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4 January 2018
New York man sentenced for synthetic marijuana distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Nicholas Graziano, 54, of Melville, New York, was sentenced today to 60 months incarceration and fined $15,000 for distributing synthetic marijuana, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Graziano pled guilty on March 27, 2017 to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance Analogue.”
As a part of the sentencing, Graziano was also ordered to forfeit the following, which are proceeds of the offense of conviction, property that facilitated the offense of conviction, and property involved in the offense of conviction:
- $94,777.83 in United States Currency seized on April 29, 2014, at the business known as X-Hale, located at 218 Walnut Street, Morgantown, West Virginia;
- $2,520.91 in United States Currency seized on May 8, 2014, from a United Bank account
- $12,230.83 in United States Currency seized on May 8, 2014 from a United Bank account
- $2,032.76 in United States Currency seized on May 8, 2014, from a United Bank account
- One 2010 Infiniti, VIN JN1CV6AR1AM252190, registered in the State of West Virginia
- The business license issued by the State of West Virginia to Hookabuy,Inc.
In July 2012 through April 2014, Nicholas Graziano, owner and operator of X Hale Hookah Lounge in Morgantown, West Virginia, was distributing synthetic cannabinoids, commonly referred to as spice, K2, incense, or fake weed. Synthetic cannabinoids are designer drugs that resemble a controlled substance in molecular structure and actual or intended physiological effect.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.New Orleans Area Woman Sentenced to more than Four Years in Prison for Role in Approximately $2 Million Home Health Kickback and Identity Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A New Orleans woman was sentenced today to 51 months in prison for her involvement in a $2 million home health kickback scheme carried out through eight companies at nursing homes in four states in the Southeastern United States.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans of the Eastern District of Louisiana, Special Agent in Charge Eric J. Rommal of the FBI’s New Orleans Field Office and Special Agent in Charge C.J. Porter of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Dallas Field Office made the announcement.
Kim Ricard, 51, of Gonzales, Louisiana was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Jane Triche Milazzo of the Eastern District of Louisiana, who also ordered Ricard to pay $1.958 million in restitution. On Sept. 7, 2017, the defendant was convicted of one count of conspiracy to pay and receive kickbacks, three counts of receiving kickbacks, three counts of identity theft and one count of making false statements to federal agents.
According to evidence presented at trial, from 2008 to 2013, Kim Ricard and others engaged in a scheme to refer mentally ill Medicare patients to home health agencies in and around New Orleans in exchange for kickbacks. The evidence further established that Ricard unlawfully used the Medicare identification information of three Medicare beneficiaries in connection with the scheme. Ricard then made false statements to federal investigators about her conduct, the evidence showed. As a result of the scheme, Ricard’s co-conspirator caused Medicare to pay over $1.9 million based on those illegally-obtained referrals.
Co-defendant Milton Diaz, 65, of Harvey, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on July 13, 2017 and is awaiting sentencing.
The case was investigated by the FBI and HHS-OIG, and brought by the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, under the supervision of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Kate Payerle and Claire Yan of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.
The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, now operating in nine cities across the country, has charged over 3,000 defendants who collectively have billed the Medicare program for over $11 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
To learn more about the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT), go to www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
New Orleans Area Woman Sentenced to More Than Four Years in Prison for Role in Approximately $2 Million Home Health Kickback and Identity Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
A New Orleans woman was sentenced today to 51 months in prison for her involvement in a $2 million home health kickback scheme carried out through a New Orleans area home health agency.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans of the Eastern District of Louisiana, Special Agent in Charge Eric J. Rommal of the FBI’s New Orleans Field Office and Special Agent in Charge C.J. Porter of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Dallas Field Office made the announcement.
Kim Ricard, 51, of Gonzales, Louisiana was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Jane Triche Milazzo of the Eastern District of Louisiana, who also ordered Ricard to pay $1.958 million in restitution. On Sept. 12, 2017, the defendant was convicted of one count of conspiracy to pay and receive kickbacks, three counts of receiving kickbacks, three counts of identity theft and one count of making false statements to federal agents.
