As criminals get more creative, encourage every citizen to regularly check their credit and closely monitor their accounts for any suspicious activity.”
“Through no fault of their own, five unknowing victims personal lives have been disrupted for years as they try to recover their identities and financial security,” said David J. LeValley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “That is why the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are determined to prosecute suspects like Jabbar and King, and any others who will try steal the identities of innocent persons.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court: From October 2013 to May 2014, Jabbar and King ran a scheme to defraud car dealerships and car loan financing institutions by using stolen identities to purchase luxury vehicles. The defendants targeted out-of-state dealerships and carried out their scheme without visiting dealerships by using the Internet, e-mail, phone and mail to submit fraudulent information.
They directed car dealerships to mail paperwork to various addresses in Georgia and Florida and provided forged documents to support the loan applications. The defendants also arranged for the delivery of the vehicles to various addresses in metro Atlanta. Jabbar used a network of runners to pick up the stolen vehicles. King fraudulently notarized documents to support the fraudulent loan applications and assisted with picking up vehicles. In total, 14 cars were purchased using stolen identities, with a total loss of approximately $1.1 million dollars.
Nadir Anwar Jabbar, 44, of Ellenwood, Georgia, has been sentenced to seven years in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $209,734.13 in restitution. Jabbar was convicted on November 8, 2017, after he pleaded guilty.
Scarlett Capri King, 40, Stone Mountain, Georgia, has been sentenced to two years, seven months in prison, one year of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $6,000. King was convicted on November 8, 2017, after she pleaded guilty.
This case was investigated by the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bernita B. Malloy and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Schulman prosecuted the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Fulton Residents Among 10 Defendants Sentenced for $6.6 Million K2 ConspiracyRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Timothy A. Garrison, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that six Fulton, Mo., residents were among 10 co-defendants sentenced in federal court for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute more than $6.6 million of synthetic cannabinoids, also known as K2, at Callaway County, Mo., businesses.
Jason Lee Houston, 38, of Fulton, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018, to seven years in federal prison without parole. Co-defendant Raja Amer Nawaz, also known as “Rex,” 43, of Roseville, Calif., was sentenced to eight years in federal prison without parole.
Both Houston and Nawaz pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud, which was related to the distribution of synthetic cannabinoids. Houston also pleaded guilty to participating in a money-laundering conspiracy.
Nawaz and other conspirators in California sold synthetic cannabinoids to several Calloway County businesses. Houston, one of the owners of those businesses, admitted that he and other co-conspirators received at least 251 shipments of synthetic cannabinoids, primarily from Nawaz but also from other co-conspirators. According to court documents, the conspiracy generated $6,656,843 in gross proceeds.
The packages of synthetic cannabinoids bore misbranded labels that misidentified the contents as “incense,” “aroma therapy” or “potpourri” that were “not for human consumption.” In fact, these products were drugs intended for human consumption as a drug. Conspirators mislabeled packages of synthetic cannabinoids for the purpose of avoiding government regulation over these drugs, and to protect the continued sale of these drugs.
Houston and Nawaz were among 10 defendants who were sentenced in separate hearings on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018. All 13 defendants in this case have pleaded guilty.
Curtis Whayne Gonzales, 57, and Michael James Butler, 41, both of Sacramento, California, were each sentenced to six months in prison. Shawn Michael Browning, 27, Timothy Christopher Sandfort, 31, Joshua Adam Sheets, 32, and Brandon Derek Rader, 33, all of Fulton, were each sentenced to three months in prison. Dara Leanne Shirley, 31, of Fulton, was sentenced to five years of probation. Nawaz’s wife, Sheila Marie Nawaz, 41, of Roseville, was sentenced to one year of probation.
Casey Dewayne Miller, 33, of Columbia, Mo., was sentenced on Nov. 30, 2017, to nine months in prison. Billie L. Bruce, 37, of Jefferson City, Mo., was sentenced on Feb. 9, 2017, to time served. Aleksandr Polyanskiy, 35, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
Houston, Sandfort, Rader, Shirley, Miller and others operated First Stop Last Stop Pawn & Aromatherapy, Inscentives Resale and Inscentives Auto. First Stop Last Stop Pawn & Aromatherapy represented itself as a “pawn shop” and “potpourri store.” Inscentives Resale was represented to be a “buy, sell, and trade business.” Inscentives Auto held a Missouri motor vehicle dealer’s license. Browning, Sheets, Bruce and others operated Esscentials Resale and S&J Tobacco.
Inscentives Resale sold synthetic cannabinoids from locations in Auxvasse, Mo., and Fulton. Esscentials Resale and S&J Tobacco sold synthetic cannabinoids from locations in Holts Summit, Mo.
Between Jan. 16, 2013, and April 18, 2015, Nawaz received at least $1,986,442 as payment for synthetic cannabinoids from Houston, Sandfort, and Rader, through First Stop Last Stop Pawn & Aromatherapy, Inscentives Resale and Inscentives Auto.Between Jan. 16, 2013, and April 18, 2015, Nawaz received at least $932,965 as payment for synthetic cannabinoids from Browning and Sheets through Esscentials and S&J Tobacco.
This case is being prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. Oliver. It was investigated by the DEA Task Force – Jefferson City, DEA Sacramento, Calif., DEA Reno, Nev., IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the MUSTANG Drug Task Force, the Callaway County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Cole County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Jefferson City, Mo., Police Department, the Fulton, Mo., Police Department and the Holts Summit, Mo., Police Department.
Former Soldier Stationed at Fort Bragg Pleads Guilty to Cigarette SmugglingRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that yesterday in federal court, before United States District Judge Terrance W. Boyle, JONATHON REX LEACH, 33, of Raleigh, pled guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Trafficking in Contraband Cigarettes.
LEACH was indicted on November 21, 2017, along with 4 others members of this criminal enterprise.
During the defendant’s guilty plea hearing, the Government summarized the evidence supporting the defendant’s guilty plea. LEACH, a former member of the U.S. Army, participated in an organized contraband cigarette smuggling enterprise operating between Fort Bragg, North Carolina and New York, New York. LEACH is one of three soldiers who used their privileges as a member of the United States Armed Forces to purchase over 47,000 cartons of cigarettes at AAFES (Army Air Force Exchange Service) or Commissary stores on Fort Bragg. After purchasing the cigarettes, LEACH along with his co-conspirators would transport the cigarettes to a storage facility in Fayetteville or Raleigh, where other members of this criminal enterprise were waiting. LEACH helped package the cartons of cigarettes into suitcases that would be loaded onto commercial passenger buses or mailed via UPS to New York City. This organization also utilized tractor trailers to transport the cigarettes to New York City.
Between April 16, 2014 and November 25, 2015, more than 47,587 cartons of cigarettes were purchased at Fort Bragg by LEACH and other soldiers. These cigarettes were then transported to New York City for resale, resulting in the evasion of New York State and New York City excise taxes totaling $2,783,840. In addition, by purchasing these cigarettes on Fort Bragg, $158,642 of North Carolina sales tax was avoided.
At sentencing, the defendant faces a maximum of 5 years imprisonment and $250,000.00 fine.
The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Department of Homeland Security, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Susan B. Menzer is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Former Seattle Resident Pleads Guilty to Federal Crime for Use of ‘Molotov Cocktail’ at May Day 2016 ProtestRead the Press Release
A former Seattle resident pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to unlawful possession of a destructive device for making and throwing bottles filled with gasoline at police officers on May 1, 2016, announced U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. WIL CASEY FLOYD, 33, of Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, was arrested in April 2017, after a lengthy investigation that linked him to a so-called ‘Black Bloc’ of protestors who threw unlit incendiary devices at Seattle Police during a May Day protest. FLOYD faces up to ten years in prison when sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez on June 1, 2018.
According to the plea agreement and other records in the case, FLOYD went online to research building Molotov cocktails. He purchased the necessary supplies and constructed six of the explosive devices using beer bottles. He placed the bottles filled with gasoline in a black bag. FLOYD dressed in black, wore a black hood and a gas mask and joined the protest on the evening of May 1, 2016. FLOYD threw five of the unlit destructive devices at Seattle Police Officers. One of the Molotov cocktails thrown at police shattered at the feet of an officer and ignited his trousers when a flash-bang grenade went off. The officer suffered burns to his leg. FLOYD dropped the bag containing one remaining bottle of gasoline and changed his clothes and appearance before police could arrest him. The evidence left at the scene on 4th Avenue South and South Seattle Boulevard and a variety of videos and ultimately helped identify FLOYD as a suspect.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, prosecutors agree to recommend a sentence of no more than 37 month in prison. The ultimate sentence will be determined by Judge Martinez.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Seattle Police Department, both through its membership on the JTTF and with additional investigative groups.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Todd Greenberg and Tom Woods.
Former Research Oceanographer Sentenced for Accepting a Salary from the People’s Republic of ChinaRead the Press Release
A former research oceanographer in the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, has been sentenced for accepting a salary from the People’s Republic of China.
Benjamin G. Greenberg, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, George Lee, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), Investigations and Threat Management Division, Duane Townsend, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Inspector General (DOC-OIG), and Robert F. Lasky, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.
According to court documents, Chunzai Wang, 56, of Miami, was one of the foremost experts on ocean-atmosphere interaction, climate change, and hurricanes in the world. NOAA is an agency of the United States Department of Commerce. While a NOAA/AOML employee, Wang knowingly and willfully received a salary for his services as an employee of NOAA/AOML, from the People’s Republic of China, Changjiang Scholars Program, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 209(a) and 216(a)(2).
Specifically, beginning in 2010, and while employed at NOAA, Wang entered into contractual agreements to work on China’s Changjiang Scholars Program, Thousand Talents Program, and was also involved in China’s 973 Program which mobilizes scientific talents to strengthen basic research in line with national strategic targets of the People’s Republic of China.
Wang was sentenced to a term of time served.
Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of the United States Department of Commerce and the FBI. The case was being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Walleisa.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Former Radnor Township Board of Commissioners President IndictedRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – The federal indictment against Philip Ahr, a/k/a “DaddyX” and “DaddyXX,” of Radnor, Delaware County, PA, was unsealed today in federal court. The indictment charges Ahr with two counts of distribution of child pornography, two counts of receipt of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography, all stemming from his trafficking in hundreds of images and videos of child pornography on the Internet. The indictment charges Ahr with committing these crimes for almost three years, beginning in 2013.
Ahr’s initial appearance in federal court was held today. The Honorable Lynne A. Sitarski detained him on the Government’s request pending a detention hearing scheduled for February 26, 2018.
If convicted, Ahr faces a statutory maximum sentence of 100 years’ incarceration, a 5-year mandatory minimum sentence of imprisonment, 5 years up to a lifetime of supervised release, a $1,250,000 fine, and $10,500 in special assessments.
The case was investigated by the FBI, Task Force Officer Kenneth Bellis and Special Agent Jennifer Morrow, in conjunction with the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office and the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit (ICAC). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Rotella.
