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26 January 2018
Manchester Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
CONCORD, N.H. - Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Kaisle J. Raikes, 25, of Manchester, was sentenced to serve 96 months in prison for drug trafficking and firearms offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on three separate occasions in May of 2017, Raikes sold methamphetamine to an individual who was cooperating with the Manchester Police Department. Raikes displayed firearms during two of the drug transactions. At the time of his arrest, Raikes possessed cocaine and methamphetamine. He also had a loaded firearm in his sock. After the police found the firearm on Raikes, he stated, “I’m no fool, you have to be ready. I would never turn it on one of you guys though.” Members of the Manchester Police Department also executed a search warrant at the defendant’s apartment and seized two loaded firearms, ammunition, methamphetamine, cocaine, Suboxone, a digital scale, and baggies.
Raikes previously pleaded guilty on October 26, 2017, to three counts of distribution of a controlled substance, one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He will be on supervised release for five years after serving his prison sentence. The firearms have been forfeited to the United States.
“Drugs and guns are a potentially deadly combination that can threaten the safety of our community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “When drug dealers arm themselves, there is a great risk that they will commit acts of violence. Through the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to target those who use guns to commit crimes so that we can protect our citizens from violent crime. Those who choose to use firearms to commit crimes in New Hampshire should expect to spend many years behind bars.”
This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra M. Walsh prosecuted the case.
The case is part of ATF’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which is a federally-funded program intended to reduce gun violence through law enforcement training, public education, and aggressive law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute gun-related crimes.
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Manassas Man Indicted on Sex Trafficking, Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Harrisonburg, VIRGINIA – A Virginia man has been charged in a six-count federal indictment with sex trafficking, interstate prostitution and distribution of fentanyl that led to two overdoses after a grand jury sitting in the U.S. District Court in Harrisonburg returned a superseding indictment January 16, 2018, United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle announced.
Kendall Demarko Wysinger, 41, of Manassas, Virginia is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, one count of interstate transportation for prostitution, one count of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl which caused the death of another, one count of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl which caused the serious bodily injury of another, one count of evidence tampering, and one count of witness tampering.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s I-81 Human Trafficking Task Force (I-81 HTTF), the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force (NWRDGTF).
The I-81 HTTF is a collaborative effort of law enforcement and community partners focused on identifying instances of human trafficking along the I-81 corridor in the northern Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland; prosecuting those responsible; and, providing assistance to the victims impacted by these crimes. The I-81 HTTF includes law enforcement from the counties of Frederick, Clarke, and Shenandoah as well as the cities and towns of Front Royal, Hagerstown, MD, Lord Fairfax Community College, and the Virginia State Police.
The NWRDGTF uses the combined efforts of local, state, and federal agencies to actively pursue those groups or individuals who manufacture, distribute, or sell illegal narcotics. The NWRDGTF is comprised of the Virginia State Police, the Winchester Police Department, the Front Royal Police Department, the Strasburg Police Department, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, the Page County Sheriff’s Office, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, the Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office, and the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Erin M. Kulpa will prosecute the case for the United States.
A Grand Jury Indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the government to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Man Sentenced for Stealing Checks from MailboxesRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Hampton man was sentenced today to 62 months in prison for stealing checks from curbside mailboxes.
According to court documents, Timothy Moody, 31, stole USAA checks from curbside mailboxes and used the information to make counterfeit Bank of America checks. He then used the counterfeit checks at Lowe’s, Walmart, and Home Depot to purchase merchandise, and later returned the merchandise at a different store location for cash.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Robert Wemyss, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bob Bradenham prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:17-cr-69.
Man Sentenced to 188 Months for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Brunswick, GA: James Martin Graham, 62, was sentenced on January 22, 2018, to 188 months in prison by United States District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood following his plea of guilty to possession of child pornography. The prison term will be followed by a 15-year term of supervised release. Graham will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. Graham faced a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of at least 10 years because of a prior conviction in the State of Michigan relating to sexual abuse involving a minor.
The Southeast Georgia Child Exploitation Task Force investigated this case. Forensic examination of Graham’s computer identified more than 150 video files containing depictions of child pornography, some of which involved victims as young as four years old.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the U.S. Department of Justice that is designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims of those offenses.
Assistant United States Attorney Marcela C. Mateo prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. For any questions, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422.
Louisville man found guilty in federal courtRead the Press Release
Large-scale trafficker of heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine
PRESS RELEASE
NEW ALBANY- United States Attorney Josh Minkler announced today a guilty verdict in a large-scale drug trafficking case operating in the New Albany and Louisville, Kentucky, area. Terrance Brasher, 37, Louisville, was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine after a four-day jury trial in New Albany, before U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt.
“Drug trafficking not only contributes to our nation’s opioid addiction problem, it also brings serious violence to our neighborhoods,” said Minkler. “Those who choose to ignore our drug laws by bringing dangerous substances into our communities will face the hammer of federal law enforcement.”
Beginning in October 2014 and ending in December 2015, Brasher was part of a drug trafficking organization that distributed large quantities of heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine in the New Albany and Louisville area. Brasher and others used an automotive shop and other locations in Louisville, New Albany, and Evansville, Indiana, to conduct their collaborative drug activities, including the delivery of drugs and transfer of drug proceeds. The conspirators often used cellular phones to communicate with one another to further their transactions, using coded language to describe their drug trafficking activities.
Co-conspirators Carlos Shelton, Terry Martin, Jeffrey Coleman, and Maycoe Ortiz, have all pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Ten other individuals charged in the same conspiracy have been convicted and sentenced.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Explosives, New Albany Police Department, Jeffersonville Police Department and Louisville Metro Police Department.
“The FBI has made a concerted effort with our law enforcement partners to help address the drug problem in the New Albany area and this verdict shows these partnerships are succeeding in disrupting and removing violent drug dealing groups from our communities,” said W. Jay Abbott, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Division.
According to Assistant United States Attorney William McCoskey and Drug and Violent Crime Chief Barry Glickman, who prosecuted this case for the government, Brasher faces a mandatory life sentence. No sentencing date has been set.
In October 2017, United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced a Strategic Plan designed to shape and strengthen the District’s response to its most significant public safety challenges. This prosecution demonstrates the office’s firm commitment to utilize and partner with law enforcement agencies to prosecute individuals engaged in the distribution of heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine. See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan Section 3.3.
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Long Island Man Convicted of Armed Robbery of More Than $375,000 from Wells Fargo BankRead the Press Release
A federal jury in Central Islip, New York, returned a guilty verdict last night against Anael Sainfil on three counts of a superseding indictment charging him with conspiracy to commit armed bank robbery, armed bank robbery and brandishing firearms during a crime of violence. The verdict came after a four-day trial before Senior United States District Judge Leonard D. Wexler.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), Patrick J. Ryder, Commissioner, Nassau County Police Department (NCPD), and John Barry, Acting Commissioner, Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD).
“The brazen violence carried out by the defendant Anael Sainfil and his co-conspirators will not be tolerated,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “This Office, together with our law enforcement partners, is committed to protecting the public from those who put the lives of men, women and children in our community in jeopardy.” Mr. Donoghue expressed his appreciation to the FBI, NCPD and SCPD for their tireless efforts in bringing all participants involved in the robbery to justice.
The evidence at trial established that on November 9, 2015, the defendant, Anael Sainfil and his co-conspirators executed a plan to rob a Wells Fargo Bank branch in Hempstead, New York. The defendant acted as a lookout as his co-conspirators entered the bank armed with a semi-automatic assault rifle and numerous other firearms. While the defendant stood guard, an armed takeover of the bank took place. Tellers and customers, including an 8-year old boy, were zip-tied and held captive as the bank’s vault was emptied of over $375,000. The defendant and his cohorts were unaware that a bank teller had placed a wireless GPS tracker with the stolen money. Hempstead Police Department Officers initiated a pursuit, which resulted in the apprehension of one of the gunman that day. Following an extensive investigation by the FBI, NCPD and SCPD, all nine participants in the robbery conspiracy were ultimately apprehended, including Anael Sainfil, who was arrested on December 21, 2016. The proceeds of the robbery were recovered.
When sentenced, Sainfil faces a minimum of seven years’ imprisonment, and a maximum of life imprisonment.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Mark E. Misorek and Erin Reid are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
ANAEL SAINFIL
Age: 22
Residence: Bay Shore, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 16-CR-652 (S-1) (LDW)
Lexington Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Threatening to Murder A Federal Prosecutor and Solicitation to Murder an Officer of the United StatesRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – United States Attorney Russell M. Coleman today announced the 30 year sentence of a Mexican National, formerly living in Lexington, by United States District Judge Danny C. Reeves, in United States District Court, for threatening to murder an Assistant United States Attorney and solicitation to murder an officer of the United States.
"The full power of the United States will be brought against those who place our prosecutors and federal officers at risk," stated United States Attorney Russell Coleman. "Today's thirty year sentence should give pause to those who are considering threatening those who protect our commonwealth."
Edgar Villa-Castaneda, 43, was found guilty on October 17, 2017, following a two-day trial, of both charges in a two-count indictment returned on February 2, 2017. According to information presented at trial, on about August 5, 2015, and September 22, 2015, in Woodford County, Kentucky, Villa-Castaneda threatened to murder then Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Robert M. Duncan, Jr.
Specifically, Villa-Castaneda, was incarcerated at the Woodford County Detention Center (WCDC) in February 2015, pending federal drug charges filed by then (AUSA) Duncan. On September 22, another inmate at the WCDC, contacted his lawyer and reported that Villa-Castaneda, using the nickname “Flaco” was attempting to hire someone to kill AUSA Duncan. On September 24, 2015, the inmate’s lawyer notified FBI Special Agent John Whitehead that Villa-Castaneda was attempting to hire someone to kill AUSA Duncan. During an interview with the FBI, the inmate explained that he and Villa-Castaneda became cellmates at the WCDC in September 2015, and that within hours Villa-Castaneda began talking to him about his hatred for AUSA Duncan. Villa-Castaneda believed that he and his incarcerated son were being unfairly targeted and erroneously being portrayed as major drug dealers by AUSA Duncan. Sometime over the next twenty-four hours, Villa-Castaneda asked the inmate if he knew anyone that could “whack” AUSA Duncan for him. Villa-Castaneda said he would pay $25,000 to have it done. Villa-Castaneda stated he currently had $15,000 hidden in radio speakers at his sister's house and he would pay an additional $10,000 after the job was done.
On November 24, 2015, Villa-Castaneda was questioned by FBI special agents at the Grayson County Detention Center. Villa-Castaneda was read his Miranda rights, and signed a form stating he understood his rights and understood he was waiving those rights before admitting to making the threats and soliciting an inmate to assist in the murder of AUSA Duncan.