According to evidence presented at trial, from 2008 to 2013, Kim Ricard and others engaged in a scheme to refer mentally ill Medicare patients to home health agencies in and around New Orleans in exchange for kickbacks. The evidence further established that Ricard unlawfully used the Medicare identification information of three Medicare beneficiaries in connection with the scheme. Ricard then made false statements to federal investigators about her conduct, the evidence showed. As a result of the scheme, Ricard’s co-conspirator caused Medicare to pay over $1.9 million based on those illegally-obtained referrals.
Co-defendant Milton Diaz, 65, of Harvey, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on July 13, 2017 and is awaiting sentencing.
The case was investigated by the FBI and HHS-OIG, and brought by the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, under the supervision of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Kate Payerle and Claire Yan of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.
The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, now operating in nine cities across the country, has charged over 3,000 defendants who collectively have billed the Medicare program for over $11 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
To learn more about the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT), go to www.stopmedicarefraud.gov.
Modesto Man Indicted for Attempting to Provide Material Support to a Terrorist OrganizationRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against Everitt Aaron Jameson, 26, of Modesto, today charging him with attempting provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization and distribution of information relating to destructive devices.
The announcement was made by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott for the Eastern District of California and Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan of the FBI’s Sacramento Field Office.
“Federal law enforcement deserves our thanks for stopping a potential terrorist attack during the busy holiday season,” said Attorney General Sessions. “The Department of Justice will continue to take every lawful step we can to distrupt plots and to protect our nation from foreign and domestic threats, including the dangerous threat posed by radical Islamic terrorism.”
U.S. Attorney Scott stated: “Our office is committed to investigating potential terrorist threats and working with our law enforcement partners to prevent those threats from being carried out. I am grateful to the FBI for their vigilance and commitment to keeping our communities safe.”
“This case shows our determination to prevent acts of terrorism and to save lives,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan of the Sacramento Field Office. “We thank our law enforcement partners for their cooperation in this matter. We also remind members of the public that should they see something suspicious indicating a threat of any kind to immediately report it to law enforcement authorities.”
According to the indictment, between Oct. 24, 2017, and Dec. 20, 2017, Jameson offered to work in support of ISIS, knowing that the organization was engaging in terrorist activity and terrorism. Court documents allege that he had several online interactions with a confidential source, and during those interactions, he expressed support for the Oct. 31, 2017, terrorist attack in New York City and offered his services for “the cause.” In subsequent communications with an undercover agent, Jameson noted that his time in the U.S. military had trained him for combat and war. Later, he met with another undercover agent whom he believed to be associated with the senior leadership of ISIS and offered to carry out violent acts and provide financial support for the terrorist organization.
The indictment also alleges that, on Dec. 16, 2017, Jameson described to a person whom he believed was working for ISIS that he was well-versed with the Anarchist Cookbook, described how to build pipe bombs out of PVC pipe, gunpowder, nails and BBs, asked for remote timing devices from that person, and described how to use such destructive devices in an attack on Pier 39 in San Francisco, to funnel people into an area in order to shoot them.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dawrence W. Rice Jr. and Christopher D. Baker are prosecuting the case with Trial Attorney Brenda Sue Thornton from the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Counterterrorism Section.
If convicted, Jameson faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to 188 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Shannon Dale Cooper, age 33, of Sumner, Georgia, was sentenced to 188 months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine by United States District Court Judge C. Ashley Royal in Athens, Georgia on January 4, 2018.
