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21 February 2018
Monongalia County man sentenced for drug distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Codey Bonnette, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 41 months incarceration for drug distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Bonnette, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Oxycodone” in October 2017. Bonnette admitted to selling oxycodone in Monongalia County in September 2015.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Mission Woman Indicted on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Distribution of a Controlled Substance, and Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises.
Wiyaka Rochelle Guerue, a/k/a Feather Rochelle Guerue, age 32, was indicted on October 17, 2017. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 20, 2018, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 60 years in custody and/or a $2,500,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and up to $300 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that commencing on January 1, 2016, Guerue knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. Guerue is also alleged to unlawfully and knowingly have opened, leased, rented, used, and maintained her residence for the purpose of distributing and using a controlled substance.
The charges are merely accusations and Guerue is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.
Guerue was released on bond pending trial, which has been set for March 20, 2018.
Minnesota Tax Return Preparer Indicted for Tax Refund Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury sitting in the District of Minnesota returned an indictment today charging a Rochester-based tax return preparer with conspiring to file false claims for tax refunds, theft of public money, and aggravated identity theft, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Gregory G. Brooker for the District of Minnesota.
According to the indictment, Mercedes Maldonado Rodriguez from 2008 through April 2013, operated a tax return preparation business located in Rochester, Minnesota. Rodriguez allegedly purchased authentic birth certificates of Mexican nationals, which she and her co-conspirators then used along with other falsified documents to fraudulently obtain Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) from the Internal Revenue Service. The indictment further alleges that Rodriguez and her co-conspirators used the fraudulently obtained ITINs to file fraudulent tax returns, which claimed refunds based on, among other items, false dependents and child tax credits. An ITIN is a tax processing number issued by the IRS to individuals who do not have, and are not eligible to obtain, a social security number.
Rodriguez is further alleged to have directed the fraudulent tax refund checks to be mailed to addresses belonging to her co-conspirators, employees, and family members and then cashed.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
If convicted, Rodriguez faces a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for the conspiracy, 10 years in prison for each count of theft of public money and a mandatory sentence of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft. She also faces substantial monetary penalties and restitution.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Brooker commended special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service and the Department of Treasury, Office of Inspector General, who investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen A. Slaughter and Trial Attorney Christopher S. Strauss of the Tax Division.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Milwaukee Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that Terrell Shankle, a/k/a “King Relly” (age 40), of Milwaukee was sentenced yesterday to 25 years in prison and 5 years supervised release for sex trafficking crimes. Shankle was found guilty after a federal jury trial on September 6, 2017, of five counts of sex trafficking a minor and sex trafficking a person using force, fraud, or coercion, and one count of conspiracy to transport a minor across state lines to engage in prostitution.
The evidence presented at trial established that Shankle was a violent sex trafficker who, between September 2006 and May 2012, used force, fraud, and coercion to cause a number of minor and adult female victims to engage in prostitution. Victims of Shankle’s sex trafficking testified that he recruited girls as young as 16 years old to engage in prostitution with false promises of money and a better life. He then used physical violence and threats of violence to force them to engage in prostitution in Milwaukee and Chicago for his profit. Shankle even had some of his victims get tattoos of his name to signify his ownership of them.
One victim testified that Shankle beat her nearly every day for three years starting when she was 16 years old. On one occasion, he struck her repeatedly in her face with his “pimp cane,” and he beat her again for seeking medical treatment for the resulting injuries. Shankle often told this victim that he would kill her family if she tried to leave him. Another victim testified that Shankle pressed the barrel of a pistol against her head because he believed she withheld money from him. This victim also saw Shankle fire a gun at another victim’s feet after she purportedly disobeyed him.
United States Attorney Haanstad stated that “Sex traffickers prey upon some of the most vulnerable members of society, subjecting victims to extraordinary levels of violence and brutality to force them to engage in commercial sex acts. This prosecution is the result of an outstanding joint investigation on the part of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Milwaukee Police Department. The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to vindicate the rights of sex trafficking victims and to protect citizens from these violent and predatory offenses.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin W. Proctor and Erica J. Lounsberry.
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For additional information contact:
Public Information Officer Dean Puschnig, 414-297-1700
McKeesport Man Sentenced to Prison and Ordered to Pay Restitution for Overseas Reshipping SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A resident of the Western District of Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court on his conviction of fraud conspiracy; mail fraud; wire fraud; conspiracy to commit money laundering; trafficking or using unauthorized access devices aggregating $1,000 or more (attempt); and possession of 15 or more access devices, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence yesterday on Daniel K. Miller, 52, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania. Miller received a sentence of 33 months in prison, followed by three years supervised release, and was ordered to pay approximately $71,472 in restitution.
According to information presented to the court, Miller falsely represented to be employees of companies in order to arrange and cause the unauthorized purchases of merchandise, and thereafter directing its shipment to individuals (re-shippers) who would re-ship the merchandise to co-conspirators overseas or would sell the products online and transfer the proceeds to co-conspirators overseas. Miller also knowingly transported, transmitted, or transferred monetary instruments or funds from a place in the United States to a place outside the United States (Nigeria). On or about September 10, 2010, Miller attempted to traffic in and use an unauthorized credit card in the amount of $2,213.44. On or about September 17, 2010, Miller possessed 15 or more unauthorized credit cards.
Assistant United States Attorney Shardul S. Desai prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Scott Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Miller.
Maryland Drug Dealer Pleads Guilty in Connection with Plattsburgh Heroin Distribution RingRead the Press Release
PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK – Jimolo Coates, a.k.a. “Lo,” Marlo” and “Brodie,” age 24, of Annapolis, Maryland, pled guilty today to participating in a heroin trafficking conspiracy.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith; Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, New York Division, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); and Clinton County Sheriff David Favro.
In pleading guilty, Coates admitted to regularly selling 40 grams of heroin to Melissa Kusalonis in Annapolis for $4,000. Kusalonis then transported the heroin to Plattsburgh, New York, and sold it in personal-use quantities.
Coates admitted that initially, and beginning in June 2016, he sold the heroin directly to Kusalonis. Then, following his arrest and detention in early September 2016, Coates directed two couriers, Tynaejah Thompson and Kiara Scott, to provide the heroin to and collect payment from Kusalonis. Coates also admitted to selling distribution-size quantities of heroin to Charles Adams, who frequently transported heroin from Annapolis to Plattsburgh with Kusalonis.
United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino will sentences Coates on June 22, 2018. Coates faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 8 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
Coates was charged along with 9 other people in two related indictments pertaining to a heroin-distribution ring that transported heroin from Annapolis and Schenectady, New York, and sold it in the Plattsburgh area. In addition to Coates, the following 8 defendants have pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin:
- Kyle Touchstone, age 30, of Plattsburgh;
- Melissa Kusalonis, a.k.a. “Mel” and “Liss,” age 36, of Plattsburgh;
- Tynaejah Thompson, a.k.a. “Naee,” age 21, of Annapolis, Maryland;
- Kiara Scott, age 28, of Annapolis, Maryland;
- Anthony DeFilippo, a.k.a “Flip,” age 36, of Schenectady;
- Charles Adams, a.k.a. “Chuck,” age 32, of Peru, New York;
- Travynn Ippolito, a.k.a “Trav,” age 30, of Plattsburgh; and
- Luke Kiroy, age 33, of Saranac, New York.
The tenth defendant, Danielle Conners, age 32, of Plattsburgh, is scheduled for trial on April 2, 2018. The charge against Conners is merely an accusation, and she is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The charges are the result of a nearly year-long investigation led by the DEA Task Force in Plattsburgh, which consists of law enforcement officers from the DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Border Patrol, New York State Police, Clinton County Sherriff’s Office, Essex County Sheriff’s Office, and the Plattsburgh Police Department. The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision also assisted in the investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cyrus P.W. Rieck and Katherine Kopita.
Man arrested for Possession of Firearm by Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI- Rehelio Trant, 39, of St. Thomas, made his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller after being charged in an indictment with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Gretchen C. F. Shappert announced. Trant was detained pending further proceedings.
According to the indictment, on October 16, 2017, the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) received a report from an individual that Trant brandished a firearm after a verbal confrontation with the individual. The indictment further states that Trant was previously convicted in District Court of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and that he is not licensed in the Virgin Islands to possess a firearm.
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
United States Attorney Shappert reminds the public that an indictment is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the VIPD. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
Man Sentenced for Armed Robberies Targeting Chinese RestaurantsRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Suffolk man was sentenced today to 12 years in prison for three armed robberies targeting employees of Chinese food restaurants located in Hampton Roads.
According to court documents, Raheem Lorinzo Lacey, 23, served as the get-away driver during three armed robberies that occurred in January and August of 2017. All three robberies followed the same pattern, as Lacey and his co-conspirators waited outside of the restaurants and, under cover of darkness, followed the victims to their home. Lacey served as the getaway driver, while two of his co-conspirators ambushed the victims while waving handguns and demanding money and property. From July 28 through August 14, 2017, Lacey and his co-conspirators robbed six victims and stole at least $4,500 in cash and valuables.
Tracy Doherty-McCormick, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Thomas L. Chittum, III, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division, Michael K. Lamonea, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Norfolk, and Tonya D. Chapman, Chief of Portsmouth Police, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel T. Young is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:17-cr-146.
Man Heads to Prison for Trafficking Drugs Through Port of EntryRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 33-year-old U.S. citizen who was residing in Mexico has been ordered to federal prison for cocaine trafficking, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Gerardo Leal pleaded guilty July 19, 2017.
Today, U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera sentenced Leal to a total of 36 months imprisonment followed by two years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, Judge Olvera noted that no matter the difficulties Leal may encounter, he should do some prison time and that there was no reason that existed in this world to break the law.
On June 15, 2017, Leal arrived at the Gateway port of entry in Brownsville driving a Mazda 3. At the time, he claimed to be enroute to Sun Loan Company in Brownsville. When officers sent Leal to secondary inspection and moved the Mazda to the vehicle lift for further inspection, Leal attempted to run back to Mexico but was detained before he reached the Mexican border.
Several officers had to assist in placing Leal in handcuffs. After securing Leal, officers continued their inspection and soon discovered five kilograms of cocaine concealed in a false compartment within the center console of the vehicle.