Former Nassau County Chief Deputy County Executive Indicted for Obstruction of Justice and Lying to the FBIRead the Press Release
Earlier today, a two-count indictment was unsealed in federal court in Central Islip, New York, charging Richard “Rob” Walker, the former Chief Deputy County Executive under Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano, with obstruction of justice and making false statements. Walker’s arraignment on the indictment will take place at 12:00 p.m. this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Anne Y. Shields in Courtroom 830.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the charges.
“As alleged in the indictment, the defendant Walker, while holding public office, attempted to obstruct a grand jury investigation and then lied to the FBI,” stated U.S. Attorney Donoghue. “Lying and obstructing justice by those who are sworn to serve the public will never be tolerated. This Office, together with our law enforcement partners, is committed to holding officials who violate the public trust accountable for such crimes.” Mr. Donoghue expressed his thanks to Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation for its help during the investigation.
“As alleged, Rob Walker, while serving as a public official, accepted money from a contractor who was performing work for Nassau County. When he found out the FBI was hot on his trail, he tried to cover up his corrupt behavior, even going so far as to attempt to convince the contractor to lie to a grand jury,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney. “Walker and others who engage in similar schemes are reminded today that there’s no way to undo what’s already been done.”
As alleged in the indictment and other court papers, in 2014, the defendant, who was the Chief Deputy Nassau County Executive at the time, accepted a $5,000 cash payment from a Nassau County contractor who was performing work for Nassau County pursuant to a county contract. In 2017, once the defendant learned that the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and the FBI had opened a grand jury investigation of potential corruption in Nassau County government, including the circumstances surrounding the $5,000 payment made by the contractor to the defendant, the defendant spoke with the contractor on several occasions in an attempt to convince the contractor to conceal the existence of the $5,000 payment from the grand jury. Further, the defendant urged the contractor to provide a false explanation to the grand jury concerning the reasons for the payment. Finally, the defendant arranged to meet the contractor in a park in Hicksville, New York in order to return the $5,000. The FBI surveilled the meeting, and at that meeting, the defendant gave the contractor an envelope containing $5,000, which was then turned over to law enforcement. Thereafter, the defendant, when interviewed by the FBI concerning the payment, denied ever having received any cash payments from the contractor.
The charges announced today are merely allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Catherine M. Mirabile, Raymond A. Tierney and Lara Treinis Gatz are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
Richard Walker (also known as “Rob” Walker)
Age: 43
Hicksville, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-087 (JMA)
Former Logan County Schools Superintendent indicted for fraud schemeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that former Logan County Schools Superintendent Phyllis Doty, 68, of Logan, was indicted by a federal grand jury today for charges relating to a scheme to defraud the Logan County Board of Education of money and property. U.S. Attorney Stuart was joined in the announcement by officials from the FBI and the West Virginia Legislature Commission on Special Investigations.
“The numbers as alleged in the indictment are not massive in scale, but corruption in any amount, the theft of precious taxpayer dollars, violations of the public trust by public officials is a true cancer to society,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “There is no such thing as a little bit of public corruption. We will not tolerate it. Standing in defiance of public corruption is a fundamental priority for this United States Attorney and the United States of America,” continued Stuart.
U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the investigative work of the FBI and the West Virginia Legislature Commission on Special Investigations and Assistant United States Attorney Gabriele Wohl for handling the prosecution.
The indictment alleges that Doty, who retired from Logan County Schools in 2016, stole over $12,000 in electronic devices purchased by the Logan County Board of Education and used public funds to decorate and supply her son's August 2015 wedding. The scheme began in 2011 when the Logan County Board of Education regularly purchased Apple iPods and iPads for Logan County Schools staff. Between 2011 and 2015, Doty is alleged to have stolen at least 20 of these devices, and either sold them on eBay for profit, or gave them to family members as gifts. Doty directed the purchase of the devices or purchased them herself, and then sold them online or gave them away to her family.
According to the indictment, the scheme included ordering over $6,500 in wedding supplies with Logan County Board of Education money. These items included bread baskets, easels, drink dispensers, columns, and decorative urns. Doty claimed that these items were requested by Logan County teachers, however, the teachers knew nothing of these orders and the items mostly remained in boxes until they were used for the wedding. It is further alleged that Doty gave some of these items away to the wedding planner following the wedding.
The indictment also accuses Doty of covering up her scheme once an investigation into suspicious spending became public. It is alleged that the cover-up occurred by Doty attempting to influence a Logan County Board of Education staff member of the falsehood that she had permission to take iPods purchased by the Logan County Board of Education, and then by Doty asking the wedding planner to return the gifted items to a Logan County school.
The indictment charges Doty with two counts of wire fraud, which carries a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison for each count; two counts of theft from a program receiving federal funds, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years in federal prison for each count; and one count of mail fraud, which carries a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison.
Attached, please find the indictment.
Please note: An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Former Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Impeding the Due Administration of the Internal Revenue CodeRead the Press Release
GRAND JUNCTION – Sergio Murillo, age 42, of Aurora, Colorado pled guilty to obstructing or impeding the due administration of the Internal Revenue Code on February 22, 2018, before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Gordon P. Gallagher, who recommended that the U.S. District Court accept the plea. The guilty plea was announced by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado and IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Steven Osborne. Murillo was previously indicted by a federal grand jury in Grand Junction on April 6, 2017, for tax evasion. As part of his change of plea, Murillo agreed to be charged by information and plead guilty to the charge of obstructing or impeding the due administration of the Internal Revenue Code.
According to the information and plea agreement, Sergio Murillo owned and was the sole proprietor of Mountain High Window Cleaning, which cleaned windows, removed snow and provided a few other real estate related services in Colorado. From 2007 through 2010, Murillo instructed Mountain High’s clients to make checks payable in his name rather than making them payable to Mountain High. He then deposited most of the checks into bank accounts under his name, as opposed to a bank account in the name of his business. For these same calendar years, he filed personal tax returns that did not report his true income. During audits, Murillo falsely told an IRS Revenue Agent that his clients determined whether to make checks payable to Mountain High or to him, and he also falsely told another Revenue Agent that all of Mountain High’s income was deposited into one bank account and he had no other bank accounts.
On February 22, 2018, Murillo admitted in his plea agreement that the total tax loss stemming from his conduct is $188,578, plus interest.
Murillo is scheduled to be sentenced on May 7, 2018, at 9:00 a.m.
This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Hautzinger is prosecuting this matter for the United States.
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Finney County Man Pleads Guilty to Preparing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A tax preparer from Finney County pleaded guilty Thursday to filing false federal tax returns, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said. The defendant agreed to pay restitution of more than $397,000.
Marcelino Almaraz, 60, Holcomb, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false income tax return and one count of filing a false tax return. Almaraz, who owned La Popular, a convenience store in Holcomb, also owned Accounting Services, a business that provided tax preparation and accounting services. In 2016, he was charged in an indictment alleging that customers came to him because they had heard he prepared income tax returns that generated large federal income tax refunds.
In his plea, Almaraz admitted providing false information on tax returns. In one case, he prepared a return for a client claiming four grandchildren as dependents. In fact, the grandchildren lived with the man’s wife in Mexico. In another case, Almaraz filed a false return substantially understating his own business income.
Sentencing is set for May 14. He faces a penalty of up to three years in federal prison and fine up to $250,000 on each count. McAllister commended the Internal Revenue Service, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble, John Mulcahy and Ryan Raybould of the Justice Department’s Tax Division for their work on the case.
Felon Who Shot at Plant City Police Officers Ordered to Serve Statutory Maximum Sentence of 15 YearsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday today sentenced Isaac Thomas (Winter Haven, 25) to 15 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and for possessing a firearm in a school zone. Judge Merryday said Thomas is an immediate and lethal threat to the community and stated that the court had only “one intelligent” option, before sentencing him to the statutory maximum sentence. Thomas pleaded guilty on August 24, 2017.
According to evidence presented during the six-hour sentencing hearing, in January 2017, Thomas and several others were ejected from a Plant City High School basketball game for fighting. They then moved to a parking lot near the school, where fighting again broke out. When officers from the Plant City Police Department responded to the scene in marked vehicles with lights and sirens activated, all but Thomas dispersed. He stood in the middle of the road as the officers arrived, aimed his weapon toward the oncoming vehicles, and fired. He then led the officers on a foot and high-speed vehicle chase that ended with Thomas’s vehicle crashing into a local business. Thomas then exited the damaged vehicle, pointed his firearm at another officer, and was ultimately shot in the buttocks.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Plant City Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Natalie Hirt Adams.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In October 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to develop districtwide crime reduction strategies, incorporating the lessons learned since the program’s inception in 2001. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Felon Sentenced to Twelve Months for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Sergio Cuandon-Alvarez (23, Mexico) to one year in federal prison for illegal reentry after deportation. He pleaded guilty on November 7, 2017.
According to court documents, Cuandon-Alvarez, a Mexican citizen, was removed from the United States on three occasions in 2013. On April 30, 2013, he was convicted of illegal entry, a federal misdemeanor.
Following his conviction, Cuandon-Alvarez again illegally reentered the U.S. and has been arrested numerous times resulting in convictions for driving under the influence, possession of cocaine, leaving the scene of an accident without giving information, careless driving, and operating a motor vehicle without a license. On August 28, 2017, after immigration officers encountered Cuandon-Alvarez following his arrest for driving under the influence with property damage or personal injury, he was charged with illegal reentry after deportation.
“This case is an example of ICE’s focus on smart, effective immigration enforcement that prioritizes criminal aliens,” said Michael W. Meade, acting field office director for the Miami Field Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorneys Christina R. Downes and Brandon Bayliss, both on assignment from the Office of Principal Legal Advisor, ICE, in the Middle District of Florida.
Federal prisoner sentenced for running a taxi service for escaped inmatesRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – U.S. Penitentiary inmate Deldrick D. Jackson has been sentenced to an additional one year, six months in federal prison for running an inmate taxi service and a contraband smuggling operation and with his fiancée Kelly Bass.
“Inmates who escape from prison threaten the safety of our communities and undermine our criminal justice system,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “In this case, Jackson not only escaped from prison, but shockingly ran a contraband smuggling scheme and a for-profit taxi service for escaped inmates. To those inmates tempted to escape, when you are caught, the consequences will be severe.”
“Not only did Jackson escape from custody and smuggle contraband into a federal prison, but he and his fiancée facilitated the escape of other prisoners while profiting from it,” said David J. LeValley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “This kind of audacity cannot be tolerated and this additional sentence should send a message to anyone inclined to attempt an escape.”
“Prison is where criminals go to be punished, not a place to take joyrides and commit even more crimes,” said Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields. “I’m proud that our team worked closely with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure this activity was put to a stop.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges, and other information presented in court: the U.S. Penitentiary in Atlanta, Georgia, (“USP Atlanta”) is a medium-security federal prison for male inmates operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. USP Atlanta also has a detention center for pre-trial inmates and a satellite prison camp for minimum-security male inmates.
In May 2013, Jackson was convicted in federal court of conspiring to distribute cocaine and conspiring to launder money. From July 2016 to April 2017, Jackson was assigned to USP Atlanta. Prison visitation records showed that Bass is Jackson’s fiancée.
