Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
20 February 2018
Exeter Man Pleads Guilty to Making False Statements to Obtain Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
CONCORD, N.H. – Brett Gessay, 55, of Exeter, pleaded guilty in federal court to making a false statement in order to obtain Social Security benefits, announced Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley.
According to public records in the case, Gessay began receiving Social Security disability benefits in January 2007. Beginning in at least January of 2008, Gessay was self-employed as a construction worker. His income from this job rendered him ineligible to get most of the Social Security disability benefits that he received while he was self-employed. Gessay did not report this work activity to the Social Security Administration (SSA), and concealed his self-employment and self-employment income from the SSA. In mid-2016, Gessay admitted to investigators that he had concealed his work and income from the SSA in order to continue receiving disability benefits. As a result of his concealment, Gessay received over $48,000 in disability benefits that he would not have received if he had disclosed his self-employment income.
Gessay is scheduled to be sentenced on May 30, 2018.
“Social Security disability benefits provide important financial support for those deserving individuals who are unable to work,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “We will continue to partner with the SSA’s Office of Inspector General to identify and prosecute those who use fraudulent means to obtain benefits that they are not entitled to receive. This will ensure that benefits only go to those who truly deserve them.”
Scott Antolik, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General, said “Mr. Gessay’s material omission of key facts resulted in him receiving thousands of dollars in disability benefits he was not entitled to. Protecting the Social Security Trust Fund from those who conceal their work activity is one of my office’s highest priorities. I thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their partnership in prosecuting those who seek to defraud the government”.
The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General, New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Special Investigations Unit, and prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew T. Hunter and Karen B. Burzycki.
###
El Departamento de Justicia Resuelve una Denuncia Relacionada con la Nacionalidad de Origen contra un Restaurante en Nueva YorkRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy que ha llegado a un acuerdo con Food Love 125 Inc., conocido comercialmente como Ichiba Ramen, un restaurante en Nueva York. El Acuerdo resuelve la investigación liderada por el Departamento para determinar si el restaurante vulneró la disposición antidiscriminatoria de la ley de Inmigración y Nacionalidad (INA, por sus siglas en inglés).
La investigación del Departamento de Justicia se inició como respuesta a una denuncia presentada por un trabajador, que puso de manifiesto que el chef antiguo de Ichiba Ramen discriminó a un postulante de trabajo al negarse a contratarlo como camarero por no ser coreano o japonés. Asimismo, la investigación reveló que los chefs anteriores no habían impuesto tales limitaciones a la contratación de camareros para el restaurante. La disposición antidiscriminatoria de la INA prohíbe que empleadores con entre 4 y 14 empleados discriminen a individuos por motivos de su nacionalidad de origen.
Conforme el acuerdo, Ichiba Ramen pagará sanciones civiles, participará en una capacitación sobre la disposición antidiscriminatoria de la INA y publicará notificaciones para informar a los trabajadores acerca de sus derechos. El restaurante también pagó $1.760 en pagos retroactivos para compensar al postulante afectado.
«El acuerdo que hoy celebramos debe servir como recordatorio a los empleadores pequeños que la discriminación en la contratación vulnera la disposición antidiscriminatoria de la INA y que el Departamento de Justicia está comprometido a obligar a los empleadores a rendir cuentas ante tales vulneraciones», declaró el Fiscal General Adjunto en funciones, John Gore, de la División de Derechos Civiles.
La Sección de Derechos de Inmigrantes y Empleados (IER, por sus siglas en inglés), que anteriormente se conocía como la Oficina del Consejero Especial para Prácticas Injustas en el Empleo Relacionadas a Inmigración, que pertenece a la División, es responsable de aplicar la disposición antidiscriminatoria de la INA. Entre otras cosas, esta ley prohíbe la discriminación por motivos de estatus migratorio, ciudadanía o nacionalidad de origen en los procesos de contratación, despido o reclutamiento o recomendación por comisión; la discriminación en el proceso de verificación de la elegibilidad para trabajar; las represalias y la intimidación. El Título VII de la ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, en su forma enmendada, prohíbe la discriminación por parte de empleadores que emplean a 15 empleados o más por motivos de la nacionalidad de origen de los mismos.
Para más información sobre protecciones contra la discriminación en el empleo en virtud de las leyes migratorias, llame a la línea directa de la IER para trabajadores al 1‑800‑255-7688 (1‑800-237-2515, TTY para personas con discapacidades auditivas); llame a la línea directa de la IER para empleadores al 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY para personas con discapacidades auditivas); matricúlese para un seminario en línea gratuito; mande un correo electrónico a [email protected] o visite la página web de la IER en inglés o español.
Aquellos postulantes o empleados que creen haber sido sometidos a otros requisitos documentales por motivos de su estatus migratorio, ciudadanía o nacionalidad de origen, o a la discriminación por motivos de su estatus migratorio, ciudadanía o nacionalidad de origen en los procesos de contratación, despido o reclutamiento o recomendación por comisión deben llamar a la línea directa de la IER para trabajadores para pedir ayuda.
East St. Louis Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that William C. Cosby, 33, of East St. Louis, Illinois, was sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois to 15 years in federal prison and six years of supervised release, following convictions for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Evidence presented to the District Court showed that on September 27, 2016, police stopped Cosby’s vehicle because the vehicle did not have a front license plate. An East St. Louis Police officer ran a records check and learned that Cosby’s license was suspended, and Cosby was arrested.
During a search of Cosby following his arrest, two bags containing a total of two grams of crack cocaine were located in Cosby’s jacket pocket. During a search of Cosby’s vehicle, East St. Louis police officers located a .45 caliber pistol loaded with an extended magazine containing fifteen rounds of ammunition and equipped with a laser sight under the driver’s seat. The firearm had previously been reported stolen.
At the sentencing hearing, the Court heard evidence that Cosby had been previously convicted of first degree murder in the Circuit Court of St. Clair County in April of 2013 before being granted a new trial and ultimately acquitted in a subsequent trial in December of 2014. The Court heard evidence that during the second trial, Cosby admitted that he carried a firearm "all the time" despite the fact he was a convicted felon.
The Honorable Nancy J. Rosenstengel noted Cosby’s criminal history, which included prior felony convictions for residential burglary, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of a firearm by a felon and stated, "The public needs to see that these crimes are taken seriously" before imposing sentence.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
The investigation was conducted by the East St. Louis Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with assistance from the Illinois State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Reppert.
Conrad Man Sentenced to Prison for Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – Jonathan Paul Schulz, a 48-year-old resident of Conrad, Montana, was sentenced today to 27 months in prison followed by 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Judge Brian Morris handed down the sentence.
Investigators first learned about Schulz’s possible illegal possession of firearms because of posts to his Facebook account. Schulz had made comments such as “i am a convicted fellon as well however the Constitution says nothing about it :) some of the later laws that water down our rights deal with that, so in my opionion **** the law that says we cant arm ourselvs. I stand with the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Indipendance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want to look em in the eyes as thay take their last breath.” In later postings, Schulz bragged that he had thousands of rounds of ammunition and mortar with hundreds of rounds hidden in an “outpost.” Additionally, Schulz posted photographs of himself with several rifles and a Judge pistol. Referring the Judge, Schulz stated, it was “one of two new additions to my arsenal” and that “this one goes everywhere I do.” In later posts, Schulz talked about how it was time to start killing cops.
On August 4, 2016, FBI agents executed a federal search warrant at Schulz’s residence. During the search, agents found a Smith & Wesson, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol. The pistol was located on top of the kitchen cabinets. The firearm was loaded including one round in the chamber. It was later learned that Schulz had stolen the firearm from his father-in-law. During the search, agents also found various caliber ammunition in the garage. Because Schulz had a prior felony conviction from the State of Texas, he was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan R. Whittaker and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime. Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
Columbia Father, Son Charged with Marijuana Trafficking, Illegal FirearmRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Timothy A. Garrison, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Columbia, Mo., father and son were charged in federal court today with possessing marijuana to distribute.
Osama Nadir Yanis, 48, and his son, Nader Robert Osama Yanis, 23, both of Columbia, were charged in two separate but related criminal complaints filed in the U.S. District Court in Jefferson City, Mo.
Today’s criminal complaints charge both Osama and Nader Yanis with possessing 50 kilograms or more of marijuana with the intent to distribute. Osama Yanis is also charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Osama Yanis’s residence on Monday, Feb. 19, 2018, after witnessing the delivery of a crate that contained 72 pounds of high-grade marijuana. Nader Yanis, who arrived at the residence shortly after the delivery, was arrested during a vehicle stop when he left the residence. Osama Yanis was detained during the execution of the search warrant.
According to an affidavit filed in support of today’s criminal complaints, law enforcement officers had been notified a few days earlier about two suspicious shipments addressed to another person at Osama Yanis’s address. One crate contained approximately 50 pounds of marijuana and the second crate contained approximately 72 pounds of high-grade marijuana.
On Monday, Feb. 19, 2018, the second crate was delivered to Osama Yanis’s residence in Columbia. Osama Yanis was observed accepting the delivery and conversing with the delivery personnel. A short time later, Nader Yanis arrived at the residence. Approximately 10 to 15 minutes later, Nader Yanis left the residence carrying a bag and left the area in his black Cadillac Escalade. Columbia police officers executed a vehicle stop away from the residence. After making contact with Nader Yanis, police officers found that he was in possession of marijuana and a small amount of a white substance believed to cocaine.
Officers searched the residence and found weapons, drugs and a large sum of cash. In addition to the 72 pounds of marijuana delivered in the crate, the affidavit says, approximately 33 additional pounds of marijuana was found in a bedroom closet and hidden in an HVAC closet. Osama Yanis told investigators that the weapons found in his residence belonged to him, including a revolver pistol located on his desk next to a large gun safe. Osama Yanis explained that his gun safe contained his .223-caliber rifle, shotgun and semi-automatic pistol.
Following his arrest, Osama Yanis turned over to law enforcement approximately $19,000 that he had in his possession.
Garrison cautioned that the charges contained in these complaints are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. Oliver. It was investigated by the FBI, the Columbia, Mo., Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Chief Executive Officer of Armored Vehicle Company Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Prison for Role in Scheme to Defraud the United StatesRead the Press Release
The owner and chief executive officer of an armored vehicle company was sentenced today to 70 months in prison for his role in orchestrating a scheme to defraud the United States by providing the U.S. Department of Defense with armored gun trucks that did not meet ballistic and blast protection requirements set out in the company’s contracts with the United States.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle of the Western District of Virginia, Special Agent in Charge Adam S. Lee of the FBI’s Richmond, Virginia, Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Robert E. Craig Jr. of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s (DCIS) Mid-Atlantic Field Office made the announcement.