Leal will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elena Salinas prosecuted the case.
Man Charged with Possessing Guns at Fox High School in Arnold, MissouriRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Dustin Lockwood, 23, was charged in a federal criminal complaint today February 21, 2018.
According to the affidavit submitted in support of the complaint, on February 20, 2018, at approximately 4:00 p.m, Arnold Police Department and ATF responded to Fox High School in Arnold, Missouri, after a school staff member contacted them and advised that there was a subject sitting in a black 2001 Toyota Corolla on the parking lot of the school who appeared to have a rifle case in the passenger seat of the vehicle.
As the officers approached the vehicle, a white male identified as Dustin Lockwood was sitting in the driver’s seat and officers observed in plain view a gray and black rifle case in the rear of the vehicle.
A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a .22 caliber rifle, .22 caliber revolver, multiple spent shell casings throughout the vehicle, a suspected homemade silencer and multiple bags and boxes in the trunk of the vehicle containing explosive related material, multiple knives, a machete and .22 and 9mm caliber ammunition.
Law enforcement officers conducted a search of Lockwood’s residence and recovered numerous chemicals and bomb making components. During an interview of Lockwood conducted by ATF special agents and the officers from the Arnold Police Department, Lockwood indicated the explosive material in his vehicle and residence were possessed for legal purposes.
Lockwood was charged with one violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(q)(2) for possessing a firearm in a school zone. A violation of this statute carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000, or both.
Lockwood was taken into custody without incident and made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in St. Louis this afternoon. The United States Attorney requested that Lockwood be detained pending trial. Lockwood will receive a preliminary hearing and a hearing on pretrial detention on Monday, February 26, 2018.
As is always the case, charges set forth in the complaint are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Arnold Police Department; St. Louis County Bomb Squad and the Jefferson County Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Rodney H. Holmes is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Luzerne County Woman Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Role in Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced that Megan Fox, age 31, of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 2 ½ years in prison on February 20, 2018, by Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley, for conspiring with others to distribute heroin in Luzerne County during February through November 2014.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Fox previously admitted to helping Desmond Mercer, the leader of the conspiracy, run his heroin trafficking operation while Mercer was incarcerated in the Luzerne County Prison. Fox admitted to involvement in the distribution and possession with intent to distribute of between 700 grams and 1 kilogram of heroin, which is approximately equivalent to between 28,000 and 40,000 retail bags of heroin.
Desmond Mercer, the leader of the drug conspiracy, previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 14 years in prison. Shaliek Stroman and Shaquan Murphy, two key associates of Mercer, were each sentenced to more than 12 years in prison for their roles in the conspiracy. Another member of the drug ring, Antuan Jamison, was sentenced to five years in prison. In all, ten defendants have pleaded guilty in connection with the case.
Judge Munley also ordered Fox to forfeit her interest in $15,948 and a Buick vehicle that were seized during the investigation. Fox must also serve three years on supervised release following her prison sentence.
Fox was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2014, as a result of an investigation by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office, and Kingston Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
This case was also brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
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Local Man Convicted of Illegally Selling a FirearmRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 34-year-old Houston resident has entered a guilty plea to selling a firearm to a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick along with Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Reyes Hernandez admitted he sold a pistol to someone he knew to be a felon.
“Selling a gun to a convicted felon is a crime that ATF takes very seriously,” said Milanowski. “We will continue to pursue individuals who break the law and put more guns into the hands of illegal possessors.”
On multiple occasions, a man known to Hernandez had advised that he was a felon and had been convicted of a crime punishable by a term exceeding a year. He noted that, because of that, he was unable to purchase a firearm through legal means.
On June 7, 2017, Hernandez sold a Sig Sauer, model 1911, .45 caliber pistol to this individual against federal law.
U.S. District Judge Gray Miller accepted the plea today and set sentencing for May 18, 2018. At that time, Hernandez faces up to 10 years in federal prison. He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The ATF conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Celia Moyer is prosecuting the case.
Knoxville Resident Sentenced to over Three Years in Prison for Felon in Possession ConvictionRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On February 20, 2018, Steven Eugene Johnson, a.k.a. Yahya Johnson, 36, of Knoxville, Tennessee, was sentenced to serve 37 months in federal prison by the Honorable Pamela Reeves, U.S. District Court Judge. Upon his release from prison, Johnson will be supervised by the U.S. Probation office for three years.
Johnson previously pleaded guilty to violating the Gun Control Act for being a felon in possession of a firearm and the National Firearms Act for possessing an unregistered silencer. It was illegal for Johnson to possess firearms and/or ammunition due to a 2011 felony conviction in Knox County, Tennessee.
The investigation revealed that from March through July 2017, Johnson spoke with friends about buying and selling firearms and also about acquiring and manufacturing homemade silencers for firearms. He advertised online that he was interested in buying, selling, and trading firearms, and he sought to learn how to obtain firearms without completing a background check. Federal investigators executed a search warrant at Johnson’s home in July 2017 and recovered a .22 caliber handgun, a .22 caliber rifle, over 600 rounds of ammunition, a homemade silencer, and materials believed to be intended for use in assembling a destructive device. Johnson admitted that he unlawfully possessed the firearms, ammunition, and silencer.
“To protect the safety of our citizens and neighborhoods, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to prosecute aggressively convicted felons who illegally possess or attempt to gain access to firearms,” said U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey. “We commend the federal investigators in this case for quickly and thoroughly investigating the information provided to them regarding this defendant. His conviction and prison sentence has disrupted any plan of violence that he may have intended to pursue at this time,” added U.S. Attorney Overbey.
“This focused investigation will have a lasting impact on reducing firearms related violence. The sentencing illustrates the continued dedication by ATF and our partners to identify and investigate violent criminals who lessen the quality of life in our neighborhoods. ATF’s mission is to protect the public and fight violent crime, striving to eliminate violent crime and its impact on our nation,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Jack Webb.
Renae McDermott, FBI Special Agent in Charge, Knoxville Division stated, "Today's sentencing sends a message that the FBI will work with our law enforcement partners to actively investigate and pursue prosecution of individuals who pose a threat to national security and the safety of our citizens."
This case was investigated by the FBI and ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bart Slabbekorn represented the United States in court proceedings.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
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Kenner Woman Sentenced for Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that LOIS MCCORKLE, age 68, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to theft of government funds.
U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced MCCORKLE to three (3) years’ probation and ordered MCCORKLE to pay restitution in the amount of $105,320.98 to the Social Security Administration.
According to court records, MCCORKLE was receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). On or about November 17, 2001, MCCORKLE married, but she failed to notify SSA of her change in marital status. If she had reported her marriage as required by the SSA, she would not have been entitled to her SSI benefits due to her husband’s wages. MCCORKLE received Social Security Supplemental Security Income payments to which she knew she was not entitled, having a value of approximately $105,320.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Social Security Administration- Office of Inspector General in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Loan “Mimi” Nguyen is in charge of the prosecution.
KC Woman Indicted for $100,000 Tax Refund SchemeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Timothy A. Garrison, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Kansas City, Mo., woman was indicted by a federal grand jury today for a scheme to file fraudulent tax returns in order to obtain more than $100,000 in illegal tax refunds.
Tanisha Williams, 40, of Kansas City, was charged in a 21-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo.
Today’s indictment alleges that Williams prepared and filed false income tax returns on behalf of others that claimed refunds to which she knew they were not entitled. Williams allegedly caused 20 false returns to be filed for tax years 2012 through 2014, claiming approximately $102,172 in refunds.
At times, Williams recruited individuals to file federal income tax returns under their own names and Social Security numbers. At other times, the indictment says, Williams used stolen identity information to file federal income tax returns. Williams allegedly used false Form W-2 information to inflate the income on the federal individual income returns filed for some of the taxpayers. At other times, Williams fraudulently caused dependents to be listed on tax returns for individuals knowing the dependents were not associated with the taxpayer listed on the return.
Williams requested the refunds be deposited onto pre-paid debit cards. Once the funds were deposited to the debit cards, she would withdraw cash from them or utilize the funds for her personal expenses.
Williams is charged with 13 counts of making false claims, four counts of wire fraud and four counts of aggravated identity theft.
Garrison cautioned that the charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Ketchmark. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation.
Justice Department Announces Plans to Advance Forensic ScienceRead the Press Release
Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein announced new Department of Justice policies to advance forensic science at the American Academy of Forensic Sciences 70th Annual Scientific Meeting in Seattle, Washington today. The new guidance implements additional quality assurance measures based on science-informed practices, enhances forensic capacity and efficiency, and increases coordination and collaboration between the Department and state, local, and federal partners.
“President Trump ordered the Department of Justice to reduce crime, and Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made it the Department’s top priority to achieve that goal,” said Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. “Forensic science, used appropriately, will help us accomplish our mission. The policies that I am announcing today will advance the Justice Department’s commitment to reliable science that helps us to find and report the truth.”
Announcements today include:- Release of Department of Justice approved Uniform Language for Testimony and Reports for use by Department forensic examiners to provide testimonial consistency and quality assurance;
- Initiation of Department-wide testimony monitoring practices to ensure testimonial consistency and accountability by Department forensic examiners;
- To increase transparency, Department forensic laboratories supporting criminal investigations and prosecutions will begin publicly posting current quality management system documents and summaries of internal validation studies online;
- Leading federal efforts to advance forensic science, the Department announced the re-chartering of the Council of Federal Forensic Laboratory Directors, which will begin meeting again this May. All executive branch agencies with forensic laboratories and digital analysis entities are invited and encouraged to join.
View full remarks here.View the “Department of Justice Approved Uniform Language for Testimony and Reports for the Forensic Latent Print Discipline” here.
View the “Department of Justice Testimony Monitoring Framework” here.
View the Memo here.Illegal Alien and North Carolina Woman Plead Guilty to Fentanyl PossessionRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Uriel Adolfo Rayo-Dominguez, 19, a citizen of Mexico, and Jennifer Castillo, 18, of Charlotte, North Carolina, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Stephen G. Azzam.
