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Wednesday 3 January 2018
Local Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SIDNEY RAY COTTON, age 32, of Franklinton, Louisiana, pled guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on or about March 21, 2016, in the Eastern District of Louisiana, COTTON, who had been convicted of simple robbery in the Twenty-Second Judicial Court, did knowingly possess in and affecting interstate commerce a firearm, specifically, a Norinco, Model SKS, serial number H7224.
COTTON faces a maximum term of ten years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory M. Kennedy is in charge of the prosecution.
Lawrence Man Sentenced to 22 Months in Prison for Falsifying Audio Recordings in Federal InvestigationRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence man who was working as a paid cooperator for the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with falsifying audio recordings in a federal investigation.
Erick Santiago-Then, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 22 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $10,124 in restitution to the IRS. In October 2017, Santiago-Then pleaded guilty to 10 counts of falsifying records in a federal investigation.
In February 2014, Santiago-Then was working as a paid cooperator for IRS-CI. As part of his work to uncover evidence against the perpetrators of a stolen identity refund fraud scheme, Santiago-Then was given IRS-CI funds and authorized to set up a controlled meeting with a perpetrator to purchase fraudulently-obtained tax refund checks. Instead, Santiago-Then set up a sham meeting with a cohort during which he obtained a list of personal identifying information rather than tax refund checks. Following the controlled meeting, and unbeknownst to IRS-CI, Santiago-Then split the IRS-CI funds with his cohort. Thereafter, Santiago-Then engineered several recorded phone calls during which his cohort posed as someone else and purportedly gave Santiago-Then the run around concerning the purported mix up regarding the tax refund checks.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division; Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Stephen A. Marks, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Boston Field Office; and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Boston Field Division, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan M. DiSantis of Lelling’s Public Corruption Unit prosecuted the case.
Justice Department Announces Funding Opportunities for Tribal CommunitiesRead the Press Release
The U.S. Department of Justice today announced the opening of the grant solicitation period for comprehensive funding to federally-recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments and tribal consortia to support public safety, victim services and crime prevention.
The Department’s Fiscal Year 2018 Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation, or “CTAS,” posts today at https://www.justice.gov/tribal/open-solicitations. The solicitation contains details about available grants and describes how tribes, tribal consortia and Alaskan villages can apply for the funds.
The funding can be used to enhance law enforcement; bolster adult and juvenile justice systems; prevent and control juvenile delinquency; serve native victims of crimes such as child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, and elder abuse; and support other efforts to combat crime.
“We’re proud to offer American Indian and Alaska Native communities opportunities to continue to improve public safety, better serve victims of crime, and strengthen criminal justice systems,” said Associate Attorney General Rachel Brand. “CTAS projects support Native American women, ensure tribal self-determination, and further our shared goals of safe and secure communities for American Indian and Alaska Native peoples.”
Applications for CTAS are submitted online through the Department’s Grants Management System. Applicants must register with the Grants Management System prior to submitting an application. The application deadline is 9:00 p.m. EST, March 20, 2018.
For the FY 2018 CTAS, applicants will submit a single application and select from any or all of the nine competitive grant programs referred to as “purpose areas.” This approach allows the Department’s grant-making components to consider the totality of a tribal nation’s overall public safety needs.
The nine purpose areas are:
- Public Safety and Community Policing
- Comprehensive Tribal Justice Systems Strategic Planning
- Justice Systems and Alcohol and Substance Abuse
- Tribal Justice System Infrastructure Program
- Violence Against Women Tribal Governments Program
- Children’s Justice Act Partnerships for Indian Communities
- Comprehensive Tribal Victim Assistance Program
- Juvenile Justice Wellness Courts
- Tribal Youth Program
In an effort to provide guidance on the Fiscal Year 2018 CTAS, the Department is sponsoring a series of webinars to educate applicants on CTAS application requirements. For details, including how to register for these webinars, visit https://www.justice.gov/tribal/open-solicitations for the webinar schedule.
Additionally, tribes and tribal consortia may also be eligible for non-tribal federal grant programs and are encouraged to explore other funding opportunities, which may be found at DOJ’s Tribal Justice and Safety website at https://www.justice.gov/tribal/open-solicitations or the www.grants.gov website.
CTAS is administered by the Department’s Offices of Justice Programs, Community Oriented Policing Services, and Violence Against Women.
Today’s announcement is part of the DOJ’s ongoing initiative to increase engagement, coordination and action on public safety in tribal communities.
Justice Department Announces Funding Opportunities for Tribal CommunitiesRead the Press Release
The U.S. Department of Justice today announced the opening of the grant solicitation period for comprehensive funding to federally-recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments and tribal consortia to support public safety, victim services and crime prevention.
The Department’s Fiscal Year 2018 Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation, or “CTAS,” posts today at https://www.justice.gov/tribal/open-solicitations. The solicitation contains details about available grants and describes how tribes, tribal consortia and Alaskan villages can apply for the funds.
The funding can be used to enhance law enforcement; bolster adult and juvenile justice systems; prevent and control juvenile delinquency; serve native victims of crimes such as child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, and elder abuse; and support other efforts to combat crime.
“We’re proud to offer American Indian and Alaska Native communities opportunities to continue to improve public safety, better serve victims of crime, and strengthen criminal justice systems,” said Associate Attorney General Rachel Brand. “CTAS projects support Native American women, ensure tribal self-determination, and further our shared goals of safe and secure communities for American Indian and Alaska Native peoples.”
United States Attorney Trent Shores stated, “I am excited to see the Justice Department reaffirm its commitment to a strong partnership with tribal nations. These grants can benefit Oklahoma Tribes by helping to address public safety challenges, including violence against women and the opioid crisis. Given Oklahoma’s patchwork jurisdiction, I am confident that these funds could strengthen community policing programs in Indian Country as well as nearby non-Indian communities.”
Applications for CTAS are submitted online through the Department’s Grants Management System. Applicants must register with the Grants Management System prior to submitting an application. The application deadline is 8:00 p.m. CDT, March 20, 2018.
For the FY 2018 CTAS, applicants will submit a single application and select from any or all of the nine competitive grant programs referred to as “purpose areas.” This approach allows the Department’s grant-making components to consider the totality of a tribal nation’s overall public safety needs.
The nine purpose areas are:
• Public Safety and Community Policing
• Comprehensive Tribal Justice Systems Strategic Planning
• Justice Systems and Alcohol and Substance Abuse
• Tribal Justice System Infrastructure Program
• Violence Against Women Tribal Governments Program
• Children’s Justice Act Partnerships for Indian Communities
• Comprehensive Tribal Victim Assistance Program
• Juvenile Justice Wellness Courts
• Tribal Youth Program
In an effort to provide guidance on the Fiscal Year 2018 CTAS, the Department is sponsoring a series of webinars to educate applicants on CTAS application requirements. For details, including how to register for these webinars, visit https://www.justice.gov/tribal/open-solicitations for the webinar schedule.
Additionally, tribes and tribal consortia may also be eligible for non-tribal federal grant programs and are encouraged to explore other funding opportunities, which may be found at DOJ’s Tribal Justice and Safety website at https://www.justice.gov/tribal/open-solicitations or the www.grants.gov website.
CTAS is administered by the Department’s Offices of Justice Programs, Community Oriented Policing Services, and Violence Against Women.
Today’s announcement is part of the DOJ’s ongoing initiative to increase engagement, coordination and action on public safety in tribal communities.
Jefferson City Man Indicted for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Tom Larson, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that a Jefferson City, Mo., man has been indicted on charges related to child pornography.
Ben Joseph Hilkemeyer, 32, of Jefferson City, was charged in a two-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Jefferson City on Dec. 20, 2017. The indictment was unsealed today and made public upon Hilkemeyer’s arrest and initial court appearance. Hilkemeyer remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing.
The federal indictment alleges that Hilkemeyer received and distributed child pornography from Jan. 29 to Sept. 7, 2017. The indictment also charges Hilkemeyer with being in possession of child pornography on Sept. 7, 2017.
According to court documents, Hilkemeyer possessed more than 50 videos depicting child abuse, including one video that was more than an hour and 37 minutes long, as well as more than 6,000 images of child abuse. These images and videos depict pornographic content of infants and toddlers, the depiction of sexual violence including the rape and molestation of infants and toddlers and bestiality images involving prepubescent children engaging in sexual activity with animals. The majority of the images and videos were located on a USB drive, which was hidden in a ski glove.
Larson cautioned that the charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley S. Turner. It was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Missouri State Technical Assistance Team and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.
Project Safe Childhood
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 locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Franklin County Man Sentenced to 40 Years’ Imprisonment for Production of Child Pornography Involving an Infant and ToddlerRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Evan Matthew Lawbaugh, age 34, of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 40 years’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Sylvia H. Rambo for two counts of production of images depicting the sexual exploitation of children.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Lawbaugh sexually assaulted a toddler boy and a four-year-old girl and recorded the assaults. Lawbaugh distributed videos depicting the assault on the toddler boy on the internet. Lawbaugh also possessed thousands of images and hundreds of videos of child pornography, includes images depicting the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers. Lawbaugh was previously convicted of possession of child pornography on April 8, 2015, in Franklin County, Pennsylvania.
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 locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Daryl Bloom prosecuted the case.
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Four men indicted on firearms chargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Four men have been arraigned this week after being indicted by a federal grand jury in Elkins on December 19, 2017 on illegal firearms charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Joshua Neal Krieger, of Hedgesville, West Virginia, age 29, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Transfer of a Firearm,” one count of “Conspiracy,” one count of “Unlawful Transfer of a Firearm,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Transfer of a NFA Firearm,” one count of “Out of State Delivery of a Firearm,” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.”
Glenn Eugene Oden, of Stevens City, Virginia, age 39, was indicted on one count of “Conspiracy,” one count of “Illegal Possession of a Firearm,” and one count of “Aiding and Abetting Transfer of a NFA firearm.”
Stephen Clark Krieger, age 66, and Thorn Ashton Guessford, age 25, both of Federalsburg, Maryland, were each indicted on one count of “Conspiracy.”
The crimes allegedly took place in Berkeley County and elsewhere, from May to July of 2017.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul T. Camilletti is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the West Virginia State Police are investigating.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.Former Executive Managing Director of Och-Ziff Capital Management Indicted for Defrauding Client and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
A former executive managing director of Och-Ziff Capital Management Group LLC (Och-Ziff), a New York-based hedge fund, was charged in an indictment unsealed today for his alleged participation in a scheme to defraud one of the hedge fund’s clients, a large charitable foundation, when recommending financial investments relating to the African mining sector.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Rohde of the Eastern District of New York, Assistant Director in Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. of the FBI’s New York Field Office and Special Agent in Charge James D. Robnett of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation’s (IRS-CI) New York office made the announcement.
Michael Leslie Cohen, 46, of London, England was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit investment adviser fraud, one count of investment adviser fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, four counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice, one count of obstruction of justice and one count of making false statements. The indictment was returned under seal by a federal grand jury sitting in Brooklyn, New York on Oct. 5, 2017, and relates to Cohen’s alleged conduct between 2008 and 2013.
The indictment alleges that, beginning in or about 2008, Cohen and his co-conspirators carried out a scheme to defraud an Och-Ziff client, a large charitable foundation. According to the indictment, Cohen violated his fiduciary duties to the charitable foundation by making material misrepresentations and concealing conflicts of interest in connection with a proposed investment in an African mining company. The indictment alleges, among other things, that Cohen failed to disclose to the charitable foundation that one of the sellers of the African mining company shares owed Cohen millions of dollars on a delinquent $18 million personal loan that Cohen had made to the seller to finance the purchase of a luxury yacht. The seller allegedly paid approximately $4 million of the African mining company share proceeds to Cohen in repayment of the personal yacht loan. Cohen did not disclose to the charitable foundation that he had a personal interest in the African mining company and that a portion of shares he controlled would be sold as part of the transaction, the indictment alleges.
In addition, the indictment alleges that in order to conceal his fraudulent scheme and self-dealing, Cohen conspired with others to cover up facts about the transaction after the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) began investigating Och-Ziff in 2011. Cohen and others allegedly engaged in a number of acts to obstruct investigations, including concocting a false, backdated letter and making false statements to federal agents and the SEC.
The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The FBI’s New York Field Office and IRS-CI’s New York office are investigating the case. Trial Attorney Gerald M. Moody Jr. of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys David C. Pitluck, James P. McDonald, a former Fraud Section trial attorney, and Jonathan P. Lax of the Eastern District of New York are prosecuting the case. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in this matter. The Department appreciates the significant cooperation and assistance provided by the SEC’s Boston Regional Office in this matter.
Former Executive Managing Director of Och-Ziff Capital Management Indicted for Defrauding Charitable Foundation and Obstructing JusticeRead the Press Release
A 10-count indictment was unsealed today, in federal court in Brooklyn, charging Michael Leslie Cohen, a former executive managing director of New York-based hedge fund Och-Ziff Capital Management Group LLC (“Och-Ziff”), for his alleged participation in a scheme to defraud one of the hedge fund’s clients, a large charitable foundation, when recommending financial investments relating to the African mining sector. Cohen is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit investment adviser fraud, one count of investment adviser fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and four counts of wire fraud. Cohen is also charged with conspiring to obstruct federal grand jury and U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigations and making false statements to federal agents. The indictment was returned under seal by a federal grand jury sitting in Brooklyn, New York on October 5, 2017, and relates to Cohen’s alleged conduct between 2008 and 2013.
Bridget M. Rohde, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and James D. Robnett, Special Agent-in-Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, New York (IRS-CI), announced the charges.
“As alleged, Michael Cohen violated his fiduciary duties as an investment advisor, deceiving a charitable foundation, in order to enrich himself and his associates,” stated Acting United States Attorney Rohde. “The deceit continued when he learned that the U.S. government was investigating his activities, was confronted with evidence of the alleged crimes and responded with a cover-up. The charges announced today reflect this Office’s commitment, together with our law enforcement partners, to hold accountable those in the finance industry who defraud investors.” Ms. Rohde thanked the SEC, Boston Regional Office, for its significant cooperation and assistance during the investigation.
