Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
9 January 2018
Broward Resident Sentenced in Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A Broward resident was sentenced to 24 months and one day in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $87,562 in restitution.
Benjamin G. Greenberg, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida; Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); and Brian Swain, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service (USSS), Miami Field Office; made the announcement.
Woodley Louis-Jacques, 31, of Tamarac, pled guilty to one count of using unauthorized access devices and one count of aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1029(a)(2) and 1028A.
According to court documents, in 2014 a bank noticed suspicious activity occurring at the drive through ATM at one of its branches. Excessive withdrawals were occurring with the same cards. An individual covered the camera with what appeared to be sticky notes, and then spent long periods of time inserting multiple cards into the machine to withdraw cash. The bank records showed approximately 204 transactions (on 45 different days) and approximately $66,880, in withdrawals from 41 different cards from February 2014 to September 2014.
ATM videos and photos show that Louis-Jacques was the person utilizing the ATM in approximately 24 of these instances, which accounted for over 100 different transactions using approximately 26 different cards. Louis-Jacques often withdrew funds from some of the same cards multiple times on each ATM visit. The cards were prepaid cards that allow low to moderate-income families the opportunity to load their tax refunds onto these prepaid cards.
Ninety-nine (99) tax returns were filed requesting refunds totaling $378,688, where the refund was directed onto the cards. The tax returns were filed using the same IRS Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN), and the EFIN was registered to Louis-Jacques. Law enforcement interviewed some of the victims whose identities were used for the filing of federal tax returns that directed associated tax refunds to the prepaid cards. None of these individuals knew Louis-Jacques or authorized this activity.
On August 1, 2014, Louis-Jacques was the passenger in a vehicle stopped by law enforcement in Georgia for travelling at a high rate of speed. During a vehicle search, law enforcement found multiple phones, a laptop, a black wallet with Louis-Jacques’s identification card and a prepaid card issued in another individual’s name. Behind the glove box was a folder containing numerous printed screenshots of personal identifying information (approximately 200 names and social security numbers) that appeared to be a customer list from tax software.
After the defendant was arrested on September 21, 2017, he admitted his participation in the scheme and that he was the only one who filed taxes from that EFIN.
Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of IRS-CI and the USSS. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cynthia R. Wood.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Brooklyn Man Pleads Guilty in $91K Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A resident of Brooklyn, New York, has pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Renaldo D. Coleman, 31, of Brooklyn, NY, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.
In connection with the guilty plea, in June, 2016, Renaldo D. Coleman and conspirators used counterfeit credit cards at multiple stores in Western PA to purchase gift cards and merchandise which totaled approximately $91,000.
Judge Fischer scheduled the sentence for May 18, 2018 at 11 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both at each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Western Pennsylvania Financial Crimes Task Force (WPFCTF), conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of these defendants. The WPFCTF was established as a collaborative, multi-agency effort to effectively combat financial crimes, including identity fraud, in Western Pennsylvania. Partnering in this effort are the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the United States Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Department of Homeland Security, the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office, the Allegheny County Police Department, the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Robinson Township Police Department.
Brooklyn Assemblywoman Indicted for Multiple Fraud Schemes and Obstructing JusticeRead the Press Release
An 11-count indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn, New York, charging Pamela Harris, a New York State Assemblywoman representing Bay Ridge, Coney Island, Dyker Heights and other nearby communities, with two counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, four counts of making false statements, two counts of bankruptcy fraud, one count of witness tampering and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice. Harris’s arraignment on the indictment is scheduled for this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes, Jr.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Mark G. Peters, Commissioner, New York City Department of Investigation (DOI), announced the charges.
“As alleged in the indictment, the defendant defrauded government agencies out of tens of thousands of dollars in public funds and tried to fraudulently obtain even more,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “She conducted her schemes victimizing the federal and New York City governments, and then obstructed a federal investigation into her crimes while a sitting New York State Assemblywoman. When she learned that law enforcement was investigating her various fraud schemes, she pressured witnesses to lie to the FBI and cover them up. This Office and our law enforcement partners are committed to ensuring that those who serve the public are held accountable under the law to the same extent as the people they are privileged to serve.”
“Both before and during her tenure as a public servant, as alleged, Assemblywoman Pamela Harris went to great lengths to defraud local and federal agencies out of thousands of dollars,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney. “In fact, at a time when many residents in her district were dealing with the horrific aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Harris was busy brewing a storm of her own, one that resulted in her receiving significant payouts by the very federal agency charged with helping those truly in need. As if these allegations weren’t enough, Harris allegedly obstructed a federal investigation into the matters at hand, asking others to lie on her behalf, as alleged. These types of crimes threaten the financial stability of our local and federal governments, but when a public official is involved, even more is at risk. Today we are proud to put an end to this inexcusable scheme.”
“The brazen corruption charged as a result of this investigation tramples on the very definition of a public servant,” stated DOI Commissioner Peters. “This elected official exploited the public she was elected to serve by stealing from City and federal programs and then concealing the fraud with false statements and asking witnesses to obstruct the investigation, according to the indictment. DOI thanks the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and the FBI for their partnership in working together to expose the array of wrongdoing charged in this indictment.”
As alleged in the indictment, between 2012 and 2016, the defendant defrauded various government agencies, including the New York City Council (“NYC Council”), New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (“DYCD”), Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”), United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”), the New York City Build it Back Program (“NYC Build it Back Program”) and United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of New York (“U.S. Bankruptcy Court”).
NYC Council / DYCD Fraud Scheme.
Between August 2014 and July 2015, the defendant, who was at the time the Executive Director of a not-for-profit organization located in Brooklyn, defrauded the NYC Council of nearly $23,000 in discretionary funding by falsely claiming that the not-for-profit would use the funds to rent a studio space. As part of her scheme, the defendant submitted to DYCD—the government entity responsible for administering and disbursing the NYC Council’s discretionary funds—a forged lease agreement. Once the not-for-profit received the funding, the defendant diverted the funds to her personal checking account and used the money to pay for personal expenses.
The following year, between approximately July 2015 and January 2017, the defendant committed a nearly identical scheme—this time as a sitting Assemblywoman. The defendant again defrauded the NYC Council by claiming that funds would be spent on rental space. In fact, when the not-for-profit received the discretionary funding, the defendant diverted the funds—this time, $11,400—for her personal use.
FEMA Fraud Scheme.
Between 2012 and 2014, the defendant defrauded FEMA out of nearly $25,000 by falsely claiming to FEMA she had been forced out of her residence by Hurricane Sandy. The defendant represented to FEMA that her Coney Island residence was so damaged by Hurricane Sandy that she had to move to a temporary residence in Staten Island after the storm. In furtherance of the scheme, the defendant submitted to FEMA fake lease agreements that she had purportedly entered into with the landlord of the Staten Island residence, as well as bogus rent payment receipts. In reality, the defendant continued to live at her Coney Island residence and pocketed the FEMA payments for herself.
HUD/Build it Back Fraud Scheme.
In 2016, while she was a sitting New York State Assemblywoman, the defendant repeated the same misrepresentations and submitted the same fake documents to the NYC Build it Back Program in order to obtain additional financial assistance. She also made other false claims in order to persuade Build it Back to pay for substantial construction to her home.
Bankruptcy Fraud Scheme.
In November 2013, the defendant filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection in the United States Bankruptcy Court in Brooklyn. The defendant, who at the time of her filing was receiving $1,550 each month from FEMA based on the misrepresentations described above, told the Bankruptcy Trustee that she was receiving $1,200 a month in financial assistance from the same landlord that she told FEMA she was paying $1,550 a month in rent. Neither statement was true.
Obstruction of Justice and Witness Tampering.
Finally, between March 2017 and May 2017, after the defendant became aware of the grand jury’s investigation into her various fraud schemes, she instructed witnesses to lie to FBI agents conducting the grand jury investigation, which the witnesses did.
The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment on one of the charges relating to making false statements to FEMA; a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment on each of the wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, witness tampering, or obstruction of justice conspiracy charges; and a maximum sentence of five years of imprisonment on each of the bankruptcy fraud or other false statements charges.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Erik Paulsen and Robert Polemeni are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
PAMELA HARRIS
Age: 57
Brooklyn New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-11 (JBW)
Bradenton Methamphetamine Trafficker Sentenced to More Than 17 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida– U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich has sentenced Jarvis Rodrick Thomas (43, Bradenton) to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for possessing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. The Court also ordered him to forfeit a .25 caliber Beretta firearm, seven rounds of ammunition, and $23,486 that are traceable to proceeds of the offense.
Thomas pleaded guilty on September 5, 2017.
According to court documents, on June 26, 2016, a deputy from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) stopped Thomas in front of a Walgreens for driving with a suspended license. While the deputy was investigating the traffic stop, Thomas threw a black bag out of the car’s window. A short time after his arrest, another SCSO employee found the black bag in the Walgreens parking lot. The bag contained 20 small bags containing 69 grams of methamphetamine and 45 small bags containing 3.8 grams of heroin. Security video from the Walgreens showed Thomas throwing the bag out of the window, into the parking lot.
Following Thomas’s arrest, a SCSO detective learned that Thomas might be storing illegal narcotics at his home in Bradenton. SCSO detectives, in coordination with the Bradenton Police Department, executed a search warrant at Thomas’s residence and recovered more than 1,000 grams of methamphetamine, 29 grams of heroin, a loaded .25 caliber Beretta handgun, and $23,486 in cash.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bradenton Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shauna S. Hale.
Boonville Woman Pleads Guilty to Firing Shots During PursuitRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Timothy A. Garrison, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Boonville, Mo., woman who fired at law enforcement officers and other motorists during a high-speed pursuit pleaded guilty in federal court today.
Victoria Ann Buol, 25, of Boonville, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps, Jr., to the charges contained in an April 21, 2016, federal indictment.
Co-defendant Russell Dean Moore, Jr., 27, of Fulton, Mo., pleaded guilty to the same charges on Dec. 18, 2017.