The Honorable Robert M. Duncan, Jr. currently serves as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky having received an appointment by President Donald Trump.
Due to recusal by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky, this case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky, A. Spencer McKiness, and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Leader of Fraudulent Medical Device Scheme Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
A South Dakota man pleaded guilty today in connection with a scheme to defraud consumers by selling light-emitting devices known as the “QLaser System” as a treatment for more than 200 different diseases and disorders, the Department of Justice announced today. Today’s guilty plea capped a three-year effort by the Justice Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to stop distribution of the fraudulent devices to consumers.
Robert “Larry” Lytle, 82, of Rapid City, pleaded guilty in the District of South Dakota to one count of conspiracy to introduce misbranded medical devices into interstate commerce with the intent to defraud and mislead, and one count of criminal contempt. Both the criminal charges and Lytle’s guilty plea were pursuant to a plea agreement. Two of Lytle’s co-conspirators in the scheme, Irina Kossovskaia and Ronald D. Weir, Jr., previously pleaded guilty for their roles in the fraud. The government agreed to dismiss criminal contempt charges against a fourth individual, Fredretta Eason.
According to documents filed with the court, Lytle and his co-conspirators — including Kossovskaia and Weir — marketed and distributed QLaser devices to consumers, many of whom were elderly, across the United States. The conspirators falsely claimed that the devices could safely and effectively treat a panoply of medical conditions at home, including cancer, emphysema, diabetes, autism, HIV, and heart disease. Lytle created misleading product labeling designed to create the false impression that scientific evidence supported claims about the QLaser device’s effects. In truth, no published clinical or scientific studies supported the use of QLaser devices to treat the listed or other serious conditions, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) never approved the devices for such uses. To lend credibility to his claims, the potential QLaser purchasers were told “Dr. Lytle” was a “retired” dentist and medical laser expert while omitting the fact that his license to practice dentistry had been permanently revoked for defrauding and materially deceiving consumers.
Lytle and his co-conspirators forged ahead with their fraud even after a federal court ordered them to stop selling and refund all QLaser purchasers in a series of 2015 injunctions. In violation of the injunctions, Lytle made false statements to the court and FDA investigators, sent dunning letters to QLaser purchasers rather than pay them court-ordered restitution, smuggled hundreds devices out of South Dakota to upstate New York to prevent their seizure, and received a steady stream of income from continued QLaser sales made by Kossovskaia, Weir, and others.
As part of his plea agreement, Lytle admitted that, beginning in 2005, he entered into an agreement with others to market medical devices with false and misleading labeling to defraud consumers, and that he continued to do so in violation of a federal court order. He also acknowledged that he obtained at least $16,669,015 over the course of the scheme.
“Victimizing the elderly and those suffering from serious illnesses are among the most detestable of crimes,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad A. Readler of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, “and to persist with the QLaser fraud even after being ordered to stop by a federal court is even more abhorrent. The Justice Department is committed to protecting Americans from elder abuse and medical frauds.”
“Reprehensible scams using ineffective and useless medical implements victimize suffering people who are already burdened with long-term, often crippling ailments and diseases. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service puts the highest priority on investigating these kinds of crimes and bringing these criminals to justice,” said Dana Carter, the U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge of the Denver Division, which covers multiple states including South Dakota.
U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier presided at the plea hearing. In addition to fines, Lytle faces a maximum statutory sentence of five years’ imprisonment on the conspiracy charge. Congress has not established a maximum sentence for the crime of contempt. Sentencing has been set for April 20.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated this case. Trial Attorney Ross S. Goldstein of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Koliner of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts may be found at http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd.
Leader of Newark Bloods Street Gang – The South Side Cartel – Admits Five Murders, Racketeering, Other Violent Crimes in Furtherance of the Gang EnterpriseRead the Press Release
Plea Deal Calls for 45-year Prison Sentence
NEWARK, N.J. – The leader of one of Newark’s most violent street gangs today admitted his role in five murders, an armed carjacking, an armed robbery of a drug dealer, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, and drug conspiracy as part of a racketeering conspiracy involving the South Side Cartel, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Farad Roland, 33, had been charged with violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) as part of a 27-count second superseding indictment, which was returned in June 2013.
“With today’s guilty plea, Farad Roland’s reign as the leader of the South Side Cartel is over.” U.S. Attorney Carpenito said. “It is the mission of this office to make the streets of New Jersey safe for all of its citizens. The Roland case is a perfect example of cooperation between my office, the FBI, Newark police and the Essex County prosecutor effectively working to remove a dangerous felon from our community.”
“Today's plea is a direct result of the hard work and dedication shared between state, local and federal authorizes in their efforts to combat violent gangs in our communities,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Timothy A. Gallagher said. “We are committed to combating this epidemic of violence that often takes young lives and creates fear in our communities. The FBI and our partners will aggressively pursue gangs wherever they surface and are steadfast to making Newark and the surrounding communities, a safe place for our citizens.”
According to documents filed in this case:
The South Side Cartel was a sub-set of the Bloods street gang that operated primarily on Hawthorne Avenue in Newark. Originally a neighborhood-based gang whose main activities were selling drugs and committing violent acts to aid the drug-trafficking business, many of the gang’s members were officially brought into the Bloods gang in 2002 and 2003. The gang often operated out of apartments located at 496-500 Hawthorne Avenue, which were dubbed “the Twin Towers.” Local law enforcement made repeated narcotics and gun arrests at this location. Many of the South Side Cartel members had tattoos showing the Twin Towers and the logo “SSC,” which represented the gang’s initials.
Between 2003 and 2010, the South Side Cartel was generally known among law enforcement and the FBI as the most violent street gang in Newark, committing numerous murders, shootings, robberies and other violent acts in furtherance of the enterprise. At its peak, the South Side Cartel had about 20 members or associates, many of whom have since been killed in gang-related murders or who are serving prison sentences for gang-related crimes. Roland’s two co-defendants, Malik Lowery and Mark Williams, previously pleaded guilty in federal court. Lowery was sentenced in August 2016 to more than 26 years in federal prison. Williams is awaiting sentencing.
Today’s admission of guilt includes Roland’s participation in a host of racketeering acts to further the South Side Cartel’s goals, including:
- The Feb. 20, 2005, murder of a Newark resident who was shot during a robbery attempt that Roland ordered one of his gang associates to carry out;
- The Feb. 23, 2005, murder of the 19-year-old gang associate who committed the Feb. 20, 2005 robbery-murder, to prevent him from cooperating with law enforcement and implicating Roland;
- The Oct. 20, 2007, murder of a fellow South Side Cartel member who had fallen into disfavor with the gang;
- The retaliation murders of two people on March 27, 2008, outside the Oasis Bar located on Lyons Avenue in Newark.
Roland also admitted committing an armed carjacking; an assault with a dangerous weapon in the 2008 shooting of a fellow gang member with whom Roland had a dispute; an assault with a dangerous weapon in the 2009 shooting of a rival gang member; the armed robbery of a drug dealer in East Orange, New Jersey; and conspiracy to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin and 280 grams of crack cocaine.
Under terms of the plea agreement, Farad agreed to a prison term of 45 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced May 14, 2018.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Timothy Gallagher; the Newark Police Division, under the direction of Department of Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose; and Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Senior Litigation Counsel Robert Frazer, Assistant U.S. Attorney Courtney Howard of the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Desiree Grace Latzer of the General Crimes Unit.
Defense counsel:
Farad Roland: Richard Jasper Esq. and Michael Bachrach Esq., New York; and Stephen Turano Esq., Newark
Lake County Woman Sentenced to over 6 Years in Prison for Laundering Money from Cocaine and Marijuana TraffickingRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Michelle Troung, 34, of Clear Lake, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Garland E. Burrell Jr. to six-and-a-half years in prison for conspiracy to launder money, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, Troung conspired with co-defendants Dustin Wilson and Brandon Roberts to distribute marijuana and cocaine from Sacramento to the Southeastern United States. They also conspired to conceal the proceeds of their drug trafficking through various monetary transactions. On January 13, 2017, Troung pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd A. Pickles prosecuted the case.
Co-defendant Brandon Roberts was sentenced to three years and one month in prison. Co-defendant Dustin Wilson has pleaded guilty and is set for sentencing on February 23, 2018.
Leader of Fraudulent Medical Device Scheme Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
NOTE: The relevant court documents can be found here: Superseding Information, Plea Agreement, and Factual Basis Statement.
WASHINGTON – A South Dakota man pleaded guilty today in connection with a scheme to defraud consumers by selling light-emitting devices known as the “QLaser System” as a treatment for more than 200 different diseases and disorders, the Department of Justice announced today. Today’s guilty plea capped a three-year effort by the Justice Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to stop distribution of the fraudulent devices to consumers.
Robert “Larry” Lytle, 82, of Rapid City, pleaded guilty in the District of South Dakota to one count of conspiracy to introduce misbranded medical devices into interstate commerce with the intent to defraud and mislead, and one count of criminal contempt. Both the criminal charges and Lytle’s guilty plea were pursuant to a plea agreement. Two of Lytle’s co-conspirators in the scheme, Irina Kossovskaia and Ronald D. Weir, Jr., previously pleaded guilty for their roles in the fraud. The government agreed to dismiss criminal contempt charges against a fourth individual, Fredretta Eason.
According to documents filed with the court, Lytle and his co-conspirators — including Kossovskaia and Weir — marketed and distributed QLaser devices to consumers, many of whom were elderly, across the United States. The conspirators falsely claimed that the devices could safely and effectively treat a panoply of medical conditions at home, including cancer, emphysema, diabetes, autism, HIV, and heart disease. Lytle created misleading product labeling designed to create the false impression that scientific evidence supported claims about the QLaser device’s effects. In truth, no published clinical or scientific studies supported the use of QLaser devices to treat the listed or other serious conditions, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) never approved the devices for such uses. To lend credibility to his claims, the potential QLaser purchasers were told “Dr. Lytle” was a “retired” dentist and medical laser expert while omitting the fact that his license to practice dentistry had been permanently revoked for defrauding and materially deceiving consumers.
Lytle and his co-conspirators forged ahead with their fraud even after a federal court ordered them to stop selling and refund all QLaser purchasers in a series of 2015 injunctions. In violation of the injunctions, Lytle made false statements to the court and FDA investigators, sent dunning letters to QLaser purchasers rather than pay them court-ordered restitution, smuggled hundreds devices out of South Dakota to upstate New York to prevent their seizure, and received a steady stream of income from continued QLaser sales made by Kossovskaia, Weir, and others.