“As alleged, Cohen turned his back on his fiduciary duties, profiting from the investments of his clients, essentially double dipping at their expense. His further actions of obstructing justice and lying to federal agents speak to his blatant disregard for integrity and the rule of law,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney. “Today's indictment maintains our resolve to hold accountable those who engage in this type of corrupt and illegal activity.”
“Today’s indictment of Mr. Cohen, a former Managing Director of one of the largest hedge funds, alleges the misuse of his position of trust to deceive a charitable foundation,” stated IRS-CI Special Agent-in-Charge Robnett. “IRS-CI will continue to investigate executives who mislead investors and violate the public trust.”
The indictment alleges that, beginning in or about 2008, Cohen and his co-conspirators carried out a scheme to defraud a large charitable foundation and investor (the “Charitable Foundation”). Cohen violated his fiduciary duties to the Charitable Foundation by making material misrepresentations and omissions in connection with a proposed investment in shares of an African mining company. Through an Och-Ziff investment fund and joint venture overseen by the defendant, Cohen fraudulently induced the Charitable Foundation to consent to the purchase of shares in the African mining company without disclosing numerous conflicts of interest that existed in the transaction. Among other things, Cohen failed to disclose that one of the proposed sellers of the shares personally owed Cohen $18 million – for a loan used to finance a luxury yacht – and would use the proceeds from the sale of shares to partially repay his debt to Cohen. Cohen also failed to disclose that he personally controlled another portion of the shares in the African mining company that would be sold as part of the transaction.
The indictment further alleges that in order to conceal his fraudulent scheme and self-dealing, Cohen conspired with others to cover up facts about the transaction after the SEC began an investigation of Och-Ziff in 2011. Cohen and others engaged in a number of acts to obstruct both the federal grand jury and SEC investigations, including concocting a false, backdated letter and making false statements to federal agents and the SEC.
The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section and the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorneys David C. Pitluck, James P. McDonald and Jonathan P. Lax, and Trial Attorney Gerald M. Moody, Jr., are in charge of the prosecution. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in this matter.
The Defendant:
MICHAEL LESLIE COHEN
Age: 46
Residence: London, England
E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 17-CR-544 (NGG)
Former Executive Admits Guilt in Antitrust Conspiracy Affecting Water Treatment ChemicalsRead the Press Release
A former executive pleaded guilty today in the District of New Jersey for his role in a conspiracy to eliminate competition by rigging bids, allocating customers, and fixing the price for liquid aluminum sulfate sold to municipalities and pulp and paper companies in the United States.
Brian C. Steppig, former director of sales and marketing for a water treatment chemicals manufacturer headquartered in Lafayette, Indiana, admitted to agreeing with competitors, from approximately 2005 until February 2011, not to compete for contracts for liquid aluminum sulfate, a coagulant used by municipalities to treat drinking and waste water, and by pulp and paper companies in their manufacturing processes.
“Today’s result reflects the Antitrust Division’s ongoing efforts to hold accountable those who seek to corrupt the competitive process and cheat customers,” said Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “This offense was particularly egregious, counting among its victims cities and towns throughout the Southeastern United States that relied on the conspirators’ products to provide clean water to their residents.”
“The FBI is thorough in ensuring that anyone intent on corrupting our free market system is brought to justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Timothy Gallagher of the FBI's Newark Division. “Corruption and collusion at any level in our society is unacceptable as it has such a negative impact on the consumer.”
According to court documents, Steppig and his co-conspirators agreed not to pursue each other’s historical customers. To carry out that agreement, Steppig and his co-conspirators discussed prices to be quoted to customers and submitted intentionally losing bids to favor the intended winner.
A violation of the Sherman Act carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $1 million fine for individuals. The maximum fine for a Sherman Act charge may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims if either amount is greater than the statutory maximum fine.
Including Steppig, two individuals and one company have pleaded guilty to charges arising out of this federal investigation of collusion in the liquid aluminum sulfate industry.
The investigation was conducted by the Antitrust Division’s New York Office and the FBI’s New Jersey Office. Anyone with information regarding price fixing, bid rigging or customer allocation in the liquid aluminum sulfate industry should contact the Antitrust Division’s New York Office at 212-335-8000, call the Antitrust Division’s Citizen Complaint Center at 1-888-647-3258 or visit www.justice.gov/atr/contact/newcase.htm.
Five Maryland Men Indicted for Wire Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury indicted five individuals on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The indictment was returned on October 26, 2017, and unsealed upon the arrest of the defendants. The five individuals indicted are:
Aldrin Fon Fomukong, a/k/a “Albanky,” a/k/a “A.L.,” age 24, of Greenbelt, Maryland;
Nnkeng Amin, a/k/a “Rapone,” a/k/a “Arnold,” age 30, of Beltsville, Maryland;
Yanick Eyong age 26, of Bowie, Maryland;
Ishmail Ganda, a/k/a “Banker TD,” age 31, of College Park, Maryland; and
Izou Ere Digifa, a/k/a “Lzuo Digifa,” a/k/a “Mimi VA,” age 22, of Lynchburg, Virginia.
The indictment was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning; Special Agent in Charge Andrew Watson of Homeland Security Investigations; and Special Agent in Charge Brian Ebert of the United States Secret Service, Washington Field Office.
According to the indictment, between February 2016 and in or about July 2017, the defendants gained access to email accounts associated with the victims and sent false wiring instructions, causing the victims to wire millions of dollars into drop accounts set up by the defendants. The defendants then allegedly disbursed the money received from the victims into the drop accounts by, among other transactions, using wires to transfer money to other accounts, by initiating account transfers to other accounts at the same bank, by withdrawing sums of money, by obtaining cashier’s checks, and by writing checks to other individuals or entities.
Over the course of the conspiracy, the defendants stole or attempted to steal over $8.7 million from at least 11 victims.
Fomukong, Amin, Eyong, and Digifa remain detained. Ganda is released under the supervision of pretrial services.
Fomukong and Amin face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Each of the defendants face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning praised HSI and Secret Service for their work in the investigation. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly O’Connell Hayes, who is prosecuting the case.
Felon Charged with Illegally Possessing Fentanyl Analogue and .40 Caliber PistolRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – James Folks has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for methoxyacetyl fentanyl trafficking and firearm crimes, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. The indictment charges Folks, age 44, of East Pittsburgh, with committing the following crimes on December 7, 2017: attempt to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of methoxyacetyl fentanyl and possession of a firearm after seven prior felony convictions.
“As President Trump has identified, the fight against the opioid and fentanyl epidemic is one of the top priorities of the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania,” stated U.S. Attorney Brady. “Seven-times convicted felon James Folks attempted to import from overseas more than two pounds of a deadly form of fentanyl for distribution in Western Pennsylvania. This multi-agency investigation resulted in an indictment which demonstrates the resolve of this office to reduce violent crime and opioid trafficking by focusing on the district’s most dangerous criminals.”
“We’re using every law enforcement tool at our disposal to fight this epidemic in Pennsylvania and get the people peddling these poisons out of our communities,” Attorney General Josh Shapiro said. “Thanks to strong law enforcement collaboration with U.S. Attorney Scott Brady and his office, fentanyl that could have devastated this community has been seized and the drug dealer responsible will face justice.”
According to a Criminal Complaint filed on December 7, 2017, Folks has an extensive criminal record involving drug trafficking and violent crimes. On December 6, 2017, Postal Inspection Service interdiction personnel in Pittsburgh intercepted an International Mail Express package from the Republic of Korea addressed to James Folks in Homestead, PA. The package was pulled from the mail stream for further investigation. On December 6, 2017, Homeland Security personnel opened the package in a controlled environment and found a powdery substance with an approximate weight of 1,058 grams. A field test indicated the substance contained a fentanyl analogue, a controlled substance, in a distribution amount. On December 7, 2017, at 8:45 a.m., Folks went to the Post Office to retrieve his parcel and departed the Post Office in his vehicle. Law enforcement officers arrested Folks when he parked in front of his residence with the parcel. A subsequent search of Folks’ home uncovered a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber pistol with a loaded magazine, as well as drug trafficking paraphernalia, including an electronic money counter. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year to possess a firearm and ammunition. Because of his criminal record, Folks has been charged as an Armed Career Criminal.
The law provides for a minimum sentence of 15 years imprisonment as an Armed Career Criminal and up to life and a fine of up to $20,250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The United States Postal Inspection Service, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement/Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies Unite to Combat Crimes Against ChildrenRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – Acting U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida (USAO-MDFL) last year charged 84 individuals as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood (PSC) initiative. Since 2006, this nationwide initiative has collectively marshaled federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, and to identify and rescue victims of abuse. Since the inception of the program, the Middle District of Florida has charged more than 1,000 individuals with child exploitation offenses.
“Child predators are using more cunning and persuasive techniques and technologies to lure and exploit innocent children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “The individuals who prey upon children are becoming bolder and more violent and must be stopped. As a community, we also must educate ourselves and raise awareness on how to best protect our children against these threats. We are thankful to the men and women who investigate, prosecute, and seek justice for these victims.”
In 2017, the USAO-MDFL, in partnership with numerous federal, state, and local agencies, brought charges against various individuals for traveling to engage in sexual conduct with minors, and for producing, advertising, distributing, receiving, possessing, soliciting, and accessing child pornography. In addition, the Office has prosecuted cases involving human trafficking where individuals, including minors, have been forced to commit commercial sex acts and engage in sex tourism. MDFL prosecutors also charged cases involving convicted sex offenders who failed to register with authorities as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
2017 MDFL PSC Case Highlights January 1, 2017, through December 31, 2017
Fort Myers Division
U.S. v. William Lee – Lee produced a video of himself engaged in sexually explicit conduct with a child. On September 16, 2016, deputies responded to the victim’s residence in Lehigh Acres and made contact with the girl and her mother. The child’s mother provided Lee’s deactivated phone to the deputies. Pursuant to a search warrant, a forensic examination of the phone revealed two videos capturing Lee engaging in explicit conduct with the girl. Lee pleaded guilty to production and possession charges. On October 2, 2017, he was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison.
U.S. v. Jorge Guerrero-Torres – While residing with a family in Fort Myers, including four children, Guerrero-Torres used his cellphone to take sexually explicit photos of one of the children. Shortly after moving out, he became a person of interest in the disappearance of the child that he had photographed and attempted to flee the area. He was apprehended by law enforcement and the images were recovered from his discarded phone. A federal jury found Guerrero-Torres guilty of producing and possessing child pornography and, on August 14, 2017, he was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison.
U.S. v. Brian Author Thomas – During an FBI Task Force investigation, agents were able to download images and videos of child pornography from Thomas’s computer using a file sharing program. Agents executed a search warrant at his home and seized his laptop computer and cellphone. Forensic analyses of the electronic media revealed that from at least July 18, 2012, through March 30, 2016, Thomas had collected more than 6,000 images and 35 videos depicting young children engaging in sexually explicit conduct. His cellphone also contained videos that he had produced of a child engaging in sexually explicit conduct. On February 23, 2017, Thomas pleaded guilty to producing child pornography. On August 7, 2017, he was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison.
U.S. v. Joseph Spradlin – An FBI Task Force officer was able to download images and videos of child pornography from Spradlin’s computer using a file-sharing network. A search warrant was executed at his residence and agents located more than 65,000 images and 668 videos of child pornography on four separate thumb drives. Further investigation revealed that Spradlin had produced child pornography images and videos of an 8-year-old girl on at least two occasions. He pleaded guilty to producing and possessing child pornography, and on March 20, 2017, he was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison.
Jacksonville Division
U.S. v. Chad Theodore Dillon – As part of an undercover investigation to identify users of an app who were attempting to entice and sexually exploit children, an agent from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement published a post purporting to be from a 13-year-old child. Within a few minutes, the agent received a private message from “Ice Whale,” that initiated a conversation between the two. “Ice Whale,” later identified as Dillon, repeatedly solicited the “child” for sexual acts. He also offered to have sex with the “child’s” 12-year-old “friend,” who he believed to be sleeping over at the “child’s” house. Dillon claimed that he had had sex with 12-year-olds a “couple times,” and he provided his cellphone number to the “child.” Dillon ultimately declined to meet the “child” for the sexual encounter they had previously discussed. However, further investigation revealed that Dillon had previously solicited a 13-year-old girl online to produce nude images of herself. During the execution of a search warrant, agents found chat messages revealing that Dillon had traveled to Georgia to have sex with a child, and had enticed another child to produce child pornography and to meet him for sex. Dillon pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. On September 6, 2017, he was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison.
U.S. v. Justin Laurence McKinley – McKinley, a Jacksonville resident, communicated online via a video streaming program with individuals in eastern Europe who molested young children for broadcast over the Internet. This sexual abuse was live-streamed to McKinley and others in the United States. Over a two-year period, McKinley paid the abusers more than $31,000 for these live “sex shows.” FBI agents executed a search warrant at McKinley’s home and seized computer media that contained, among other things, videos depicting the child sexual abuse that he had commissioned and paid for. The victims depicted in the videos ranged in age from a newborn to an 8-year-old child. Forensic analyses of McKinley’s computer media revealed that his external hard drive contained at least 613 videos and 6,846 images depicting the sexual abuse of children. McKinley pleaded guilty to advertising for child pornography and was sentenced on July 20, 2017, to 30 years federal in prison.
U.S. v. Wilfrido C. Baldera – In March 2016, detectives from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office began investigating possible child exploitation offenses after they had identified an IP address that was a prolific sharer of child pornography. Agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) obtained a search warrant for the address associated with the IP address, Baldera’s residence. Baldera admitted that he had viewed and downloaded child pornography and acknowledged his attraction to young girls. He told agents that he had visited Walmart to look at girls between the ages of 8 and 16 who “put it out there” for sexual arousal, before going home to his wife and described it as being better than going to a strip club. A forensic review of Baldera’s devices revealed videos and photographs that he had produced depicting him raping a 10-year-old girl. Baldera pleaded guilty to producing child pornography and, on October 4, 2017, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison. He also faces capital sexual battery charges filed by the State Attorney’s Office in Jacksonville.