William Whyte, 72, of King City, Ontario, the owner and CEO of Armet Armored Vehicles of Danville, Virginia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jackson L. Kiser of the Western District of Virginia, who also ordered Whyte to serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence and to pay restitution in the amount of $2,019,454.36.
On Oct. 9, 2017, after a two-week trial, Whyte was found guilty of three counts of major fraud against the United States, three counts of wire fraud and three counts of criminal false claims. Whyte was charged by an indictment in July 2012.
Evidence at trial demonstrated that Whyte executed a scheme to defraud the United States by providing armored gun trucks that were deliberately under-armored. Armet contracted to provide armored gun trucks for use by the United States and its allies as part of the efforts to rebuild Iraq in 2005. Despite providing armored gun trucks that did not meet contractual specifications, Whyte and his employees represented that the armored gun trucks were adequately armored in accordance with the contract, the evidence showed. Armet was paid over $2 million over the course of the scheme, the evidence showed.
The case was investigated by the FBI and DCIS. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Caitlin Cottingham of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Carlton of the Western District of Virginia.
Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Assaulting a Federal EmployeeRead the Press Release
A Cedar Rapids man who assaulted a federal employee was sentenced on February 15, 2018, to 21-months in federal prison.
Nicholas Stephen Corporon, age 40, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 28, 2017, guilty plea to assaulting a federal employee. In a plea agreement, Corporon admitted he knowingly and forcibly assaulted a United States Marshal Service Task Force officer when the officer attempted to arrest him. Specifically, Corporon resisted when the officer attempted to place him in handcuffs, and then ran from the officer. Once the officer caught Corporon following a foot chase, Corporon again struggled and resisted being placed in handcuffs. As a result of the struggle, the officer was physically injured.
Corporon was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade. Corporon was sentenced to 21 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed, and he was ordered to make $97,936.42 in restitution to the victim. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Corporon is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa C. Williams and investigated by United States Marshal Service.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-cr-0049.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Catonsville Man Convicted for Food Stamp FraudRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal jury has convicted Mahmood Hussain Shah, age 58, of Catonsville, Maryland, on charges of wire fraud in connection with a scheme to illegally redeem food stamp benefits in exchange for cash.
Shah and his co-defendant Muhammad Rafiq, age 33, of Reisterstown, Maryland, operated Corner Groceries, on Darley Avenue in Baltimore, and from October 2010 through August 2016, obtained more than $1,610,556 in payments for food sales that never occurred.
The verdict was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Bethanne M. Dinkins of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as the Food Stamp Program, is administered by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), together with state agencies. The program funds low-income individuals to allow them to obtain a more nutritious diet. In Maryland, the program provides eligible individuals with an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card called the Independence Card, which operates like a debit card. Recipients obtain EBT cards through the state Department of Human Resources, then use the EBT card to purchase approved food items from participating retailers.
Retailers must apply to and be approved by FNS to participate in the program. Authorized retailers use a point-of-sale terminal that checks the EBT card information and deducts the cash value of the purchase from the customer’s SNAP benefit balance. SNAP reimbursements are paid to retailers through electronic funds transfers. Retailers must bill the government only in return for providing approved food items.
When Shah exchanged EBT benefits for cash, he typically paid the SNAP recipient half the value of the EBT benefits and kept the other half for himself. To avoid detection, Shah often debited the funds from the card in multiple transactions over a period of hours or days, or called a different store where the transaction was processed manually.
Shah faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the conspiracy. His sentencing date has been set for May 29, 2018.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning commended the FBI and USDA Office of Inspector General for their work in the investigation. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean R. Delaney and Paul E. Budlow, who prosecuted the case.
Carlsbad Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Methamphetamine in Southeastern New MexicoRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Kenneth Dickerson, 56, of Carlsbad, N.M., pled guilty today in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to methamphetamine trafficking charges under a plea agreement requiring him to be sentenced to 36 months of imprisonment followed by a term of supervised release to be determined by the court
Dickerson pled guilty to charges resulting from a multi-agency investigation into a criminal organization that allegedly was trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine and firearms in southeastern New Mexico in spring 2017. The investigation initiated by the DEA, ATF and the HIDTA Region VI Pecos Valley Drug Task Force and initially targeted a methamphetamine trafficking organization operating in southeastern New Mexico that allegedly was supplied by Daniel P. Bruton, 39, of Artesia, N.M., and Marcos A. Martinez, 31, of Roswell, N.M. The investigative team quickly expanded to include HSI, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Border Patrol, the New Mexico State Police, the Chaves County Metro Narcotics Task Force, and the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office, and the investigative targets expanded to include other alleged drug traffickers in Eddy and Chaves Counties. The investigation was designated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, a Department of Justice program that combines the resources and unique expertise of federal agencies, along with their local counterparts, in a coordinated effort to disrupt and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations. During the investigation, law enforcement authorities seized more than 2.5 kilograms of methamphetamine and 44 firearms.
Dickerson, Bruton and Martinez were charged along with seven other co-defendants in a 34-count indictment filed on Oct. 3, 2017, that alleges that Dickerson, Bruton, Martinez and their co-defendants conspired to violate the federal narcotics trafficking and firearms laws from May 2017 through Oct. 2017 in Eddy and Chaves Counties and elsewhere in New Mexico. The indictment includes 55 overt acts that discuss the conspiracy’s operations, including the quantities of methamphetamine – ranging from multiple ounces to five pounds – allegedly distributed by the defendants on a routine basis. It also describes the firearms – including assault rifles that allegedly were to be smuggled into Mexico – allegedly used by the defendants in relation to their drug trafficking activities.
During today’s proceedings, Dickerson pled guilty to two counts of the indictment charging him with conspiracy and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. In entering the guilty plea, Dickerson admitted that between April 2017 and July 2017, he conspired with his codefendants to distribute methamphetamine in Eddy County. Dickerson further admitted that on April 19, 2017, he distributed 6.9 grams of pure methamphetamine to an individual working with law enforcement, and on July 27, 2017, he picked up approximately 116.62 grams of pure methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it to other individuals. A sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled.
One of Dickerson’s co-defendant, Chelcy A. Vasquez, 26, of Dexter, N.M., previously entered a guilty plea on Feb. 5, 2018, to methamphetamine trafficking charges and the use of a cellular phone in the commission of a drug trafficking crime. At sentencing, Vasquez faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled.
The remaining eight co-defendants have entered pleas of not guilty to the charges against them. Charges in indictments and criminal complaints are only accusations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
These cases were investigated by the DEA, ATF, HSI, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Border Patrol, the New Mexico State Police, the HIDTA Region VI Pecos Valley Drug Task Force, the HIDTA Region VI Chaves County Metro Narcotics Task Force, and the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Clara N. Cobos and Assistant U.S. Attorney Renee L. Camacho of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office are prosecuting the cases filed as the result of the investigation.
The Pecos Valley Drug Task Force is comprised of officers from the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office, Carlsbad Police Department and Artesia Police Department and is part of the HIDTA Region VI Drug Task Force. The HIDTA Chaves County Metro Narcotics Task Force is comprised of investigators from the Roswell Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI and the Chaves County Sherriff’s Office. The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program was created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. HIDTA is a program of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) which provides assistance to federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States and seeks to reduce drug trafficking and production by facilitating coordinated law enforcement activities and information sharing.
Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Heroin and Fentanyl That Led to the Deaths of Two PeopleRead 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 Aaron J. McDuffie, aka “G”, 23, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin and butyryl fentanyl causing death, and distribution of fentanyl, butyryl fentanyl, and furanyl fentanyl causing death before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Wei Xiang, who handled the case, stated that on June 27, 2015, the defendant met with a repeat drug customer identified as “A.E,” a 24 year-old Cheektowaga man. McDuffie sold A.E. a quantity of powder that the defendant advertised as “fire,” a mixture that contained heroin and butyryl fentanyl. A.E. died as a result of using the drugs McDuffie provided to him.
On November 23, 2016, McDuffie met with another repeat drug customer identified as “D.M,” a 34 year-old West Seneca man, and sold him a quantity of powder that the defendant advertised once again as “fire.” This mixture contained fentanyl, butyryl fentanyl, and furanyl fentanyl. D.M. also died as a result of using the drugs McDuffie provided to him.
On November 30, 2016, law enforcement officers arrested McDuffie leaving his residence in Buffalo. The defendant was on his way to distribute a quantity of powder that contained fentanyl, butyryl fentanyl, and furanyl fentanyl. Under McDuffie’s’s living room couch, officers recovered a Hi-Point, .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun that was loaded with eight rounds of .40 caliber ammunition.
“With his plea, this defendant has admitted that the drugs he sold killed two people,” stated U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “Under federal law, he is, therefore, legally responsible for their deaths. Any entrepreneur who is considering getting into the illicit drug trade must recognize that a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison represents a very significant cost of doing business. The reason the price is so steep is because the lives of all people in our community—even those who are broken and addicted—are valuable. Hopefully, this plea will help to deliver that message.”
DEA Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt stated, “Opioid traffickers fill glassine bags branded with stamps to attract customers; in this case, the highly potent doses were branded with ‘Fire.’ Today’s plea is another step in the process of bringing justice to the family and friends of ‘A.E.’ and ‘D.M.’ who overdosed after using ‘Fire.’ DEA and our partners in law enforcement will continue to fight opioid distributors at all levels, from the street dealers to international traffickers.”
The plea is result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of James J. Hunt, Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Field Division; Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Zack; and the West Seneca Police Department, under the direction of Chief Daniel Denz.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 30, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Vilardo.
Brockton Woman Charged with Stealing Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton woman was arrested today and charged in federal court in Boston with stealing Social Security benefits.
Catherine M. Anzalone, 55, was charged with one count of theft of public funds. According to the indictment that was unsealed today, from April 2000 through April 2017, Anzalone stole approximately $155,736 in Social Security benefits.
The charge of theft of public funds provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Attorney General Sessions Announces New Cybersecurity Task ForceRead the Press Release
Attorney General Jeff Sessions has ordered the creation of the Justice Department’s Cyber-Digital Task Force, which will canvass the many ways that the Department is combatting the global cyber threat, and will also identify how federal law enforcement can more effectively accomplish its mission in this vital and evolving area.
“The Internet has given us amazing new tools that help us work, communicate, and participate in our economy, but these tools can also be exploited by criminals, terrorists, and enemy governments,” Attorney General Sessions said. “At the Department of Justice, we take these threats seriously. That is why today I am ordering the creation of a Cyber-Digital Task Force to advise me on the most effective ways that this Department can confront these threats and keep the American people safe.”
