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Tuesday 9 January 2018
Livonia Doctor and Patient Recruiters Charged in $18 Million Illegal Distribution of Prescription Drugs and Health Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
An indictment was unsealed today charging Dr. Zongli Chang, M.D. and seven other individuals with conspiracy to illegally distribute prescription drugs, U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider announced today. Chang is also charged with health care fraud.
Schneider was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge David P. Gelios of the FBI’s Detroit Division and Special Agent in Charge Lamont Pugh III of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Chicago Regional Office.
Charged in the indictment are:
Zongli Chang, 52, of Novi
Darryl Parker, 56, of Detroit
Tye Chandler, 26, of Detroit
Karen Hall, 57, of Detroit
Deangelo Givhan, 28, of Detroit
Yolanda Cannon, 39, of Detroit
Melvin McGuire, 48, of Detroit
Khary Tremble, 44, of Detroit
The indictment alleges that from January 2012 to May of 2017 (when the State of Michigan revoked Chang’s medical license), Chang and his coconspirators engaged in a large-scale drug diversion scheme. It is alleged that Chang abused his medical license by writing medically unnecessary and highly addictive controlled substance prescriptions in return for cash payments. Chang commonly wrote prescriptions for controlled substances, to include Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen, Oxycodone HCl, Alprazolam, Carisoprodol and Promethazine/codeine syrup. According to the indictment, Chang prescribed more than 2,700,000 dosage units of Schedule II, III and IV controlled substances during the course of the conspiracy. These controlled substances had a conservative street value in excess of $18,000,000. Agents seized more than $600,000 in cash during a search of Chang’s Novi home.
According to the indictment, Chang relied upon “patient recruiters” to bring “fake patients” to his office. These recruiters paid cash to acquaintances to act as patients of Dr. Chang. The recruiters paid Chang cash at each office visit for the prescriptions provided. The recruiters also paid cash to the “fake patients” for appearing for the medical visits. After a cursory examination or no examination at all, Chang always prescribed the requested controlled substances. Darryl Parker, Tye Chandler, Karen Hall, Deangelo Givhan, Yolanda Cannon, Melvin McGuire and Khary Tremble all brought numerous fake patients to Chang’s office and ultimately took control of the controlled substances prescribed by Chang sale for illegal distribution in Michigan and elsewhere.
In addition to the drug diversion charges, Chang faces three counts of health care fraud for billing Medicare for services not provided. The indictment further seeks to forfeit all proceeds of Chang’s illegal activity, including $603,136 in cash seized from his home.
United States Attorney Schneider stated, “Our office has no tolerance for corrupt doctors who are making Michigan’s opioid crisis even worse by unnecessarily prescribing drugs. We will vigorously prosecute those who spread these poisons on our streets.”
"The routine manner in which Dr. Chang illegally made medically unnecessary prescription drugs available to co-conspirators who enabled drug abusers to further their addictions will not be tolerated", said David P. Gelios, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Detroit Division. "The FBI and our federal partners remain committed to identifying and incarcerating those responsible for sophisticated drug diversion schemes in Michigan".
“Physicians who engage in the prescribing of prescription medications that put their profits before the safety of their patients and the community at large will be held accountable” said Lamont Pugh III, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General – Chicago Region. “The OIG has made the opioid crisis one of its’ top priorities and will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to help protect Medicare beneficiaries and the public as a whole from prescription drug abuse.”
The Eastern District of Michigan is one of the twelve districts included in the Opioid Fraud Abuse and Detection Unit, a Department of Justice initiative created by Attorney General Sessions, that uses data to target and prosecute individuals that are contributing to the nation’s opioid crisis. Dr. Chang’s suspicious patterns of prescriptions were detectable from data analysis by the Opioid Fraud Abuse and Detection Unit.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Each defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by Special Agents of the FBI and HHS. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Engstrom and Brant Cook.
Leader of Charlotte Area Drug Trafficking Network Is Sentenced to 11 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLOTE, N.C. – Lonnie Brown, Jr. 48, of Charlotte, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Max O. Cogburn, Jr. to 11 years in prison and five years of supervised release on drug trafficking conspiracy charges, announced R. Andrew Murray, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
C.J. Hyman, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Chief Kerr Putney of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department join U.S. Attorney Murray in making today’s announcement.
According to filed court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, from about August 2014, Lonnie Brown, Constance Graves, Carol Fonseca and Tormeka Graves operated a drug conspiracy responsible for trafficking large amounts of cocaine and crack cocaine in Mecklenburg County. According to filed court documents, Brown was the leader of the drug network and had established himself as a supplier of cocaine to several neighborhoods in the Charlotte area. Court records also show that, while he was operating the drug conspiracy, Brown was on federal probation for two prior federal drug convictions.
Co-defendant Carol Fonseca was Brown’s girlfriend and partner in the cocaine distribution network, and obtained the cocaine from a Hispanic supplier. Constance Graves and Tormeka Graves purchased drugs from Brown and Fonseca, in some instances as much as a kilogram at a time. According to filed court documents, Brown previously admitted that he was responsible for trafficking between five and 15 kilograms of cocaine.
Tomeka Graves, Carol Fonseca, and Constance Graves have been sentenced to 132, 24 and 18 months in prison, respectively. Brown is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of prisons upon designation of a federal facility. All federal sentences are served without the possibility of parole
The investigation was handled by ATF and CMPD. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dana Washington is prosecuting the case.
Kidnapper Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Brian M. Morris sentenced Jacob Ryan Murie, a 38 year-old resident of Box Elder, to 115 months of prison and three years of supervised release.
Jacob Murie purchased methamphetamine from a woman in Great Falls, Montana. After realizing the drugs were fake, Murie returned to confront the woman. Murie found the woman (soon-to-be victim) in a trailer home in Great Falls and beat her with a pistol. As a result of the trauma from the assault, the victim urinated in her pants. Murie then kidnapped the victim, placed her in a vehicle, and drove to the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation. After the kidnapping, Murie admitted on Facebook to another individual that he indeed kidnapped the victim. When interviewed, the victim told law enforcement that she was kidnapped—and she was deathly afraid of Murie. The victim escaped when she was released and directed by Murie to steal items in Havre, Montana, to repay the drug debt.
In a sentencing memo filed with the Court, Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Weldon stated, “This case involved all three realms of crime: drugs, kidnapping, and an assault. . . . Murie’s actions were calculated. And worse yet, he bragged about them when speaking with others on Facebook.”
This case was investigated by the Russell Country Drug Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Because there is no parole in the federal system, the truth in sentencing guidelines mandate that Murie will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, Murie does have the opportunity to shorten the term of custody by earning credit for good behavior. However, this reduction will not exceed 15% of the overall sentence.
Justice Department Secures First Denaturalization as a Result of Operation JanusRead the Press Release
On January 5, Judge Stanley R. Chesler of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey entered an order revoking the naturalized U.S. citizenship of Baljinder Singh aka Davinder Singh, and canceling his Certificate of Naturalization, the Justice Department announced.
Following Judge Chesler’s order, Singh’s immigration status reverted from naturalized citizen to lawful permanent resident, rendering him potentially subject to removal proceedings at the Department of Homeland Security’s discretion.
Singh’s denaturalization is the first arising out of a growing body of cases referred to the Department of Justice by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as part of Operation Janus. The action against Singh was filed contemporaneously with two other Operation Janus cases, as announced by the Justice Department on Sept. 19, 2017.
A Department of Homeland Security initiative, Operation Janus, identified about 315,000 cases where some fingerprint data was missing from the centralized digital fingerprint repository. Among those cases, some may have sought to circumvent criminal record and other background checks in the naturalization process. These cases are the result of an ongoing collaboration between the two departments to investigate and seek denaturalization proceedings against those who obtained citizenship unlawfully.
“The defendant exploited our immigration system and unlawfully secured the ultimate immigration benefit of naturalization, which undermines both the nation’s security and our lawful immigration system,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad Readler of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department will continue to use every tool to protect the integrity of our nation’s immigration system, including the use of civil denaturalization.”
USCIS dedicated a team to review these Operation Janus cases, and the agency has stated its intention to refer approximately an additional 1,600 for prosecution.
“We appreciate the dedication of our Justice Department partners as we work together to ensure the integrity of our nation’s legal immigration system,” said USCIS Director L. Francis Cissna. “I hope this case, and those to follow, send a loud message that attempting to fraudulently obtain U.S. citizenship will not be tolerated. Our nation’s citizens deserve nothing less.”
Baljinder Singh aka Davinder Singh, 43, a native of India, arrived at San Francisco International Airport on Sept. 25, 1991, without any travel documents or proof of identity. He claimed his name was Davinder Singh. He was placed in exclusion proceedings, but failed to appear for his immigration court hearing and was ordered excluded and deported on Jan. 7, 1992. Four weeks later, on Feb. 6, 1992, he filed an asylum application under the name Baljinder Singh. He claimed to be an Indian who entered the United States without inspection. Singh abandoned that application after he married a U.S. citizen, who filed a visa petition on his behalf. Singh naturalized under the name Baljinder Singh on July 28, 2006. Singh has been residing in Carteret, New Jersey.
This case was investigated by USCIS and the Civil Division’s Office of Immigration Litigation, District Court Section (OIL-DCS). The case was prosecuted by Counsel for National Security Aaron Petty of OIL-DCS’s National Security and Affirmative Litigation Unit, with support from Deputy Chief Patrice Rodman of USCIS’s Office of the Chief Counsel, Northeast Law Division and Immigration Services Officer Caroline D’Angelo of USCIS’s Field Operations Directorate.
Jury Convicts Independence Man of Illegal FirearmRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Timothy A. Garrison, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that an Independence, Mo., man has been convicted at trial of illegally possessing a firearm.