U.S. v. Andrew Ryan Leslie – Leslie was an information technology specialist and part-time babysitter in Middleburg, Florida. During an investigation by ICE-HSI into websites known to host images and videos depicting child pornography, Leslie was identified as a member of one of the sites. When law enforcement officers executed a federal search warrant at his residence, Leslie had a two-year-old child in bed with him, who the agents then rescued. A digital camera located next to Leslie’s bed had an SD card containing a series of images depicting Leslie engaged in sexual acts with two different children. Several of the images were of the child that had been in bed with Leslie that morning. Other images depicted a different child, who was less than a year old, being sexually abused by Leslie. Forensic analyses of Leslie’s other digital media items revealed that he had produced, received, distributed, and possessed numerous images and videos depicting child pornography. Leslie pleaded guilty to two counts of producing child pornography. His sentencing is set for January 30, 2018, where he faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, up to 60 years, in federal prison.
U.S. v. Kyle Adam Kirby – Kirby was a sergeant with the Live Oak Police Department (LOPD). Following an undercover online child exploitation investigation, FBI agents executed a search warrant at Kirby’s home. They also consensually obtained his patrol car computer and an LOPD desktop computer that he had used. During the investigation, Kirby unsuccessfully solicited another officer to delete evidence from the desktop computer. A forensic examiner recovered several deleted thumbnail images of child pornography from the computers, including images of two children that Kirby had produced using hidden cameras. After using his patrol car computer to access and share videos of child pornography, Kirby used a wiping program in an attempt to delete the evidence. On December 7, 2017, a federal jury found Kirby guilty of producing, attempting to produce, possessing, and accessing child pornography. His sentencing is scheduled for March 21, 2018. He faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years, up to 120 years, in federal prison.
Ocala Division
U.S. v. Thomas Edward Abney, Jr. – Abney used his cellphone to produce pornographic images of a two-year-old relative, which he then traded online for other child pornography images. In June 2017, Abney communicated with an undercover agent using an Internet messaging service and claimed that he had performed oral sex on the same child. He sent the agent a link to an 11-minute video depicting child pornography. After his arrest, Abney admitted that he had used his cellphone to produce, distribute, receive, and possess child pornography, including the images of a relative. Abney pleaded guilty to producing and transporting child pornography and will be sentenced in January 2018. Due to his prior state convictions for qualifying child sex offenses, he faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 25 years, up to 90 years, in federal prison.
Orlando Division
U.S. v. Meinrad Kopp – Between April and June 2017, Kopp communicated via the “dark web” with a law enforcement officer, posing as the father of a 13-year-old child, about engaging in sadistic sexual activities with the child. He stated that he wanted to humiliate and inflict severe pain on the child for his sexual gratification by treating her like a dog and torturing her with certain instruments he intended to bring with him. According to Kopp, he had previously beaten an 11-year-old child using a leather belt. On June 16, 2017, Kopp flew to Orlando and was arrested. Inside his luggage, he had packed weights, clamps, rope, tape, a bottle brush, and a flashlight that he intended to use on the minor, along with a camera to record his activities. Kopp pleaded guilty to attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity and was sentenced on December 13, 2017, to life in federal prison.
U.S. v. Billy Leon Dyer – Between June 2016 and February 2017, Dyer induced at least three teenage girls to engage in sexually explicit conduct so that he could produce child pornography. He paid the girls, who were between 14 and 15 years old, $140-$200 each time he had sex with them. Sometimes, he gave them drugs in exchange for sex. Agents discovered Dyer’s conduct after he discussed the details during jail calls that he made to adult inmates at the Brevard County Jail. In March 2017, law enforcement officers conducted an undercover operation using an undercover officer posing as an adult woman online. The “woman” said that she was unable to have sex with Dyer, but referred her 15-year-old cousin. Dyer told the “woman” that he would pay her a $40 finder’s fee for referring her “cousin,” and that he would pay her “cousin” $150 to have sex with him. When Dyer arrived to meet the “cousin,” agents arrested him. On his phone, computer, and thumb drive, agents located more than 170 images depicting the teen girls that Dyer had engaged in sex with at his house. Dyer pleaded guilty to producing images depicting child pornography and on December 20, 2017, he was sentenced to 24 years in federal prison. He was also ordered to forfeit his residence and the vehicle that he had used during the offense.
U.S. v. Jamie P. Esposito – Esposito sexually abused a 7-year-old child once or twice a month over an 18 to 24 month period and chronicled it with photos and videos that he then shared with several individuals online. When agents executed a search warrant at Esposito’s home, they found more than 2,700 images of child pornography, including the images and videos that he had produced. In July 2016, Esposito brought the child to Tampa to be sexually abused by Richmond McDonald and Shauna Boselli, who were later separately charged in Tampa. Esposito took photos and video of the abuse. On August 15, 2017, Esposito was sentenced to 75 years in federal prison for producing child pornography.
U.S. v. Michael Michalak – During the course of several months, Michalak sent links to thousands of images and videos depicting child pornography to an FBI agent who was acting in an undercover capacity on social media. The victims in the images and videos included infants, toddlers, and other young children. Michalak had also sexually assaulted several children, including a preschooler, prior to the commission of these offenses. Michalak pleaded guilty to transporting and distributing child pornography. On February 23, 2017, he was sentenced to 36 years and 8 months in federal prison.
Tampa Division
U.S. v. Richmond McDonald and Shauna Boselli – This couple engaged in abusive sexual activity with a 7-year-old child, with the consent and in the presence of the child’s relative. McDonald and Boselli met the relative, Jamie P. Esposito online and engaged in explicit conversations regarding sexual acts with the child. Esposito brought the child to Tampa to meet McDonald and Boselli. After spending time at the zoo and taking the child for ice cream, McDonald and Boselli sexually abused the child at their Tampa home while Esposito watched. Two days later, McDonald and Boselli met Esposito and the child at their hotel, where the couple continued the sexual abuse. A search of McDonald and Boselli’s residence revealed more than 1,300 images and videos of child pornography, including some with the child victim that Esposito had taken. McDonald and Boselli pleaded guilty to enticing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct. They were sentenced to life imprisonment and 40 years in federal prison, respectively. Esposito was charged with producing child pornography in the Orlando Division and was sentenced to 75 years in federal prison (see above).
U.S. v. Nathan Madsen – Madsen requested and negotiated a price to have sex with a 14-year-old girl, took steps to verify the minor’s existence, and met with and paid an undercover agent to have sex with her. During a search of Madsen’s electronic devices following his arrest, agents discovered that he had persuaded a 16-year-old girl to produce and transmit explicit images and videos, some of which depicted violent, sadistic, or masochistic conduct, for him. Madsen pleaded guilty to enticing a child to produce child pornography and possession of child pornography and was sentenced to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison.
U.S. v. David Paul Lynch – According to evidence presented during trial, Lynch traveled to the Philippines regularly between 2005 and 2016 to have sex with children and make recordings of the abuse. Prior to his trips, he communicated online with “facilitators” in the Philippines to locate children to exploit. He produced child pornography of at least three Filipino children on these visits, and he solicited child pornography via email of a fourth. In December 2016, Lynch was arrested in San Francisco while attempting to board a flight to the Philippines. Simultaneously, FBI agents executed a search at his home in Venice, Florida, and located dozens of self-produced images and videos of child pornography accumulated during his trips abroad. In October 2017, a federal jury found Lynch guilty of eight counts of production of child pornography, two counts of sex tourism, one count of receiving child pornography, and one count of possessing child pornography. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 14, 2018. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, up to 30 years, in federal prison for each production count, up to 30 years’ imprisonment for each travel count, a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 20 years, for receiving child pornography, and up to 10 years in prison for possessing child pornography.
U.S. v. Robert Ware – According to court documents, in December 2011, Ware produced three images of child pornography depicting “E.F.,” who was 18 months old at the time, and sent them to an individual in New York. The investigation of Ware began after law enforcement agents in New York discovered the images of “E.F.” on another defendant’s phone and traced them to Ware. “E.F.’s” mother reported that Ware, a relative, had babysat for the victim during the time the photos were taken. She also recognized the bedding in two of the images as matching that in Ware’s bedroom. Ware pleaded guilty on December 20, 2017, to producing child pornography. His sentencing date has not yet been set. He faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years, up to 30 years, in federal prison.
U.S. v. Paul Fabrizio Solis – In February 2017, undercover FBI agents located a user, later identified as Solis, who was sharing numerous images of child pornography on a file-sharing network. During the execution of a search warrant, agents learned that Solis had taken explicit photographs of a 5-year-old that had been entrusted to Solis’s care by a longtime family friend. Solis kept the photos on a thumb drive in a locked safe in his home. In addition to these images, Solis had more than 4,000 videos and images of child pornography on his laptop computer. Solis pleaded guilty in November 2017 and will be sentenced in February 2018. He faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison for producing and possessing child pornography.
District Man Sentenced to 29 Years in Prison for Murder and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Malik Hough, 22, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 29 years in prison on murder and narcotics charges, U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu announced.
Hough pled guilty in November 2017, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to charges of second-degree murder while armed with a firearm and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance while armed with a firearm. The plea agreement, which was contingent upon the Court’s approval, called for an agreed-upon sentence between 17 and 29 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. The Honorable Judith Bartnoff accepted the plea and sentenced the defendant to the upper end of the agreed range, in accordance with the Government’s recommendation.
In imposing the sentence, Judge Bartnoff called Hough’s actions “inexplicable” and noted that he was on pretrial release for the drug case when he committed the murder. She also noted that there was no justification for the defendant’s actions and that the victim was shot in the back. She added: “What we can’t have in this city is people who have a beef with each other shooting each other. There has to be another way.”
According to the government’s evidence, on Nov. 19, 2016, at approximately 8:20 p.m., Hough took off in unprovoked flight, on foot, from several officers with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) near the 900 block of Varney Street SE. The officers apprehended him in the rear alley of the 900 block of Varney Street SE a few minutes later. Officers canvassed the area and found two items on the ground nearby: a 9mm firearm, loaded with a single round, and a 9mm magazine loaded with 11 rounds of ammunition. DNA testing on the firearm showed that Hough’s DNA was on the firearm. Officers also recovered from Hough’s person on the scene numerous, empty, small baggies. A subsequent search at the Seventh District Station, and testing by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, revealed that Hough had 6.8 grams of cocaine on him as well. During his plea, Hough acknowledged possessing the firearm, the empty zips, and the cocaine at the same time, and admitted that he intended to distribute the cocaine.
After being arrested for those offenses on Nov. 19, 2016, and charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Hough was released by the Court on Nov. 23, 2016, with conditions including that he wear a GPS tracking anklet and not possess any firearms.
The murder took place roughly a month later. At approximately 1:20 p.m. on Dec. 27, 2016, Herbert Dowtin, 22, was walking in the 800 block of Xenia Street SE. Hough, who knew Mr. Dowtin and had previously argued with him, walked up behind Mr. Dowtin and fired 10 shots at him, hitting him eight times. These gunshot wounds caused the death of Mr. Dowtin later that day. Hough then fled, discarding the 9mm firearm under some black fabric fencing approximately two blocks away. The firearm was recovered with the assistance of a gun dog and later was ballistically matched to the shell casings found at the scene. DNA testing on the firearm showed that the defendant was one of the people whose DNA was on the firearm. Hough was wearing his pretrial GPS anklet at the time of the murder, but later cut that anklet off in an attempt to evade prosecution. Hough was arrested on Jan. 6, 2017, and has been in custody ever since.
During his plea, Hough acknowledged that Mr. Dowtin was unarmed when he shot him and that Hough was not acting in self-defense.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Liu commended the work of the detectives of the Criminal Investigations Division Homicide Branch, crime scene officers, the Seventh Police District of the Metropolitan Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. She also expressed appreciation to those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Victim/Witness Advocate Jennifer Allen and Witness Security Specialist Debra Cannon of the Victim/Witness Assistance Unit; Paralegal Specialist Stephanie Siegerist; and former Intern Julia Banegas. Finally, she commended the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Bruckmann and Marybeth Manfreda, who investigated and prosecuted the cases.
Deer Lodge Man Sentenced in Drug Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
HELENA—On Wednesday, January 3, 2018, United States District Court Judge Sam Haddon sentenced Chase Ryan Storlie, 33, of Deer Lodge, Montana, to 360 months in prison, 5 years’ supervised release, and a $100 surcharge for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Storlie was part of a conspiracy to distribute up to 20 pounds of methamphetamine through Deer Lodge, Montana, each month between January 2016 and January 2017. Members of the conspiracy, including Storlie, possessed firearms in connection with the drug trafficking crimes.
Other members of the conspiracy included Jeff Allen Trask, Hector Ricardo Gonzalez, and Christian Jesus Ruiz. The court previously sentenced Trask to 54 months imprisonment; Gonzalez to 260 months; and Ruiz to 60 months.
The conspiracy ended on January 24, 2017, when the authorities arrested Gonzalez and Ruiz in Mineral County, Montana, in possession of 20 pounds of methamphetamine and two handguns. The methamphetamine was destined for Storlie in Deer Lodge.
The charges against Storlie and his codefendants are the result of an investigation by the Montana Division of Criminal Investigations, the Missouri River Drug Task Force, the Helena Police Department, the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office, the Powell County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Montana Highway Patrol, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Tom Bartleson prosecuted the case.
United States Attorney Kurt Alme explained, “This case is an important part of our Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which is focused on reducing violent crime in Montana. Storlie and his co-defendants were distributing enormous amounts of drugs, enough to supply south central Montana with approximately 870,000 individual doses of methamphetamine. As with so many of our drug crimes, Storlie and his co-conspirators possessed firearms in connection with their drug trafficking. Anytime you combine such large amounts of drugs with guns, violence and addiction will result.” Alme also praised the collaborative work of the law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in the case.
Columbus man pleads guilty to federal drug crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Columbus man who was caught selling heroin in Huntington in 2016 pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Traemone Khalil Miller, 22, entered his guilty plea to distribution of heroin and fentanyl.