In his plea agreement, Mr. Cooper admitted that on December 19, 2016, he was a passenger in a car with two others when officers from the Athens-Clarke County Police Department approached and searched the individuals. Officers recovered a large quantity of methamphetamine. One of the vehicle’s other passengers was in possession of a loaded .25 caliber automatic pistol. Mr. Cooper has a lengthy criminal history, including previous state felony convictions for Aggravated Assault, Battery, Terroristic Threats or Acts, False Imprisonment, Manufacture of Marijuana, Interference with Government Property, Theft by Taking, and Theft by Deception.
“As is all too common at this time, we again face the combination of violent career offenders possessing large quantities of deadly, illicit drugs with weapons present. Eradicating this conduct requires the type of alert police work and vigorous prosecution seen in this case. Hopefully Mr. Cooper’s lengthy prison sentence will send a message to others that this type of illegal activity exacts a heavy price upon conviction,” said United States Attorney Peeler.
The case was investigated by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Peter D. Leary prosecuted the case for the Government.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Meth Dealer Sentenced to 60 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
BILLINGS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Renae Dawn Bighorn was sentenced to 60 months in prison, four years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Susan Watters presided over the hearing.
Bighorn previously entered a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In April 2015, law enforcement officers working for a Billings area drug task force became aware that Bighorn was dealing methamphetamine and other substances in Billings and the Bakken area of North Dakota. An undercover agent contacted Bighorn to discuss the purchase of narcotics and Bighorn agreed to sell the agent one ounce of methamphetamine. Two days later, Bighorn sold methamphetamine to the undercover agent as previously agreed. Forensic testing revealed that Bighorn sold 26 grams of pure methamphetamine to law enforcement.
Judge Watters sentenced Bighorn to 60 months in federal prison, with four years of supervised release to follow. Because there is no parole in the federal system, Bighorn will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, Bighorn does have the opportunity to shorten the term of custody by earning credit for good behavior. However, this reduction will not exceed 15% of the overall sentence.
The case was investigated by the Billings Police Department, the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Agency, and other federal, state, and local agencies. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime. Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
Madison man charged with child pornography crimesRead the Press Release
A Madison man was indicted on child pornography charges, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman.
Slade A. Williams, 25, was charged with receiving and distributing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
The indictment charges that Williams knowingly received and distributed numerous computer files which contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This took place in November 2016, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik. The case was investigated by Speical Agent Michael Deterling with Homeland Security Investigations.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Keshena Man Indicted for Attempted Child Enticement on the Menominee Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on January 3, 2018, a federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment against a man who allegedly attempted to entice a minor female into performing sex acts for money. The indictment named Mario Escalante (age: 41), an enrolled member of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, who currently resides in Keshena on the Menominee Indian Reservation in Wisconsin.
The indictment charges Escalante with Attempted Child Enticement in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b). Escalante faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, and a maximum sentence of life in prison; up to a $250,000 fine; and between 5 years and a lifetime of supervised release. The charge also carries a $5000 special assessment.
According to the indictment, on November 14, 2017, Escalante allegedly used his phone to attempt to persuade a minor female to meet him at a location within the exterior boundaries of the Menominee Indian Reservation, where he intended to engage in sexual activity with the minor in exchange for money.
The case was investigated by the Menominee Tribal Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier.
An indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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For additional information contact:
Acting Public Information Officer Elizabeth Makowski at 414 297-1700
Justice Department Issues Memo on Marijuana EnforcementRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today issued a memo on federal marijuana enforcement policy announcing a return to the rule of law and the rescission of previous guidance documents. Since the passage of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) in 1970, Congress has generally prohibited the cultivation, distribution, and possession of marijuana.
In the memorandum, Attorney General Jeff Sessions directs all U.S. Attorneys to enforce the laws enacted by Congress and to follow well-established principles when pursuing prosecutions related to marijuana activities. This return to the rule of law is also a return of trust and local control to federal prosecutors who know where and how to deploy Justice Department resources most effectively to reduce violent crime, stem the tide of the drug crisis, and dismantle criminal gangs.