Daniel Portillo, 46, of Independence, was found guilty on Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Portillo was in possession of a Jimenez Arms .380-caliber semi-automatic pistol on July 12, 2017. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Portillo has a prior federal felony conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm and a prior state felony conviction for assault.
Portillo was driving at a high rate of speed and failing to signal while merging into traffic when his vehicle was stopped by Kansas City, Mo., police officers on July 12, 2017. Officers arrested Portillo on outstanding warrants for speeding and a suspended driver’s license. While taking him into custody, one of the officers saw the handgun in a holster under the driver’s seat. Officers also found approximately 3.4 grams of methamphetamine and a glass pipe in the vehicle.
Portillo, the only occupant of the vehicle, denied knowledge of the firearm under the front seat. He told investigators that he would have used the gun to engage in a shootout with the police officers had he known it was in the car.
Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., deliberated for about an hour before returning the guilty verdicts to U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough, ending a trial that began the same day.
Under federal statutes, Portillo is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Raskin and Joseph M. Marquez. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Jury Convicts Corpus Christi Man for Online Solicitation of MinorsRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A federal jury has returned a guilty verdict against a 42-year-old Corpus Christi man on child exploitation charges, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. The jury deliberated for approximately 20 minutes following less than two days of trial before convicting Spencer Salcedoof two counts of online solicitation of minors and two counts of transfer of obscene material to minors
According to the evidence presented at trial, Salcedo was communicating with a person he believed was the mother of two minor female children - ages 14 and 11. In reality, he was actually talking to an undercover police officer. During the course of the communications, he made arrangements to meet and engage in sexual activity with the mother’s children. Salcedo also sent sexually explicit photographs through text messages intended for the children.
He was apprehended as he arrived at the designated meeting place. At the time of his arrest, Salcedo had condoms with him and candy for the children.
At trial, the jury heard from an agent who testified that Salcedo gave a conflicting statement as to why he showed up to the meeting location.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos will impose sentencing on April 4, 2018. At that time, Salcedo faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison for the online solicitation charge and up to 10 years in federal prison for the transfer of obscene material to minors. Upon completion of any prison term imposed, Salcedo also faces a maximum of life on supervised release for all charges during which time the court can impose a number of special conditions designed to protect children and prohibit the use of the Internet.
Previously released on bond, Salcedo was remanded to custody following the verdict where he will remain 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 and the Corpus Christi Police Department - Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted the investigation as part of Operation Hidden Predator, a joint investigation targeting individuals involved in online solicitation of minors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hugo R. Martinez and Jeff S. Miller prosecuted the case 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."
Johnstown Man Indicted for Distributing Heroin and FentanylRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The indictment named Darryle D. Ford, 57, of Johnstown, Pa.
According to the indictment presented to the court, on July 12, 2017, Ford distributed less than 100 grams of heroin, and a quantity of fentanyl.
The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Cambria County Drug Task Force, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ford.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Johnstown Man Charged with Distributing CocaineRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The indictment named Moses Lee Cunningham, 52, of Johnstown, Pa.
According to the indictment presented to the court, on June 7, 2017, Cunningham distributed less than 500 grams of cocaine.
The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Cambria County Drug Task Force, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Cunningham.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Jacksonville Man Who Commuted over 20 Miles to Operate Northside Crack Houses Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Maurice Mervin (41, Jacksonville) to five years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute “crack” cocaine and for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The Court also ordered him to forfeit a Dodge Challenger that he had used in his drug business.
Mervin pleaded guilty on July 13, 2016.
According to court documents, Mervin lived with his family in a suburban community in southern Duval County. Each day, he commuted more than 20 miles to Jacksonville’s northside to manage and supply crack houses operated by his underlings. In taking down Mervin’s drug ring, special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives executed multiple search warrants that led to the discovery of a loaded firearm in Mervin’s home, over 100 rounds of ammunition, and equipment and chemicals used to “cook” crack cocaine. Mervin has a prior felony conviction for possession of cocaine and was therefore prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN) — a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety – one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Humboldt Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
On January 9, 2018, Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that Timothy John Kuker, 43, of Humboldt, Nebraska, was sentenced to five years (60 months) in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Kuker was ordered to serve five years on supervised release following the prison term.
Information provided to law enforcement indicated that Kuker was responsible for the distribution of at least 1.5 kilograms (approximately three pounds) of methamphetamine in the Lincoln area between September of 2013 and September of 2015.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force.
Four Peruvian Members of Multi-Billion Dollar, International Gold Money Laundering Scheme IndictedRead the Press Release
Four Peruvian citizens were indicted for their alleged involvement in a multi-billion dollar, international gold money laundering scheme.
Randy A. Hummel, Executive Assistant United States Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, Carlos L. Mitchem, Regional Director, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA-Peru), Southern Cone Region, Robert F. Lasky, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, Mark Selby, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), Miami Field Office, Adolphus P. Wright, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA-Miami), Miami Field Office, and Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.
On November 16, 2017, Pedro David Perez Miranda, a/k/a “Peter Ferrari,” a/k/a “Peter,” 57, of Lima, Gian Piere Perez Gutierrez, a/k/a “GP,” 33, of Lima, Peter Davis Perez Gutierrez, a/k/a “Peter Jr.,” 33, of Lima, and Jose Estuardo Morales Diaz, a/k/a “Pepe Morales,” 50, of Lima, were charged in a single-count Indictment for their alleged participation in a gold money laundering scheme (U.S. v. Miranda, Case No. 17-cr-20814). Gian Piere Perez Gutierrez and Peter Davis Perez Gutierrez were arrested in connection with this scheme.
Also named in the Indictment are alleged co-conspirators Samer H. Barrage, Renato J. Rodriguez, and Juan P. Granda who previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering in related case: U.S. v. Barrage, et al., Case No. 17-cr-20215.
According to Barrage and Granda’s factual proffer in Case No. 17-cr-20215, from January 2013 through March 2017, Barrage, Rodriguez, Granda, and others conspired to purchase billions of dollars of criminally derived gold from Latin America and the Caribbean, which they believed to be or which in fact were the proceeds of unlawful criminal activities (including illegal mining, foreign bribery, foreign smuggling, foreign narcotics trafficking, and the entry of goods into the United States by false means and statements), through Elemetal LLC, a dealer in precious metals operating in the Southern District of Florida and “financial institution,” as defined in Title 18, United States Code, Section 1956(c)(6)(A), in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section Sections 1956(h) and 1957.
In addition, Barrage, Rodriguez, Granda, and others conspired to promote criminal activities (including illegal mining, foreign bribery, foreign smuggling, foreign narcotics trafficking, and the entry of goods into the United States by false means and statements) by transmitting billions of dollars of wire payments from the United States to Latin America and the Caribbean to promote the delivery of additional criminally derived gold, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section Sections 1956(h) and 1956(a)(2)(A).
These cases are the result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) “Operation Arch Stanton”, a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The OCDETF mission is to identify, investigate, and prosecute high level members of drug trafficking enterprises, bringing together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement.
Mr. Hummel commended the investigative efforts of the DEA-Peru, FBI, ICE-HSI, DEA-Miami, and IRS-CI. Mr. Hummel also thanked the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Peruvian Government for their assistance in this matter. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco R. Maderal.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Former funeral home director sentenced to federal prison for defrauding insurance companyRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – A former funeral director who defrauded an insurance company was sentenced today to a year and a month in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Joel L. McGuire, 61, of Alderson, previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud. He was also ordered to pay $50,200.18 in restitution.
McGuire was the funeral director at Broyles-McGuire Funeral Home in Union in Monroe County. While serving as funeral director, McGuire also sold insurance policies that would pay for clients’ funerals upon their death. On August 31, 2012, McGuire submitted a claim, stating that a client had passed away on August 29, 2012, and that he had provided funeral services at a cost of $3,313.71. McGuire knew that the client was still alive and that he had not provided any funeral services. The insurance company paid McGuire $3,312.71 for the claim. McGuire also admitted that, as a result of his submission of numerous other false claims for clients that had not died, he received more than $50,000.
The West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner Fraud Unit conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Eric Bacaj is in charge of the prosecution. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence.
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Former VA Chief of Staff Convicted of Distributing Controlled SubstanceRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Barbara K. Temeck, 67, of Cincinnati, was convicted in U.S. District Court today of one count of distributing a controlled substance.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Gavin McClaren, Resident Agent in Charge, Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General Criminal Investigations Division (VA-OIG), announced the verdict reached today following a jury trial before U.S. District Judge Michael R. Barrett.
A federal grand jury indicted Temeck in May 2017. According to the court documents and testimony, she illegally dispensed Diazepam on November 2, 2013.
Temeck served as the Chief of Staff at the VA Medical Center in Cincinnati.
Distribution of a controlled substance is a federal crime punishable by up to five years in prison for Schedule IV drugs such as Diazepam.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the cooperative investigation by the VA-OIG, as well as Assistant United States Attorneys Kyle J. Healey and Timothy D. Oakley, who are representing the United States in this case.
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Former Employee of Shinola Pleads Guilty to Fraud Against Her EmployerRead the Press Release
An ex-employee of the Shinola company pleaded guilty today to devising and executing a scheme to defraud her former employer, announced United States Attorney Matthew Schneider.
According to court records, Judith D. Walker, 41, of Detroit, worked as a quality inspector at Shinola, a Detroit company that produces and sells consumer goods, such as watches, bags, and bicycles. Walker was responsible for determining whether returned watches could be immediately sent out for sale or whether the watches first needed to be repaired or restrapped. For over a year, Walker led a scheme to steal and fraudulently sell returned watches.
Walker has admitted to stealing at least 500 watches from her former employer.
As part of her plea agreement, Walker has agreed to be held accountable for $358,413 in restitution. The plea agreement also provides for an anticipated sentencing guideline range of 21-27 months’ imprisonment.
Walker entered her guilty plea before U.S. District Judge John Corbett O’Meara in Ann Arbor. Sentencing has been set for May 9, 2018.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Detroit Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Yahkind.