Buol and Moore each pleaded guilty to three criminal violations that occurred during a high-speed pursuit on Interstate 70 by law enforcement officers, in which each of them fired shots at both the officers and at semi-trailer trucks in an effort to block the pursuit. Buol and Moore each pleaded guilty to one count of the destruction of a motor vehicle (a USF Holland, Inc., semi-tractor trailer), one count of the use of a firearm in furtherance of that crime, and one count of the use of a firearm in furtherance of the destruction of another motor vehicle (a DCE Transportation, Inc., semi-tractor trailer).
According to the plea agreement, Boone County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a Columbia, Mo., residence on the afternoon of April 6, 2016, for a stolen vehicle complaint. A woman told deputies that her 2007 Jeep, as well as firearms and other items, had been stolen from her residence. Among the items stolen was a Smith & Wesson 9mm semi-automatic pistol.
At 2:44 a.m. the following morning, a sergeant with the Boone County Sheriff’s Department spotted the stolen Jeep in the parking lot of Midway Travel Center, 6401 E. Hwy. 40, Columbia. The sergeant drove over to the Jeep, which appeared to be unoccupied, got out of his vehicle and walked toward the Jeep. As he did so, Buol appeared in the front passenger seat. She moved to the driver’s seat and drove away, stopping in the parking lot to allow Moore to get in the front passenger seat.
The sergeant pursued the Jeep with his emergency lights active. The Jeep turned onto Highway 40 and, as it was crossing Interstate 70, Moore shot at the sergeant multiple times. The Jeep turned onto Highway UU and stopped at the intersection of Sugar Creek Road. The sergeant saw Moore exit the Jeep and started shooting at him. Moore got back into the Jeep and the pursuit continued.
After the sergeant’s patrol vehicle was struck by at least one bullet, disabling it, other officers continued the pursuit of the stolen Jeep into the southern part of Columbia. The chase eventually moved onto Interstate 70 East, where officers continued to pursue the stolen Jeep into Callaway County. Throughout the pursuit, multiple shots were fired from the Jeep at various officers. Shots were also fired from the Jeep at four semi-trailer trucks traveling on Interstate 70, nearly striking one of the drivers.
The Jeep ran out of gas on County Road 172 in Callaway County and Buol and Moore were arrested. Both Buol and Moore later admitted they drove the Jeep at different times during the pursuit.
Both Buol and Moore admitted firing the pistol at officers and semi-trailer trucks from the stolen Jeep. They told investigators that their intent when shooting at semi-trailer trucks on Interstate 70 East was to cause a serious accident, which would terminate the officers’ pursuit and aid in their escape. Two tractor trailers were shot during the pursuit. One of the drivers stopped his vehicle and discovered that his cab was damaged, and there was a 9mm bullet lodged behind the driver’s seat. Another driver told investigators he heard a pop and his truck engine began smoking and overheated. He pulled into a rest stop and called his employer. There was a hole in his tractor grill and the radiator, air cooler and condenser were damaged.
Under federal statutes, Buol is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 35 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
Under the terms of Moore’s plea agreement, the government and Moore agree to recommend to the court a sentence of 40 years in federal prison without parole. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lawrence E. Miller. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Boone County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Callaway County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.
Boise Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOISE – James Maxheimer, 46, of Boise, pleaded guilty yesterday in United States District Court to possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. As part of his plea, Maxheimer also agreed to forfeit the computer and electronic storage devices used in the commission of the charged offense.
According to the plea agreement, in June of 2016, detectives with the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force served a search warrant on Maxheimer’s residence in Boise, Idaho, based upon evidence that ICAC detectives had downloaded images of child pornography from a computer at the residence, using a file sharing program. Detectives interviewed Maxheimer, and he admitted that he had downloaded and viewed images of child pornography at least once a week, using the file sharing program.
Detectives seized a laptop computer and an external hard drive belonging to Maxheimer. When detectives examined the devices, they discovered 10,172 still images and 378 videos containing child pornography, including images of prepubescent minors, images showing sadistic and masochistic conduct with minors, and images of the sexual abuse or exploitation of infants and toddlers.
Sentencing is set for April 9, 2018, before Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill.
Possession of child pornography is punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than five years and up to life, and a $5,000 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, and was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Office, the Office of the Attorney General for the State of Idaho, and the Department of Justice, Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
Baltimore man appears on drug distribution chargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Baltimore, Maryland man has his initial appearance today after being indicted by a grand jury in November 2017 for drug distribution charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Samuel Hogans, also known as Richard Hogans, also known as “Lex,” age 37, was indicted on four counts of “Distribution of Cocaine Base,” two counts of “Distribution of Heroin,” and one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Cocaine Base.” Hogans is accused of distributing cocaine and heroin in November and December 2015 in Berkeley County.
Hogans faces up to 20 years and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, is investigating.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.Bakersfield Woman Sentenced for Defrauding Bakersfield Pipe and Supply Inc.Read the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Lynnsi Dunbar, 30, of Bakersfield, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd to 12 months in prison and ordered to pay $287,945 in restitution for conspiring to defraud Bakersfield Pipe and Supply Inc. (BPS), U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, from March 2014 through October 2014, Kye Dunbar, 32, his wife Lynnsi Dunbar, and Daniel Harte conspired to defraud Bakersfield Pipe and Supply Inc. (BPS), which is headquartered in Bakersfield, by creating false invoices for payment. During this period, Lynnsi Dunbar was an employee of BPS, who with the help of Kye Dunbar and Daniel Harte, created “Harte Trucking,” a fictitious trucking company that was created for the sole purpose of submitting fraudulent invoices to BPS for services that were never performed. As a result of this conspiracy, the defendants were able to defraud BPS out of $287,000.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian K. Delaney prosecuted the case.
Lynnsi Dunbar and Kye Dunbar pleaded guilty and on June 26, 2017, and Kye Dunbar was sentenced to three years and 10 months in prison. The case against Harte is still pending.
Attorney General Sessions Celebrates Law Enforcement Appreciation DayRead the Press Release
Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued the following statement on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, a day set aside to show support for the brave men and women who have dedicated themselves to protecting our communities: “Serving as a law enforcement officer is an honorable profession that is demanding, dangerous, and all too often unappreciated. Those who have chosen law enforcement as a profession and who work selflessly day and night through the harshest of conditions are a special breed. We owe them our undying gratitude. And, while our gratitude should not be limited to a single day of the year, I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate my deep and sincere appreciation to all serving in tribal, local, state, and federal law enforcement across the country for the daily sacrifices they make to serve and protect our communities.”
Today Attorney General Sessions also visited the Washington, D.C. Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge with Metropolitan Police Department Auxiliary Police Officers to express his gratitude and support for them and their work.
Throughout his tenure as Attorney General, Jeff Sessions has shown unwavering support for law enforcement officers:International Association of Chiefs of Police Midyear Conference April 2017
Bureau of Prisons Correctional Workers Week Memorial Service May 2017
Sergeants Benevolent Association of New York City Award Presentation May 2017
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund 29th Annual Candlelight Vigil May 2017
International Law Enforcement Academy Graduation Ceremony July 2017
41st Annual National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives Training Conference and Exhibition August 2017
63rd Biennial Conference of the National Fraternal Order of Police August 2017
Oklahoma Sheriffs’ Association October 2017
Major Cities Chiefs Association 2017 Fall Meeting October 2017
International Association of Chiefs of Police October 2017
National Fusion Center Association November 2017
The Attorney General has spoken to law enforcement audiences across America, including in Pennsylvania, Oregon, Nevada, Tennessee, New York, Florida, Virginia, Missouri, West Virginia, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, Alabama, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, and Ohio—all to show his support for the men and women in blue.Atlantic Woman Sentenced for Involvement in Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Council Bluffs, Iowa – On January 5, 2018, Selena Marie Hansen, 21, of Atlantic, Iowa, appeared in federal court before United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger and was sentenced to 135 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum.
Hansen, with her co-defendant Michael Beltran, distributed methamphetamine in Southwest Iowa from January to April 2016. The methamphetamine was imported into the United States disguised as candy. The investigation of this conspiracy began when a package of “candy” was delivered to an empty residence in Bedford, Iowa, and was recovered by law enforcement. During the course of the conspiracy, over 500 grams of methamphetamine was distributed by Hansen and Beltran in Cass, Mills, Page, and Taylor Counties in Iowa.
This investigation was conducted by the Cass, Mills, Page, and Taylor County Sheriffs’ Offices; Southwest Iowa Narcotics Task Force; and Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.Assault on Menominee Indian Reservation Leads to Prison Sentence for Neopit ManRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that Dillon Peters (30) of Neopit was sentenced on January 8, 2018 to 77 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release after a conviction for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence on the Menominee Indian Reservation. The sentence was the result of a guilty plea in October 2017 before Chief United States District Judge William C. Griesbach.
The investigation revealed that Peters pointed a handgun at a woman during a May 2017 argument at a residence in Neopit. After pointing the handgun at the woman, Peters fired a round through the couch on which the woman was sitting.
In sentencing Peters, Chief Judge Griesbach noted the serious nature of the offense, noting the high level of danger involved in firing a firearm inside a home. The court also referred to Peters’ prior tribal convictions for offenses involving multiple victims.
The case was investigated by the Menominee Tribal Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier prosecuted the case.
# # #
For additional information contact:
Acting Public Information Officer Elizabeth Makowski at 414 297-1700
Allentown Man Charged with Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Allentown, Pa., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The indictment named Clayton D. Dudley, 30, of Allentown, Pa.
According to the indictment presented to the court, on May 30, 2017, Dudley distributed less than 100 grams of heroin.
The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Cambria County Drug Task Force, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Dudley.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
32 Individuals Charged with Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On November 21, 2017, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment against 32 defendants charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances in the municipality of San Juan, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The FBI and the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD), San Juan Strike Force Unit, are in charge of the investigation.