On July 27, 2016, a confidential informant arranged to purchase heroin from Miller at the Marcum Terrace apartment complex in Huntington. The informant, accompanied by an undercover agent, traveled to that area where the informant met with Miller and others in an apartment. Miller then distributed what he represented to be heroin to the informant. A forensic chemist later analyzed the substance and confirmed it to be heroin mixed with fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid which is anywhere from 25 to 50 times more potent that heroin.
As part of his plea, Miller also admitted that he arranged an additional drug deal with the informant involving heroin mixed with fentanyl on August 3, 2016, and further helped facilitate the informant’s purchase of a firearm on August 25, 2016.
Miller faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 2, 2018.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District. This case was also brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
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Business Agent Sentenced for $3 Million Tax FraudRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Glen Allen man was sentenced today to 20 months in prison for a tax fraud conspiracy that caused a loss to the IRS of over $3 million.
According to court documents, Edward R. Prestes, 48, was a bookkeeper who operated a conspiracy to evade paying income and employment taxes to the IRS for laborers working for various construction companies by paying such laborers more than $9.1 million “under the table.” From 2011 through 2013, Prestes was an agent for Virginia American Contractors, LLC; Elson Contractors, LLC; Proactive Services, LLC; Positive Solutions, LLC; and Service Contractors, LLC. These nominee corporations all used the same mailing address: a post office box in Glen Allen. However, each nominee corporation had a separate bank account in which Prestes was an authorized signatory.
According to the court documents, after various construction companies made regular payments to the nominee corporations, Prestes would then distribute the funds from the nominee corporations to the laborers. Prestes would make these payments to laborers by both cash and check, and would not withhold any income or employment taxes, issue Forms W-2 or 1099 to the laborers, or file quarterly returns or yearly income tax returns for the nominee corporations, as required by law. At the end of each year, the construction companies issued IRS Forms 1099 to the nominee corporations and deducted the payments.
According to the court documents, from 2011 through 2013, the construction companies paid over $9.2 million to the nominee corporations. Prestes then paid the laborers approximately $2.8 million in cash and $6.3 million in checks. Prestes kept as a commission approximately two to three percent of the funds he received from the construction companies. As a result of this conspiracy, the IRS lost over $3 million in employment and income taxes.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Kimberly Lappin, Special Agent in Charge, Washington, D.C. Field Office, IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney. Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Maguire 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. 3:17-cr-114.
Buffalo Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Commit Access Device FraudRead 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 Randy Jarrett, 45 of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit access device fraud, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to 21 months incarceration followed by three years supervised release. Jarrett was also ordered to pay approximately $291,000 in restitution.
Assistant U.S. Attorney MaryEllen Kresse, who handled the case, stated that between July and December, 2013, the defendant conspired with others, including Ricky Butler, Tamika Favors, and Catherine Jarrett, fraudulently to obtain and use unauthorized access devices, namely credit cards, without the knowledge or authorization of the true account holders. Co-conspirator Ricky Butler used the true account holder’s personal identifying information and account access information to contact financial institutions and have new or replacement credit cards issued to addresses in the Western District of New York. During the course of the fraudulent scheme, 17 unauthorized credit cards were mailed to properties which were owned and/or controlled by Randy Jarrett and his mother, Catherine Jarrett. Those credit cards were used by the defendant and the other conspirators to make, and to attempt to make, purchases at Walmart stores and other retail establishments totaling over $330,000.
Tamika Favors and Catherine Jarrett have been convicted and are awaiting sentencing. Ricky Butler is scheduled for trial beginning in February of 2018.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of acting Inspector-in-Charge Ray Moss of the Boston Division; and the United States Secret Service, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Lewis Robinson.Bridgeport Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Heroin and Fentanyl to Overdose VictimRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that PERRY DESHAZO, also known as “Hov” and “Amafia Hov,” 27, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Jeffery A. Meyer in New Haven to one count of distribution of heroin and fentanyl.
This matter stems from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 2, 2016, at approximately 1:35 a.m., Bridgeport Police responded to St. Vincent’s Medical Center after a report of a suspicious death. Hospital staff told officers that a 40-year old female had been dropped off at the hospital and was dead upon arrival.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner subsequently determined that the victim’s death was caused by “acute intoxication due to the combined effects of fentanyl, heroin and alcohol.”
The investigation, which included witness interviews and analysis of cell phone records and social media sites, revealed that DESHAZO supplied the narcotics consumed by the victim shortly before her death.
Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for March 27, 2018, at which time DESHAZO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
DESHAZO has been detained since his arrest on July 17, 2017.
This matter is being investigated by the DEA New Haven Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis and Peter Markle.
Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to failure to register as a sex offender.
Harris Taubman, 57, pleaded guilty to one count of failing to register as a sex offender before U.S. Senior District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf, who scheduled sentencing for March 28, 2018.
Taubman is required to register as a Level 2 sex offender in Massachusetts based on a 2009 federal conviction for possession and receipt of child pornography. Taubman last registered his address in September 2016; in March 2017, law enforcement discovered that Taubman had left that address in January 2017 and thereafter failed to update his registration with the Sex Offender Registry Board.
Failing to register as a sex offender carries a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, a minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 fine. 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 John Gibbons, United States Marshal for the District of Massachusetts, made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by the Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Paruti, Lelling’s Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and a member of the Major Crimes Unit, is prosecuting the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
Bergen County, New Jersey, Man Pleads Guilty to Violent North Jersey CarjackingRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Waldwick, New Jersey, man today admitted carjacking a taxi and striking the victim on the head with a beer bottle, Acting U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick announced.
Arlyn Jowany Carrasco Cruz, 27, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Jose L. Linares in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of carjacking.According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In the early morning hours of Dec. 26, 2016, Cruz and at least five others forcibly took a 2008 Dodge Caravan from a taxicab driver. Cruz and the others forced the taxicab driver into the back of the vehicle and took over driving. As they drove toward Waldwick, Cruz struck the victim in the head with a beer bottle before being let out of the cab.
After dropping Cruz off, the others continued driving the cab to New York, and one individual caused further serious bodily injury to the victim by slicing his throat with a knife before leaving him on the side of the New York State Thruway near Woodbury, New York. The taxicab driver survived.
The carjacking charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 25 years in prison. Cruz’s sentencing is scheduled for April 11, 2018.
Four other men have pleaded guilty to their respective roles in the carjacking, subsequent kidnapping, and an earlier bar robbery in Hawthorne, New Jersey. Guillermo Carrillo-Iraheta, 20, and Juan Chiliseo-Vega, 21, both of Suffern, New York, were sentenced to 150 and 168 months in prison, respectively. Wilbur Jonathon Barahona, 22, or Ridgewood, New Jersey, and Jostin Reyes, 22, also of Walwick, New Jersey, await sentencing.
Acting U.S. Attorney Fitzpatrick credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Timothy Gallagher in Newark, investigators from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal, and the Ridgewood and Hawthorne Police Departments with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elaine K. Lou and Karen D. Stringer of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Newark.
Defense counsel: Susan C. Cassell Esq., Ridgewood, New Jersey
Banker Shaun Hayes Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Shaun R. Hayes, 58, of Frontenac, pled guilty today to participating in a scheme to defraud Excel Bank and to profit from illegal insider loans. He appeared before United States District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig. Sentencing is scheduled for April 13, 2018.
Excel Bank was a federally insured bank with main offices in Sedalia, Missouri. Hayes held a controlling stock interest in the bank which, by 2009, had opened a Loan Production Office (LPO) in Clayton. Hayes controlled the loan activities at the LPO. At Hayes’s direction the commercial and residential real estate lending at Excel Bank increased dramatically through the operation of the LPO. Hayes admitted that many of the loans made through the LPO were substandard and placed the bank at risk. He also admitted that he engaged in unlawful self-dealing by causing loans to be made which directly benefitted him and his associates while concealing his interest in the loans. Hayes admitted that he helped set up a loan at Excel Bank to a straw party and caused some $906,000.00 of the proceeds of that loan to be paid to Centrue Bank to pay off a loan he and his business associate, Michael Litz, had guaranteed for their entity McKnight Man I LLC. Hayes admitted that his interest in the loan was concealed from bank officials and he and Litz made no payments to Excel Bank. Court documents made part of the guilty plea record show that Hayes assisted in causing Excel Bank to make millions of dollars in loans to straw parties in order to cover the delinquent and substandard loans of Eighteen Investments at other banks. According to the charges, Excel Bank lost substantial amounts on these loans.
Hayes also admitted that he and Litz shared in the proceeds of another insider loan at Excel Bank in which Hayes’s and Litz’s interests were concealed. In April, 2009, they each received approximately $300,000.00 from the proceeds of a loan made to Rolling Hills Apartments LLC which operates an apartment complex in north county. They caused Excel Bank to loan much more than was needed by the apartment complex in order to create a pool of money for them. Hayes and Litz structured the payout through several entities so as to insure that their interests were concealed.
"Shaun Hayes exploited Excel Bank when he knowingly issued millions of dollars in bad loans," said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. "When banks fail, we all pay."
Bank regulators closed Excel Bank in October, 2012, and Simmons Bank succeeded it.
Hayes pled guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of misapplication of Excel Bank funds, both federal felonies. The maximum punishment for each count is 30 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000.00.
Litz is scheduled to go to trial in January 22, 2017 on the superseding indictment charging both him and Hayes. As is always the case, charges do not constitute proof of guilt and every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Finance Agency Office of Inspector General, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General and the Office of the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program.
Baltimore Business Owner Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Food Stamp FraudRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Baltimore, Maryland – On January 2, 2018, U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Kassem Mohammad Hafeed, age 53, of Baltimore, Maryland to 27 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for food stamp and wire fraud. Judge Bennett also ordered Hafeed to pay restitution in the amount of $1,532,642.
The sentence 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’s (USDA) Office of Inspector General.
According to Hafeed’s plea agreement and findings made during the sentencing hearing, in October 2010, Hafeed incorporated his business, Yemen Grocery and was licensed to participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as an authorized retailer. In order to participate in SNAP as an authorized retailer, businesses must certify that they understood and agreed that "trade[ing] cash for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits “is a "violation" of SNAP regulations. In order to receive SNAP reimbursements, authorized retailers were required to establish a single authorized bank account, approved by FNS, into which SNAP benefits from legitimate transactions would be deposited.
Between October 2010 and August 2016, Hafeed redeemed SNAP benefits in exchange for cash in violation of the program rules and regulations. Hafeed fraudulently redeemed the full amount of the SNAP benefits charged on the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards and deposited the money into his bank accounts. Typically, Hafeed paid the individual who had presented the EBT card approximately half of the value of the amount he/she had debited in cash.
As a result of these unlawful cash transactions, Hafeed received between $1.5 million and $3.5 million in SNAP deposits for food sales that never actually occurred or were substantially inflated.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning praised the FBI and USDA’s Office of Inspector General for their work in the investigation. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Delaney who prosecuted the case.
Attorney General Sessions Appoints 17 Current and Former Federal Prosecutors as Interim United States AttorneysRead the Press Release
Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced the appointment of 17 federal prosecutors as Interim United States Attorneys pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 546. In a number of United States Attorney’s Offices across the country, First Assistant United States Attorneys are currently serving as Acting United States Attorneys under the Vacancies Reform Act. However, on Jan. 4, 2018, some of those Acting United States Attorneys will have served the maximum amount of time permitted under the Act. The appointments announced by the Attorney General today fill these vacancies.
“United States Attorneys lead federal prosecutions across this country, taking deadly drugs and criminals off of our streets and protecting the safety of law-abiding people, as well as representing the United States in civil litigation.” said Attorney General Sessions. “As a former U.S. Attorney myself, I have seen firsthand the impact that these prosecutors have and it is critical to have U.S. Attorneys in place during this time of rising violent crime, a staggering increase in homicides, and an unprecedented drug crisis."
“That is why, today, I am appointing 17 current and former federal prosecutors to serve as U.S. Attorneys on an interim basis. Each has excellent prosecution skills and the temperament necessary to succeed in this critical role—and they have already proven that with a number of accomplishments on behalf of the American people. I want to thank them for stepping up to take this difficult but noble job. I also want to thank those First Assistant United States Attorneys who temporarily stepped up to lead their offices as Acting U.S. Attorneys and who are now returning to their roles as First Assistants.”
The Attorney General has appointed the following individuals to serve as Interim United States Attorneys:
Shawn Anderson – Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands
Geoffrey Berman – Southern District of New York
Gregory Brooker – District of Minnesota
Craig Carpenito – District of New Jersey
Stephen Dambruch – District of Rhode Island
Richard Donoghue – Eastern District of New York
Dayle Elieson – District of Nevada
Duane Evans – Eastern District of Louisiana
Timothy Garrison – Western District of Missouri
Nick Hanna – Central District of California
Joseph Harrington – Eastern District of Washington
Grant Jaquith – Northern District of New York
Maria Chapa Lopez – Middle District of Florida
Kenji Price – District of Hawaii
Matthew Schneider – Eastern District of Michigan
Gretchen Shappert – District of the Virgin Islands
Alexander Van Hook – Western District of LouisianaAttorney General Jeff Sessions Selects Northern District of Illinois to Receive Three New Assistant U.S. Attorney Positions to Combat Violent CrimeRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — Attorney General Jeff Sessions has selected the Northern District of Illinois to receive additional resources for the fight against violent crime. The Northern District of Illinois will receive three additional Assistant U.S. Attorney positions to focus exclusively on violent crime. Nationally, 40 new federal prosecutors will be assigned to 27 districts throughout the United States.
“Led by our 94 United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Neighborhoods task forces are hitting the streets across America to apprehend and bring violent criminals to justice,” said Attorney General Sessions. “I have asked Congress for additional PSN funding because I believe nothing will be more effective at reducing violent crime. Under this program, I am asking a great deal of our United States Attorneys. I am both empowering them and holding them accountable for results. To put them in the best position to impact and reduce violent crime, it is my privilege to announce that through a re-allocation of resources, we will be enlisting and deploying 40 additional violent crime prosecutors across the United States."