From approximately November 2016 to April 2017, Jackson and Bass provided escaped inmates with transportation from USP Atlanta to nearby restaurants, hotels, or residences. For example, on January 28, 2017, Bass picked up Jackson and other escaped inmates from outside USP Atlanta, drove them to a nearby hotel, and hours later, returned Jackson and the other inmates to USP Atlanta. During the course of the conspiracy, Jackson and Bass also smuggled contraband into USP Atlanta to be sold to other prison inmate.
Finally, on April 13, 2017, Bass drove Jackson from USP Atlanta to a local fast food restaurant. Shortly thereafter, law enforcement officers stopped Bass’s vehicle and arrested Bass and Jackson. Upon searching the SUV, officers recovered two cell phones, 83 packs of cigarettes, and eight bottles of whiskey. In total, Jackson and Bass provided escaped inmates with transportation from USP Atlanta and/or smuggled contraband into the prison on approximately 15 occasions. Jackson and Bass received approximately $4,000 from the escaped inmates or their families in exchange for rides and from the purchase of contraband.
Deldrick D. Jackson, 41, of DeKalb County, Georgia, was sentenced to an additional one year and six months in prison – to be served after he completes his current ten years, eight month sentence for conspiring to distribute cocaine and conspiring to launder money. On May 16 and November 14, 2017, Jackson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to escape from custody and to escape from custody, respectively. He was indicted on April 25, 2017, on conspiratorial and substantive escape charges.
On September 13, 2017, Kelly M. Bass, 38, of DeKalb County, Georgia, was sentenced to six months in prison followed by eight months of home confinement. Bass pleaded guilty to conspiratorial and substantive escape charges on June 5, 2017. She was also indicted on April 25, 2017, on conspiratorial and substantive escape charges.
The FBI and Atlanta Police Department investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey W. Davis and Timothy H. Lee prosecuted the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Federal Jury in San Antonio Convicts Senator Carlos Uresti and FourWinds Logistics Consultant Gary L. Cain on All ChargesRead the Press Release
In San Antonio today, a federal jury convicted San Antonio attorney and District 19 Texas State Senator Carlos I. Uresti and his business partner, Gary L. Cain, on all charges for their roles in a Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors out of millions of dollars, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio.
Following a four-week-long trial, jurors convicted Uresti and Cain of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Jurors also convicted Uresti of five substantive counts of wire fraud, two counts of securities fraud, one count of engaging in monetary transactions with property derived from specified unlawful activity, and one count of being an unregistered securities broker. Jurors also convicted Cain of seven counts of engaging in monetary transactions with property derived from specified unlawful activity. Prior to jury selection, former FourWinds Logistics, Inc. (FourWinds) Chief Executive Officer Stanley P. Bates pleaded guilty to eight separate federal charges including securities fraud and money laundering.
“Today’s verdict powerfully reaffirms the core American belief in equal justice under law—a belief so important to our system of government that it is engraved on the front of the U.S. Supreme Court. No matter who you are, no matter your title or status or position in the community, you will be held accountable for your actions, particularly when you inflict harm on your fellow citizens. I could not be prouder of this Office’s prosecution team and our law-enforcement partners in achieving justice for the victims of the fraudulent investment scheme at the heart of this case,” stated United States Attorney John F. Bash.
“At the same time, this is in many ways a somber day for our community. A man who long held a position of public trust was found to have deceived those who placed their trust in him—for mere personal enrichment. So while I am deeply gratified that justice has been done in this case, I am concerned that the criminality revealed by today’s verdict could further erode the public’s faith in our democracy. For that reason, the public should know that this Office will relentlessly fight fraud and corruption by public officials,” Bash added.
Evidence presented during trial revealed that from February 2014 to December 2015, the defendants developed an investment Ponzi scheme to buy and sell hydraulic fracturing (fracking) sand for oil production. Evidence showed that the defendants made false statements and representations while soliciting investors in FourWinds. Collected funds were then used to pay earlier investors and for personal expenses including gifts, travel, luxury automobiles, controlled substances, and to hire prostitutes.
Evidence also showed that Uresti recruited investors under false pretenses by lying about investing his own money in FourWinds as well as failing to disclose his receipt of a commission and a percentage of the profits resulting from investments in FourWinds. Evidence also revealed that Uresti was not registered as a broker with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Evidence and testimony also revealed that Uresti and Cain engaged in money laundering with the proceeds of wire fraud.
For each fraud related charge, the defendants face up to 20 years in federal prison upon conviction. For each money laundering charge, the defendants face up to ten years in federal prison upon conviction. Uresti faces up to 20 years in federal prison upon conviction of being an unregistered securities broker. Uresti and Cain remain on bond pending sentencing scheduled for 1:00pm on June 25, 2018, before Senior U.S. District Judge David A. Ezra in San Antonio.
The FBI’s Public Corruption Task Force is conducting this investigation. The Task Force is comprised of investigators from the FBI, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Peace Corps-Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph E. Blackwell, William R. Harris and Mark Roomberg are prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
Federal Jury Finds Miami and Orlando Men Guilty of Multi-Kilo Cocaine Conspiracy, Trafficking, and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – A federal jury has found five individuals guilty of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine and more than 280 grams of “crack” cocaine. Jimmy Remy Fernetus (30, Miami), Edson Gelin (40, Orlando), Raymond Mike Ayap (Orlando, 41), Kissinger St. Fleur (36, Orlando), and Gerardson Norgaisse (33, Orlando) were found guilty of separate counts of distribution of cocaine or possession with the intent to distribute cocaine or “crack” cocaine. The jury also found Fernetus and Gelin guilty of two counts each of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Ayap, a citizen of Haiti, faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison, and potential deportation from the United States. Because of their prior felony drug offenses, the remaining individuals each face a minimum mandatory penalty of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison. Fernetus and Gelin each face additional consecutive sentences for the firearms convictions. The sentencing hearings are scheduled for May 15, 2018.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, these individuals were members of a drug trafficking organization with ties to Miami. Fernetus and other conspirators sold cocaine and “crack” cocaine from two houses south of downtown Orlando. Gelin, who was stopped on the Florida Turnpike by law enforcement in June 2016 while heading toward Orlando with two kilograms of cocaine, had also been selling cocaine in Orlando. Fernetus and Gelin were armed with handguns when purchases were made from the houses. Gelin also later sold cocaine from a third house in Orlando. Ayap, St. Fleur, and Norgaisse each purchased distribution amounts of cocaine or “crack” cocaine on numerous occasions during the course of the investigation. Agents recovered multiple firearms, cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and thousands of dollars in cash during searches conducted at the three houses.
Members of the Orlando organization had also been expecting to receive at least a portion of the cocaine being transported from Haiti to Miami on a 160-foot cargo ship named the Lady Philomena, which was seized from the Miami River. On March 25, 2017, 47 kilograms of cocaine were unloaded from that ship.
Eric Jean Gilles (37, Miami), Ronny Joseph (33, Orlando), and Cristobal Sotomayor-Cebollero (32, Orlando) previously pleaded guilty to charges related to this investigation and are awaiting sentencing. The cocaine trafficked into Orlando was determined to originate from Miami. Numerous others have been convicted or are awaiting trial in related cases.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Orlando Police Department, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the Miami-Dade Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys E. Jackson Boggs Jr. and Shawn Napier.
February Grand JuryRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 40 indictments charging 40 defendants. Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
* Hugo Dominguez Alvarez, age 33, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry of a previously removed Alien after deportation on or about January 22, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Heather Christensen, age 46, of Plattsmouth, NE is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine beginning on or about July 1, 2017, and continuing to on or about October 5, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about October 5, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency seized on or about October 4, 2017.
* Douglas Eckhardt, age 66, of Rock Island, Illinois is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with interstate travel in aid of racketeering activities from on or about January 1, 2017, and continuing to on or about September 20, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with conspiracy to distribute marijuana beginning on or about January 1, 2017, and continuing to on or about September 20, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency seized on or about September 20, 2017.
* Jade Good, age 31, of Omaha, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine between on or about January 18, 2018 and January 21, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges the defendant with using, carrying, or possessing a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime on or about January 21, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life consecutive imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release and $100 special assessment. There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency seized on or about January 21, 2018.
* Jesse Jura, age 32, of Omaha, is charged with felon in possession of a firearm on or about December 23, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Justin C. McCoy, age 29, of Omaha, is charged in a five-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with bank robbery on or about January 13, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges defendant with brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence on or about January 13, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 7 years-Life years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III of the Indictment charges the defendant with bank robbery on or about January 14, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count IV of the Indictment charges defendant with brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence on or about January 14, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 7 years-Life years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count V of the Indictment charges the defendant with bank robbery on or about January 14, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count VI of the Indictment charges defendant with brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence on or about January 14, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 7 years-Life years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Kevin Mitchell, age 32, of Omaha, is charged with robbery at Walgreens on or about January 17, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Vicente Montalvo-Rodriguez, age 35, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with sexual abuse or attempted sexual abuse of an incapable victim on or about the year 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, 5 years term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges the defendant with sexual abuse or attempted sexual abuse of a minor child on or about the year 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 15 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, 5 years-Life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment. Count III of the Indictment charges the defendant with abusive sexual contact of a minor child on or about the year 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5 term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment.
* Rene Orrostieta-Rodriguez, age 45, is charged with illegal reentry of a previously removed Alien after deportation on or about February 14, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Antonio Paiz Bautista, age 46, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry of a previously removed Alien after deportation on or about February 2, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Rosalio Perez, age 32, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with distribution of child pornography on or about April 18, 2016, and continuing to July 3, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 15-40 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, 5 years-Life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment with an additional special assessment of $5,000. Count II of the Indictment charges the defendant with possession of child pornography on or about July 3. 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10-20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, 5 years-Life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment with an additional special assessment of $5,000.
* Hoguer Pineda Soria, age 29, of Los Fresnos, Texas, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following a felony conviction on or about November 21, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Lawrence R. Quignon, age 51, of Omaha, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with distribution of child pornography on or about April 19, 2017, and continuing to October 15, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 15-40 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, 5 years-Life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment with an additional special assessment of $5,000. Count II of the Indictment charges the defendant with possession of child pornography on or about January 26, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10-20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, 5 years-Life term of supervised release, a $100 special assessment with an additional special assessment of $5,000.
* Sergio Solache-Valle, age 41, of Holdrege, NE, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following a felony conviction on or about December 27, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Angela Vandervoort, age 40, of Papillion and Jason Sprinkel, age 45, of Papillion are charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendants with conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) beginning on or about October, 2017, and continuing to on or about January 18, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendants with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about January 18, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency seized on or about January 18, 2018.
