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Friday 1 December 2017
Brownstown Man Sentenced to 5 Years' Imprisonment for Unemployment Insurance FraudRead the Press Release
A Brownstown Township man was sentenced to 5 years in prison today after pleading guilty to defrauding the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency out of over $726,000, announced Acting United States Attorney Daniel L. Lemisch.
Lemisch was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge James Vanderberg, Department of Labor - Office of Inspector General, Special Agent in Charge David P. Gelios, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Wanda M. Stokes, Director, Michigan Talent Investment Agency, Unemployment Insurance.
Byron Williams, 50, pleaded guilty in June before United States District Court Judge Sean F. Cox to wire fraud for his leadership in a sophisticated scheme utilizing five fictitious companies and more than 114 identities to defraud the Agency.
According to court records, between 2012 through 2016, Williams systematically obtained personal identification information for 114 individuals, and then used that information to submit fraudulent on-line claims for unemployment compensation benefits. Some of the identities were from individuals who participated in the scheme, and received a portion of the benefits from the fraudulent claims paid out on their behalf. Many of the identities utilized were stolen, leaving a large number of identity theft victims.
“Identity theft is a serious crime, often requiring victims to spend years restoring their credit. Today’s sentence recognizes not only that the defendant harmed individuals, he harmed the public by stealing nearly three quarters of million dollars intended to help the unemployed. Such conduct rightfully deserves the serious punishment handed down by the court today,” Lemisch said.
"Individuals who defraud the Federal-State Unemployment Insurance Program divert limited public funds meant for those legitimately in need of temporary economic support”, said David P. Gelios, Special Agent in Charge, Detroit Division of the FBI. “Today, Mr. Williams was held to account for his fraud scheme which could have undermined the solvency of this important safety net for the unemployed.”
“This case shows our commitment to pursue all available avenues to stop this type of fraud,” stated Wanda M. Stokes, Director, Michigan Talent Investment Agency, Unemployment Insurance. “I want to commend all the agencies involved in this matter.”
The case was investigated by special agents of the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, the FBI with the assistance of the State of Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency.
Bronx Defendant Found Guilty in Manhattan Federal Court of Sex Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that a federal jury today found MARIA SOLY ALMONTE, a/k/a “Soly Almonte,” a/k/a “Soly La Fuerte,” a/k/a “SoSo,” a/k/a “SoSo Wavy,” a/k/a “Soly Montana,” guilty of sex trafficking of minors, sex trafficking conspiracy, and use of interstate commerce to promote illegal activity. ALMONTE was convicted following a two-week jury trial before U.S. District Judge Kimba M. Wood.
Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said: “As a jury unanimously found, Maria Soly Almonte was the ringleader of a sex trafficking conspiracy that exploited children as young as 13. Her predatory conduct shocks the conscience. Protecting children is one of our most important missions, and I thank the FBI and the NYPD for their outstanding work to that end. Almonte now awaits sentencing for her heinous crimes.”
According to allegations contained in the Complaint, Indictment, and evidence presented during the trial in Manhattan federal court:
Since at least 2015, MARIA SOLY ALMONTE operated a brothel in New York City, which trafficked minors as young as 13 years old. The brothel operated at various locations throughout New York, including apartments in the Bronx and Harlem.
ALMONTE served as the brothel’s proprietor. The brothel’s sex workers were required to pay ALMONTE a fee for prostitution services they rendered at the brothel. The brothel advertised its services on the internet and communicated with clients by telephone. During the time period of the conspiracy, at least six minors provided prostitution services at one or more of the brothel’s locations.
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ALMONTE, 33, was convicted of one count of conspiring to commit sex trafficking, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison; one count of sex trafficking a minor under the age of 14, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison; one count of sex trafficking a minor under the age of 18, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison; one count of using facilities of interstate commerce to promote illegal activity, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; and one count of conspiring to use facilities of interstate commerce to promote illegal activity, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Kim thanked the FBI and NYPD for their outstanding investigative work in this matter.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Stephanie Lake and Alison Moe are in charge of the prosecution.
Bill Powell sworn in as United States Attorney for the Northern District of West VirginiaRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Bill Powell has taken the formal oath of office to become the United States Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia in a special ceremony today in Martinsburg. U.S. Attorney Powell was nominated by President Donald Trump on August 3, 2017 and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on October 3, 2017. Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh administered the oath of office to U.S. Attorney Powell before family, friends and colleagues.
“I am humbled and honored to have been appointed and confirmed as the United States Attorney. I have a great team of lawyers and staff, and I look forward to working with all of them on the issues facing our district. I will work as hard as I can to justify the confidence placed in me,” said U.S. Attorney Powell.
The Investiture Ceremony, held at the W. Craig Broadwater Federal Building and United States Courthouse in Martinsburg, was attended by former United States Attorneys, Federal Judges, lawmakers, colleagues, staff, and Powell’s family and friends. Student representatives from Burke Street Elementary School in Martinsburg recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and were invited by U.S. Attorney Powell as honored guests. The ceremony was followed by a reception hosted by U.S. Attorney Powell’s family.
As U.S. Attorney, Powell is the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the Northern District of West Virginia, which includes offices in Wheeling, Martinsburg, Clarksburg, and Elkins. He oversees a staff of 45 employees, including 21 attorneys and 24 non-attorney support personnel. The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including crimes related to terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, firearms, and narcotics. The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.
U.S. Attorney Powell, a Martinsburg resident, was born in Manhasset, New York in 1960. He most recently served as the Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Jefferson County, West Virginia. He has also held positions as a member attorney at Jackson Kelly, PLLC, and an Assistant United States Attorney in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.
He received his J.D. in 1985 from the West Virginia University College of Law and his B.A. in 1982 from Salem College. He is a past president of the West Virginia Bar Association, past Member of the Board of Governors for the West Virginia State Bar, and has been active in numerous community and professional organizations.
He has been married to his wife, Sharon, for 31 years, and they have raised three boys.
Betty Miller Arrested for Possession of RicinRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) stated:
On November 30, 2017, the FBI arrested Betty Miller, age 70, on a federal criminal complaint charging her with unregistered possession of a select agent, ricin, on or about November 27, 2017. On December 1, Miller had her initial appearance in federal court in Burlington before The Honorable John M. Conroy, United States Magistrate Judge. At the hearing, Judge Conroy advised Miller of the charge against her and continued the matter until a probable cause and detention hearing scheduled for Wednesday, December 6, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. Ms. Miller will remain in custody until that time.
The case arises from an incident that occurred at the Wake Robin life care community in Shelburne, Vermont. On November 28, 2017, Vermont law enforcement, the FBI, and first responders reported to Wake Robin after learning of a potentially hazardous substance on the premises. Subsequent searches that day revealed a bottle labeled “ricin” in Miller’s residence. The Vermont Forensic Lab confirmed that the bottle contained ricin, a toxin regulated by the federal government due to the severe threat to public health it poses.Later in the evening of November 28, members of the FBI and the Vermont Department of Health (VDH) interviewed Miller at the UVM Medical Center. During the interview, Miller stated that she had an interest in plant-based poisons and had conducted internet research on how to make them. She stated that she manufactured ricin in the kitchen of her Wake Robin residence and, to test its potency, placed the ricin in the food or beverages of other residents.
On November 30, 2017, a team of FBI agents from across the Northeast completed searches of Wake Robin and Miller’s vehicle. The FBI personnel involved had specialized knowledge and training relating to hazardous material and weapons of mass destruction. The FBI has a Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate (WMDD) that is focused on preventing WMDD incidents. The searches turned up no ricin or other hazardous material outside the confines of Miller’s residence. Inside Miller’s residence, the FBI located ricin, along with components from a number of plants, including apple, yew, cherry, castor and foxglove, which all can be used to produce toxins.The charge against Miller is an accusation only. She is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Miller could face up to five years in prison.
The USAO and FBI stressed that any threat posed by the substances in Miller’s apartment has been neutralized. There have been no fatalities. The Wake Robin community has cooperated with the FBI and state health officials to ensure all of its residents are safe.
United States Attorney Christina Nolan praised federal, state, and local law enforcement and first responders for their efficient, collaborative response to neutralize the threat and ensure the safety of the community. She specifically commended the FBI and its Joint Terrorism Task Force including representatives from U.S. Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. She further commended the Vermont State Police, the Shelburne Police Department, the Shelburne Fire Department, the Vermont National Guard 15th Civil Support Team, Vermont Hazardous Materials Response Team, the Vermont Department of Health, the University of Vermont Medical Center, the Center for Disease Control and Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George, for coming together so swiftly and effectively to protect Vermonters. Ms. Nolan also thanked the FBI for its immediate deployment of substantial resources to Vermont.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia A. P. Cowles is handling the prosecution of Miller on behalf of the USAO. Miller was represented for purpose of the initial appearance by David McColgin, Esq., of the Office of the Federal Public Defender.
Arizona Man Charged in Illegal Scheme to Import and Sell Prescription Drugs to US ConsumersRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Scottsdale, Arizona was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy, charges of introduction into interstate commerce, with the intent to defraud, misbranded drugs, and two charges of mail fraud, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
The four-count indictment, returned on Nov.28, named Keith Komar, 60, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment presented to the court, the defendant participated in a conspiracy that involved the illegal importation of prescription drugs and the illegal sale of those drugs to consumers in the United States. The importation and sale of prescription medication is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Federal law and regulation require that certain drugs, particularly dangerous drugs, contain certain warnings and only be administered under a doctor's care pursuant to a doctor's prescription. A drug is considered "misbranded" if, for example, the drug is sold without a prescription, if it fails to include the approved warnings, if the drug was not approved by the FDA, or if the drug is manufactured in a facility not approved by the FDA.
Through various websites, Komar advertised for sale to consumers in the United States various dangerous drugs that were sold without a prescription, were not administrated under the care of a doctor, did not provide the appropriate warnings, and were not manufactured in facilities approved by the FDA. The website included a numerous misrepresentations about the drugs and the companies involved in the fraud. Some of these misbranded drugs were sent through the Postal Service to consumers, including consumers in the Western District of Pennsylvania, directly from India as arranged by Komar.
The law provides for amaximum total sentence of 48 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000.00 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Food and Drug Administration - Office of Criminal Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement/HomelandSecurity Investigations, Pennsylvania State Police and United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Ann Arbor Man Pleads Guilty to Computer Intrusion CaseRead the Press Release
An Ann Arbor man pleaded guilty today to devising and executing a plan to access and cause damage to the Washtenaw County government computer system, announced Acting United States Attorney Daniel L. Lemisch.
Joining Lemisch in the announcement was David P. Gelios, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Sheriff Jerry Clayton, Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office.
Konrads Voits, 27, pleaded guilty to damaging a protected computer before United States District Judge Robert H. Cleland. Voits is scheduled to be sentenced on April 5, 2018 at 1:30 pm in Port Huron. Voits remains in custody.
According to court records, Voits executed a classic “phishing” scheme – where Voits used both email and phone calls to Washtenaw County employees – to ultimately gain access to and control of the Washtenaw County computer network. Upon gaining access, Voits took the names, addresses, emails, and passwords of many former and present Washtenaw County employees. In addition, Voits accessed the Washtenaw County Jail records, altering the electronic records of at least one inmate in an effort to get that inmate released early. Thanks to a careful review by employees at Washtenaw County Jail, no inmates were released early. Washtenaw County spent thousands of dollars and numerous extra work hours responding to and investigating the breach, resulting in a loss of at least $235,488.
For damaging a protected computer, Voits is facing a maximum penalty under federal law of 10 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
“Cyber intrusions affect individuals, businesses and governments. Computer hackers should realize that unlawfully entering another’s computer will result in a felony conviction and a prison sentence,” Lemisch said. “We applaud the dedication of so many hard-working law enforcement officers to take away this man’s ability to intrude into the computer systems of others.”
"The rigorous and technical investigative work undertaken in this case made today’s guilty plea possible and demonstrates the value of strong partnerships among Michigan law enforcement agencies in combatting and deterring cybercriminals", said David P. Gelios, Special Agent in Charge, Detroit Division of the FBI.
Sheriff Clayton stated, "Washtenaw County appreciates the collaborative efforts of our state and federal partners. This case serves as a warning and reminder to be vigilant and committed to achieving and maintaining the highest levels of CyberSecurity."