“We welcome the additional resources,” said John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. “Our Assistant U.S. Attorneys work tirelessly to prosecute violent offenders and reduce violent crime in Chicago and throughout northern Illinois, and these new positions will strengthen those efforts."
Under the Attorney General’s re-allocation, the Northern District of Illinois and the District of Maryland received the highest number of new Assistant U.S. Attorney positions.
New AUSA Positions by District
Northern District of Alabama - 1
Eastern District of Arkansas - 1
Northern District of California - 2
Southern District of California - 1
District of Connecticut - 1
District of Columbia - 1
Central District of Illinois - 1
Northern District of Illinois - 3
Southern District of Indiana - 1
Eastern District of Louisiana - 1
District of Maryland - 3
Western District of Michigan - 1
Eastern District of Missouri - 2
Western District of Missouri - 1
District of Nevada - 2
District of New Mexico - 1
Eastern District of New York - 2
Western District of New York - 1
Northern District of Ohio - 2
Eastern District of Pennsylvania - 1
Middle District of Tennessee - 2
Western District of Tennessee - 2
Eastern District of Texas - 1
Northern District of Texas - 1Attorney General Jeff Sessions Selects District of Columbia to Receive Additional Prosecutor to Help Combat Violent CrimeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Attorney General Jeff Sessions has selected the District of Columbia to receive additional resources for the fight against violent crime. The district will receive an additional Assistant U.S. Attorney to focus exclusively on violent crime, one of 40 new federal prosecutors in 27 selected locations throughout the United States.
“Led by our 94 United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) task forces are hitting the streets across America to apprehend and bring violent criminals to justice. I have asked Congress for additional PSN funding because I believe nothing will be more effective at reducing violent crime,” said Attorney General Sessions. "Under this program, I am asking a great deal of our United States Attorneys. I am both empowering them and holding them accountable for results. To put them in the best position to impact and reduce violent crime, it is my privilege to announce that through a re-allocation of resources, we will be enlisting and deploying 40 additional violent crime prosecutors across the United States."
“These extra resources will help us focus on the most violent areas and offenders in the District of Columbia while still meeting our many other responsibilities,” said U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu. “We are grateful for the Attorney General’s support and look forward to getting our reinforcements to work on behalf of the citizens of the District of Columbia.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is working with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and other law enforcement partners on a Justice Department initiative called Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) that is expected to generate additional cases focusing on violent crime. Under Project Safe Neighborhoods, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to a coordinated law enforcement approach and identifying and addressing the most violent locations in the District of Columbia and the offenders.
Although the violent crime rate in the District of Columbia has generally declined since 2015, law enforcement continues to identify specific groups of violent offenders and “hot spot” areas within the city that correlate with significant violent crime. The hiring of an additional prosecutor will enable the U.S. Attorney’s Office to sharpen its focus on offenders in those hot spots and investigate and charge a wide range of offenses, including federal firearm offenses, Hobbs Act robberies, homicides, and racketeering conspiracies. The prosecutor will work with the Office’s Violent Crime and Narcotics Trafficking Section.
In addition to the District of Columbia, Attorney General Sessions has announced that each of these jurisdictions will receive additional prosecutors:
Northern District of Alabama - 1
Eastern District of Arkansas - 1
Northern District of California - 2
Southern District of California - 1
District of Connecticut - 1
Central District of Illinois - 1
Northern District of Illinois - 3
Southern District of Indiana - 1
Eastern District of Louisiana - 1
District of Maryland - 3
Western District of Michigan - 1
Eastern District of Missouri - 2
Western District of Missouri - 1
District of Nevada - 2
District of New Mexico - 1
Eastern District of New York - 2
Western District of New York - 1
Northern District of Ohio - 2
Eastern District of Pennsylvania - 1
Middle District of Tennessee - 2
Western District of Tennessee - 2
Eastern District of Texas - 1
Northern District of Texas - 1
Southern District of Texas - 2
Western District of Texas - 1
Eastern District of Wisconsin – 2Attorney General Jeff Sessions Selects District of Nevada to Receive Two New Assistant United States Attorney Positions to Combat Violent CrimeRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Attorney General Jeff Sessions has selected the District of Nevada to receive two additional Assistant United States Attorneys to focus exclusively on violent crime. The District of Nevada was selected as one of 27 districts throughout the United States to receive additional resources for the fight against violent crime.
“Led by our 94 United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) task forces are hitting the streets across America to apprehend and bring violent criminals to justice. I have asked Congress for additional PSN funding next year because I believe nothing will be more effective at reducing violent crime,” said Attorney General Sessions. "Under this program, I am asking a great deal of our United States Attorneys. I am both empowering them and holding them accountable for results. To put them in the best position to impact and reduce violent crime, it is my privilege to announce today that through a re-allocation of resources, we will be enlisting and deploying 40 additional violent crime prosecutors across the United States."
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office will hire two new Assistant U.S. Attorneys to join our dedicated team in reducing violent crime in Nevada. The new prosecutors will work closely with law enforcement partner agencies to reduce violent crime and to remove dangerous offenders from our communities,” said Acting United States Attorney Steven W. Myhre.
More information on the locations of those 40 Assistant United States Attorneys and violent crime task forces is below:
AUSA Breakdown by District
Northern District of Alabama - 1
Eastern District of Arkansas - 1
Northern District of California - 2
Southern District of California - 1
District of Connecticut - 1
District of Columbia - 1
Central District of Illinois - 1
Northern District of Illinois - 3
Southern District of Indiana - 1
Eastern District of Louisiana - 1
District of Maryland - 3
Western District of Michigan - 1
Eastern District of Missouri - 2
Western District of Missouri - 1
District of Nevada - 2
District of New Mexico - 1
Eastern District of New York - 2
Western District of New York - 1
Northern District of Ohio - 2
Eastern District of Pennsylvania - 1
Middle District of Tennessee - 2
Western District of Tennessee - 2
Eastern District of Texas - 1
Northern District of Texas - 1
Southern District of Texas - 2
Western District of Texas - 1
Eastern District of Wisconsin – 2Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment by the Department of Justice to reduce gun and gang crime in America by networking local programs and providing these programs with additional tools necessary to be successful. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv.
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Attorney General Jeff Sessions Appoints Stephen Dambruch Interim United States AttorneyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced the appointment of Stephen G. Dambruch as Interim United States Attorney pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 546, which provides that “the Attorney General may appoint a United States Attorney for the district in which the office of United States Attorney is vacant.” This appointment will take effect on January 5, 2018.
As the top federal law enforcement officer in Rhode Island, Mr. Dambruch will continue to focus on reducing violent crime in the District through the Department of Justice’s crime reduction strategy – Project Safe Neighborhoods – and leading coordinated federal, state and local law enforcement efforts to address the opioid crisis across Rhode Island.
“For decades, Stephen Dambruch has prosecuted criminals in Rhode Island,” said Attorney General Sessions. “He has successfully taken illegal guns and drugs off of our streets, and has worked significant public corruption matters. As Interim U.S. Attorney for Rhode Island, he will continue to have a positive impact on the community.”
A career prosecutor, Mr. Dambruch was appointed as an Assistant United States Attorney in January 2004. Mr. Dambruch was named Criminal Division Chief in February 2007 and First Assistant United States Attorney in January 2014.
Prior to his beginning his tenure with the United States Attorney’s Office, Mr. Dambruch served as a state prosecutor with the Rhode Island Department of Attorney General for over sixteen years, including appointments as Chief of the Narcotics Prosecution Unit, Chief Prosecutor for Kent, Newport and Washington Counties, and Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division.
Mr. Dambruch is a 1982 graduate of Providence College. He received his law degree from Boston College Law School in 1985.
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Attorney General Jeff Sessions Appoints Richard P. Donoghue as Interim United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New YorkRead the Press Release
Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced the appointment of Richard P. Donoghue as Interim United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 546, which provides that “the Attorney General may appoint a United States Attorney for the district in which the office of United States Attorney is vacant.” This appointment will take effect on January 5, 2018.
“When I became Attorney General, President Trump gave me clear orders to go after MS-13,” stated United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions. “Since then, this Department of Justice has been relentless, arresting hundreds of MS-13 members from Los Angeles to Long Island. Today, I am appointing someone as Interim United States Attorney for Eastern District of New York who has tremendous experience prosecuting MS-13: Richard Donoghue. As a federal prosecutor for more than a decade—including as Criminal Chief of that office—he has been involved in the prosecution of gang members, terrorists, and corrupt public officials. Every MS-13 member in Long Island should know, Richard Donoghue will use all the tools at his disposal to get criminals off our streets.”
From 2000 to 2011, Mr. Donoghue served as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York (USAO EDNY), where he held positions including Chief of the Criminal Division and Chief of the Long Island Criminal Division. As an AUSA, he investigated and prosecuted a wide array of cases, including MS-13 racketeering cases and other violent crime, white collar crime, public integrity offenses, and drug trafficking. While at the USAO EDNY, Mr. Donoghue received the following awards: the New York City Bar Association’s Henry L. Stimson Medal (2007 awarded annually to outstanding AUSAs), and the Eastern District Association’s Charles E. Rose Award (2009, awarded annually to outstanding AUSAs). From 1993 to 2000, Mr. Donoghue served on active duty in the U.S. Army JAG Corps, where he held positions including Military Magistrate Judge, Prosecutor, Defense Counsel and Contract Litigator, and from 1993 through 1995, Mr. Donoghue served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. Mr. Donoghue has received the following military awards: a Meritorious Service Medal (awarded twice – January 2000, January 1999), an Army Commendation Medal (awarded twice – December 1996, January 1996), an Army Achievement Medal (December 1993), and a Humanitarian Service Medal (October 1997). Mr. Donoghue is currently the Chief Litigation Counsel for CA Technologies, where he oversees the company’s litigation matters worldwide. He received his B.A., cum laude, from Hofstra University and his J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law.
Upon the appointment of Mr. Donoghue as Interim United States Attorney, Acting United States Attorney Bridget M. Rohde will resume her role as First Assistant United States Attorney.Attorney General Jeff Sessions Appoints Nicola T. Hanna as Interim United States Attorney for the Central District of CaliforniaRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced the appointment of Nicola T. Hanna as Interim United States Attorney.
The appointment of Mr. Hanna, which will take effect on Friday, is being made pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 546, which provides that “the Attorney General may appoint a United States Attorney for the district in which the office of United States Attorney is vacant.”
“Nick Hanna has earned the respect of California’s legal community as both a defense attorney and as a prosecutor. He spent more than seven years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Justice Department taking on drug traffickers and other criminals,” said Attorney General Sessions. “Now Nick will continue that great work as Interim United States Attorney for the Central District of California. With his expertise and his outstanding record, the people of California can be confident in his leadership.”
Mr. Hanna is currently a partner at the Irvine office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. He previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney in Los Angeles from 1990 to 1994, where he prosecuted major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations, as well as violent and economic crimes. From 1995 to 1998, Mr. Hanna served as an Assistant United States Attorney in San Diego, where he focused on investigating and prosecuting international drug cartels.
Mr. Hanna received his B.A. from the University of California, San Diego, and his J.D., magna cum laude, from Georgetown University.
When Mr. Hanna becomes the Interim United States Attorney on Friday, Acting United States Attorney Sandra R. Brown will resume her role as the First Assistant United States Attorney.
The Central District of California includes the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions Appoints Maria Chapa Lopez as Interim United States AttorneyRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced the appointment of Maria Chapa Lopez as Interim United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 546, which provides that “the Attorney General may appoint a United States Attorney for the district in which the office of United States Attorney is vacant.” This appointment will take effect on January 5, 2018.
“With one American dying of a drug overdose every nine minutes, we are facing the deadliest drug crisis in American history,” said Attorney General Sessions. “I am appointing today, as Interim U.S. Attorney, someone with a lot of experience taking dangerous drugs off of our streets. Maria Chapa Lopez has secured convictions of Columbian cocaine smugglers, Tampa crack dealers, and doctors and pharmacists overprescribing and illegally dispensing opioids. This is incredible work and I am convinced it has saved lives. She will undoubtedly keep up this good work as Interim U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida.”
Ms. Chapa Lopez has worked in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the MDFL for the past 16 years, from April 2000 to April 2016, prosecuting transnational drug trafficking organizations, complex domestic narcotics trafficking cases, large-scale money laundering cases, and complex opioid cases. From April 2016 to the present, Ms. Chapa Lopez has been the DOJ Deputy Attaché in the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, she served in the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Ms. Chapa Lopez received her B.A. from the University of Texas, her J.D. from South Texas College of Law, and her L.L.M. from the Judge Advocate General’s School, in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Upon the appointment of Ms. Chapa Lopez as Interim United States Attorney, Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow will resume his role as First Assistant United States Attorney.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions Appoints Kenji Price as Interim United States AttorneyRead the Press Release
HONOLULU -- Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced the appointment of Kenji Price as Interim United States Attorney pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 546, which provides that “the Attorney General may appoint a United States Attorney for the district in which the office of United States Attorney is vacant.” This appointment will take effect on January 5, 2018.
“Kenji Price is a former Army Ranger with two Bronze stars, and a former federal prosecutor who worked organized crime, public corruption, and international drug trafficking cases—including against the Sinaloa Cartel,” said Attorney General Sessions. “He will bring this outstanding background to the job of Interim U.S. Attorney for Hawaii. I am confident he will excel in this role as he has in every other.”
Mr. Price grew up in Hawaii and is currently a director at Alston Hunt Floyd & Ing, where his practice focuses on white collar criminal defense and commercial litigation. Prior to joining Alston Hunt Floyd & Ing, Mr. Price was a Partner and Of Counsel at Carlsmith Ball LLP, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Mr. Price previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Eastern District of New York, where he prosecuted a variety of cases involving domestic and international narcotics trafficking and other federal offenses. He clerked for the Honorable Kent A. Jordan of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and the Honorable Robert B. Kugler of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. Mr. Price completed his undergraduate studies at Gonzaga University, and obtained his J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. He also served as an officer in the U.S. Army for approximately four years, during which he served as a member of the 75th Ranger Regiment and the 173rd Airborne Brigade.