As part of his plea agreement, Lytle admitted that, beginning in 2005, he entered into an agreement with others to market medical devices with false and misleading labeling to defraud consumers, and that he continued to do so in violation of a federal court order. He also acknowledged that he obtained at least $16,669,015 over the course of the scheme.
“Victimizing the elderly and those suffering from serious illnesses are among the most detestable of crimes,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad A. Readler of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, “and to persist with the QLaser fraud even after being ordered to stop by a federal court is even more abhorrent. The Justice Department is committed to protecting Americans from elder abuse and medical frauds.”
“Reprehensible scams using ineffective and useless medical implements victimize suffering people who are already burdened with long-term, often crippling ailments and diseases. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service puts the highest priority on investigating these kinds of crimes and bringing these criminals to justice,” said Dana Carter, the U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge of the Denver Division, which covers multiple states including South Dakota.
U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier presided at the plea hearing. In addition to fines, Lytle faces a maximum statutory sentence of five years’ imprisonment on the conspiracy charge. Congress has not established a maximum sentence for the crime of contempt. Sentencing has been set for April 20.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated this case. Trial Attorney Ross S. Goldstein of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Koliner of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts may be found at http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd.
Kings County Man Indicted for Arranging a Murder-for-HireRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a six-count indictment Thursday against Johnny Jaramillo, 50, of Hanford, charging him with using interstate facilities (a cellphone) with the intent to commit murder for hire, providing a firearm to a felon, possession of a firearm after being convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence, and possession of an unregistered firearm, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, on December 15, 2017, Jaramillo met with an undercover agent in Selma in order to sell him three firearms. During the sale, Jaramillo asked the undercover agent to kill a person with whom he was involved in a lawsuit. After some discussion of how the murder would take place, the undercover agent told Jaramillo that he would accept firearms as payment for the murder. On January 12, 2018, the agent and Jaramillo exchanged texts and arranged to meet that day. During the meeting, Jaramillo gave the undercover agent a 9mm pistol and ammunition and assured the undercover agent that the firearm could not be traced back to him. He also confirmed that the picture sent in a text was the man he wanted killed. Jaramillo was arrested on January 17, 2018, and is currently detained pending trial. The intended victim is unharmed.
Jaramillo is also alleged to have knowingly sold a firearm to a person who had a prior felony conviction in October 11, 2017. He allegedly possessed an unregistered short-barreled rifle and three pistols. Jaramillo is prohibited from possessing a firearm because of a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction.
This case is part of the PSN (Project Safe Neighborhoods) strategy, a nationwide strategy for using existing resources to most effectively combat violent crime in partnership with state, local and tribal law enforcement and the communities we serve. This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC) whose members come from the Fresno Police Department, the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, the California Highway Patrol, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ross Pearson and Kimberly A. Sanchez are prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Jaramillo faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Ketchikan Man and Woman Indicted on Federal Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that a Ketchikan man and woman have been indicted on federal drug trafficking charges.
Michael Anthony Welker, 54, and Mandy Elaine Bacus a/k/a Mandy Elaine Peters, 35, both of Ketchikan, were named in the indictment charging them with drug conspiracy.
According to court records, between June 1, 2017, and Sept. 15, 2017, Welker and Bacus allegedly sold methamphetamine, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), cocaine, and heroin on numerous occasions to an undercover informant from their residence located in Ketchikan. Welker and Bacus were subsequently arrested by law enforcement officers on Jan. 23, 2018, in Ketchikan. Their Ketchikan residence is now subject to forfeiture.
Welker and Bacus were arraigned yesterday in Juneau federal court and were ordered detained pending trial, which has been scheduled for April 2, 2018.
The Ketchikan Police Department (“KPD”) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Schmidt.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
KC Man Sentenced for Passport FraudRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Timothy A. Garrison, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for lying on his passport application.
Isse Aweis Mohamud, 22, of Kansas City, a naturalized citizen of the United States born in Mogadishu, Somalia, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Greg Kays to four years in federal prison without parole.
On Sept. 14, 2017, Mohamud pleaded guilty to passport fraud. Mohamud admitted that he provided false information on an application for a U.S. passport at the Gladstone, Mo., post office on Jan. 27, 2017.
In response to a question on the application asking what countries were to be visited by the applicant, Mohamud stated “Canada.” He also attached to the application a confirmed travel itinerary for a roundtrip flight from Kansas City, Mo., to Vancouver, Canada, departing on Feb. 8, 2017 and returning on Feb. 15, 2017. Mohamud, however, did not take the Kansas City-Vancouver flights identified in the itinerary, and he never intended to travel to Canada. Instead, on April 24, 2017, Mohamud traveled from Kansas City, Mo., to Alexandria, Egypt, using the U.S. passport that was issued based on his false representations that he was travelling to Canada.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Casey and David Raskin. It was investigated by the FBI.
Jefferson County woman admits to possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Harpers Ferry, West Virginia woman has admitted today to having child pornography, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Mindy Sue Snyder, age 33, waived her right to have her case presented before a federal grand jury and pled guilty to a one-count information of “Possession of Child Pornography.” Snyder admitted to having a computer disk and other materials that contained child pornography in Jefferson County in September 2015.
Snyder faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Jackson County Man Charged with Federal Firearm ViolationRead the Press Release
On December 5, 2017, Anthony I. Hunter, a/k/a "Shug," 29, of Murphysboro, was charged by one-count indictment with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois Donald S. Boyce announced today. The indictment alleges that the offense occurred on October 4, 2017, in Jackson County. Hunter made his initial appearance in federal court on January 24, 2018. He is currently being held without bond pending a January 26, 2018, bond hearing.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The firearm offense carries a maximum penalty of up to ten years of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Murphysboro Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The Jackson County States Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
Information: Federal Court ArraignmentsRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office announced that those persons listed below were arraigned before the U.S. Magistrate and the indictments handed down by the Grand Jury unsealed.
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on January 25, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- BRANDON LEE REYNOLDS, a 34-year-old resident of Acton, appeared on charges of felon in possession of firearms. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, REYNOLDS faces 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. PACER Case Reference. 17-147
- BRANDON CARL RUSSELL, a 29-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and distribute of methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, RUSSELL faces life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the FBI Task Force. PACER Case Reference. 18-12
- TIMOTHY FREDERICK WOOD, a 46-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, WOOD faces life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the FBI Task Force. PACER Case Reference. 18-12
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Johnston in Great Falls on January 24, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- IRVING URIEL GALINDO SANTOS, a 29-year-old resident of Mexico, appeared on charges of illegal reentry. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, SANTOS faces 20 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the United States Border Patrol. PACER Case Reference. 18-05
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on January 23, 2018 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- BRANDON JAMES BELAKOVICH, a 43-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of distribution of methamphetamine. . If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, BELAKOVICH faces 40 years in prison, $5,000,000 in fines and 4 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the FBI Task Force. PACER Case Reference. 18-06
- DAVIDA KESHA BLAINE, a 42-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of distribution of methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, BLAINE faces 40 years in prison, $5,000,000 in fines and 4 years supervised release. The case was investigated by Department of Homeland Security. PACER Case Reference. 18-07
- GRADY EWING MAYS, a 66-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of failure to register as a sex offender. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, MAYS faces 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service. PACER Case Reference. 17-131
- SHAWNA MAE SMITH, a 39-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, SMITH faces 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. PACER Case Reference. 18-13
If any of the above cases are of interest to your media organization and the community it serves, we encourage you to monitor the progress of the case regularly through the U.S. District Court calendar and the PACER system so that you stay current and not miss any important developments in the case.
To establish a PACER account, which will allow you to review documents filed in the case, please go to, http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the district court’s calendar, please go to https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
Indiana Man Indicted on Federal Kidnapping Charge for Allegedly Abducting a Child in Calumet CityRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — An Indiana man has been indicted on a federal kidnapping charge for allegedly abducting a child from a Calumet City street in broad daylight last month.
On Dec. 20, 2017, at approximately 3:30 p.m., BRYAN PROTHO grabbed the child as she walked on the sidewalk near 153rd Street and Burnham Avenue in Calumet City, according to an indictment returned Thursday and a criminal complaint previously filed in the case. Protho forced the minor into his red Ford Explorer sport-utility vehicle and drove away, the complaint states. He then parked the vehicle in an alley and assaulted the child, the complaint states. The victim was able to escape and flag down a passing vehicle, and law enforcement was contacted.
Protho, 38, of East Chicago, Ind., was arrested on Dec. 27, 2017, and he remains in federal custody. The indictment charges him with one count of kidnapping. Arraignment is set for Feb. 20, 2018, at 9:30 a.m., before U.S. District Judge Charles P. Kocoras.
The indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Jeffrey S. Sallet, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Christopher Fletcher, Chief of the Calumet City Police Department; and Dennis Murrin, Jr., Chief of the Lansing Police Department. The FBI and the local departments jointly investigated the case.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The kidnapping charge is punishable by a minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher V. Parente.
Honduran National Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MARCIO RODOLFO OCHOA-BORJAS (OCHOA-BORJAS) age 31, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Bill of Information for illegal reentry of a removed alien after deportation.
U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced OCHOA-BORJAS to 5 months imprisonment and payment of a mandatory $100.00 special assessment.
According to the Bill of Information, on or about June 30, 2017, OCHOA-BORJAS was found in the United States after having been officially deported. He was ordered removed and deported on or about August 16, 2012.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Irene González is in charge of the prosecution.
Gulfport Man Pleads Guilty to Selling MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Steven Paul Salmon, 56, of Gulfport, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze.
An investigation into methamphetamine trafficking in Biloxi, Mississippi, led FBI agents to order, through a confidential source, methamphetamine from Salmon. On June 6, 2017, Salmon arrived to meet with agents in order to sell them methamphetamine. He was arrested in possession of seven ounces of methamphetamine. Salmon advised that he had additional methamphetamine at his home which led to the seizure of three additional pounds of methamphetamine.
Salmon will be sentenced on April 25, 2018, by Judge Guirola, and faces a maximum penalty of forty years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.
Guatemalan Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Re-Entering U.S. After Prior RemovalRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Wilson Walberto Clemente-Perez, 27, a citizen of Guatemala, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., to the federal crime of unlawful re-entry by an alien after removal, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Thomas M. Annello, Acting Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.
Clemente-Perez is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Guirola on April 25, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. He faces a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment, not more than one year of supervised release, a maximum $250,000 fine, and a special assessment of $100.