This investigation, which began in early 2017, was lead by the FBI’s Cyber Task Force in partnership with the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office and the Michigan State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick E. Corbett and Craig A. Weier.
Thursday 30 November 2017
Willow Springs Man Indicted for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tom Larson, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that a Willow Springs, Mo., man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for receiving and distributing child pornography.
Steven Edward Moffis, 31, of Willow Springs, was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury on Nov. 14, 2017. The federal indictment replaces a criminal complaint that was filed against Moffis on Oct. 18, 2017. Moffis was arrested on Oct. 17, 2017, and remains in federal custody without bond.
The federal indictment alleges that Moffis received and distributed child pornography over the Internet from Feb. 14 through Oct. 12, 2017.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, a law enforcement officer identified Moffis’s computer on Sept. 20, 2017, while conducting an online child pornography investigation. Moffis’s computer allegedly shared 7,408 files of suspected child pornography on a peer-to-peer file-sharing network. The officer then learned that a detective in the Boone County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department had downloaded 690 suspected images of child pornography from Moffis’s computer.
On Oct. 6, 2017, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Moffis’s residence. According to the affidavit, investigators found one video and 41 images of child pornography on Moffis’s cell phone.
Larson cautioned that the charge contained in this indictment is simply an accusation, and not evidence of guilt.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the FBI, the West Plains, Mo., Police Department, the Willow Springs, Mo., Police Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force.
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."Wilkes-Barre Man Sentenced for Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that on November 29, 2017, United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani sentenced Nelson Soto, age 44, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, to 10 months’ imprisonment for his role in a drug trafficking organization operating in Luzerne County.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the charges stemmed from a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, powder cocaine, and cocaine base, or “crack.” The organization was responsible for trafficking over 100 grams of heroin and 28 grams of crack. One hundred grams of heroin is the equivalent of approximately 4,000 individual doses of heroin. Soto plead guilty to a charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin pursuant to a plea agreement with the United States, and admitted that he was responsible for trafficking less than 10 grams of heroin.
This indictment was the result of a year-long investigation conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Wilkes-Barre Police Department, and Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
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Wellford Woman Pleads Guilty to Forging PrescriptionsRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Felicia L. Prysock, age 41, of Wellford, South Carolina, pled guilty to Aggravated Identity Theft, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, § 1028A; and, Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Fraud, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, § 843(a)(3). Chief Judge Terry L. Wooten presided at the hearing and will sentence Prysock on February 27, 2018.
Evidence presented at the change of plea established that Prysock filled ten different prescriptions forged in the names of her children and had Medicaid pay for them. The conduct occurred between July 2016 and April 2017. The investigation revealed that these prescriptions were for Schedule II opioids, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and Adderall.
U.S. Attorney Drake stated the statutorily mandated penalty faced by Prysock for a violation of Title 18, United States Code, § 1028A is imprisonment for two years, with a potential fine up to $250,000. The maximum penalty for a violation of Title 21, United States Code, § 843(a)(3) is four years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
The United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, along with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Winston David Holliday, Jr., of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.
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Uniontown Man Pleads Guilty in Cocaine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotic laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
Jamal Eddings, age 36, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David C. Cercone. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from January 2010 to June 2015, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, Eddings conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 100 grams of cocaine.
Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for April 19, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Acting United States Attorney Song commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which led the multi-agency investigation of this case. The investigation also included the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Fayette County Drug Task Force, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Heidi M. Grogan and Troy Rivetti prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
U.S. Attorney's Office Settles Fair Housing Act Lawsuit against Bridgeport Housing AuthorityRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced a settlement of a government lawsuit alleging that the Housing Authority for the City of Bridgeport, doing business as Park City Communities, (“HACB”), violated the Fair Housing Act by refusing to provide reasonable accommodations to a woman with disabilities who lives in one of the housing authority’s properties.
In November 2016, the U.S. Attorney’s Office filed a complaint in federal court alleging that HACB discriminated against the victim on the basis of disability, in violation of the Fair Housing Act. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) attempted to resolve the case with HACB before referring it the U.S. Department of Justice. The complaint alleges that, in July 2014, the victim submitted a reasonable accommodation request to HACB for a transfer out of her apartment because she experienced anxiety and depression due to a homicide that occurred in front of her home. In May 2016, a physician diagnosed the victim with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. HACB denied the request after concluding that the request was “not reasonable.”
In January 2017, after the government filed the lawsuit, the victim was moved to another HACB property and HACB incurred all of the victim’s moving expenses.
Under this settlement, HACB will pay $10,000 to the victim. The settlement also requires HACB employees to undergo fair housing training, and HACB to provide periodic reports to the Justice Department.
“As this lawsuit demonstrates, we will vigorously pursue violations of the Fair Housing Act in Connecticut,” said U.S. Attorney Durham.
“Individuals with disabilities shouldn’t be denied the accommodations that allow them to fully enjoy their homes,” said Anna Maria Farias, HUD Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. “Today’s settlement sends a clear message that HUD and the Department of Justice are fully committed to ensuring that housing providers, especially housing authorities, meet their obligation to comply with federal fair housing laws.”
In a related matter, on November 15, 2017, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against HACB alleging violations of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Fair Housing Act. The lawsuit is pending.
The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. More information about the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt. Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against by the HACB can contact the Civil Rights Division at 1-800-896-7743, mailbox number 992, or by email at [email protected].
U.S. Attorney Announces New Grant to Expand Efforts to Combat Gun ViolenceRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes announced today the expansion of the Project Safe Neighborhood program in the Puget Sound region, with additional focus on crime gun intelligence in South King and Pierce Counties. The U.S. Department of Justice awarded $500,000 to the program which will enhance intelligence sharing between law enforcement agencies so that guns used in crimes can be linked, helping law enforcement build cases for prosecution.
“Forensic tools from ATF, and intelligence sharing between law enforcement agencies have been key to identifying felons with guns who need to be off the street,” said U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. “In three of the cases we are highlighting today, the guns recovered have been tied to multiple shootings – in one case as many as 9 shots fired incidents in a short period of time. Combating gun violence is a top priority of the Justice Department and my office.”
The Project Safe Neighborhood grant provides funding for a Special Assistant United States Attorney to review every firearms case in King County to see if it is appropriate for federal prosecution. Grant money in 2017-2018 will provide for additional personnel to leverage the Gun Crime Intelligence Center to make connections between shooting incidents in south King and Pierce Counties. This information helps law enforcement identify, arrest and prosecute high-impact offenders.
“ATF is proud to partner with local law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring the most advanced forensic science to the battle against gun crime,” said Darek Pleasants, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Seattle. “The National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. Since the program’s inception in 1999 through 2016, NIBIN partners have captured approximately 2.8 million images of ballistic evidence and confirmed more than 74,000 NIBIN hits.”
Unveiled in May 2001, Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a comprehensive and strategic approach to gun law enforcement. PSN is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in America by networking both new and existing local programs that target gun crime and then providing them with the resources and tools they need to succeed. Implementation at the local level has fostered close partnerships between federal, state and local prosecutors and law enforcement.
Two arrested and charged after ordering fentanyl from ChinaRead the Press Release
Two men were arrested and charged with attempted possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, law enforcement officials said.
Michael B. Lawrence, 43, of Youngstown, and Dainon L. Jones, 37, of Girard, were arrested after accepting a package from China that they believed contained approximately 273 grams of methoxyacetyl fentanyl.
Homeland Security Investigations special agents became aware on Nov. 20 of a suspicious package shipped by Wei Zhu of Shanghai, China, to an Erik Fields at 731 Judson Ave. in Youngstown. Previous packages shipped by Zhu have contained large amounts fentanyl seized in Seattle, New York and Detroit, according to court documents.
The package shipped to Youngstown was labeled as containing “pants zipper”. Law enforcement examined the parcel a discovered a white powder consistent with fentanyl. A forensic test revealed the contents to be approximately 273 grams of methoxyacetyl fentanyl, according to court documents.
A search of law enforcement databases revealed no Erik Fields living at 731 Judson Ave. Undercover agents made a controlled delivery at 731 Judson Ave. on Nov. 29. Jones arrived at the address approximately two minutes later in a silver Mercedes, made contact with the resident, retrieved the package and drove away with it, according to court documents.
Jones drove to 3311 Idlewood in Youngstown, where he picked up Lawrence. They drove to a nearby gas station, where Lawrence exited the Mercedes with the package. He took a bus to downtown Youngstown, where Jones again picked him up in his Mercedes. They then drove together to 57 East Wilson in Girard and entered the front door, according to court documents.
Both Jones and Lawrence took off running as law enforcement approached the home in Girard. Both eventually were arrested, according to court documents.
“The amount of fentanyl these defendants are accused of bringing to downtown Youngstown from China could have killed hundreds of people,” said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman. “Aggressive enforcement, combined with increased prevention and education efforts, is our best chance to turn the tide on this epidemic.”
“The opioid crisis touches almost every American community,” said Steve Francis, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations’ Detroit office. “HSI and our partners are proud to be at the tip of the spear, using our broad authorities to combat the groups and individuals allegedly involved in this deadly trade.”
This case was investigated by HSI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force, the TAG Drug Task Force and the DEA. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Toeper.
If convicted, the sentence in this case will be determined by the court after consideration of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which depend upon a number of factors unique to each case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the unique characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
A charge is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Two South Florida Residents Sentenced to over 5 Years for Conspiring to Commit Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Joseph Hilton, a/k/a Joseph Yurkin, a/k/a Joseph Starr, 57, of Lake Worth, and Adam Forman, 48, of Coconut Creek, were sentenced today to 63 months imprisonment for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The court also ordered Hilton to pay $1.4 million in restitution, and ordered forfeiture in the amount of $1.4 million and $600,000 against Hilton and Forman, respectively.
Benjamin G. Greenberg, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Brian Swain, Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service (USSS), and Tony Pustizzi, Chief, Coral Springs Police Department, made the announcement.
According to the allegations contained in the Information, from in or about September 2013, and continuing through in or around August 2016, Hilton and Forman operated a series of businesses purporting to be law firms, legal referral firms, or providers of support services to law firms (collectively, the “Foreclosure Firms”). Mortgage holders were contacted by the defendants and falsely told that the Foreclosure Firms could provide legal assistance with mortgage modifications and foreclosure defense.
The defendants represented, inter alia, that (i) the Foreclosure Firms were law firms comprised of licensed attorneys, (ii) the attorneys were experienced and highly skilled at halting the foreclosure process and enabling mortgage holders to stay in their homes, and (iii) the attorneys could reduce the principal and monthly payments on the mortgage holder’s loan.
Moreover, in order to disguise the Foreclosure Firms as law firms with licensed attorneys, Hilton and Forman hired attorneys for limited purposes, such as document review, without advising them of the false and fraudulent statements being made to the mortgage holders. Employees of the Foreclosure Firms created letters and legal pleadings using the attorneys’ names without the attorneys’ review, knowledge or consent. The total loss amount is approximately $2,000,000.
Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of USSS and the Coral Springs Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert Juman.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Two Real Estate Investors Sentenced for Rigging Bids at Northern California Public Foreclosure AuctionsRead the Press Release
Two real estate investors were sentenced yesterday for their role in a conspiracy to rig bids at public foreclosure auctions in Northern California, the Department of Justice announced.
Gregory Casorso and Javier Sanchez were charged on Nov. 19, 2014, in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Northern District of California. Casorso and Sanchez were convicted after trial on June 2, 2017, of conspiring to rig bids at foreclosure auctions in Alameda County, California. Sanchez was also convicted of bid rigging in Contra Costa County, California. Yesterday, Casorso was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison. In addition to his term of imprisonment, Casorso was ordered to pay a criminal fine of $20,000. Sanchez was sentenced to serve 21 months in prison. Sanchez was also ordered to pay a criminal fine of $88,140.
“The Division remains committed to seeking appropriate sentences, including prison terms and criminal fines, for individuals—like the real estate investors sentenced yesterday—who have been convicted of antitrust crimes that thwart free market competition,” said Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim of the Department of Justice Antitrust Division. “We offer our thanks to our law enforcement partners at the FBI for their valuable work on this investigation.”
The evidence at trial showed that Casorso and Sanchez conspired with others to rig bids for hundreds of properties sold at foreclosure auctions. The conspirators designated the winning bidders to obtain selected properties at the public auctions and negotiated payoffs among themselves in return for not competing with one another. They subsequently conducted private auctions among themselves at or near the courthouse steps where the public auctions were held, awarding the properties to the conspirators who submitted the highest bids in those private auctions.