Upon the appointment of Mr. Price as Interim United States Attorney, Acting United States Attorney Elliot Enoki will resume his role as First Assistant United States Attorney.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions Appoints Gregory G. Brooker as Interim United States AttorneyRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced the appointment of Gregory G. Brooker as Interim United States Attorney pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 546, which provides that “the Attorney General may appoint a United States Attorney for the district in which the office of United States Attorney is vacant.” This appointment will take effect on January 5, 2018.
“For the past 18 years, Gregory Brooker has ably represented the people of Minnesota as a leader in the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said Attorney General Sessions. “He has invaluable experience both in private practice and as a federal prosecutor. He has put fraudsters and other criminals behind bars. I am confident that he will make an excellent Interim U.S. Attorney for Minnesota, and I am pleased to appoint him today.”
Mr. Brooker joined the United States Attorney’s Office in 1999 as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. From 2007-2014, he served as Chief of the Civil Division and in February 2014, he was appointed to the position of First Assistant U.S. Attorney. Mr. Brooker has served as Acting U.S. Attorney since March 11, 2017. Prior to joining the Office, Mr. Brooker spent five years with the Minneapolis law firm of Popham, Haik, Schnobrich, Kaufman and Doty, handing a wide variety of commercial litigation cases.
Mr. Brooker is a Minnesota native who attended Rush City High School in Rush City, Minn., and received his law degree in 1985 from the University of Minnesota Law School. More information about Mr. Brooker’s biography is available at www.justice.gov/usao-mn/
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Attorney General Jeff Sessions Appoints Grant C. Jaquith as Interim United States AttorneyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced the appointment of Grant C. Jaquith as Interim United States Attorney pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 546, which provides that “the Attorney General may appoint a United States Attorney for the district in which the office of United States Attorney is vacant.” This appointment will take effect on January 5, 2018.
“Grant Jaquith has dedicated most of his career to public service as a federal prosecutor and a member of the military,” said Attorney General Sessions. “He has earned not only the rank of Colonel, but a well-deserved reputation for determination and toughness as an attorney. Over the last 28 years, he has prosecuted drug dealers, cop killers, and violent criminals. That work has had a major impact on the community. With Grant as Interim United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York, I believe that New Yorkers are in good hands.”
Mr. Jaquith is currently the Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York. He has worked in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York since 1989, serving as First Assistant United States Attorney (2010-2017), Chief of the Criminal Division (2006-2010), and Narcotics Chief and Chief of the Albany Office (1998-2006).
Attorney General Jeff Sessions Appoints Geoffrey S. Berman as Interim United States AttorneyRead the Press Release
Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced the appointment of Geoffrey S. Berman as Interim United States Attorney pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 546, which provides that “the Attorney General may appoint a United States Attorney for the district in which the office of United States Attorney is vacant.” This appointment will take effect on January 5, 2018.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions said: “Geoffrey Berman brings three decades of invaluable experience to the role of Interim United States Attorney. He was part of the prosecution team charged with investigating the Iran-Contra matter and served as a federal prosecutor in the Southern District of New York. As Interim U.S. Attorney for this same district, he will lead an incredible team of attorneys and investigators and help provide New Yorkers with safety, security, and peace of mind. I am pleased to appoint him to this important role.”
Biographical information for Interim U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman:
- Mr. Berman is currently a principal shareholder in the New York and New Jersey offices of Greenberg Traurig.
- From 1990 to 1994, Mr. Berman was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York, where he handled complex criminal prosecutions, including tax, securities and computer hacking violations.
- Prior to that Mr. Berman was an Associate Counsel in the Office of Independent Counsel Iran-Contra, where he successfully prosecuted a former CIA employee for tax fraud.
- Mr. Berman clerked for Judge Leonard Garth of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
- Mr. Berman received his B.A., magna cum laude, from University of Pennsylvania and his B.A., beta gamma sigma, from the Wharton School. Mr. Berman received his J.D. from Stanford Law School, where he was Note Editor of the Stanford Law Review.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions Appoints Duane A. Evans as Interim United States AttorneyRead the Press Release
Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced the appointment of Duane A. Evans as Interim United States Attorney pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 546, which provides that “the Attorney General may appoint a United States Attorney for the district in which the office of United States Attorney is vacant.” This appointment will take effect on January 5, 2018.
“For nearly two decades as a prosecutor, Duane Evans has worked tirelessly to take on public corruption, drug trafficking, and racketeering,” said Attorney General Sessions. “I am grateful to him for his service and I am confident that he will continue to deliver results as Interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana.”
“Thanks to Attorney General Sessions and the Department of Justice for their continued trust and support,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Evans. “I also would like to thank the employees of this office, both past and present, and our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners for their tireless work for the citizens of the Eastern District of Louisiana.”
Duane A. Evans became Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana on March 11, 2017. Since November 2015, Mr. Evans served as the First Assistant United States Attorney and assisted with management of the daily operations of the office. Prior to becoming First Assistant, Mr. Evans served as a Senior Litigation Counsel and later, Chief of the Criminal Division. Mr. Evans first joined the United States Attorney’s Office in August 2000. His first assignment was to the Violent Crimes Unit where he later became the Unit’s Chief. In 2010, he became Chief of the Strike Force and Anti-Gang Unit. During his time at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mr. Evans successfully prosecuted matters related to firearms, public corruption, violent crime, illegal narcotics trafficking, access device fraud, government theft, and the Racketeer Influenced and Corruption Organization Act (RICO).
Mr. Evans is a 2006 recipient of the Executive Office of U.S. Attorneys Director’s Award for Superior Performance by a Litigative Team.
Mr. Evans received his juris doctorate degree from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law in 1995 and received a B.S.E.E. from Tulane University School of Engineering in 1990. Mr. Evans clerked for Virgin Islands Superior Court Judge Ishmael A. Meyers (retired). He later served as an Assistant District Attorney for the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office from 1998 to 2000. He is a native of St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions Appoints Dayle Elieson as Interim United States AttorneyRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced the appointment of Dayle Elieson as Interim United States Attorney pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 546, which provides that “the Attorney General may appoint a United States Attorney for the district in which the office of United States Attorney is vacant.” This appointment will take effect on January 5, 2018.
“Dayle Elieson has served this Department for more than 15 years and has prosecuted criminals for more than 20 years,” said Attorney General Sessions. “At the federal level, she has successfully taken on fraudsters, money launderers, and terrorists. She is experienced, highly respected, and she will be an excellent leader as Interim U.S. Attorney for Nevada.”
Ms. Elieson has prosecuted cases at both the state and federal levels, having served as an Assistant District Attorney for Dallas County and Denton County, Texas, and as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas. Ms. Elieson received her J.D. from Brigham Young University J. Reuben Clark Law School and her B.A. in English from the University of Texas at Austin.
Upon the appointment of Ms. Elieson as Interim United States Attorney, Acting United States Attorney Steven W. Myhre will resume his role as First Assistant United States Attorney.
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Attorney General Jeff Sessions Appoints Craig Carpenito as Interim United States Attorney, District of New JerseyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced the appointment of Craig Carpenito as Interim United States Attorney pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 546, which provides that “the Attorney General may appoint a United States Attorney for the district in which the office of United States Attorney is vacant.” This appointment will take effect Jan. 5, 2018.
“Craig Carpenito has experience in private practice, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and as an Assistant United States Attorney,” Attorney General Sessions said. “He has successfully prosecuted white collar criminals and fraudsters, and as Interim United States Attorney for New Jersey, he will continue to put criminals out of business—and behind bars.”
Mr. Carpenito is currently a partner at Alston & Bird LLP, where he is a co-chair of the firm’s Litigation and Trial Practice Group and its Government and Internal Investigations Team. He served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey from 2005 to 2008.
Between August 2000 and September 2005, Mr. Carpenito was Senior Counsel in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Enforcement, New York Regional Office. He received his B.A. from Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, and his J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law in Newark.
Upon the appointment of Mr. Carpenito as Interim United States Attorney, Acting United States Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick will resume his role as First Assistant United States Attorney.
Attorney General Appoints Interim U.S. AttorneyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced the appointment of Timothy Garrison as Interim United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri.
“Timothy Garrison has served this country admirably as a Marine for 14 years and as a federal prosecutor for a decade,” said Attorney General Sessions. “He has gone after drug traffickers and gangs and he’s the kind of leader we need as Interim U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri. In this new role, he is well positioned to tackle violent crime and keep the people of Missouri safe.”
Garrison has served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the district’s Springfield office since 2007, prosecuting interstate and international drug trafficking, murder, money laundering, and other offenses.
Garrison is a lieutenant colonel in the Marine Corps Reserve. His military service has taken him to duty stations across the United States, as well as Iraq and Afghanistan. Before becoming a federal prosecutor, Garrison was a prosecutor in the Marine Corps, and received Army JAG School’s trial advocacy award.
Garrison is a recipient of the Missouri Bar Foundation award for appellate advocacy before the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. He received a B.S. from Drury University, and a M.P.A. and J.D. from the University of Missouri.
Atlantic County, New Jersey, Man Sentenced to 235 Months in Prison for His Role in Crack Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – An Atlantic County man was sentenced today to 235 months in prison for distribution and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine in the Atlantic County, New Jersey area, Acting U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick announced.
Tozine Tiller, 43, of Galloway, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Jerome B. Simandle in Camden federal court for his distribution and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine on June 11, 2013.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Tozine Tiller was responsible for distributing in excess of 840 grams of crack cocaine from February 2010 through Dec. 10, 2014. The conspiracy that Tiller participated in was extensive and involved the trafficking of cocaine, crack cocaine and heroin. Tiller and others used residences in Pleasantville and Absecon to store and package cocaine and crack cocaine.
Twelve individuals have been charged for their participation in this drug trafficking conspiracy and all but one of those charged have been convicted. One defendant remains a fugitive.
The following individuals have been sentenced:Francisco Rascon-Muracami –70 months in prison;
John Wellman –130 months in prison;
Ronald Douglas Byrd – 96 months in prison;
Talib Tiller – 57 months in prison;
Tejohn Cooper – 96 months in prison; and
Kabaka Atiba – 120 months in prison.The other defendants are awaiting sentencing.
Acting U.S. Attorney Fitzpatrick credited special agents of the FBI’s Newark Division, Atlantic City Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Timothy Gallagher; the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Newark Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Valerie Nickerson; the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner; and the Atlantic City Police Department, under the direction of Police Chief Henry White, with the investigation leading to these convictions.
He also thanked the N.J. State Police; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)-Homeland Security Investigation (HSI); U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and the Ventnor, Northfield and Millville police departments for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Diana Vondra Carrig of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.
Defense counsel: Gilbert Scutti Esq. Somerdale, New Jersey
Albuquerque Man Sentenced to Twenty Years for Bank Robbery Spree in August 2016Read the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Acting U.S. Attorney James D. Tierney, Special Agent in Charge Terry Wade of the FBI’s Albuquerque Division, and Chief of Police Michael Geier of the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) announced today that Christopher James Baum, 37, of Albuquerque, N.M., was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his conviction on federal bank robbery charges. Baum will be on supervised release for three years after completing his prison sentence.
Baum, whose criminal history included three prior bank robbery convictions, was prosecuted under a federal anti-violence initiative that targets “the worst of the worst” offenders for federal prosecution. Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies work with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders 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.
The FBI and APD arrested Baum in Aug. 2016, on a criminal complaint charging him with robbing four banks and attempting to rob a fifth bank in Bernalillo County, N.M. According to the complaint, Baum committed the bank robberies between Aug. 16, 2016 and Aug. 24, 2016, by entering Albuquerque-area banks and demanding money from bank tellers.
On Nov. 3, 2016, Baum pled guilty to a felony information charging him with six counts of bank robbery. In entering the guilty plea, Baum admitted the following criminal conduct:
- Robbing the Bank of the West branch located at 5901 Menaul Blvd. NE on Aug. 16, 2016;
- Robbing the Bank of the West branch located at 2101 Eubank Blvd. NE on Aug. 19, 2016;
- Attempting to rob the Bank of Albuquerque branch located at 4201 Wyoming Blvd. NE on Aug. 23, 2016;
- Robbing the Nusenda Credit Union branch located at 7517 Montgomery Blvd. NE on Aug. 23, 2016;
- Robbing the Wells Fargo Bank branch located at 4700 Tramway Blvd. NE on Aug. 24, 2016; and
- Robbing the Bank of the West branch located at 780 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE on Aug. 30, 2016.
Baum also admitted brandishing a pistol at a bank teller when he committed the Aug. 30, 2016 bank robbery.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the FBI and APD and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Spindle.
Tuesday 2 January 2018
Woman Sentenced to Prison for Trafficking Synthetic Cannabinoids on Menominee Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on December 27, 2017, Sheila Madosh (age: 53), a woman who was involved in the trafficking of synthetic cannabinoids on the Menominee Indian Reservation, received a sentence of 24 months in prison and 36 months of supervised release. The sentence was imposed by Chief United States District Judge William C. Griesbach, and followed a September 2017 guilty plea to a charge of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance Analogue in violation of Title 21, Untied States Code, Sections 841 and 813.
The investigation revealed that the defendant obtained and sold synthetic cannabinoids from her residence in Neopit, which is on the Menominee Indian Reservation. Abuse of synthetic cannabinoids on the Menominee Indian Reservation was a public health crisis during the same period of time, with numerous calls for medical service to assist users who had adverse reactions to synthetic drugs like those distributed by the defendant. Examples of symptoms suffered from those who abused the substances included seizures, extremely high blood pressure, high body temperature, catatonia, and disorientation.
In sentencing the defendant, Chief Judge Griesbach noted the serious nature of the offense, which involved the sale of a “poison” that caused great harm to the Menominee Indian community. Chief Judge Griesbach indicated his intent to deter the defendant and anyone else from preying on the weaknesses of others in the community. Chief Judge Griesbach further noted Madosh’s motive for selling synthetic cannabinoids, which originated not out of a desire to feed an addiction but instead to make a profit at the expense of the health of her fellow tribal members.