Former East Hartford Resident Sentenced to More Than 6 Years in Prison for Robbing USPS EmployeeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DION EDWARD THOMPSON, 40, formerly of East Hartford, and Colorado Springs, Colorado, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for robbing a U.S. Postal Service employee in Hartford in September 2014.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 9, 2014, THOMPSON, and another man who was armed with what appeared to be a firearm, robbed a U.S. Postal Service employee of U.S. Postal Service funds at the Barry Square Post Office, located at 645 Maple Avenue in Hartford. The robbery occurred as the employee was loading the Post Office’s daily proceeds into a postal vehicle, which was parked at the loading dock. Approximately $21,817 in cash, checks and money orders was stolen during the robbery.
On January 17, 2017, THOMPSON pleaded guilty to one count of robbery of a U.S. Postal Service employee.
THOMPSON’s criminal history includes numerous convictions.
This investigation has been conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service with the assistance of the Hartford Police Department and the Colorado Springs Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Deborah R. Slater and Douglas P. Morabito.
Former Computer Security Specialist Pleads Guilty to Receiving Child Sexual Abuse Videos over the InternetRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announced today that William Marion Patterson, III (49, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to receiving child sexual abuse videos and images over the Internet. Patterson, who was previously employed as a computer security contract worker, faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is set for April 26, 2018.
According to court documents, in 2015, the FBI conducted an undercover online child exploitation investigation of an individual using a file sharing network. At that time, this user was the most prolific trader of child pornography in the state of Florida on this network. The user’s IP address traced back to Patterson’s residence. On June 11, 2015, FBI agents and other law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the home and made contact with Patterson. During an interview, Patterson admitted, among other things, that he had used this file sharing network and that he was responsible for anything found on his computer. Subsequent forensic analyses revealed that Patterson’s computer media contained approximately 850 videos and 5,390 images depicting children being sexually assaulted.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
It is another case 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 United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Final Four Defendants Sentenced in Fort Campbell Army Equipment Theft and ConspiracyRead the Press Release
The remaining four defendants charged in a conspiracy to steal and sell U.S. Army equipment from the Fort Campbell Army Installation were sentenced in U.S. District Court this week, announced U.S. Attorney Don Cochran of the Middle District of Tennessee. Eight persons were initially charged in this case, seven of whom pleaded guilty. John Roberts was convicted after a jury trial in August 2017 and later sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Cory Wilson, 42, of Clarksville, Tenn., was sentenced yesterday by visiting U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson, from the Middle District of Georgia, to serve 44 months in prison. Wilson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal U.S. Army property and selling that stolen property, two counts of wire fraud, and violating the Arms Export Control Act. Judge Lawson also ordered Wilson to pay $500,000 in restitution to the U.S. Army.
Kyle Heade, 30, of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal and sell U.S. Army property. Heade was sentenced yesterday to 30 months in prison and was ordered to pay $10,000 restitution to the U.S. Army.
Michael Barlow, 30, of Clarksville, Tenn., previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal and sell U.S. Army property and theft of government property and was sentenced yesterday to five years’ probation and was ordered to pay $5,000 restitution to the U.S. Army.
Jonathan Wolford, 29, Clarksville, Tenn., previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal and sell U.S. Army property. Wolford was sentenced today to three years’ probation and was ordered to pay $2,000 restitution to the U.S. Army.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command. Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas J. Jaworski and Courtney L. Coker prosecuted the case.
Federal Inmate Charged with Possessing ContrabandRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – An inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution in Loretto, Pa., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on a charge of possession of a prohibited object in prison, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The indictment named Alexander Rodriguez-Melendez, 30.
According to the indictment presented to the court, on May 12, 2017, Rodriguez-Melendez possessed a quantity of Buprenorphine.
The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Correctional Institution, Special Investigative Staff, conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Rodriguez-Melendez.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Essex Man Admits to Using Dark Web to Buy and Sell DrugsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Shelly A. Binkowski, Inspector in Charge for the Boston Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that PETER CEPLENSKI, 47, of Essex, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday in Hartford federal court to using the dark web to acquire and distribute various controlled substances.
According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation headed by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Drug Enforcement Administration revealed that CEPLENSKI used the dark web to buy and sell various drugs. On September 6, 2017, investigators searched a package containing approximately 1,000 alprazolam (Xanax) tablets that was being mailed to CEPLENSKI. On September 7, CEPLENSKI was arrested on a federal criminal complaint after investigators delivered the package to his residence. On that date, a search of the residence revealed approximately 500 tablets that CEPLENSKI believed contained fentanyl, and a second package containing approximately 1,000 alprazolam tablets.
CEPLENSKI admitted that he had shipped a quantity of fentanyl powder to another individual who had the ability to manufacture pills, and who then shipped fentanyl pills back to CEPLENSKI. The seized pills that CEPLENSKI believed contained fentanyl actually contained no controlled substances.
After CEPLENSKI’s arrest, law enforcement officers seized two additional packages as part of the investigation. One package contained what CEPLENSKI believed were amphetamine pills but were, in fact, pills that contained methamphetamine. The second package, which had been mailed from Pakistan, contained what appeared to be 61 oxycodone tablets. A lab test of the pills confirmed that they contained heroin, not oxycodone.
CEPLENSKI pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, oxycodone, methamphetamine, fentanyl and alprazolam, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. He also has agreed to forfeit $40,642.25, and multiple laptops, iPads and iPhones that were seized from his at the time of his arrest.
CEPLENSKI is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on April 4, 2018. He is released on bond pending sentencing.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector.
England Woman Sent to Prison for Role in Scheme to Steal USDA Funds Intended to Feed Hungry ChildrenRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Cody Hiland, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced Tuesday that United States District Court Judge James M. Moody Jr., sentenced Dorothy Harper, 52, of England, to prison for her role in a multi-million dollar scheme to steal money intended for feeding children in low income areas.
Judge Moody sentenced Harper on Tuesday to 33 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay $1,300,702.29 in restitution. Harper pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud on March 24, 2017.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) feeding programs in Arkansas are administered through the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS). Sponsors who want to participate in the feeding programs must submit an application to DHS for approval. After they are approved, they can provide meals as part of the feeding programs, and they are reimbursed for the eligible meals they serve.
Harper was a sponsor for a feeding program through an organization called “Kingdom Land Youth Outreach Ministries” between June 2013 and May 2014. Prior to June 2013, Harper met Anthony Waits, who was married to former DHS employee Gladys Waits. Harper agreed to pay Anthony Waits in exchange for Gladys Waits’ assistance in the program. Waits was recently sentenced to 175 months’ imprisonment for his involvement in the fraud after his conviction at trial, while Gladys Waits received a 108-month sentence following a guilty plea.
While Harper was in the program, approximately 15 inflated claims for Harper’s sites were submitted to DHS. The inflated claims reported to DHS higher numbers of children fed than the true number of children who were actually fed. Because of the inflated claims, Harper’s program received just over $1.3 million.
Harper is the 14th defendant to be sentenced for their involvement in a scheme to fraudulently obtain USDA program funds intended to feed children in low income areas. Other defendants sentenced include: Kattie Jordan (63 months’ imprisonment on March 15, 2016); Reuben Nims (21 months’ imprisonment on November 2, 2016); Tonique Hatton (108 months’ imprisonment on January 4, 2017); James Franklin (24 months’ imprisonment on January 10, 2017); Maria Nelson (30 months’ imprisonment on January 31, 2017); Michael Lee (30 months’ imprisonment on May 1, 2017); Christopher Nichols (three years’ probation on May 16, 2017); Gladys Waits (108 months’ imprisonment on July 17, 2017); Alexis Young (18 months’ imprisonment on August 18, 2017); Erica Warren (18 months’ imprisonment on August 18, 2017); Francine Leon (34 months’ imprisonment on September 21, 2017); Anthony Waits (175 months’ imprisonment on October 19, 2017); and Jacqueline Mills (150 months’ imprisonment on December 6, 2017).
Waymon Weeams has pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud USDA feeding programs. Elbert Harris has pleaded guilty to wire fraud in relation to the same feeding programs. Both are awaiting sentencing.
In this investigation, law enforcement has uncovered more than $13 million in fraud related to these USDA Arkansas feeding programs. Although everyone initially charged in this scheme has now been convicted, the investigation is still ongoing, and continues to be conducted by the USDA–Office of Inspector General, IRS–Criminal Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jana Harris, Allison W. Bragg, and Cameron C. McCree. If you are aware of any fraudulent activity regarding feeding programs, please email that information to [email protected].
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Eight Defendants Sentenced to Prison for Crimes Charged in Shrimp Boy IndictmentRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO- Defendants Leslie Yun, James Pau, Rinn Roeun, Kevin Siu, Michael Mei, Elaine Liang, Tina Liang, and Barry House were sentenced for crimes committed in connection with the same indictment that eventually led to the trial and conviction of Raymond “Shrimp Boy” Chow, announced Acting United States Attorney Alex G. Tse and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett. The sentences were handed down yesterday by the Honorable Charles R. Breyer, U.S. District Judge, after the defendants each pleaded guilty to their respective roles in a scheme that resulted in a 230-count Second Superseding indictment filed by a federal grand jury on January 29, 2015.
The Second Superseding indictment charged Chow and 28 other individuals with crimes including money laundering, drug trafficking, trafficking in stolen liquor, firearms trafficking, and a host of other offenses. In addition, seventeen of the defendants were charged with conspiring to use a San Francisco Chinatown-based organization, the Chee Kung Tong, or CKT, to conduct the affairs of an enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity. At yesterday’s sentencing, Judge Breyer announced his finding that the government demonstrated by clear and convincing evidence that a part of the membership of CKT had engaged in a criminal racketeering enterprise as alleged in the Second Superseding indictment. In addition, Judge Breyer found that seven defendants—George Nieh, Leslie Yun, James Yat Wah Pau, Michael Mei, Elaine Liang, Tina Liang, and Kevin Siu—conspired with that enterprise.