When properties are sold at public auctions, the proceeds are used to pay off the mortgage and other debt attached to the property, with the remaining proceeds paid to the homeowner.
The sentence is a result of an ongoing investigation into bid rigging at public real estate foreclosure auctions in California’s San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties, which is being conducted by the Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Office and the FBI’s San Francisco Office. Anyone with information concerning bid rigging or fraud related to public real estate foreclosure auctions should contact the Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Office at 415-934-5300 or call the FBI tip line at 415-553-7400.
Two Men Sentenced in Methamphetamine-Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TRUNG PHAM, age 38, of Los Angeles, California, and TOMMY WELLS, age 40, of New Orleans, were sentenced yesterday after previously pleading guilty to participating in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy throughout the New Orleans area. Specifically PHAM pled guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine, and WELLS pled guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine.
U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced PHAM to 10 years’ incarceration, followed by 5 years of supervised release. WELLS was sentenced to 5 years’ incarceration, followed by 4 years of supervised release.
According to court documents, in 2016, PHAM was a California-based drug trafficker who was sending parcels of methamphetamine via common carriers to codefendant STEVEN LYONS in New Orleans. LYONS would then sell quantities of methamphetamine to WELLS and others, who would redistribute the methamphetamine in the New Orleans area. LYONS previously pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and is scheduled to be sentenced on February 28, 2018.
Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Louisiana State Police, Amtrak Police, and St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon Long is in charge of the prosecution.
Two Boston Gang Members Plead Guilty to Cocaine Distribution ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two members of the Orchard Park Trailblazers pleaded guilty on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017, in federal court in Boston to selling crack cocaine in and around Roxbury’s Orchard Gardens Housing Development.
Lyndon Scott, a/k/a “Skizzy,” 27, of Boston, and Raul Williams, a/k/a “Boobie,” 26, of Boston, each pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine base within 1,000 feet of a school and are scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 27, 2018.
On April 14, 2017, Scott sold cocaine base to a cooperating witness near an elementary school in Roxbury. On April 28, 2016, Williams sold cocaine base to a cooperating witness near another school in Roxbury.
Scott and Williams are two of 12 defendants arrested and charged in June 2017 following a nearly two-year investigation into the high concentration of crime in and around the Orchard Gardens Development, the largest publically funded housing development in Roxbury, which is also adjacent to Dudley Square and neighborhood schools. According to court documents, the crime stems, in part, from the illegal activities of the members and associates of the Orchard Park Trailblazers, who allegedly have active feuds with rival gangs throughout the city that have produced numerous crimes of violence.
The charge of distribution of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of one year and a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, a minimum of six years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $2 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner William Evans made the announcement today.
Tucson Man Returned to Prison for Failing to Complete Sex-Offender TreatmentRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Last month, Juan Valentino Coronado, 46, of Tucson, Ariz., and enrolled member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge James A. Soto to over 7 months in prison for failing to participate in sex-offender treatment, which he had been ordered to do as part of a previous conviction for sexually abusing a minor.
Coronado was originally convicted and sentenced on Oct. 24, 2014, for abusive sexual contact of a minor for an offense committed while he was on the Pascua Yaqui Reservation in 2013. His supervised release was first revoked in March 2015 because he had contact with a minor. He was imprisoned for an additional five months and, after serving that prison term, placed back on federal supervision. In February 2017, Coronado was charged with another violation, this time for unsatisfactory participation in sex offender treatment. He challenged those allegations, but after a two-day evidentiary hearing, both the federal magistrate judge and district judge found that Coronado had failed to complete his sex-offender treatment.
“Our compliments and thanks go to the U.S. Probation Department for closely monitoring the defendant after his release from prison,” stated First Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Strange. “It is not enough to simply punish, through a term of imprisonment, those who commit sexual crimes against minors. Sex-offender treatment is an important tool in ensuring that offenders don’t revert to their old ways, and our office will be vigilant in demanding that such offenders meet all of their court-ordered responsibilities even after they are released from prison.”
Upon release from prison, Coronado will be returned to federal supervised release, for the third time, for an additional 60 months. His special conditions once again include that he participate in and complete sex offender treatment.
The investigation in the underlying case was conducted by the Pascua Yaqui Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Micah Schmit, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBERS: CR-14-0350-TUC-JAS
RELEASE NUMBER: 2017-116_Coronado
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Togolese National Sentenced for Mail FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Togolese national charged with mail fraud pleaded guilty and was sentenced today in federal court in Boston.
Roukayatou Damerogo, 31, pleaded guilty to one count of theft of mail before U.S. District Court Judge Dennis F. Saylor IV, who then sentenced Damerogo to time served. Following the hearing, Damerogo was transferred into the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and will be deported to Togo.
In August 2017, a Cape Cod resident contacted the United States Post Office (USPS) to report overdue mail deliveries. Further inquiry showed that an unknown person had placed a “mail hold” on the customer’s residence. When the customer traveled to his USPS branch to remove the hold and to pick up his mail, he found a box addressed to him containing 10 new Fitbit Exercise Bands. The customer had previously been the victim of fraudulent credit card transactions and believed the Fitbit purchases stemmed from the compromised credit card.
On Aug. 16, 2017, an individual purporting to be the USPS customer called USPS inquiring about the package of Fitbits. USPS informed law enforcement and they coordinated a time for the package to be delivered to the fraudulent customer, later revealed to be Damerogo. Immediately after retrieving the package, law enforcement stopped Damerogo, questioned her, and placed her under arrest.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Shelly Binkowski, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Cape & Islands District Attorney Michael O’Keefe; and Brewster Police Chief Richard J. Koch Jr. made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Weinreb’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Three Men Sentenced in Connection with Plot to Kidnap and Murder Husband Who Refused to Grant His Wife A Religious DivorceRead the Press Release
Joon H. Kim, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that AHARON GOLDBERG, SHIMEN LIEBOWITZ, and BINYAMIN GOTTLIEB were sentenced today for their respective roles in devising and covering up a plot to kidnap and murder an individual in order to obtain a religious divorce for that individual’s wife. GOLDBERG pled guilty on September 28, 2017, to conspiring to commit kidnapping and murder for hire. LIEBOWITZ pled guilty on July 27, 2017, to conspiring to commit extortion. GOTTLIEB pled guilty on September 15, 2017, to helping to conceal the plot from law enforcement. U.S. District Judge Sidney H. Stein, who presided over today’s sentencings, sentenced GOLDBERG to three years in prison, LIEBOWITZ to two years in prison, and GOTTLIEB to one year’s probation.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said: “The defendants were involved in a terrifying plot to kidnap, and ultimately to kill, their intended victim. Fortunately, the person they hired to carry out their crime alerted the FBI, and now the defendants have been held accountable for their crimes.”
According to the Complaints and statements made during court proceedings and in public filings:
According to Jewish religious law as observed in certain communities, in order to effect a divorce, a husband must provide his wife with a document known as a “get.” A woman whose husband will not consent to a divorce is known as an “agunah.” In the absence of the husband’s issuing a get, an agunah may be released from her marriage only through the husband’s death.
In or about July 2016, the defendants AHARON GOLDBERG and SHIMEN LIEBOWITZ began working to orchestrate the kidnapping of an individual who refused to grant a get to his wife (the “Intended Victim”). The purpose of the kidnapping was to imprison and torture the Intended Victim until he agreed to give his wife a get. BINYAMIN GOTTLIEB, an associate of GOLDBERG and LIEBOWITZ, placed them in touch with a private investigator (the “CS”), whom GOLDBERG and LIEBOWITZ solicited to personally carry out the kidnapping and torture in exchange for payment. Unbeknownst to GOLDBERG and LIEBOWITZ, however, the CS reported the plot to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and recorded several of his meetings with the defendants.
In July 2016, the CS met with GOLDBERG, in GOTTLIEB’s presence, to discuss the kidnapping plot. Although LIEBOWITZ was not present at the beginning of the meeting, he arrived and joined the conversation after several minutes. The CS made an audio recording of the meeting using a hidden recording device. During the meeting and after LIEBOWITZ arrived, the parties discussed, among other things, the logistics of the kidnapping plot, including the possibility of kidnapping the Intended Victim in the United States and holding him captive in a cage, or kidnapping him in Ukraine and transporting him to Israel. LIEBOWITZ also provided the CS with details to assist the CS in carrying out the kidnapping plot. During the meeting, GOLDBERG and LIEBOWITZ also agreed to advance the CS $25,000 to assist in efforts to plan the kidnapping. Within days of this initial meeting, an envelope containing approximately $25,000 cash was delivered to the CS.
On or about August 9, 2016, the CS met with LIEBOWITZ and GOLDBERG in Kiryas Joel, New York. During this meeting, the CS, GOLDBERG, and LIEBOWITZ discussed additional details of the kidnapping plan, including logistics and the cost associated with a plan to kidnap the Intended Victim overseas. This conversation was also recorded.
On August 12, 2016, the CS again met with LIEBOWITZ and GOLDBERG, at which time they provided the CS with an additional payment of over $20,000 for use in making arrangements for the kidnapping. In this meeting, which was also recorded, the CS, GOLDBERG and LIEBOWITZ further discussed their plan to kidnap the Intended Victim in the United States and to obtain the get from him in this country.
Subsequent to the August 12, 2016, meeting, the CS had additional conversations with GOLDBERG, in which GOLDBERG discussed his desire not merely to kidnap the Intended Victim, but also to kill him.
On August 25, 2016, the CS met LIEBOWITZ in Central Valley, New York. During the meeting, LIEBOWITZ paid the CS an additional sum of about $12,000 to carry out the kidnapping. Also during the meeting, the CS spoke by phone with GOLDBERG, who was still in Israel, about the kidnapping plan, which the CS and GOLDBERG referred to in code as a “wedding,” as well as GOLDBERG’s desire that the CS kill the Intended Victim. This conversation was also recorded.
On or about September 2, 2016, the CS had another recorded conversation with LIEBOWITZ, during which LIEBOWITZ indicated his understanding that the Intended Victim would be murdered as part of the plan.
Subsequently, on September 6, 2016, LIEBOWITZ and GOLDBERG again met with the CS. During that meeting, LIEBOWITZ and GOLDBERG paid the CS an additional $16,000. The CS led LIEBOWITZ and GOLDBERG to believe that the CS had captured the Intended Victim, had tortured the Intended Victim in order to force him to provide a get, and that the Intended Victim had so far refused to do so. The CS discussed options for what to do with the Intended Victim given his unwillingness to give the get. GOLDBERG replied by referencing his prior directive to the CS to kill the Intended Victim: “I’ve told you whatever I’ve told you, and I even got an okay from one of the rabbis. He [the Intended Victim] cannot slip out of your fingers.” LIEBOWITZ then interjected, “I’m on his side, whatever he says I’m with him.” GOLDBERG resolved that the only way forward was to put a bullet in the Intended Victim. LIEBOWITZ interjected that if LIEBOWITZ were to be killed, arrangements would have to be made to ensure that there was a witness who could verify that the Intended Victim was dead (and that the wife could remarry) without leading back to LIEBOWITZ and his co-conspirators. LIEBOWITZ later stated, “Somebody is going to need to tell a rabbi that I have saw” with respect to the death of the Intended Victim. GOLDBERG and the CS then discussed the possibility of burying the Intended Victim and seeing to it that his body was exhumed and identified using DNA. LIEBOWITZ interjected, “There is no way to put him out on the street somewhere?” The September 6 conversation ended with FBI agents arresting LIEBOWITZ and GOLDBERG.
On September 11, 2016, FBI agents interviewed GOTTLIEB about his knowledge of the plot. At that time, Gottlieb stated that he had no knowledge of any conversation where the plot was discussed, despite the fact that he had been present at the initial meeting between the CS, GOLDBERG, and LIEBOWITZ.
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In addition to their prison sentences, GOLDBERG, 56, of Bnei Brak, Israel, and LIEBOWITZ, 26, of Monroe, New York, were each sentenced to three years of supervised release. GOTTLIEB 34, is from Airmont, New York.
Mr. Kim praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Police Department, working through the Joint Organized Crime Task Force.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit and Public Corruption Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Scott Hartman and Paul M. Monteleoni are in charge of the prosecution.