The case was investigated by the Menominee Tribal Police Department, the Wisconsin Department of Justice – Division of Criminal Investigation (Native American Drug and Gang Initiative), the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier.
# # # # #
For Additional Information Contact:
Public Information Officer Elizabeth Makowski 414-297-1700
Waterbury Man Charged with Middlebury Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ZACHARY PROVOST, 32, of Waterbury, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with committing two armed robberies in Middlebury last month.
PROVOST has been detained since his arrest on state charges on December 9, 2017. He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joan G. Margolis in New Haven and was ordered detained.
As alleged in the criminal complaint, at approximately 10:00 a.m. on December 8, 2017, PROVOST robbed the Mobil gas station, located at 750 Straits Turnpike in Middlebury, and the Dunkin’ Donuts located inside the Mobil gas station. PROVOST first robbed the Mobil by pointing what appeared to be firearm at the cashier and ordering the cashier to give him the contents of the cash register. The cashier unlocked the cash register and PROVOST took approximately $578 in cash from the register. PROVOST also demanded and received cigarettes valued at approximately $131, from the cashier. PROVOST then walked to the Dunkin’ Donuts counter, displayed a handgun to the cashier and took approximately $350 in cash from the cash register.
It is further alleged that law enforcement identified PROVOST from surveillance images, and that PROVOST is also a suspect in multiple bank robberies.
On December 9, 2017, PROVOST was arrested by Waterbury Police officers after they responded to a call of an overdose of a woman at a motel in Waterbury. Officers were able to revive the overdose victim, who had been staying in the same room as PROVOST.
The complaint charges PROVOST with Hobbs Act Robbery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Waterbury Police Department and other state and local law enforcement agencies. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Washington, D.C. Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Phencyclidine (PCP) ConspiracyRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Greenbelt, Maryland – United States District Judge Paula Xinis has sentenced Glenn Wright, age 48, of Baltimore, Maryland, to eight years in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute phencyclidine (“PCP”).
The sentence was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning; Special Agent in Charge Andrew W. Vale of the FBI Washington Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the FBI Baltimore Field Office; Chief Henry P. Stawinski of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Sheriff Melvin C. High of the Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Office; and Chief Peter Newsham of the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department.
Wright was a member of a drug trafficking conspiracy, which, according to his plea agreement, operated in Maryland and Washington, D.C. Wright participated in the conspiracy by purchasing PCP from Alexander Patton and then transporting and distributing the PCP to others. Wright made multiple purchases of PCP from Patton during the course of the investigation. During the execution of a search warrant at his residence in December 2016, agents seized eight glass vials of an amber liquid that was later determined to be PCP. The weight of the mixture and substance containing PCP that was recovered from Wright’s residence was over 100 grams.
Other members of the conspiracy who have been sentenced include:
Alexander Patton, age 41, of Waldorf, Maryland, sentenced to 120 months in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release.
Reginald Duckett, age 49, of Washington, D.C., sentenced to 84 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
Jermaine Washington, age 44, of Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia, sentenced to 37 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning commended the FBI, the Prince George’s County Police Department, the Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Office and the Metropolitan Police Department. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph Baldwin and Gregory Bernstein, who are prosecuting the case.
Violent Crime Federal Prosecution UpdateRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – The United States Attorney’s Office will prosecute aggressively violent criminals and drug dealers. Federal prosecution is a powerful tool in the fight to reduce violent crime. Below is a list of defendants prosecuted federally in December:
Willie Curtis, 52, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Corey Felton, 46, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm, one felony count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and one felony count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Eric Jenkins, Shuqualak, MS, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Jermaine Lewis and Amin Suluki-Bey, was indicted by a federal grand jury to one felony count each to armed robbery, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and felon in possession of a firearm.
Jeffrey Meyer, 39, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Bryant Spraggins, 44, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Marlon Adams, 36, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Demarye Briggs, 20, St. Charles, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Lamar Brison, 31, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Cecil Cooper, 29, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
Jerome Hughes, 30, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Warren Johnson, 53, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of armed robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and felon in possession of a firearm.
Jerry Massey, 25, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; possession with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine base, marijuana and fentanyl; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Justin Morrow, 19, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of armed robbery and one felony count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Jevantae Phillips, 20, and Travion Lindsey, 19, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of carjacking; attempted carjacking; brandishing and/or discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; conspiracy to interfere with commerce by threats of violence; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Michael Smith, 26, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; possession with intent to distribute heroin/fentanyl; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Horatio Sumrall, Jr., 28, Belleville, IL, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Deante Works, 38, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Shelton Bailey, 44, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
Dajuan Kirkland, 28, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Christopher Rhodes, Jr., 20, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
David Staples, 48, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Calvin E. Kyles, 33, St. Louis, pled guilty to one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Lenard Kelly, 29, St. Louis, pled guilty to two felony counts of armed robbery.
Darryl Richards, 43, St. Louis, pled guilty to one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Max Haynes, 26, Florissant, pled guilty to one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Andrew Henderson, 30, St. Louis, pled guilty to one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Jon A. Parker, 29, Union, MO, pled guilty to one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
James W. Newberry, 26, St. Louis, pled guilty to one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Laythan Hearton, 22, St. Louis, pled guilty to one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Warren Turner, 27, St. Louis, pled guilty to one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Fidencio Lagunes-Elias, 36, Chesterfield, pled guilty to one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Tyrone Armstrong, 44, St. Louis, pled guilty to one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Lamont Brison, 27, St. Louis, pled guilty to one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Jason Mitchell, 34, Fenton, pled guilty to one felony count of manufacture methamphetamine and one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Hollis Weaver, 25, S. Louis, pled guilty to one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Stephen Redd, 20, pled guilty to one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Avion Allen, 25, St. Louis, pled guilty to one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Lavell T. Sherman, 23, St. Louis, pled guilty to one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Roy C. White, 35, pled guilty to one felony count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Charles Leonard, 48, pled guilty to one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm and one felony count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Joseph D. Stewart, 41, St. Louis, pled guilty to two felony counts of felon in possession of a firearm.
Quontre Thomas, 26, Florissant, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Stephonne Wilder, 22, Ferguson, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Travion Brown, 20, St. Louis, pled guilty to three felony counts of carjacking; and one felony count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Brandon Johnson, 33, St. Louis pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Demetrius Lewis, 28, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Nisean Davis, 29, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Jeramie Blount, 32, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Devin Jones, 28, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Andrew Henry, 33, St. Louis, was sentenced to 37 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Jakeem Eason, 26, St. Louis, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Brandon Wyatt, 38, St. Louis, was sentenced to 37 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute heroin.
Terrence Bevly, 32, St. Louis, was sentenced to 42 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Kalin M. Anderson, 21, Hannibal, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Trayvon Stratton, 20, St. Louis, was sentenced to 12 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Tahlequah Man Pleads Guilty to Concealment of Material FactRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that James Michael West, age 64, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma pled guilty to Concealment Of A Material Fact, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(4), punishable by not more than 5 years imprisonment, and up to a $250,000.00 fine or both.
From on or about July 14, 2005, and continuing through December 31, 2016, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, defendant James Michael West, in a matter within the jurisdiction of Social Security Administration, having knowledge of the occurrence of an event affecting the right to receive or continue to receive Social Security Disability Income payments, concealed and failed to disclose such event with the intent to fraudulently secure payment when no payment was authorized. Specifically, defendant James Michael West intentionally concealed that James Michael West secured gainful employment in order to receive and continue to receive Disability Income payments made by the Social Security Administration to him. By such action, defendant James Michael West took approximately $266,982.00 in Social Security Disability Income payments to which he was not entitled.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General.
The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace represented the United States.
San Antonio Consultant Sentenced to Federal Prison for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
In San Antonio today, Rodney Lyle Roberts was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for preparing false tax returns, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash, and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Acting Special Agent in Charge Andy Tsui, San Antonio Field Office.
In addition to the prison term, Senior United States District Judge David A. Ezra ordered that Roberts pay $143,590 restitution to the Internal Revenue Service and be placed on supervised release for a period of one year after completing his prison term.
On October 4, 2017, Roberts was found guilty by a federal jury of four counts of making false tax returns. According to court records, Roberts prepared false and fraudulent income tax returns by failing to report his income for tax years 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013. Roberts did business in San Antonio and the surrounding areas providing software consultant work under the name Rod Roberts. Instead of reporting any income, Roberts said he received zero income, when in fact he had an income totaling over $380,000 for the tax years in question.
“At the IRS, protecting taxpayer money is a matter we take extremely seriously. An integral part of the agency’s mission involves detecting and catching fraudulent tax claims," stated Andy Tsui, IRS Criminal Investigation, Acting Special Agent in Charge, San Antonio Field Office. “Today’s sentencing of Rodney Roberts demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting the interests of law-abiding taxpayers.”
Roberts currently is out on bond. Judge Ezra ordered Roberts to report to federal authorities on or before February 6, 2018, to start his prison sentence.
This case was investigated by IRS-CI. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory J. Surovic prosecuted this case on behalf of the Government.
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Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing a Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, waived prosecution by Indictment and pleaded guilty to an Information in federal court to a violation of federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Ryan Gainer, age 37, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about June 14, 2016, Gainer knowingly possessed a stolen firearm.
Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for May 18, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than ten (10) years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, 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.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent, deter, and prosecute gun crime. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Penn Hills Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ryan Gainer.
Parkersburg man sentenced to 12 years in federal prison on carjacking chargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg man who used a gun to steal a taxi was sentenced today to 12 years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Marshall Leroy Saunders, 29, previously pleaded guilty to carjacking.
Saunders was a suspect in an unrelated crime when police observed him entering a taxi in Vienna on October 6, 2016. Saunders admitted that when police attempted to pull the taxi over, he pointed a loaded pistol at the driver and ordered him out of the vehicle. Saunders then took control of the taxi and fled to Parkersburg, driving at speeds of up to 110 miles per hour, running a red light, and driving the taxi southbound in the northbound lane of Grand Central Avenue. Saunders abandoned the taxi in Parkersburg, then hid in a wooded area until he was apprehended by police.
The Vienna Police Department, the Parkersburg Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney James Matthew Davis handled the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
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More Than 120 Individuals Charged and over 220 Firearms Removed from the Middle District of Florida as Part of Violent Crime Reduction InitiativeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announced today the results of the first phase of the Violent Crime Reduction Initiative in the Middle District of Florida. Over the past three months, 125 individuals have been charged with firearm and violent crime offenses, and 227 firearms and assorted ammunition have been removed from the streets.
Since 2001, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida (USAO/MDFL) has participated in “Project Safe Neighborhoods,” a national strategy to reduce gun violence in communities through coordination and cooperation with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners. To increase the prosecutorial resources dedicated to firearm and violent crime cases across the District, multiple initiatives have been implemented. These initiatives include:
- In Orlando, the District established a “Gun Unit.”
- In Jacksonville, the District launched a joint initiative with the State Attorney’s Office for the Fourth Judicial Circuit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to locate and seize unlawfully possessed guns and then swiftly prosecute the offenders using both federal and state gun laws.
- In Brevard County, State Attorney Phil Archer is calling the initiative "Operation Cease Fire."
- In Tampa, the District collaborates with law enforcement agencies in eight counties, including the State Attorneys’ Offices for the Sixth, Twelfth, and Thirteenth Judicial Circuits, to investigate and prosecute violent crime and firearm cases.
- In Ft. Myers, the District works in concert with the State Attorney’s Office for the Twentieth Circuit to identify and prosecute violent crime and firearm cases.
- District-wide, in an effort to prevent and decrease future gun-related incidents, the USAO-MDFL employs a proactive community outreach strategy, including, but not limited to, outreach to youth. In 2017, more than 2,500 youths have been engaged and administered the National Gun Pledge to reduce violence.
To support these efforts, beginning on August 23, 2017, Acting U.S. Attorney Muldrow directed every prosecutor in each of the District’s five offices to prosecute firearm or violent crime cases. Of the 125 individuals charged so far, offenses include possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime or a crime of violence, possession of a stolen firearm, robbery, and bank robbery. A chart containing the details for each case is below.
“In August 2017, I directed every prosecutor in the Criminal Division to assist in the prosecution of firearm and violent crime cases,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “Over the past three months, we have dedicated additional resources to the prosecution of violent crime and firearm cases. I would like to commend our local, state, and federal partners that have investigated these cases. Our community is safer because of their tremendous efforts. We pledge to continue to work with our law enforcement partners to aggressively prosecute these cases.”
The cases identified in the attached chart were investigated by the Apopka Police Department, the Bradenton Police Department, the Cocoa Beach Police Department, the Brevard County Sheriff's Office, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Myers Police Department, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Lake Mary Police Department, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Orlando Police Department, the Osceola County Sheriff's Office, the Palm Bay Police Department, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the Sanford Police Department, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota Police Department, the Seminole County Sheriff's Office, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Petersburg Police Department, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, the Tampa Police Department, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, the Winter Haven Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Enforcement and Removal Operations, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Border Patrol, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
An indictment or criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has violated one or more federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Natalie Hirt Adams, Callan Albritton, Daniel Baeza, Robert E. Bodnar, Jr., E. Jackson Boggs Jr., Chauncey A. Bratt, D. Rodney Brown, Dale Campion, Vincent S. Chiu, Charlie Connally, Michael J. Coolican, Arnold B. Corsmeier, Christina R. Downes, Kristen Fiore, Kevin C. Frein, Carlton Gammons, Daniel George, Eric Gerard, Beatriz Gonzalez, Michael Gordon, Shauna Hale, Nathan W. Hill, Rachel Jones, Kelly S. Karase, Embry J. Kidd, Michael Leeman, Robert Mosakowski, Ilianys Rivera Miranda, Frank Murray, Shawn P. Napier, Gregory Nolan, Diego Novaes, Kaitlin O’Donnell, Thomas Palermo, Matthew Perry, Christopher Poor, James Preston, Mandy Riedel, Alejandro J. Salicrup, Charles Schmitz, Sean Shecter, Taylor Stout, Jay Taylor, Laura Cofer Taylor, Frank Talbot, Lisa Thelwell, Josie Thomas, Ashley Washington, Kara M. Wick, and Acting U.S. Attorney Stephen Muldrow.