The Task Force will be chaired by a senior Department official appointed by the Deputy Attorney General and will consist of representatives from the Department’s Criminal Division, the National Security Division, the United States Attorney’s Office community, the Office of Legal Policy, the Office of Privacy and Civil Liberties, the Office of the Chief Information Officer, the ATF, FBI, DEA, and the U.S. Marshals Service. The Deputy Attorney General may invite representatives from other Department of Justice components and from other federal agencies to participate in the Task Force. He may also establish subcommittees to focus the Task Force’s efforts.
The Task Force will be responsible for issuing a report to the Attorney General by the end of June.
The Attorney General has asked the Task Force to prioritize its study of efforts to interfere with our elections; efforts to interfere with our critical infrastructure; the use of the Internet to spread violent ideologies and to recruit followers; the mass theft of corporate, governmental, and private information; the use of technology to avoid or frustrate law enforcement; and the mass exploitation of computers and other digital devices to attack American citizens and businesses. The scope of the Task Force’s report is not limited to these categories.
Atlantic County Man Admits Health Care Fraud Conspiracy Targeting State Health Benefits ProgramsRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A retail director for a local candy company today admitted defrauding New Jersey state health benefits programs and other insurers out of over $2 million by submitting fraudulent claims for medically unnecessary prescriptions, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito and New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal announced.
Nicholas Tedesco, 44, of Linwood, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler in Camden federal court to an information charging him with conspiracy to commit health care fraud.
Nicholas Tedesco’s brother and a leader in the conspiracy, Matthew Tedesco, pleaded guilty to his role in the scheme on Aug. 17, 2017.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From January 2015 through April 2016, Nicholas Tedesco and others recruited individuals in New Jersey to obtain very expensive and medically unnecessary compounded medications from an out-of-state pharmacy, identified in the information as the “Compounding Pharmacy.”
The conspirators knew that certain compound medication prescriptions – including pain, scar, antifungal, and libido creams, as well as vitamin combinations – were reimbursed for thousands of dollars for a one-month supply. The conspirators also knew that some New Jersey state and local government and education employees, including teachers, firefighters, municipal police officers, and state troopers, had insurance coverage for these particular medications.
An entity referred to in the information as the “Pharmacy Benefits Administrator” provided pharmacy benefit management services for the State Health Benefits Program, which covers qualified state and local government employees, retirees, and eligible dependents, and the School Employees’ Health Benefits Program, which covers qualified local education employees, retirees, and eligible dependents. The Pharmacy Benefits Administrator would pay prescription drug claims and then bill the State of New Jersey for the amounts paid.
Nicolas Tedesco and others recruited public employees and other individuals covered by the Pharmacy Benefits Administrator to fraudulently obtain compounded medications that were not medically necessary. The prescriptions were faxed to the Compounding Pharmacy, which filled the prescriptions and billed the Pharmacy Benefits Administrator.
The pharmacy then paid one of Nicholas Tedesco’s conspirators a percentage of each prescription filled and paid by the Pharmacy Benefits Administrator, which was then distributed to Nicholas Tedesco and other members of the conspiracy. Nicholas Tedesco paid individuals with insurance coverage in cash to reward them for obtaining prescriptions.
According to the information, the Pharmacy Benefits Administrator paid Compounding Pharmacy over $50 million for compounded medications mailed to individuals in New Jersey.
As part of the plea agreement, Nicholas Tedesco must forfeit $782,766.56 in criminal proceeds and pay restitution of at least $2,069,847.42. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. Sentencing is scheduled for June 1, 2018.
Fourteen other conspirators – including Matthew Tedesco, Robert Bessey, Michael Pepper, Thomas Hodnett, Steven Urbanski, John Gaffney, Judd Holt, George Gavras, Richard Zappala, Michael Neopolitan, Andrew Gerstel, Timothy Frazier, Michael Pilate, and Shawn Sypherd – pleaded guilty from August through February 2018 and await sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited agents of the FBI’s Atlantic City Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Timothy Gallagher in Newark, IRS – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan D. Larsen in Newark, and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Peter Nozka in New York, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea. He also thanked the Pensions and Financial Transactions Section of the Division of Law, within the Attorney General’s Office, under the direction of Attorney General Grewal and Division Chief Eileen Schlindwein Den Bleyker, for its assistance in the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacqueline M. Carle and R. David Walk, Jr. of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden.
18-070
Defense counsel: David Jay Glassman Esq., Philadelphia
Arizona Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Trafficking Charges in New MexicoRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Esmeralda Dominguez, 33, of Glendale, Ariz., pled guilty today in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to methamphetamine trafficking charges.
Dominguez and co-defendant Frank Lara, 45, of Albuquerque, N.M., were charged by criminal complaint in July 2017, with methamphetamine trafficking offenses. According to the complaint, Dominguez and Lara distributed approximately 56.09 grams of 99% pure methamphetamine to an individual working with law enforcement on July 15, 2016, in Dona Ana County, N.M.
Dominguez and Lara subsequently were charged in a two-count indictment filed on Oct. 19, 2017, with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from July 14, 2016 through July 15, 2016, and distribution of methamphetamine on July 15, 2016. According to the indictment, the offenses took place in Dona Ana County.
During today’s proceedings, Dominguez pled guilty to the charges in the indictment without the benefit of a plea agreement. At sentencing, she faces a mandatory minimum penalty of ten years and a maximum of life in federal prison. A sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled.
Lara has entered a plea of not guilty the charges against him. Charges in criminal complaints and indictments are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the DEA and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Luis A. Martinez.
Area Man Sentenced for Preparing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Desmond Lamar Williams was sentenced for Preparation of False Tax Returns, a violation of Title 26, United States Code, § 7206(2). Chief United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten, of Columbia, sentenced Williams to 24 months in jail after a sentencing hearing.
Facts presented in court established that Williams was an active duty member of the United States Army for many years, and that for the tax years 2011-2014, he also worked as a tax preparer. An investigation by the Internal Revenue Service revealed that many of the returns Williams prepared contained false information. As a result of Williams’ fraudulent actions, the government suffered a loss of $712,728.00.
The Internal Revenue Service investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney John C. Potterfield, of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
#####
Altoona Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Altoona, Pa. has been sentenced today in federal court to 84 months in prison, followed by 10 years’ supervised release, and was ordered to register as a convicted sex offender within three days of this sentence, on his conviction of possession of child pornography, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Trenton Stehley, 20, of Altoona, Pa.
According to information presented to the court, on August 11, 2015, Stehley knowingly possessed videos and images in individual computer graphic files which were produced using minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The computer graphic files were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines, prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Mr. Brady commended the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Altoona Police Department for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Stehley.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better 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.
19 Year Old Man Accused of Sending Threats to South Burlington High School Students and Faculty Sentenced to Five Year Probationary TermRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Josiah Leach, 19, of South Burlington, Vermont, appeared today before the Honorable Geoffrey W. Crawford for sentencing. Leach previously pled guilty to sending threats in interstate commerce that terrorized students and faculty at South Burlington High School in April 2017. Leach, who was first arrested on April 21, 2017, has been in custody for a total of approximately three months and ten days since the initial charges were filed.
Following argument from both parties and a statement by Leach, Chief Judge Crawford imposed a sentence of five years of probation. Judge Crawford commented on the seriousness of the harm caused by Leach’s threats, but noted that Leach also possessed the capacity to redirect his life in a more positive direction.
Under the terms of his release, Leach is forbidden from having any contact with the individuals he listed on a “kill list” at the time of the offense. He is also required to engage in mental health and substance abuse treatment as needed, and will be prohibited from coming within 500 feet of the South Burlington High School complex. Leach’s computer use will be subject to monitoring by the United States Probation Office and he will be required to meet with Judge Crawford every six months. As a convicted felon, Leach is prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms. If Leach violates any condition of his release, he will be subject to resentencing on the underlying offense, exposing him to a term of up to five years of incarceration.
U.S. Attorney Christina E. Nolan thanked the FBI, the South Burlington Police, and the Vermont State Police for their rapid, collaborative response in April 2017, their efficient identification of Leach as the perpetrator, and their continuous support throughout the investigation. Nolan also recognized David Young, Superintendent of South Burlington Schools, and Pat Burke, Principal of South Burlington High School, for their leadership during and in the aftermath of Leach’s crime. She stated, “no child or employee should ever have to fear for their safety, especially not in an educational setting. Law enforcement at all levels will continue to work together to prioritize combatting violent crime and bringing swift justice to those who would strike terror in our educational institutions. Children are our future, and law enforcement agencies will continue to collaborate with each other and our community leaders to protect them and their schools.”
Leach was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Elizabeth Quinn. AUSAs Michael Drescher and Eugenia A. P. Cowles represented the United States.
12-Time Felon Sentenced for Cocaine and Firearms CrimesRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A man who has been convicted of a dozen prior felonies was sentenced to 18 years in prison today for cocaine and firearms offenses.
According to court documents, Clarence L. Lyons, 44, of Newport News, distributed cocaine, cocaine base, and heroin in Newport News during February 2017. As law enforcement investigated Lyons, they received information that he was usually in possession of a firearm when engaged in narcotics distribution. On Feb. 24, 2017, law enforcement conducted surveillance of Lyons’s hotel room in Newport News, and arrested Lyons as he came out of the hotel room. At the time of his arrest, he was carrying a loaded firearm, marijuana, cocaine, cocaine base, and heroin. Law enforcement searched his hotel room, where they located a syringe and a marijuana smoking device.
Tracy Doherty-McCormick, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Karl C. Colder, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division, and Michael C. Grinstead, Acting Chief of Newport News Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert G. Doumar. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan M. Cowles prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:17-cr-87.
17 February 2018
District Man Found Guilty of Charges in 2015 Killing in Northeast WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Davon Payton, 27, of Washington, D.C., has been found guilty of charges stemming from the killing of a man in a dispute that took place in 2015 in Northeast Washington, U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu announced.
Payton was found guilty by a jury on Feb. 16, 2018 of involuntary manslaughter and related weapons charges. The verdict followed a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Danya A. Dayson scheduled sentencing for April 13, 2018.
According to the government’s evidence, on Nov. 13, 2015, the victim, Ray Harrison, along with his fiancée and her female friend from Texas, drove unannounced to Payton’s apartment at 2:30 a.m. Mr. Harrison and his fiancée were friends with Payton and his girlfriend.