Thirteen Defendants Charged in Manhattan Federal Court in Scheme to Take over Ride-Sharing Driver AccountsRead the Press Release
Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and David E. Beach, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, New York Field Office (“USSS”), announced charges today against 13 individuals in connection with a scheme to defraud drivers of two ride-sharing companies (“Company-1” and “Company-2”) by accessing those drivers’ accounts without authorization in order to divert driver funds to bank accounts controlled by the defendants and other members of the scheme (the “Scheme”). Through the course of the Scheme, the defendants compromised thousands of Company-1 and Company-2 driver accounts, and diverted millions of dollars from those accounts. Defendants LOUIS PINA, MALIK GRAY, GEORGE JOSEPH, AKEEM KRUBALLY, THERESA OUTERBRIDGE, DEVON WILLIAMS, HAKEEM BALDEO, QUINTEEN LYNCH, KHALID NAZZAL, FRANCISCO VIRUET, JOHNNY SERRANO, THALIA CAQUIAS, and TANESHA FORD were charged in two Complaints (the “Complaints”) unsealed today in Manhattan federal court. WILLIAMS, BALDEO, LYNCH, NAZZAL, VIRUET, CAQUIAS, and FORD were arrested today and presented this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Debra Freeman in Manhattan federal court.
Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said: “These 13 defendants allegedly developed a sophisticated scheme to swindle hard-working drivers out of their income. Through elaborate identity theft and phishing, the defendants allegedly diverted millions of dollars from company accounts to line their own pockets. Thanks to the skilled investigative work of the Criminal Investigators of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Secret Service, the defendants now will be held to account.”
David E. Beach, Special Agent in Charge of the USSS said: “The success in this case demonstrates the investigative capabilities of the United States Secret Service and the collaborative efforts of our law enforcement partners, specifically the U.S. Attorney’s Office Southern District of NY, Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Westchester County Safe Streets Task Force, and Westchester County District Attorney’s Office. The Secret Service will continue to develop innovative ways to protect the financial infrastructure of the United States and combat criminals who use emerging technologies to conduct business.”
According to allegations contained in the two Complaints[1]:
Overview of the Scheme
The charges in the Complaints result from a Scheme to defraud livery drivers and ride-sharing companies using mobile ride-sharing applications. The Scheme targeted drivers associated with Company-1 and Company-2. Scheme members called Company-1 and Company-2 drivers posing as Company-1 and Company-2 representatives, and deceived the drivers into providing unique personal identifiers and other information that was then used to obtain unauthorized access into the online Company-1 and Company-2 driver accounts. Once members of the Scheme logged into Company-1 and Company-2 driver accounts without authorization, they altered information in those compromised accounts and diverted driver funds to bank accounts they controlled.
Overview of the Company-1 Scheme
With respect to the Scheme involving Company-1, members of the Scheme ordered rides on the Company-1 mobile application (“App-1”), which provided Scheme members with the driver’s name, picture, and an anonymized phone number so that the rider could communicate with the driver. Scheme members canceled the rides shortly after receiving the driver’s anonymized phone number. The Scheme members then called the driver on the driver’s anonymized telephone number impersonating a representative from Company-1. During the call, the Scheme member would ask the driver for the driver’s true telephone number and, while remaining on the phone with the driver, the Scheme member would attempt to log into the driver’s Company-1 account. The driver then received a text message from Company-1 containing a unique code on the driver’s cellphone, and the Scheme member impersonating a Company-1 representative then requested that the driver provide this unique code to the Scheme member. In addition, during the call, Scheme members would request that the driver provide the driver’s license number.
Using the victim driver’s telephone number, driver’s license number, and the unique code, Scheme members thereafter logged into the victim driver’s Company-1 account through App-1 or the Company-1 web interface without the driver’s authorization. After Scheme members obtained unauthorized access to the victim driver’s account, they changed the bank account information associated with the account to a bank account that either they or another Scheme member controlled. Once the victim driver’s account had been compromised and the bank account information altered, funds that the victim driver earned from Company-1 were diverted to Scheme members’ bank accounts.
Overview of the Company-2 Scheme
With respect to the Scheme involving Company-2, members of the Scheme ordered rides on the Company-2 mobile application (“App-2”), which provided Scheme members with the driver’s name, picture, and an anonymized phone number so that the rider could communicate with the driver. Scheme members canceled the rides shortly after receiving the driver’s anonymized phone number. The Scheme members then called the driver on the driver’s anonymized telephone number impersonating a representative from Company-2. During the call, the Scheme member would ask the driver for the driver’s true telephone number. The Scheme member would then tell the victim driver that Company-2 would be sending the driver a link to a website that the driver must use to verify the driver’s information in order to obtain a bonus from Company-2.
Thereafter, the Scheme member sent the victim driver a link to a malicious website (the “Fraudulent Company-2 Website”), that was controlled by Scheme members. The Fraudulent Company-2 Website was designed to appear as if it were a website maintained by Company-2, and requested, among other information, the driver’s login credentials, including the driver’s phone number, email address, and unique Company-2 password. Once the victim driver had entered this information on the Fraudulent Company-2 Website, Scheme members used the driver’s login credentials to log into the driver’s account through App-2 or the Company-2 web interface without the driver’s authorization. Once Scheme members logged into the victim driver’s Company-2 account, Scheme members changed the bank account information associated with the account to a bank account that either they or another Scheme member controlled. Once the victim driver’s account had been compromised and the bank account information altered, funds that the victim driver earned from Company-2 were diverted to Scheme members’ bank accounts.
The Defendants' Participation in the Scheme
Through the course of the Scheme, the defendants compromised thousands of Company-1 and Company-2 driver accounts, and stole millions of dollars from Company-1 and Company-2 driver accounts. After receiving unauthorized transfers from Company-1 and Company-2, Scheme members withdrew the fraudulent proceeds from bank accounts, typically through large cash withdrawals or large purchases.
Scheme members played different, and, at times, multiple roles in the Scheme. “Recruiters” – including LOUIS PINA, MALIK GRAY, GEORGE JOSEPH, and DEVON WILLIAMS – used social media, including Snapchat, to bring new people into the Scheme and to coordinate the Scheme.
“Callers” – including LOUIS PINA, MALIK GRAY, GEORGE JOSEPH, DEVON WILLIAMS and HAKEEN BALDEO – made calls to drivers impersonating Company-1 and Company-2 representatives using either their personal phones or a service that allows users to mask the number they use to make phone calls to victim drivers, during which they tricked drivers into providing personal information to allow them to obtain unauthorized access to their driver accounts.
“Account Hackers” – including LOUIS PINA, AKEEM KRUBALLY, DEVON WILLIAMS, and JOHNNY SERRANO – logged into Company-1 and Company-2 driver accounts without authorization to change bank account information.
“Money Receivers” – including LOUIS PINA, MALIK GRAY, GEORGE JOSEPH, AKEEM KRUBALLY, THERESA OUTERBRIDGE, HAKEEM BALDEO, QUINTEEN LYNCH, KHALID NAZZAL, FRANCISCO VIRUET, JOHNNY SERRANO, THALIA CAQUIAS, and TANESHA FORD – received unauthorized transfers into their bank accounts from Company-1 and Company-2 as a result of the Scheme, and then withdrew large amounts of cash from those accounts shortly following these unauthorized transfers.
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PINA, 23, of Bronx, NY; GRAY, 21, of Mount Vernon, NY; JOSEPH, 22, of Mount Vernon, NY; KRUBALLY, 21, of Mount Vernon, NY; OUTERBRIDGE, 27, of Mount Vernon, NY; WILLIAMS, 22, of Mount Vernon, NY; BALDEO, 20, of Rye Brook, NY; LYNCH, 27, of Mount Vernon, NY; NAZZAL, 22, of Yonkers, NY; VIRUET, 19, of Bronx, NY; SERRANO, 25, of Bronx, NY; CAQUIAS, 20, of Bronx, NY; and FORD, 21, of Mount Vernon, NY, are each charged with one count of conspiring to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of seven-and-a-half years in prison, and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison that must be imposed consecutively to any other sentence. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Kim praised the outstanding investigative work of the Criminal Investigators of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the USSS. Mr. Kim further thanked the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance and cooperation throughout this investigation, and also thanked the FBI’s Westchester County Safe Streets Task Force for their assistance.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Sheb Swett and Noah Solowiejczyk are in charge of the prosecution.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the texts of the Complaints and the descriptions of the Complaints set forth below constitute only allegations and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Six Defendants in Vast Cocaine Conspiracy SentencedRead the Press Release
Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that six defendants in a far-reaching conspiracy to distribute cocaine were sentenced to Federal prison on Wednesday, November 29, 2017, by the Honorable Hugh Lawson, Senior United States District Judge in Valdosta.
Those individuals and their respective sentences include:
Ivan Starks, age 47 of Ocala, Florida- 188 months
Ozell Lane, Jr., age 39 of Adel, Georgia - 96 months
Marvin Dumas, age 52 of Tifton, Georgia- 78 months
Willis Lee Young, age 41 of Adel, Georgia- 57 months
Adrian Lloyd, age 42 of Tifton, Georgia- 57 months
Chris Waters, age 50 of Tifton, Georgia- 48 months.
There is no parole in the Federal system.
From January 1, 2013, through December 10, 2014, the defendants acquired kilogram quantities of cocaine ultimately distributed throughout Cook, Colquitt and Tift County, Georgia. Between August 29, 2014, and September 28, 2014, intercepted communications revealed the defendants along with other members of the conspiracy participated in the acquisition and further distribution of between 10 to 15 kilograms of cocaine per week. On September 25, 2014, a traffic stop of conspirators Jose Martinez, Jessica Tellez, and Juan Sanchez Hidalgo resulted in the seizure of $225,937 of drug money en route to Juan Pablo Cuevas. Search warrants executed that same date on residences of Maurice Todd Carter, James Waters, and other defendants resulted in the seizure of an additional approximately $50,000, 3 kilograms of cocaine and 11 firearms. The listed defendants are the latest to be sentenced in this far-reaching conspiracy. Twelve other defendants have already been sentenced for their role in the ongoing illegal drug enterprise.
“The outstanding cooperation between federal, state and local law enforcement in this investigation has brought about the dismantling of a very significant drug distribution enterprise, which was a major supplier of illicit drugs in the South Georgia area,” stated U.S. Attorney Charles E. Peeler. “The work of the investigators and prosecutors on this matter have made our communities in this area safer places to live.”
“Numerous communities in middle Georgia can sleep better tonight knowing that this far-reaching cocaine trafficking organization has been dismantled,” said Daniel R. Salter, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “This case demonstrates how DEA and its local, state and federal law enforcement partners form a united front to disrupt, dismantle and destroy drug trafficking organizations.”
“These convictions demonstrate the great work of law enforcement at all levels to investigate and prosecute the distribution of narcotics affecting Georgia and our surrounding states. The GBI remains committed to working with our local and federal partners in drug enforcement to address these types of crimes and make our communities safer,” commented Special Agent in Charge Kim Baker of the GBI Region 15 Field Office.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Mid-South Narcotics Task Force, and the Tift, Crisp, Cook, and Colquitt County Sheriff’s Offices. Assistant United States Attorney Julia Bowen is handling the prosecution for the Government.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey at the United States Attorney’s Office at 478-752-3511.
Sex Offender Sentenced to Federal Prison on Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A registered sex offender previously convicted in Rhode Island state court of being in possession of child pornography was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison for again being in possession of child pornography. He did so while on state probation for possessing child pornography.
Victor C. Radbill, 32, of Woonsocket, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court on September 12, 2017, to a federal charge of possession of child pornography. Radbill admitted to the Court that he was the owner of a cell phone SD card containing child pornography found inside a dryer at a laundromat in October 2016.
At sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. also ordered Radbill to serve 5 years supervised release upon completion of his term of incarceration. The government recommended the court impose a sentence of 10 years in prison, the U.S. Sentencing Guideline sentence in this matter.
Radbill’s sentence is announced by Acting United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch, Lincoln Police Chief Brian W. Sullivan, and Colonel Ann C. Assumpico, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police.
According to information presented to the Court, on October 22, 2016, a cell phone SD card was found inside a dryer at a Manville laundromat. An individual at the laundromat viewed the contents of the SD card and discovered images of child pornography and “selfies” of a person he recognized as a customer of the laundromat. A Lincoln Police Department detective who investigated the matter identified Radbill on a surveillance photograph taken inside the laundromat on the afternoon the SD card was discovered. The matter was referred to the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force.