* Marvin Andres Vanegas-Gonzalez, age 47, of Lincoln, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following an aggravated felony conviction on or about February, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Luis Francisco Vega-Lopez, age 30, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following an aggravated felony conviction on or about January 25, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Elk Grove Man Sentenced for Selling Firearms and NarcoticsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — David Guevara-Pimentel, 24, of Elk Grove, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for dealing firearms without a license, illegal possession of a machine gun, and distribution of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, between August 11, 2014, and April 29, 2015, on 19 separate occasions Guevara-Pimentel met with an undercover agent and sold him a variety of firearms, including a short-barreled shotgun, an unserialized AR-15-style rifle, and handguns. On many of these occasions, Guevara-Pimentel sold the agent methamphetamine, cocaine, or heroin. In all, Guevara-Pimentel sold the undercover agent 49 firearms, many of which lacked a serial number or other identifying markings. When he was arrested in January 2016, Guevara-Pimentel possessed a fully automatic machine gun.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the West Sacramento Police Department, and the Woodland Police Department.
Dubuque Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin Distribution ChargeRead the Press Release
A Dubuque man who was found by Dubuque police officers in possession of heroin and cocaine on November 17, 2017, pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Gregory Fugi Anderson, Jr., age 31, from Dubuque, Iowa, was convicted of possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine near Orange Park in Dubuque, Iowa.
At the plea hearing, Anderson admitted he was stopped by the police in Dubuque while walking down the street. Anderson agreed to let the police search him. During the search, police found multiple packages of heroin and cocaine in his possession. In a later interview with officers, Anderson admitted that he was going to sell the heroin and cocaine in Dubuque.
United States Attorney, Peter E. Deegan, Jr., said “Heroin and other opioids are killing Iowans are at an alarming rate. Public safety demands that we aggressively pursue those who choose to violate the law by selling these dangerous drugs.”
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Anderson remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Anderson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 1 year imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 60 years’ imprisonment, a $4,000,000 fine, $100 in special assessments, and at least 6 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick J. Reinert and was investigated by the Dubuque Police Department, Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office, and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 18-CR-01001-LRR.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Derry Man Receives 35-Year Sentence for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Peter Morency, 34, of Derry was sentenced in federal court to serve 35 years in prison for producing child pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Morency filmed and photographed himself performing sexual acts on two children. The children, who were known to Morency, appeared to be sleeping at the time. A forensic examination of devices possessed by Morency uncovered over 5,000 still images and over 2,000 videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children, of which approximately 30 still images and 37 videos were created by the defendant. The defendant admitted to possessing and to producing the images.
Morency pleaded guilty to three counts of producing child pornography on November 13, 2017. After serving his prison sentence, he will be on supervised release for the rest of his life.
“The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect the children of the Granite State,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “Those who sexually exploit children cause untold amounts of harm to their victims and our entire community. We are grateful that this defendant will not be able to harm any additional children and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute other individuals who commit crimes against children.”
"The sexual exploitation of children is a heinous crime that causes irreparable harm to its young victims," said Michael Shea, acting special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston. "To rescue these innocent victims, HSI works closely with our law enforcement partners to protect our communities from child predators."
This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Derry Police Department, and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which includes members of several other police departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana Konesky.
In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Denaturalization Sought Against Five Child Sexual Abusers in California, Maryland, North Carolina, and TexasRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice today filed denaturalization lawsuits against five individuals who, according to the Department’s complaints, unlawfully procured their United States citizenship by concealing their sexual abuse of minor victims during the naturalization process.
The civil complaints were filed in federal court in the Eastern District of California, the District of Maryland, the Middle District of North Carolina, and the Southern District of Texas (two cases).
“Those who wish to become American citizens ought to respect our laws and seek citizenship lawfully and honestly,” said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. “Anyone who lies, misleads, or omits critical information in an attempt to evade the requirements for naturalization undermines the credibility of our nation’s generous lawful immigration system. This Justice Department will continue to seek out fraudsters and bring them to justice by obtaining orders revoking their naturalized citizenship.”
The cases were referred to the Department of Justice by the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with investigative support from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
“ICE is committed to collaborating with our sister agencies within DHS to target individuals who conceal illicit activities in order to obtain U.S. citizenship,” said ICE Deputy Director Thomas D. Homan. “When special agents identify a child predator, exploiting the most innocent among us, and other criminals who have defrauded the U.S. immigration system for naturalization benefits, then ICE will move to have their citizenship revoked.”
Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, the citizenship of a naturalized U.S. citizen may be revoked, and his or her certificate of naturalization canceled, if such naturalization was illegally procured or procured by concealment of a material fact or by willful misrepresentation.
The five defendants committed crimes of sexual abuse of minor victims prior to naturalizing. As the civil complaints allege, such crimes rendered the defendants ineligible for citizenship at the time they naturalized. By willfully concealing child sexual abuse crimes, the defendants also independently rendered themselves subject to denaturalization.
A description of each of the five cases and the allegations of the United States follows:
Ricardo De Leon
Ricardo De Leon, 32, a native of Mexico, naturalized on July 23, 2010. Before De Leon naturalized as a U.S. citizen, he sexually assaulted a child under the age of 12. In July 2015, after he had naturalized, De Leon was indicted, and in March 2017 he pleaded guilty in Texas state court to committing aggravated sexual assault of a child in 2009. He was ordered to ten years of community supervision and required to register as a sex offender. He has been residing in Edinburg, Texas. United States of America v. Ricardo De Leon (S.D. Tex.).
Christian Oribello Eguilos
Christian Oribello Eguilos, 40, a native of the Philippines, naturalized on Nov. 6, 2013. For several years before filing his naturalization application and throughout the naturalization process, Eguilos repeatedly committed forcible lewd acts upon a child under the age of 14. In September 2015, he pleaded nolo contendere in California state court to four counts of Forcible Lewd Act Upon a Child. Eguilos was sentenced to 40 years in prison and ordered to register as a sex offender. He is incarcerated in Ione, California. United States of America v. Christian Oribello Eguilos (E.D. Cal.).
Carlos Noe Gallegos
Carlos Noe Gallegos, 41, a native of Mexico, naturalized on March 10, 2010. Before Gallegos naturalized as a U.S. citizen, he sexually assaulted a seven-year-old child. In November 2016, after he had naturalized, Gallegos was indicted, and in April 2017 he pleaded guilty in Texas state court to committing aggravated sexual assault of a child in 2007. He was ordered to six years of community supervision and required to register as a sex offender. He has been residing in Alamo, Texas. United States of America v. Carlos Noe Gallegos (S.D. Tex.).
Alwin Farouk Gariba
Alwin Farouk Gariba, 51, a native of Guyana, naturalized on Feb. 29, 2000. After he applied to naturalize but while he was in the naturalization process, Gariba repeatedly sexually abused a ten-year-old child. In July 2000, only months after he had naturalized, Gariba pleaded guilty in North Carolina state court to three counts of Taking Indecent Liberties with Children. He was placed on 60 months’ probation and ordered to register as a sex offender. He has been residing in Greensboro, North Carolina. United States of America v. Alwin Farouk Gariba (M.D.N.C.).
Moises Javier Lopez
Moises Javier Lopez, 42, a native of the Republic of Colombia, naturalized on March 22, 2013. Before filing his naturalization application and throughout the naturalization process, Lopez sexually abused a minor child. In August 2013, he pleaded guilty in Maryland state court to Sexual Abuse of a Minor. He was sentenced to 25 years’ confinement, all but four suspended. He has been residing in Gaithersburg, Maryland. United States of America v. Moises Javier Lopez (D. Md.).
These cases were investigated by ICE, CBP, and the Civil Division’s Office of Immigration Litigation, District Court Section (OIL-DCS). These cases are being prosecuted by OIL-DCS and its National Security and Affirmative Litigation Unit (NS/A Unit) with support from the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern District of California, the District of Maryland, the Middle District of North Carolina, and the Southern District of Texas.
The claims made in the complaints are allegations only, and there have been no determinations of liability.
Denaturalization Sought Against Five Child Sexual Abusers in California, Maryland, North Carolina, and TexasRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice today filed denaturalization lawsuits against five individuals who, according to the Department’s complaints, unlawfully procured their United States citizenship by concealing their sexual abuse of minor victims during the naturalization process.
The civil complaints were filed in federal court in the Eastern District of California, the District of Maryland, the Middle District of North Carolina, and the Southern District of Texas (two cases).
“Those who wish to become American citizens ought to respect our laws and seek citizenship lawfully and honestly,” said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. “Anyone who lies, misleads, or omits critical information in an attempt to evade the requirements for naturalization undermines the credibility of our nation’s generous lawful immigration system. This Justice Department will continue to seek out fraudsters and bring them to justice by obtaining orders revoking their naturalized citizenship.”
The cases were referred to the Department of Justice by the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with investigative support from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
“ICE is committed to collaborating with our sister agencies within DHS to target individuals who conceal illicit activities in order to obtain U.S. citizenship,” said ICE Deputy Director Thomas D. Homan. “When special agents identify a child predator, exploiting the most innocent among us, and other criminals who have defrauded the U.S. immigration system for naturalization benefits, then ICE will move to have their citizenship revoked.”
Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, the citizenship of a naturalized U.S. citizen may be revoked, and his or her certificate of naturalization canceled, if such naturalization was illegally procured or procured by concealment of a material fact or by willful misrepresentation.
The five defendants committed crimes of sexual abuse of minor victims prior to naturalizing. As the civil complaints allege, such crimes rendered the defendants ineligible for citizenship at the time they naturalized. By willfully concealing child sexual abuse crimes, the defendants also independently rendered themselves subject to denaturalization.
A description of each of the five cases and the allegations of the United States follows:
Ricardo De Leon
Ricardo De Leon, 32, a native of Mexico, naturalized on July 23, 2010. Before De Leon naturalized as a U.S. citizen, he sexually assaulted a child under the age of 12. In July 2015, after he had naturalized, De Leon was indicted, and in March 2017 he pleaded guilty in Texas state court to committing aggravated sexual assault of a child in 2009. He was ordered to ten years of community supervision and required to register as a sex offender. He has been residing in Edinburg, Texas. United States of America v. Ricardo De Leon (S.D. Tex.).
Christian Oribello Eguilos
Christian Oribello Eguilos, 40, a native of the Philippines, naturalized on Nov. 6, 2013. For several years before filing his naturalization application and throughout the naturalization process, Eguilos repeatedly committed forcible lewd acts upon a child under the age of 14. In September 2015, he pleaded nolo contendere in California state court to four counts of Forcible Lewd Act Upon a Child. Eguilos was sentenced to 40 years in prison and ordered to register as a sex offender. He is incarcerated in Ione, California. United States of America v. Christian Oribello Eguilos (E.D. Cal.).
Carlos Noe Gallegos
Carlos Noe Gallegos, 41, a native of Mexico, naturalized on March 10, 2010. Before Gallegos naturalized as a U.S. citizen, he sexually assaulted a seven-year-old child. In November 2016, after he had naturalized, Gallegos was indicted, and in April 2017 he pleaded guilty in Texas state court to committing aggravated sexual assault of a child in 2007. He was ordered to six years of community supervision and required to register as a sex offender. He has been residing in Alamo, Texas. United States of America v. Carlos Noe Gallegos (S.D. Tex.).
Alwin Farouk Gariba
Alwin Farouk Gariba, 51, a native of Guyana, naturalized on Feb. 29, 2000. After he applied to naturalize but while he was in the naturalization process, Gariba repeatedly sexually abused a ten-year-old child. In July 2000, only months after he had naturalized, Gariba pleaded guilty in North Carolina state court to three counts of Taking Indecent Liberties with Children. He was placed on 60 months’ probation and ordered to register as a sex offender. He has been residing in Greensboro, North Carolina. United States of America v. Alwin Farouk Gariba (M.D.N.C.).