When Mr. Harrison and the two women arrived in the 1300 block of Adams Street NE, the two women stayed in the car while he walked up the steps and knocked on the front window of Payton’s apartment. In response, Payton pulled a gun from his waistband and went to the front door. He confronted Mr. Harrison on the front steps of the building, demanding to know why he there at that hour of night. A tussle ensued, and, during the fight, Payton shot Mr. Harrison in the chest. Mr. Harrison, 21, staggered to the curb, where he collapsed and died.
Payton was arrested on Nov. 20, 2015, after a warrant was issued for his arrest, by the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force.
In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Liu commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). She also expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force. She acknowledged the efforts of those who handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Michael Ambrosino, Special Counsel for DNA and Forensic Evidence Litigation; Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Mannarino and Nicholas Coleman; Criminal Investigator Zachary McMenamin; Paralegal Specialists Kelly Blakeney and Stephanie Gilbert; Litigation Technology Specialists Anisha Bhatia and Leif Hickling; Forensic Operation/Program Specialist Benjamin Kagan-Guthrie; Marcia Rinker, Katina Adams-Washington, and LaJune Thames, all of the Victim/Witness Assistance Unit, and Intern Shani Brown.
Finally, she commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Silvia Gonzalez Roman, who investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Earnest and Jennifer Fischer, who investigated and prosecuted the matter.
16 February 2018
al-Qaeda Operative Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Terrorism Offenses Targeting Americans OverseasRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in Brooklyn federal court, al-Qaeda operative Ibrahim Suleiman Adnan Adam Harun was sentenced to life imprisonment by United States District Judge Brian M. Cogan following his March 16, 2017 trial conviction of multiple terrorism offenses, including conspiracy to murder American military personnel in Afghanistan, conspiracy to bomb the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, and providing material support to al-Qaeda.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Edward C. O’Callaghan, Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security, William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and James P. O’Neill, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the sentence.
“This case demonstrates our commitment to bringing to justice those who target American citizens serving their country abroad. We will be relentless in our efforts to hold terrorists like the defendant accountable for their crimes,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue.
“With the sentence handed down today, our justice system has once again held accountable an al-Qaeda operative for his terrorist activities, ensuring that he will spend the rest of his life in prison,” stated Acting Assistant Attorney General O’Callaghan. “The evidence presented at trial established that the defendant and other jihadists attacked a U.S. military patrol in Afghanistan, resulting in the death of two American soldiers and the serious injury of others. Working with our partners in the law enforcement and intelligence communities, the National Security Division will continue to vigorously pursue and disrupt terrorists who target Americans and American facilities around the world. Thank you to the many agents, analysts, and prosecutors whose hard work and dedication made this result possible.”
Mr. Donoghue and Mr. O’Callaghan expressed their grateful appreciation to the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the Department of Defense Army investigators, the Office of Military Commissions, the Italian Ministry of Justice, the Prosecutor’s Office in Palermo, Italy, the Italian National Police, Guardia di Finanza and Carabinieri authorities for their support and assistance.
“Justice has been served on behalf of the victims of Spin Ghul’s grisly attack on U.S. military patrol members in 2003,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney. “This al-Qaeda operative will no longer pose a threat to society. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in New York is committed to working with our partners here and abroad to bring terrorists to justice.”
“Harun was a dedicated and early soldier in bin Laden’s al-Qaeda, joining just weeks before the September 11th attacks,” stated NYPD Police Commissioner O’Neill. “He launched attacks against US service members in Afghanistan in 2003, killing two and injuring many others. After, he attempted to bomb the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, among other western targets. Harun will rightfully spend the rest of his life behind bars. This department—with our partners in law enforcement— remains deeply committed to combating terrorism from New York to Nigeria—and everywhere in between.”
As proven at trial, Harun (also known as “Spin Ghul”) traveled from Saudi Arabia to Afghanistan weeks before September 11, 2001, where he joined al-Qaeda, trained at al-Qaeda training camps, and eventually swore allegiance to Osama bin Laden. Harun then traveled with other al-Qaeda jihadists to the Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan, where he operated under Abdul Hadi al-Iraqi, one of bin Laden’s deputies and a senior al-Qaeda military commander.
On April 25, 2003, Harun and fellow al-Qaeda jihadists ambushed a U.S. military patrol near the Afghan-Pakistan border. Harun fired machinegun rounds and threw grenades at American soldiers and allied Afghan Militia Forces while shouting “Allahu Akbar” or “God is Great.” Two U.S. servicemen were killed in the attack—Private First Class Jerod Dennis, 19, of Oklahoma, and Airman First Class Raymond Losano, 24, of Texas—and several other soldiers were seriously wounded.
After the ambush, Harun met with senior al-Qaeda officials—including Abu Faraj al-Libi, then al-Qaeda’s external operations chief—to express his desire to commit acts of terror against U.S. interests outside Afghanistan. He specifically sought to carry out attacks similar to the 1998 al-Qaeda bombings of the U.S. Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, which resulted in more than 200 deaths and 4,000 injuries.
In the summer of 2003, senior al-Qaeda leaders dispatched Harun from Pakistan to Nigeria to bomb the U.S. Embassy in Abuja. Harun’s al-Qaeda handler directed him to obtain one ton of explosives for the bombing operation and to target Americans—whom he described as “the head of the snake”—at embassies, hotels and other “places where they gather for fun.” Upon arriving in Nigeria, Harun recruited accomplices, scouted the Embassy and other potential Western targets, and sent an accomplice to find explosives. He also met with local terrorist leaders to expand al-Qaeda’s terrorist network in West Africa.
In 2004, Harun directed a coconspirator to courier information and materials from Nigeria to al-Qaeda leaders in Pakistan. After learning that the coconspirator had been arrested in Pakistan, Harun fled Nigeria to Libya, from where he planned to enter Europe to carry out terrorist attacks against Western interests. In early 2005, however, Harun was arrested by Libyan authorities and held in custody until his release in June 2011. Harun was arrested in June 2011 by Italian authorities. He was indicted on terrorism charges in the United States in February 2012 and extradited from Italy to the United States later that year.
The government’s case was prosecuted by the Office’s National Security & Cybercrime Section. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shreve Ariail, Melody Wells, and Matthew J. Jacobs of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, along with Joseph N. Kaster, Trial Attorney, Counterterrorism Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, were in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
IBRAHIM SULEIMAN ADNAN ADAM HARUN
Age: 47E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 12-CR-134
Woman Convicted for Involvement in Conspiracy to Commit Extortion and Violations of the Travel ActRead the Press Release
Brigith Dayana Gomez, 29, a resident of Los Angeles, California and Venezuela, was convicted for her involvement in a conspiracy to commit extortion and violations of the Travel Act.
Benjamin G. Greenberg, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Robert F. Lasky, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.
The extortion plot sought approximately $100,000 from the victim, and the evidence presented at trial established that Gomez and her co-conspirator, Carolina Del Carmen Roldan, threatened to expose compromising photographs and videos of the victim to Telemundo (the media) unless he paid them.
After a two-week trial, a federal jury found Gomez guilty of all five counts charged in the indictment: one count of conspiracy to transmit extortionate communications in interstate commerce, three counts of transmission of extortionate threats in interstate commerce, and one count of interstate travel in aid of racketeering.
According to evidence presented at trial, Gomez, a purported model, and co-conspirator Carolina Roldan threatened their victim with exposure of compromising photographs and videos of him having affairs with multiple women, unless he paid $50-$100,000 in cash. Over the next fifteen days, the demands for money and threats continued. The FBI apprehended Gomez at Miami International Airport when she arrived to attempt to collect the money from the victim.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 25, 2018 at 3 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Joan A. Lenard. Gomez faces up to five years’ imprisonment for Counts 1 and 5 of the Indictment, and up to two years’ imprisonment for Counts 2 through 4 of the Indictment.
Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lisa H. Miller, Frederic Shadley, and Anne McNamara.
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.
West Memphis Gang Member Sent to Prison for More Than 17 Years for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Cody Hiland, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, and Jeffrey Reed, Resident Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), announce that late Thursday multi-convicted felon Marvin Meux, 45, of West Memphis, was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison for his illegal possession of a firearm.
A federal Grand Jury charged Meux with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm on June 18, 2016, and he pleaded guilty to that count on August 25, 2017. On February 15, 2018, United States District Court Judge James M. Moody, Jr., sentenced Meux to 210 months (17.5 years) in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Meux was originally arrested by state authorities on October 21, 2015, after West Memphis police officers were dispatched to an area in West Memphis where two subjects were allegedly being held at gunpoint while attempting to repossess a car registered to Meux. While repossession employees were attempting to hook up the car, Meux jumped into the driver’s seat and drove off in the vehicle, with one of the employees still in the passenger seat. After fleeing a short distance, Meux drove back to his residence. After the employee exited Meux’s vehicle he saw Meux running towards him with a small black gun. The two repossession employees then got into their truck and drove away, while Meux was pointing the gun at them.
During a search of the residence West Memphis police officers located an SKS assault rifle and a .38 caliber revolver. Meux is identified as a member of a gang known as the Gangster Disciples in West Memphis. Judge Moody sentenced Meux pursuant to the Armed Career Criminal Act statute, which mandates enhanced penalties if the defendant had previously been convicted of three or more violent offenses or serious drug offenses.
The investigation was conducted by the West Memphis Police Department and the ATF. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Liza Brown and Michael Gordon.
Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A Gainesville, Virginia man pleaded guilty today to distribution of child pornography over the Internet.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Tracy Doherty-McCormick of the Eastern District of Virginia and Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Lechleitner of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.
Robert Potts, 55, pleaded guilty to one count of distributing child pornography before U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III of the Eastern District of Virginia. Sentencing is scheduled for May 25.
According to admissions made in connection with his guilty plea, Potts was a user of the online peer-to-peer network GigaTribe and, in January 2014, he shared 51 child pornography files with another user of the network. Unbeknownst to Potts, the other user was an undercover law enforcement agent. Forensic examination of media devices seized during a subsequent search warrant executed at Potts’s residence revealed thousands of images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. In addition, in 2015 and 2016, Potts continued to view and store child pornography through an account with the cloud-storage service Dropbox.
HSI investigated the case with the assistance of the Northern Virginia/DC Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Trial Attorney Kyle P. Reynolds of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section is prosecuting the case.
This investigation is a part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Virginia Man Found Guilty of Murder and Other Charges for Triple Homicide in Northeast Washington in 1991Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Benito Valdez, 47, formerly of Arlington, Va., was found guilty by a jury today of multiple counts of first-degree murder while armed and other charges for killing three people in 1991 in Northeast Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu and Peter Newsham, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
In addition to the murder charges, the jury found Valdez guilty of three counts of kidnapping while armed and one count of sodomy while armed. The verdict followed a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Valdez is to be sentenced by the Honorable Judith Bartnoff on April 13, 2018. He remains in custody pending that hearing.