The Second Superseding indictment was amended and eventually led to the trial and January 8, 2016, conviction of Raymond Chow, 56, of San Francisco. The jury found Chow guilty of every one of the 162 charges leveled against him.
Each defendant sentenced yesterday pleaded guilty prior to the Chow trial to crimes alleged in the Second Superseding indictment. In most cases, the defendant pleaded guilty to fewer than all the charges pending against that defendant. The offenses to which the defendants did not plead guilty remain pending. As to all such charges, the Second Superseding indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Judge Breyer handed down these defendants’ sentences as set out below:
Defendant
Age/ Residence
Charged in the Second Superseding Indictment
Crimes to Which the Defendant Pleaded Guilty
Sentence Imposed/ Charges pending
Leslie Yun
51/Oakland
18 U.S.C. § 1962
conspiracy to engage in RICO (1 count)
18 U.S.C. § 1956(a)(3)(A) money laundering
(34 counts)
18 U.S.C. § 371
conspiracy to traffic contraband cigarettes
(3 counts)
21 U.S.C. § 846 Possession, manufacture and distribution of marijuana
(2 counts)
18 U.S.C. § 1956(a)(3)(A)
(5 counts)
18 U.S.C. § 371
(3 counts)
21 U.S.C. § 846
(3 counts)
84 months in prison
18 U.S.C.
§ 1962
James Pau
58/Oakland
18 U.S.C. § 1962
conspiracy to engage in RICO
(1 count)
18 U.S.C. § 1956(a)(3)(A) money laundering
(18 counts)
18 U.S.C. § 371
conspiracy to traffic contraband cigarettes (2 counts)
21 U.S.C. § 846
Possession, manufacture and distribution of marijuana
(1 count)
18 U.S.C. § 371
(2 counts)
72 months in prison
All other charges remain pending
Rinn Roeun
34/San Francisco
18 U.S.C. § 922(a) weapons trafficking
(4 counts)
18 U.S.C. § 371
conspiracy to trafficking in weapons
(1 count)
18 U.S.C. § 1958
murder for hire
(1 count)
18 U.S.C. § 922(a)
(2 counts)
72 months in prison
All other charges remain pending
Barry House
48/Pittsburg CA
18 U.S.C. § 922(a) weapons trafficking
(2 counts)
18 U.S.C. § 371
conspiracy to trafficking in weapons
(1 count)
18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
felon in possession
(2 counts)
18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
(1 count)
48 months in prison
All other charges remain pending
Michael Mei
33/San Francisco
18 U.S.C. § 1962 conspiracy to engage in RICO
(1 count)
21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(B) possession and manufacture of marijuana (2 counts)
21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(B)
(2 counts)
60 months in prison
All other charges remain pending
Elaine Liang
55/San Francisco
18 U.S.C. § 1956(a)(1)(A) money laundering
(16 counts)
18 U.S.C. § 1962 conspiracy to engage in RICO
(1 count)
18 U.S.C. § 1956(a)(1)(A)
(1 count)
36 months in prison
All other charges remain pending
Tina Liang
43/San Francisco
18 U.S.C. § 1962 conspiracy to engage in RICO
(1 count)
18 U.S.C. § 371
conspiracy to transport stolen liquor
(1 count)
21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) possession and manufacture of marijuana
18 U.S.C. § 371
(1 count)
21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)
(1 count)
18 months in prison
18 U.S.C. § 1962 (one count) remains pending
All other charges remain pending
Kevin Siu
34/Daly City
18 U.S.C. § 1962 conspiracy to engage in RICO
(1 count)
18 U.S.C. § 1956(a)(1)(A) money laundering
(24 counts)
18 U.S.C. § 1956(a)(1)(A)
(8 counts)
12 months and 1 day in prison
All other charges remain pending
In addition to the prison terms, Judge Breyer sentenced each defendant identified above, except for Micheal Mei, to three years of supervised release. Mei was sentenced to four years supervised release. The last remaining defendant to be sentenced is George Nieh; Judge Breyer scheduled Nieh’s sentencing hearing for July 11, 2018.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Frentzen, Susan Badger, S. Waqar Hasib, Kimberly Hopkins, and David Countryman prosecuted the case with the assistance of Rosario Calderon, Kurk Kosek, Ana Guerra, Marina Ponomarchuk, Victoria Etterer, Lance Libatique, and Bridget Kilkenny. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation; the U.S. Marshal Service, San Francisco Police Department Gang Task Force; Oakland Police Department; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation; Antioch Police Department; New York Police Department; Mercer County New Jersey Sheriff's Office; and the San Francisco and Alameda County Sheriff’s Departments.
Dominican National Sentenced for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Dominican national was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy.
Juan Manuel Serrano Tejeda, a/k/a Jose R. Narvaez-Arroyo, a/k/a “Pacha,” 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to 42 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In August 2017, Serrano Tejeda pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Tejeda-Serrano previously pleaded guilty to a separate federal charge of illegally re-entering the country after being deported; he was sentenced to 21 months in prison and three years of supervised release on that charge. He will serve both sentences concurrently.
In February 2017, Serrano Tejeda and 12 others were charged in an indictment with conspiring to distribute heroin, fentanyl and cocaine. The charge stemmed from a six-month wiretap investigation into the drug activities of Jose Antonio Lugo-Guerrero, who was allegedly operating a trafficking organization first in New Bedford and later in Boston. On Jan. 3, 2017, Serrano Tejeda brokered the sale of a kilogram of cocaine to Lugo-Guerrero. On Jan. 5, 2017, Lugo-Guerrero ordered from Serrano Tejeda another two kilograms of cocaine, which Lugo-Guerrero then attempted to steal, but was unsuccessful.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Theodore Heinrich of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Deported Mexican Charged with Illegally Re-entering United StatesRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A citizen of Mexico has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on a charge of re-entry of an illegal alien, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count indictment named Yovani Escalante-Escalante, 32, of Blair County, Pa.
According to the indictment presented to the court, on Oct. 12, 2017, Escalante-Escalante, an alien who had been deported from the United States on May 13, 2009 was found in Blair County, Pa. He had unlawfully reentered this Country without receiving permission to do so from the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of two years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines, is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Danville Doctor Sentenced on Healthcare Fraud, Tax Evasion ChargesRead the Press Release
Danville, VIRGINIA – A Danville doctor, who billed various insurers for services he never administered to patients, even after he was warned about the practice, was sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Danville on healthcare fraud and tax evasion charges, United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle announced.
Edwin L. Fuentes, 55, was sentenced today to 24 months in prison. Fuentes previously pleaded guilty to one count of healthcare fraud and one count of willfully evading taxes. The defendant was also ordered to pay $1,739,194. In addition, Fuentes was ordered to repay $125,789 in investigative costs.
"Fraud against healthcare benefit programs and the federal government must be severely punished,” United States Attorney Mountcastle said today. “I commend the Virginia Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, the Danville Police Department, and the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles-Law Enforcement Division for working together to bring the defendant to justice.”
“Doctors who overcharge insurance plans for their services, place false notes in patient files, then hide the stolen money will be held responsible for their crimes,” said Special Agent in Charge Nick DiGiulio of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to bring justice to those who steal our health care dollars.”
“Healthcare fraud hurts taxpayers and patients who rely on stable insurance programs, whether they are private plans, Medicare, or Medicaid,” said Attorney General Mark Herring. “I really appreciate the hard work and collaboration between local, state, and federal partners that has put an end to this significant fraud.”
“Mr. Fuentes chose to use the government healthcare programs as a personal piggy bank and today he is being held accountable,” said Kimberly A. Lappin, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-Criminal Investigation, Washington D.C. Field Office. “Mr. Fuentes’ sentence serves as a reminder that IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to maintaining the integrity of our tax system and will continuously direct its efforts to those who willfully choose to evade their tax obligations.”
According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Heather L. Carlton, at trial the government’s evidence would have shown that as early as January 2012 and continuing through December 2014, Fuentes owned and operated Morning Star Family Medicine in Danville. During this time, he knowingly and willfully executed a scheme to defraud a number of health care benefit programs, including Optima, Virginia Premier, Aetna, Anthem, Medicare, and Medicaid, by causing his medical practice to bill for services he did not provide. Fuentes’ scheme included double-billing the same patient visits under two different billing codes and then attempting to conceal the scheme by falsifying notes in patient records. As a result, the health care programs overpaid more than $990,000 to Fuentes and Morning Star. In addition, Fuentes failed to report this income on his tax returns.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Virginia Office of the Attorney General- Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General and the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigations. The Danville Police Department and the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles-Law Enforcement Division provided assistance to the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Heather L. Carlton and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kari Munro prosecuted the case for the United States.
Cobleskill Man Arrested for Receipt and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jason M. VanBuren, age 42, of Cobleskill, New York, was ordered detained today following his January 5 arrest on charges of receiving and possessing child pornography.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Vadim D. Thomas, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The complaint filed against VanBuren alleges that he received and possessed child pornography on a phone. The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
At a detention hearing today, United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart ordered VanBuren detained pending further proceedings.
If convicted on all charges, VanBuren faces at least 5 years and up to 20 years in prison, a maximum $250,000 fine, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 5 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. If convicted, VanBuren would also have to register as a sex offender.
This case is being investigated by the FBI, the New York State Police, and the Cobleskill Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmet O’Hanlon.
Co-op Supervisor Sentenced to 2½ Years in Prison, Ordered to Forfeit $3 million for EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM – A federal judge today sentenced the former supervisor of an electric cooperative in Arab to more than two years in prison and ordered him to repay nearly $3 million he embezzled from the co-op over eight years, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town, U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Michael Williams and Tennessee Valley Authority Acting Inspector General Jill M. Matthews.