The indictment alleges that beginning in or about the year 2011, the organization distributed crack, heroin, cocaine, marihuana, Oxycodone (commonly known as Percocet), and Alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax) all within 1,000 feet of the real property comprising the San Fernando Public Housing Project, a school and a playground in the municipality of San Juan, all for significant financial gain and profit.
The 32 defendants acted in different roles in order to further the goals of their organization, to wit: leaders, drug point owners, enforcers, runners, drug processors, sellers, and facilitators. Thirteen of the defendants are facing one charge of possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crime. All of the defendants are facing a narcotics forfeiture allegation of ten million dollars.
According to the indictment, defendants and their co-conspirators would sometimes order or force certain residents of San Fernando PHP to abandon their homes. Residents who were suspected of cooperating with law enforcement or of communicating with rival drug trafficking organizations would be ordered to leave their apartments. The same happened to residents of the PHP who failed to pay the appropriate “rent” to the high-level leaders of the drug trafficking organization, and to obey the rules implemented by the drug trafficking organization’s leadership.
The defendants are: Yamil Hernández-García, a.k.a. “Gongi”/“Yamil Garcia”; Héctor Daniel Hernández-Osorio, a.k.a. “Cachete”/“Cachete El Flaco”; Julio Ángel Martínez-Rivera, a.k.a. “Angel”/“Ciego”; Gabriel Caballero-Fuentes, a.k.a. “Gaby”/“Negro”; Francisco Hernández-Torres, a.k.a. “Gordo Pelati”; Jamilet Hernández-García, a.k.a. “Yami”; Christopher Saez-Quiles, a.k.a. “Troky”/“Perla”; Jean Carlos Martínez-Rivera, a.k.a. “Jean”; Alexander Olivieri-Nieves, a.k.a. “Ponsi”/“Fonsi”; Adames Pérez-Sánchez, a.k.a. “Gordo”/“Bollo”; Ángel Giovani Martínez-Rivera, a.k.a. “Giova”; Melvin Caballero-Fuentes; Eddie Cintrón-Hernández, a.k.a. “Menor”; Edwin Joel González-Gómez, a.k.a. “Joel”; Wagner Javier Rojas-Batista; Luis D. Pérez-Plaza, a.k.a. “Danny Peca”; Ángel M. Hernández-Acevedo, a.k.a. “Barber”; Dan Joseph Rodríguez-Laracuente; Francisco Santana-Díaz, a.k.a. “Frank”; Sonia Sánchez-Algarín, a.k.a. “Caru”; José Agosto Llopiz, a.k.a. “Nalgas”; Harry Agosto Llopiz, a.k.a. “Willy”; Carlos Moises González-Almestica, a.k.a. “Mueca”; Emmanuel González-Maldonado, a.k.a. “Che”; Ángel Michael Ruiz-García, a.k.a. “Mono”; Kevin Berríos-Concepción; Jesús Ramos-Tirado, a.k.a. “Memo”; Millies Mary Beltrán-Pérez, a.k.a. “Millie La Shorty”; Fnu Lnu, a.k.a. “Landy”/“Angel Velazco”; Rosa Linda Andradez-Burgos, a.k.a. “Linda”; Carol Hernández-Pagán; and Carlos Santini-Avellanet, a/k/a “Carly”.
“This operation demonstrates how law enforcement partners at the federal, state and local level are working as one to pursue criminal gangs and their associates. All of these agencies will work tirelessly to protect our communities and to hold those who threaten our safety accountable for their actions,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “We will continue to conduct investigations with our counterparts to dismantle these criminal organizations and to send a clear message that drugs, firearms, and violence will not be tolerated in our neighborhoods.”
“Removing violent offenders from the streets and dismantling violent gangs are the best, most effective contributions that law enforcement can make right now in order to help Puerto Rico recover from the recent natural disasters,” said Douglas A. Leff, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, San Juan Field Office. “In today’s successful operation, the FBI worked hand in hand with our partners from the United States Attorney’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service, Puerto Rico Police Department, San Juan Police Department, and Puerto Rico Department of Corrections.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Vanessa E. Bonhomme is in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted the defendants face a minimum sentence of 10 years, and up to life in prison. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.
# # #
8 January 2018
Two Upshur County men admit to their roles in a firearms conspiracyRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Buckhannon, West Virginia men have admitted today to their roles in a firearms theft and sale scheme, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Michael Lough, age 33, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Stolen Firearm - Aiding and Abetting,” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Lough, being a person prohibited from possessing a firearm, admitted to receiving, possessing, bartering or selling 21 firearms in Upshur County in October 2016.
Benjamin Tyler Nazelrod, age 27, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess Stolen Firearms.” He admitted to conspiring with others to receive, possess, barter, sell, conceal and dispose of 21 firearms in Upshur County in October 2016.
Lough faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. Nazelrod faces up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives, The Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, the Greater Harrison Drug &Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, the West Virginia State Police, Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, the Buckhannon Police Department, and the Weston Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.Truck Thief Sentenced for Possession of Unlawful WeaponRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that Timothy Keith Igou, 31, of Anchorage, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess to 37 months in prison, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On Dec. 9, 2016, Alaska State Troopers (“AST”) attempted to stop Igou while he was driving a stolen Ford F-250 pickup truck in Palmer, Alaska. Igou fled from AST leading to a high-speed chase down Matanuska Road, which ended when he drove onto an ATV trail and crashed the truck into a tree. Igou ditched the truck and proceeded to run off through the woods. Prints in the snow led AST to a stolen National Park Service trailer with stolen license plates, where Igou was found hiding and was ultimately arrested.
Inside the stolen truck was a loaded handgun. Located on his cell phone was a photograph of a person’s hand, taken inside a Ford F-250 truck, holding the handgun. Forensic evidence showed that Igou had used his phone to search the internet for information related to the gun’s serial number. The phone also contained numerous Craigslist entries related to the sale of handguns. In one text message from Oct. 20, 2016, the Igou wrote, “Can u givehim [sic] my gun[?]”
Also located in the stolen truck were a glass pipe with a white residue of methamphetamine, dozens of vehicle keys (one set of about a dozen Ford keys and set of about a dozen GMC / Chevy keys located in the console), and two license plates (one that was registered to the stolen truck).
Igou had previously been convicted of a felony drug crime and a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. As someone convicted of a felony, as well as a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, Igou was prohibited from possessing firearms.
At sentencing, Judge Burgess noted that the defendant was a danger to the community, and that his sentence was intended to both protect the public and deter the defendant from future criminal acts. Judge Burgess said that the defendant’s conduct was “felony stupid.” Judge Burgess pointed out that while the defendant’s dangerous acts did not result in any injuries, “this could have been much more serious to you than it turned out to be.” “The type of behavior you’re involved in, people end up dead,” said Judge Burgess.
The case was the product of an investigation by the National Park Service, the Alaska State Troopers, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Reardon prosecuted the case.
Three Texas men sentenced for bringing a minor to Shreveport for prostitutionRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that a Freeport, Texas, man was sentenced last week to 88 months in prison for transporting a minor to Shreveport to engage in prostitution.
Jacob Cuellar, 27, of Freeport, Texas, was sentenced Friday by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote on one count of illegal transportation of an individual to engage in prostitution. He was also sentenced to 10 years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender. According to the guilty pleas, Cuellar and co-defendants Quince Aluiso, 20, and Shawn Aluiso, 28, both of Clute, Texas, transported a minor to Shreveport on October 6, 2015 to engage in prostitution. Law enforcement agents responded to an online advertisement the same day in an undercover capacity. The defendants were later arrested at a Shreveport hotel.
Shawn and Quince Aluiso pleaded guilty to illegal transportation on March 16, 2017. Shawn Aluiso was sentenced on July 24, 2017 to 100 months in prison and five years of supervised release. Quince Aluiso was sentenced on September 18, 2017 to 22 months in prison and five years of supervised release. They are both required to register as sex offenders.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell prosecuted the case.
Three Sentenced to 20, 10, and 5 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking in Tulare and Kern CountiesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Alfonso Rios-Ayon, 44, a Mexican national, was sentenced on Monday by Chief U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill to 20 years in prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, between March 1, 2016, and June 29, 2016, Rios-Ayon conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine to various drug dealers and users in Kern County and elsewhere. On June 29, 2016, law enforcement agents conducted a controlled purchase of approximately 30 pounds of crystal methamphetamine at a ranch where Rios-Ayon lived in Pixley. In the course of the operation, agents arrested Alfonso Rios-Ayon and Daniel Rios, 34, of Riverside. Law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at the residence and seized approximately 30 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, three firearms, multiple magazines and ammunition, and approximately $16,850 in cash. Another co‑conspirator, Sergio Ortega-Maldonado, 46, a Mexican national was arrested when he attempted to re-enter the United States at the U.S.-Mexico border.
On March 27, 2017, Rios-Ayon pleaded guilty. His co-defendants pleaded guilty on July 10, 2017. On September 25, 2017, Daniel Rios was sentenced to 10 years in prison and Sergio Ortega-Maldonado was sentenced to five years and four months in prison.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, the Southern Tri-County Task Force of the Central Valley High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the California Department of Motor Vehicles Investigations, the Kern County Probation Department, and the California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian K. Delaney prosecuted the case.
Three Richland County Men Indicted on Methamphetamine Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Three Richland County, Illinois men were indicted on January 4, 2018, on methamphetamine related charges in separate indictments returned by a federal grand jury, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Brian E. Adkins, age 35, of Olney, IL was charged in a two-count indictment. Count 1 charged that from February 2015, until on or about December 11, 2017, in Richland County, and elsewhere, Adkins conspired to knowingly and intentionally distribute methamphetamine. It is further alleged that the total amount of methamphetamine involved in the conspiracy was 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (Ice), or 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. Count 2 charges that on August 30, 2015, in Richland County, Adkins distributed methamphetamine.
With respect to Count 1, Adkins faces ten years to life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, and supervised release of not less than five years.
With respect to Count 2, Adkins faces up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and supervised release not less than three years.