A court authorized search of the SD card by detectives assigned to the ICAC task force revealed more than 500 images and 3 videos of child pornography. The forensic review of the SD card also revealed “selfies” of Radbill. The forensic examination revealed that the “selfies” of Radbill were taken on the same model cell phone Radbill admitted to owning.
Investigators determined that the images of child pornography were possessed by Radbill at the same time he was serving a state sentence of 5 years suspended with probation, having been convicted of possession of child pornography.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sandra R. Hebert and Denise M. Barton.
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Several Philadelphia Men Charged with Distributing Heroin, Fentanyl, Cocaine, and Cocaine BaseRead the Press Release
Lesandro Perez (a/k/a “Toast”) 22; Joshua Brown (a/k/a “Jash”) 22; Hugh Wyatt (a/k/a “Hugh Pace”), 43; Jose Lopez (a/k/a “Los”, “Hos” and “Lil Hos”), 23; Dwayne Cooper (a/k/a “Bookie” and “Boop”) 26; Hasan Jones (a/k/a “Tiny”) 36; and Lavar Smith (a/k/a “Var”), 30, each of Philadelphia, PA were arrested today on charges of distributing heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and cocaine base (“crack”) announced United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. Lesandro Perez was also arrested on charges of being a felon in possession of firearms and possessing an unregistered firearm.
The defendants are named in three separate, related indictments filed November 14, 2017. The first indictment charges Lesandro Perez with the above-described firearms offenses. The second indictment charges Lesandro Perez, Joshua Brown, Dwayne Cooper, Hasan Jones, and Lavar Smith with one count each of distribution of more than 28 grams of cocaine base (“crack”) and aiding and abetting the distribution of more than 28 grams of cocaine base.
The third indictment contains nine counts charging Lesandro Perez with one count of distributing heroin and cocaine base, two counts of distributing heroin and fentanyl, one count of distributing cocaine and cocaine base, two counts of distributing heroin, three counts of distributing fentanyl, and aiding and abetting. This same indictment charges Hugh Wyatt with the same three counts of distributing and aiding and abetting the distribution of fentanyl. Jose Lopez is charged with two of these counts of distributing and aiding and abetting the distribution of fentanyl. Joshua Brown is charged with one count of distributing and aiding and abetting the distribution of fentanyl and with one count distribution of and aiding and abetting the distribution of heroin and cocaine base.
“The indictments unsealed today represent another example of our office’s commitment to prosecuting serious drug crime and fighting the opioid epidemic,” said United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. “The defendants in these cases allegedly distributed fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and cocaine base in our community – contributing to the cycle of overdoses, deaths, and devastation that destroy the lives of so many of our citizens. We remain focused on prosecuting illegal drug distribution and violent crime to help make our communities safer for everyone.”
“This investigation is an example of ATF’s dedication to working with our state, local and federal partners in identifying, targeting, and investigating violent criminals who are involved in selling narcotics and firearms who prey upon innocent citizens and lessen the quality of life in our neighborhoods,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Donald Robinson. “Our neighborhoods deserve to exist without fear and intimidation inflicted by all violent drug gangs. We will continue to work with our partners to impact the violent drug related activity that has wreaked havoc throughout Philadelphia.”
If convicted of the charges in the first indictment, Perez faces a maximum 40 years’ imprisonment, 3 years’ supervised release, a $760,000 fine, and a $400 special assessment.
If convicted of the charges in the second indictment, Perez, Brown, Cooper, Jones, and Smith each face a mandatory minimum 5 years’ imprisonment, a maximum 40 years’ imprisonment, 3 years’ supervised release, a $5 million fine, and a $100 special assessment. Perez’s maximum sentence is in addition to the maximum sentence he faces on the first indictment.
If convicted of the charges in the third indictment, Jose Lopez and Joshua Brown face a maximum 40 years’ imprisonment, 3 years’ supervised release, a $2 million fine, and a $200 special assessment. Brown’s maximum sentence is in addition to the maximum sentence he faces on the second indictment.
If convicted, Hugh Wyatt faces a maximum 60 years’ imprisonment, 3 years’ supervised release, a $3 million fine, and a $300 special assessment.
If convicted of the charges in the third indictment, Lesandro Perez faces a maximum 180 years’ imprisonment, 3 years’ supervised release, a $9 million fine, and a $900 special assessment. These maximum terms are in addition to the maximum terms he faces on the first two indictments.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”), and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah T. Damiani.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Sentencings for November 27 - November 30, 2017Read the Press Release
Daniel Curtis Garner, 41, of Torrington, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on November 30, 2017, for possession of child pornography. Garner was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received time served, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $5,000.00 fine and a $5,000.00 Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act assessment. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Julio Garay-Gutierrez, 40, of Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on November 30, 2017, for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. Garay-Gutierrez was arrested in Cody, Wyoming. He received 24 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment, and is subject to deportation upon release from custody. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Arvin Ignatius Felter, 26, of Riverton, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on November 30, 2017, for assault by strangulation. Felter was arrested in Arapaho, Wyoming. He received 24 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was order to pay a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
William Amadeo Salazar-Orellana, 33, of El Salvador, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on November 27, 2017, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Salazar-Orellana was arrested in Natrona County, Wyoming. He received six months of imprisonment, was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment, and is subject to deportation upon release from custody. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Martin Hernandez, Jr., 32, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on November 27, 2017, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Hernandez was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received 37 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $400.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Mills Police Department, the Natrona County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Taylor Jay Whiting, 26, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on November 27, 2017, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. He received 37 months imprisonment, to be served consecutive to his undischarged terms of state imprisonment from Natrona County District Court. Whiting will be placed on three years of supervised release upon release from custody and was ordered to a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Casper Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Juan Carlos Correra-Ibarra, 28, of Durango, Mexico, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on November 27, 2017, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Correra-Ibarra was arrested in Natrona County, Wyoming. He received time served, plus ten days, was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment, and is subject to deportation upon release from custody. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Jeremy Taylor Harding, 36, of Riverton, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on November 21, 2017, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Harding was arrested in Riverton, Wyoming. He received 60 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Seiler Instrument to Pay $1.5 million in Forfeiture to the United StatesRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office in St. Louis has announced that Seiler Instrument & Manufacturing Company, Inc., a Kirkwood-based defense contractor, will pay the United States $1,500,000.00 in forfeiture based on the company’s use of optical materials imported from China in the weapons sights which the company manufactured under a series of contracts with the Department of Defense. The company admits that the parts were improperly certified as compliant with the Buy American Act. Seiler Instrument has agreed to make the payment pursuant to a pretrial diversion agreement in which it further agrees to enter a plea of guilty to a false statement charge in the event that the company does not meet the full terms of the agreement.
Seiler Instrument is a long-time defense contractor which specializes in the manufacture of fire control systems---sighting devices for weapons---that are used on all United States Military Howitzer and mortar systems. The pretrial diversion agreement was reached after an investigation into the company’s business practices with respect to the full range of import and export regulations governing the procurement of materials used to manufacture defense systems. These provisions include the Buy American Act and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations which place limitations on the export of restricted technical data used in the procurement and manufacturing process to countries such as China. The agreement reflects that Seiler Instrument took measures to fix the problems and has agreed to a compliance program to be monitored by the Department of Defense.
Seiler Instrument has made an initial payment of $500,000.00 as part of the agreement and will make additional payments of $500,000.00 in each of the next two years.
This case was investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General), the U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Army CID Major Procurement Fraud Unit and the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security - Office of Export Enforcement, Chicago Field Office. The Defense Contract Management Agency also provided substantial assistance in this investigation.
Sedgwick County Man Pleads Guilty to Producing Child PornRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Sedgwick County man pleaded guilty Thursday to a federal charge of producing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Ian Nathaniel Smith, 21, Viola, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of producing child pornography. In his plea, he admitted he communicated over the internet with a 14-year-old victim in Indiana. On Skype, Smith urged the victim to live stream sex acts. Smith transported the minor to Ohio for the purpose of performing sexual activity. When Smith was arrested, investigators found pornographic images of the victim on Smith’s smartphone.
Sentencing is set for Feb. 16. He faces a penalty of not less than 15 years and not more than 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
Beall commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
SBM Offshore N.V. and US-Based Subsidiary Resolve Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Case Involving Bribes in Five CountriesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – SBM Offshore N.V. (SBM), a Netherlands-based company specializing in the manufacture and design of offshore oil drilling equipment, and its wholly owned U.S. subsidiary, SBM Offshore USA Inc. (SBM USA), have agreed to resolve criminal charges and pay a criminal penalty of $238 million in connection with schemes involving the bribery of foreign officials in Brazil, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Kazakhstan and Iraq in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). SBM USA pleaded guilty today in connection with the resolution.
Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez, Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Special Agent in Charge Mark Dawson of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) Houston Field Office made the announcement.
“This corrupt scheme involved some of the highest-level executives within the company, spanned five countries, and lasted for more than a decade,” said Cronan. “The resolution announced today demonstrates the Criminal Division’s continuing commitment to work closely with our foreign partners to hold both companies and individuals accountable for their actions as we continue to level the playing field for ethical and honest businesses to compete in the marketplace.”
“Deterring corporate crime requires enforcing the law on multiple fronts,” said Martinez. “These cases involve both individual and corporate misconduct, which the guilty pleas reflect. We will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute individuals and corporations who violate the FCPA and those who misuse our financial system to do so.”
“This case exemplifies how HSI works diligently with our foreign law enforcement partners to promote and protect international trade practices, ensuring a fair and equal playing field for U.S. companies and consumers,” said Dawson.
SBM entered into a deferred prosecution agreement in connection with a criminal information filed today in the Southern District of Texas charging the company with conspiracy to violate the anti-bribery provisions of the FCPA. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge David Hittner. In addition, SBM USA pleaded guilty and was sentenced by Judge Hittner on a one-count criminal information charging the company with conspiracy to violate the anti-bribery provisions of the FCPA. Pursuant to its agreement with the Department, SBM agreed to pay a total criminal penalty of $238 million to the United States, including a $500,000 criminal fine and $13.2 million in criminal forfeiture that SBM agreed to pay on behalf of SBM USA.
According to the companies’ admissions and court documents, beginning by at least 1996 and continuing until at least 2012, SBM conspired to violate the FCPA by paying more than $180 million in commissions to intermediaries, knowing that a portion of those commissions would be used to bribe foreign officials in Brazil, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Kazakhstan and Iraq. SBM made these payments in order to influence those officials, for the purpose of securing improper advantages and obtaining or retaining business with state-owned oil companies in the five named countries. SBM acknowledged that it gained at least $2.8 billion from projects it obtained from these state-owned oil companies.
The Justice Department resolution follows guilty pleas by two former SBM executives. On Nov. 9, Anthony Mace, the former CEO of SBM and a former member of the board of directors of SBM USA, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the FCPA. On Nov. 6, Robert Zubiate, a former SBM USA executive, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the FCPA. Mace and Zubiate are awaiting sentencing.
In 2014, SBM settled with the Dutch Public Prosecutor’s Office (Openbaar Ministerie) over related conduct and paid the Netherlands a total $200 million in disgorged profits and a $40 million fine. SBM has paid a combined worldwide total in criminal penalties in excess of $475 million.
The Department reached this resolution based on a number of factors, including the fact that while SBM brought the conduct to the attention of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Dutch authorities, it did not provide a complete disclosure for approximately one year; that SBM did cooperate with the Department’s investigation, including an accelerated investigation into bribery conduct related to Kazakhstan and Iraq; and that SBM has undertaken significant remedial measures, including terminating and demoting employees who were involved in the criminal conduct, terminating longstanding agency agreements and implementing a new and enhanced system of internal controls to address and mitigate corruption and compliance risks. Therefore, SBM was entitled to a 25 percent reduction off of the bottom of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines range. In addition, the Department considered SBM’s inability to pay a fine.
In calculating its fine, the Department credited SBM’s payment of penalties to the Openbaar Ministerie and the payment of penalties likely to be paid to the Brazilian Ministério Público Federal (MPF).
The Department of Justice is grateful to Brazil’s MPF, the Netherlands’ Dutch Public Prosecutor’s Office (Openbaar Ministerie) and Switzerland’s Office of the Attorney General and Federal Office of Justice for providing substantial assistance in gathering evidence during this investigation.