JOHN PEARSON WILLIS III, 57, of Arab, pleaded guilty in September to one count of embezzling from an organization that receives federal funds. U.S. District Judge R. David Proctor sentenced Willis to two years and six months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered him to pay $2.98 million in restitution to the Arab Electric Cooperative. The judge also ordered Willis to forfeit the same amount of money to the government as proceeds of illegal activity. Willis must report to prison April 18.
“Willis violated the trust of the hardworking members of this co-op by stealing millions of dollars, which he spent primarily on sports collectibles,” Town said. “He literally traded his freedom for $3M worth of baseball cards.”
The electric co-op hired Willis as its member services supervisor in 1988. As the cooperative’s primary fiduciary officer, Willis operated with limited oversight and removed large amounts of cash from customer deposits, according to his plea agreement. He altered deposit slips and manipulated billing software to cover his embezzlement.
The Secret Service and TVA-OIG investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney David Estes prosecuted.
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Clifton Park Woman Pleads Guilty to Social Security Number SchemeRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK - Kristin M. Kitchen, also known as Kristin M. Vargas, age 33, of Clifton Park, New York, pled guilty today to conspiring with others to sell stolen Social Security Numbers (SSNs) over the internet and to providing a false SSN on a loan application.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith; Patricia Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of the Inspector General, New York Region; and John F. Grasso, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General, New York Field Office.
As part of her plea, Kitchen admitted to owning and operating a website in 2013 and 2014 through which she sold stolen SSNs. Kitchen advertised these stolen SSNs as “credit profile numbers” and encouraged her customers to use these SSNs in place of their own on credit and loan applications, as a way for customers to avoid their own negative credit histories. Kitchen further admitted to using one of these stolen SSNs herself on applications for a loan in 2014.
Kitchen faces up to 30 years in prison, up to 5 years of post-imprisonment supervised release and a maximum $250,000 fine when she is sentenced on May 14, 2018 by Senior United States District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy. 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.
This case was investigated by the FDIC Office of the Inspector General and the SSA Office of the Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason W. White.
Citizen of Ecuador Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Passport FraudRead the Press Release
CONCORD, N.H. – Einstin Antonio Cantos, 40, a citizen of Ecuador who was residing in California, has been sentenced to serve 18 months in prison for making false statements on an application for a United States passport, announced Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley.
According to court documents, in December 2005, Cantos completed an application for a U.S. passport using the name, date of birth, social security number, and other personal identifying information that belong to a United States citizen, “J.S.” The application was submitted to the National Passport Center in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, with passport-sized photographs of Cantos and a certified copy of J.S.’s birth certificate. Relying on the information in the application and the supporting documentation, the Passport Center issued a U.S. passport to Cantos in J.S.’s name. In 2013, Cantos applied for a U.S. passport card in the name of J.S. He later obtained a passport card based upon his false representation that he was J.S.
Cantos pleaded guilty on September 1, 2017 to making false statements. After serving his time in prison, he will be deported back to Ecuador.
“It is vital to ensure that United States passports are not issued to individuals who are not entitled to receive them,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “In order to protect the integrity of the passport process, those who use fraud or false statements in order to obtain passports will be identified and prosecuted.”
“The Diplomatic Security Service is firmly committed to working with the U.S. Department of Justice and our other law enforcement partners to investigate allegations of crime related to passport and visa fraud and to bring those who commit these crimes to justice,” said Michael Bishop, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Los Angeles Field Office of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS).
The U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Robert Kinsella prosecuted the case.
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Charleston felon pleads guilty to federal gun crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man pleaded guilty today to a federal gun charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Vincent Beatty, 39, entered his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Beatty admitted that on August 7, 2017, he sold a Smith & Wesson, model 22A-1, .22 caliber pistol to a confidential informant working with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. Beatty is prohibited from possessing any firearms under federal law because of a 2007 felony conviction in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Union County, for aggravated assault.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys John Frail and Matt Davis are responsible for the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the plea hearing.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking with existing local programs targeting gun crime.
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California Man, Buffalo Woman Sentenced for Their Roles in Cross-Country Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Steven Bennett, 47 of Los Angeles, California, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, was sentenced to 180 months in prison by Senior U.S. District William M. Skretny. In addition, co-defendant Jessica Lopez, 37, of Buffalo, NY, was sentenced to six months home detention for her conviction of structuring transactions to evade money reporting requirements.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel L. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that between July 2012, and January 18, 2013, the defendant conspired with others to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine and over 500 grams of cocaine. Bennett had the illegal narcotics shipped from California to Buffalo. The drugs would then be distributed in the Buffalo area. During that time frame, the Drug Enforcement Agency utilized and eavesdropping warrant to intercept phone calls between Bennett and his co-conspirators.
One of those co-conspirators was Jessica Lopez. Between July 2012 and October 2012, the defendant was working as a teller at Bank of America. Lopez knowingly structured cash deposits from drug proceeds in an attempt to avoid the bank’s transaction reporting requirements for cash deposits exceeding $10,000.
The sentencings are the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division, and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of James D. Robnett, Special Agent in Charge, New York Field Office.
California Man Sentenced to Prison for Mail and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – On January 8, 2018, Nikolai Monastyrski, age 37, of Folsom, California, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger to 57 months in prison for mail and wire fraud involving unemployment benefits falsely obtained from Iowa Workforce Development announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum.
Monastyrski, a Russian national who became a naturalized United States citizen during the fraudulent activity, pleaded guilty to seven counts of mail fraud and seven counts of wire fraud, all involving false and fraudulent applications with Iowa Workforce Development for unemployment benefits. Monastyrski falsely stated several businesses were operating in the State and employing workers. He then used the identifications of the false workers to apply for and obtain unemployment benefits. Monastyrski resided in California at the time of the fraudulent activity.
The Iowa fraud commenced in 2014 and was discovered in late 2015. Monastyrski also defrauded unemployment insurance programs in Illinois and Pennsylvania. Monastyrski was ordered to pay restitution in excess of $390,000 to the three state agencies. Monastyrski was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his period of imprisonment and to pay $1,400 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General in Chicago with assistance from Iowa Workforce Development, the Illinois Department of Employment Security, and the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Buffalo Man Indicted in the Murder of Cattaraugus County Man During A RobberyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a five-count indictment charging Jaron Ruth, 25, of Buffalo, NY, with discharge of a firearm causing death; possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes; conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, cocaine, and marijuana; distribution of crack cocaine; and using and maintaining a premises for drug dealing. The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael P. Felicetta, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, the charges involve a conspiracy to distribute drugs in Erie and Cattaraugus Counties between 2010 and 2013. Additionally, the defendant is charged with the murder of Henry Ackley in his home in Kilbuck, NY on September 21, 2012.
Ruth was previously indicted by a Cattaraugus County, NY jury on a charge of Murder in the Second Degree for the murder of Henry Ackley. However, that indictment was dismissed on the motion by the Cattaraugus County District Attorney in deference to this federal prosecution. It is alleged that during a burglary and robbery of the victim’s home, Ackley was shot by Ruth in the chest, causing his death.
The defendant was arraigned today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jerimiah J. McCarthy. Ruth was ordered detained pending a detention hearing on January 11, 2018, at 9:30 a.m.
“This Office and the entire Department of Justice has demonstrated a renewed commitment to apprehending and bringing violent criminals like Mr. Ruth to justice,” said United States Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. “No matter whether their crimes are committed in the inner city or in the most remote of rural areas, this Office is targeting those who commit violence anywhere in our District. Working together with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, our message to those who do violence is simple—we will find you, we will arrest you, and we will prosecute you.”
DEA Special Agent-in-Charge James Hunt stated, “Drug trafficking and gun related violence are often common denominators of DEA targets’ criminal histories. These federal charges solidify the gravity of Ruth’s criminal acts and history. DEA commends our law enforcement partners who worked on this investigation.”
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Timothy Whitcomb; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division; with additional assistance provided by the Cattaraugus County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of Lori Pettit Rieman.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Broward Resident Sentenced in Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A Broward resident was sentenced to 24 months and one day in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $87,562 in restitution.
Benjamin G. Greenberg, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida; Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); and Brian Swain, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service (USSS), Miami Field Office; made the announcement.
Woodley Louis-Jacques, 31, of Tamarac, pled guilty to one count of using unauthorized access devices and one count of aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1029(a)(2) and 1028A.
According to court documents, in 2014 a bank noticed suspicious activity occurring at the drive through ATM at one of its branches. Excessive withdrawals were occurring with the same cards. An individual covered the camera with what appeared to be sticky notes, and then spent long periods of time inserting multiple cards into the machine to withdraw cash. The bank records showed approximately 204 transactions (on 45 different days) and approximately $66,880, in withdrawals from 41 different cards from February 2014 to September 2014.
ATM videos and photos show that Louis-Jacques was the person utilizing the ATM in approximately 24 of these instances, which accounted for over 100 different transactions using approximately 26 different cards. Louis-Jacques often withdrew funds from some of the same cards multiple times on each ATM visit. The cards were prepaid cards that allow low to moderate-income families the opportunity to load their tax refunds onto these prepaid cards.
Ninety-nine (99) tax returns were filed requesting refunds totaling $378,688, where the refund was directed onto the cards. The tax returns were filed using the same IRS Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN), and the EFIN was registered to Louis-Jacques. Law enforcement interviewed some of the victims whose identities were used for the filing of federal tax returns that directed associated tax refunds to the prepaid cards. None of these individuals knew Louis-Jacques or authorized this activity.
On August 1, 2014, Louis-Jacques was the passenger in a vehicle stopped by law enforcement in Georgia for travelling at a high rate of speed. During a vehicle search, law enforcement found multiple phones, a laptop, a black wallet with Louis-Jacques’s identification card and a prepaid card issued in another individual’s name. Behind the glove box was a folder containing numerous printed screenshots of personal identifying information (approximately 200 names and social security numbers) that appeared to be a customer list from tax software.