Moises Javier Lopez
Moises Javier Lopez, 42, a native of the Republic of Colombia, naturalized on March 22, 2013. Before filing his naturalization application and throughout the naturalization process, Lopez sexually abused a minor child. In August 2013, he pleaded guilty in Maryland state court to Sexual Abuse of a Minor. He was sentenced to 25 years’ confinement, all but four suspended. He has been residing in Gaithersburg, Maryland. United States of America v. Moises Javier Lopez (D. Md.).
These cases were investigated by ICE, CBP, and the Civil Division’s Office of Immigration Litigation, District Court Section (OIL-DCS). These cases are being prosecuted by OIL-DCS and its National Security and Affirmative Litigation Unit (NS/A Unit) with support from the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern District of California, the District of Maryland, the Middle District of North Carolina, and the Southern District of Texas.
The claims made in the complaints are allegations only, and there have been no determinations of liability.
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Crips Gang Member Convicted of Racketeering Conspiracy in NebraskaRead the Press Release
A violent member of the Omaha, Nebraska area Crips Gang was found guilty today of participating in a racketeering conspiracy involving acts of violence, including attempted murder and assaults, witness tampering and drug distribution.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Robert C. Stuart for the District of Nebraska made the announcement.
Jerell Haynie aka “Bootie,” 35, of Omaha, was found guilty today by a jury following a two-week trial of one count of racketeering conspiracy.
U.S. District Joseph F. Bataillon of the District of Nebraska scheduled Haynie’s sentencing for June 1.
According to the evidence presented at trial, from 2008 to 2016, Haynie conspired to conduct and participate in the affairs of the Omaha-area chapter of the Crips, known as the “40th Avenue and 44th Avenue Crips,” through a pattern of racketeering activity. As a long-standing gang member, Haynie engaged in cocaine trafficking and personally committed acts of violence for the gang in furtherance of the racketeering conspiracy. These acts of violence included the shootings and attempted murders of a fellow gang member suspected of cooperating with the police and a confidential police informant.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Omaha Police Department are investigating the case. Trial Attorney John S. Han of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Molsen of the District of Nebraska are prosecuting the case.
Corpus Christi Man Arrested on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 36-year-old Corpus Christi man has been taken into custody on allegations he distributed child pornography on at least two occasions, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Authorities arrested David Medina this morning upon the filing of a criminal complaint. He is expected to make his initial appearance before B. Janice Ellington at 2:00 p.m. today.
According to the charges, the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force conducted an investigation on a file sharing network looking for potential offenders sharing child pornography in September 2016. An officer was eventually able to download many images of child pornography from a computer and a specific IP address allegedly linked to Medina in Corpus Christi. Agents obtained a search warrant for Medina’s residence, after which agents seized several digital devices that led to the discovery of more than 3,500 images and 28 videos of child pornography, according to the charges.
Another investigation in 2017 led authorities to a different computer sharing child pornography which was traced to a second residence in Corpus Christi allegedly linked to Medina. He cellular phone was seized and allegedly found to contain more than 1,000 images and 95 videos of child pornography.
The criminal complaint further indicates that on Feb. 21, 2018, authorities received information that someone was downloading child pornography at a hotel in Corpus Christi. Agents found that Medina was renting a room at that location and seized his laptop as part of the investigation.
If convicted, Medina faces a minimum of five and up to 20 years in federal prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine, if convicted.
The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Corpus Christi Police Department - Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hugo R. Martinez is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced for Re-Entering the United StatesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Armando Navarrete-Dominguez, 29, of Mexico, who was convicted of illegally re-entering the United States after a conviction for an aggravated felony, was sentenced to time served (one year) by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Lamarque, who handled the case, stated that on February 15, 2017, the defendant was taken into custody after a vehicle and traffic stop on Grand Island, NY. A records check revealed that Navarrete-Dominguez was a citizen of Mexico who had previously been convicted in North Carolina of sexual exploitation of a minor and of breaking and entering. The defendant was deported and removed from the United States to Mexico in 2009 following his convictions in North Carolina.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent-in-Charge Steven Oldman.
Columbus man pleads guilty to federal methamphetamine chargeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Columbus man pled guilty today to a federal methamphetamine crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Joshua Gregory Richardson, 33, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, the Ohio State Police, and the Coal Grove Police Department in Ohio.
“Out-of-state drug traffickers need to stay out of our state,” said U.S. Attorney Stuart. “Columbus dealers like Richardson aren’t welcome here.”
Richardson admitted that in December 2016, he was a supplier of methamphetamine to a drug dealer in Cross Lanes. Richardson further admitted that on December 20, 2016, law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase of methamphetamine at the house of that Cross Lanes drug dealer. After the controlled purchase, but before officers left the area, Richardson went to the same house to collect money for methamphetamine he was supplying to the drug dealer. Following the controlled purchase, law enforcement in Ohio conducted a traffic stop of Richardson’s vehicle and seized nearly $10,000 in cash, $900 of which was pre-recorded buy money from the controlled purchase earlier the same day. Agents also downloaded text messages in which Richardson and the drug dealer discussed the sale of methamphetamine.
Richardson faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 6, 2018.
Assistant United States Attorney R. Gregory McVey is responsible for the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.
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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Colombian national pleads guilty to using a stolen identity in attempt to obtain driver’s licenseRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that a Colombian national pleaded guilty Tuesday to attempting to use someone else’s identity to obtain a Louisiana driver’s license in Alexandria.
Overth Riascos-Barahona, 33, of Colombia, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to one count of false claim of citizenship. According to the guilty plea, Riascos-Barahona entered the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles on September 14, 2017 in Alexandria. He submitted documents bearing another person’s personal information in an attempt to obtain a driver’s license. One of the documents was a Social Security card, which had the other person’s name on it.
Riascos-Barahona faces up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date of May 18, 2018 was set.
Homeland Security Investigations and Louisiana State Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominic Rossetti is prosecuting the case.
Clay County, Illinois Man Sentenced on Drug Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Ryan T. Harmon, 44, of Xenia, Illinois, was recently sentenced to federal prison on drug related charges, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
On February 21, 2018, Harmon was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release following his imprisonment. Harmon had previously pleaded guilty to three counts in a federal indictment. Count 1 charged that from on or about June 2016, until on or about January 3, 2017, in Clay County and Marion County, within the Southern District of Illinois, and elsewhere, Harmon conspired to knowingly and intentionally distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, Alpha-Pyrrolidinopentiophenone (Alpha-PVP), in violation of federal law. Count 2 charges that on January 3, 2017, in Marion County, Harmon attempted to possess with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing Alpha-PVP. Count 3 charges that on December 29, 2016, in Clay County, Harmon possessed with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing Alpha-PVP.
Alpha-PVP is also known as "Flakka" or "Gravel." It is a dangerous synthetic drug that is similar to the street drug commonly known as "bath salts." Harmon admitted in documents filed with the federal court that he and other co-conspirators would order Alpha-PVP over the internet from China. After the Alpha-PVP arrived in Southern Illinois, Harmon and others would split the Alpha-PVP amongst themselves for use and for further resale.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Flora Police Department, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Illinois State Police Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force, and the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois (MEGSI).
Canadian Man Who Wore Makeup to Conceal His Identity Convicted of Misuse of A PassportRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Fadi Abbas, 32, of Canada, pleaded guilty to misuse of passport before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The defendant was immediately sentenced to time served and remanded to the Department of Homeland Security for removal proceedings.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Maura K. O’Donnell, who handled the case, stated that on January 24, 2018, the defendant attempted to enter the United States at the Rainbow Bridge Port of Entry, in Niagara Falls, NY. Abbas, who wore makeup in order to appear older, presented a Canadian passport in the name of his father, Gheis Ahmed Abbas.
The defendant’s fingerprints were entered into the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System and produced a positive match for Fadi Abbas. The defendant was previously denied entry into the United States using his own identity and passport, because he was previously convicted of a crime in Canada.
The plea and sentence are the result of an investigation by Customs and Border protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy.
Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Steven Paschell, 48, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty to distribution of butyryl fentanyl before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $2,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura A. Higgins, who is handling the case, stated that on three separate occasions between November 1, 2016, and December 12, 2016, the defendant sold quantities of butyryl fentanyl to a confidential source working the DEA.
A subsequent search of Paschell’s residence on Carmel Road in Buffalo recovered a glassine envelope containing a powder substance, a scale, various packaging materials including glassine envelopes marked “Mojo,” an empty bottle of a cutting agent, a metal spoon and pieces of ripped plastic bags. Forensic testing determined that the substance in the glassine envelope was butyryl fentanyl.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 4, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Arcara.
Bucks County Man Charged with Receipt and Possession of Child PornRead the Press Release
Brian High, 45, of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, was charged today by Indictment with receipt and possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. The Indictment alleges that High received child pornography on or about April 8, 2013, August 10, 2015, September 29, 2016, and further that High possessed child pornography on October 27, 2016.
If convicted as charged, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 80 years’ imprisonment, a mandatory minimum term of 5 years’ imprisonment, supervised release for a minimum term of five years and a lifetime maximum term, a $1,000,000 dollar fine, mandatory restitution, and a $400 special assessment, except if High is found not to be indigent, which would result in an additional $15,000 mandatory special assessment, for a total of $15,400.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case was investigated by the New Britain Township Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Katherine Driscoll.
Bristol Man Sentenced to 42 Months in Prison for Distributing Drugs that Contributed to Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROBERT DEWAYNE WATKINS, also known as “D,” 42, of Bristol, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 42 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing narcotics that contributed to an overdose death last year.
This matter stems from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 18, 2017, Canton Police responded to a suspected overdose incident at a Collinsville restaurant and encountered an unresponsive 29-year-old male. After unsuccessful resuscitation efforts, the victim was pronounced deceased. The investigation, which included witness interviews and analysis of the victim’s cellphone, revealed that the victim purchased heroin and crack cocaine from WATKINS shortly before his death. Some of the heroin contained fentanyl.
WATKINS has been detained since his arrest on July 25, 2017. On November 8, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin and cocaine base (“crack”).
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force and the Canton Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry.
Bridgeport Man Admits Robbing 5 Connecticut BanksRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRYCE ALEXANDER LAISTER, 25, formerly of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of armed bank robbery and admitted that he robbed a total of five Connecticut banks between November 2016 and June 2017.
According to court documents and statements made in court, LAISTER robbed the Webster Bank at 314 Merwin Avenue in Milford on November 30, 2016; the Key Bank at 133 East Main Street in Plainville on April 7, 2017; the Key Bank at 1328 Boston Post Road in Westbrook on May 5, 2017; the People’s United Bank located inside the Stop and Shop at 898 Bridgeport Avenue in Shelton on May 30, 2017, and the People’s United Bank located inside the Stop and Shop at 112 Amity Road in New Haven on June 10, 2017.