On November 5, 2017, a Honda CRV in which Clemente-Perez was a passenger was stopped by a Pearl River County Sheriff’s Deputy on Interstate-59 in Pearl River County, Mississippi, for speeding. While the Honda CRV was designed to seat five people, the deputy observed that, in addition to the driver, there were five unidentified passengers. The driver could not identify his passengers and the deputy could not communicate with the passengers due to a language barrier. Suspecting human smuggling, the deputy contacted the Department of Homeland Security and a special agent with Homeland Security Investigations was dispatched. A Mississippi Highway Patrol State Trooper also provided assistance.
Upon opening the Honda CRV’s cargo door, three additional passengers were found covered in the cargo area of the vehicle bringing the total number of occupants in the vehicle to nine including the driver. Clemente-Perez was one of the passengers in the cargo area. All of the vehicle occupants were taken to the Pearl River County Jail. Further investigation by Homeland Security Investigations revealed that Clemente-Perez previously had been removed from the United States on September 28, 2017, by the Department of Homeland Security after a lawful order of removal had been issued.
U.S. Attorney Hurst praised the cooperation exhibited by the Department of Homeland
Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department and the Mississippi Highway Patrol. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case.
Green Bay Man Sentenced to Twenty Year for Distribution of DrugsRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on January 26, 2018, Kyle D. Herwald (age: 27) of Green Bay, Wisconsin, appeared in federal court in Green Bay and was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for his involvement in a conspiracy to distribute Methamphetamine in Northeast Wisconsin.
Herwald conspired with a Bellevue, Wisconsin woman, Cory L. Daul, to distribute methamphetamine that she received in bulk from an out-of-state supplier via the United States Postal Service. Daul is currently serving a 5-year term in federal prison for her role in the offense.
In pronouncing sentence, Chief United States District Court Judge William C. Griesbach noted the serious nature of Herwald’s crime and the negative effect that methamphetamine has had on the community. The judge condemned Herwald’s prior record, which includes convictions in state court for distribution of illegal narcotics and several violent felonies. Following his release from prison, Herwald will serve 10 years on federal supervised release.
The United States Postal Inspection Service, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Brown County Drug Task Force investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble prosecuted the case.
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For further information contact:
Activing Public Information Officer Elizabeth Makowski, (414) 297-1700
Glendive Man Gets Federal Jail Time for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Glendive man will spend over 6 years in federal prison for downloading and possessing child pornography to his computer. Shawn Michael Wentz, 28, previously pleaded guilty in October 2017 to possession of child pornography stemming from a May 2015 investigation by the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Homeland Security Investigation (HSI).
U.S. District Susan P. Watters sentenced Wentz Thursday to 78 months in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release. Wentz also agreed to forfeit the computer he used to possess the child pornography and is required to register as a sex offender.
In May 2015, agents were investigating individuals downloading and possessing files depicting child pornography that were obtained from the internet. Through IP address records, an HSI agent determined a computer at Wentz’s residence in Glendive, Montana, had child pornography files available for download. Pursuant to a federal search warrant, agents searched Wentz’s residence in June 2015 and seized items included a desktop computer. A Certified Forensic Examiner determined the computer contained image and video files depicting child pornography including sexually explicit images of prepubescent children.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office identified in its sentencing memorandum that based on the names of the files he possessed, Wentz was “interested in child pornography files that depicted prepubescent girls being anally raped by adult males, children as young as two years old engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and files with sadistic and extremely sexually-violent titles.”
U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said, "Prosecuting offenders who possess child pornography, especially of young children, is important to reducing the demand for photos and saving children from being victimized on camera. I want to congratulate AUSA Cyndee Peterson and HSI for their good work in this case. This office will continue to work with the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force to aggressively prosecute those who exploit our children.”
This case was initiated under the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative which was launched in 2006 to combat the proliferation of technology-facilitated crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children. Through a network of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and advocacy organizations, Project Safe Childhood attempts to protect children by investigating and prosecuting offenders involved in child sexual exploitation. It is implemented through partnerships including the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The ICAC Task Force Program was created to assist state and local law enforcement agencies by enhancing their investigative response to technology facilitated crimes against children. Investigative agencies involved in the case include Homeland Security Investigations.
Fremont Builder Sentenced for Theft of Government ServicesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced today that on January 25, 2018, Chief United States District Court Judge Robert Rossiter sentenced Brian Tillman, age 54, of Fremont, Nebraska for his conviction for theft of government funds. Tillman was sentenced to a five-year term of probation and was ordered to pay restitution of $190,100 to the Social Security Administration.
During the period from March 2010 to December 2016, the Defendant received approximately $190,110 of unentitled Social Security Disability Insurance benefits for himself and his two minor children. During that time, Defendant was concealing his full-time employment doing business as Brian Home Improvements in Fremont, Nebraska. Had the Social Security Administration known of such full-time employment, Tillman would not have received disability benefits. As a result of the Defendant’s fraud, the Social Security Administration suffered a loss of $190,110.
This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General.
Fort Dodge Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Firearms While Distributing CocaineRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute cocaine and possessed firearms pled guilty January 25, 2018, in federal court in Sioux City.
Jovon Naylor, 27, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, was convicted of conspiring to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and illegal possession of a firearm.
At the plea hearing, Naylor admitted to conspiring to distribute cocaine in the Fort Dodge area from January through September 2016. Naylor was involved in a number of controlled purchases of cocaine with law enforcement. Naylor also admitted that when he distributed cocaine, he possessed firearms during the drug deals. Drug dealers typically carry firearms for protection of their drugs and drug proceeds. Naylor further admitted to previously being convicted of possession of a firearm by a felon in the Iowa District Court for Webster County on April 13, 2012. Federal law prohibits persons previously convicted of a felony from possessing firearms.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Naylor remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Naylor faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, $300 in special assessments, and at least three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Mikala M. Steenholdt and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Fort Dodge Police Department, DCI Criminalistics Laboratory, and the Webster County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 16-3049. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Former Paramedic Sentenced for Stealing Pain-Killing Drugs, Replacing Vials with WaterRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Timothy A. Garrison, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced a former paramedic with two northwest Missouri ambulance districts was sentenced in federal court today for stealing pain-killing drugs and replacing the vials with water.
Joseph L. Comstock, 31, of Bethany, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to two years and six months in federal prison without parole.
On Sept. 12, 2017, Comstock pleaded guilty to three counts of tampering with a consumer product (fentanyl and morphine) with reckless disregard for the risk that another person would be placed in danger of death or bodily injury, and under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to such risk.
Comstock admitted that he emptied vials of morphine and fentanyl, taking it for his own personal use, and replaced the pain-killing drugs with sterilized water. Comstock tampered with the drug vials while working at both the NTA Ambulance District in Bethany and the Community Ambulance District of Daviess County in Gallatin, Mo., in 2014 and 2015.
Comstock started tampering with drugs in March 2014, following a medical procedure to remove his tonsils. He accessed drugs on ambulances and was able to bend up the lid of the plastic boxes and dump out the drugs he wished to tamper with. He obtained both fentanyl and morphine from ambulances and replaced the drugs with sterile water.
Comstock admitted there were at least two occasions where he personally treated patients with drugs he knew he had tampered with. These patients were both hip fracture patients that were supposed to receive fentanyl but instead received sterile water that Comstock had replaced in the vial.
Federal officials were notified on March 4, 2015, of possible drug tampering at the NTA Ambulance District in Bethany. The chief of EMS reported that an employee had noticed two morphine syringes had broken tamper-evident seals. On Jan. 30, 2015, an employee noticed that two morphine syringes had broken tamper-evident seals. On Feb. 27, 2015, ambulance employees looked through narcotic boxes kept on the three NTA ambulances. They found a number of drugs that were missing tamper-evidence caps and had broken tamper-evident seals, including midazolam, lorazepam, morphine and fentanyl.
Federal agents installed surveillance equipment at the Bethany NTA building on March 18, 2015. A camera was also placed on an ambulance, which was taken out of service. Comstock was recorded on the surveillance video as he stole morphine from the ambulance on two separate occasions on March 19 and March 23, 2015. Comstock later admitted that he had tampered with drugs on all the ambulances prior to that as well.
Comstock also admitted that he tampered with drugs when he visited the Gallatin ambulance building on Feb. 24, 2015. An employee found Comstock (who had stopped working at the Gallatin ambulance company in June 2014) inside the Gallatin ambulance building. Comstock explained he had come by the Gallatin facility to use the treadmill. Later that same day, the employee went on a service call and treated a man suffering from leg pain with 100 mcg of fentanyl; however, the man did not receive any pain relief. When the employee returned, he examined the narcotics cabinet and found several fentanyl vials with loose caps, as well as morphine that appeared to have been tampered with.
The Gallatin ambulance director told federal agents about another suspicious situation at his ambulance building involving Comstock that occurred a week earlier. On Feb. 17, 2015, Comstock stopped by the ambulance building to visit with another paramedic. The next day, another employee checked the narcotics cabinet and noticed two fentanyl vials without their tamper-resistant caps. Subsequently several other fentanyl vials were discovered to have been tampered with.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford. It was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigation and the Bethany, Mo., Police Department.
Former Muncie-area volleyball coach federally charged in sexual exploitation caseRead the Press Release
PRESS RELEASE
Indianapolis-United States Attorney Josh Minkler announced today federal charges against a Muncie man for engaging in illegal sexual conduct with minor children over a three (3) year period. Nolan M. Brand, 24, Muncie, has been charged with sexual exploitation of a minor.
“This Office has sent a consistent message when it comes to the exploitation of children,” said Minkler. “When individuals abuse their position of trust to prey on children, they will feel the full force of the federal hammer.”
According to the criminal complaint, Brand began to have sexual contact with Minor Victim 1 in September of 2017, and his behavior continued until December 2017. The victim was less than 16 years old at the time, and the conduct occurred on a frequent basis over those three months. Brand admitted that the contact with Minor Victim 1 became sexual in nature when he used the Snapchat application to communicate with the child.
The illegal activity was reported to the Muncie Police Department on December 4, 2017. Brand was interviewed by Muncie Police and admitted to engaging in illegal sex acts with Minor Victim 1 on multiple occasions. During the recorded interview, when investigators had stepped out of the room, Brand admitted ‘oh my God, I have child porn on me . . . on my . . . phone.” He later whispered, “oh my God, there are pictures . . . . Other girls, oh my God.”
Law enforcement officials quickly served search warrants. A forensic review of the electronic devices showed that Brand recorded some of the illegal sexual conduct involving Minor Victim 1 on his cellular phone, and then he downloaded it to a computer. Examiners also found sexually explicit images of a second under-age victim. That victim, Minor Victim 2, confirmed the existence of the images and that the images were produced at the request of Nolan Brand.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Muncie Police Department.