"It is the mission of the Department of Justice to enforce the laws of the United States, and the previous issuance of guidance undermines the rule of law and the ability of our local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement partners to carry out this mission," said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. "Therefore, today's memo on federal marijuana enforcement simply directs all U.S. Attorneys to use previously established prosecutorial principles that provide them all the necessary tools to disrupt criminal organizations, tackle the growing drug crisis, and thwart violent crime across our country."
Judge Sentences Jeannette Woman to Four Years in Prison for Fentanyl Distribution SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH -A Westmoreland County resident has been sentenced in federal court to four years of imprisonment and four years of supervised release on her conviction of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Autumn McClellan, age 31, of Jeanette, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, McClellan participated in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl in which she and other members of the conspiracy sold substantial quantities of fentanyl to individuals addicted to that illegal substance.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Penn Hills Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of McClellan.
Joseph Goin Sentenced to Federal Prison for Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
BOISE – Joseph Sterling Goin, 24, of Caldwell, Idaho, was sentenced today to 24 months in prison by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Edward J. Lodge, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. Judge Lodge also ordered Goin to serve three years of supervised release upon his release from federal prison.
On October 17, 2017, Goin pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing a firearm. Goin sold a semi-automatic rifle with a high-capacity magazine to an undercover police officer at a gas station parking lot on April 3, 2017. At the time, Goin had previously been convicted of felony crimes including a burglary conviction from Canyon County, Idaho, on March 13, 2013. Goin was prohibited from possessing firearms because of that felony burglary conviction.
This investigation is the result of an investigation and enforcement operation by the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crime Task Force which is comprised of federal, state and local agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the United States Marshals Service; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations; the Idaho Department of Corrections Office of Probation and Parole; the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office; the Nampa City Police Department; the Caldwell City Police Department; and the Boise City Police Department.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a nationwide initiative originally launched in May 2001 and reinvigorated in 2017 by the Department of Justice to combat gun violence in the United States. Project Safe Neighborhoods marshals federal, state, and local resources to target and prosecute those who commit gun crimes. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, visit https://www.bja.gov.
Illinois Men IndictedRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that Michael Cruz, age 38 of Algonquin, Illinois and Rigoberto Ortiz-Dominguez, age 32, of Joliet, Illinois were charged by Indictment with possession with intent to deliver more than one kilogram of heroin.
According to documents filed in the case, on November 16, 2017 during a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigation, Michael Cruz agreed to direct his courier to deliver multiple kilograms of heroin to a buyer. When the courier, Ortiz-Dominguez, arrived, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop and searched Ortiz-Dominguez’s car. Agents found and seized 3.6 kilograms of heroin. Cruz and Ortiz-Dominguez were arrested and have been detained pending trial.
United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II said, “Cooperative partnerships between local, state and federal agencies are essential to reducing the availability of controlled substances in the Northern District of Indiana.”
The United States Attorney’s office emphasizes that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
This indictment results from an investigation by the Lake County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and the DEA with assistance from the Hammond Police Department and the Indiana State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.
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Harrison County man admits to health care fraudRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Clarksburg, West Virginia, man has admitted to health care fraud, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Kenneth Boyles, age 52, pled guilty to one count of “Health Care Fraud.” Boyles admitted to falsely reporting symptoms related to his service in the United States Army Reserves to the Veterans Health Administration in order to fraudulently collect more than $224,000 in benefits. The crime occurred from 2008 to 2017 in Harrison County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.Green Bay Man Indicted for Assault on Menominee Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on January 3, 2018, a federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment against a man allegedly involved in an assault on the Menominee Indian Reservation. The indictment named Anthony Kitchenakow (age: 46) of Green Bay.
The indictment charged Kitchenakow with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in violation of 18
U.S.C. Section 113. Kitchenakow faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 years’ imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release.
According to the indictment, on November 29, 2017, the defendant used a knife and assaulted a man outside a residence in Neopit, which is on the Menominee Indian Reservation.
The case was investigated by the Menominee Tribal Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier.
An indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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For additional information contact:
Acting Public Information Officer Elizabeth Makowski at 414 297-1700
Great Falls Felons Sentenced for Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that 49-year old William Turton of Great Falls was sentenced to 18 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment, and 40-year old Mathew Lederer of Great Falls was sentenced to 24 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided over the hearing.
In October 2015, the Great Falls Police Department responded to a rash of burglaries throughout town. Officers arrested numerous suspects responsible for these burglaries and learned that stolen items from the burglaries were stashed at William Turton’s residence in Great Falls. Officers also learned that Turton acted as a facilitator in order to trade stolen items for drugs. Officers obtained and executed a search warrant at Turton’s home. There, officers discovered two firearms, drugs, and related paraphernalia. Their search recovered a Smith & Wesson revolver and an Iberia semi-automatic pistol. At the time of the discovery, the owner of these firearms had not yet reported them as stolen.
Detectives spoke with Turton, who admitted he arranged trading stolen property in exchange for firearms in order to support his own methamphetamine habit. At the residence, the officers also encountered Mathew Lederer. Officers arrested and questioned Lederer. During Lederer’s interview, he denied any involvement with the revolver or pistol found at the defendant’s house, although when questioned, he was able to adequately describe the firearms and admitted to having handled them. He said Turton had acquired the firearms in exchange for drugs.
On November 9, 2015, a man contacted the Great Falls Police Department to report that he had discovered two firearms were missing from his gun safe. This man believed that Lederer was behind the theft of the pistol and revolver—the same two guns previously discovered at Turton’s residence, as Lederer had been a guest at this man’s home for the first few weeks of October 2015. Law enforcement ultimately confirmed that Lederer had stolen the pistol and revolver.
In late November 2015, a victim of one of the earlier burglaries contacted police and stated he believed he had found a listing for his stolen shotgun. The victim identified that an individual was attempting to sell the Benelli Super Nova shotgun on Facebook. An officer went to this individual’s home and the individual said he purchased the firearm from Turton for $250. In addition to the Benelli, the individual said Turton also had a Remington 7mm rifle which he was unwilling to sell. The individual provided the shotgun to the officer, who confirmed the shotgun matched the description of the shotgun stolen during one of the burglaries.
Both Turton and Lederer have extensive criminal histories that include prior convictions for thefts, burglaries, and drugs, and both are prohibited from possessing firearms.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Betley and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Great Falls Police Department.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime. Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
Granite City Man Sentenced to Prison for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that on January 4, 2018, Dakota L. Childs, 26, of Granite City, Illinois, was sentenced for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The Honorable Staci M. Yandle sentenced Childs to 37 months in federal prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release, along with a fine of $250 and a $100 special assessment. Childs also agreed to forfeit the illegal firearm that he possessed.
Court proceedings revealed that Childs, a previously convicted felon, was pulled over by Granite City police officers for speeding, erratic driving and disobeying a red traffic light. After Childs was arrested for reckless driving and other traffic offenses, police officers conducted an inventory search of his vehicle. Officers discovered a loaded pistol on the floorboard of Childs’ vehicle.
The case was investigated by the Granite City Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Hoell.
Four indicted on drug distribution chargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two men and two women were indicted by a federal grand jury in Elkins on December 19, 2017 on drug distribution charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
DeMarco Davis, Jr., also known as “Tipp,” of Inwood, West Virginia, age 36, was indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin and Cocaine,” three counts of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with intent to Distribute Cocaine,” and one count of Possession with intent to Distribute Heroin.”
Sarah Jaielyn Carter, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, age 26, was indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin and Cocaine,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin,” and one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with intent to Distribute Cocaine.”
David Smeltzer, of Bunker Hill, West Virginia, age 36, was indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin and Cocaine,” one count of “Distribution of Heroin,” and two counts of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Heroin.”