Brandon L. Atwood, age 33, of Olney, Illinois, was charged in a four-count indictment. Count 1 charges that from 2015, until on or about December 29, 2017, in Richland County, and elsewhere, Atwood conspired to distribute methamphetamine. It is further alleged that the total amount of methamphetamine involved in the conspiracy was five grams or more of methamphetamine (Ice), or fifty 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. Count 2 charges that on November 4, 2017, in Richland County, Atwood distributed methamphetamine. Count 3 charges that on November 5, 2017, in Richland County, Atwood distributed methamphetamine. Count 4 charges that on December 29, 2017, Atwood possessed with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
With respect to Count 1, Atwood faces 5-40 years of imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and supervised release of not less than four years.
With respect to Counts 2-4, Atwood faces on each count up to 20 years of imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and supervised release not less than three years.
Robert A. Harden, age 44, of Calhoun, Illinois, was charged in a two-count indictment. Count 1 charges that from 2016, until on or about August 2017, in Richland County, and elsewhere, Harden conspired to distribute methamphetamine. It is further alleged that the total amount of methamphetamine involved in the conspiracy was five grams or more of methamphetamine (Ice), or 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. Count 2 charges that on January 20, 2017, in Effingham County, Harden possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
With respect to Count 1, Harden faces 5-40 years of imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and supervised release of not less than four years.
With respect to Count 2, Harden faces up to 20 years of imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and supervised release not less than three years.
An Indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The investigations in this case was conducted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Flora Police Department, the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office, and the Illinois State Police.
Tallahassee Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Michael A. Chmielewski, 38, of Tallahassee, a former State of Florida legislative staffer, was sentenced Friday to 10 years in prison after being convicted on September 29, 2017, of attempted enticement of a minor. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
In February 2017, undercover investigators conducted “Operation Cupid’s Arrow” to identify individuals seeking to engage in sexual activity with minors. Chmielewski responded to a Craigslist advertisement in which an undercover officer posed as a 14-year-old girl named “Sara.” Over two days, Chmielewski continued his conversation with “Sara” on the chat messaging application Kik, discussed sexual activity with “Sara,” and traveled to meet “Sara” in person to have sex. Chmielewski was arrested after arriving at a store to meet “Sara.”
U.S. Attorney Canova said: “Together with our law enforcement partners, my office will prosecute to the fullest extent any child predators who lurk in the shadows of the internet seeking to destroy the lives of innocent young children.”
“When this man thought he was going to sexually assault a minor, law enforcement stopped him in his tracks,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. “Working with our law enforcement partners in the Internet Crimes Against Children task force, HSI special agents have ensured this predator is held accountable for his crimes.”
The case was investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the Tallahassee Police Department, the Cocoa Police Department, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals, and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Thielemann.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Tallahassee Man Indicted for Federal Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Cody Daniel Davis, 23, of Tallahassee, was arraigned Friday in the U.S. District Court in Tallahassee after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging him with receipt, possession, and access with intent to view child pornography. The indictment was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
The indictment alleges that, between May 2016 and June 2017, Davis received and possessed child pornography. The trial is scheduled for February 12, 2018, at 8:15 a.m.
For the receipt charge, the minimum penalty is 5 years, and the maximum penalty is 20 years in prison. For the possession charge, the maximum penalty is 20 years in prison.
The case is being investigated by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Thielemann.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Statement by U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling Regarding Federal Marijuana EnforcementRead the Press Release
I understand that there are people and groups looking for additional guidance from this office about its approach to enforcing federal laws criminalizing marijuana cultivation and trafficking. I cannot, however, provide assurances that certain categories of participants in the state-level marijuana trade will be immune from federal prosecution.
This is a straightforward rule of law issue. Congress has unambiguously made it a federal crime to cultivate, distribute and/or possess marijuana. As a law enforcement officer in the Executive Branch, it is my sworn responsibility to enforce that law, guided by the Principles of Federal Prosecution. To do that, however, I must proceed on a case-by-case basis, assessing each matter according to those principles and deciding whether to use limited federal resources to pursue it.
Deciding, in advance, to immunize a certain category of actors from federal prosecution would be to effectively amend the laws Congress has already passed, and that I will not do. The kind of categorical relief sought by those engaged in state-level marijuana legalization efforts can only come from the legislative process.
Shreveport felon sentenced to 63 months in prison for possessing sawed-off shotgunRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that a Shreveport man was sentenced last week to 63 months in prison for possessing a sawed-off shotgun hidden behind a wall.
Dylan G. Fausto, 25, of Shreveport, La., was sentenced Friday by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote on one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. According to the September 14, 2017 guilty plea, law enforcement agents searched Fausto’s residence on January 2, 2017 while executing a search warrant for another individual. During the search, they found a sheetrock panel leaning against a wall in the master bedroom closet. Behind the panel, agents could see the end of a shotgun and discovered it was a loaded sawed-off 12-gauge Mossberg pump shotgun. Fausto was previously convicted of a felony and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
This investigation and prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which is a Department of Justice initiative to promote firearm safety and to reduce firearm crimes by preventing the possession and use of firearms by dangerous and persistent felons and others not authorized to possess a firearm.
The ATF, U.S. Marshals Service and Bossier City Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany E. Fields prosecuted the case.
Shreveport felon pleads guilty to possessing three handguns on court house propertyRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that a Shreveport man who was previously convicted last week of a felony pleaded guilty to possessing three handguns he tried to hide near the U.S. court house.
Deantre D. Caldwell, 30, of Shreveport, pleaded guilty Friday before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to the guilty plea, Caldwell was traveling in the front passenger seat of a car that was rear-ended on April 24, 2017 near the intersection of Caddo and Market streets. The two drivers and Caldwell exited the vehicle. Caldwell had one of the drivers retrieve a backpack containing firearms from the front seat of the car he was traveling in, and he hid it in bushes outside of the Tom Stagg Federal Building and U.S. Court House. When officers arrived, a guard on duty at the federal court house informed the officers that he had seen Caldwell move the backpack. Officers found the bag, and it contained a Diamondback, model: DB-15, multi-caliber pistol; a Glock, model: 27GEN4, .40 caliber pistol; and a Glock, model 30GEN4, .45 auto caliber pistol. The drivers said the backpack belonged to Caldwell. The defendant was convicted of illegal use of a weapon on February 21, 2007 in Caddo Parish and was restricted from possessing firearms.
Caldwell faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The court set a sentencing date of April 27, 2018.
This investigation and prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which is a Department of Justice initiative to promote firearm safety and to reduce firearm crimes by preventing the possession and use of firearms by dangerous and persistent felons and others not authorized to possess a firearm.
The ATF and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany E. Fields is prosecuting the case.
Ryan K. Patrick Sworn in as 23rd United States Attorney for the SDTXRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Chief U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal has sworn in Ryan K. Patrick as the 23rd presidentially-appointed United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX). He began his duties immediately. As the United States Attorney for the SDTX, Patrick is the chief law enforcement officer responsible for prosecuting and defending the interests of the United States in the seventh largest district in the nation.
Patrick, of Houston, took the oath of office at 8:45 a.m. today before an audience including Judge Rosenthal’s staff, federal court personnel and Assistant U.S. Attorneys and staff. Upon administering the oath, Judge Rosenthal noted his energy, commenting that as soon as receiving his Presidential commission, Patrick called her saying, “I’m ready. When can we do this?”
Information about a possible media availability will be provided at a later date.
President Trump nominated Patrick to serve as U.S. Attorney for this district on Nov. 2, 2017, upon the recommendation of U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz. The full Senate unanimously confirmed his appointment on Dec. 20, 2017.
Patrick began his a career as an Assistant District Attorney in Harris County. During that time, he was responsible for the prosecution of narcotics trafficking cases and illegal pill mill operations in the Major Offenders Division.
In 2012, then Texas Governor Rick Perry appointed Patrick to be a judge at the 177th state district court. He was elected to a full four-year-term in 2012.
Prior to his current position, Patrick was in private practice, serving as the managing partner of The Law Office of Ryan Patrick PLLC and senior counsel with HooverSlovacek LLC where he focused on felony criminal defense work.
In swearing Patrick in today, Judge Rosenthal noted the job would not be an easy one, stating that the SDTX is not an easy district. She explained that the SDTX is on the front lines due to geography, time and politics which was never more true than it is now. She further commented that the job is one of the most challenging out there, but told the audience that “he is good to go!”
The SDTX, 7th largest in terms of personnel, typically prosecutes more cases against more defendants than most other USAOs nationwide, representing 43 counties and 8.3 million people and covering 44,000 square miles. This district currently comprises seven U.S. District Court divisions with federal district courts in Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo. The United States Attorney's office, headquartered in Houston, has five additional branch offices in Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen, Laredo and Victoria to staff all seven divisions.
Roswell City Councilman convicted of producing child pornographyRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – Former Roswell, Georgia, city council member Kent Igleheart has pleaded guilty to four counts of producing child pornography, one count of receiving child pornography, and one count of possessing child pornography.
“By persuading his minor victims to create and share graphic images of themselves online, Igleheart has caused these children to suffer ongoing and irreparable harm,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “No one expects to see a community leader behave in this kind of heinous manner, and this betrayal of public trust underscores the need for parents to remain aware of how their children are using the internet and social media.”
“There is no sentence that can lessen the harm that has been caused to these young children, but at least this suspect will be stopped from pursuing his egregious acts,” said David J. LeValley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Unfortunately, this is another stark reminder to parents to be extremely vigilant when their children go online and use social media.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges, and evidence presented at court: In October 2016, E.B. then 17 years old, contacted the DeKalb County Internet Crimes Against Children Unit to report that she had been communicating online since she was 13 years old with someone who had portrayed himself to be 17 years old. E.B. reported that she had exchanged sexually graphic photographs and had sexually explicit conversations with the individual. E.B. later discovered that the person with whom she was communicating was Igleheart – not the teenage boy depicted in Igleheart’s profile photograph.