“This charge illustrates our commitment to protect our most vulnerable citizens, our children, from those who use a position of trust and authority to exploit them,” said W. Jay Abbott, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Division. “The FBI will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners to identify and hold accountable those who prey on children.”
“I am grateful for the strong working relationship the Muncie Police Department has with our federal law enforcement partners,” said Chief Joe Winkle. “Because of this relationship, Muncie-area residents are safer.”
Brand remains in the custody of the US Marshal Service and will have his detention hearing January 31, 2018.
A criminal complaint is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven otherwise in federal court.
According to Assistant United States Attorney Kristina M. Korobov who is prosecuting this case as for the government, Brand faces up to 30 years of imprisonment if convicted.
In October 2017, United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced a Strategic Plan designed to shape and strengthen the District’s response to its most significant public safety challenges. This prosecution demonstrates the office’s firm commitment to utilize and partner with law enforcement agencies to prosecute individuals engaged in the sexual exploitation of children. See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan Section 4.2.
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Former Missouri Elected Official and His Chief of Staff Plead Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Wire FraudRead the Press Release
The former County Executive for Jackson County, Missouri and his former chief of staff pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to defraud political campaign funds, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.
Michael Sanders, 50, of Independence, Missouri, and Calvin Williford, 60, of St. Joseph, Missouri, each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud before U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark of the Western District of Missouri.
According to admissions made in connection with their pleas, Sanders was the elected County Executive for Jackson County from January 2007 until December 2015. Prior to serving as County Executive, Sanders was the elected Prosecuting Attorney for Jackson County. Williford was a senior staff member for Sanders, and then later chief of staff, in the Office of the County Executive from 2007 to December 2015. Prior to then, Williford served as Sanders’s Director of Public Affairs at the Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Sanders and Williford defrauded political committees with which Sanders was affiliated by converting campaign contributions for their personal use. Sanders and Williford misappropriated the money by directing the political committees to issue checks to certain individuals who performed little or no campaign-related work. Instead, the individuals cashed the checks and then returned a portion of the money to Sanders or Williford, who used the cash at times to pay for personal expenses.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Kansas City Division. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Lauren Bell and Edward P. Sullivan of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section.
Former Madison County Detective Sentenced for Sexually Exploiting MinorsRead the Press Release
Charlottesville, VIRGINIA – – A former detective with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, who was most recently assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, was sentenced yesterday in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Charlottesville on multiple charges of sexually exploiting minors, United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle announced.
Bruce Arlie Harvey, 42, of Reva, Va., was sentenced yesterday to 23 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release thereafter. In addition, Harvey will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. Harvey pleaded guilty on August 14, 2017 to three counts of transporting a minor across state lines with the intent to engage in criminal sexual acts, three counts of interstate travel with minors with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, and one count of possession of child pornography. The charges involved two separate minor victims and occurred in approximately 1998 or 1999 and between 2004-2007.
“Bruce Harvey abused his positions of trust as a law enforcement officer and a karate instructor to sexually exploit two of his female karate students. I commend the teamwork of the FBI and the Virginia State Police for bringing this defendant to justice and for giving the victims justice and a chance to find closure,” United States Attorney Mountcastle said today. “We sincerely hope that today’s sentence will be a step toward healing, restoration, and renewal for the victims.”
“As I said before, Harvey was every parent's worst nightmare. He used his positions of trust in the community - law enforcement officer, youth karate instructor - to access the children who became his victims. Just despicable,” said Adam S. Lee, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division. “I hope Harvey's sentence sends a message to the victimizers of the innocent; we will find you and bring you to justice. I want to thank the heroes at the Western District of Virginia's United States Attorney's Office who expertly prosecuted the case, and I want to especially thank the brave victims who came forward.”
According to the information presented during previous hearings, Harvey, while a law enforcement officer and a karate instructor at the Virginia Tong Leong School of Karate in Madison, victimized the two young karate students when they took private karate lessons from him and traveled with him to competitions and other events at various out-of-state locations.
At the time of his arrest on May 3, 2017, investigators recovered a Sony microcassette in a bedroom closet of Harvey’s home that contained a film clip dated February 14, 2007, showing one of the victims performing a sexual act with Harvey.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Virginia State Police investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Nancy S. Healey and Department of Justice- Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section Trial Attorney Lauren S. Kupersmith prosecuted it.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
Former Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Pleads Guilty to Using Excessive ForceRead the Press Release
Former Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper James Carson pleaded guilty in federal court to violating an individual’s civil rights by using excessive force, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division John Gore, United States Attorney for the District of Kansas Stephen R. McAllister, and Special Agent in Charge for the Kansas City Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Darrin E. Jones.
According to documents filed in connection with the plea, on June 25, 2013, the Defendant, James Carson, was acting under color of law as a Trooper for the Kansas Highway Patrol when he used unreasonable force against an arrestee, R.T. According to the documents, Carson conducted a lawful arrest and then transported R.T. to the Labette County Jail, where at least five other law enforcement officials were present. As Carson removed R.T. from the patrol vehicle and escorted him into the booking area, R.T.’s hands were cuffed behind his back. Without warning, Carson kicked the legs out from underneath R.T., causing R.T. to crash down on his back onto the floor. Carson admitted in court that he used force against R.T. for the purpose of punishment and not for a legitimate law enforcement purpose.
As part of the plea agreement, Carson has agreed to surrender his law enforcement credentials and never again accept any employment related to law enforcement.
“Any law enforcement official who uses excessive and unreasonable force against an arrestee violates the Constitution and its provision to provide for the safety and security of all citizens,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to aggressively prosecute officer misconduct and protect the integrity of our civil rights laws.”
This case was investigated by the Topeka Resident Agency of the Kansas City Field Office of the FBI. The case was initially investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag of the United States Attorney’s Office and Trial Attorney Rose Gibson of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
Former Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Pleads Guilty to Using Excessive ForceRead the Press Release
Former Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper James Carson pleaded guilty in federal court to violating an individual’s civil rights by using excessive force, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division John Gore, United States Attorney for the District of Kansas Stephen R. McAllister, and Special Agent in Charge for the Kansas City Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Darrin E. Jones.
According to documents filed in connection with the plea, on June 25, 2013, the Defendant, James Carson, was acting under color of law as a Trooper for the Kansas Highway Patrol when he used unreasonable force against an arrestee, R.T. According to the documents, Carson conducted a lawful arrest and then transported R.T. to the Labette County Jail, where at least five other law enforcement officials were present. As Carson removed R.T. from the patrol vehicle and escorted him into the booking area, R.T.’s hands were cuffed behind his back. Without warning, Carson kicked the legs out from underneath R.T., causing R.T. to crash down on his back onto the floor. Carson admitted in court that he used force against R.T. for the purpose of punishment and not for a legitimate law enforcement purpose.
As part of the plea agreement, Carson has agreed to surrender his law enforcement credentials and never again accept any employment related to law enforcement.
“Any law enforcement official who uses excessive and unreasonable force against an arrestee violates the Constitution and its provision to provide for the safety and security of all citizens,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to aggressively prosecute officer misconduct and protect the integrity of our civil rights laws.”
This case was investigated by the Topeka Resident Agency of the Kansas City Field Office of the FBI. The case was initially investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag of the United States Attorney’s Office and Trial Attorney Rose Gibson of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
Former Joplin Teacher Indicted for Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Timothy A. Garrison, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that a former Joplin, Mo., middle school teacher has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to the sexual exploitation of a minor.
Amanda Ruth Schweitzer, 38, of Joplin, was charged in a two-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo., on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018. That indictment was unsealed and made public upon Schweitzer’s arrest and initial court appearance on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018. She remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing on Jan. 30, 2018.
Schweitzer was a teacher at North Middle School in Joplin at the time of the alleged offenses.
The federal indictment alleges that Schweitzer used a minor to produce child pornography from March 1 to March 29, 2017. The indictment also alleges that Schweitzer transferred obscene material to the minor during that time.
Garrison 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 Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, the Joplin, Mo., Police Department and the FBI.
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."
Former Hartford Resident Pleads Guilty to Heroin Distribution ChargeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NORBERTO RODRIGUEZ, also known as “Primo,” 44, formerly of Hartford, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of distribution of heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement received information that RODRIGUEZ was selling heroin and crack cocaine in the area of Madison Street in Hartford. On June 9, 2016, investigators made a controlled purchase of 51 wax folds of heroin from RODRIGUEZ at a location on Franklin Avenue in Hartford. Laboratory analysis of the purchased substance revealed the presence of heroin, acetylfentanyl and furanyl fentanyl.
RODRIGUEZ was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on June 5, 2017. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford on April 20, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
RODRIGUEZ, who currently resides in Waterbury, is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, which includes members of the U.S. Marshals Service, Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
Former Hadley Police Officer Indicted for Unreasonable ForceRead the Press Release
A former Hadley, Massachusetts, Police Officer was arrested today and charged in federal court in Springfield in connection with using unreasonable force during an arrest.
Christopher M. Roeder, 48, of Feeding Hills, was charged in an indictment unsealed today with one count of deprivation of rights under color of law and one count of falsification of a document. Roeder will appear in federal court in Springfield this afternoon.
According to court documents, on April 3, 2017, while acting under the color of law, Roeder deprived a male arrestee of the right to be free from an unreasonable seizure, which includes the right to be free from the use of unreasonable force by a law enforcement officer. It is alleged that during the arrest, Roeder struck the arrestee in the face - breaking the arrestee’s nose, which the arrestee would need plastic surgery to repair - without legal justification, while the arrestee was seated on a bench in the Hadley Police Department booking area.
The indictment alleges that Roeder subsequently attempted to obstruct the investigation into the assault on the arrestee by falsifying his police report describing the events that led to the assault. Roeder wrote that the defendant arrestee made an obscene comment toward Roeder and that when the arrestee was instructed to sit down, he sat down slowly, and then when Roeder attempted to handcuff the arrestee, the arrestee began to stand again. According to Roeder, he had no option but to deliver an elbow strike directly to the bridge of the arrestee’s nose in order to gain the arrestee’s compliance. Conversely, the indictment alleges that Roeder’s statements were false.
The charge of deprivation of civil rights under color of law resulting in injury provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of falsifying a police report provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division John Gore, United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling, and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Deepika Bains Shukla of the District of Massachusetts’ Springfield Branch Office and Trial Attorney Timothy Visser of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Hadley Police Officer Indicted for Unreasonable ForceRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Hadley Police Officer was arrested today and charged in federal court in Springfield in connection with using unreasonable force during an arrest.
Christopher M. Roeder, 48, of Agawam, was charged in an indictment unsealed today with one count of deprivation of rights under color of law and one count of falsification of a document.