Shonna Marie Thomas, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, age 32, was indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin and Cocaine” and three counts of “Distribution of Heroin.”
The crimes allegedly took place in Berkeley County and elsewhere, from November 2016 to February 2017.
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, and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office are investigating.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.Former recruiters sentenced for defrauding the Panda Express restaurant chainRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – Derek Cyrus and Chuck Sandford have been sentenced for running a false invoicing scheme that defrauded the Panda Express restaurant chain of nearly $1.5 million.
“These defendants’ calculated lies and fraud were driven by simple greed,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “They not only stole from this corporation, Cyrus and Sandford also lied in a state court, which demonstrated their lack of respect for the law. Now they have years to reflect on those actions while serving their federal sentences.”
“As a result of hard work and determination by Special Agents of the FBI, Derek Cyrus and Chuck Sandford are no longer able to deceive an innocent company,” said David J. LeValley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI will continue to dedicate significant investigative resources to prosecute those who allow their good judgement to be clouded by greed.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges, and other information presented in court: Derek Cyrus and Chuck Sandford both owned companies that ostensibly provided recruitment services to corporations. Cyrus’s company was named “Diversified Recruiters,” and Sandford’s recruitment company was named “Chuck Sandford Consultants” (CSC). Cyrus also worked as an in-house recruiter for Panda Express in 2012 and early 2013.
Beginning in about January 2013, Cyrus and Sandford submitted fraudulent Diversified Recruiters and CSC invoices to the Panda Express accounts payable department that falsely claimed that they had found qualified job candidates for positions at Panda Express restaurants throughout the United States. In actuality, the vast majority of the job candidates were either fictitious or had never been recruited by Cyrus or Sandford. Cyrus also did not tell the accounts payable department that Diversified Recruiters was actually his own company, which allowed him to collect twice for the same recruit. Based upon these misrepresentations, the accounts payable department issued payments to Diversified Recruiters and CSC, which Cyrus and Sandford used for their own personal benefit.
After Cyrus stopped working for Panda Express in March 2013, he continued to send fraudulent Diversified Recruiters and CSC invoices to the accounts payable department. Cyrus falsely told the accounts payable department that he was still a Panda Express employee and was therefore authorized to submit these invoices. Sandford paid Cyrus a kickback after the accounts payable department issued payments for the fraudulent CSC invoices. All told, Cyrus and Sandford netted nearly $1.5 million dollars during the course of this scheme.
Once Panda Express discovered the fraud, they sued Cyrus and Sandford in Cobb County, Georgia. During the course of that litigation, Cyrus further attempted to cover his tracks by submitting false recruit resumes through his attorney to Panda Express’s corporate counsel. Additionally, both defendants repeatedly lied under oath during their sworn depositions about their involvement in the fraud scheme.
Derek Cyrus, 53, of Lithonia, Georgia, was sentenced to four years, five months in federal prison. Chuck Sandford, 74, of Marietta, Georgia, was sentenced to one year, three months in federal prison. Both defendants had previously pleaded guilty to fraud charges for their role in this scheme.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas J. Krepp and Timothy H. Lee prosecuted the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Former Oklahoma Beef Council Employee Sentenced to 57 Months for $2.68 Million Embezzlement and Signing a False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – MELISSA DAY MORTON, of Edmond, Oklahoma, was sentenced today to 57 months in federal prison for bank fraud and signing a false federal income tax return, in connection with a $2.68 million embezzlement from the Oklahoma Beef Council, announced Mark A. Yancey, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.
On May 24, 2017, Morton pleaded guilty to an Information charging her with one count of bank fraud and one count of filing a false federal income tax return. From October 1995 until late July 2016, Morton worked as the Accounting and Compliance Manager at the Oklahoma Beef Council in Oklahoma City. As part of her job, Morton prepared checks, paid invoices, and generated financial statements for audits. Morton pleaded guilty to preparing an unauthorized company check, in the amount of $5,652.25, made payable to herself in February 2016. At the plea hearing, Morton admitted she forged the signature of the Beef Council’s executive director on the check and later presented that check for payment against the Beef Council’s bank account at a local bank. She further admitted she embezzled funds from her former employer from around 2009 through 2016 and stipulated that the total loss to the Beef Council was $2,681,400.73.