On October 11, 2017, a Gulfport police officer initiated a traffic stop for careless driving on a vehicle driven by Rayo-Dominguez. Castillo was a passenger in the vehicle. The officer detected the odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle and conducted a search. During the search of the vehicle, 7,041 grams of fentanyl was located in the trunk liner of the vehicle. Rayo-Dominguez and Castillo were arrested and charged with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Rayo-Dominguez and Castillo will be sentenced on May 31, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. by Judge Guirola. They each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the DEA with assistance fromthe Gulfport Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shundral H. Cole.
Hobbs Man Sentenced for Assaulting Federal Law Enforcement OfficerRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Felipe T. Castillo, 38, of Hobbs, N.M., was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to 21 months in prison for assaulting a federal law enforcement officer. Castillo will be on supervised release for three years after completing his prison sentence.
Castillo was arrested on June 13, 2017, on a criminal complaint that charged him with being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to the complaint, Castillo pointed a firearm at a DEA task force officer on May 31, 2017, in Lea County, N.M. The complaint indicated that Castillo was on parole for a prior firearms offense when he assaulted the task force officer by pointing a firearm at him. Court documents indicate that Castillo previously had been convicted in Texas of engaging in organized criminal activity in 2000, and discharging a firearm in 2002.
On Aug. 23, 2017, Castillo pled guilty to a felony information charging him with assaulting a federal officer. In entering the guilty plea, Castillo admitted that on May 31, 2017, he pointed a firearm at a DEA task force officer who was engaged in his official duties.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces offices of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and DEA, and the Hobbs Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Terri J. Abernathy and Dustin Segovia of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Gulfport Man Pleads Guilty to Selling HeroinRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Alexander Archie, Jr., 41, of Gulfport, pled guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Sul Ozerden to possession with intent to distribute heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Stephen G. Azzam.
On July 31, 2017, following information of suspected heroin distribution in a hotel room at the Best Western hotel in Gulfport, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Division organized an undercover operation. Archie was detained after he sold approximately 3.5 grams of heroin to a confidential source. A search warrant was obtained for the hotel room. The search of the hotel room led to the discovery of 74.1 grams of heroin, plastic sandwich bags, currency, and a digital scale.
Archie will be sentenced on June 11, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. by Judge Ozerden, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
The case was investigated by the DEA with assistance from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Division. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shundral H. Cole.
Guatemalan Man Sentenced to Prison Following Two Deportations and Committing Document FraudRead the Press Release
A Guatemalan man who had been deported two times and illegally returned to the United States and then used false identification documents to obtain a job was sentenced today to eight months in federal prison.
Felix Figueroa-Sanchez, age 30, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Wright County, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 26, 2017, guilty plea to one count of unlawful use of identification documents and one count of illegal reentry into the United States after a felony conviction.
At the guilty plea, Figueroa-Sanchez admitted that on December 15, 2016, he used a social security card bearing a fake name when completing employment forms to obtain a job in Eagle Grove, Iowa. The name and social security account number on the card used by Figueroa-Sanchez belonged to a United States citizen. Figueroa-Sanchez also admitted that he illegally returned to the United States after being deported in October 2008 and again in February 2010. Figueroa-Sanchez was also convicted of a felony offense in May 2008 for using a false name and false identification documents to obtain a job in Postville, Iowa. Immigration agents became aware of Figueroa-Sanchez’s illegal return to the United States in August 2017 following Figueroa-Sanchez’s arrest and conviction for assault in Wright County, Iowa, while he falsely was using the name of the United States citizen.
Figueroa-Sanchez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Figueroa-Sanchez was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Figueroa-Sanchez is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-CR-3044.
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Grenada Woman Pleads Guilty to Cocaine and Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Tambra Brown, 30, of Grenada, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and DEA Special Agent in Charge Stephen G. Azzam.
During the investigation of a drug conspiracy ring, DEA agents learned through cooperating sources that Brown was involved in transporting narcotics from Texas to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. At least three cooperating sources identified Brown in a photo lineup and provided information about her participation in the conspiracy. According to the sources, Brown would travel from Grenada, Mississippi, to Houston, Texas, where she would pick up the methamphetamine, cocaine or large amounts of United States currency and then travel to the Gulf Coast. During another individual’s arrest, agents located some of the methamphetamine that was involved in the conspiracy, which had a 90% purity level.
A Federal Grand Jury returned an indictment against Brown on August 7, 2017. DEA Agents arrested Brown on August 28, 2017, in Grenada, Mississippi.
Brown will be sentenced on May 17, 2018, by Judge Ozerden, and she faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.
Government Settles Claims Against Accountant for Tainted Compounding Pharmacy ProceedsRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, FL – Ronald Combs and the Ronald Combs Healthmark Trust have agreed to pay to the government $650,000 to resolve allegations that Combs wrongfully deposited tainted compounding pharmacy proceeds into the Ronald Combs Healthmark Trust.
The United States previously settled allegations that QMedRx, a compound pharmacy in Maitland, Florida, knowingly billed federal healthcare programs for services that were not reimbursable and thus violated the False Claims Act. In the case at hand, the government contends that proceeds from QMedRx’s improper activities were deposited into the Healthmark Investment Trust and that Combs withdrew funds from the Healthmark Investment Trust and deposited them into the Ronald Combs Healthmark Trust. The government contends that Combs was not entitled to withdraw these funds, as they represented the ill-gotten gains of QMedRx’s misconduct, and the withdrawal was otherwise improper under state law.
“The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting TRICARE and other federal health care programs from any improper practice that harms our nation’s subsidized health programs,” said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez. “The diligence required in this case aptly demonstrates the lengths to which we will go to protect the fiscal integrity of these programs.”
“This settlement is the result of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s continuing commitment to protect the integrity of the U.S. Department of Defense health care program (TRICARE) against fraud, waste, and abuse,” said Special Agent in Charge John F. Khin, Southeast Field Office. “In partnership with the Department of Justice, DCIS will pursue all remedies to recover ill-gotten proceeds from fraudulent schemes.”
This case illustrates the government’s continued emphasis on pursuing compounding pharmacies that have defrauded federal health care programs. In the Middle District of Florida, the government has recovered almost $60 million in fines and penalties for compounding cases. In fiscal year 2017, over $700 million was recovered in affirmative civil enforcement cases.
Today’s resolution illustrates the government’s commitment to combating improper practices that implicate the nation’s federally subsidized health care programs, using all statutory and common law remedies available to address such schemes. Tips from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
This matter was investigated by the Department of Justice and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shea Gibbons, with assistance from Assistant United States Attorney Chris Sabis in the Middle District of Tennessee.
The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Georgia Man Sentenced to Probation for Transporting Stolen Car Across State LinesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A Georgia man has been sentenced in federal court to two years’ probation with six months’ home detention on his conviction of interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Tom Smith, 55, of Atlanta, Georgia.
According to information presented to the court, on or about July 1, 2015, Smith transported a stolen Range Rover Sport, valued at $74,000, from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania across state lines into the State of West Virginia.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Cercone stated that the sentence satisfies all of the factors set forth under 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Monroeville Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Smith.
Garciasville Resident Sentenced for Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 33-year-old Garciasville resident has been ordered to federal prison for cocaine trafficking, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Jorge Barrera pleaded guilty Nov. 16, 2017.
Today, U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera sentenced Barrera to a total of 48 months imprisonment to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release.
On Aug. 16, 2017, authorities began an investigation after a Chevrolet Impala was discovered at the Veterans port of entry in Brownsville that contained more than seven kilograms of cocaine. Authorities conducted a controlled delivery of the vehicle at the La Plaza Mall in McAllen. Surveillance agents were on hand in the parking lot and observed Barrera arrive and park next to the cocaine-loaded vehicle. Soon after his arrival, Barrera got in the Impala and attempted to drive away. However, federal agents surrounded him and took him into custody.
Authorities found more than seven kilograms of cocaine concealed in the vehicle’s dashboard.
Barrera will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elena Salinas prosecuted the case.
Galveston Resident Sentenced for Two Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 36-year-old man from Galveston County has been ordered to federal prison following his guilty plea of receipt and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Lavelas Luckey pleaded guilty Oct. 28, 2017.
Today, U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks ordered he serve 73 months in prison followed by 15 years of supervised release, during which time he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the Internet. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
Luckey first came to the attention of law enforcement after multiple images of child pornography were found associated with his online account. Authorities later conducted a search of Luckey’s residence which eventually led to the discovery of 107 videos and 638 images of child pornography.
Luckey admitted ownership of the child pornography as well as the online account he used to obtain it.
At the time of his plea, Luckey admitted to using peer-to-peer software to search for, download and obtain child pornography. He also admitted to distributing the child pornography through his online account.
The Pearland Police Department and the FBI conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie N. Searle 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."
Galax Residents Sentenced to Prison on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Abingdon, VIRGINIA – United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle announced today the sentencing of two Galax, Virginia men who were previously convicted of distributing methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of their drug distribution activities.
Henry Aguliar, 25, and Pablo Hernandez, 28, were each sentenced last week in U.S. District Court in Abingdon to 130 months in prison. Both defendants previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to evidence presented at previous hearings, Aguilar and Hernandez were both targeted by the Twin County Drug Task Force based upon information that they were distributing methamphetamine in the Galax area. A controlled purchase of methamphetamine was made from Aguilar, who was arrested and found to be in possession of methamphetamine, drug distribution paraphernalia, and a loaded .357 magnum revolver. Aguilar was interviewed and admitted that he and Hernandez had been receiving 1 pound of methamphetamine a week from a source in North Carolina, which was then being distributed in the Galax area. A search warrant executed at Hernandez's residence uncovered methamphetamine, drug ledgers, and two loaded handguns. Hernandez also admitted to receiving methamphetamine from a source in North Carolina. He further admitted that Aguilar was one of multiple individuals who sold methamphetamine for him in the area.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Twin County Drug Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Lee prosecuted the case for the United States.
Former UPMC Claims Director Sentenced to Prison for Embezzling $846K through Ghost EmployeesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A Washington state resident has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years supervised release, and was ordered to pay approximately $846,819 in restitution on his conviction of embezzlement, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge David Stewart Cercone, imposed the sentence on Ronald Larry Locy, 48, of Southeast Olympia, Washington.