ICE-HSI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Elmilady of the Southern District of Texas and Trial Attorney Dennis R. Kihm and Assistant Chief Tarek Helou of the Fraud Section are prosecuting the case. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs also provided substantial assistance in this matter. The FBI’s International Corruption Squad and the IRS - Criminal Investigation assisted with portions of the investigation of this case.
The Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting all FCPA matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/foreign-corrupt-practices-act.
Russian Cyber-Criminal Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Role in Organized Cybercrime Ring Responsible for $50 Million in Online Identity Theft and $9 Million Bank Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A Russian cyber-criminal was sentenced today to 14 years in prison for his role in a $50 million cyberfraud ring and for defrauding banks of $9 million through a hacking scheme.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre of the District of Nevada, U.S. Attorney Byung J. Pak of the Northern District of Georgia, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael Harris of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI), Special Agent in Charge Brian Spellacy of the U.S. Secret Service in Las Vegas, and FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. LeValley in Atlanta made the announcement.
Roman Valeryevich Seleznev aka Track2, Bulba and Ncux, 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steve C. Jones of the Northern District of Georgia to serve 168 months in prison for one count of participation in a racketeering enterprise pursuant to an indictment returned in the District of Nevada, and to 168 months in prisonfor one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud pursuant to an indictment returned in the Northern District of Georgia, with the sentences to run concurrent to one another. In both cases, Seleznev was ordered three years of supervised release to run concurrently. He was also ordered restitution in the amount of $50,893,166.35 in the Nevada case and $2,178,349 in the Georgia case. Seleznev pleaded guilty to the charges on Sept. 7.
In connection with his guilty plea in the Nevada case, Seleznev admitted that he became associated with the Carder.su organization, an identify theft and credit card fraud ring, in January 2009. According to Seleznev’s admissions in his plea agreement, Carder.su was an Internet-based, international criminal enterprise whose members trafficked in compromised credit card account data and counterfeit identifications and committed identity theft, bank fraud, and computer crimes. Seleznev admitted that the group tried to protect the anonymity and the security of the enterprise from both rival organizations and law enforcement. For example, members communicated through various secure and encrypted forums, such as chatrooms, private messaging systems, encrypted email, proxies and encrypted virtual private networks. Gaining membership in the group required the recommendation of two current members in good standing.
Seleznev further admitted that he sold compromised credit card account data and other personal identifying information to fellow Carder.su members. The defendant sold members such a large volume of product that he created an automated website, which he advertised on the Carder.su organization’s websites. His automated website allowed members to log into and purchase stolen credit card account data. The defendant’s website had a simple interface that allowed members to search for the particular type of credit card information they wanted to buy, add the number of accounts they wished to purchase to their “shopping cart” and upon check out, download the purchased credit card information. Payment of funds was automatically deducted from an established account funded through L.R., an online digital currency payment system.
Seleznev further admitted that he sold each account number for approximately $20. The Carder.su organization’s criminal activities resulted in loss to its victims of at least $50,893,166.35.
In connection with his guilty plea in the Northern District of Georgia case, Seleznev admitted that he acted as a “casher” who worked with hackers to coordinate a scheme to defraud an Atlanta-based company that processed credit and debit card transactions on behalf of financial institutions. Seleznev admitted that pursuant to the scheme, in November 2008, hackers infiltrated the company’s computer systems and accessed 45.5 million debit card numbers, certain of which they used to fraudulently withdraw over $9.4 million from 2,100 ATMs in 280 cities around the world in less than 12 hours.
Fifty-five individuals were charged in four separate indictments in Operation Open Market, which targeted the Carder.su organization. To date, 33 individuals have been convicted and the rest are either fugitives or are pending trial.
The cases were investigated by HSI, the U.S. Secret Service, and FBI. The Nevada case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Catherine K. Dick of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly M. Frayn of the District of Nevada. The Northern District of Georgia case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kamal Ghali of the Northern District of Georgia.
Seleznev is also a defendant in a wire fraud and computer hacking case brought by the Department of Justice in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. On Aug. 25, 2016, a federal jury convicted Seleznev of 38 counts related to his role in a scheme to hack into point-of-sale computers to steal and sell credit card numbers to the criminal underworld. On April 21, Seleznev was sentenced to 27 years in prison for those crimes, which will run concurrent to his sentences today.
Russian Cyber-Criminal Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Role in Organized Cybercrime Ring Responsible for $50 Million in Online Identity Theft and $9 Million Bank Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. - A Russian cyber-criminal was sentenced today to 14 years in prison for his role in a $50 million cyberfraud ring and for defrauding banks of $9 million through a hacking scheme.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre of the District of Nevada, U.S. Attorney Byung J. Pak of the Northern District of Georgia, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael Harris of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI), Special Agent in Charge Brian Spellacy of the U.S. Secret Service in Las Vegas, and FBI Special Agent in Charge David J. LeValley in Atlanta made the announcement.
Roman Valeryevich Seleznev, aka Track2, Bulba and Ncux, 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steve C. Jones of the Northern District of Georgia to serve 168 months in prison for one count of participation in a racketeering enterprise pursuant to an indictment returned in the District of Nevada, and to 168 months in prison for one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud pursuant to an indictment returned in the Northern District of Georgia, with the sentences to run concurrent to one another. In both cases, Seleznev was ordered three years of supervised release to run concurrently. He was also ordered restitution in the amount of $50,893,166.35 in the Nevada case and $2,178,349 in the Georgia case. Seleznev pleaded guilty to the charges on Sept. 7.
In connection with his guilty plea in the Nevada case, Seleznev admitted that he became associated with the Carder.su organization, an identity theft and credit card fraud ring, in January 2009. According to Seleznev’s admissions in his plea agreement, Carder.su was an Internet-based, international criminal enterprise whose members trafficked in compromised credit card account data and counterfeit identifications and committed identity theft, bank fraud, and computer crimes. Seleznev admitted that the group tried to protect the anonymity and the security of the enterprise from both rival organizations and law enforcement. For example, members communicated through various secure and encrypted forums, such as chatrooms, private messaging systems, encrypted email, proxies and encrypted virtual private networks. Gaining membership in the group required the recommendation of two current members in good standing.
Seleznev further admitted that he sold compromised credit card account data and other personal identifying information to fellow Carder.su members. The defendant sold members such a large volume of product that he created an automated website, which he advertised on the Carder.su organization’s websites. His automated website allowed members to log into and purchase stolen credit card account data. The defendant’s website had a simple interface that allowed members to search for the particular type of credit card information they wanted to buy, add the number of accounts they wished to purchase to their “shopping cart” and upon check out, download the purchased credit card information. Payment of funds was automatically deducted from an established account funded through L.R., an online digital currency payment system.
Seleznev further admitted that he sold each account number for approximately $20. The Carder.su organization’s criminal activities resulted in loss to its victims of at least $50,893,166.35.
In connection with his guilty plea in the Northern District of Georgia case, Seleznev admitted that he acted as a “casher” who worked with hackers to coordinate a scheme to defraud an Atlanta-based company that processed credit and debit card transactions on behalf of financial institutions. Seleznev admitted that pursuant to the scheme, in November 2008, hackers infiltrated the company’s computer systems and accessed 45.5 million debit card numbers, certain of which they used to fraudulently withdraw over $9.4 million from 2,100 ATMs in 280 cities around the world in less than 12 hours.
Fifty-five individuals were charged in four separate indictments in Operation Open Market, which targeted the Carder.su organization. To date, 33 individuals have been convicted and the rest are either fugitives or are pending trial.
The cases were investigated by HSI, the U.S. Secret Service, and FBI. The Nevada case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Catherine K. Dick of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly M. Frayn of the District of Nevada. The Northern District of Georgia case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kamal Ghali of the Northern District of Georgia.
Seleznev is also a defendant in a wire fraud and computer hacking case brought by the Department of Justice in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. On Aug. 25, 2016, a federal jury convicted Seleznev of 38 counts related to his role in a scheme to hack into point-of-sale computers to steal and sell credit card numbers to the criminal underworld. On April 21, Seleznev was sentenced to 27 years in prison for those crimes, which will run concurrent to his sentences today.
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Rochester Couple Charged with Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Anjaneyulu Katam and Mahalakshmi Cheruvu, of Rochester, NY, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with visa fraud, money laundering, false statements, and conspiracy to defraud the United States. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, between 2011 and 2016, Katam and Cheruvu ran businesses in which they falsified immigration documents for Indian nationals to enter the U.S. and work in tech industries involving computer programming. The husband and wife manipulated the H-1B visa program, which allows U.S. employers temporarily to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. The complaint states that Katam and Cheruvu falsified visa applications, work experience documents and work contracts, which they then submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of State, in order to secure H-1B visas for Indian nationals. Their efforts resulted in the unlawful entry and employment of several Indian nationals within the United States.
The defendants made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jonathan Feldman and were released on conditions.
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations, under the direction of Michael C. Mikulka, Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York
Region, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly, and the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, under the direction of the Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Office, Charles Brandeis.The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Recording Artist and Performer DMX Pleads Guilty in Manhattan Federal Court to Tax Fraud ViolationRead the Press Release
Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James D. Robnett, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”), announced that EARL SIMMONS, an internationally known recording artist, performer, and actor known professionally as “DMX” and “X,” pled guilty today in Manhattan federal court to one count of tax fraud for evading the payment of income taxes in the period from 2010 through 2016. In total, during that time period, SIMMONS engaged in a scheme to conceal millions of dollars of income from the IRS and to avoid paying $1.7 million of tax liabilities. SIMMONS pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said: “Today, Earl Simmons, the actor, producer and recording artist known as DMX, admitted to systematically cheating on his taxes. By insisting to be paid in cash whenever possible and having royalty payments diverted to the accounts of financial surrogates, Simmons concealed hundreds of thousands of dollars of income from the IRS. Today, Simmons made a choice between ‘Right or Wrong,’ and did the right thing, admitting his guilt, and agreeing to pay his tax liabilities. No matter who you are or whatever fame you may have achieved, the law applies equally to all, and no one is exempt from the shared obligation to pay our taxes.”
IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge James D. Robnett said: “Mr. Simmons skirted his responsibilities when he chose to ignore his duty to pay his taxes. We should not forget that the ultimate victims in tax fraud cases are the honest US taxpayers who file and pay their taxes. This guilty plea shows that IRS-Criminal Investigation is working to ensure all taxpayers file and pay their fair share.”
According to the Indictment and statements made at today’s plea proceeding:
SIMMONS, known professionally as “DMX” or “X,” worked as a recording artist, performer, and actor. Beginning in 1997, SIMMONS released a series of hip-hop albums that sold millions of records. Many of his albums went platinum and occupied the top positions on musical charts. During his career, SIMMONS has performed at venues across the United States and around the world, and has acted in motion pictures.
As a result of the income SIMMONS earned from sources including musical recordings and performances, from 2002 through 2005 he incurred federal income tax liabilities of approximately $1.7 million. Those liabilities went unpaid, and in 2005, the IRS began efforts to collect SIMMONS’s unpaid tax liabilities.
During the period from 2010 through 2015, SIMMONS earned over $2.3 million, but SIMMONS did not file personal income tax returns during that time period. Instead, he orchestrated a scheme to evade payment of his outstanding tax liabilities, largely by maintaining a cash lifestyle, avoiding the use of a personal bank account, and using the bank accounts of nominees, including his business managers, to pay personal expenses. For example, SIMMONS received hundreds of thousands of dollars of royalty income from his music recordings. SIMMONS caused that income to be deposited into the bank accounts of his managers, who then disbursed it to him in cash or used it to pay his personal expenses. SIMMONS also participated in the “Celebrity Couples Therapy” television show in 2011 and 2012 and was paid $125,000 for his participation. When taxes were withheld from the check for the first installment of that fee by the producer, SIMMONS refused to tape the remainder of the television show until the check was reissued without withholding taxes.
SIMMONS took other steps to conceal his income from the IRS and others, including by filing a false affidavit in U.S. Bankruptcy Court that listed his income as “unknown” for 2011 and 2012, and as $10,000 for 2013. In fact, SIMMONS received hundreds of thousands of dollars of income in each of those years.
* * *
SIMMONS, 46, of Yonkers, New York, faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison. As part of his plea agreement, SIMMONS is also required to pay restitution to the IRS. The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. SIMMONS is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Rakoff on March 29, 2018, at 4:00 P.M.