Igleheart acknowledged that he and E.B. had exchanged sexually graphic photographs beginning when she was 13 years old. He had also booked a hotel and made plans to meet with E.B. on October 20, 2016, to engage in sexual activity with her. Investigators arrested him when he arrived at the Northlake Mall, the pre-arranged location. DeKalb County investigators and the FBI conducted searches of Igleheart’s phones and computers and found some of the images that E.B. had produced and sent to the defendant at his request.
Searches of Igleheart’s phones and computers also revealed that he posed online as “Kent Allen.” He presented himself as a teenage boy between the ages of 14 and 17 years and engaged in sexually graphic communications with numerous teenage girls, some of whom were as young as 13 years old. During these conversations, Igleheart persuaded and enticed the girls to take photographs of their genitalia and videos of themselves engaging in sexual conduct and transmit the images to him via the Internet.
Kent Igleheart, 54, of Roswell, Georgia, was convicted of four counts of producing child pornography, one count of receiving child pornography, and one count of possessing child pornography. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 26, 2018, before U.S. District Judge Amy Totenberg.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the DeKalb County, Georgia, Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Yonette Sam Buchanan and Richard S. Moultrie, Jr., prosecuted the case.
This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, the Attorney General launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices around the country, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
For further information, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the home page for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia Atlanta Division is http://www.justice.gov/usao/gan/.
Ronald Van Den Heuvel Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on January 5, 2018, Ronald Van Den Heuvel (age: 62) of De Pere was sentenced to three years in federal prison. Van Den Heuvel had pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud Horicon Bank, a federally insured financial institution, by obtaining loans based on false representations in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371. Chief United States District Judge William C. Griesbach also ordered Van Den Heuvel to serve three years of supervision after his release from prison and to pay $316,445.79 in restitution to the bank.
The conspiracy occurred in 2008 and 2009 during which Van Den Heuvel held himself out as a successful businessman in the Green Bay area. In January 2008, Van Den Heuvel persuaded a Horicon Bank loan officer, Paul Piikkila, to approve a $250,000 loan to one of Van Den Heuvel’s companies. Thereafter, Horicon Bank officials instructed Piikkila not to loan any additional funds to Van Den Heuvel or his businesses because Van Den Heuvel posed too great a credit risk. To skirt that instruction, Van Den Heuvel and Piikkila arranged a series of loans, totaling over $1 million, to straw borrowers for the benefit of Van Den Heuvel and his business entities. The straw borrowers had no intention of paying back the loans and believed that Van Den Heuvel would be responsible for the loans.
The straw borrowers included Van Den Heuvel’s live-in nanny, who depended upon the Van Den Heuvels for her livelihood. Another straw borrower was Van Den Heuvel’s administrative assistant, whom he named an officer of a limited liability company for the purpose of taking out the loan. The loans generally were not used for the business purposes represented on the loan applications. Van Den Heuvel failed to repay many of the loans. Horicon Bank incurred substantial losses even after trying to recover the collateral pledged for the loans. Piikkila has also pleaded guilty to the conspiracy and is scheduled to be sentenced next month.
During sentencing, Chief Judge Griesbach emphasized the seriousness of the offense and admonished Van Den Heuvel for trying to deny responsibility for his conduct. The Court stated: “Mr. Van Den Heuvel presents himself as a selfless entrepreneur and philanthropist even today. It is a lie.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by former Assistant United States Attorney Mel S. Johnson and Assistant United States Attorney Matthew D. Krueger.
Van Den Heuvel also faces additional federal criminal charges in a separate case, United States v. Van Den Heuvel, 17-CR-170. The indictment in that case alleges that from 2011 to 2015, Van Den Heuvel engaged in a scheme to defraud lenders and investors related to his Green Box business plan. Van Den Heuvel has pleaded not guilty in that case. The public is cautioned that an indictment is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty.
# # # #
For additional information contact:
Acting Public Information Officer Elizabeth Makowski (414) 297-1700
Ron Parsons Takes the Helm as the 42nd U.S. Attorney for the District of South DakotaRead the Press Release
Ronald A. Parsons, Jr. has been sworn in as the 42nd United States Attorney for the District of South Dakota. He was sworn in by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier at a brief ceremony in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on January 5, 2018. He began his duties immediately.
As U.S. Attorney, Mr. Parsons is the chief law enforcement officer responsible for prosecuting and defending the interests of the United States in the District of South Dakota. Mr. Parsons was nominated by President Donald J. Trump, and he was recently confirmed by the U.S. Senate, to serve as the District’s U.S. Attorney.
Before his confirmation, Mr. Parsons was a partner at the law firm of Johnson Janklow Abdallah Reiter & Parsons LLP. He received his B.A. from the University of Minnesota and his J.D. from the University of South Dakota School of Law. Following law school, he clerked for the Honorable Roger L. Wollman, Circuit Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
“I’m very grateful for the appointment and excited to be joining such a talented and dedicated team of public servants,” said Parsons.
Mr. Parsons lives in Sioux Falls with his wife and daughter.
Rochester Man Arrested on Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Joseph Cavico, Jr., 49, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with being a felon-in-possession of a firearm and with possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott S. Allen, Jr. and Paul C. Parisi, who are handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on December 15, 2017, law enforcement officials from the LeRoy, NY Police Department responded to a domestic dispute in LeRoy. Upon arrival, officers saw the defendant on top of a female with a pistol at his side. The pistol’s serial number had been obliterated. A third party witness stated that Cavico threatened to kill the female and her family.
The defendant has three prior felonies dating back to 1990 which prevent Cavico from legally possessing a firearm.
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ashan Benedict, New York Field Division; the LeRoy Police Department, under the direction of Christopher Hayward; and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of William A. Sheron, Jr.
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.
Powell, Wyoming Psychologist Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
Gibson Buckley Condie, 57, of Powell, Wyoming, was sentenced on January 8, 2018, to serve three years in prison for felony health care fraud involving mental health services falsely billed to Wyoming Medicaid, announced United States Attorney Mark A. Klaassen. Condie was also ordered to pay approximately $2.28 million in restitution to the Wyoming Department of Health and the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and forfeit certain assets traceable to the proceeds of his fraud.
Condie, who was a licensed psychologist, had been indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2017 for a scheme to defraud Wyoming Medicaid. Condie pled guilty to one count of health care fraud as part of a plea agreement with the United States government. Condie admitted to operating a scheme involving a number of misrepresentations and false statements intended to cause Medicaid to pay for mental health services for which he knew Medicaid would not pay if he truthfully reported the facts. Specifically, Condie claimed to be the treating provider even though almost all services were provided by unenrolled, and often unlicensed, persons who could not provide mental health services under Wyoming Medicaid.
Condie also routinely endorsed mental health assessments, which claimed that a Medicaid beneficiary had a qualifying mental health disorder, when in fact Condie had neither performed nor properly supervised the assessments. These assessments were often done by individuals who did not have the required training or license to diagnose mental health disorders. Condie then submitted false bills for these assessments, and submitted bills for other treatment services based on these improper assessments.
Finally, Condie billed for life skills training, psycho/social rehabilitation, and adult case management services even though the beneficiaries had not been properly diagnosed with a mental health disorder, the activities billed for did not qualify as medically necessary therapy, and he did not operate a qualified community mental health center. As a result of Condie’s false statements and misrepresentations, Wyoming Medicaid paid Condie $2,283,792.49 for mental health services that did not qualify for
Medicaid reimbursement. Condie in turn distributed a portion of this money to the unenrolled, and often untrained and unlicensed, individuals who actually spent time with the beneficiaries.
"Health care fraud is a serious crime that harms all of us. This criminal activity diverts limited health care resources, driving up costs that affect federal and state budgets and raises premiums. The prison term and monetary penalties imposed on Gibson Condie today show that individuals who engage in such crimes will be brought to justice," said U.S. Attorney Mark Klaassen. "We will continue to aggressively prosecute any health care provider who engages in this type of criminal activity."
"Today's sentencing of Gibson Condie should send a strong message to anyone considering engaging in health care fraud," said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Calvin Shivers. "The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect our government's health care system and our economy from those engaged in these types of fraudulent schemes."
Steve Hanson, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations-Kansas City Region, stated, "Our office will continue to pursue individuals who file fraudulent claims for reimbursement with HHS funded programs to ensure those individuals are held accountable for their actions."
"Serving as a Medicaid provider is a privilege, which carries the responsibility to account for taxpayer money with honesty and transparency," said Travis J. Kirchhefer, Senior Assistant Attorney General and Director of the Wyoming Office of Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. He continued, "The Wyoming Attorney General's office, through the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the Division of Criminal Investigation, looks forward to continued cooperation with our federal partners to ensure that medical providers do not abuse the public trust."
United States District Court Judge Alan Johnson imposed the sentence. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General, and the Wyoming Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric Heimann and Nicole Romine of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming and Special Assistant United States Attorney Travis Kirchhefer of the Wyoming Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
Suspected fraud against Medicaid or Medicare can be reported to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477) and the agency’s website https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud/. Wyoming residents can call the Wyoming Medicaid Fraud Control Unit toll free at 1-800-378-0345, or visit their website at http://ag.wyo.gov/medicaid-fraud-control-unit.
Operator of Inland Empire Company Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison for Two Fraud Schemes that Cost Victims over $1 MillionRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A La Crescenta man was sentenced today to nine years in federal prison after pleading guilty to federal fraud charges stemming from two schemes – one that bilked a string of payroll companies, and a second involving fraudulent bills sent to entities ranging from small businesses to local school districts that never received any services.
David William Bell, 55, received the 108-month sentenced from United States District Judge Virginia A. Phillips, who additionally ordered Bell to pay just over $1 million in restitution to payroll companies, hundreds of small businesses and other entities.
Bell was sentenced after he pleaded guilty in August to one count of wire fraud and one count of mail fraud.
Bell ran a company called UST Development, Inc. – which operated in Ontario and Pomona under a string of names, including US Telecom – that he used to defraud a host of victims through two separate schemes. Bell used different titles while at UST, including president, director and CEO.