After the defendant was arrested on September 21, 2017, he admitted his participation in the scheme and that he was the only one who filed taxes from that EFIN.
Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of IRS-CI and the USSS. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cynthia R. Wood.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Brooklyn Man Pleads Guilty in $91K Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A resident of Brooklyn, New York, has pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Renaldo D. Coleman, 31, of Brooklyn, NY, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.
In connection with the guilty plea, in June, 2016, Renaldo D. Coleman and conspirators used counterfeit credit cards at multiple stores in Western PA to purchase gift cards and merchandise which totaled approximately $91,000.
Judge Fischer scheduled the sentence for May 18, 2018 at 11 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both at each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Western Pennsylvania Financial Crimes Task Force (WPFCTF), conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of these defendants. The WPFCTF was established as a collaborative, multi-agency effort to effectively combat financial crimes, including identity fraud, in Western Pennsylvania. Partnering in this effort are the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the United States Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Department of Homeland Security, the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office, the Allegheny County Police Department, the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Robinson Township Police Department.
Brooklyn Assemblywoman Indicted for Multiple Fraud Schemes and Obstructing JusticeRead the Press Release
An 11-count indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn, New York, charging Pamela Harris, a New York State Assemblywoman representing Bay Ridge, Coney Island, Dyker Heights and other nearby communities, with two counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, four counts of making false statements, two counts of bankruptcy fraud, one count of witness tampering and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice. Harris’s arraignment on the indictment is scheduled for this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes, Jr.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Mark G. Peters, Commissioner, New York City Department of Investigation (DOI), announced the charges.
“As alleged in the indictment, the defendant defrauded government agencies out of tens of thousands of dollars in public funds and tried to fraudulently obtain even more,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “She conducted her schemes victimizing the federal and New York City governments, and then obstructed a federal investigation into her crimes while a sitting New York State Assemblywoman. When she learned that law enforcement was investigating her various fraud schemes, she pressured witnesses to lie to the FBI and cover them up. This Office and our law enforcement partners are committed to ensuring that those who serve the public are held accountable under the law to the same extent as the people they are privileged to serve.”
“Both before and during her tenure as a public servant, as alleged, Assemblywoman Pamela Harris went to great lengths to defraud local and federal agencies out of thousands of dollars,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney. “In fact, at a time when many residents in her district were dealing with the horrific aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Harris was busy brewing a storm of her own, one that resulted in her receiving significant payouts by the very federal agency charged with helping those truly in need. As if these allegations weren’t enough, Harris allegedly obstructed a federal investigation into the matters at hand, asking others to lie on her behalf, as alleged. These types of crimes threaten the financial stability of our local and federal governments, but when a public official is involved, even more is at risk. Today we are proud to put an end to this inexcusable scheme.”
“The brazen corruption charged as a result of this investigation tramples on the very definition of a public servant,” stated DOI Commissioner Peters. “This elected official exploited the public she was elected to serve by stealing from City and federal programs and then concealing the fraud with false statements and asking witnesses to obstruct the investigation, according to the indictment. DOI thanks the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and the FBI for their partnership in working together to expose the array of wrongdoing charged in this indictment.”
As alleged in the indictment, between 2012 and 2016, the defendant defrauded various government agencies, including the New York City Council (“NYC Council”), New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (“DYCD”), Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”), United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”), the New York City Build it Back Program (“NYC Build it Back Program”) and United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of New York (“U.S. Bankruptcy Court”).
NYC Council / DYCD Fraud Scheme.
Between August 2014 and July 2015, the defendant, who was at the time the Executive Director of a not-for-profit organization located in Brooklyn, defrauded the NYC Council of nearly $23,000 in discretionary funding by falsely claiming that the not-for-profit would use the funds to rent a studio space. As part of her scheme, the defendant submitted to DYCD—the government entity responsible for administering and disbursing the NYC Council’s discretionary funds—a forged lease agreement. Once the not-for-profit received the funding, the defendant diverted the funds to her personal checking account and used the money to pay for personal expenses.
The following year, between approximately July 2015 and January 2017, the defendant committed a nearly identical scheme—this time as a sitting Assemblywoman. The defendant again defrauded the NYC Council by claiming that funds would be spent on rental space. In fact, when the not-for-profit received the discretionary funding, the defendant diverted the funds—this time, $11,400—for her personal use.
FEMA Fraud Scheme.
Between 2012 and 2014, the defendant defrauded FEMA out of nearly $25,000 by falsely claiming to FEMA she had been forced out of her residence by Hurricane Sandy. The defendant represented to FEMA that her Coney Island residence was so damaged by Hurricane Sandy that she had to move to a temporary residence in Staten Island after the storm. In furtherance of the scheme, the defendant submitted to FEMA fake lease agreements that she had purportedly entered into with the landlord of the Staten Island residence, as well as bogus rent payment receipts. In reality, the defendant continued to live at her Coney Island residence and pocketed the FEMA payments for herself.
HUD/Build it Back Fraud Scheme.
In 2016, while she was a sitting New York State Assemblywoman, the defendant repeated the same misrepresentations and submitted the same fake documents to the NYC Build it Back Program in order to obtain additional financial assistance. She also made other false claims in order to persuade Build it Back to pay for substantial construction to her home.
Bankruptcy Fraud Scheme.
In November 2013, the defendant filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection in the United States Bankruptcy Court in Brooklyn. The defendant, who at the time of her filing was receiving $1,550 each month from FEMA based on the misrepresentations described above, told the Bankruptcy Trustee that she was receiving $1,200 a month in financial assistance from the same landlord that she told FEMA she was paying $1,550 a month in rent. Neither statement was true.
Obstruction of Justice and Witness Tampering.
Finally, between March 2017 and May 2017, after the defendant became aware of the grand jury’s investigation into her various fraud schemes, she instructed witnesses to lie to FBI agents conducting the grand jury investigation, which the witnesses did.
The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment on one of the charges relating to making false statements to FEMA; a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment on each of the wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, witness tampering, or obstruction of justice conspiracy charges; and a maximum sentence of five years of imprisonment on each of the bankruptcy fraud or other false statements charges.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Erik Paulsen and Robert Polemeni are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
PAMELA HARRIS
Age: 57
Brooklyn New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-11 (JBW)
Bradenton Methamphetamine Trafficker Sentenced to More Than 17 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida– U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich has sentenced Jarvis Rodrick Thomas (43, Bradenton) to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for possessing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. The Court also ordered him to forfeit a .25 caliber Beretta firearm, seven rounds of ammunition, and $23,486 that are traceable to proceeds of the offense.
Thomas pleaded guilty on September 5, 2017.
According to court documents, on June 26, 2016, a deputy from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) stopped Thomas in front of a Walgreens for driving with a suspended license. While the deputy was investigating the traffic stop, Thomas threw a black bag out of the car’s window. A short time after his arrest, another SCSO employee found the black bag in the Walgreens parking lot. The bag contained 20 small bags containing 69 grams of methamphetamine and 45 small bags containing 3.8 grams of heroin. Security video from the Walgreens showed Thomas throwing the bag out of the window, into the parking lot.
Following Thomas’s arrest, a SCSO detective learned that Thomas might be storing illegal narcotics at his home in Bradenton. SCSO detectives, in coordination with the Bradenton Police Department, executed a search warrant at Thomas’s residence and recovered more than 1,000 grams of methamphetamine, 29 grams of heroin, a loaded .25 caliber Beretta handgun, and $23,486 in cash.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bradenton Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shauna S. Hale.
Boonville Woman Pleads Guilty to Firing Shots During PursuitRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Timothy A. Garrison, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Boonville, Mo., woman who fired at law enforcement officers and other motorists during a high-speed pursuit pleaded guilty in federal court today.
Victoria Ann Buol, 25, of Boonville, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps, Jr., to the charges contained in an April 21, 2016, federal indictment.
Co-defendant Russell Dean Moore, Jr., 27, of Fulton, Mo., pleaded guilty to the same charges on Dec. 18, 2017.
Buol and Moore each pleaded guilty to three criminal violations that occurred during a high-speed pursuit on Interstate 70 by law enforcement officers, in which each of them fired shots at both the officers and at semi-trailer trucks in an effort to block the pursuit. Buol and Moore each pleaded guilty to one count of the destruction of a motor vehicle (a USF Holland, Inc., semi-tractor trailer), one count of the use of a firearm in furtherance of that crime, and one count of the use of a firearm in furtherance of the destruction of another motor vehicle (a DCE Transportation, Inc., semi-tractor trailer).
According to the plea agreement, Boone County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a Columbia, Mo., residence on the afternoon of April 6, 2016, for a stolen vehicle complaint. A woman told deputies that her 2007 Jeep, as well as firearms and other items, had been stolen from her residence. Among the items stolen was a Smith & Wesson 9mm semi-automatic pistol.
At 2:44 a.m. the following morning, a sergeant with the Boone County Sheriff’s Department spotted the stolen Jeep in the parking lot of Midway Travel Center, 6401 E. Hwy. 40, Columbia. The sergeant drove over to the Jeep, which appeared to be unoccupied, got out of his vehicle and walked toward the Jeep. As he did so, Buol appeared in the front passenger seat. She moved to the driver’s seat and drove away, stopping in the parking lot to allow Moore to get in the front passenger seat.
The sergeant pursued the Jeep with his emergency lights active. The Jeep turned onto Highway 40 and, as it was crossing Interstate 70, Moore shot at the sergeant multiple times. The Jeep turned onto Highway UU and stopped at the intersection of Sugar Creek Road. The sergeant saw Moore exit the Jeep and started shooting at him. Moore got back into the Jeep and the pursuit continued.