According to information presented to the Court, at the time of the offense, Locy was the Senior Director of Claims for the UPMC Health Plan Claims Department. Over an eight-year period, Locy caused UPMC to pay two "ghost employees" of UPMC Health Plan, for work and bonuses to which those ghost employees were not entitled. The loss to UPMC Health Plan was approximately $846,819.
According to Judge Cercone, Locy’s scheme was sophisticated in that Locy falsified records and emails in order to conceal his ghost employee fraud.
U.S. Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Locy.
Former St. John Resident Arrested for Mail FraudRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Shaquin Brodie, 20, a former resident of St. John, appeared for arraignment today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller after being arrested in Columbus, Ohio, on January 16, 2018, United States Attorney Gretchen Shappert announced. Brodie was arrested pursuant to an indictment and arrest warrant issued on January 11, 2018, by the District Court of the Virgin Islands charging him with mail fraud.
According to the indictment, between February 2016 and March 2017, Brodie filed in excess of 200 fraudulent insurance claims with the United States Postal Service for items he represented to be lost, damaged or stolen. The claims were valued in excess of $47,000.
If convicted, Brodie faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
United States Attorney Shappert reminds the public that an indictment is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Former Southwest Airlines Baggage Handler Pleads Guilty to Violating Airport Security Requirements, Drug Smuggling, and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – Former Southwest Airlines baggage handler Keith Ramon Mayfield pleaded guilty in federal court in Oakland today to entering an airport area in violation of security requirements, conspiracy to distribute marijuana, and conspiracy to launder money, announced Acting United States Attorney Alex G. Tse; Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett; and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Special Agent in Charge Michael T. Batdorf. The Honorable Phyllis J. Hamilton, Chief United States District Judge, accepted the plea.
In his plea agreement, Mayfield, 37, of Oakland, admitted that he conspired with others to violate airport security requirements for the purpose of narcotics trafficking. Mayfield specifically admitted that on at least 40 occasions from 2013 to 2015 he used his access to the Oakland International Airport as a baggage handler for Southwest Airlines to smuggle luggage containing a total of at least 250 kilograms of marijuana around the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint to outbound passengers who had already cleared the TSA security checkpoint. These passengers then flew to their destinations with unscreened luggage containing marijuana that was then sold in destination cities throughout the United States. Mayfield also admitted shipping a total of over 100 kilograms of marijuana via Southwest Cargo to various cities throughout the United States for distribution. Mayfield also admitted that, as a baggage handler for Southwest Airlines, he abused a position of public and private trust in a manner that significantly facilitated the commission and concealment of his crimes. In addition, Mayfield admitted that he conspired to launder money by having co-conspirators make cash deposits of drug trafficking proceeds totaling at least $51,000 at bank branches in Texas and that he subsequently withdrew most of those funds as cash in Northern California.
On May 28, 2015, a federal grand jury indicted Mayfield along with 12 co-defendants. On January 16, 2018, the government filed a superseding information charging Mayfield with one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, marijuana, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846; one count of entering an airport area in violation of security requirements, in violation of 49 U.S.C. §§ 46314(a), (b)(2); and one count of conspiracy to launder money, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956(h). Under his plea agreement, Mayfield pleaded guilty to all three counts.
Chief Judge Hamilton scheduled Mayfield’s sentencing hearing for 2:30 p.m. on June 6, 2018. Defendant will remain free on a $200,000 secured bond pending sentencing.
The maximum statutory penalty for a violation of 49 U.S.C. §§ 46314(a), (b)(2) is ten years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000. The maximum statutory penalty for a violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(b)(1)(B)(vii) is 40 years’ imprisonment, a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment, and a fine of $5,000,000. The maximum statutory penalty for a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956(h) is 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $500,000. However, any sentence will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Garth Hire is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Kathleen Turner and Vanessa Quant. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI, the IRS-CI, and the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office. This case is the product of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, a focused multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force investigating and prosecuting the most significant drug trafficking organizations throughout the United States by leveraging the combined expertise of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
Former Sergeant Pleads Guilty to Assault of DetaineeRead the Press Release
David Prejean, a former Sergeant in the K-9 Unit of the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office (IPSO), pleaded guilty today to assaulting a pre-trial detainee at the Iberia Parish Jail (IPJ) by commanding his K-9 to bite the detainee, and by striking the detainee, all without justification, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook for the Western District of Louisiana.
According to the charges and other information presented in Court, Prejean was a K-9 Sergeant on the IMPACT Unit, a specialized unit at IPSO. On Dec. 6, 2012, Prejean was called to the Iberia Parish Jail to assist with a shakedown. During the course of the shakedown, an inmate—M.R.—turned to look at Prejean after being told not to, at which point Prejean threw M.R. to the ground and then commanded his dog to bite M.R. Prejean also struck M.R. several times. Despite the fact that M.R. had complied with Prejean’s commands and did not pose a threat to anyone on the rec yard, Prejean allowed the dog to bite M.R. for several seconds before pulling him off of M.R. Prejean’s unlawful use of force resulted in injury to M.R. Following the assault, Prejean wrote a false report designed to cover up his unjustified use of force.
“Every person in the United States, including those who are incarcerated, is protected by the U.S. Constitution,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division. “When the officers we expect to uphold the rights enshrined in the Constitution willfully violate them, the Justice Department will aggressively prosecute those officers and uphold the rule of law.”
“Law enforcement officers respond to dangerous situations and put their lives at risk every day to serve and protect the public,” said U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook. “For this sacrifice they have our thanks and respect. Officers also have a moral and legal obligation to protect the civil rights of those in their custody. Those officers who willfully abuse prisoners in their care and violate their rights will be held accountable.”
David Prejean, 38, of Lafayette, Louisiana, will be sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Dee D. Drell, on May 18 in Alexandria, Louisiana.
This case was investigated by the Lafayette Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Tona Boyd of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant United States Attorney Mary Mudrick of the Western District of Louisiana.
Former New Iberia sergeant pleads guilty to assault of detaineeRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE – David Prejean, a former Sergeant in the K-9 Unit of the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office (IPSO), pleaded guilty today to assaulting a pre-trial detainee at the Iberia Parish Jail (IPJ) by commanding his K-9 to bite the detainee, and by striking the detainee, all without justification, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook for the Western District of Louisiana.
According to the charges and other information presented in Court, Prejean was a K-9 Sergeant on the IMPACT Unit, a specialized unit at IPSO. On Dec. 6, 2012, Prejean was called to the Iberia Parish Jail to assist with a shakedown. During the course of the shakedown, an inmate—M.R.—turned to look at Prejean after being told not to, at which point Prejean threw M.R. to the ground and then commanded his dog to bite M.R. Prejean also struck M.R. several times. Despite the fact that M.R. had complied with Prejean’s commands and did not pose a threat to anyone on the rec yard, Prejean allowed the dog to bite M.R. for several seconds before pulling him off of M.R. Prejean’s unlawful use of force resulted in injury to M.R. Following the assault, Prejean wrote a false report designed to cover up his unjustified use of force.
“Every person in the United States, including those who are incarcerated, is protected by the U.S. Constitution,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division. “When the officers we expect to uphold the rights enshrined in the Constitution willfully violate them, the Justice Department will aggressively prosecute those officers and uphold the rule of law.”
“Law enforcement officers respond to dangerous situations and put their lives at risk every day to serve and protect the public,” said U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook. “For this sacrifice they have our thanks and respect. Officers also have a moral and legal obligation to protect the civil rights of those in their custody. Those officers who willfully abuse prisoners in their care and violate their rights will be held accountable.”
David Prejean, 38, of Lafayette, Louisiana, will be sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Dee D. Drell, on May 18 in Alexandria, Louisiana.
This case was investigated by the Lafayette Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Tona Boyd of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant United States Attorney Mary Mudrick of the Western District of Louisiana.
Former Charity Executive, Arkansas Lobbyist Indicted for $1 Million Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Timothy A. Garrison, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that a former executive of a Springfield charity, who was also an Arkansas lobbyist has been indicted by a federal grand jury for his role in a nearly $1 million bribery conspiracy involving a Springfield, Mo., health care organization.
Milton Russell Cranford, also known as “Rusty,” 56, of Rogers, Arkansas, was charged in a nine-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo., on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018. That indictment was unsealed and made public today upon Cranford’s arrest. An initial court appearance is scheduled tomorrow in the U.S. District Court in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Cranford was both a lobbyist and an employee of Preferred Family Healthcare, Inc. (formerly known as Alternative Opportunities, Inc.), a nonprofit corporation headquartered in Springfield. Cranford served as an executive for the charity’s operations in the state of Arkansas. Cranford also operated two lobbying firms, The Cranford Coalition and The Capital Hill Coalition.
The indictment alleges that Cranford and co-conspirator Eddie Wayne Cooper, 51, of Melbourne, Arkansas, received $264,000 in secret kickback payments from co-conspirator Donald Andrew Jones, also known as “D.A.” Jones, of Willingboro, New Jersey, who was paid nearly $1 million by the charity in a bribery scheme that lasted almost six years, from February 2011 until January 2017.
Cooper, a former state representative in Arkansas from 2006 through January 2011, worked for The Cranford Coalition as a lobbyist and held a full-time position as regional director for Preferred Family Healthcare. Jones was a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based political operative who owned and operated the firm, D.A. Jones & Associates, which purported to provide political and advocacy services, including consulting, analysis, and public relations. Neither Cooper nor Jones are charged in the indictment with Cranford; they each have pleaded guilty in separate cases.
Cranford allegedly recommended to the charity’s chief financial officer, chief operating officer and chief executive officer to enter into a contractual arrangement with Jones for lobbying and advocacy services. Cranford influenced the charity in its award of the contract, the indictment says, then demanded payments to himself and Cooper of a portion of the funds Jones obtained from the charity in exchange for Cranford’s influence on Jones’s behalf.
According to the indictment, the charity paid Jones a total of $973,807 to provide advocacy services for the charity, including direct contact with legislators, legislators’ offices, and government officials, in order to influence elected and appointed public officials to the financial benefit of the charity, including attempting to steer grants and other sources of funding to the charity. Jones allegedly paid a total of $264,000 to Cranford and Cooper. Most of the funds were paid to Cranford or one of his firms, the indictment says.