Mr. Kim praised the work of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Richard Cooper is in charge of the prosecution.
Readout of Associate Attorney General Rachel Brand Trip to Ottawa, Canada for Trilateral Summit on Violence Against Indigenous Women and GirlsRead the Press Release
Associate Attorney General Rachel Brand traveled to Ottawa, Canada on Thursday, Nov. 30, to lead the U.S. delegation in the Trilateral Summit on Violence Against Indigenous Women and Girls. This is the second meeting of the trilateral working group. The first was hosted by the U.S. in 2016 and next year’s meeting will be in 2018, hosted by Mexico.
Associate Attorney General Brand met with Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Canada’s Crown-Indigenous and Northern Affairs and Ismerai Betanzos Ordaz, Indigenous Rights Coordinator, Mexican Commission on the Development of Indigenous Rights.
“Tackling the issue of violence against Indigenous women and girls in our region and in the U.S. is not only a matter of criminal justice, but a moral imperative,” said Associate Attorney General Brand.
During the event, the three countries agreed to continue to prioritize the discussions, committing to continue the dialogue in 2018. Government representatives, in partnership with Indigenous women from across North America, will participate in events during the upcoming year, in preparation for the next meeting, which will be hosted by Mexico in the fall of 2018.
Themes discussed at this meeting were the importance of meaningful consultation with indigenous women regarding solutions to violence; promising practices for improving criminal justice responses to violent crimes against Indigenous women and girls; and the need for rigorous data collection to understand the full extent of domestic and sexual violence and human trafficking in Indigenous communities.
To address this need for data, Associate Attorney General Brand has directed the Department’s National Institute of Justice to adapt an ongoing study on violence in Indian Country to add an inquiry about the prevalence rates of human trafficking of American Indian and Alaska Native women and girls.
Canada, Mexico and the United States of America were also pleased to welcome Indigenous women from their respective countries to attend the event as full partners in order to ensure that their voices were included in the discussions. Indigenous women shared their experiences and perspectives, contributing to the development of outcomes for the working group.
The Department of Justice remains committed to addressing violence against indigenous women and girls in all of its forms through aggressive law enforcement and programs that serve victims. The Department is committed to working with our international partners to share information and develop capabilities to address cross-border crimes like sex and labor trafficking together.
Associate Attorney General Brand’s visit supports the Justice Department’s continuing efforts under the Task Force on Crime Reduction and Public Safety.Potomac Doctor Indicted for Distribution of Controlled Dangerous SubstancesRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted Dr. William Samuel Vaughn, III, a/k/a “Skip,”, age 62, of Largo, Maryland, today on charges of Distribution and Dispensation and Causing and Attempting to Cause the Distribution and Dispensation of Controlled Dangerous Substances. The indictment was returned on November 29, 2017 and unsealed today upon the arrest of the Vaughn.
The indictment was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office and Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department.
According to the 66-count indictment, between January 2014 and June 2017 Vaughn was a physician who practiced out of an urgent care center located in Potomac, Maryland. During this time he prescribed four individuals 3,210 20 mg and 30 mg Amphetamine (Adderall) pills outside the usual course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose.
Amphetamine is a stimulant and a Schedule II controlled substance. Amphetamine is commonly used for the treatment of attention deficit disorder, and is available in generic form and under the brand name Adderall.
"Today's indictment and arrest exposes Vaughn's lack of concern for the true health of his patients," FBI Special Agent-in-Charge of the Baltimore Field Office Gordon B. Johnson said. "Vaughn violated his privilege and authority to prescribe controlled drugs lawfully by putting his own personal gain ahead of his patients' health and well-being. When trusted doctors fail, the FBI and our partners are going to hold them accountable."
“Any physician who ignores the health and wellbeing of his patients and illegally prescribes narcotics to members of our community who are struggling with addiction is no better than a drug dealer selling from a street corner. Hopefully, this 66 count indictment will serve notice to the members of the medical profession and citizens of Montgomery County that we will aggressively pursue anyone, including a doctor, who is involved in the illegal distribution of drugs in our community," said Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department.
Vaughn faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and up to a lifetime of supervised release. An initial appearance has been scheduled for 2:30 p.m. in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt today.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning commended the FBI and Montgomery County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant United States Attorney Kelly O’Connell Hayes who is prosecuting the case.
Paramedic Sentenced for Stealing Fentanyl from Ambulance CompanyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A paramedic was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for diverting fentanyl intended for patients for his own use and for extracting fentanyl from vials stocked on ambulances and replacing the fentanyl with saline.
Joseph V. Amello, 50, of Rowley, Mass., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In June 2017, Amello pleaded guilty to one count of acquiring a controlled substance by deception, fraud, and forgery, and one count of tampering with a consumer product.
From approximately November 2014 to August 2015, while working as a paramedic for an ambulance company, Amello stole over 650 5-ml vials of fentanyl for his own use. In addition, beginning around July 1, 2015, Amello removed fentanyl from a number of vials intended for ambulance patients and replaced the fentanyl with saline.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Jeffrey Ebersole, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, New York Field Office; and Commissioner Monica Bharel, M.D., M.P.H., of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Division of Food and Drugs, Drug Control Program, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Miranda Hooker of Weinreb’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Palm Beach County Resident Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Firearm and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
Gerald Petion, 33, of Delray Beach, was sentenced by United States District Judge Robin L. Rosenberg to 240 months in federal prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release for being an armed career criminal in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Benjamin G. Greenberg, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Peter J. Forcelli, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Ric L. Bradshaw, Sheriff, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO), and Jeffrey S. Goldman, Chief, Delray Beach Police Department (DBPD), made the announcement.
Petion was prosecuted under the federal Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA), which provides for an enhanced sentence for persons with at least three prior felony convictions for violent felonies or serious drug trafficking crimes.
According to court documents, on March 14, 2016, DBPD Officers responded to a heroin overdose in the City of Delray Beach. The victim, who was in extreme respiratory distress, survived the incident, and once revived, cooperated with law enforcement officials. Petion was identified as the street level heroin dealer and DBPD initiated a narcotics investigation. After multiple undercover purchases of heroin, DBPD obtained an arrest warrant for Petion for two counts of sale of heroin within 1,000 feet of a park.
On April 15, 2016, DBPD Officers located Petion. Petion refused to surrender and instead fled from the scene on foot. As Petion fled he dropped a fully loaded FN Herstal, Model Five-seveN, 5.7 x 28 mm, semi-automatic pistol.
On April 24, 2016, DBPD Officers located Petion and after a brief standoff, he surrendered to the officers. Petion was arrested for his outstanding felony warrants.
Prior to his commission of both offenses, Petion had three separate prior felony convictions for aggravated battery, one prior felony conviction for trafficking in cocaine, and one prior felony conviction for delivery of Oxycodone within a 1,000 feet of a school. As a consequence, Petion was subject to the enhanced sentencing provisions of ACCA.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the anti-gang, anti-gun violence initiative of the United States Department of Justice. This program emphasizes and facilitates cooperative federal, state and local prosecution of firearm crimes, violent criminals, repeat violent offenders and gang related criminal activity.
Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of ATF, PBSO, and DBPD. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John C. McMillan.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Oxycodone Trafficker Convicted by Federal JuryRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Orlando Gutierrez (619) 546-6958
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – November 29, 2017
SAN DIEGO – Edwin Fuller, a member of a drug trafficking organization that illegally acquired and distributed at least 50,000 oxycodone tablets valued at $1.5 million during a three-year span, was convicted by a federal jury today following a three-day trial.
Fuller was part of what is believed to be the San Diego region’s most prolific and well-organized oxycodone ring. The organization acquired oxycodone via fraudulent prescriptions and phony California identification cards and distributed the pills across the country. One significant seizure involved 7,000 pills sent by this organization to Columbus, Ohio.
Fuller is the fourth key member of the organization that has been convicted in the case so far. The investigation is ongoing.
Two coconspirators testified at trial that Fuller was a recruiter and a “filler” who walked into pharmacies to get bogus prescriptions filled. Fuller received the oxycodone and distributed it to others. Evidence at trial proved that over a six-month period Fuller was able to successfully acquire more than 11,000 30-milligram tablets of oxycodone. The traffickers obtained pills for about $2 each from the pharmacies and then sold them for a street value of up to $30 each.
One coconspirator testified that she was “thankful” for being arrested because she would have died as a result of her addition to oxycodone.
U.S. Attorney Adam Braverman said prosecution of this organization and others like it is a priority for this office because their greed is feeding the addiction crisis in California and other regions of the United States.
“Just yesterday I heard from parents who tragically lost their son to opiate addiction. This case demonstrates that we are holding pill peddlers accountable for the havoc they are wreaking on our country,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Braverman. “We will not tolerate drug trafficking rings that seek to profit by exploiting and endangering people who struggle with substance use disorder.”
Earlier today, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced new resources and stepped up efforts to address the drug and opioid crisis, including over $12 million in grant funding to assist law enforcement in combating illegal manufacturing and distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, and prescription opioid and a directive to all U.S. Attorneys to designate an Opioid Coordinator to work closely with prosecutors, and with other federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement to coordinate and optimize federal opioid prosecutions in every district.
Fuller is scheduled to be sentenced on February 15, 2018 at 2:15 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel.
This case is the result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 16cr0867
Edwin Fuller Age: 39 Los Angeles
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substance – Title 21, U.S.C., Section 841(a) (1) and 846
Maximum penalty: 20 years in prison and $1 million fine
Owners of Peabody Pizza Shop Plead Guilty to Federal Tax ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The owners of Giovanni’s Roast Beef & Pizza in Peabody pleaded guilty yesterday to skimming cash receipts from Giovanni’s and failing to report the cash on their tax returns, thereby avoiding the payment of more than $550,000 in taxes.
William Panousos, 66, Theodora Panousos, 64, and Konstantinos Panousos, 38, each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States. William Panousos also pleaded guilty to three counts of aiding and assisting in filing false corporate and individual tax returns; Theodora pleaded guilty to four counts; and Konstantinos pleaded guilty to two counts. U.S. District Court Senior Judge Douglas P. Woodlock scheduled sentencing for March 8, 2018.
During tax years 2013 through 2015, the defendants skimmed approximately $1.5 million in cash receipts from Giovanni’s and did not deposit them into the business’ bank account or report them to their tax preparer. In addition, the defendants paid some of the business’ expenses in cash, including a portion of payments to suppliers and a portion of employees’ salaries. They also failed to report about $550,000 of those cash expenses on their tax returns.
The charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Each charge of aiding and assisting the filing of false tax returns provides for a sentence of no greater than three years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Balthazard of Weinreb’s Economic Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Oklahoma City Woman Pleads Guilty to Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Lashea Dannette Harris, age 33, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, pled guilty to Drug Conspiracy, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(C), punishable by not more than 20 years imprisonment, and up to a $1,000,000.00 fine or both.
The Superseding Indictment alleged that beginning in or about July 2016 and continuing until on or about November 29, 2016, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendant, did knowingly and intentionally combine, conspire, confederate and agree together, and with others known and unknown to the Grand Jury, to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846.
The charges arose from a joint investigation entitled “Golden Pony” coordinated by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) of the Eastern District of Oklahoma. OCDETF is an initiative led and coordinated by the Office of the United States Attorney. The agencies involved in the investigation were the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Hammer represented the United States.
New York Man Sentenced to 28 Months in Prison for Illegally Manufacturing and Possessing ExplosivesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARK D. HUBER, 57, of Mahopac, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 28 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally manufacturing and possessing explosives.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 21, 2016, the Connecticut State Police received a report that several items that appeared to be explosive devices were in a garage of a residence in Warren, Connecticut. HUBER previously resided at the home. The State Police and FBI Bomb Squad searched the garage and discovered that HUBER had manufactured black powder and flash powder, which can be used as the explosive charge in an improvised explosive device (IED). Investigators found and seized approximately 12 IEDs, and approximately 35 devices that were missing only the explosive powder.
HUBER was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on July 22, 2016. A subsequent search of residences in Ossining and Mahopac, New York, where HUBER resided prior to his arrest, revealed additional pyrotechnic mixtures, fuses and fully assembled explosive devices.
HUBER has been detained since his arrest. On July 12, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of an unregistered explosive device.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa Richards.