In the first scheme, which ran from 2008 through 2010, Bell convinced a series of third-party payroll companies to fund UST’s payroll – and then failed to reimburse the companies for paying himself and his employees. In some cases, Bell sent checks to the payroll companies from accounts that did not have sufficient funds to cover the checks.
Over the two-year period, Bell retained or attempted to retain companies that included Paychex, Ceridian and Automated Data Processing (ADP), according to a plea agreement filed in this case. Prosecutors said in court documents that, in a few instances, Bell repaid a fraction of what UST received from the payroll companies. “After filing for bankruptcy, and changing his company name, he started a new scheme,” according to a sentencing memorandum filed with the court.
In the second scheme, which related to the mail fraud charge, Bell and his employees sent out mailers that fraudulently appeared to be bills to thousands of small businesses and other entities, most of which were located across Southern California. The mailers – which were sent through the end of 2011 and used words like “invoice,” “statement” and “past due” – told recipients that they owed UST $175 or $350 for “Telecom Maintenance/Service Call.” Many victims paid UST based on the fraudulent claims, when in reality they did not owe UST any money.
Bell “is a fraudster, a trickster. He deceives people into giving him money or services. He has done this for a long time,” according to the sentencing memorandum.
The case against Bell was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sean D. Peterson and Abigail W. Evans of the Riverside Branch Office.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that on January 8, 2018, Chief United States District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Alan Russell, age 30, of Omaha, Nebraska for his conviction for armed bank robbery. Russell was sentenced to six years imprisonment to be followed by a term of supervised release of five years and was ordered to pay his share of restitution of $21,000 to U.S. Bank.
On April 30, 2014, Alan Russell, along with his brother Aaron and Marcus Sanders, entered the U.S. Bank branch located at 8905 Maple Street, Omaha, Nebraska, pistol whipped the bank manager and robbed the bank of approximately $21,000. Russell went to trial in September of 2017 and was convicted of armed bank robbery. Aaron Russell and Marcus Sanders had previously pled guilty and are serving prison sentences.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Omaha Banker Sentenced for Misapplication of Bank FundsRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced today that on January 8, 2018, Chief United States District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Keith McCormick, age 60, of Omaha, Nebraska for his conviction for misapplication of bank funds. McCormick was sentenced to a term of supervised release of three years and was ordered to pay restitution of $122,000 to Security National Bank.
During the period of July 2012 to June 2015, McCormick, while Senior Vice President of Business Banking at Security National Bank, in Omaha, misapplied bank funds, forged documents and concealed pertinent information from bank management relating to a series of loans that ultimately went into default and caused the bank to suffer a loss of approximately $122,000. McCormick has already paid the restitution.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Ohio County man admits to drug traffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Wheeling, West Virginia, man has admitted to his role in a oxycodone trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Brent T. Leoffler, age 38, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Oxycodone.” Leoffler admitted to conspiring with others to distribute oxycodone in Ohio County and elsewhere from 2012 to August 2017.
Leoffler faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.Nine Charged with Committing Drug and Firearm Offenses in and Around Boston Housing Authority PropertyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Nine men – eight of whom are alleged gang members and associates – have been charged in connection with committing drug and firearms violations around the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments in Jamaica Plain. Seven were arrested this morning and will appear in federal court in Boston this afternoon.
“Gangs are an organized, long-term threat to our neighborhoods,” said United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling. “All of us have the right to live in safe communities – without fear of getting hurt, being subjected to drug dealing on our street corners, or our children being recruited into a life of crime. I will use the considerable resources of the Justice Department to afford every resident the right to live, work and play in a safe environment. I applaud the police officers and federal agents who spend their days identifying and building cases against the gangs in Boston’s neighborhoods.”
“ATF’s priority is keeping communities and its citizens safe by detecting and stopping the trafficking of firearms and narcotics. Today is another example of how ATF accomplishes that goal,” said Mickey Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Boston Field Division. “Firearms and narcotics trafficking continue to be a priority for ATF and our law enforcement partners. We are committed to identifying and disrupting the sources of trafficking illegal firearms and narcotics which endanger our communities.”
“These arrests come as a result of a two-year investigation working closely with our federal law enforcement partners,” said Boston Police Commission William Evans. “Public safety in Boston is my number one priority and I will continue to use all the resources available to target individuals driving violence in our city. I commend the work of my officers and all those involved in taking these dangerous individuals off the streets and the work they do every day to keep Boston safe.”
Following a two-year investigation, federal and local law enforcement arrested seven individuals this morning in connection with illegal drug distribution and firearm possession within and near the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments in Jamaica Plain, formerly known as the Bromley Heath Housing Development. The development, one of the largest owned by the Boston Housing Authority, has been severely impacted by the prevalence of drug trafficking, shootings and other crimes, much of which is instigated by gangs. According to the Boston Regional Intelligence Center, over a 10-month period in 2017, there were 36 incidents of shots fired, eight non-fatal shootings, one homicide, 20 drug-related arrests and 25 robberies in and around the development. According to court documents, the investigation and arrests aim to reduce violence and improve the quality of life for residents by removing individuals who traffic drugs and who are actively involved in violence and gang disputes.
The following individuals are alleged members of the Heath Street Gang and are charged with distribution of controlled substances within 1,000 feet of a public housing facility:
- Cerone Davis, a/k/a “Jp,” 25, of Boston;
- Joe Simmons, a/k/a “Profit,” 30, of Boston; and
- Jarrod Simmons, a/k/a “Rizz,” 21, of Boston.
The following individuals are alleged members of the Heath Street Gang and are charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine base and distribution of cocaine base within 1000 feet of a public housing facility:
- Dominique Finch, a/k/a “Heff,” 27, of Boston;
- James Finch, 32, of Boston, remains a fugitive;
- Javonte Robinson, a/k/a “Biggie,” “Big Dog,” 21; and
- Kevin Smith, a/k/a “Works,” 27, of Boston.
Franklin Safo-Agyare, a/k/a “Frankie So So Smooth,” 25, of Worcester, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Kendrick Tate, a/k/a “K-Roc,” 25, of Chelsea, is an alleged member of the Health Street Gang and is charged with distribution of cocaine base and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Tate is currently serving a three-and-a-half-to-four-year sentence for unrelated state drug and firearm convictions.
The charge of distribution of controlled substances within 1,000 feet of a public housing development provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of one year and no greater than 40 years in prison, a minimum of six years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of $2 million. The charge of distribution of cocaine base provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Lelling, ATF SAC Leadingham and Boston Police Commissioner Evans made the announcement today. Assistance was also provided by the Boston Housing Authority’s Department of Police and Public Safety.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
McLaughlin Man Sentenced for Assault by StrangulationRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault of an Intimate Partner by Strangulation was sentenced on January 4, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.
River Grey Bull, age 23, was sentenced to 18 months in custody, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Grey Bull was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 16, 2017. He pled guilty on October 23, 2017.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on April 11, 2016, when Grey Bull and his intimate partner were sleeping at a residence in McLaughlin. When Grey Bull awoke, he began demanding that his intimate partner leave the residence. Grey Bull approached her, pushed her against a wall, and began strangling her.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel C. Nelson prosecuted the case.
Grey Bull was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
McKinley County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Jothonnie Yazzie, 29, of Rocksprings, N.M., pleaded guilty this morning in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to an indictment charging him possessing child pornography. Yazzie entered the guilty plea under a plea agreement recommending a sentence within the range of 37 to 63 months in prison followed by ten years of supervised release. He also will be required to register as a sex offender after he completes his prison sentence.
The FBI and McKinley County Sheriff’s Office arrested Yazzie on Dec. 20, 2016, on the indictment, which was filed on Dec. 7, 2016, and charged him with possessing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. According to the indictment, Yazzie committed the crime between Jan. 2016 and May 2016, in McKinley County, N.M.
During today’s change of plea hearing, Yazzie pled guilty to the indictment. In his plea agreement, Yazzie admitted that from Jan. 2016 through May 2016, he downloaded videos and images of child pornography from the internet and saved them onto his cellular phone. Yazzie further admitted that the phone contained approximately 366 images and 61 videos of child pornography. Yazzie remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Gallup office of the FBI and the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Mease as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
The case also was brought as a part of the New Mexico ICAC Task Force’s mission, which is to locate, track, and capture Internet child sexual predators and Internet child pornographers in New Mexico. There are 86 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies associated with the New Mexico ICAC Task Force, which is funded by a grant administered by the New Mexico Office of the Attorney General. Anyone with information relating to suspected child predators and suspected child abuse is encouraged to contact federal or local law enforcement.
Maurice man pleads guilty to shipping drugs from Arizona to LouisianaRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that a man from Maurice pleaded guilty last week to shipping methamphetamine to Louisiana.
Eric Perrin, 36, of Maurice, La., pleaded guilty Wednesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carol Whitehurst to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell. According to the guilty plea, Perrin previously lived in Arizona where he met other individuals who used the drug. He later used his Arizona connections to have methamphetamine packaged and delivered to him in Louisiana. Perrin scheduled a packaged delivery of drugs to his home on August 12, 2013. Law enforcement agents intercepted the package, made a controlled delivery and arrested Perrin. Law enforcement agents found approximately 260 grams of methamphetamine in the package.
Perrin faces five to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a $5 million fine. The court set sentencing for April 6, 2018.
The Homeland Security Investigations, Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office and Lafayette Metro Narcotics conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert F. Moore is prosecuting the case.
Marion County, Illinois Man Indicted on Bath Salts Related ChargesRead the Press Release
A Marion County, IL man was indicted on January 4, 2018, on charges related to Alpha-Pyrrolidinopentiophenone (Alpha-PVP) (also known as "bath salts"), in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Dennis R. Thacker, Jr., 49, of Alma, IL, was charged in a three count indictment. Count 1 charges that from 2016, until on or about December 2017, in Clay County and Marion County, and elsewhere, Thacker, Jr., conspired to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, Alpha-PVP, a Schedule I controlled substance, in violation of federal law. Count 2 charges that on June 2, 2017, in Clay County, Thacker, Jr., distributed a mixture or substance containing Alpha-PVP. Count 3 charges that on June 2, 2017, in Marion County, Thacker, Jr., possessed with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing Alpha-PVP.