In addition to the conspiracy, the indictment charges Cranford with eight counts of receiving a bribe by an agent of an organization that receives federal funds.
The indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation, which would require Cranford to forfeit to the government all property derived from the proceeds of the alleged offenses.
Garrison cautioned that the charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven M. Mohlhenrich. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation, the FBI and the Offices of the Inspectors General from the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Veterans Affairs, and the FDIC. This is a combined investigation with the Western District of Arkansas, the Eastern District of Arkansas, and the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Former CEO of Sunnyvale-Based Tech Company Pleads Guilty to Insider Trading in His Company’s SecuritiesRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE – The founder and former chief executive officer of a Sunnyvale-based fiber optics equipment maker, Peter C. Chang, pleaded guilty today to insider trading and tender offer fraud, announced Acting United States Attorney Alex G. Tse and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett. The Honorable Lucy H. Koh, United States District Judge, accepted Chang’s guilty plea earlier today.
Chang, 59, of Los Altos, Calif., was the President, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and Chair of the Board of Directors of Alliance Fiber Optic Products, Inc. (AFOP), a manufacturer of fiber optic components based in Sunnyvale, Calif. AFOP is publicly traded on the NASDAQ. As part of his guilty plea, Chang admitted he used two brokerage accounts, held in the names of his brother and his wife, to purchase and sell AFOP stock. He further admitted that he had access to material nonpublic information about the company, and that his duty of confidentiality and company policies regarding insider trading prevented him from trading on the information.
Further, as part of his plea agreement, Chang admitted that on October 28, 2015, and February 18, 2016, he sold AFOP stock prior to two public announcements of the company’s earnings. The timing of these sales allowed Chang to avoid losses he would otherwise have incurred when the stock price dropped after the announcements. Chang further admitted that in March 2016, he purchased AFOP stock while he knew material nonpublic information about a potential acquisition of the company by a larger public company. The acquisition of AFOP was publicly announced on April 7, 2016.
Pursuant to today’s plea agreement, Chang pleaded guilty to all counts in a superseding information filed today charging Chang with three counts of securities fraud and insider trading, in violation of in violation of 15 U.S.C. §§ 78j(b) and 78ff and 17 C.F.R. §§ 240.10b-5 and 240.10b5-2, and one count of fraud in connection with a tender offer, in violation of 15 U.S.C. §§ 78n(e) and 78ff and 17 C.F.R. §§ 240.14e-3(a) and 240.14e-3(d).
Judge Koh scheduled Chang’s sentencing for May 30, 2018. Chang faces a maximum statutory penalty for securities fraud and fraud in connection with a tender offer of 20 years in prison and a fine of $5 million, per count. Additional fines, periods of supervised release, and restitution also may be ordered, however, any sentence will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lloyd Farnham is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Jeremy Acala and Claudia Hyslop. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI. Additional assistance was provided by the San Francisco Regional Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Former Arkansas State Judge Sentenced to Prison for Dismissing Cases in Exchange for Personal Benefits and Tampering with a WitnessRead the Press Release
A former Arkansas state judge was sentenced to five years in prison for perpetrating a seven-year-long fraud and bribery scheme in which he dismissed pending cases in exchange for personal benefits, including sexually related conduct, and then bribed a witness in an attempt to obstruct an official investigation into the scheme. Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division made the announcement.
O. Joseph Boeckmann, 71, of Wynne, Arkansas, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kristine G. Baker of the Eastern District of Arkansas. Judge Baker also ordered the defendant to to serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence and pay a fine of $50,000, to account for the financial harm he caused through his fraud scheme.
According to admissions in his plea agreement, from 2009 to 2015, Boeckmann corruptly used his official position as a district judge for the First Judicial Circuit of Arkansas to dismiss traffic citations and misdemeanor criminal charges for young men in exchange for acts that he claimed were “community service,” but which actually benefited Boeckmann himself. Boeckmann took official action to order these individuals to perform “community service” and used his access to these individuals during their purported “community service” to take photographs of them in compromising positions. In other cases, Boeckmann dismissed pending charges against defendants in exchange for sexually related conduct.
Boeckmann, who pleaded guilty to wire fraud and witness tampering in October 2017, admitted that the corrupt use of his office defrauded the State of Arkansas and its citizens of their right to Boeckmann’s honest services and also defrauded various cities and counties in Arkansas, as well as the State of Arkansas and the Arkansas courts, of money and property that they should have received as fines or fees from the individuals whose cases were fraudulently dismissed.
Boeckmann also admitted that during his scheme, he instructed various individuals not to tell anyone about their “community service” sentences. Then, after Boeckmann learned he was under investigation, he tampered with at least one witness in an attempt to keep his scheme secret. Specifically, in the fall of 2015, Boeckmann learned of a witness who had provided information to the Arkansas Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission (JDDC) regarding Boeckmann’s practice of imposing personally beneficial “community service” sentences. Boeckmann directed another individual to pay the witness to write a letter recanting the information the witness gave to the JDDC. According to his own admissions, Boeckmann did this in order to prevent that witness from providing truthful information about Boeckmann to law enforcement and to influence, delay and prevent that witness’s testimony in an official proceeding.
The FBI investigated this case with assistance of the Arkansas State Police and the JDDC. Trial Attorneys Peter Halpern, Jonathan Kravis and Simon Cataldo of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section prosecuted the case, with assistance from Special Prosecutor Jack McQuary of the State of Arkansas Office of the Prosecutor Coordinator.
Federal Jury Finds Ocala Man Guilty of Conspiracy to Traffic over Two Kilograms of Methamphetamine and Trafficking One Kilogram of FentanylRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – A federal jury has found Tirso Hernandez-Astudillo (35, Ocala) guilty of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possession with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to life imprisonment, on each count. Hernandez-Astudillo, a citizen of Mexico in the United States illegally, also faces potential deportation. He remains in federal custody pending a sentencing hearing on May 17, 2018.
According to court documents, on May 24, 2017, in a parking lot in Ocala, co-defendant Simon Rodriguez-Flores (48, Ocala) sold a cooperating witness approximately 4 ounces of crystal methamphetamine. On June 2, 2017, at the same location, Rodriguez-Flores delivered 2 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine to the same cooperating witness, but was arrested by agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration. The agents detained Hernandez-Astudillo, a passenger in Rodriguez-Flores’s car.
Immediately after the arrest, a search warrant was executed at the residence Hernandez-Astudillo shared with his cousin and co-defendant, Gilberto Astudillo-Carbajal (34, Ocala). Agents recovered items used in the manufacture and packaging of crystal methamphetamine from the home. From another trailer across the street, where Hernandez-Astudillo had been earlier in the day, agents recovered a suspicious package containing approximately one kilogram of an undetermined powdery substance. Subsequent analysis of the substance revealed that it contained fentanyl.
Rodriguez-Flores and Astudillo-Carbajal have previously pleaded guilty and remain in custody pending sentencing.
This case was investigated by the Gainesville Resident Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration, assisted by task force officers from the Gainesville Police Department, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocala Police Department, the Levy County Sheriff’s Office, and the Union County Sheriff’s Office. The Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team assisted in the execution of the search warrant and the arrests. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dale R. Campion.
Federal Jury Finds Charlotte Man Guilty of Possession, Receipt and Transportation of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A federal jury sitting in Charlotte convicted Jose Antonio Hendricks, 59, of Charlotte, of possession, receipt and transportation of child pornography following a two-day trial, announced R. Andrew Murray U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. U.S. District Judge Robert J. Conrad, Jr. presided over the trial.
John A. Strong, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division joins U.S. Attorney Murray in making today’s announcement.
“Child predators often seek shelter in the anonymity the internet offers to exploit and harm innocent children. This is a global epidemic that we must confront with an aggressive, technology-driven response,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Today’s guilty verdict sends a message that the internet is no longer a safe haven for those who engage in child sexual exploitation. Online predators will be located, prosecuted and ultimately removed from society and away from vulnerable children.”
According filed court documents, trial evidence and witness testimony, on October 14, 2014, law enforcement became aware that an individual, later identified as Hendricks, was using a peer-to-peer network to view and to trade child pornography online. Trial evidence established that between October 2014 and February 2015, law enforcement connected to the IP address, later identified as Hendricks’, approximately 70 times. During a vast majority of these sessions, law enforcement were able to confirm that Hendricks was sharing either child pornography or child erotica.
According to evidence presented at trial, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Hendrick’s residence on March 12, 2015, seizing a tablet and the tablet’s SD card. A forensic examination of the devices revealed that they contained numerous images of child pornography. There was also evidence that Hendricks was accessing numerous child pornography websites that include sadistic or masochistic images of children.
The charges for transportation of child pornography and receipt of child pornography carry a minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 20 years in prison. The charges for possessing and accessing child pornography carry a maximum sentence of 20 years. A sentencing date has not been set.
The FBI’s Crimes Against Children Squad investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cortney Randall and William Stetzer of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte are in charge of the prosecution.
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 U.S. 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.
Federal Jury Convicts South Carolina Man of Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced today that, BRANDON AHART HAMPTON, a resident of Florence, South Carolina, was convicted in a two-day jury trial before United States District Judge Terrance W. Boyle. The jury found HAMPTON guilty of Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. He previously pled guilty to a charge of Hobbs Act Robbery on February 6, 2018.
The evidence at trial showed that on December 5, 2014, HAMPTON entered the ABC Store #8 in Spring Lake, North Carolina armed with a handgun. HAMPTON pointed the firearm at the clerk’s head and threatened to kill a store clerk. HAMPTON moved the clerk at gunpoint to the back office where the safe was located. HAMPTON threatened to shoot the clerk when the clerk could not get the safe open fast enough. HAMPTON fled the store and was captured later.
HAMPTON is scheduled to be sentenced in May 2018.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the Alcohol, Beverage Control Law Enforcement Division, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Ft. Bragg Military Police and the Spring Lake Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jane J. Jackson represented the government in this case.
Eagle Butte Man Charged with Firearm ViolationsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number.
Christian Kersten, age 30, was indicted on February 14, 2018. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 16, 2018, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 15 years in custody and/or a $500,000 fine, 6 years of supervised release, and up to $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on January 22, 2018, Kersten, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, being a fugitive from justice, and being an unlawful user of and addicted to a controlled substance, knowingly received and possessed a firearm, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce and foreign commerce. Additionally, the manufacturer’s serial number had been obliterated from the firearm.