Fort MyersMonth of Indictment/ Information
Defendant, Age, City of Residence
Status
Number of Firearms Seized/Recovered
8/2017
Herman Fleming, 25, Lehigh Acres
Pending*; charged with one count of making a false statement in required information kept by a firearms dealer and one count of receipt of a firearm by a person under felony indictment or information; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
3
8/2017
Sondrejah Wilbon, 23, Fort Myers
Pending*; charged with one count of making a false statement in required information kept by a firearms dealer; facing up to 5 years in federal prison
Included in total for Fleming
8/2017
Oliver Rocher, 33, Alva
Pending*; charged with two counts of distribution of heroin, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base, and heroin, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to life
1
10/2017
Javier M. Rascon, 32, Perry
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
10/2017
Christopher Jones, 29, Indiantown
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
Included in the total for Rascon
10/2017
Reginald Lakeith Hodge, 24, Fort Myers
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
10/2017
Alejo Guerrero, 36, Lehigh Acres
Pending*; charged with eight counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and three counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felone; facing a minimum mandatory of 30 years, up to life, in federal prison
3
11/2017
Robert E. Clifton, 35, Immokolee
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prisonPending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
Jacksonville9/2017
Johnnie Spydale Thomas, Jr., 24, Bunnell
Pending*; charged with one count of distribution of cocaine base and two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 40 years in federal prison
2
9/2017
Serome Bell, 27, Palm Coast
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, facing up to 10 years in federal prison
Included in total for Spydale
9/2017
Jason Dixon, 31, Palm Coast
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and three counts of distribution of cocaine base; facing up to 70 years in federal prison
1
9/2017
Bruquanna Griffin, 21 Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to steal a firearm from a federally-licensed firearms dealer and two counts of stealing a firearm from a federally-licensed firearms dealer; facing up to 30 years in federal prison
2
9/2017
Gregory Greer, 35, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to ten years in federal prison.
1
9/2017
Brandon Oxendine, 39, St. Augustine
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 20 years in federal prison up to life
4
9/2017
Derek Hatcher, 35, Tallahassee
Pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 30 years in federal prison
1
9/2017
Michael Anthony Deyton, 59, Sanderson
Pleaded guilty to one count of possession of firearms by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
20
10/2017
Tantai Vo, 27, Jacksonville
Pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marihuana, one count of possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance, and one count of structuring; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to 40 years
4
10/2017
James Edward Moultrie, 42, Jacksonville
Pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
10/2017
John Robert Horner, 29, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
2
10/2017
Michael A. Crider, 37, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
11/2017
Derrick Burney, 40, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and two counts of distribution of marijuana; facing up to 20 years in federal prison
5
11/2017
Daniel Francesco Vidal, 27, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
3
11/2017
Ronald Andrews, 33, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of possession with intent to distribute MDMA; facing up to 30 years in federal prison
1
11/2017
Nathaniel Harrison, 33, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
5
11/2017
Charles Robert Alexander, 47, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
11/2017
John Stevenson Jordan, 51, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
11/2017
Sheldon Tarence Wright, 27, Savannah, Georgia
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
11/2017
Andrew James Ward, 29, Middleburg
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
11/2017
Edward Lamont Thomas, 44, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count of distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 25 years in federal prison up to life
5
11/2017
Joseph Arnold Thomas, 47, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
1
11/2017
Darrick Flozell Stafford, 41, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with three counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, two counts of distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base, and one count of distribution of cocaine; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to 130 years
8
11/2017
Daryl D. Shack, 27, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
12/2017
Bernandino G. Bolatete, 69, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of an unregistered silencer; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
11
12/2017
Maurice Sanders, 27, Jacksonville
Pending*, charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to life
1
12/2017
James Robert Cotton, 33, Jacksonville
Pending*, charged with one count of manufacturing (cultivation) of marijuana and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 20 years in federal prison
5
12/2017
Dorothy Pearl Smith, 49, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and two counts of distribution of crack cocaine; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
1
12/2017
William Charles Nolan, 50, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
12/2017
Daniel Dwain Lundeby, 42, Jacksonville Beach
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
12/2017
Walter John Smith, 31, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison
1
12/2017
Rashann Lamont Bennet, 31, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison
1
12/2017
Sauvier Addorinn Wright, 35, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
Ocala8/2017
Anthony Michele Decotis, Jr., 29, Eustis
Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 10 years in federal prison up to life
3
10/2017
Devion-tae Wess, 25, Ocala
Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to life
1
Orlando8/2017
William Matthew Tex Price, 31, Cocoa
Pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and two counts of marriage fraud; facing up to 20 years in federal prison
2
8/2017
James Arthur Van Meerten, 35, Palm Bay
Sentenced to 210 months for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
1
8/2017
Aniceto Aguirre- Cardenas, 56, San Pedro, Michoacan, Mexico
Pending*; charged with one count of illegal alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and ammunition, and one count of illegal reentry after removal as an aggravated felon; facing up to 40 years in federal prison
1
8/2017
Chad Wycoff, 40, Kissimmee
Pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 20 years in federal prison up to life
1
8/2017
Arkee Vernard Howard, 27, Orlando
Pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and marijuana and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 30 years in federal prison
1
9/2017
Tyrondrick Madry, 32, Orlando
Pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
9/2017
Eric Jean Gilles, 36, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and 280 grams or more of cocaine base, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 25 years in federal prison up to life
6
9/2017
Edson Gelin, 39, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and 280 grams or more of cocaine base, six counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, and two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 50 years in federal prison up to life
Included in total for Gilles
9/2017
Jimmy Remy Fernetus, 30, Miami
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and 280 grams or more of cocaine base, seven counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 50 years in federal prison up to life
Included in total for Gilles
9/2017
Silky Johnson, 35, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of carjacking, one count of using and brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 7 years in federal prison up to life
1
9/2017
Jeffrey Noel, 24, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to commit carjacking, one count of conspiracy to possess a firearm in furtherance of carjacking, one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base, and marijuana, three counts of carjacking, one count of attempted carjacking, and three counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of carjacking; facing a minimum mandatory of 32 years in federal prison up to life
2
9/2017
Herichie Paul, 20, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to commit carjacking, one count of conspiracy to possess a firearm in furtherance of carjacking, two counts of carjacking, one count of attempted carjacking, and two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of carjacking; facing a minimum mandatory of 32 years in federal prison up to life
Included in total for Noel
9/2017
Awetu Megersa, 22, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to commit carjacking, one count of conspiracy to possess a firearm in furtherance of carjacking, two counts of carjacking, one count of attempted carjacking, and two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of carjacking; facing a minimum mandatory of 32 years in federal prison up to life
Included in total for Noel
9/2017
Jose Luis Sanchez-Rosado, 43, Volusia County
Pending*, charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
1
10/2017
Bakari McCant, 26, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, two counts of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 30 years in federal prison up to life
3
10/2017
Deandre Brewer, 25, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to life
Included in total for McCant
10/2017
Jarvis Wingster, 27, Ocoee
Pending*; charged with one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to life
Included in total for McCant
10/2017
Rodolfo Luna Fernandez, 42 Mexico
Pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by an illegal alien; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
11/2017
Frederick Hankins, Jr., 30, New Symrna
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
1
11/2017
Thomas Porter, 39, Daytona Beach
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
11/2017
Hector Luis Santiago-Jorge, 47, Kissimmee
Pending*; charged with one count of dealing in and manufacturing firearms without a license and one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
10
11/2017
Jamus Dixon, 35, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and 28 grams or more of cocaine base and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to 50 years
1
11/2017
Windesthon Junior Pierre, 22, Kissimmee
Pending*; charged with one count of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; facing a minimum mandatory of 7 years in federal prison up to life
1
11/2017
Stephon Te’vonta Johnson, 22, Kissimmee
Pending*; charged with one count of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; facing a minimum mandatory of 7 years in federal prison up to life
Included in total for Pierre
11/2017
Bernard Henry, 27
Pending*; charged with one count of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; facing a minimum mandatory of 7 years in federal prison up to life
1
11/2017
Joshua Franceschi, 22, Kissimmee
Pending*; charged with one count of stealing a firearm from a federally licensed firearms dealer; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
11/2017
Harold Omar Vargas-Delgado, 32, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 1 kilogram or more of heroin, one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, one count of possession with intent to distribute 1 kilogram or more of heroin, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
11
11/2017
Theodore Vazquez, 43, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
0
11/2017
Michael Gordon Watson, 41, Melbourne
Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute MDMA, marijuana, and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
2
11/2017
Taylor John Creevy, 23, Orlando
Pending*; charged with three counts of bank robbery; facing up to 20 years in federal prison
0
12/2017
Cedrick Antwain Gant, 27, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of carjacking, one count of attempted carjacking, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; facing a minimum mandatory of 30 years in federal prison up to life
1
12/2017
Tariq Malik Cherry, 20, Orlando
Pending*; charged with attempted bank robbery; facing up to 20 years in federal prison.
4
12/2017
Lamarcus Demane Harvey, 40, Orlando
Pending*; charged with attempted bank robbery; facing up to 20 years in federal prison
Included in total for Cherry
12/2017
Coryell Demond Robinson, 30, Orlando
Pending*; charged with attempted bank robbery; facing up to 20 years in federal prison
Included in total for Cherry
12/2017
Walter Lee Jones, 39, Mt. Dora
Pending* charged with attempted bank robbery; facing up to 20 years in federal prison
Included in total for Cherry
12/2017
Raymond Lee Kelly, 50, Cocoa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
1
12/2017
Prince Toburas Jermaine Rolle, 31, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon; facing up to 30 years in federal prison
1
Tampa8/2017
Keagan Williams, 27, Winter Haven
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
8/2017
Thomas Paul Stephens, 49, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 10 years in federal prison up to life
6
8/2017
Devante Moreno Smith, 26, Clearwater
Pending*; charged with two counts of distribution of crack cocaine, one count of distribution of marijuana, one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and cocaine, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to life
2
8/2017
Kevin Lopez Duerte, 19 Bradenton
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
8/2017
Jonathon James Dryburgh, 23, Ellenton
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
9/2017
Woodrow Pressey, 46, Bradenton
Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 30 years in federal prison
5
9/2017
Tramel Ronsha Middleton, 25, Tampa
Pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
9/2017
Miguel Angel Algarin, 41, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 10 years in federal prison up to life
1
9/2017
Chauncey Gregory, 33, St. Petersburg
Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute ecstasy, one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 10 years in federal prison up to life
1
9/2017
Demario Cornelius Buckner, 25, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
9/2017
Edward Lamont Dash, 29, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
9/2017
Dallan Bolden, 23, St.
Petersburg
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
9/2017
Lawrence Xavier Freeman, 34, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
3
9/2017
Rakim Jamal Philon, 27, Tampa
Pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
Included in total for Freeman
9/2017
Richard Deandre Walton, 23, Tampa
Pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
Included in total for Freeman
9/2017
Zane Coraderell Brassfield, 23, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
10/2017
Antwan Williams, 34, Bradenton
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, three counts of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, two counts of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 47 years in federal prison up to life
1
10/2017
Tronesh Sparkels Akerman, 24, Palmetto
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, three counts of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; facing a minimum mandatory of 7 years in federal prison up to life
1
10/2017
Cedrick Lee Taylor, 31, Sarasota
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
1
10/2017
Jason Michael Trigger, 34, Port Richey
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
1
10/2017
Tracy Lee Williams, 37, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of pure methamphetamine, one count distribution of methamphetamine, one count of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
2
10/2017
Joshua Christian Cantrell, 24, Dade City
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of pure methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
Included in total for Williams
10/2017
Arvester Lamonica Anderson, 46, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
1
10/2017
Devan DI’Andre Bristol, 29, Spring Hill
Pending*; charged with seven counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, codeine, and marijuana, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to life
1
10/2017
Lecardo Renard Albury, 32, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
1
10/2017
Doga Kuyon Yuoh, 25, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
10/2017
Jodarin Marquis Whitfield, 27, Sarasota
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to attempt to damage and destroy by means of fire and explosive and one count of attempt to damage and destroy by means of fire and explosive; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to 20 years
0
10/2017
Herbert Adelphus Pinckney, 39, Sarasota
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to attempt to damage and destroy by means of fire and explosive and one count of attempt to damage and destroy by means of fire and explosive; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to 20 years
0
10/2017
Rashica Shaguana Ford, 39, Palmetto
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to attempt to damage and destroy by means of fire and explosive and one count of attempt to damage and destroy by means of fire and explosive; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to 20 years
0
11/2017
Raheem Davis, 46, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
1
11/2017
Steven Garcia, 22, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
7
11/2017
David Valentin, 27, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
11/2017
Jeremy Dwayne Simmons, 36, Brandon
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
1
11/2017
Joshua Dekoyer, 30, Sarasota
Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute U-47700, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine; facing a minimum mandatory of 10 years in federal prison up to life
1
11/2017
Pierre Rashawn Walker, 31, Sarasota
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and three counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 80 years in federal prison
3
11/2017
Ashanti Roundtree, 42 Bradenton
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to life
1
11/2017
Kurt Gell, 36, Bartow
Pending*; charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and one count of felon in possession of a short- barreled shotgun; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to 100 years
2
11/2017
Ian Brook Weigant, 44, Bradenton
Pending*; charged with two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 20 years in federal prison
2
11/2017
Clifford Etheridge, 28, St. Petersburg
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
11/2017
Edgar Delgado, 26, Plant City
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
11/2017
Steven Lawrence Moore, 41, Lakeland
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
12/2017
Juan Carlos Ramrez-Arcos, 32, Mexico
Pending*; charged with one count of illegal alien in possession of a firearm; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
12/2017
Rico Remon Washington, 44, New Port Richey
Pending*; charged with one count of Hobbs Act robbery, on count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison.
12/2017
Madio Morris, 36, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
12/2017
Reginald Hollie, 35, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 15 years, up to life in federal prison
1
*An indictment or criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has violated one or more federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.