According to court documents, on April 3, 2017, Roeder struck a male arrestee in the face - breaking the arrestee’s nose, which the arrestee would need plastic surgery to repair - without legal justification, while the arrestee was seated on a bench in the Hadley Police Department booking area.
The indictment alleges that Roeder subsequently attempted to obstruct the investigation into the assault on the arrestee by falsifying his police report describing the events that led to the assault. Roeder wrote that the arrestee made an obscene comment toward Roeder and that when the arrestee was instructed to sit down, he sat down slowly, and then when Roeder attempted to handcuff the arrestee, the arrestee began to stand again. According to Roeder, he allegedly had no option but to deliver an elbow strike directly to the bridge of the arrestee’s nose in order to gain the arrestee’s compliance. Conversely, the indictment alleges that Roeder’s statements were false.
The charge of deprivation of civil rights under color of law resulting in injury provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of falsifying a police report provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Acting Assistant Attorney General John M. Gore of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Deepika Bains Shukla of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office and Trial Attorney Timothy Visser of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Gonzales District Fire Chief Sentenced to Federal Prison for Child Pornography ConvictionsRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Corey R. Amundson announced that United States District Court Judge Shelly D. Dick sentenced former Gonzales District Fire Chief KRISTOPHER JOHNSON, age 37, of Gonzales, Louisiana, to serve 96 months in federal prison following his conviction for possession and distribution of child pornography. Following his release from imprisonment, JOHNSON will serve a 7-year term of supervised release.
As set forth in JOHNSON’s plea agreement, the investigation began when law enforcement discovered that a Gmail user with several email addresses, including [email protected], had uploaded images of child pornography into an online photo account. Investigators then traced the user’s Internet Protocol (“IP”) addresses back to JOHNSON’s residence. After executing a search warrant at JOHNSON’s residence, investigators found child pornography on JOHNSON’s cell phone and iPad, including images of children between six and twelve years of age being sexually abused. When interviewed, JOHNSON admitted to going to various websites to view child pornography, trading child pornography via Google, and viewing child pornography that purportedly displayed the child niece of an individual with whom he was corresponding. Investigators further discovered that JOHNSON had texted multiple images of children being sexually abused to another individual via a texting application.
Acting U.S. Attorney Amundson stated, “Online child sexual exploitation investigations and prosecutions are a priority for this office. JOHNSON’s sentence appropriately reflects the seriousness of these crimes and the need to deter others inclined to engage in similar activity. I greatly appreciate the excellent and hard work of the prosecutors and agents who handle these challenging cases.”
“The outcome of this case should serve as a warning to others we will aggressively investigate and bring to justice those who would prey on our most vulnerable population,” said ICE HSI New Orleans Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas M. Annello. “HSI continues working closely with our federal and state partners to ensure we identify and arrest the perpetrators of these vile crimes."
This matter was investigated by U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (DHS-HSI), and the Cyber Crime Unit of the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, with assistance from the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan R. Crosswell and Cam T. Le.
These federal charges are part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “Resources” tab for information about Internet safety education.
Former D.C. Teacher Sentenced to Prison Term for Sexually Abusing StudentRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Alan Wade Coleman, 47, of Gainesville, Florida, was sentenced today to three years in prison for sexually abusing one of his students during the 2004-2005 academic year, when Coleman was a teacher at the KIPP D.C. Key Academy middle school in Southeast Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu.
Coleman pled guilty in October 2017, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to a charge of first-degree child sexual abuse. The plea was part of a larger plea agreement in which he already pled guilty in Montgomery County, Md., where Coleman then lived and where most of the sexual activity with the student occurred. The plea agreement in the District of Columbia called for an agreed-upon three-year prison term to run concurrently with the sentence to be imposed in Montgomery County. Coleman is to be sentenced there on Feb. 9, 2018; under sentencing guidelines there, he faces a possible four to seven years in prison.
The Honorable Hiram E. Puig-Lugo accepted the plea and sentenced the defendant accordingly. Once released from prison, Coleman will be required to register as a sex offender for 10 years as a result of his plea in the District of Columbia, and for life as a result of his plea in Montgomery County. He will also be on supervised release for five years as part of his sentence in the District of Columbia.
According to the government’s evidence, during the 2004-2005 academic year, Coleman engaged in sexual acts with the female student, most of which occurred at his apartment in Takoma Park, Md.; at the time she was 14 and 15 years old. On those occasions, Coleman would drive the girl to Maryland from a location either at, or near, the KIPP School. However, on several occasions during that academic year, Coleman drove her to a location in the District, where he parked and engaged in sexual acts with her in his vehicle. Coleman remained in a relationship with the girl until she was 19.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Liu praised the work of officers from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Youth Investigation Division. She also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Brenda C. Williams and Victim/Witness Advocate Juanita Harris. Finally, U.S. Attorney Liu commended Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter V. Taylor, who investigated and prosecuted this case.
Five Texas Men Indicted for Stealing 650 Firearms from UPS Trailers in SpringfieldRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Timothy A. Garrison, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that five Texas men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for stealing 650 firearms from United Parcel Service trailers in Springfield, Mo., en route to Bass Pro Shops.
Frank McChriston, 33, of Ponder, Texas; Keith Lowe, 28, of Dallas, Texas; Quinton Haywood, 26, of Glenn Heights, Texas; and Eric White, 26, and Derrick White, 32, both of Texas, were charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo., on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018. The federal indictment replaces a criminal complaint that was filed under seal on Dec. 29, 2017. The five co-defendants were arrested in Texas, where they remain in federal custody pending transportation to the Western District of Missouri.
The indictment charges each of the five defendants in one count of aiding and abetting one another to steal firearms being shipped across state lines, from Beretta USA in Maryland to the state of Missouri. The indictment also charges each of the five defendants in one count of aiding and abetting one another to possess stolen firearms.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the original federal criminal complaint, Derrick and Eric White, McChriston, Lowe and Haywood stole 650 firearms, along with other cargo, from United Parcel Service (UPS) trailers in Springfield in October 2017.
The firearms were in the process of being shipped from Beretta Firearms in Maryland to Bass Pro Shops in Springfield. The trailers in which the firearms were shipped had been parked in the UPS freight lot in a configuration to prevent access to the trailer doors, by being parked back-to-back, with the roll-up doors facing each other. The trailers were then blocked by longer trailers, which should have acted as a preventative measure from someone backing a truck-tractor to the trailer and pulling it forward.
Sometime between noon on Oct. 28, 2017, and 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 29, 2017, thieves hot-wired two truck-tractors and used them to push and pull various trailers around the lot, allowing the thieves access to the trailer doors. Thieves stole 600 Beretta .380-caliber handguns and 54 Beretta 12-gauge shotguns, as well as an entire pallet of Justin brand boots, numerous power tools and 12 cases of soda. UPS employees discovered the theft on Oct. 29, 2017, and notified law enforcement.
The next day, Oct. 30, 2017, Best Way Moving & Storage in Springfield (located near the UPS freight facility) discovered that a truck had been stolen sometime after noon on Oct. 28, 2017. On Nov. 8, 2017, the stolen truck was found in Seagoville, Texas, which is in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
According to the affidavit, cell phone tower records indicated that the cell phones of Derrick White, Eric White, McChriston, Lowe and Haywood all were in the vicinity of the UPS freight facility in Springfield at or near the time of the theft. Investigators determined that all five cell phones left the Dallas metroplex on Oct. 27, 2017, arrived in Springfield on Oct. 28, 2017, and returned to the Dallas metroplex on Oct. 29, 2017. Haywood’s phone was also in the area where the stolen truck from Best Way Moving was recovered in Seagoville.
Eric and Derrick White were located at Redneck Heaven Restaurant & Bar in Arlington, Texas, on Nov. 19, 2017, and arrested on outstanding warrants from an unrelated case. A Beretta .380-caliber handgun was found in Derrick White’s car as it was being towed; investigators confirmed the firearm had been stolen from the shipment of firearms in the Springfield UPS freight facility. Additional items consistent with those stolen in the UPS theft were located in Derrick White’s vehicle, including a Milwaukee M18 2 Toll Combo Kit, still in the box, and two SOG folding knives, still in the box.
A loaded Taurus 9mm pistol was found in Eric White’s car. Investigators also recovered two sets of bolt cutters and two key rings containing several keys from Eric White’s car. The keys were the type commonly used for tractor trailer trucks and fork lifts, and circular keys common for storage units and vending machines.
Garrison 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 James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Five Members of International Organized Criminal Enterprise Indicted in More Than $9.5 Million Counterfeit Documents Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Five of six alleged members of an international criminal conspiracy were arrested and appeared before the Court in Dallas, Texas on charges related to their alleged roles in an international fraud scheme that has used counterfeit driver’s licenses and counterfeit money orders to obtain monies from victim bank accounts around the United States.
The arrests and charges were announced by Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox for the Northern District of Texas; and Inspector in Charge Regina Faulkerson of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Criminal Investigations Group.
John Lewis Davis II, 43, and Rasheed Wriden, 34, both of Dallas; Valandus Javon Gibson, 28 of Chicago, Illinois; Ralph Deon Taylor, 47, of Long Beach, California; and Craig Allen, 70, of Phoenix, Arizona, were all charged in a 14-count indictment unsealed on Thursday.
Davis, Gibson, Taylor, Allen, and Wriden are charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.
Davis, Gibson, and Allen, are charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
Davis, Allen, and Wriden are charged with mail fraud.
Davis, Taylor, Allen, and Wriden are charged with possession and transmission of counterfeit money orders.
Davis, Taylor, and Allen are charged with transferring counterfeit driver’s licenses.
The indictment alleges that from about April 2013 to December 2017, the defendants conspired with each other and individuals in other countries including Nigeria to obtain money through various acts of fraud. This included posting misleading advertisements of detailed descriptions of job opportunities, such as for mystery shopper positions, that were not valid job opportunities. The defendants are alleged to have conspired to pose as employers of these fraudulent job opportunities to lure victims, who resided throughout the United States and Canada.
The defendants are alleged to have conspired to obtain counterfeited driver’s licenses and money orders, which were shipped into the United States. The counterfeited money orders were shipped to co-conspirators, who then mailed them to unwitting victims who were under the mistaken belief that they were fulfilling the job duties of mystery shopper positions. The victims were instructed to deposit the counterfeit money orders and securities, mailed as payment for the mystery shopper jobs, into personal bank accounts and send a portion of the monies via money transfer businesses, to individuals known and unknown in the United States and elsewhere. After the unwitting victims cashed the counterfeited money orders and wired money to co-conspirators, the co-conspirators are alleged to have retrieved the wire transfers with the use of a counterfeited driver’s license.