The charges are merely an accusation and Kersten is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.
Kersten was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
District Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Pistol-Whipping Man in Northwest WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jahmar Thaxter, 26, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to a 10-year prison term on charges stemming from a pistol-whipping assault of a man that took place behind a market in Northwest Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu.
Thaxter was found guilty by a jury in September 2017 of charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, conspiracy, and related firearms offenses. The verdict followed a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. He was sentenced by the Honorable Kimberley S. Knowles. Following his prison term, Thaxter will be placed on three years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, on the evening of Oct. 23, 2016, Thaxter and a second man walked into the back yard of Move and Groove, a Caribbean market in the 5100 block of Georgia Avenue NW. The victim, who was at the market, did not know Thaxter, but he did know the man who was with him. That man accused the victim of talking about his potential involvement in a shooting in Northwest Washington. He and Thaxter then assaulted the victim, pointing guns at him and pistol-whipping him, causing lacerations to the victim’s head. During this attack, Thaxter’s eyeglasses fell off. Thaxter continued to kick and pistol-whip the victim while his accomplice took and then discarded the victim’s wallet.
The eyeglasses were recovered and tested for DNA, and the major contributor profile matched the defendant’s DNA profile. An investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) led to Thaxter’s arrest on Jan. 16, 2017, and he has remained in custody ever since. A warrant has been issued for the arrest of the other man who is believed to have participated in the attack, but he remains at large at this time.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Liu commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department, particularly the detectives from the Fourth Police District. She also expressed appreciation for the assistance of the District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences. She acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Michael Ambrosino, Special Counsel for DNA and Forensic Evidence Litigation; Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Romano and Alyse Constantinide; Forensic Operation/Program Specialist Benjamin Kagan-Guthrie; Paralegal Specialist Debra McPherson; Litigation Technology Specialist Anisha Bhatia; Victim/Witness Advocate Diana Lim, and Supervisory Victim/Witness Services Coordinator David Foster.
Finally, she commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren N. Bressack and Ethan Carroll, who prosecuted the matter.
District Man Pleads Guilty to Murder Charges in Slayings of Two Housemates in Northeast WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – David Bright, 31, of Washington, D.C., pled guilty today to two counts of second-degree murder while armed in the slayings of two of his housemates at their rooming house in Northeast Washington, U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu announced.
Bright pled guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The plea, which is contingent upon the Court’s approval, calls for an agreed-upon sentence of 33 years in prison. The Honorable Ronna L. Beck scheduled sentencing for May 11, 2018.
According to a proffer of facts submitted at today’s plea hearing, on Feb. 18, 2016, Bright was staying in a rooming house in the 500 block of 58th Street NE. The victims, Clifton Francis and David Watkins, were Bright’s housemates. Two other individuals were also staying in the home at the time, one permanently and one temporarily.
At approximately 12:55 p.m., Bright entered the house, where Mr. Francis and Mr. Watkins were sitting in the living room watching television; one of the other housemates was in the kitchen. Bright went upstairs, where his bedroom was located, and then came running down the stairs. He pointed a gun in the direction of Mr. Francis and began firing at close range.
Mr. Francis, who received multiple gunshot wounds to the chest and head, immediately slumped over the arm of the couch and fell to the floor. Mr. Watkins started yelling words to the effect of “what are doing, are you crazy?” Bright then turned the gun towards Mr. Watkins and began firing, hitting him in the chest. Mr. Watkins managed to crawl to his bedroom, and yelled for the remaining housemate to call the police. Bright ran into the kitchen and came face-to-face with this housemate. He pointed the gun at his face, but the housemate was able to run into a bedroom and closed the door. Bright then fled the house.
The next day, Feb. 19, 2016, at approximately 10:40 a.m., Bright was arrested by the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force as he walked out of a barbershop in Seat Pleasant, Maryland. Bright was exiting the barbershop after having shaved off his dreadlocks. He has remained in custody since his arrest.
Bright had driven a Mitsubishi Galant to the barber shop. Officers searched the car and recovered the murder weapon, a Glock 22 .40 caliber firearm, as well as 91 rounds of ammunition and three firearm magazines (two full, one empty).
Mr. Watkins, 45, and Mr. Francis, 51, both died as a result of the gunshot wounds.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Liu commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. She also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force and the District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences. She acknowledged the work of those who handled the case at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Magdalena Acevedo, Victim/Witness Advocate Jim Brennan, and former Paralegal Specialist Kendra Johnson. Finally, she commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley C. Nielsen, who investigated and prosecuted the matter.
Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein Highlights Ongoing and Intensive Work to Solve 2001 Murder of Federal Prosecutor Tom WalesRead the Press Release
Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein joined U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes, Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan, the Wales family, the National Association of Former United States Attorneys Foundation, and other law enforcement partners in Seattle today to bring continued and deserved attention to the Department of Justice investigation into the 2001 murder of Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas C. Wales.
The Department of Justice remains committed to a reward of up to one million dollars for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. In addition to and separate from the Department’s reward, the National Association of Former United States Attorneys Foundation President Mike McKay announced that his organization is offering up to a $525,000 reward to the same individuals as the Justice Department for information leading to the Department’s prosecution of those responsible for Wales’ murder. Wales worked as a federal prosecutor in the Western District of Washington for 18 years before he was shot and killed in his home the evening of Oct. 11, 2001.
“Any attack on a law enforcement officer is an attack on our entire justice system,” Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein said. “The Wales family has shown incredible strength, courage, and devotion. As Deputy Attorney General, I intend to see that we leave no stone unturned in the search for the killer who murdered Tom Wales. We will continue to pursue this case for as long as it takes to achieve justice. The killer will be held accountable.”
“The murder of Tom Wales more than 16 years ago remains an affront to the rule of law and a devastating loss to all who knew Tom and the community he so loyally served,” said U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. “I am deeply grateful to the National Association of Former United States Attorneys and their foundation for establishing a separate reward in this case. As the Department of Justice has made clear time and again — we will never rest until justice is done in this case.”
A task force led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Seattle Police Department continues to work actively and intensively. The investigative team has been able to successfully investigate thousands leads and continues to devote resources to focused investigative avenues. In just the last 12 months, the investigative team has served nearly 50 new subpoenas and has pursued hundreds of investigative actions.
Investigators believe that there are people who have information and hope that the significant reward provides an additional incentive for coming forward. The task force asks the public to help partner in its efforts for justice, and closure for the Wales family.
“The FBI remains committed to bringing closure for the Wales family,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Jay S. Tabb, Jr., of the FBI’s Seattle Field Division. “We continue to offer a reward of up to $1 million for information that helps us resolve this investigation. We know that there are people with pertinent knowledge and we are pleading with you to come forward to the FBI. Please help us solve this case for the Wales family.”
“We haven’t forgotten about Tom Wales, and are leaving no stone unturned in this investigation,” said Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best. “We will continue to work in collaboration with our federal partners to bring the individual responsible for his brutal murder to justice.”
“Local prosecutors will continue our partnership with federal investigators on this case, said Dan Satterberg, King County Prosecuting Attorney. “We are determined to solve this terrible crime.”
The Seattle Prosecutor Murder (SEPROM) Task Force is a joint effort by the FBI, the Seattle Police Department, the Department of Justice, and the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. It includes agents, detectives, analysts, two Department of Justice prosecutors, a King County prosecutor, and FBI personnel assisting across the nation to cover far-ranging leads.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the FBI and can do so confidentially by phone at (206) 622-0460 or by e-mail at [email protected]. People can also send anonymous tips to the FBI at 1110 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98101.
The complete library of information, including multi-media materials for download and use, the FBI Seeking Information poster, details about the tip lines, and more can be found at https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/seeking-info/thomas-crane-wales.Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein Highlights Ongoing and Intensive Work to Solve 2001 Murder of Federal Prosecutor Tom WalesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein joined U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes, Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan, the Wales family, the National Association of Former United States Attorneys Foundation, and other law enforcement partners in Seattle today to bring continued and deserved attention to the Department of Justice investigation into the 2001 murder of Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas C. Wales.
The Department of Justice remains committed to a reward of up to one million dollars for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. In addition to and separate from the Department’s reward, the National Association of Former United States Attorneys Foundation President Mike McKay announced that his organization is offering up to a $525,000 reward to the same individuals as the Justice Department for information leading to the Department’s prosecution of those responsible for Wales’ murder. Wales worked as a federal prosecutor in the Western District of Washington for 18 years before he was shot and killed in his home the evening of Oct. 11, 2001.
“Any attack on a law enforcement officer is an attack on our entire justice system,” Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein said. “The Wales family has shown incredible strength, courage, and devotion. As Deputy Attorney General, I intend to see that we leave no stone unturned in the search for the killer who murdered Tom Wales. We will continue to pursue this case for as long as it takes to achieve justice. The killer will be held accountable.”
“The murder of Tom Wales more than 16 years ago remains an affront to the rule of law and a devastating loss to all who knew Tom and the community he so loyally served,” said U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. “I am deeply grateful to the National Association of Former United States Attorneys and their foundation for establishing a separate reward in this case. As the Department of Justice has made clear time and again — we will never rest until justice is done in this case.”
A task force led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Seattle Police Department continues to work actively and intensively. The investigative team has been able to successfully investigate thousands leads and continues to devote resources to focused investigative avenues. In just the last 12 months, the investigative team has served nearly 50 new subpoenas and has pursued approximately 100 leads.
Investigators believe that there are people who have information and hope that the significant reward provides an additional incentive for coming forward. The task force asks the public to help partner in its efforts for justice, and closure for the Wales family.
“The FBI remains committed to bringing closure for the Wales family,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Jay S. Tabb, Jr., of the FBI’s Seattle Field Division. “We continue to offer a reward of up to $1 million for information that helps us resolve this investigation. We know that there are people with pertinent knowledge and we are pleading with you to come forward to the FBI. Please help us solve this case for the Wales family.”
“We haven’t forgotten about Tom Wales, and are leaving no stone unturned in this investigation,” said Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best. “We will continue to work in collaboration with our federal partners to bring the individual responsible for his brutal murder to justice.”