According to the government’s evidence, in the early morning hours of April 23, 1991, Curtis Pixley, Keith Simmons, and Samantha Gillard went to Langdon Park in the 1800 block of Franklin Street NE to purchase crack cocaine. Mr. Pixley, 29, and Mr. Simmons, 26, approached Valdez while Ms. Gilliard, 23, waited at a distance. The drug deal went bad very quickly when Valdez accused Mr. Pixley of stealing drugs from him. Valdez threatened Mr. Pixley that he was going to pay for the drugs one way or another. When Mr. Pixley could not pay with cash, Valdez raped Ms. Gillard at gunpoint. Then, according to the government’s evidence, Valdez forced all three to lie on the ground and shot each one execution-style.
Valdez was charged with the crimes in February 2016.
In announcing the verdicts, U.S. Attorney Liu and Chief Newsham commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Cold Case Unit as well as the U.S. Park Police. They also expressed appreciation for the work of those who handled the case at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Stephanie Siegerist, Alesha Matthews, Meridith McGarrity, and Sharon Newman; Criminal Investigator Zachary McMenamin; Litigation Technology Specialist Leif Hickling, and Victim/Witness Advocate Diana Lim.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura A. Bach and Lindsey Merikas, who prosecuted the case.
Verbena Man Facing Life in Prison Following Federal Drug Trafficking and Firearms ConvictionsRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Ala. – James Calvin Talley, Jr., 37, of Verbena, Alabama, was convicted by a federal jury yesterday of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, using a phone to facilitate a drug crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Louis V. Franklin, Sr. Talley, who has two prior felony drug convictions, faces a mandatory life sentence in prison for the methamphetamine conviction.
On December 3, 2016, a drug courier delivered more than 100 pounds of marijuana to Talley’s home in Verbena. The drug courier had been arrested in Texas and agreed to work with law enforcement and deliver the marijuana to Talley. When the courier arrived at Talley's home, he got out of the car and Talley drove the car alone to another house in Marbury, Alabama. There, Talley backed the car up to the front door of the house and opened the trunk. The police, who had followed Talley from his home, turned on their emergency lights, and Talley ran into the home. He was caught by police as he was running out of the backdoor shortly thereafter. Inside the house, which belonged to Richie Dale Murphy, DEA agents and local law enforcement found two pistols, more than 3 pounds of methamphetamine, over $20,000 in cash, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia used for packaging and selling narcotics.
Following the search at Murphy's house, law enforcement officers searched Talley's home and found two pistols in a safe under a bed, along with more than $50,000 in cash, a currency counter, drug ledgers and receipts for wire transfers of large amounts of money. Murphy, who earlier pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, testified against Talley. Specifically, Murphy told the jury that he and Talley were in business together, and that Talley used Murphy's home as his stash house for marijuana and methamphetamine.
Murphy is scheduled to be sentenced on March 19, 2018. Talley’s sentencing date has not been set. As stated earlier, Talley is facing a life sentence for the methamphetamine conviction. The marijuana and felon in possession charges carry a possible 10-year sentence. The using a phone to facilitate a drug crime count comes with a potential 4-year prison sentence. Murphy is facing at least 15 years in prison for his charges.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Autauga County Sheriff’s Office, and the Chilton County Sheriff’s Office. The Alabama Attorney General’s Office, Millbrook Police Department, Montgomery Police Department, and Prattville Police Department all assisted with this case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Geer and Kevin Davidson.
VDOT Official Sentenced for $11 Million Bribe SchemeRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The former superintendent of the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Burke Area Headquarters was sentenced today to seven years in prison for his involvement in a bribery scheme involving the awarding of nearly $11 million in snow removal work over the course of more than five years.
According to court documents, Anthony Willie, 55, of Culpeper, along with co-conspirator Kenneth Duane Adams, 42, of Fairfax, were VDOT supervisors at the Burke Area Headquarters (AHQ) and secretly used their official positions to enrich themselves by soliciting and accepting cash bribes in exchange for various favorable official acts, such as awarding lucrative snow removal work to local trucking companies during winter snow storms in the northern Virginia area.
According to court documents, Willie and Adams negotiated bribe agreements with several owners and operators of trucking and snow removal companies seeking snow removal work from the VDOT Burke AHQ, including Rolando Pineda Moran, Shaheen Sariri, and John Williamson. At their core, each agreement stated that the company owners would provide a percentage or a flat rate of their hourly invoices as bribes in the form of cash payments to Willie and Adams, in exchange for being awarded snow removal work and having Willie and Adams sign off on their VDOT invoices. Beginning in the 2012-2013 snow season and continuing through the 2016-2017 snow season, Willie and Adams would often meet the snow plow contractors at local restaurants, grocery stores, and parking lots in Burke and Fairfax and received approximately $440,000 in cash bribes.
According to court documents, from 2011 through 2016, Adams also conspired with Elmer Antonio Mejia by negotiating an unlawful bribery agreement whereby Mejia would sub-contract snow removal work out to Adams’ nominee-owned company, Supreme Landscaping. During this period, Mejia paid Adams approximately $160,000, frequently disguising the payments as pay for snow removal work allegedly performed by Adams’ nominee-owned company.
Additionally, Adams also pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine. According to court records, while executing a search warrant in November 2015, law enforcement recovered approximately 129 grams of cocaine and related drug paraphernalia at Adams’ residence. Adams also admitted to previously distributing cocaine to others, including Willie and several of his other colleagues at VDOT, and to obtaining cocaine from a relative of one of his VDOT co-workers.
Name
Age, Hometown
Pleaded Guilty to
Sentencing Date and Max Penalty
Anthony Willie
55, Culpeper
Conspiracy to Commit Honest Services Mail and Wire Fraud
84 months
Kenneth Duane Adams
42, Fairfax
Conspiracy to Commit Honest Services Mail and Wire Fraud; Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine
64 months
Rolando Pineda Moran
46, Alexandria
Conspiracy to Commit Honest Services Mail Fraud
6 months
Shaheen Sariri
31, Fairfax
Conspiracy to Commit Honest Services Mail Fraud
Max 20 years on March 9
Elmer Mejia
50, Aldie
Conspiracy to Commit Honest Services Mail Fraud
6 months
John Williamson
51, Springfield
Conspiracy to Commit Honest Services Wire Fraud
90 days
Tracy Doherty-McCormick, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Andrew W. Vale, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly R. Pedersen and Samantha P. Bateman prosecuted the case.
This case involved a joint investigation by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, Virginia State Police, and Fairfax County Police Department. Additional assistance was provided by the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Office of Assurance and Compliance.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:17-cr-188.
University of North Texas Health Science Center to Pay $13 Million to Settle Claims Related to Federal GrantsRead the Press Release
DALLAS - The University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC) has agreed to pay the United States $13,073,000.00 to settle claims that it inaccurately measured, tracked and paid researchers for effort spent on certain NIH-sponsored research grants, announced U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox of the Northern District of Texas.
UNTHSC is a health-related institution of the University of North Texas System and is a recipient of National Institutes of Health (NIH) Federal research grant funding. The settlement results from a self-disclosure by UNTHSC to the United States that from January 2011 through February 2016, UNTHSC failed to ensure that its time and effort reports related to certain federally-funded grants were accurately and timely certified.
UNTHSC, as a recipient of NIH grant funds, is responsible for accurately reporting and certifying time and effort spent on these grants. Under these obligations, UNTHSC was required to demonstrate accuracy through records that accurately reflect the work performed and an appropriate system of internal controls. UNTHSC failed to meet these requirements, and as a result, received payments for inaccurately and untimely time and effort certifications and received salary payments when the correlating payments did not match the accompanying time and effort reports. The United States contends that this conduct resulted in false claims being submitted to the government. UNTHSC fully cooperated in the investigative and settlement process.
The investigation was conducted by Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Beran handled this matter on behalf of the United States.
# # #
Two More Defendants Sentenced on Charges Arising Out of ATF-Led Operation Targeting Drug Trafficking and Firearms Crime in Bernalillo CountyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – In Aug. 2016, a multi-agency investigation led by the ATF concluded with the filing of 59 federal indictments and a federal criminal complaint charging 103 Bernalillo County residents with federal firearms and narcotics trafficking offenses. To date, 84 of these defendants have been convicted, including 83 who have entered guilty pleas, and 62 of them have been sentenced.
The investigation was undertaken in support of a federal anti-violence initiative that targets “the worst of the worst” offenders for federal prosecution. Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies collaborate with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders for federal prosecution primarily based on their prior criminal convictions with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible.
Yesterday afternoon, two more Albuquerque residents were sentenced in federal court for their convictions on drug trafficking charges. Guajira Maya Lovato, 45, was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release for her conviction arising out of three indictments, filed as the result of the investigation, charging her with methamphetamine trafficking offenses. Jonathan Griego, 27, was sentenced to 30 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for his methamphetamine trafficking conviction.
Lovato was charged in following three cases arising out of this operation:
- The indictment in the first case charged Lovato and co-defendants, Juan Jose Rivas, 33, Janet Bowman, 40, and Anthony Barela, 34, with a methamphetamine trafficking offense. The indictment was later superseded to add a fifth defendant, Maria Citlaly Beltran-Ahumada, 37, and another methamphetamine trafficking charge. The superseding indictment charged the five defendants with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from June 21, 2016 through Aug. 9, 2016, and distributing methamphetamine on June 22, 2016. Beltran-Ahumada pled guilty to an immigration charge on June 9, 2017, and was sentenced on June 26, 2017. The charges against Bowman were dismissed in August 2017. Rivas pled guilty to a methamphetamine trafficking charge on July 27, 2017, and Barela pled guilty to a similar charge on Aug. 3, 2017; both are scheduled for sentencing on Feb. 22, 2018. On July 27, 2017, Lovato entered a guilty plea to a methamphetamine charge, and admitted that on June 22, 2016, she negotiated the sale of two ounces of methamphetamine with a drug purchaser and later helped complete the transaction.
- The indictment in the second case charged Lovato and co-defendant Desiree Otero, 24, with conspiracy to distribute heroin from July 20, 2016 through Aug. 9, 2016 and with distributing heroin on July 20, 2016. Otero pled guilty to distributing heroin on Dec. 7, 2016, and was sentenced on Aug. 15, 2017. The indictment was dismissed as against Lovato.