With respect to all three Counts, Thacker, Jr. faces on each count up to 20 years of imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, supervised release of at least three years, and a $100 special assessment.
An Indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Flora Police Department, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces Murder Charges Against Bronx Gang Member for 2011 Murder of Bolivia BeckRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, James J. Hunt, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), and James P. O’Neill, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced additional charges in a Superseding Indictment against a member of the “Killbrook” gang based in the Mill Brook Houses in the Bronx. In the Superseding Indictment, which was returned today, GARY DAVIS, a/k/a “Reckless,” a/k/a “Poppa,” is charged with the April 18, 2011, murder of Bolivia Beck, the girlfriend of a rival gang member. Beck was shot and killed as she was being introduced to her boyfriend’s grandparents on a sidewalk in the Mill Brook Houses.
DAVIS and 14 others were previously charged in an Indictment unsealed on October 11, 2017. That Indictment charges four individuals with racketeering conspiracy, in connection with their membership in a gang known as “Killbrook,” and charges other individuals with narcotics conspiracy and firearms offenses. In addition to the new murder charges, the Superseding Indictment contains the charges that had previously been brought in the Indictment against DAVIS and 14 others. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Lorna G. Schofield.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “As alleged, Bolivia Beck was the victim of a horrific murder, shot and killed in broad daylight while being introduced to her boyfriend’s grandparents. We thank our law enforcement partners for their extraordinary efforts investigating this murder. With their help, we are committed to making our streets and communities safer through the eradication of gangs that bring this senseless violence to our streets.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge James Hunt stated: “This investigation uncovered that this unnecessary and brazen murder was a result of gang violence. I commend the hardworking prosecutors, detectives and agents who collaborated to bring additional charges against the shooter and bring justice to the victim’s family.”
* * *
According to the allegations in the Superseding Indictment[1] and information in the public record:
On April 18, 2011, Bolivia Beck was struck in the head by a bullet as she was being introduced to her boyfriend’s grandparents on a sidewalk in the Mill Brook Houses. The shooting occurred in broad daylight. Beck died two days later from the gunshot wound. The shooting arose out of an ongoing gang dispute between Killbrook and the rival “MBG” street gang.
GARY DAVIS, 27, of the Bronx, is charged in the Superseding Indictment with one count of murder in aid of racketeering, and aiding and abetting the same, and one count of murder through the use of a firearm and aiding and abetting the same. DAVIS faces a maximum penalty of death or life in prison. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA and the NYPD.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Estes, Drew Skinner, and Alexandra Rothman are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Superseding Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the descriptions of the Indictment set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Manchester Man Receives 18 Month Prison Sentence for Fraudulent Tax Returns SchemeRead the Press Release
CONCORD, N.H. – Kenneth Feliz, 53, of Manchester and the former owner of the Smug Peach check cashing business in Nashua, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for his role in a fraudulent federal income tax scheme, announced Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from January 2012 to December 2013, Gladys Pena, a resident of Bronx, New York, couriered 161 U.S. Treasury tax refund checks, totaling more than $1.1 million, from New York New York, to Feliz in New Hampshire. As Pena knew, the checks were obtained from the Internal Revenue Service by conspirators who filed fraudulent income tax returns using legitimate taxpayers’ stolen social security numbers and other personal identifying information. Feliz knowingly cashed the checks in exchange for fees that were equal to 10 percent of the value of each check.
Feliz previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal public money, theft of public, money and aggravated identity theft.
On May 22, 2017, Pena was sentenced to a 54-month term of incarceration for her role in the scheme. Feliz and Pena are also required to make restitution payments totaling $1,095,879.44 to the United States Treasury.
“Tax refund schemes such as this not only steal money from taxpayers but also cause serious harm to the individuals who have their identification information stolen,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “We will continue to work closely with the IRS to protect the integrity of the tax system and to protect the public from identity theft crimes.”
“Investigating identity theft and tax refund fraud is a top priority for IRS Criminal Investigation,” said Special Agent in Charge Joel P. Garland. “Each phase of this crime is a serious offense, from stealing innocent victims’ identities, to filing false tax returns, and cashing fraudulently-obtained refund checks as Mr. Feliz did. This sentence highlights our commitment, along with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, to eradicate identity theft, safeguard honest taxpayers and protect the integrity of our Nation’s tax system.”
The case was by the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Manchester, with assistance from the IRS/CI office in New York, N.Y. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Bill Morse and Bob Kinsella.
###
Long-Time Drug Trafficking Fugitive Ultimately Ordered to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – After 14 years on the run, a 43-year-old Roma man has been ordered to prison following his conviction for conspiring to possess and possession with intent to distribute more than 1000 kilograms of marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Romeo Eduardo Barrera pleaded guilty Oct. 23, 2017.
Today, U.S. District Judge Kenneth Hoyt handed Barrera a 135-month prison sentence to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court found Barrera’s 14-year run warranted an upward adjustment for obstruction of justice and overruled Barrera’s objections to not receiving credit to reduce his sentencing range for acceptance of responsibility. In handing down the sentence, Judge Hoyt noted that the tragedy of this case is that had he not fled and resolved the matter in 2002 when he was much younger, he would have completed his sentence by now and had many years to spend with his family.
A federal grand jury indicted Romeo Eduardo Barrera in September 2002 for federal drug law violations. He was Initially released on bond, but failed to appear for a pretrial conference before Judge Hoyt in Houston in January 2003. A warrant issued for his arrest.
In late May 2017, Barrera was involved in an automobile accident in the Rio Grande Valley. Local law enforcement present at the scene of the accident arrested him upon discovering the outstanding warrant. Barrera made his initial appearance in the McAllen Division and was transferred to Houston to face the long-pending charges. He made his appearance before Judge Hoyt who revoked his previous bond and ordered he be detained pending further criminal proceedings.
The charges against Barrera arise from an investigation initiated in March 6, 2002. At that time, authorities located suspected narcotics traffickers from the Rio Grande Valley at a Houston-area Holiday Inn Express Hotel. Thereafter, law enforcement conducted surveillance during which time they observed Barrera arrive at the hotel and eventually leave with two others. Surveillance of that vehicle ultimately lead investigating officers to a residence on Northfield in Houston. There, investigating agents watched Barrera and seven other defendants entering and exiting the residence, using trash cans to remove large bales of marijuana and load them into a van parked nearby.
When officers approached, Barrera fled the scene along with all but one of the others. Authorities arrested Barrera shortly thereafter on a nearby street. During the chase, Barrera held 386.6 grams of marijuana wrapped in clear cellophane and a yellow sheet of paper with figures written on it.
In the Northfield residence, officers also found 31 cellophane-wrapped bales of marijuana weighing a total of approximately 1644 pounds along with an additional 154 grams of marijuana, 30 used and new duffle bags, two digital scales, wrapping materials, calculators, drug ledgers and three firearms.
In the parked van, investigating officers also found and seized 19 cellophane-wrapped bales of marijuana with an approximate total weight of 928.55 pounds.
Barrera will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Houston Police department and the FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy G. Herrera is prosecuting the case.
Little Eagle Man Sentenced for Child Abuse, Assaults, and Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Little Eagle, South Dakota, man convicted in two separate trials of three counts of Child Abuse, three counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Receipt of Images Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of Minors was sentenced on January 4, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.
Chavez Spotted Horse, age 41, was sentenced to 76 months in custody, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $600 on the Child Abuse and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon charges, resulting from a jury trial conviction on October 19, 2017. Spotted Horse was also sentenced to 78 months in custody, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100 on the Receipt of Child Pornography charge, resulting from a jury trial conviction on November 8, 2017. The sentences are to be served consecutively to one another.
Spotted Horse was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 19, 2017, and again on March 15, 2017.
Following a 3-day federal jury trial held between October 17, 2017, and October 19, 2017, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, Spotted Horse was found guilty of three counts of Child Abuse and three counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.
Following a 3-day federal jury trial held between November 6, 2017, and November 8, 2017, in Aberdeen, Johnson was found guilty of two counts of Receipt of Imaging Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of Minors and Possession of Child Pornography. The Possession of Child Pornography charge was later dismissed by the Government.
The convictions on the Child Abuse and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon charges stem from an incident on December 1, 2016, when the Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement was summoned to a school in Little Eagle, to investigate a reported child abuse matter. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the 11-year-old victim, who was visibly bruised over large portions of her body.
The victim informed the officer that Spotted Horse started to question her about boys. The victim stated that when she did not answer his questions, Spotted Horse started to beat her on her legs and back with a plastic kitchen spoon, a rod, and a plastic hanger. As a result of the assault, the victim suffered serious bruising to her legs and back.
The conviction on the Child Pornography charge stems from an incident in the fall of 2015, when the Federal Bureau of Investigation received information indicating a computer in Little Eagle was accessing child pornography. A search warrant was obtained and the home of Spotted Horse was searched. Computers and hard drives were seized pursuant to the search warrant. Spotted Horse provided passwords to the computers and admitted to viewing and receiving child pornography on the computers, over the internet on specialized websites, including sexually explicit pictures of young children.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Standing Rock Agency, the Department of Homeland Security Homeland Security Investigations, the North Dakota Crime Bureau’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation-Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the BIA-OJS Standing Rock Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.
Spotted Horse was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Lawton Man Sentenced to More Than 32 Years for Violent CrimesRead the Press Release
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – On January 5, 2018, JACKIE DUNCAN, 30, of Lawton, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 386 months in federal prison for his role in a robbery conspiracy, announced Mark A. Yancey, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.
A superseding indictment alleged that Duncan agreed with other members of the 107 Hoover Crips gang in Lawton, Oklahoma, to commit armed robbery. It also charged him with various gun and drug offenses. Among other things, the superseding indictment alleged that Duncan was involved in displaying a pistol after breaking into an apartment, where another member of the gang beat a resident in the head with a metal pipe.