“Local prosecutors will continue our partnership with federal investigators on this case, said Dan Satterberg, King County Prosecuting Attorney. “We are determined to solve this terrible crime.”
The Seattle Prosecutor Murder (SEPROM) Task Force is a joint effort by the FBI, the Seattle Police Department, the Department of Justice, and the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. It includes agents, detectives, analysts, two Department of Justice prosecutors, a King County prosecutor, and FBI personnel assisting across the nation to cover far-ranging leads.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the FBI and can do so confidentially by phone at (206) 622-0460 or by e-mail at [email protected]. People can also send anonymous tips to the FBI at 1110 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98101.
The complete library of information, including multi-media materials for download and use, the FBI Seeking Information poster, details about the tip lines, and more can be found at https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/seeking-info/thomas-crane-wales.# # #
Cross Lanes man pleads guilty to receiving child pornographyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Cross Lanes man pled guilty today to a child pornography crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Charles William Lourett, 62, entered his guilty plea to receiving child pornography. U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Parkersburg Police Department, the FBI, and the FBI Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force.
U.S. Attorney Stuart said, “We have no tolerance for predators or these disgusting crimes. We will use every tool at our disposal to aggressively prosecute those who use the Internet to target and exploit children.”
Lourett admitted that on September 22, 2016, he received a video of a prepubescent minor engaged in sex acts. The video was received on Lourett’s computer located at his residence. The investigation revealed that Lourett was using a peer-to-peer file sharing program to download, receive, and distribute child pornography. Lourett further admitted to possessing over 600 images and videos of minors engaged in sex acts.
Lourett faces at least five and up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 22, 2018. Upon his release from prison, he will be required to serve a term of supervised release of at least five years and up to life. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.
First Assistant United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston and Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald are in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s 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 those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Corpus Christi Man in Custody for Multiple Sexual Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 30-year-old Corpus Christi man has been charged with multiple child sexual exploitation crimes, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Matthew Joseph Lucio is set to appear in federal court before B. Janice Ellington at 2:00 p.m. today.
He is charged with two counts of online solicitation and two counts of production of child pornography.
According to the criminal complaint filed Feb. 16, in November 2017, authorities received information that Lucio allegedly solicited a minor female via an internet messaging application for sexual intercourse. Law enforcement identified the minor female who confirmed the abuse, according to the charges. Days later, law enforcement received another report that Lucio allegedly solicited a different minor female via an internet messaging application for sexual intercourse. The complaint alleges authorities identified the second minor female who also confirmed the abuse.
The charges indicate that law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Lucio’s residence, after which agents seized several digital devices and located narcotics. Forensic analysis of the devices led to the discovery of videos depicting the sexual assault of two different minor females, according to the complaint. Both minor females were located and also confirmed the alleged abuse.
The complaint further indicates that Lucio allegedly drugged all four minor females before they were sexually assaulted
If convicted, Lucio faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison for the online solicitation of a minor charges and a minimum of 15 and up to 30 years for production of child pornography. Lucio also faces a possible $250,000 maximum fine on each charge, if convicted.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Corpus Christi Police Department - Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hugo R. Martinez is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of lawCitizen of El Salvador Sentenced to 42 Months for Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MIGUEL LARA, 47, a citizen of El Salvador last residing in Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 42 months of imprisonment for trafficking cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in September 2016, the DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force began an investigation into the cocaine trafficking activities of Christian Paulino Rodriguez. The investigation revealed that Rodriguez’s cocaine supplier was LARA, the co-owner of Café Luna, a restaurant in Stamford. In November 2016, an individual working with law enforcement arranged to purchase five kilograms of cocaine from Rodriguez for a price of $28,000 per kilogram. On November 15, 2016, Task Force officers arrested LARA and Rodriguez after LARA delivered the cocaine to a prearranged location.
LARA has been detained since his arrest. On November 27, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 500 grams or more of cocaine.
Rodriguez, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, pleaded guilty to the same charge on July 18, 2017. On November 21, he was sentenced to 42 months imprisonment.
LARA and Rodriguez face immigration proceedings when they are released from prison.
This matter was investigated by the DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the Stamford and Norwalk Police Departments. The case was prosecuted Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Vizcarrondo.
Central Valley Drug Dealer Sentenced to More Than Sixteen Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – Ismael Mendoza Rodriguez was sentenced today to 200 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, announced Acting United States Attorney Alex G. Tse and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge John J. Martin. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable James Donato, U.S. District Judge.
Mendoza Rodriguez, 37, of Turlock, pleaded guilty to the charges on July 14, 2017. As part of his plea agreement, Mendoza Rodriguez acknowledged that he participated in a conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine and cocaine. Specifically, Mendoza Rodriguez admitted that on four separate occasions in 2015 – March 10, May 1, July 14, and August 17 – he met with an undercover police officer and sold him a total of two pounds of methamphetamine and one-half kilogram of cocaine.
On November 13, 2015, law enforcement authorities executed a search warrant at Mendoza Rodriguez’s home in Turlock. Inside, authorities found approximately ten pounds of methamphetamine underneath the bathroom sink. In the master bedroom, law enforcement found approximately $34,455. Mendoza Rodriguez admitted that the cash represented the proceeds of his drug sales. Agents also found three firearms in the master bedroom: a loaded .22 caliber pistol on a bedside dresser, a .30 caliber rifle in the closet, and a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun with an obliterated serial number also in the closet. Mendoza Rodriguez admitted that he possessed the .22 pistol in furtherance of drug trafficking. On the floor of the master bedroom, agents found a cooler containing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Agents arrested Mendoza Rodriguez while executing the search warrant and he has remained in custody since then.
On November 19, 2015, a federal grand jury indicted Mendoza Rodriguez charging him and twelve co-defendants with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846 & 841(a)(1). The indictment also charged Mendoza Rodriguez with possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 924(c). Pursuant to his plea agreement, Mendoza Rodriguez pleaded guilty to both charges.
Mendoza Rodriguez’s sentence brings to seven the number of defendants sentenced as part of the conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. The six other defendants sentenced include the following:
Defendant
Age/
Residence
Charges
Status
Jesus Guadalupe Rojas
32/
Turlock
Distribution of methamphetamine,
21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1)
Sentenced on June 14, 2017, to 24 months in prison and 3 years supervised release.
Jose Armando Mendoza Linares
42/
Turlock
Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine,
21 U.S.C. §§ 846 & 841(a)(1)
Sentenced on October 25, 2017, to 60 months in prison and 5 years supervised release.
Gabriel Estrada
41/
Compton
Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine,
21 U.S.C. §§ 846 & 841(a)(1)
Sentenced on December 13, 2017, to 70 months in prison and 3 years supervised release
Vanessa Valdez
31/ Chula Vista
Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine,
21 U.S.C. §§ 846 & 841(a)(1)
Sentenced on December 13, 2017, to 22 months in prison and 3 years supervised release.
Elias Dominguez
46/
Patterson
Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine,
21 U.S.C. §§ 846 & 841(a)(1)
Sentenced on January 24, 2018, to 55 months in prison and 5 years supervised release.
Carlos Martinez
26/
Hayward
Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine,
21 U.S.C. §§ 846 & 841(a)(1)
Sentenced on February 21, 2018, to 30 months in prison and 3 years supervised release.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christiaan Highsmith, Sheila Armbrust, Katie Burroughs Medearis, and Gregg Lowder are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Theresa Benitez, Ana Guerra, and Michelle Alter Eck. The prosecution is the result of a investigation by the DEA, the Concord Police Department, and the IRS Criminal Investigations. The investigation was conducted and funded by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, a multi-agency task force that coordinates long-term narcotics trafficking investigations.
Carlsbad Man Sentenced to Thirteen Years in Federal Prison for Unlawfully Possessing Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Mia Coy Campbell, 34, of Carlsbad, N.M., was sentenced yesterday afternoon in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., in two cases to a total of 156 months of imprisonment for violating the federal firearms laws by unlawfully possessing firearms and ammunition. Campbell will be on supervised release for three years after completing his prison sentence.
Campbell’s sentence was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney James D. Tierney, Special Agent in Charge Terry Wade of the FBI’s Albuquerque Division, Special Agent in Charge John J. Durastanti, Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Chief Kent Waller of the Carlsbad Police Department, and Commander James McCormick of the Pecos Valley Drug Task Force (PVDTF).
Campbell was prosecuted under a federal anti-violence initiative that targets the “worst of the worst” offenders for federal prosecution. Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies work with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders primarily based on their prior criminal convictions for federal prosecution with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible.
Campbell was prosecuted in two separate criminal cases for unlawfully possessing firearms in July 2015 and Sept. 2015. According to court records, Campbell was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of his prior felony convictions for possession of methamphetamine and escaping from a correctional institution.
In the first case, Campbell was arrested on a criminal complaint in Sept. 2015, after law enforcement officers found an assault rifle, which Campbell allegedly used to shoot at an occupied residence in Carlsbad, when they executed a search warrant at a residence in Roswell, N.M. Campbell subsequently was indicted in the case in Oct. 2015, and was charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm in Eddy County on Aug. 4, 2015. The indictment in the first case was superseded in Feb. 2016, to charge Campbell with two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm based on his possession of firearms on July 31, 2015 and Aug. 4, 2015, and one count of unlawfully possessing a machinegun on July 31, 2015.
On Aug. 8, 2016, Campbell entered a guilty plea to the superseding indictment in the first case. In entering the guilty plea, Campbell admitted that on July 30 and 31, 2015, he possessed an assault rifle, which is considered a machinegun under federal law. Campbell also admitted that on Aug. 4, 2015, he unlawfully possessed a pistol. Campbell acknowledged that he was prohibited from possessing firearms as the result of his status as a convicted felon. During yesterday’s sentencing hearing, Campbell was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for his conviction in the first case.