According to the indictment, the purpose of the conspiracy was to fraudulently obtain monies from counterfeited U.S. Postal money orders and counterfeit checks, by sending and receiving them through the U.S. Postal Service and commercial carriers to other individuals, who would then negotiate the money orders and checks and wire the funds to the defendants using money service businesses.
The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Rowlett Police Department.
The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Leshia Lee-Dixon of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Jarvis from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas – Dallas Division.
Federal Prison Inmate Found Guilty of Possessing Two Metal ShanksRead the Press Release
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – DALE GOLDEN, 43, a former inmate of the Federal Correctional Institution in El Reno, Oklahoma, has been found guilty by a federal jury of possessing contraband in prison, announced Robert J. Troester, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.
According to charges filed on September 20, 2017, Golden possessed prohibited objects while incarcerated at the El Reno prison. In particular, he possessed two metal shanks, objects that were intended to be used as weapons. Evidence at trial indicated a prison official discovered Golden sharpening the shanks in a prison metal detail shop. According to the evidence, the shanks had fallen on the floor near Golden and were hot from the metal-working process.
Today a jury found Golden guilty after listening to one day of testimony and deliberating for approximately three-and-a-half hours.
Sentencing will take place in approximately ninety days. As a result of this conviction, Golden could face five years in prison, three years of supervised release at the end of his prison term, and a $250,000 fine.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ Special Investigative Services—FCI El Reno. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas J. Patterson and Ashley Altshuler prosecuted the case.
Federal Jury Finds Blaine Man Guilty of Production and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory G. Brooker today announced the conviction of SCOTT FRANCIS FORTIER, 38, for producing and possessing video files containing child pornography. FORTIER, who was charged in a superseding indictment on August 23, 2017, with one count of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography, was found guilty on both counts by a federal jury in Minneapolis, Minn.
“This disturbing case involved a defendant who preyed on two minor victims whom he met at a horseback riding summer camp,” said Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Middlecamp. “After hearing the evidence presented at trial, the jury swiftly returned a guilty verdict. I am thankful to the victims who courageously testified at trial and to the jury for rendering this just verdict.”
As proven at trial, FORTIER was associated for many years with Circle R Ranch (“the Camp”), a co-ed horseback riding summer camp located in Todd County, Minn. Through his involvement with the Camp, FORTIER met a 17-year-old minor (“Minor Victim #1). On September 9, 2016, FORTIER invited Minor Victim #1 and her 15-year-old friend (Minor Victim #2) to his house in Blaine, Minn., where he gave them both alcohol and subsequently used each minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct. FORTIER used his cell phone to produce multiple videos of himself engaging in the sexually explicit conduct with Minor Victim #1 and Minor Victim #2. Following an execution of a search warrant, law enforcement discovered that FORTIER also possessed videos of children under the age of 12 engaging is sexually explicit conduct, along with thousands of other images of child pornography.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, the Todd County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI.
Based on the evidence obtained in this case, authorities believe there may be additional victims who have not yet been identified. Anyone with information about this matter is encouraged to call the FBI at 763-569-8395. Callers may remain anonymous.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol M. Kayser and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Middlecamp are prosecuting this case.
Defendant Information:
SCOTT FRANCIS FORTIER, 38
Blaine, Minn.
Convicted:
- Production of child pornography, 1 count
- Possession of child pornography, 1 count
###
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Excelsior Springs Man Sentenced to 22 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Timothy A. Garrison, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that eight more defendants were sentenced this week for their roles in a $4.3 million conspiracy to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine and heroin throughout Jackson, Clay, Ray, Clinton and Buchanan counties.
Anthony Ray Stevenson, 46, of Excelsior Springs, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Greg Kays on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018, to 22 years and six months in federal prison without parole.
Taylor Lee Syas, 25, of Polo, Mo., was sentenced today to eight years and four months in federal prison without parole.
Paula Rae Scott, 48, of Excelsior Springs, and Gabriel Ruiz-Salazar, 35, and Bryan D. Carroll, 29, both of Kansas City, Mo., were sentenced on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2018. Scott was sentenced to four years and 11 months in federal prison without parole. Ruiz-Salazar was sentenced to 15 years and eight months in federal prison without parole. Carroll was sentenced to six years and six months in federal prison without parole.
Ryan A. Battagler, 39, of Kearney, Mo., and Franklin Charles Carter, also known as “Frankie,” 28, of Grandview, Mo., were also sentenced on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018. Battagler was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison without parole. Carter was sentenced to eight years in federal prison without parole.
Marion Eugene Brammer, 53, of Excelsior Springs, was sentenced on Monday, Jan. 22, 2018, to six years and three months in federal prison without parole.
In 2010, the Buchanan County Drug Strike Force and the DEA initiated an investigation into a drug-trafficking organization distributing methamphetamine in northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas. Jose Luis Ruiz-Salazar, 39, his brother, Gabriel Ruiz-Salazar (who was sentenced today), and Gregory Bullock, 48, all of Kansas City, Mo., have pleaded guilty to being the primary sources that supplied co-conspirators with large amounts of methamphetamine during the conspiracy. Co-conspirators then distributed the methamphetamine throughout Jackson, Clay, Ray, Clinton and Buchanan counties in Missouri.
According to court documents, conspirators sold $4,359,600 worth of methamphetamine and heroin from 2010 to 2015. That estimate is based on a conservative street price of $1,200 for an ounce of 50 percent pure methamphetamine and the total conspiracy distribution of at least 100 kilograms of methamphetamine, and a conservative street price of $2,500 per ounce of heroin and an overall conspiracy distribution of approximately three pounds.
Six additional defendants have been sentenced after pleading guilty to their roles in the conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Brian Michael Bowers, 35, of Richmond, Mo., was sentenced to 12 years and six months in federal prison without parole. Gary Dewayne Brown, 37, of Cowgill, was sentenced to 12 years and seven months in federal prison without parole. Ronald Louis Roberts, 54, of Lathrop, Mo., was sentenced to 10 years and six months in federal prison without parole. Brittney James Brehm, 39, of Bland, Mo., was sentenced to six years and 11 months in federal prison without parole. Rodney Earl King, 52, of Excelsior Springs, was sentenced to five years and two months in federal prison without parole. Darin Gene Berry, 52, of Excelsior Springs, was sentenced to four years and five months in federal prison without parole.
A dozen co-defendants have pleaded guilty and await sentencing. In addition to Jose Ruiz-Salazar and Bullock, co-defendants Steven Lee Schreier, Jr., 33, Jason Lee Kirtley, 45, Jackie R. Love, Jr., 60, and William Dean Campbell, 37, all of Excelsior Springs; Jason Daniel Davis, 44, of Liberty, Mo.; Joshua Keith Bowers, 34, of Polo; Sabrena Lynn Morgan, 40, and Elgin Eugene Dothage, also known as “Butch,” 41, both of Kearney; and Caleb Dean Hayes, 36, of Kansas City, Mo., are among 26 defendants indicted in this case who have pleaded guilty.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bruce Rhoades, Bradley K. Kavanaugh and Matt Moeder. It was investigated by the Clay County Drug Task Force, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Caldwell County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Buchanan County Drug Strike Force and the DEA.
Edgewood Man Sentenced to 31 Years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Baltimore, Maryland – On January 25, 2018, United States District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Brian Shumate, age 50, of Edgewood, Maryland to 31 years in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release for the sexual exploitation of children.
The sentence was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning and Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.
According to court documents, between 2013 and 2015, Shumate used online sites to find and communicate with minors as young as 13. Shumate initiated sexually explicit communication with the female victims and sent images of his genitals to them. He then pressured the victims to take photographs of themselves engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Shumate would misrepresent himself online and would initially pretend to be a teenage boy. In some instances, after corresponding with his victims for a time, Shumate would disclose his real age and threaten the victims and their families, unless the victims continued to send him content.
After being convicted for traveling to Pennsylvania in 2004 to have sex with a 12-year-old female who he asked to call him “daddy,” Shumate served a seven-year prison sentence. Upon his release in 2012, he violated his parole on three separate occasions, was convicted for failing to register as a sex offender, and was subsequently arrested on May 22, 2014.
In June 2014, while in the Harford County Detention Center, Shumate called an acquaintance who informed him that the FBI was asking about his phone and social network accounts, including email and Facebook. The acquaintance also told Shumate that the FBI wanted access to Shumate’s phone and tablet. Shumate instructed the acquaintance to delete specific numbers and images from the phone (the numbers and images were all females), and to wipe the phone of all content.
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.justice.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "resources" tab on the left of the page.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning praised the FBI for their work in the investigation. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Budlow who prosecuted the case.
District Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Shooting Man and Other OffensesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Rayvon Jamison, 25, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to nine years in prison on charges stemming from a series of crimes, including one in which he shot a man in the leg in Southeast Washington, U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu announced.
Jamison pled guilty in November 2017, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to assault with a dangerous weapon, attempted assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and attempted possession with intent to distribute synthetic cannabinoids. He was sentenced by the Honorable Marisa Demeo. Following his prison term, Jamison will be placed on five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, on Jan. 27, 2017, at approximately 5:50 p.m., Jamison was stopped by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in the 4300 block of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue NE, driving a car that a robbery suspect was believed to have entered. A search of the car resulted in the recovery of approximately 270.5 grams of synthetic cannabinoids, some of which was packaged in 22 small portions individually wrapped in plastic bags, as well as dozens of empty clear plastic baggies and a small digital scale.
While he was free on personal recognizance in that case, on April 19, 2017, at approximately 4:45 p.m., Jamison and two others approached a woman who had pulled into a gas station in the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue NE. Jamison immediately threatened the victim, produced a black handgun, pointed it at her, and ordered her to move, threatening to shoot at her car. At one point, he showed the woman the inside of his backpack, which contained approximately three to four additional firearms. The victim then fled and reported the incident to a nearby police officer. Jamison was arrested within minutes, about a block away from the gas station. Officers discovered that he had a firearm in his front left pants pocket.
Jamison absconded on July 10, 2017 from a halfway house where he had been placed while awaiting trial in the gun-related case. Then, on July 29, 2017, at approximately 10 p.m., MPD officers were dispatched to the sound of gunshots in the area of the 300 block of Anacostia Road SE. The victim was found on the ground with a gunshot wound to the leg. A subsequent investigation led to Jamison’s arrest on Sept. 15, 2017. He has been in custody ever since.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Liu commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department, including detectives from the Sixth Police District. She also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Kerkhoff and the Violent Repeat Offender Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Finally, they commended the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Rizwan A. Qureshi, who prosecuted the matter.
District Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Sexual Assaults, Attacked Woman and 11-Year-Old GirlRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Joseph Ramsey, 21, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to a 25-year prison term on charges stemming from two sexual assaults, including an armed attack on a 25-year-old woman in September 2012 and another assault on an 11-year-old girl in March 2015, announced U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu.
Ramsey pled guilty in November 2017, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to charges of first-degree sexual abuse while armed and first-degree child sexual abuse. The plea, which was contingent on the Court’s approval, called for an agreed-upon prison term of 25 years. The Honorable Judith Bartnoff accepted the plea and sentenced the defendant accordingly. Once released from prison, Ramsey will be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life. He also will be placed on 15 years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, the first attack took place on Sept. 6, 2012, at approximately 11:15 p.m. The victim, 25, was walking home from the Deanwood Metro station. Ramsey approached her as she turned onto 45th Place NE and as she walked into an alley leading to the rear of her home. He pulled out a black handgun as he ran towards her. Ramsey then forced her onto her knees and sexually assaulted her at gunpoint. The victim reported the assault immediately and was transported to Washington Hospital Center for a Sexual Assault Nurse Examination (SANE), which included collection of forensic evidence.
In the second assault, in the early evening of March 1, 2015 an 11-year-old girl encountered Ramsey in the 3300 block of Stanton Road SE. She and the defendant went into a nearby apartment building, and he sexually assaulted the child on the basement landing. She immediately reported the assault and was transported to Children’s National Medical Center for an examination, which included collection of forensic evidence.
Forensic analysis of the evidence collected following the two assaults revealed that the same unknown male DNA profile was found on the biological material in both cases. Detectives with the Metropolitan Police Department’s Sexual Assault Unit and Youth Investigation Division developed the defendant as a suspect in these assaults and obtained a warrant to collect a DNA sample from him. Forensic analysis revealed that Ramsey’s DNA profile matched the unknown male DNA profile found in the sex kits collected following both assaults. Ramsey was charged in this case in February 2016 and has been in custody ever since.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Liu praised the work of officers from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Sexual Assault Unit and Youth Investigation Division. She expressed appreciation to Deputy U.S. Marshals William Straw and Justin Bankert, of the U.S. Marshals Service, as well as to Bode Cellmark Forensics. She also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Michael Ambrosino, Special Counsel for DNA and Forensic Evidence Litigation; Forensic Operation/Program Specialist Benjamin Kagan-Guthrie; Litigation Technology Specialist Leif Hickling; Contract Specialist Sallie Rynas; David Foster, LaJune Thames, and Katina Adams-Washington, all of the Victim/Witness Assistance Unit; Paralegal Specialists D’Yvonne Key, Angelina Slagle, Tiffany Jones, Michelle Wicker, and Jason Manuel, and Victim/Witness Advocate Veronica Vaughan.
Finally, U.S. Attorney Liu commended Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julianne Johnston, Sumit Mallick, and Jason Park, who investigated and prosecuted this case.
Defendant Sentenced to 41 Months in Prison for Defrauding Mortgage Lending InstitutionsRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Dirk Hall was sentenced by United States District Judge Eric N. Vitaliano to 41 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, after having pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud in connection with a multi-million dollar mortgage fraud scheme.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the sentencing. Mr. Donoghue thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General (FHFA-OIG); the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General (HUD-OIG); the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG); and the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) for their hard work and dedication over the course of this multi-year investigation and prosecution.
According to court filings and facts presented at the sentencing hearing, between September 2008 and May 2011, Hall, together with others, caused mortgage loan applications with false information to be submitted to lending institutions in connection with the purchase of residential properties located within the Eastern District of New York. These applications contained fraudulently inflated purchase prices, as well as false information about the assets and income of the purchasers of the properties, many of whom were being compensated as part of the scheme to act as straw purchasers. The defendant and his co-conspirators also provided false down payment checks to make it appear as if the straw purchasers and the other borrowers had made down payments in connection with the purchase of the properties, which was a condition of the lending institutions for issuing the mortgage loans.
To carry out their scheme, the defendant and his co-conspirators conducted simultaneous purchases and sales of the properties, sometimes called “flips,” in an effort to conceal their criminal involvement and to inflate the value of the properties. To that end, the defendant and his co-conspirators, through the use of backdated and falsified documents, concealed from the lending institutions the fact that the purchase and sale had occurred on the same day and made it appear as if the transaction between the homeowner and the co-conspirator had occurred over 60 days prior to the sale from the co-conspirator to the straw purchaser.
As a result of the false applications and appraisals, the lending institutions were fraudulently induced to issue millions of dollars of mortgage loans secured by properties that had inflated appraisal values to individuals who had insufficient income and assets to qualify for the mortgage loans. In many instances, the straw purchasers and the other borrowers failed to make required mortgage payments to the lending institutions, which caused the mortgage loans to be placed into default status.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorneys David C. Pitluck, Mark E. Bini and Michael T. Keilty are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
DIRK HALL
Age: 42
Queens, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 14-CR-356 (S-1) (ENV)
Dallas Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Distributing Crystal Methamphetamine Through Parcel Delivery ServicesRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Baltimore, Maryland – United States District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced Patrick Brian Mobley, age, 42, of Dallas, Texas today to 96 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute crystal methamphetamine.
The sentence was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning; Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder of the Drug Enforcement Agency - Washington Division Office; Superintendent of the Maryland State Police Colonel William M. Pallozzi; and Chief of Police U. Renee Hall of the Dallas Police Department.
Also charged in the conspiracy were Jeffrey Saunders Harrington, age 48, of Severn, Maryland; Bernard Thomas Mozdenski, age 42, of Fort Worth, Texas; and Charles Todd, age 35, of Glen Burnie, Maryland. Mozdenski was previously sentenced to six years in prison; Harrington was previously sentenced to 70 months in prison; and Todd was sentenced to 64 months in prison. Each prison sentence will be followed by five years of supervised release.
According to court documents Mobley sold quantities of crystal methamphetamine and gamma-hydroxybutric acid, a controlled substance also known as GHB, to co-conspirators and customers in various regions of the United States. Using the business names “PBMobes” and “CloudMobes,” Mobley also maintained a website advertising and listing prices for various quantities of crystal methamphetamine under the guise of marketing cloud storage. During the course of the conspiracy, Mobley sold and shipped at least 15 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine to co-conspirators, who then distributed quantities of the drugs to others.
Between October 2015 and February 2017, Harrington placed orders for quantities of crystal methamphetamine with Mobley. These payments made for the drugs included more than 40 cash deposits totaling more than $60,000. Mobley shipped approximately 55 packages containing more than two kilograms of crystal methamphetamine to Maryland. From this supply, Harrington sold and distributed the crystal methamphetamine to customers in Maryland.
On February 16, 2017, law enforcement intercepted a package in Maryland that had been sent from Mobley in Dallas, Texas to Harrington’s residence in Severn, Maryland. After a controlled delivery of the package to Harrington’s residence and the arrests of Harrington and Todd, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the house. Inside the house, investigators found several small plastic baggies containing crystal methamphetamine, bundles of unused plastic baggies, several digital scales, and other evidence of drug distribution. A subsequent examination of Harrington’s cell phone revealed text messages between Harrington and Todd during the week prior to their arrest in which the two discussed illegal drug sales and purchasing a re-supply of drugs.
Undercover law enforcement subsequently placed an order for two ounces of crystal methamphetamine from Mobley and interdicted the package on February 25, 2017. Mobley was arrested on March 9, 2017, in Dallas, Texas. During the search of his residence, investigators found package delivery service documents, quantities of crystal methamphetamine and other suspected controlled substances in plastic baggies and other containers, a digital scale with white residue, and various equipment and materials used for packaging controlled substances. A Hi-Point 9mm semiautomatic pistol and a magazine containing eight rounds of 9mm ammunition was found in a locked safe.
Mozdenski was subsequently arrested while attempting to deliver a quantity of crystal methamphetamine to Mobley’s residence in Dallas.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning praised the DEA for their work in the investigation. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Maddox who prosecuted the case.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Unlawful Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – United States District Judge David J. Hale sentenced a Louisville man to 5 years in prison yesterday, followed by 3 years of Supervised Release for violating federal gun laws, announced United States Attorney Russell M. Coleman. There is no parole in the federal system.
Last September, Lugene Floyd, 44, pled guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms. According to the plea agreement and other court records, on April 27, 2016, law enforcement officials executed a search warrant on Floyd’s residence in Louisville, Kentucky. During execution of the search warrant, law enforcement officials discovered six firearms and numerous rounds of ammunition. The firearms included handguns and rifles.
Prior to April 27, 2017, Floyd had been convicted of several felony offenses in Jefferson County, Kentucky. The prior convictions involved drug and firearms offenses.
Assistant United States Attorney Jo E. Lawless prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and Louisville Metro Police Department conducted the investigation as part of a joint effort to combat violent crime in Louisville.
Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Justin Stabler, 31, of Harrison County, Mississippi, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
On the morning of September 1, 2017, officers from the Jackson Police Department responded to 911 calls from the Belhaven Heights neighborhood concerning a man walking down the street brandishing a firearm at another individual. While responding to the area, officers spotted Stabler walking down the street carrying a revolver in his hand. Stabler was taken into custody without incident, and officers quickly determined that he was a convicted felon who was on parole and residing at a halfway house in another area of Jackson. Because Stabler was a convicted felon, he was prohibited from possessing either a firearm or ammunition under federal law. The firearm Stabler possessed was a large caliber Taurus "Judge" revolver loaded with five .410 gauge shotgun shells. The firearm was later determined to have been stolen.
United States Attorney Mike Hurst praised the efforts of vigilant citizens in Belhaven Heights and the responsiveness of Jackson police officers. "These concerned residents and the Jackson Police Department should be commended for their cooperation in this case, resulting in a criminal being quickly located, arrested and removed from our community before he could do more harm. These types of collaborative efforts are one of the most effective ways to make our neighborhoods safer and more secure," said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
Stabler had previously been convicted of multiple state felony offenses in Harrison and Jackson Counties, including burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, and possession of counterfeit currency.
Stabler will be sentenced by Judge Wingate on May 21, 2018, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Jackson Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dave Fulcher.
Convicted Felon Indicted for Possessing AM-15 Rifle and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
BOSTON - Akeem Castro, 25, of Holyoke, was charged in federal court in Springfield yesterday with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The indictment alleges that on March 7, 2017, Castro possessed an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 rifle and 34 rounds of ammunition. Castro is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior felony conviction.
The charge provides for sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, a minimum of three years of supervised release, and a fine of between $20,000 and $200,000.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Springfield Police Commissioner John Barbieri; and Holyoke Police Chief James Neiswanger made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.