After the sergeant’s patrol vehicle was struck by at least one bullet, disabling it, other officers continued the pursuit of the stolen Jeep into the southern part of Columbia. The chase eventually moved onto Interstate 70 East, where officers continued to pursue the stolen Jeep into Callaway County. Throughout the pursuit, multiple shots were fired from the Jeep at various officers. Shots were also fired from the Jeep at four semi-trailer trucks traveling on Interstate 70, nearly striking one of the drivers.
The Jeep ran out of gas on County Road 172 in Callaway County and Buol and Moore were arrested. Both Buol and Moore later admitted they drove the Jeep at different times during the pursuit.
Both Buol and Moore admitted firing the pistol at officers and semi-trailer trucks from the stolen Jeep. They told investigators that their intent when shooting at semi-trailer trucks on Interstate 70 East was to cause a serious accident, which would terminate the officers’ pursuit and aid in their escape. Two tractor trailers were shot during the pursuit. One of the drivers stopped his vehicle and discovered that his cab was damaged, and there was a 9mm bullet lodged behind the driver’s seat. Another driver told investigators he heard a pop and his truck engine began smoking and overheated. He pulled into a rest stop and called his employer. There was a hole in his tractor grill and the radiator, air cooler and condenser were damaged.
Under federal statutes, Buol is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 35 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
Under the terms of Moore’s plea agreement, the government and Moore agree to recommend to the court a sentence of 40 years in federal prison without parole. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lawrence E. Miller. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Boone County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Callaway County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.
Boise Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOISE – James Maxheimer, 46, of Boise, pleaded guilty yesterday in United States District Court to possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. As part of his plea, Maxheimer also agreed to forfeit the computer and electronic storage devices used in the commission of the charged offense.
According to the plea agreement, in June of 2016, detectives with the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force served a search warrant on Maxheimer’s residence in Boise, Idaho, based upon evidence that ICAC detectives had downloaded images of child pornography from a computer at the residence, using a file sharing program. Detectives interviewed Maxheimer, and he admitted that he had downloaded and viewed images of child pornography at least once a week, using the file sharing program.
Detectives seized a laptop computer and an external hard drive belonging to Maxheimer. When detectives examined the devices, they discovered 10,172 still images and 378 videos containing child pornography, including images of prepubescent minors, images showing sadistic and masochistic conduct with minors, and images of the sexual abuse or exploitation of infants and toddlers.
Sentencing is set for April 9, 2018, before Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill.
Possession of child pornography is punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than five years and up to life, and a $5,000 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, and 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’ Office, the Office of the Attorney General for the State of Idaho, and the Department of Justice, 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.”
Baltimore man appears on drug distribution chargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Baltimore, Maryland man has his initial appearance today after being indicted by a grand jury in November 2017 for drug distribution charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Samuel Hogans, also known as Richard Hogans, also known as “Lex,” age 37, was indicted on four counts of “Distribution of Cocaine Base,” two counts of “Distribution of Heroin,” and one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Cocaine Base.” Hogans is accused of distributing cocaine and heroin in November and December 2015 in Berkeley County.
Hogans faces up to 20 years and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each 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.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, is investigating.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.Bakersfield Woman Sentenced for Defrauding Bakersfield Pipe and Supply Inc.Read the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Lynnsi Dunbar, 30, of Bakersfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd to 12 months in prison and ordered to pay $287,945 in restitution for conspiring to defraud Bakersfield Pipe and Supply Inc. (BPS), U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, from March 2014 through October 2014, Kye Dunbar, 32, his wife Lynnsi Dunbar, and Daniel Harte conspired to defraud Bakersfield Pipe and Supply Inc. (BPS), which is headquartered in Bakersfield, by creating false invoices for payment. During this period, Lynnsi Dunbar was an employee of BPS, who with the help of Kye Dunbar and Daniel Harte, created “Harte Trucking,” a fictitious trucking company that was created for the sole purpose of submitting fraudulent invoices to BPS for services that were never performed. As a result of this conspiracy, the defendants were able to defraud BPS out of $287,000.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian K. Delaney prosecuted the case.
Lynnsi Dunbar and Kye Dunbar pleaded guilty and on June 26, 2017, and Kye Dunbar was sentenced to three years and 10 months in prison. The case against Harte is still pending.
Attorney General Sessions Celebrates Law Enforcement Appreciation DayRead the Press Release
Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued the following statement on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, a day set aside to show support for the brave men and women who have dedicated themselves to protecting our communities:
“Serving as a law enforcement officer is an honorable profession that is demanding, dangerous, and all too often unappreciated. Those who have chosen law enforcement as a profession and who work selflessly day and night through the harshest of conditions are a special breed. We owe them our undying gratitude. And, while our gratitude should not be limited to a single day of the year, I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate my deep and sincere appreciation to all serving in tribal, local, state, and federal law enforcement across the country for the daily sacrifices they make to serve and protect our communities.”
Today Attorney General Sessions also visited the Washington, D.C. Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge with Metropolitan Police Department Auxiliary Police Officers to express his gratitude and support for them and their work.
Throughout his tenure as Attorney General, Jeff Sessions has shown unwavering support for law enforcement officers:International Association of Chiefs of Police Midyear Conference April 2017
Bureau of Prisons Correctional Workers Week Memorial Service May 2017
Sergeants Benevolent Association of New York City Award Presentation May 2017
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund 29th Annual Candlelight Vigil May 2017
International Law Enforcement Academy Graduation Ceremony July 2017
41st Annual National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives Training Conference and Exhibition August 2017
63rd Biennial Conference of the National Fraternal Order of Police August 2017
Oklahoma Sheriffs’ Association October 2017
Major Cities Chiefs Association 2017 Fall Meeting October 2017
International Association of Chiefs of Police October 2017
National Fusion Center Association November 2017
The Attorney General has spoken to law enforcement audiences across America, including in Pennsylvania, Oregon, Nevada, Tennessee, New York, Florida, Virginia, Missouri, West Virginia, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, Alabama, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, and Ohio—all to show his support for the men and women in blue.Atlantic Woman Sentenced for Involvement in Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Council Bluffs, Iowa – On January 5, 2018, Selena Marie Hansen, 21, of Atlantic, Iowa, appeared in federal court before United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger and was sentenced to 135 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum.
Hansen, with her co-defendant Michael Beltran, distributed methamphetamine in Southwest Iowa from January to April 2016. The methamphetamine was imported into the United States disguised as candy. The investigation of this conspiracy began when a package of “candy” was delivered to an empty residence in Bedford, Iowa, and was recovered by law enforcement. During the course of the conspiracy, over 500 grams of methamphetamine was distributed by Hansen and Beltran in Cass, Mills, Page, and Taylor Counties in Iowa.
This investigation was conducted by the Cass, Mills, Page, and Taylor County Sheriffs’ Offices; Southwest Iowa Narcotics Task Force; and Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.Assault on Menominee Indian Reservation Leads to Prison Sentence for Neopit ManRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that Dillon Peters (30) of Neopit was sentenced on January 8, 2018 to 77 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release after a conviction for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence on the Menominee Indian Reservation. The sentence was the result of a guilty plea in October 2017 before Chief United States District Judge William C. Griesbach.
The investigation revealed that Peters pointed a handgun at a woman during a May 2017 argument at a residence in Neopit. After pointing the handgun at the woman, Peters fired a round through the couch on which the woman was sitting.
In sentencing Peters, Chief Judge Griesbach noted the serious nature of the offense, noting the high level of danger involved in firing a firearm inside a home. The court also referred to Peters’ prior tribal convictions for offenses involving multiple victims.
The case was investigated by the Menominee Tribal Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier prosecuted the case.
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For additional information contact:
Acting Public Information Officer Elizabeth Makowski at 414 297-1700
Allentown Man Charged with Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Allentown, Pa., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The indictment named Clayton D. Dudley, 30, of Allentown, Pa.
According to the indictment presented to the court, on May 30, 2017, Dudley distributed less than 100 grams of heroin.
The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Cambria County Drug Task Force, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Dudley.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
32 Individuals Charged with Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On November 21, 2017, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment against 32 defendants charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances in the municipality of San Juan, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The FBI and the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD), San Juan Strike Force Unit, are in charge of the investigation.
The indictment alleges that beginning in or about the year 2011, the organization distributed crack, heroin, cocaine, marihuana, Oxycodone (commonly known as Percocet), and Alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax) all within 1,000 feet of the real property comprising the San Fernando Public Housing Project, a school and a playground in the municipality of San Juan, all for significant financial gain and profit.
The 32 defendants acted in different roles in order to further the goals of their organization, to wit: leaders, drug point owners, enforcers, runners, drug processors, sellers, and facilitators. Thirteen of the defendants are facing one charge of possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crime. All of the defendants are facing a narcotics forfeiture allegation of ten million dollars.
According to the indictment, defendants and their co-conspirators would sometimes order or force certain residents of San Fernando PHP to abandon their homes. Residents who were suspected of cooperating with law enforcement or of communicating with rival drug trafficking organizations would be ordered to leave their apartments. The same happened to residents of the PHP who failed to pay the appropriate “rent” to the high-level leaders of the drug trafficking organization, and to obey the rules implemented by the drug trafficking organization’s leadership.