A federal jury found Duncan guilty of one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, two counts of interference with commerce by robbery, and two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. The jury found him not guilty of one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and one count of possessing and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
On January 5, 2018, United States District Court Judge Vicki Miles-LaGrange sentenced Duncan to 386 months in federal prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Lawton Police Department; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Comanche County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward J. Kumiega, Kerry Blackburn, and Mark Stoneman prosecuted the case.
Law Enforcement Officers Join Students for a Day of LearningRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and Godby High School will present a BLAST Program event on Tuesday to approximately 50 students.
Event: BLAST Program
Location: Godby High School
1717 West Tharpe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32303Date: Tuesday, January 9, 2018
Time: 7:45 a.m. – noon EST
Press: Please RSVP to Amy Alexander at [email protected] if you plan to attend.The BLAST Program offers students an opportunity to meet representatives of the criminal justice community and ask them questions, share their perceptions of law enforcement, and interact with law enforcement officers in a familiar setting. Law enforcement officers also provide students with their perspective on responding to dangerous or uncertain circumstances and the importance of remaining calm and following the officers’ directions in these situations.
The schedule will include the following discussion sessions, during which students will have a chance to participate in role play with law enforcement officers. (Students with media permissions will be identified.)
- Criminal Justice Overview: Students will learn about each phase of a federal criminal case, including investigation, prosecution, and sentencing.
This session is open to the media and public, and videography and photography is permitted.
- Domestic Violence: Students will participate in a scenario in which law enforcement officers respond to a domestic disturbance. Discussion includes the challenges officers face, rights of witnesses and suspects, and benefits of providing information to law enforcement.
This session is open to the media and public, and videography and photography is permitted.
- Traffic Stop Simulation: Participants and officers alternate playing the roles of civilians and officers in a traffic stop. Discussion includes de-escalation and the uncertainty officers and vehicle occupants face during a traffic stop.
This session is open to the media and public, and videography and photography is permitted.
- Use of Force: Facilitators and students will discuss when law enforcement officers may use force and an officer’s reaction time when confronted with a life-threatening situation.
This session is closed to the media and public. Reporters may try the simulator equipment after the event ends.
Participating agencies include:
- United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida
- Leon County Sheriff’s Office
- Godby High School
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives
- Drug Enforcement Administration
- FAMU Police Department
- Florida Highway Patrol
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
- Criminal Justice Overview: Students will learn about each phase of a federal criminal case, including investigation, prosecution, and sentencing.
Justice Department Reaches Agreement with Denver to Improve AccessibilityRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today announced an agreement with Denver, Colorado, to improve access to civic life for people with disabilities. The agreement was reached under Project Civic Access (PCA), the Department’s initiative to ensure that cities, towns, and counties throughout the country comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Under the agreement, Denver will ensure that its services, programs, and activities are accessible to people with disabilities. Based on surveys conducted by the United States as part of its investigation, the agreement requires Denver to remedy inaccessible features at courthouses, emergency shelters, libraries, parking lots, polling places, and parks to make these facilities accessible to persons with disabilities. In addition, to improve communication with people with hearing disabilities, Denver will contract with sign language interpreters and use Relay Colorado and text-to-911 on calls. Denver has also agreed to ensure that its emergency operations plan is accessible, to provide training to its employees on the ADA, and to survey certain facilities that were not already surveyed by the Department
“Denver has committed to ensuring all of its residents, including persons with disabilities, have access to county and city services and programs,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division. “We applaud Denver for taking this step.”
This agreement was reached under Title II of the ADA, which prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities by state and local governments.
For more information about the ADA, today’s agreement, the Project Civic Access initiative, or the ADA Best Practices Tool Kit for state and local governments, individuals may access the ADA Web page at http://www.ada.gov/civicac.htm or call the toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383 (TTY).
Jonesboro man sentenced to prison for distributing child pornographyRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Kenneth Shipp has been sentenced to eight years, one month in prison for distributing child pornography. The defendant had hundreds of thousands of photographs and thousands of videos at his residence, which he shared on peer-to-peer websites.
“Kenneth Shipp’s collection of child pornography is the largest of anyone ever prosecuted in this district,” said U. S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “It is abhorrent that someone could derive gratification from the sexual abuse of children, and the amount that Shipp possessed is staggering. We will continue to work with federal and state law enforcement partners to find those who trade and collect child pornography and bring them to justice.”
“The outcome of this case should serve as a warning to others we will aggressively investigate and bring to justice those who would prey on our most vulnerable population,” said ICE HSI Atlanta Acting Special Agent in Charge Gregory Wiest. “HSI continues working closely with our federal and state partners to ensure we identify and arrest the perpetrators of these vile crimes.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court: in February 2016, special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (“ICE-HSI”) and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (“GBI”) were investigating persons who were using peer-to-peer programs to trade images and videos of child pornography. The agents were able to download a video from a computer that showed young boys being sexually abused. Information that they obtained while downloading the video revealed that it came from a computer at a house in Jonesboro, Georgia.
Agents with ICE-HSI obtained a federal search warrant for a house in Jonesboro, and carried out a search on May 9, 2016. There, agents found numerous computers, laptops, television monitors, thumb drives and other electronic devices, all containing child pornography. A subsequent examination of those devices showed that Shipp had 447,268 images and 19,395 videos. Specifically, he had more than 60 terabytes of child pornography.
Kenneth Shipp, 58, of Jonesboro, Georgia, has been sentenced to eight years, one months in prison to be followed by 15 years of supervised release. Shipp was convicted of these charges on October 5, 2017, after he pleaded guilty.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul R. Jones prosecuted the case.
This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, the Attorney General launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices around the country, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
For further information, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Guatemalan National Sentenced to Federal Prison for Assaulting a Border Patrol Agent Near Uvalde, TexasRead the Press Release
In Del Rio today, a federal judge sentenced a 21-year-old Guatemalan national to five years in federal prison for assaulting a U.S. Border Patrol agent in 2016 announced United States Attorney John F. Bash and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division.
In addition to the prison term, United States District Judge Alia Moses ordered that Elias de Jesus Gregorio de Paz pay $5,767.28 restitution to his victim for medical expenses and lost wages.
On March 9, 2017, Gregorio pleaded guilty to one count of assault on a federal officer. By pleading guilty, Gregorio admitted that on November 19, 2016, he intentionally assaulted a U.S. Border Patrol agent while the agent was engaged in the performance of his duties. According to court records, U.S. Border Patrol agents working in the Uvalde, TX, area encountered a two undocumented aliens on or around a stopped train. One undocumented alien absconded. The other, Gregorio de Paz, engaged in an altercation with the agent causing him to suffer a concussion. Gregorio de Paz fled the scene, but was captured three days later by U.S. Border Patrol agents in the Del Rio area.
Gregorio de Paz has remained in federal custody since his arrest.
“This case demonstrates the great sacrifice Border Patrol Agents make every day, often risking their lives to protect our nation. Violence against Border Patrol Agents will not be tolerated,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division.
The FBI investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Paul Harle prosecuted this case.
Fresno Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing More than $1.5M from International Food Distribution CompanyRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Leslie Michelle Hays, 49, of Fresno pleaded guilty today to one count of wire fraud for embezzling funds from her employer, Borges USA, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to the plea agreement, Hays was the director of human resources from 2005 through 2014 at Borges USA, a food distribution company based in Spain with regional headquarters in Fresno. To embezzle funds from Borges USA, Hays misreported her salary, expenses, and vacation time to the company’s payroll processor, which then remitted the stolen funds to Hays’s bank account. In total, Hays stole at least $1,535,420 in inflated salary payments and false expenses reimbursements from Borges USA.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Grant B. Rabenn is prosecuting the case.
Hays is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd on May 7, 2018. She faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Frankfort Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and a Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Jonathan L. Courtland, 35, of Frankfort, pleaded guilty today to Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and being a Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
In his guilty plea, Courtland admitted that he had engaged in several instances of cocaine distribution in Frankfort, Kentucky, between December 2016 and April 2017. He also admitted that, on April 24, 2017, he possessed a handgun, even though he had previously been convicted of one or more felony drug offenses.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Amy Hess, Special Agent in Charge, Louisville FBI; Richard Sanders, Commissioner Kentucky State Police; and Chief Travis Ellis, Frankfort Police Department, jointly made the announcement today after Courtland entered his guilty plea.
Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kentucky State Police, and Frankfort Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Roger W. West represented the United States in the case. The case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, a Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime through partnerships between federal, state, and local law enforcement. The goal of the PSN Program is to use these partnerships to make communities safer.
Courtland will appear for sentencing before United States District Court Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove in Frankfort, on April 19, 2018, at 2:30 p.m.
Courtland faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years (180 months) on the firearms offense and a maximum prison sentence of 30 years on the cocaine offense. However, the Court will impose any sentence after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal statutes.
Former Winnebago Tribal Vice Chairman Sentenced for Theft from an Indian Gaming EstablishmentRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced today that on January 8, 2018, Chief United States District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Darwin Snyder, age 50, of Winnebago, Nebraska for his conviction for theft from an Indian gaming establishment. Snyder was sentenced to five years of probation and 150 hours of community service. He was further ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $36,500.
Snyder was a member of the tribal council of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and served in an officer capacity as the council’s Vice Chairman. Beginning in 2013 and continuing through September of 2014, Snyder began taking unauthorized disbursements from the WinnaVegas Casino and Resort in the total amount of $36,500. These disbursements were in the form of gift certificates which he did not pay for and deposits to a re-loadable debit card. The disbursements were in addition to the salary Snyder received from the Winnebago Tribe as a tribal council member. However, the disbursements were not paid through the payroll department of the Winnebago Tribe and were never authorized at a regular or special meeting of the tribal council. Further, the disbursements were concealed from the Winnebago Gaming Commission which oversaw the operations of the casino and was required to approve financial transactions of the casino.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.