With respect to the second case, Campbell was arrested in Oct. 2015, for unlawfully possessing a firearm based on investigation conducted by the Pecos Valley Drug Task Force (PVDTF) and FBI agents on Sept. 24, 2015. According to the criminal complaint, on that day, the PVDTF and FBI arrested Campbell on the federal arrest warrant issued in the first case as Campbell was walking away from a canopy that covered a partially disassembled go-cart at his residence. When arrested, Campbell’s hands were dirty and greasy and it appeared as if he had been working on the go-cart. A smoldering cigarette near a tool bag by the go-cart drew an officer’s attention where the officer found a firearm. A search of Campbell incident to arrest revealed that he had a pack of cigarettes in his pocket containing the same type of cigarette that was smoldering on the ground near the go-cart. On Nov. 5, 2015, Campbell was indicted and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm on Sept. 24, 2015.
On March 24, 2016, a federal jury convicted Campbell of being a felon in possession of a firearm in the second case. During yesterday’s sentencing hearing, Campbell was sentenced to 96 months of imprisonment for his conviction in the second case, which is to run consecutive to the 60 months of imprisonment imposed on the conviction in the first case. Campbell also was sentenced to a three-year term of supervised release, which is to run concurrent to the supervised release term imposed in the first case.
These cases were investigated by the Las Cruces and Roswell offices of the FBI, the Carlsbad Police Department and the Pecos Valley Drug Task Force with assistance from the Las Cruces office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Randy M. Castellano and John Andrew Balla of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office.
The Pecos Valley Drug Task Force is comprised of officers from the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office, Carlsbad Police Department and Artesia Police Department and is part of the HIDTA Region VI Drug Task Force. The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program was created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. HIDTA is a program of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) which provides assistance to federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States and seeks to reduce drug trafficking and production by facilitating coordinated law enforcement activities and information sharing.
Bronx Man Pleads Guilty in Manhattan Federal Court to Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS and Passport Fraud in Furtherance of TerrorismRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Edward C. O’Callaghan, Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security, announced that SAJMIR ALIMEHMETI, a/k/a “Abdul Qawii,” pled guilty to attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (“ISIS”), and to committing passport fraud in order to facilitate an act of international terrorism. ALIMEHMETI pled guilty today to a Superseding Indictment in Manhattan federal court before U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “As he admitted in court today, Sajmir Alimehmeti took steps to travel overseas to support ISIS’s terror campaign. He also bought military-type weapons and assisted another to get travel documents, equipment, and encryption technology to fight with ISIS in Syria. Thanks to the FBI-NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force, Alimehmeti now awaits sentencing for his admitted crimes in support of a terrorist organization.”
According to the allegations in the Superseding Indictment and the Complaint filed in this case, statements made during the plea proceeding, and other documents filed in the public record:
In October 2014, ALIMEHMETI attempted to enter the United Kingdom but was denied entry after U.K. authorities found camouflage clothing and nunchucks in his luggage. About two months later, in December 2014, ALIMEHMETI was again denied entry into the United Kingdom, this time after U.K. authorities found that his cellphone contained images of ISIS flags. Further forensic examination of the contents of the cellphone and ALIMEHMETI’s laptop computer showed numerous indicia of ALIMEHMETI’s support for ISIS, including a photograph of ALIMEHMETI with an ISIS flag in the background, images of ISIS fighters in the Middle East, a photograph of ALIMEHMETI making a gesture of support for ISIS, various files relating to jihad and martyrdom, and electronic communications in which ALIMEHMETI assisted another ISIS supporter in efforts to travel to Syria to join ISIS by providing contact information for an ISIS affiliate who could facilitate the travel.
After returning to the United States, ALIMEHMETI continued to support ISIS. Among other things, ALIMEHMETI displayed an ISIS flag in his apartment in the Bronx and, in the course of recorded meetings with undercover law enforcement employees, ALIMEHMETI played multiple pro-ISIS propaganda videos on his computer and cellphone, including videos of ISIS fighters decapitating prisoners, and also indicated that he was interested in radicalizing other individuals in the Bronx area. ALIMEHMETI also made repeated purchases of combat knives and other military-type equipment, including masks, handcuffs, a pocket chainsaw, a wire pocket saw, and a rucksack designed for tactical combat, which he stockpiled at his apartment in the Bronx.
In October 2015, ALIMEHMETI applied for a U.S. passport, falsely claiming in the application that his previous passport had been lost. ALIMEHMETI later told an undercover law enforcement employee that his prior passport – which ALIMEHMETI showed to the undercover law enforcement officer – had not been lost and, instead, that he was applying for a new passport because he believed the rejection stamps in his existing passport resulting from his attempted entries into the United Kingdom would make it difficult to travel. ALIMEHMETI further conveyed to undercover law enforcement personnel that he was seeking the new passport, without rejection stamps, to facilitate his travel overseas to join and fight for ISIS.
In May 2016, ALIMEHMETI attempted to assist an individual who was purportedly traveling from New York to Syria to train and fight with ISIS but who was actually an undercover law enforcement employee (the “UC”). On May 17, 2016, ALIMEHMETI met with the UC in Manhattan. The UC had purportedly arrived in New York earlier that day on a bus and was en route to John F. Kennedy International Airport (“JFK Airport”) to take an overseas flight later that night.
ALIMEHMETI agreed to help the UC with several tasks prior to the UC’s purported travel. ALIMEHMETI assisted the UC by locating stores so the UC could purchase supplies to use while traveling to, and fighting with, ISIS, including a cellphone, boots, a compass, a bag, and a flashlight, among other items. ALIMEHMETI also gave the UC advice on which items to purchase and on the use of different kinds of encrypted communications services, including the service that ALIMEHMETI stated was currently being used by fellow ISIS supporters, whom ALIMEHMETI referred to as “the brothers.” ALIMEHMETI also downloaded three encrypted communications applications on the UC’s newly purchased cellphone for use by the UC.
Further, ALIMEHMETI assisted the UC in traveling from Manhattan to a hotel in Queens, so the UC could purportedly meet with an individual who was preparing travel documents that the UC would use to travel to Syria to join ISIS. ALIMEHMETI gave the UC a piece of paper with his name and contact information, so the UC could provide that information to the purported document facilitator. ALIMEHETI explained that he also wanted to travel to Syria and join ISIS, stating “I’m ready to . . . go with you man . . . you know I would. I’m done with this place.” After leaving the hotel in Queens, ALIMEHETI brought the UC to JFK Airport, via public transportation, so the UC could begin the purported journey to ISIS. Within days of seeking to facilitate the UC’s travel to join ISIS, ALIMEHMETI indicated during a call to his brother in Albania that that he had learned of a new way to obtain a passport for his own travel (referring to the UC’s purported document facilitator), and that a “friend of mine” (referring to the UC) had “just [done] it two days ago.”
Following ALIMEHMETI’s arrest on the charges in this case in May 2016, the FBI executed a search of ALIMEHMETI’s Bronx apartment pursuant to a judicially authorized search warrant. The FBI’s search of ALIMEHMETI’s apartment resulted in the seizure of, among other evidence, the following: (i) a laptop computer and a cellphone belonging to ALIMEHMETI that contain an array of materials further demonstrating his allegiance to ISIS and terrorist ideology, including images of the ISIS flag, photographs of ALIMEHMETI with an ISIS flag and making gestures supportive of ISIS, images of ISIS fighters overseas, and propaganda videos promoting and glorifying ISIS, including videos depicting ISIS fighters engaging in combat and beheading prisoners; (ii) a collection of combat knives and other military-type equipment that ALIMEHMETI had purchased and stored at his apartment, as discussed above; and (iii) an ISIS flag that was displayed on a wall in the apartment.
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ALIMEHMETI, 24, of the Bronx, pled guilty to one count of attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, namely, ISIS, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of making a false statement in an application for a U.S. passport with the intent to induce the issuance of a passport to facilitate an act of international terrorism, namely, traveling abroad to join, train with, and fight for ISIS, which carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge. Sentencing is scheduled for June 7, 2018, before Judge Engelmayer.
Mr. Berman and Mr. O’Callaghan praised the outstanding efforts of the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which principally consists of agents from the FBI and detectives from the NYPD, and the NYPD’s Intelligence Division. Mr. Berman also thanked the Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the Albania State Police, and the Metropolitan Police Service’s Counter Terrorism Command of London, United Kingdom.
This prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emil J. Bove III, George D. Turner, and Brendan F. Quigley are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorneys Joseph Attias and Kiersten Korczynski of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Braxton County man indicted on firearm and drug chargesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A Burnsville, West Virginia, man was indicted today by a federal grand jury on firearm and drug charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Charles William Masters, age 43, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine,” and one count of ”Carry a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime.” Masters is accused of illegally possessing a 9mm pistol while possessing methamphetamine on July 3, 2017 in Lewis County, West Virginia.
Masters faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the first count, up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000,000 for the second count, and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the third count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Bookkeeper Pleads Guilty to Embezzling More Than $1.5 Million from Former Employer and Committing Tax FraudRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The former bookkeeper of a company located in Watauga Co. admitted in federal court today to embezzling more than $1.5 million from her employer and committing tax fraud, announced R. Andrew Murray, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Connie S. Franklin, 58, of Boone, N.C. appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge David C. Keesler and pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of filing false tax returns.
U.S. Attorney Murray is joined in making today’s announcement by Reginald DeMatteis, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Charlotte Field Office (USSS) and Matthew D. Line, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI).
According to filed documents and today’s court proceedings, from 2008 until 2016, Franklin perpetrated a scheme to embezzle funds from the bank account of the company where she worked as bookkeeper, by falsely signing the names of the victim company’s executives to company checks made payable to herself. To conceal the fraud, Franklin then falsely coded the transactions as “freight” expenses in the victim company’s books and records. Court documents state that during the roughly nine-year scheme, Franklin embezzled approximately $1,595,472.82.
According to the filed charging document, Franklin also understated her taxable income by more than $1.4 million during the course of the scheme. For example, despite having a taxable income of $332,579 in 2015, Franklin reported an income of only $49,398. In total, court records show that Franklin understated her tax liability by more than $330,000.
Franklin is currently released on bond. The bank fraud charge carries a maximum of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. The maximum penalty for the charge of filing a false tax return is three years in prison and a $100,000 fine. A sentencing date has not been set.
USSS and IRS-CI led the investigation. U.S. Attorney Murray also thanks the Boone Police Department and the Watauga County District Attorney’s Office for their significant assistance over the course of the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor J. Phillips of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in Charlotte is in charge of the prosecution.