New York Man Convicted of Heroin and Crack ChargesRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Carey Ackies, 36, of Jamaica, Queens, New York, was convicted today following a four-day jury trial in U.S. District Court of conspiracy to distribute heroin and 28 grams or more of cocaine base, commonly known as crack, and aiding and abetting the possession with the intent to distribute heroin and 28 grams or more of crack.
Court records and trial evidence revealed that on January 18, 2016, federal agents intercepted a drug courier getting off a bus in Portland with heroin and crack. The ensuing investigation revealed that the defendant was the source of the drugs. Four days later, DEA located and arrested the defendant in New York. A search of his Jamaica apartment resulted in the seizure of heroin and crack, a firearm, a money counter and other evidence of drug trafficking.
Ackies faces between ten years and life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S Drug Enforcement Administration in conjunction with U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Maine State Police and the Lewiston Police Department, and investigated and prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Strategy to Combat the Opioid Epidemic.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit Mail FraudRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CORTEZ THOMPSON, age 34, of New Orleans, was sentenced yesterday after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud.
U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced THOMPSON to three years probation.
According to court documents, from in or about December 2012 and continuing though in or about June 2013, THOMPSON and his co-conspirators were involved in a scheme to unlawfully obtain money through the distribution of counterfeit United States Postal Service money orders. To this end, THOMPSON and his co-conspirators would, among other things, procured, produced, and caused to be produced counterfeit United States Postal Service money orders, distributed them via the mail, and negotiated them in order to share the illegal proceeds of the crime.
Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Loan "Mimi" Nguyen was in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DORIAN GIVENS, age 30, of New Orleans, pled guilty yesterday to an Indictment charging him with violating the Federal Gun Control Act.
According to the court records, GIVENS on two separate occasions possessed a firearm after being convicted of distributing crack cocaine in a prior federal case. In June 2016, police found GIVENS in possession of a gun in the driver’s side door panel of the vehicle he was in when he was shot several times. In January 2017, police found a gun in a hotel room where GIVENS had been arrested. GIVENS admitted on a recorded jail call to being in possession of that gun.
GIVENS faces a term of imprisonment of up to 10 years on each count, as well as a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan set sentencing for March 7, 2018.
Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Special Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the New Orleans Police Department, and the Jefferson Parish Sherriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Haller is in charge of the prosecution.
New Haven Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JAHMAL GIBBS, 21, of New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 26, 2016, members of the U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force arrested GIBBS in an apartment on Henry Street in New Haven. A search of a bedroom in the apartment revealed a loaded .357 caliber revolver that was hidden between a mattress and a box spring.
In September 2014, GIBBS was convicted of a state felony firearm offense. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
On November 2, 2016, GIBBS pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter D. Markle.
NYPD Officer Charged with Narcotics, Weapons, Fraud, Identity Theft, and Counterfeit Currency OffensesRead the Press Release
Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and James P. O’Neill, the Police Commissioner of the City of New York (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing of a criminal complaint charging REYNALDO LOPEZ with attempting to traffic narcotics and using a firearm in furtherance of that offense, access device fraud, conspiracy to commit access device fraud, aggravated identity theft, and passing counterfeit obligations. LOPEZ is a police officer with the NYPD, assigned to the Anti-Terrorism Unit in the Transit Bureau. LOPEZ was presented yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Debra Freeman.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said: “Reynaldo Lopez, a police officer sworn to serve and protect his community, instead allegedly engaged in a shocking crime spree. Lopez allegedly attempted to traffic nearly three kilograms of heroin, stole people’s identities to create and use credit cards for his own use, and knowingly used counterfeit money. Police officers who violate their oath and break the laws betray not only the public, but their fellow officers who have nobly committed themselves serving and protecting our communities.”
FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said: “The list of allegations Officer Lopez faces is troubling on many levels. Not only is Lopez accused of participating in a fraudulent credit card operation and a counterfeit money scheme, he’s also accused of misusing his position as a police officer to engage in the trafficking into our city of what he believed to be heroin. The NYPD works diligently day in and day out to protect the public from those who engage in these types of crimes. As evidenced by the charges today, nobody is exempt from that practice.”
NYPD Police Commissioner James P. O'Neill said: “Police officers are sworn to protect and serve the public. As alleged, the defendant violated our oath, breaking the law, repeatedly, to traffic narcotics or steal others' identities. Today he finds himself under arrest and charged criminally in federal court after eroding the trust we work on building every day with the public.”
According to the Complaint[1] unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:
LOPEZ is an NYPD police officer assigned to the Transit Bureau’s Anti-Terrorism Unit.
On November 29, 2017, LOPEZ attempted to traffic approximately three kilograms of heroin from a location in New Jersey to the Bronx, New York. LOPEZ agreed with another undercover police officer (“UC-2”) to transport what LOPEZ believed were three kilograms of heroin to a drug dealer located in the Bronx, New York, under LOPEZ’s protection as an NYPD police officer, and was arrested when he attempted to make the delivery. LOPEZ also possessed a firearm in furtherance of this attempted narcotics trafficking.
From May 2017 to the present, LOPEZ engaged in a scheme to create and utilize fraudulent credit cards, including by using identity information stolen from his victims. He was part of a counterfeit credit card operation whose participants used stolen or otherwise illicitly obtained personal identifying information to create fraudulent credit cards, and then used the fraudulent credit cards to purchase merchandise for themselves. As part of his participation in these crimes, LOPEZ also possessed and used a device that applies electronic data to blank physical credit cards.
From October 2017 to the present, LOPEZ possessed, passed, and used counterfeit United States currency. In multiple recorded conversations with an undercover NYPD officer (“UC-1”), LOPEZ discussed his possession of counterfeit money, stating that he previously had successfully used some of the counterfeit currency. LOPEZ also showed UC-1 a stack of currency that LOPEZ claimed was counterfeit, and provided UC-1 with a counterfeit $100 bill.
* * *
LOPEZ, 26, of Brooklyn, New York, was arrested yesterday in the Bronx, New York. LOPEZ is charged with one count of access device fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison; one count of passing counterfeit obligations, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; attempted possession of one kilogram and more of mixtures and substances containing heroin, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison; and firearms use, carrying, and possession in connection with a narcotics trafficking offense, which carries a mandatory sentence of five years in prison.
The statutory minimum, maximum, and mandatory penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by the judge.
Mr. Kim praised the FBI and the NYPD for their outstanding work on the investigation. He added that the investigation is continuing.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alex Rossmiller and Jessica Lonergan are in charge of the prosecution.
[1] The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and LOPEZ is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
More than a Dozen Charged in Large-Scale Conspiracy Involving Local Aryan Brotherhood RingRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A total of 14 Corpus Christi residents are now in custody and face up to life in prison for their alleged roles related to the activities of the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT), announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.
The charges include conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity involving the activities of the ABT, violent crimes in aid of racketeering activity and conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
A federal grand jury returned the indictment on Nov. 29, 2017, against James Randall Ross aka Silver, 45, David Wayne Frost aka Spider, 47, Michael Lee Craig aka Rooster, 44, Mark Clairborne Pennington aka Shiloh, 59, Brian Russell Campbell aka Iceman aka Loyalty, 35, Johnny Glenn Voiles aka Panhead, 47, Jimmy Curtis Mullenax III aka Curt, 40, Kenneth Brandenburh aka K-Dog, 44, Matthew Jay Thompson aka Pie Face, 33, Pedro Campos aka Pete, 59, Abby Telge, 28, Johnny Hagensick, 49, Randy Stasney, 60, and Allen Saunders, 35. The indictment was unsealed today.
Ross made his initial appearance this morning, at which time he was ordered detained pending trial set for Jan. 8, 2018. With the exception of Voiles, who is not as yet in custody, the remaining defendants are expected to make their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge B. Janice Ellington at 2:00 p.m. today.
Voiles is believed to be in the Houston area. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) at 1-866-347-2423.
The indictment charges Ross, Frost, Craig, Pennington, Campbell and Voiles in with conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity involving ABT activities between 1995 and November 2017. The indictment alleges they and others known and unknown were members and associates of the ABT, a criminal organization whose members and associates engaged in the illegal trafficking of controlled substances, extortion, murder, attempted murder, assault with a dangerous weapon and other acts of violence and intimidation. They allegedly operated throughout Texas, including the Corpus Christi Division of the Southern District of Texas and elsewhere. In addition, one of the purposes of the criminal enterprise was allegedly to keep victims in fear of the enterprise and in fear of its leaders, members and associates through threats of violence and actual violence.
Ross, Frost and Craig are also charged with violent crimes in aid of racketeering activity in September 2015.
All 14 arrested today are charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine between July 2012 to November 2017.
All face up to life in prison. The racketeering charges also carry a possible $250,000 maximum fine, while the drug trafficking conviction carries a possible maximum $10 million fine, upon conviction.
HSI; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; Texas Department of Public Safety; Nueces County Sheriff’s Office; Corpus Christi Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lance Watt and Julie K. Hampton are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Milestone Recovery, Inc. Agrees to Pay $4,519 to Settle Civil Health Care Fraud CaseRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank today announced that Milestone Recovery, Inc. (“Milestone”) has entered into a civil settlement agreement with the United States and the State of Maine in which it will pay $4,519.04 to resolve allegations that Milestone submitted false claims to MaineCare (Maine’s Medicaid program) from June 2015 through July 2016. MaineCare is primarily funded by the United States, which pays about two-thirds of all claims submitted to MaineCare.
According to a civil complaint filed today, Milestone used money paid to it by MaineCare to pay the salary and benefits of a Milestone employee who previously had been excluded from Federal health care and the MaineCare programs. Federal health care programs may not pay, directly or indirectly, for items or services furnished, ordered, or prescribed by excluded individuals or entities. Prior to joining Milestone, the employee had been excluded after surrendering her nursing license for diverting Fentanyl and Oxycodone while employed as a nurse at a hospital. The employee disclosed the circumstances that caused her to surrender her nursing license in her Milestone employment application, but Milestone failed to check publicly available exclusion databases to determine if she was excluded.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the Attorney General’s Office of the State of Maine. The civil action is docketed United States and the State of Maine v. Milestone Recovery, Inc., 2:17-cv-00466-GZS (D. Me.).
Mexican national sentenced to 46 months in prison for reentering the U.S. illegally a sixth timeRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced today that a Mexican citizen was sentenced to 46 months in prison for reentering the United States illegally.
Jose Luis Gamez-Verdugo, 49, of Mexico, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell on one count of illegal reentry of a removed alien. According to the August 8, 2017 guilty plea, Gamez-Verdugo was found on April 9, 2017 in Vermilion Parish. After further investigation, it was determined that he had been removed from the United States on five previous occasions. The most recent removal was on June 16, 2011 in Brownsville, Texas.
United States Immigrations and Customs Enforcement and the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney T. Forrest Phillips prosecuted the case.
Mexican national sentenced to 15 months in prison for reentering the U.S. illegally for fourth timeRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced today that a Mexican citizen was sentenced to 15 months in prison for reentering the United States illegally for a fourth time.
David Acuna-Ontiveros, 31, of Nogolas, Sorora, Mexico, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell on one count of illegal reentry of a removed alien. According to the July 28, 2017 guilty plea, Louisiana State Police arrested Acuna-Ontiveros on April 24, 2017 at the Morgan City Department of Motor Vehicles. The defendant was attempting to obtain a driver’s license using a stolen identity. Acuna-Ovtiveros was found with another person’s driver’s license, birth certificate and Social Security card. He admitted after the arrest that he was in the United States illegally and had paid money for the stolen identity. After further investigation, law enforcement agents found that the defendant had been removed in February of 2005 and March of 2006. He was also arrested in December of 2012 and removed in September of 2013 after serving time for a felony.
United States Immigrations and Customs Enforcement and the Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy prosecuted the case.
Mexican national sentenced to 11 months in prison for illegally reentering the U.S. multiple timesRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced today that a Mexican citizen was sentenced to 11 months in prison for reentering the United States illegally after being removed at least three times.
Juan Jose Mendoza-Ibarra, 38, of Mexico, was sentence by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell on one count of illegal reentry of a removed alien. According to the September 1, 2017 guilty plea, the defendant was found to be in Lafayette in July of 2017 after an arrest. He had previously been removed from the United States at least three times on March 11, 2016, August 5, 2016 and February 10, 2017.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominic Rossetti prosecuted the case.