During the Shelton robbery, LAISTER brandished a pistol, and during the Plainville and Westbrook robberies, LAISTER threatened to kill or shoot bank employees if they did not comply with his demands.
LAISTER was located and arrested in Stratford on June 15, 2017, after he engaged in a two-hour standoff with local and federal law enforcement officers. At the time of his arrest, LAISTER possessed a .380 caliber pistol and a magazine loaded with two bullets. A subsequent search one of LAISTER’s vehicles revealed clothing he wore during the robbery on June 10, a makeup kit he used to disguise his features, and a Stop and Shop circular.
LAISTER is scheduled to be sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello on May 17, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 25 years. He has been detained since his arrest.
This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, Connecticut State Police and the Milford, Plainville, Shelton, New Haven and Stratford Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan.
Baton Rouge Woman Indicted for Theft of Disaster Assistance FundsRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Corey Amundson, who also serves as the Acting Executive Director of the National Center for Disaster Fraud, announced today that JENNIFER J. WEBER, age 35, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury charging her with theft of $9,331 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds in relation to the 2016 Baton Rouge flooding.
Following the 2016 flooding that affected 12 parishes in south Louisiana, FEMA funds were available to people who had emergency needs for food, shelter, and clothing because of the flood. In order to qualify for assistance based on home ownership, an individual must have, among other things, resided in the home at the time of the storm.
According to the indictment, WEBER is alleged to have submitted a false application for FEMA assistance for a Denham Springs residence where she did not reside at the time of the August 2016 flooding. In her application, she is also alleged to have lied in asserting that, because of the damage to the Denham Springs residence, she had emergency needs for food, clothing, and shelter.
Acting U.S. Attorney Amundson stated, “Federal disaster assistance funds are designated for the aid of individuals affected by a disaster, and with the intent to return these individuals to the lives they lived before being victimized by disasters. The theft of these funds by fraudsters victimizes not only the federal government, but actual disaster victims, too, whose legitimate claims may be delayed because someone else has already submitted a fraudulent claim using the victim’s residence. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, together with the National Center for Disaster Fraud and our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, will continue diligent efforts to seek out and hold accountable individuals who seek to steal assistance funds and impair the Federal Government’s ability to assist true victims of a disaster.”
Special Agent in Charge David Green, Houston Field Office, Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General stated, “Working in concert with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, DHS-OIG will continue to hold these individuals accountable. Our agency is committed to a zero-tolerance policy when pursuing criminal charges against individuals who steal from the U.S. taxpayer by filing fraudulent FEMA disaster assistance claims.”
Members of the public who suspect fraud involving disaster relief efforts, or believe they have been the victim of fraud from a person or organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of disaster victims, should contact the National Disaster Fraud Hotline toll free at (866) 720-5721. The telephone line is staffed by a live operator 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also fax information to the Center at (225) 334-4707, or email it to [email protected]. Learn more about the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud at http://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud.
This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana and the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul L. Pugliese.
Baltimore Man Sentenced to 188 Months for Participating in Heroin Trafficking Ring Protected by Corrupt Former Baltimore City Police Department DetectiveRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Baltimore, Maryland – United States District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced Glen Kyle Wells, a/k/a Lou, and Kyle, age 31, of Baltimore to 188 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin relating to a drug trafficking organization in North Baltimore.
The sentence was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Don A. Hibbert of the Drug Enforcement Administration; Special Agent in Charge Gordon Johnson of the FBI, Baltimore Field Office; Sheriff Jeffrey R. Gahler of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office; and Chief Terrence B. Sheridan of the Baltimore County Police Department.
According to evidence presented at trial, from 2010 until the dates of their arrests, Wells and his co-conspirators distributed multiple kilograms of heroin to customers throughout the Baltimore area. Members of the conspiracy, known to law enforcement as the Shropshire Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO), distributed narcotics in Northern Baltimore, primarily near the Alameda Shopping Center. The Shropshire DTO distribution of heroin caused overdoses, including fatal overdoses. For example, on December 27, 2011, J.L. died as a result of the use of narcotics that were distributed by the DTO.
The evidence presented at trial showed that Wells received protection from corrupt former detective Momodu Gondo. Gondo provided information about the location of law enforcement so that Wells could avoid being targeted by the police and could continue his drug distribution.
Additional evidence presented at trial showed that Wells, Gondo, and former detective Jemell Rayam committed an armed home invasion of a rival drug dealer of the Shropshire DTO. Wells and Rayam entered the drug dealer’s residence and a woman was inside the residence. Rayam pointed a gun at the woman and demanded money. Wells and Rayam stole 800 grams of heroin, a firearm, a watch, and $12,000 in cash. Wells sold the gun and heroin. Wells, Rayam, and Gondo split cash proceeds from the items that were taken during the armed home invasion.
Fourteen former heroin customers of the defendants testified at trial, many of whom became addicted to heroin after having been prescribed or taken prescription opioids, including a customer who suffered from multiple sclerosis, a customer who had injured herself in a high school gymnastics accident, and a customer who was prescribed opioid painkillers after surgery. Together, these customers purchased more than 17 kilograms of heroin from the defendants over the course of the seven-year conspiracy.
Co-defendant Antonio Shropshire, a/k/a Brill, B, and Tony, age 34, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison. Omari Thomas, a/k/a Lil’ Bril, Lil B, and Chewy, age 25, of Middle River, Maryland, has been sentenced to 6 years in prison. Alexander Campbell, a/k/a Munch, age 29, of Baltimore has been sentenced to 15 years and 8 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. Antoine Washington, a/k/a Twan, age 27, of Baltimore was also convicted at trial and awaits sentencing.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning commended the DEA, FBI, Harford County Sherriff’s Office and the Baltimore County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leo J. Wise and Derek E. Hines, who prosecuted this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.
Atlanta businessmen convicted of market manipulation and investment fraudRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Marc E. Bercoon and William A. Goldstein have been convicted by a jury on federal charges that they manipulated the market for shares of MedCareers Group, Inc., a publicly traded company, and that they carried out a second investment fraud scheme using a new business corporation that they organized as the bait for investors. A third defendant in the market manipulation scheme, Peter P. Veugeler, previously pleaded guilty and testified at trial.
“These defendants manipulated the stock of a publicly traded company by carrying out two schemes,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “The defendants made over $2.5 million off the backs of many unwitting investors who bought while the stock price was artificially high due to the defendants’ rigging the market. At the same time, Bercoon and Goldstein ripped off investors in a separate, private company, by selling them shares based on lies and false pretenses. The jury’s verdict vindicates the victims and emphasizes the seriousness of securities fraud involving publicly traded companies.”
“Hopefully these convictions will give the many people, who unknowingly invested in the fraudulent stock, some solace,” said David J. LeValley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “It’s easy to dismiss financial fraud cases like this as benign, but there is a real victimization and lives are changed because of it.”
According to U.S Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court: From July 2009 through September 2011, Bercoon and Goldstein conspired with Veugeler and others to manipulate the market for shares of MedCareers Group, Inc., a publicly traded company quoted on the over the counter bulletin board under the ticker symbol MCGI.
The conspiracy culminated in two “pump and dump” schemes carried out in March and May 2010. To carry out these schemes, Bercoon and Goldstein arranged for MedCareers Group, Inc. to issue a series of misleading press releases and SEC filings, at the same time as co-conspirators sent out mass emails touting the stock. While the price of MCGI and the demand for the stock were both artificially high because of these efforts, the defendants orchestrated a sell-off of their stock, coordinating activity in multiple “nominee” accounts, which were titled in the names of other people and entities to hide the defendants’ involvement.
Around the same time, from May 2009 through June 2010, Bercoon and Goldstein also carried out a second investment fraud concerning a privately held company. Specifically, Bercoon and Goldstein organized a private corporation, Find.com Acquisition, Inc., and then solicited investments from dozens of individuals. Bercoon and Goldstein told investors, and induced brokers working for them to tell investors, that their funds would be used to develop an internet search engine named Find.com. Bercoon and Goldstein used the bulk of the over $1.5 million raised from investors for unrelated purposes, such as subsidizing their other business ventures and making payments to themselves and their family members. In fact, over $550,000 of the $1.5 million invested in Find.com Acquisition, Inc. was simply withdrawn from the bank in cash shortly after being invested.
As part of the scheme, investors were provided with written offering materials. In addition to stating that the investments would be used to develop the Find.com internet search engine business, the written materials stated that investors were being offered the opportunity to buy stock at a price of $1.00/share, and that no more than 12.5% of investments would go toward commissions. Despite these representations in the written offering materials, Bercoon and Goldstein sold stock to some investors at heavily discounted prices, without informing other investors, and paid commissions of 30% to 40% to brokers on some investments.
These charges flow from a securities fraud investigation conducted by the FBI, in which court-authorized wiretaps were used to intercept telephone conversations.
Marc E. Bercoon, 57, of Atlanta, Georgia, and William A. Goldstein, 54, of Alpharetta, Georgia, were convicted on 12 counts of conspiracy, mail fraud, wire fraud, and securities fraud in connection with the two fraudulent schemes. Both defendants were remanded into custody after the verdict. Peter P. Veugeler, 49, of Windermere, Florida, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud and wire fraud and testified at trial. Bercoon and Goldstein are scheduled to be sentenced on May 30th and 31st, at 9:00 a.m. The sentencing for Veugeler has not yet been scheduled.
This case is being investigated by the FBI. The Atlanta Regional Office of the SEC, the Los Angeles Regional Office of the SEC, and the Criminal Prosecution Assistance Group of FINRA have provided valuable contributions in the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alana R. Black, Stephen H. McClain, and Kamal Ghali are prosecuting the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Atlanta Man Sentenced in Federal Court on Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Fareed Abdul Jabar, age 34, of Atlanta, was sentenced in federal court in Greenville for felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g). United States District Judge Michelle Childs imposed a sentence of 46 months followed by three years of supervised release.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on March 29, 2017, a Greenville County Sheriff’s Deputy initiated a traffic stop on a car driven by Jabar. A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the seizure of a loaded Glock .40 caliber pistol and marijuana.
The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office along with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case. This case is part of the Real Time initiative. Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen in the Greenville U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case.
The Real Time Initiative is part of South Carolina’s continued application of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
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Assistant School Band Director Arrested on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 28-year-old Corpus Christi man has been charged with distribution of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Law enforcement arrested Parker J. Pendergraph this afternoon upon the filing of a criminal complaint. He is expected to make his initial appearance before B. Janice Ellington at 2:00 p.m. tomorrow.
According to the charges, an electronic chat room company notified the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that a known image of child pornography had been uploaded to an internet chat room. The complaint alleges authorities were able to link the specific IP address associated with a user known as “jack” to Pendergraph.
Law enforcement determined Pendergraph was employed as an assistant band director for a local high school and middle school and obtained a search warrant for his residence. At that time, authorities seized several digital devices that led to the discovery of the known image of child pornography uploaded to the chat room, according to the charges. In addition, law enforcement allegedly located several other images of child pornography.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and The Corpus Christi Police Department’s – Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted the investigation with the assistance of NCMEC.