- The indictment in the third case charged Lovato and co-defendants Daniel Loya, 31, and Richard Cortez, 37, with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from July 21, 2016 through Aug. 9, 2016, and with distributing methamphetamine on July 21, 2016. On Sept. 22, 2017, Loya pled guilty to distributing methamphetamine, and Cortez pled guilty to a similar charge on Oct. 2, 2017; both are awaiting sentencing. Lovato is scheduled for trial on the indictment in this case on April 2, 2018.
Griego and co-defendants Jesus Ramirez, 28, and Richard Porras, 31, were arrested in Aug. 2016, on separate criminal complaints charging them with drug trafficking and firearms offenses. The three subsequently were jointly charged in a nine-count indictment filed on Aug. 9, 2016, with conspiracy and possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The indictment also charged Porras with distributing methamphetamine on three occasions, carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, and Ramirez with possessing methamphetamine and heroin with intent to distribute, carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On May 12, 2017, Griego pled guilty to a felony information charging him with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and admitted that on Aug. 4, 2016, Griego possessed methamphetamine with the intent distribute the methamphetamine to an individual who unbeknownst to him was an undercover ATF agent. Ramirez pled guilty on Jan. 25, 2017, and was sentenced on Aug. 24, 2017, to 60 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Porras pled guilty on April 27, 2017; his sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled.
Sixteen of the defendants charged as the result of the ATF investigation have entered not guilty pleas. Charges in indictments are merely accusations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty in a court of law. Two defendants are fugitives and the charges against two defendants have been dismissed.
These cases were investigated by the Albuquerque office of ATF. The case against Lovato is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Presiliano Torrez, and the case against Griego was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul H. Spiers.
Two Men Arrested and Charged with Illegally Exporting UAV Parts and Technology to HizballahRead the Press Release
The indictment of Usama Darwich Hamade, 53, Samir Ahmed Berro, 64, and Issam Darwich Hamade, 55, was announced today for their conspiring to illegally export goods and technology from the United States to Lebanon and to Hizballah, a designated foreign terrorist organization, in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the Export Administration Regulations, and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Defendants Usama Hamade and Issam Hamade are currently in custody in South Africa. Samir Ahmed Berro remains at large.
Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Edward C. O’Callaghan and U.S. Attorney Gregory G. Brooker of the District of Minnesota made the announcement.
According to the Indictment, from 2009 through December 2013, Usama Hamade, Berro and Issam Hamade willfully conspired to export and attempted to export from the United States to Lebanon, and specifically to Hizballah, goods and technology without obtaining the required export licenses from the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of State, in violation of IEEPA, the Export Administration Regulations, the Arms Export Control Act, and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations.
According to the Indictment, those goods included inertial measurement units (IMUs) suitable for use in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), a jet engine, piston engines and recording binoculars.
The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Export Enforcement, and Homeland Security Investigations.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Docherty and David MacLaughlin are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Trial Attorney David Recker of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Two Men Arrested and Charged with Illegally Exporting UAV Parts and Technology to HizballahRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory G. Brooker today announced the indictment of USAMA DARWICH HAMADE, 53, SAMIR AHMED BERRO, 64, and ISSAM DARWICH HAMADE, 55, for conspiring to illegally export goods and technology from the United States to Lebanon and to Hizballah in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”), the Export Administration Regulations, and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Defendants USAMA HAMADE and ISSAM HAMADE are currently in custody in South Africa. SAMIR AHMED BERRO remains at large.
According to the Indictment, from 2009 through December 2013, USAMA HAMADE, BERRO and ISSAM HAMADE willfully conspired to export and attempted to export from the United States to Lebanon, and specifically to Hizballah, goods and technology without obtaining the required export licenses from the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of State, in violation of IEEPA, the Export Administration Regulations, the Arms Export Control Act, and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations.
According to the Indictment, USAMA HAMADE, BERRO and ISSAM HAMADE caused the export of inertial measurement units (“IMUs”) suitable for use in unmanned aerial vehicles (“UAVs”), a jet engine, piston engines, and recording binoculars to Hizballah, designated by the U.S. Secretary of State as a “foreign terrorist organization.” As part of the conspiracy, in October 2009, USAMA HAMADE directed Individual A to order the jet engine and have it delivered to SAB Aerospace, a company owned by BERRO in the United Arab Emirates ("UAE"). BERRO then transshipped the jet engine to Hizballah co-conspirators in Lebanon. In September 2009 through November 2009, USAMA HAMADE directed Individual A to place orders for the digital compasses and the IMUs for delivery to South Africa, falsely telling Individual A that the parts would be used in UAVs in South Africa to fly over wildlife areas to prevent poaching. Instead, USAMA HAMADE transshipped the digital compasses and the IMUs to Hizballah co-conspirators in Lebanon.
As part of the conspiracy, in March and May of 2010, USAMA HAMADE directed Individual A to order additional IMUs to be sent to South Africa without telling Individual A that he intended to send the IMUs to Hizballah in Lebanon after receiving them in South Africa. As a consequence,
Individual A obtained an export license from the U.S. Department of State, which permitted the export of the IMUs to South Africa but prohibited their re-export without further authorization. In January 2010, ISSAM HAMADE and USAMA HAMADE directed Individual A to obtain an exhaust system for the jet engine, which was subsequently purchased online by Individual A.
As part of the conspiracy, between November 2009 ·and April 2010, BERRO caused 20 piston engines to be shipped from the U.S. to a temporary recipient in Frankfurt, Germany, and then on to SAB Aerospace in the UAE. From there, BERRO caused the piston engines to be shipped to Hizballah in Lebanon.
As part of the conspiracy, in December 2013, USAMA HAMADE directed Individual B to send the recording binoculars to Lebanon via a courier, who flew from Los Angeles to Beirut, Lebanon, where the binoculars were delivered to Hizballah.
As part of the conspiracy, between 2010 and 2011, ISSAM HAMADE made multiple wire transfers from a bank in Beirut, Lebanon to bank accounts controlled by USAMA HAMADE, totaling approximately $173,924.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Export Enforcement, and Homeland Security Investigations.
Assistant United States Attorneys John Docherty and David MacLaughlin are prosecuting the case.
Defendant Information:
USAMA DARWICH HAMADE, 53
Citizen of Lebanon and South Africa
Charges:
- Illegal export conspiracy, 1 count
- Smuggling, 1 count
SAMIR AHMED BERRO, 64
Citizen of Lebanon and the United Kingdom
Charges:- Illegal export conspiracy, 1 count
ISSAM DARWICH HAMADE, 55
Citizen of Lebanon and the United Kingdom
Charges:- Illegal export conspiracy, 1 count
###
Additional news available on our website.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Twin Falls Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
BOISE – Dale Wayne Jensen, 48, of Twin Falls, Idaho, was sentenced today to 16 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Court Judge B. Lynn Winmill, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced.
Jensen was indicted by the federal grand jury on June 15, 2017, for the crime of unlawful possession of firearms by a felon. Jensen pleaded guilty on November 28, 2017. The crime occurred on March 14, 2017, when Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Deputies served a search warrant at Jensen’s residence. During the search of Jensen’s residence, police found five firearms, and approximately eight pounds of marijuana and marijuana concentrate. Jensen admitted that the firearms were his and he was manufacturing marijuana concentrate. Marijuana concentrate is a powerful substance that may look like wax. It is made by extracting THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive chemical in marijuana, from the marijuana. Jensen was prohibited from possessing the firearms because of his prior felony conviction for possessing controlled substance in Twin Falls, Idaho, on October 18, 2002.
Judge Winmill also ordered Jensen to serve three years of supervised release upon his release from federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Thirteen Previously Deported Aliens Charged with Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that thirteen previously deported aliens were indicted separately on February 14, 2018, by a federal grand jury for illegal re-entry into the United States by a previously deported alien.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Juan Carlos Leon-Avalos, age 29, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in October 2011. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after October 2011, and was found in the United States in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Mateo Salinas-Oliva, age 32, of Honduras, was previously deported from the United States to Honduras in July 2011. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after July 2011, and was found in the United States in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Roberto Pinto-Moreira, age 26, of Honduras, was previously deported from the United States to Honduras on four prior occasions, March 2010, September 2010, March 2011, and November 2011. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after November 2011, and was found in the United States in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Milton Andrade-Granados, age 42, of El Salvador, was previously deported from the United States to El Salvador in June 2015. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after June 2015, and was found in the United States in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Nolberto Perez-Perez, age 26, of Guatemala, was previously deported from the United States to Guatemala in August 2014. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after August 2014, and was found in the United States in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Jose Gonzalez-Martinez, age 37, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in May 2013. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after May 2013, and was found in the United States in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Hector Hernandez-Contreras, age 27, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in October 2011. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after October 2011, and was found in the United States in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Edgar Cruz-Garcia, age 30, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in June 2015. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after June 2015, and was found in the United States in York County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Ricardo De Jesus-Portillo, age 37, of Honduras, was previously deported from the United States to Honduras in July 2011. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after July 2011, and was found in the United States in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Pastor Fonseca-Lara, age 53, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico three times, February 2013, April 2013, and January 2014. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after January 2014, and was found in the United States in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Under federal law, Leon-Avalos, Salinas-Oliva, Pinto-Moreira, Andrade-Granados, Perez-Perez, Gonzalez-Martinez, Hernandez-Contreras, Cruz-Garcia, De Jesus-Portillo and Fonseca-Lara all face a maximum penalty of two years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
Ambrosio Ramirez-Arriaga, age 32, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States on two prior occasions, August 2012 and June 2015. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after June 2015, and was found in the United States in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers. In June 2012, he was convicted in the District of New Mexico of illegal reentry, an offense which subjects him to enhanced penalties in the current case.
Ramirez-Arriaga faces a maximum penalty of ten years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
Tomasz Stypulkowski, age 44, was previously deported from the United States in November 2008. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after November 2008, and was found in the United States in Monroe County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Stypulkowski faces a maximum penalty of twenty years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
These cases were investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian G. McDonnell is prosecuting the cases.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
# # #
Texas Man Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Federal Prison in Pharmacy Robbery CaseRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Trenton Ferrell Williams, 34, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 123 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute hydrocodone, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and DEA Special Agent in Charge Stephen G. Azzam. Williams was also ordered to pay $21,392.68 in restitution.
Williams pled guilty on November 2, 2017, to possession of hydrocodone with intent to distribute. He and his co-defendants were stopped in Jackson County on July 12, 2017, in possession of a large quantity of prescription pills. The investigation led back to a robbery of a Walgreens Pharmacy in Lutz, Florida, on July 12, 2017. The pills matched those stolen from that pharmacy.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Tactical Diversion Squad and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.