The defendants are: Yamil Hernández-García, a.k.a. “Gongi”/“Yamil Garcia”; Héctor Daniel Hernández-Osorio, a.k.a. “Cachete”/“Cachete El Flaco”; Julio Ángel Martínez-Rivera, a.k.a. “Angel”/“Ciego”; Gabriel Caballero-Fuentes, a.k.a. “Gaby”/“Negro”; Francisco Hernández-Torres, a.k.a. “Gordo Pelati”; Jamilet Hernández-García, a.k.a. “Yami”; Christopher Saez-Quiles, a.k.a. “Troky”/“Perla”; Jean Carlos Martínez-Rivera, a.k.a. “Jean”; Alexander Olivieri-Nieves, a.k.a. “Ponsi”/“Fonsi”; Adames Pérez-Sánchez, a.k.a. “Gordo”/“Bollo”; Ángel Giovani Martínez-Rivera, a.k.a. “Giova”; Melvin Caballero-Fuentes; Eddie Cintrón-Hernández, a.k.a. “Menor”; Edwin Joel González-Gómez, a.k.a. “Joel”; Wagner Javier Rojas-Batista; Luis D. Pérez-Plaza, a.k.a. “Danny Peca”; Ángel M. Hernández-Acevedo, a.k.a. “Barber”; Dan Joseph Rodríguez-Laracuente; Francisco Santana-Díaz, a.k.a. “Frank”; Sonia Sánchez-Algarín, a.k.a. “Caru”; José Agosto Llopiz, a.k.a. “Nalgas”; Harry Agosto Llopiz, a.k.a. “Willy”; Carlos Moises González-Almestica, a.k.a. “Mueca”; Emmanuel González-Maldonado, a.k.a. “Che”; Ángel Michael Ruiz-García, a.k.a. “Mono”; Kevin Berríos-Concepción; Jesús Ramos-Tirado, a.k.a. “Memo”; Millies Mary Beltrán-Pérez, a.k.a. “Millie La Shorty”; Fnu Lnu, a.k.a. “Landy”/“Angel Velazco”; Rosa Linda Andradez-Burgos, a.k.a. “Linda”; Carol Hernández-Pagán; and Carlos Santini-Avellanet, a/k/a “Carly”.
“This operation demonstrates how law enforcement partners at the federal, state and local level are working as one to pursue criminal gangs and their associates. All of these agencies will work tirelessly to protect our communities and to hold those who threaten our safety accountable for their actions,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “We will continue to conduct investigations with our counterparts to dismantle these criminal organizations and to send a clear message that drugs, firearms, and violence will not be tolerated in our neighborhoods.”
“Removing violent offenders from the streets and dismantling violent gangs are the best, most effective contributions that law enforcement can make right now in order to help Puerto Rico recover from the recent natural disasters,” said Douglas A. Leff, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, San Juan Field Office. “In today’s successful operation, the FBI worked hand in hand with our partners from the United States Attorney’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service, Puerto Rico Police Department, San Juan Police Department, and Puerto Rico Department of Corrections.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa E. Bonhomme is in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted the defendants face a minimum sentence of 10 years, and up to life in prison. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Monday 8 January 2018
Two Upshur County men admit to their roles in a firearms conspiracyRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Buckhannon, West Virginia men have admitted today to their roles in a firearms theft and sale scheme, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Michael Lough, age 33, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Stolen Firearm - Aiding and Abetting,” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Lough, being a person prohibited from possessing a firearm, admitted to receiving, possessing, bartering or selling 21 firearms in Upshur County in October 2016.
Benjamin Tyler Nazelrod, age 27, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess Stolen Firearms.” He admitted to conspiring with others to receive, possess, barter, sell, conceal and dispose of 21 firearms in Upshur County in October 2016.
Lough faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. Nazelrod faces up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives, The Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, the Greater Harrison Drug &Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, the West Virginia State Police, Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, the Buckhannon Police Department, and the Weston Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.Truck Thief Sentenced for Possession of Unlawful WeaponRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that Timothy Keith Igou, 31, of Anchorage, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess to 37 months in prison, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On Dec. 9, 2016, Alaska State Troopers (“AST”) attempted to stop Igou while he was driving a stolen Ford F-250 pickup truck in Palmer, Alaska. Igou fled from AST leading to a high-speed chase down Matanuska Road, which ended when he drove onto an ATV trail and crashed the truck into a tree. Igou ditched the truck and proceeded to run off through the woods. Prints in the snow led AST to a stolen National Park Service trailer with stolen license plates, where Igou was found hiding and was ultimately arrested.
Inside the stolen truck was a loaded handgun. Located on his cell phone was a photograph of a person’s hand, taken inside a Ford F-250 truck, holding the handgun. Forensic evidence showed that Igou had used his phone to search the internet for information related to the gun’s serial number. The phone also contained numerous Craigslist entries related to the sale of handguns. In one text message from Oct. 20, 2016, the Igou wrote, “Can u givehim [sic] my gun[?]”
Also located in the stolen truck were a glass pipe with a white residue of methamphetamine, dozens of vehicle keys (one set of about a dozen Ford keys and set of about a dozen GMC / Chevy keys located in the console), and two license plates (one that was registered to the stolen truck).
Igou had previously been convicted of a felony drug crime and a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. As someone convicted of a felony, as well as a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, Igou was prohibited from possessing firearms.
At sentencing, Judge Burgess noted that the defendant was a danger to the community, and that his sentence was intended to both protect the public and deter the defendant from future criminal acts. Judge Burgess said that the defendant’s conduct was “felony stupid.” Judge Burgess pointed out that while the defendant’s dangerous acts did not result in any injuries, “this could have been much more serious to you than it turned out to be.” “The type of behavior you’re involved in, people end up dead,” said Judge Burgess.
The case was the product of an investigation by the National Park Service, the Alaska State Troopers, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Reardon prosecuted the case.
Three Texas men sentenced for bringing a minor to Shreveport for prostitutionRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that a Freeport, Texas, man was sentenced last week to 88 months in prison for transporting a minor to Shreveport to engage in prostitution.
Jacob Cuellar, 27, of Freeport, Texas, was sentenced Friday by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote on one count of illegal transportation of an individual to engage in prostitution. He was also sentenced to 10 years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender. According to the guilty pleas, Cuellar and co-defendants Quince Aluiso, 20, and Shawn Aluiso, 28, both of Clute, Texas, transported a minor to Shreveport on October 6, 2015 to engage in prostitution. Law enforcement agents responded to an online advertisement the same day in an undercover capacity. The defendants were later arrested at a Shreveport hotel.
Shawn and Quince Aluiso pleaded guilty to illegal transportation on March 16, 2017. Shawn Aluiso was sentenced on July 24, 2017 to 100 months in prison and five years of supervised release. Quince Aluiso was sentenced on September 18, 2017 to 22 months in prison and five years of supervised release. They are both required to register as sex offenders.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell prosecuted the case.
Three Sentenced to 20, 10, and 5 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking in Tulare and Kern CountiesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Alfonso Rios-Ayon, 44, a Mexican national, was sentenced on Monday by Chief U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill to 20 years in prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, between March 1, 2016, and June 29, 2016, Rios-Ayon conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine to various drug dealers and users in Kern County and elsewhere. On June 29, 2016, law enforcement agents conducted a controlled purchase of approximately 30 pounds of crystal methamphetamine at a ranch where Rios-Ayon lived in Pixley. In the course of the operation, agents arrested Alfonso Rios-Ayon and Daniel Rios, 34, of Riverside. Law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at the residence and seized approximately 30 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, three firearms, multiple magazines and ammunition, and approximately $16,850 in cash. Another co‑conspirator, Sergio Ortega-Maldonado, 46, a Mexican national was arrested when he attempted to re-enter the United States at the U.S.-Mexico border.
On March 27, 2017, Rios-Ayon pleaded guilty. His co-defendants pleaded guilty on July 10, 2017. On September 25, 2017, Daniel Rios was sentenced to 10 years in prison and Sergio Ortega-Maldonado was sentenced to five years and four months in prison.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, the Southern Tri-County Task Force of the Central Valley High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the California Department of Motor Vehicles Investigations, the Kern County Probation Department, and the California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian K. Delaney prosecuted the case.
Three Richland County Men Indicted on Methamphetamine Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Three Richland County, Illinois men were indicted on January 4, 2018, on methamphetamine related charges in separate indictments returned by a federal grand jury, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Brian E. Adkins, age 35, of Olney, IL was charged in a two-count indictment. Count 1 charged that from February 2015, until on or about December 11, 2017, in Richland County, and elsewhere, Adkins conspired to knowingly and intentionally distribute methamphetamine. It is further alleged that the total amount of methamphetamine involved in the conspiracy was 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (Ice), or 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. Count 2 charges that on August 30, 2015, in Richland County, Adkins distributed methamphetamine.
With respect to Count 1, Adkins faces ten years to life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, and supervised release of not less than five years.
With respect to Count 2, Adkins faces up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and supervised release not less than three years.
Brandon L. Atwood, age 33, of Olney, Illinois, was charged in a four-count indictment. Count 1 charges that from 2015, until on or about December 29, 2017, in Richland County, and elsewhere, Atwood conspired to distribute methamphetamine. It is further alleged that the total amount of methamphetamine involved in the conspiracy was five grams or more of methamphetamine (Ice), or fifty 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. Count 2 charges that on November 4, 2017, in Richland County, Atwood distributed methamphetamine. Count 3 charges that on November 5, 2017, in Richland County, Atwood distributed methamphetamine. Count 4 charges that on December 29, 2017, Atwood possessed with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
With respect to Count 1, Atwood faces 5-40 years of imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and supervised release of not less than four years.
With respect to Counts 2-4, Atwood faces on each count up to 20 years of imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and supervised release not less than three years.
Robert A. Harden, age 44, of Calhoun, Illinois, was charged in a two-count indictment. Count 1 charges that from 2016, until on or about August 2017, in Richland County, and elsewhere, Harden conspired to distribute methamphetamine. It is further alleged that the total amount of methamphetamine involved in the conspiracy was five grams or more of methamphetamine (Ice), or 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. Count 2 charges that on January 20, 2017, in Effingham County, Harden possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
With respect to Count 1, Harden faces 5-40 years of imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and supervised release of not less than four years.
With respect to Count 2, Harden faces up to 20 years of imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and supervised release not less than three years.
An Indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The investigations in this case was conducted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Flora Police Department, the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office, and the Illinois State Police.