If convicted, Pendergraph faces a minimum of five and up to 20 years in federal prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hugo R. Martinez is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.Armed Career Criminal Who Sold Rifle While Working at A Gun Store Sentenced to 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Jose Luis Sanchez-Rosado (44, Volusia County) to 15 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Due to his multiple felony convictions, he qualified for an increased penalty under the Armed Career Criminal Act. Sanchez-Rosado pleaded guilty on December 1, 2017.
According to court documents, in June 2017, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives received information that Sanchez-Rosado had worked at a gun store in Deltona, handled firearms, and provided tactical training in the use of firearms for customers. Further investigation revealed that Sanchez-Rosado had possessed and pawned a 5.56-millimeter caliber rifle at a pawnshop in Orange City. Due to his prior felony convictions, Sanchez-Rosado is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by ATF and the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sean P. Shecter.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In October 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to develop districtwide crime reduction strategies, incorporating the lessons learned since the program’s inception in 2001. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Alien Located in Columbia Pleads Guilty to Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Marcial Esteban-Vasquez , age 39, of Mexico, has entered a guilty plea in federal court in Columbia, to Illegal Re-Entry, a violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a). United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie, of Columbia, accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Esteban was encountered by ICE-Enforcement and Removal Operations Deportation Officers on December 13, 2017 while they were assisting DEA agents in an investigation concerning Esteban. The investigation revealed that Esteban is a citizen of Mexico who had been deported three times pursuant to an order of removal. U.S. Attorney Drake stated the maximum penalty for Illegal Re-Entry is imprisonment for up to 20 years, a term of supervised release of not more than three years and/or a fine of $250,000.
The case was investigated by officers of the ICE-Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, II of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.
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Albuquerque Man Sentenced to 70 Months for Federal Heroin Trafficking and Firearms ConvictionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Ruben Bustillos-Pacheco, 22, of Albuquerque, N.M., was sentenced this morning in federal court in Santa Fe, N.M., to 70 months of imprisonment for his conviction on drug trafficking and firearms charges. Bustillos-Pacheco will be on supervised release for three years after completing his prison sentence.
The DEA arrested Bustillos-Pacheco in Dec. 2015, on a criminal complaint charging him with heroin trafficking and firearms offenses. According to the complaint, DEA agents seized four firearms, including an AR-15 style rifle, multiple rounds of ammunition, approximately 412.2 grams of heroin, drug paraphernalia, and cash in Bustillos-Pacheco’s residence during the execution of a search warrant.
Bustillos-Pacheco subsequently was indicted on Dec. 17, 2015, and was charged with possession of heroin with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to the indictment, Bustillos-Pacheco committed the offenses on Dec. 9, 2015, in Bernalillo County, N.M.
On May 1, 2017, Bustillos-Pacheco pled guilty to a felony information charging him with possession of heroin with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. In entering the guilty plea, Bustillos-Pacheco admitted that on Dec. 9, 2015, he possessed three firearms, including one which had been reported stolen, and approximately 382 grams of heroin. Bustillos-Pacheco acknowledged that he possessed the firearms for protection of his heroin trafficking activities.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the DEA and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shaheen P. Torgoley as part of the New Mexico Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Education (HOPE) Initiative. The HOPE Initiative was launched in January 2015 by the UNM Health Sciences Center and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in response to the national opioid epidemic, which has had a disproportionately devastating impact on New Mexico. Opioid addiction has taken a toll on public safety, public health and the economic viability of our communities. Working in partnership with the DEA, the Bernalillo County Opioid Accountability Initiative, Healing Addiction in our Community (HAC), the Albuquerque Public Schools and other community stakeholders, HOPE’s principal goals are to protect our communities from the dangers associated with heroin and opioid painkillers and reducing the number of opioid-related deaths in New Mexico.
The HOPE Initiative is comprised of five components: (1) prevention and education; (2) treatment; (3) law enforcement; (4) reentry; and (5) strategic planning. HOPE’s law enforcement component is led by the Organized Crime Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the DEA in conjunction with their federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners. Targeting members of major heroin and opioid trafficking organizations for investigation and prosecution is a priority of the HOPE Initiative. Learn more about the New Mexico HOPE Initiative at http://www.HopeInitiativeNM.org.
Albuquerque Businessman Arraigned on Federal Charges Alleging Obstruction of IRS and Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – David Castle, 75, of Albuquerque, N.M., was arraigned yesterday in federal court on an indictment charging him with obstructing the administration of the internal revenue laws and tax evasion. Castle entered a not guilty plea to the indictment and was released on pretrial supervision and other conditions of release pending trial, which has yet to be scheduled.
The charges against Castle, which arise out of an alleged scheme to evade and defeat the assessment and payment of taxes owed by Castle to the United States from Dec. 2004 through Jan. 2018, were announced by Acting U.S. Attorney James D. Tierney and Special Agent in Charge Ismael Nevarez, Jr., of the Phoenix Field Division of IRS-Criminal Investigation.
According to the indictment, Castle is the owner and operator of the Gold and Silver Exchange (GSE), an Albuquerque-based store that focuses on the sale, purchase and repair of jewelry. The two-count indictment, which was filed on Feb. 14, 2018, charges Castle with corruptly obstructing and impeding the administration of the internal revenue laws and tax evasion. The indictment generally alleges that Castle committed these offenses for the purpose of concealing income generated by GSE from the IRS and to evade the payment of federal personal and business taxes.
Count 1 of the indictment charges Castle with corruptly obstructing and impeding the administration of the internal revenue laws by filing false federal income tax returns between Dec. 2004 and May 2016. According to the indictment, Castle used several nominee businesses to conduct GSE’s financial operations allegedly to hide income generated by GSE from the IRS. Castle allegedly executed this corrupt scheme by using bank accounts belonging to the nominee businesses; concealing personal income and expenditures; engaging in cash transactions; and employing and paying GSE personnel in cash that could not easily be connected to GSE’s business operations. The indictment further alleges that Castle deliberately failed to keep accurate business records reflecting GSE’s income and expenses.
Count 2 of the indictment alleges that from Dec. 2008 through Dec. 2017, Castle attempted to evade federal taxes for the years 1992-1993, 1995-2002, 2005, and 2006 in the approximate amount of $104,446.81. Castle allegedly committed this crime by concealing from the IRS the nature and location of his business revenue; placing funds in bank accounts belonging to nominee businesses; emphasizing cash operations in order to place the revenue beyond the reach of the legal process; and by failing to file personal and business income tax returns or by filing false or frivolous tax returns.
If convicted of the charge in Count 1 of the indictment, Castle faces a maximum statutory penalty of three years of imprisonment. If convicted of the charge in Count 2 of the indictment, Castle faces a maximum penalty of five years of imprisonment. Charges in indictments are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of IRS – Criminal Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Shaheen P. Torgoley.
Castle Indictment24 Individuals Arrested for Drug Conspiracy and Money Laundering OffensesRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – On August 23, 2017, a federal grand jury returned a one count indictment against Rafael Garza a/k/a "Poppy," Timothy Woods, Juan Cisneros a/k/a "Hot Rod," Alfredo Arambul a/k/a "Freddy," a/k/a "Chain," Carlos Alberto Lopez, Tiffany Harper, Anthony Hope, Anthony Gilliam, Corey Blair, Marcus Joyner, Ricky Dortch, and Johnny Smith alleging that these individuals conspired to possess with the intent distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
On February 15, 2018, a federal grand jury returned a second seven count indictment arising out of the same investigation against Jackie Arnold a/k/a/ "Jackie Red," Timothy Brown, a/k/a "Blemi," Dedrick Chism, a/k/a/ "Dean," Foyice Clark, Reginald Duncan, Theotis Evans, Rico Fason, Rodney Harper, Tangela Jackson, Lakata Johnson, Roderick Kelley, a/k/a/ "Hot-Rod," and Shunta Thompson-Truehart, alleging illegal drug violations. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the indictments today.
The twelve defendants currently in custody on this most recent seven-count indictment are:
Jackie Arnold, a/k/a "Jackie Red," 47, Memphis, TN
Timothy Brown, a/k/a/ "Blemi," 38, Memphis, TN
Dedrick Chism, a/k/a/ "Dean," 42, Memphis, TN
Foyice Clark, 60, Memphis, TN
Reginald Duncan, 46, Memphis, TN
Theotis Evans, 41, Memphis, TN
Rico Fason, 31, Memphis, TN
Rodney Harper, 41, Memphis, TN
Tangela Jackson, 49, Memphis, TN
Lakata Johnson, 45, Memphis, TN
Roderick Kelley, a/k/a/ "Hot-Rod," 43, Memphis, TN
Shunta Thompson-Truehart, 38, Memphis, TNCount 1 charges Jackie Arnold a/k/a "Jackie Red," Timothy Brown, a/k/a "Blemi," Dedrick Chism a/k/a "Dean," Foyice Clark, Reginald Duncan, Theotis Evans, Rico Fason, Rodney Harper, Tangela Jackson, Roderick Kelley, a/k/a "Hot-Rod," and Shunta Thompson-Truehart with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine.
Count 2 charges Jackie Arnold a/k/a "Jackie Red," with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
Count 3 charges Jackie Arnold a/k/a "Jackie Red," Dedrick Chism, Reginald Duncan, Rico Fason and Shunta Thompson-Truehart with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana.
Counts 4, 5 and 6 are redacted at this time.
Count 7 charges that Jackie Arnold a/k/a "Jackie Red," and Lakata Johnson conspired to conduct financial transactions involving the proceeds of drug trafficking with the intent to either promote the carrying on of the unlawful activity or knowing that the transaction was designed to conceal the source of the proceeds of the unlawful activity.
During this nearly two-year long investigation, agents seized approximately $700,000 in U.S. currency and assets, 3.5 kilos of heroin, 52 kilograms of cocaine, approximately 84 pounds of marijuana and several firearms. If convicted, the defendants face mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years imprisonment up to life.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, United States Postal Inspectors Office, FBI, Memphis Police Department, Multi-Agency Gang Unit, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, and West Tennessee Drug Task Force investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jerry Kitchen and Michelle Kimbril-Parks are prosecuting this case on the government’s behalf.
The charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proved guilty.
21 February 2018
“Compound King” and Two Others Indicted in Multi-Million Dollar ConspiracyRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A man and woman from Houston are set to appear in federal court on charges related to health care fraud and money laundering, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Law enforcement are searching for a third individual also indicted in the case.
George Phillip Tompkins, 73, and Marene Kathryn Tompkins, 66, were taken into custody Thursday. They are expected in court for an arraignment and counsel determination hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena H. Palermo at 10:00 a.m. today.
Authorities are still seeking a third defendant - Anoop Kumar Chaturvedi, 46, a legal permanent resident from India in connection with the charges. A warrant remains outstanding for his arrest. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) at 1-888-877-7644.
The three are charged in a 17- count indictment that was returned Jan. 24, 2018, and unsealed Feb. 16, with violating the anti-kickback statute, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy to launder money.
The Tompkins owned Piney Point Pharmacy on Fondren Road in Houston. The indictment alleges they conspired with Chaturvedi and others to induce the referral of compound gel and cream prescriptions to the pharmacy for dispensing and billing under health benefit programs, including the Federal Employees Compensation Act program (FECA).