Tennessee Couple Sentenced to Prison for Unemployment Compensation FraudRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Earl Lafayette Hall, III, age 37, of Arlington, Tennessee, was sentenced on February 15, 2018, to 116 months’ imprisonment and three years’ supervised release by United States District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo for conspiracy, mail fraud, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft charges related to an unemployment compensation fraud scheme. Hall’s wife, Renita Blunt, age 33, was sentenced to 29 months’ imprisonment and three years’ supervised release on January 17, 2018, for conspiracy to commit mail fraud and aggravated identity theft counts.
Judge Rambo also ordered Hall to pay $96,431 and Blunt to pay $38,633 restitution to the Utah, Pennsylvania, and Hawaii Departments of Labor.
According to U.S. Attorney David J. Freed, Hall and Blunt were convicted by a jury on March 10, 2017. Hall was convicted on 12 mail fraud counts, 10 money laundering counts, four aggravated identity theft counts, conspiracy to commit mail fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Blunt was convicted of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. The jury also directed Hall to forfeit the sum of $30,000 and Blunt to forfeit $1,026.
Hall and Blunt applied for Veteran’s unemployment compensation benefits under the Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Service Members Program, commonly known as “The UCX Program.” The UCX Program is a federally funded U.S. Department of Labor program administered by the States. Hall assumed the identity of 10 individuals between 2013 and 2014 in order to receive benefits under the program. Blunt assumed the identity of one individual to receive benefits under the program.
“Hall and Blunt defrauded the Hawaii, Pennsylvania, and Utah unemployment insurance agencies by conspiring to steal the identities of ex-military members in order to receive benefits under the Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Service Members (UCX) Program. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to safeguard the UCX Program, a federally funded U.S. Department of Labor unemployment compensation program,” said Richard Deer, Special Agent-in-Charge, Philadelphia Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, U.S. Defense Criminal Investigative Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service with assistance from Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, Internal Audits Division, Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, Office of Unemployment Compensation Benefits and Policy, and the Pennsylvania Department of the Treasury, Office of Unemployment Compensation Disbursements. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kim Douglas Daniel and Scott R. Ford prosecuted the case.
# # #
Tax Preparers Indicted for Conspiracy and Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on February 13, 2018, a federal grand jury returned a fourteen count indictment against four former tax preparers. Karen Tompkins (57), Shalonda Burns (40), Latoya Bush (37), and Lori Ann Stringfellow (55), are all residents of Milwaukee, and were employed as tax return preparers at a Liberty Tax Service Branch located at 3929 N. Humboldt Boulevard in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Each defendant is charged with conspiracy to knowingly defraud the United States by preparing and filing with the IRS false tax returns that fraudulently claimed tax refunds to which the individuals were not entitled, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. Tompkins, Bush and Stringfellow were also charged with three counts each of willfully aiding in the preparation and filing of false federal income tax returns, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(2) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2.
Burns was charged with two counts of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(2) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2 along with one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code 1028A and Title 18, United States Code 1343. If convicted of the charges, Tompkins, Bush and Stringfellow could face up to 14 years in prison. Burns could face a total of 33 years in prison including a mandatory sentence of two years.
The indictment alleges that the defendants fabricated their client’s business income, which fraudulently inflated the Earned Income Credit each client could claim and thereby increased each client’s refund. In addition, the indictment alleges that the defendants also created false business income and expense invoices and received kickbacks from the tax refunds.
“Tax season is upon us and so are disreputable tax return preparers,” said IRS Criminal Investigation, St. Paul Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Hubbard Burgess. “When these four allegedly conspired to submit false tax returns, they failed to take into account they were committing fraud and stealing from the US government, but more importantly they were stealing from the pockets of all taxpayers.”
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation division and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin Taibleson.
# # # # #
For Additional Information Contact:
Public Information Officer Dean Puschnig 414-297-1700
Spearfish Man Sentenced for Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the InternetRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Spearfish, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet was sentenced on February 9, 2018, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Nicholaus Tripp, age 29, was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Tripp was charged on January 10, 2017. The charge relates to Tripp posting an ad on Craiglist and then communicating with someone he believed to be the mother of two girls, ages 13 and 15, who was actually an undercover law enforcement agent, to arrange a meeting to engage in sexual acts with the girls.
This case was investigated by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.
Tripp was immediately remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals Service.
Social Security Administration Employee and Husband Convicted in Public Benefit Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Ala. – On Thursday, February 15, 2018, a federal jury found two Montgomery residents guilty of fraud and witness tampering, announced United States Attorney Louis V. Franklin, Sr. The two defendants were Nakia Palmer, 35, a former employee of the Social Security Administration, and her husband, Nathaniel Palmer, 30. Nakia Palmer was convicted of mail fraud, theft of government property, Social Security benefit fraud, and food stamp fraud. The jury convicted Nathaniel Palmer of mail fraud, theft of government property, and witness tampering. Each defendant was found guilty of all counts in which he or she was charged.
The trial evidence showed that the Palmers lied about their incomes and living arrangements for the purposes of fraudulently obtaining Social Security benefits on behalf of Nakia Palmer’s minor son. Specifically, Nakia Palmer falsely informed Social Security employees in Dothan, Alabama that she was an actress living in California. She further told Social Security that she left her minor son in her husband’s exclusive custody. She told these lies so that Social Security would not consider her income in determining whether her son was eligible for benefits and would only consider her husband’s income. All the while, Nakia Palmer worked for Social Security in the Montgomery office and was not an actress in California when applying for the benefits. The evidence also showed that the Palmers did not use the fraudulently obtained benefits to support Nakia Palmer’s child. Rather, the couple spent the money on the purchase of a vehicle. According to the evidence, Nakia Palmer made similar false claims for the purpose of obtaining food stamps. In total, the Palmers received approximately $25,000 in benefits to which they were not entitled.
As for the witness tampering, the government proved that, after becoming aware that he was under investigation, Nathaniel Palmer asked his next-door neighbor to lie to investigators regarding the family’s living arrangements.
“Government benefit programs exist to ensure that those in need do not go without the necessities of life,” said United States Attorney Franklin. “The Palmers abused the system not out of need, but to maintain their lifestyles. In carrying out their greedy scheme, the Palmers apparently thought that they were above the law. I hope that this verdict sends the message that the theft of taxpayers’ dollars will not go unpunished.”
“The Social Security Office of the Inspector General has no higher priority than the investigation and prosecution of employees who violate the public’s trust by using their knowledge of the SSA programs to defraud the very agency that employs them,” stated SSA-OIG Special Agent in Charge Margaret Moore-Jackson. “I’m grateful that the U.S. Attorney’s Office shares our determination to protect the integrity of the SSA’s programs for those who rely on them now and into the future.”
“We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect the vital programs that protect the welfare and health of our most vulnerable citizens,” said Derrick Jackson, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.
A date for sentencing has not yet been set. Both defendants face maximum sentences of 20 years’ imprisonment, as well as substantial monetary penalties.
This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General, as well as the United States Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General. The United States Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General assisted in the investigation, along with the Alabama Department of Human Resources. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan S. Ross and Joshua Wendell are prosecuting the case.
Rosebud Man Charged with Assault with Intent to Commit MurderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault With Intent to Commit Murder, Assault With a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.
Lawrence Gary, Jr., age 19, was indicted on February 14, 2018. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 16, 2018, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on January 21, 2018, Gary assaulted a man with a knife, a pan, and with shod feet.
The charges are merely accusations and Gary is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Gary was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Terry Wilson, 39, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty, before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo, to possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and a felon in possession of a firearm. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura A. Higgins who is handling the case, stated that on June 26, 2017, during a vehicle and traffic stop, the defendant was found in possession of a Jimenez Arms, J.A. NINE model, 9 mm semi-automatic pistol, bearing serial number 375367, which was loaded with 11 rounds of 9 mm ammunition. The traffic stop was made after the defendant was observed driving southbound on Bailey Avenue at a high rate of speed. Upon stopping the vehicle, the officers recognized the defendant from previous contacts with him and knew that he did not have a valid driver’s license. The officers patted the defendant down and recovered approximately 3.71 grams of cocaine base from the defendant’s pockets. The defendant admits that he possessed the cocaine base with intent to distribute it.
Thereafter, the defendant’s passenger was removed from the vehicle and the firearm was recovered from within the passenger’s purse. The defendant admits the firearm belonged to him and that he maintained dominion and control over the firearm while he stored it in the passenger’s purse.
The defendant admitted that on or about July 19, 2012, in Erie County Court, he was convicted of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree, which is a crime that is punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. The defendant further admitted that on or about June 22, 2005, he was convicted of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, which is a crime that is punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, under the direction of Resident Agent in Charge Steve Dickey and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Acting Commissioner Byron Lockwood.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 23, 2018, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Vilardo.
Richardson Man Indicted for Offenses Related to His Support of ISISRead the Press Release
DALLAS — A federal grand jury in Fort Worth returned a superseding indictment this week, charging Said Azzam Mohamad Rahim, 41, of Richardson, Texas, with seven counts related to a terrorism investigation, announced Erin Nealy Cox, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas and Eric Jackson, Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas Field Office of the FBI.
The indictment supersedes an earlier indictment returned in the case. Rahim is charged with six counts of false statements to a federal agency and one count of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, namely the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS).
Rahim was arrested in March 2017 on a related criminal complaint and will remain in custody pending trial. The maximum statutory penalty for each false statement count is eight years in federal prison, a period of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Rahim faces not more than 20 years in federal prison and a possible fine for attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
“Our highest priority is to pursue justice against those who seek to harm our country and our citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox. “I appreciate the outstanding work by the Dallas FBI and the support of the Department’s National Security Division.”
The indictment alleges that Rahim made a number of false statements to federal law enforcement on March 5, 2017 related to his support for ISIS.. The indictment also alleges, beginning in October 2014 and continuing through March 2017, Rahim attempted to provide material support or resources, including services and personnel, to ISIS.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is responsible for this investigation, specifically its Joint Terrorism Task Force which includes Richardson Police Department, Dallas Police Department, Department of Homeland Security, Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, and the Federal Air Marshal Service. Assistant United States Attorney Errin Martin is prosecuting the case with assistance from Taryn Meeks with the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. If convicted of any offense, the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors
# # #
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Jacob Bryan, age 25, was sentenced on February 15, 2018, to time served and 3 years of supervised release and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Bryan was charged on March 21, 2017. The charge relates to Bryan being found in possession of a .38 caliber revolver and ammunition along with drug paraphernalia after a traffic stop near Kyle in February 2017.