Beginning around September 2009 and continuing through approximately September 2016, the indictment alleges the trio engaged in health care fraud and wire fraud as well as illegal kickbacks. The pharmacy allegedly billed the Department of Labor (DOL) - who administered the FECA program - at least $23,392,281 for compound gel and cream medications dispensed pursuant to illegitimate prescriptions and the result of kickback payments. The DOL paid approximately $11,663,704 on the fraudulent claims. The indictment lists several dates when compound gels and creams were dispensed to hundreds of patients, ordered by the same physician. Chaturvedi allegedly distributed a standardized prescription order form and directed the number of mediation refills to be ordered.
The indictment describes compounding as a practice of compounding and creating medications tailored to individual patient needs. George Tompkins was the pharmacist in charge and allegedly referred to himself as the “Compound King.” Marene Tompkins was identified as the pharmacy Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, while Chaturvedi owned several other businesses in the Houston area, according to the charges.
“The indictment obtained today should send a clear message to healthcare providers that the government is vigilant and vigorously protecting federal benefits programs from corruption,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Cave of USPS-OIG , Southern Area Field Office. “The USPS-OIG, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to investigate these types of cases in order to protect the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs and USPS from further fraud and abuse.”
If convicted of the money laundering conspiracy, they face up to 20 years in federal prison. Each also faces up to 10 years in prison for convictions of either conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud and wire fraud as well as a maximum of five years for conspiracy to pay kickbacks.
USPS-OIG, DOL-OIG, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Department of Veterans Affairs – OIG and Department of Homeland Security – OIG conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Redlinger is prosecuting the case.
Wellsville Man Sentenced in Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Justin L. Billings, 35, of Wellsville, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to manufacture, possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, was sentenced to 54 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan T. Cullinane, who handled the case, stated that between January 2011, and October 25, 2011, the defendant conspired to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine. Billings engaged in the practice of “smurfing” (buying small quantities) at local pharmacies to get around restrictions on purchasing products containing pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine is an important chemical necessary in the process of manufacturing methamphetamine.
The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation on the part of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division; the New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET), under the direction of Lieutenant Kevin Reyes and Major David Krause; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ashan Benedict, New York Division; the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force, under the direction of Cattaraugus County Sheriff Timothy Whitcomb; the Wellsville Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy O’Grady; U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent-in-Charge Steven Oldman; and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, under the direction of Captain John Burke.
Virginia Man Indicted for Hate Crime and Threatening Employees of the Arab American InstituteRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today charged William Patrick Syring, 60, from Arlington, Virginia, to four counts of threatening employees of the Arab American Institute (AAI) because of their race and national origin, three counts of threatening AAI employees because of their efforts to encourage Arab Americans to participate in political and civic life in the United States, and seven counts of transmitting threats to AAI employees in interstate commerce. A summons was issued for Syring to appear in federal court in Washington, D.C. AAI is a Washington D.C. based private non-profit organization whose purpose is to encourage the direct participation of Arab Americans in political and civic life in the United States.
Each charge of threatening AAI employees because of their race and national origin and because of their advocacy on behalf of AAI provides for a sentence of no greater than one year in prison, one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $100,000. Each charge of transmitting a threat in interstate commerce provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
According to court documents, Syring previously pleaded guilty to threatening AAI employees through e-mails and voicemails sent in 2006. Syring was sentenced on July 11, 2008 to 12 months of imprisonment followed by three years of post-release supervision, 100 hours of community service, and was ordered to pay a $10,000 fine.
Following termination of his supervised release, Syring resumed communications with AAI employees, sending AAI employees over 350 e-mails from March 2012 to January 2018. Several of the e-mails Syring sent to AAI employees during this time period contained true threats using language similar to that which formed the basis of his prior conviction.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Civil Rights Division Senior Legal Counsel Mark Blumberg and Trial Attorney Nick Reddick.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
United States Attorney J. Douglas Overbey Announces Management and Supervisory Staff ChangesRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – J. Douglas Overbey, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee, today announced changes in some of the management and supervisory personnel for the district.
“The decision to implement the changes outlined below was made with due and thoughtful consideration,” said U.S. Attorney Overbey. “All of these individuals are well qualified for the position for which they have been chosen. Also, as they all currently serve in supervisory positions, the transition to their new roles should be seamless and keep the district moving forward in support of the priorities and initiatives of the Department of Justice,” added Overbey.
Charles E. Atchley, Jr. will now serve as the First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the district. Atchley most recently served as Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division and supervisor of the National Security Unit. He joined the office in 2001 as an Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA). Prior to this, Atchley was an Assistant Attorney General in the Fourth Judicial District of Tennessee. His memberships include the Tennessee Bar Association; State Bar of Georgia; Alabama State Bar; Knoxville Bar Association; Hamilton Burnett Inns of Court; Sevier County Bar Association; and serves on the Board of Directors of the East Tennessee Historical Society and Zoo Knoxville. After graduating from the University of Tennessee, he received a law degree from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University.
Nancy Stallard Harr will now serve as Senior Litigation Counsel (SLC). Harr, a native of Bristol, Virginia, joined the U.S. Attorney’s office as an AUSA in 1995. Since that time, she has served as supervisor of the Greeneville branch office and First AUSA. Upon the retirement of the presidentially appointed U.S. Attorney in 2015, she became the Acting U.S. Attorney. In October 2016, she was appointed by the court as U.S. Attorney for the district and served in that role until November 2017. Prior to joining the office, Harr was a prosecutor with the Second Judicial District Attorney’s office in Blountville. She received her law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law.
Francis M. (Trey) Hamilton III, has been chosen to serve as a Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division, supervising fraud and white collar crime prosecutions. Hamilton joined the office in 2002 as an AUSA. Since that time, he has served as SLC and the Criminal Division’s Coordinator for Health Care Fraud, Financial Institution Fraud, and Asset Forfeiture matters. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Hamilton was a law clerk to the Honorable Jerome Turner, U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Tennessee, and worked as an associate attorney for two national law firms. He received his law degree from Washington & Lee University School of Law, where he graduated summa cum laude, was elected to the Order of the Coif, and served as a member of the Washington & Lee Law Review. His undergraduate degree is from Rhodes College, where he graduated magna cum laude and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. Hamilton is licensed in Tennessee, Georgia, and the District of Columbia.
Caryn L. Hebets has been chosen to serve as a Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division supervising violent crime and drug prosecutions. Hebets, a native of Dearborn, Michigan, joined the office as an AUSA in October 2005. She most recently served as the lead Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Attorney for the district. Prior to joining the U.S Attorney’s office, Hebets was an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Berrien County, Michigan, and also worked with the FBI. She received her law degree from Wayne State University after receiving an undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan. She is a member of the Michigan bar.
In addition to announcing the changes above, U.S. Attorney Overbey announced that the following individuals would remain in their current management and supervisory roles in the district:
David Jennings will remain in his current position as the Chief of the Criminal Division. Jennings joined the office as an AUSA in 1994. Prior to becoming Criminal Chief, he was an AUSA in asset forfeiture, violent crime and OCDETF. In 2008, he became supervisor of the violent crime and OCDETF prosecutions, and eventually added general crimes to this list. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s office, he spent four years on active duty in the Army JAG Corps and worked as an Assistant District Attorney in the Knox County District Attorney’s Office. Jennings has a law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law and an undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee.
Loretta Harber will remain as Chief of the Civil Division. Harber, a native of Brooklyn, New York and raised in Lexington, Kentucky, began with the office as an AUSA in 1987. She received her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Tennessee.
Robert C. McConkey, III will continue to serve as Deputy Chief of the Civil Division. McConkey has been an AUSA with the office since 2010. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s office, he worked as an associate in private practice handling commercial and general civil litigation and served as a Deputy Law Director for Knox County, Tennessee. He received his law degree from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University after receiving an undergraduate degree from East Tennessee State University.
The Greeneville branch office will continue to be supervised by Branch Chief Donald Wayne Taylor. Before joining the office as an AUSA in 2007, Taylor served as the Chief Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Floyd County, Kentucky. He also has experience as an associate in a private law firm. He received a law degree from Widener University School of Law in Wilmington, Delaware, after receiving an undergraduate degree from Penn State University.
Finally, the Chattanooga branch office will continue under the supervision of Branch Chief Steven Neff. Neff joined the office as an AUSA in 2000. Prior to joining the U.S Attorney’s office, he served on active duty for five years in the U.S. Army as a JAG Corps lawyer. In addition to his duties as an AUSA, he also served overseas on detail from the DOJ as the Resident Legal Advisor at the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia. He has a law degree from Mercer University Law School in Georgia, and an undergraduate degree from Davidson College.
The U.S. Attorney’s office for the Eastern District of Tennessee represents the interests of the United States both criminal and civil, in federal court. The eastern district is the largest federal district in Tennessee, with a population of over 2.6 million, encompassing 41 of the 95 counties, and spanning 420 miles. In addition to the headquarters office in Knoxville, there are branch offices in Chattanooga and Greeneville. U.S. Attorney Overbey, who was sworn in as the presidentially appointed, senate confirmed U.S. Attorney in November 2017, serves as the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the district.
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Union Bookkeeper Who Embezzled More Than $300,000 Sentenced to Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Stephanie DeBoer Spent the Money on Credit Cards, Lingerie, Katy Perry Tickets
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — Stephanie Marie DeBoer, 41, of Cedar Springs, Michigan, was sentenced on February 20, 2018, to four years in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge announced today. U.S. District Judge Paul L. Maloney imposed the sentence. Judge Maloney also ordered her to pay full restitution, and to serve a period of supervision after completing her prison term. DeBoer was the former office manager and bookkeeper of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 876, in Edmore, Michigan. Between 2012 and September 2015, DeBoer embezzled more than $307,000 from the union by writing unauthorized checks to herself and others, making unauthorized payroll deposits, sending money to pay her credit cards, and making unauthorized purchases. Among other things, DeBoer used more than $89,000 of the embezzled money to make payments on 16 different personal credit cards, and made more than $54,000 in unauthorized charges on two different union officers’ union-issued credit cards. The unauthorized charges included $907 for Katy Perry concert tickets and more than $5,000 in purchases from Victoria’s Secret.
“Stephanie DeBoer abused her fiduciary responsibility as the office manager and bookkeeper by embezzling more than $300,000 from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers - Local Union 876. We will continue to work with our federal and state law enforcement partners and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards to safeguard the assets of union members,” said James Vanderberg, Special Agent-in-Charge, Chicago Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.
“Safeguarding union finances and combatting embezzlement of union funds in labor unions is a very high priority for the Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards,” said Ian Burg, Detroit-Milwaukee District Director. “The embezzlement by Ms. DeBoer was significant, and the $307,563 she embezzled for her personal use was the equivalent of more than 15 percent of the union’s annual dues receipts and nearly 25 percent of its reported cash on hand. Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that OLMS will fully investigate and seek justice when anyone attempts to use their union position for personal financial gain.”
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, and the Office of Labor Management Standards. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Clay Stiffler.
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