This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Pittsford Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Jeffrey Bernecki, 29, of Pittsford, NY, pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography depicting prepubescent minors before United States Magistrate Judge Marian W. Payson.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that in 2012 Bernecki was convicted for possessing and distributing child pornography in the Western District of New York. As a result of that conviction, Bernecki served a five year prison sentence. He was released in 2016 and began a 15-year period of supervised release which was administered by the United States Probation Department, Rochester Office. As part of his release conditions, Bernecki was subject to a search condition, which provided Probation Officers authority to inspect Bernecki’s home and digital devices. On December 8, 2017, during a routine inspection, Probation Officers found that Bernecki was in possession of an unauthorized smartphone. Probation Officers seized the phone and subsequently discovered the presence of child pornography. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Rochester Office, assisted in forensically examining the phone, which resulted in the discovery of approximately 200 images and 25 videos depicting the sexual abuse of children.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the United States Probation Department under the direction of Chief Probation Officer Anthony SanGiacomo, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Buffalo Division, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Kevin P. Lyons.
Phony entertainment booking agent charged in fraud schemeRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – Octaveon Woods has been arraigned on wire fraud and money laundering charges for his scheme to defraud colleges, universities, and others by falsely claiming that he was a booking agent for famous musicians such as Migos, Lil Yachty, and Lil Uzi Vert.
“Woods allegedly convinced others to pay him thousands of dollars to ‘book’ these artists for concerts and festivals—when he had no relationship with the artists at all,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “Woods immediately laundered the money to try and conceal his fraud.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges, and other information presented in court: Woods owned and operated several companies, including Global Talent Agency, GTA Bookings, and National Artist Agency, that claimed to be booking agencies in the entertainment industry. Woods advertised that these agencies represented dozens of famous musicians, comedians and other artists, including hip-hop and rap artists Migos, Lil Yachty, and Lil Uzi Vert.
Student groups at Emory University, the University of Missouri, and other victims hired Woods’ companies to book these artists for concerts and festivals. In reality, neither Woods nor his companies had any relationship with these artists. As soon as his victims would wire him money to book the concerts, Woods drained the funds by transferring them to other accounts and withdrawing them as cash.
Octaveon Woods, 26, of Decatur, Illinois, was arraigned this week before U.S. Magistrate Judge John K. Larkins, III. He was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 6, 2018.
Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynsey M. Barron is prosecuting the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Panama City Man Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison for Federal Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Russell Scott Hardman, 57, of Panama City, was sentenced yesterday in the U.S. District Court in Panama City to 84 months in prison for distribution, receipt, and production of child pornography after pleading guilty on November 30, 2017. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
In May 2017, Homeland Security Investigations received a tip from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in which a user of the social media platform Kik was uploading child pornography. Agents were able to determine that Hardman was using his cellular telephone to access Kik, as well as using his e-mail to upload images of child pornography while at work and at home. A forensic review of Hardman’s cellular telephone revealed 561 images and 135 videos of child pornography. Investigation disclosed that Hardman distributed at least 20 of those videos in a group chat. At least 20 videos of child pornography depicted infants, toddlers, and prepubescent children engaged in sex acts.
United States Attorney Christopher P. Canova stated, “We will continue to utilize the resources of our office to aggressively prosecute anyone who attempts to steal the innocence of a child while hiding in the shadows of the Internet.”
“This child predator thought he could hide in anonymity behind the Internet,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. “Thanks to the investigative skills of our HSI special agents, and partners at the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, his crimes were exposed, and he will now be held accountable.”
“The Bay County Sheriff's Office is committed to maintaining strong working partnerships with fellow law enforcement agencies,” Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford said. “These partnerships serve to increase our success in finding and bringing criminals like Hardman to justice.”
The case was investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Thielemann.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Owners of Pennsylvania Based Internet Florist Convicted of Tax CrimesRead the Press Release
A Pennsylvania couple that owned and operated an internet floral business was convicted yesterday of failing to pay over employment taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and of filing fraudulent personal and corporate tax returns, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
According to the evidence introduced at trial, Andrew Bassaner (aka Andrew Bunchuk), 45, and his wife and business partner, Vicki Bunchuk, 44, owned and operated Florist Concierge Inc. (FCI). For tax years 2010 through 2012, Bunchuk, aided and assisted by Bassaner, filed fraudulent corporate and personal income tax returns with the IRS. They diverted funds from FCI, which they deducted as business expenses on FCI’s corporate returns and did not report as income on their personal returns. They spent the money on personal luxuries, including a monthly rent of $17,000 for a home in Windemere, Florida. In addition, from 2011 through 2014, Bassaner and Bunchuk filed fraudulent employment tax returns for FCI that falsely classified its employees as independent contractors. Based on this fraudulent classification, Bassaner and Bunchuk claimed not to owe employment taxes on the wages paid to those individuals.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 27 before U.S. District Court Judge Michael M. Baylson. The defendants face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison for each employment tax count and three years in prison for each count of filing a fraudulent return. They also face a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and Acting U.S. Attorney Lappen thanked special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Ignall and Trial Attorneys Christopher O’Donnell and Jack Morgan of the Tax Division, who prosecuted the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Oklahoma City Man Sentenced for His Role in the Robbery of Haltom’s JewelersRead the Press Release
FORT WORTH — Garland Gilmore Lenoir III, 52, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Reed C. O’Connor to serve a total of 221 months in federal prison, following his guilty plea in October 2017 to his role in a conspiracy to rob Haltom’s Jewelers in Grapevine, announced U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox of the Northern District of Texas.
Lenoir pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to, and possessing and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of, a crime of violence. He has been in custody since his arrest in July 2017.
Co-defendants, Melvin Lewis Andrews and Willie Thompson Jr. previously pleaded guilty to their roles and were sentenced by Judge O’Connor to 188 and 262 months in federal prison, respectively.
According to plea documents filed in the case, on October 3, 2014, the defendants traveled to Haltom’s Jewelers in a stolen vehicle and entered the store wearing masks and carrying handguns and hammers. They smashed the display cases with the hammers and stole merchandise, to include jewelry and watches.
The FBI and Grapevine Police Department investigated the case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Cole was in charge of the prosecution.
# # #
Ohio Man Pleads Guilty in Scheme to Distribute Heroin in Western PennsylvaniaRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – An Ohio resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a count of conspiracy to distribute heroin, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Christopher Smith, 21, of East Liverpool, Ohio, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Smith conspired with others to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute kilogram quantities of heroin, which was supplied from Mexico to Ohio and then later to Aliquippa in the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for June 22, 2018. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued the defendant’s bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Hopewell Township Police Department, Beaver County District Attorney’s Office, Aliquippa Police Department, and the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Christopher Smith.
New York Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Join ISIS in YemenRead the Press Release
Mohamed Rafik Naji, 38, of Brooklyn, New York, pleaded guilty today to one count of attempting to provide material support or resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Edward C. O’Callaghan, U.S. Attorney Richard P. Donoghue, Assistant Director in Charge William F. Sweeney of the FBI’s New York Field Office and Commissioner James P. O’Neill of the NYPD announced the guilty plea. The plea was accepted by U.S. District Judge Frederic Block.
As detailed in publicly filed court documents, Naji, a lawful permanent resident originally from Yemen, viewed and distributed ISIS propaganda before traveling from New York to Yemen in March 2015 in an effort to join ISIS. While in Yemen, Naji repeatedly tried to travel to areas controlled by ISIS, explaining in emails with an associate in the United States that he was on his fifth attempt to reach ISIS. Naji described traveling through militarized zones and claimed that he and his group had almost been “killed . . . by army.” In addition, he explained that “we have trouble getting in the party” because there were “to[o] many security [g]uards all ova the place” that would “kill us if they find us.” Naji also sent his associate videos that he made in Yemen. In one of the videos that was attached to an email with the subject line “First day on the job,” Naji’s voice can be heard over the sound of automatic weapons saying “I think we’re taking fire.” Naji also sent his associate ISIS propaganda videos. In addition, in an online conversation, Naji proclaimed his allegiance to ISIS stating, “I belong to Islamic state only.”
Following his return to the United States in September 2015, Naji continued to express his support for ISIS and violent jihad. For example, he explained ways to travel to ISIS-controlled territory in Syria by crossing the Turkish border, and how to employ strategies to avoid arrest in Turkey. In July 2016, following the ISIS-inspired terrorist truck attack in Nice, France, Naji discussed how easy it would be to carry out a similar attack in Times Square, explaining that ISIS “want an operation in Times Square” and stating that an ISIS “reconnaissance group . . . put up scenes of Times Square.” Naji further explained “if there is a truck, I mean a garbage truck and one drives it there to Times Square and crushes them…Times Square day.” He was arrested by members of the New York JTTF in the autumn of 2016. At sentencing, Naji faces a statutory maximum term of 20 years’ imprisonment.
Mr. O’Callaghan and Mr. Donoghue extended their grateful appreciation to the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), which comprises a number of federal, state and local agencies from the region.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ian C. Richardson and Melody Wells of the Eastern District of New York, with assistance from Trial Attorney Brian Morgan of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Morrisville Man Sentenced to 90 Months for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Michael Caraher, age 28, of Morrisville, New York, was sentenced today to 90 months in prison for distribution, receipt and possession of 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).
Chief United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also sentenced Caraher to 20 years of supervised release, to begin following his term of imprisonment. Caraher will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
Caraher pled guilty in October 2017. He admitted using a custom-built desktop computer to access child pornography-oriented Internet sites, including at least one site on the anonymous “Tor” network, for the purpose of downloading child pornography. Caraher admitted to using peer-to-peer file-sharing software on a laptop computer to download additional child pornography, which he stored on external drives. Overall, Caraher downloaded and saved more than 100 videos and almost 1,000 images depicting child pornography. Caraher further admitted to using an instant messaging application on his phone to trade child pornography with other users.
This case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmet O’Hanlon.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
Mission Man and Woman Charged with Wire FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a man and a woman from Mission, South Dakota, have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Wire Fraud.
Mark Edward O’Leary, age 35, and Sharli Colombe, age 35, were indicted on February 14, 2018. They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 15, 2018, and both pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between February 4, 2011, through June 6, 2017, O’Leary and Colombe passed at least 544 checks drawn on a bank account not belonging to either of them. The checks were used for personal items for O’Leary and Colombe and the purchases or deposits were not authorized by the owner of the bank account.
The charges are merely accusations and O’Leary and Colombe are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.
O’Leary and Colombe were released on bond. A trial date has not been set.