At the plea hearing in May 2017, Morton also pleaded guilty to signing a false tax return. She admitted that on October 12, 2015, she signed a personal federal tax return for the 2014 calendar year that she knew was false because it reported only $183,545 in total income. At the plea hearing, Morton admitted she omitted on the 2014 return more than $388,000 of embezzled income for that year from the Beef Council.
Today, United States District Judge Vicki Miles-LaGrange sentenced Morton to 57 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. In addition, Morton was ordered to pay restitution of $2,317,526.32 to the Beef Council and $110,000 to an insurance company that provided coverage to the Beef Council. Judge Miles-LaGrange also ordered Morton to pay $617,044 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service for taxes owed from not reporting the embezzlement income on her federal tax returns for calendar years 2010 through 2015. Before sentencing, Morton had made restitution payments totaling $253,874.41 to the Beef Council. Morton must report to the Federal Bureau of Prisons on February 5, 2018.
This case was the result of an investigation by the United States Secret Service, the Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigations, and the United States Department of Agriculture—Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris M. Stephens prosecuted the case.
Former Cross Lanes postal worker sentenced for stealing pills from the mailRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A former postal worker who stole oxycodone and hydrocodone pills mailed by the Department of Veterans Affairs to veterans was sentenced today to five years of probation, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Brittany Harrison, 31, of Cross Lanes, previously pleaded guilty to theft of mail by a postal employee. She was also ordered to pay $124.34 in restitution, the value of the stolen pills.
Harrison was a federal postal support employee who worked in the Charleston Main Post Office as a mail processing clerk. Through working at that post office, Harrison learned to identify packages mailed by the Department of Veterans Affairs that contained oxycodone and hydrocodone pills. After identifying these packages, Harrison opened them and stole the pain pills inside. On April 8, 2016, she opened a package from the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Huntington that was to be delivered to a Charleston veteran and stole oxycodone pills from the package. Harrison further admitted to stealing pills contained in at least six other packages, including 168 oxycodone pills on April 12, 2016, and another 168 oxycodone pills on April 13, 2016. On April 13, 2016, Harrison gave a statement to federal officers in which she admitted stealing the pain pills. Harrison is no longer an employee with the United States Postal Service.
The United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation, assisted by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence.
This case was prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Final Defendant Sentenced in Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
The final defendant charged in a conspiracy to file fraudulent, federal income tax returns, claiming millions of dollars in bogus refunds, was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court, announced Don Cochran, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee. Victor Oliva, 40, of Hendersonville, Tenn., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Aleta A. Trauger to 18 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Trauger also ordered Oliva to pay restitution in the amount of $1,308,422 to the IRS, for his role in the multi-million dollar tax refund scheme.
In April 2015, 10 federal search warrants were executed at various residences and tax return businesses throughout middle Tennessee, including Soto’s Income Tax Service in Madison; Soto’s Services 2 in Hermitage; Soto’s Income Tax in Springfield; Soto Services 1 in Gallatin; and S’ Income Tax Services in Nashville. As a result of this investigation, agents subsequently determined that part of the tax fraud scheme dated back to 2011 and 46 persons were ultimately charged and convicted of federal offenses. During the investigation, agents seized more than $1 million in cash; several late model, luxury automobiles; and 11 Nashville-area residential properties owned by one of the defendants. Many of those individuals charged were in the U.S. illegally and have since been convicted and deported.
Victor Oliva was the sole owner and operator of one of the tax return preparation business known as S Income Tax Preparation located on Charlotte Pike in Nashville. On December 8, 2016, Oliva pleaded guilty to his role in the scheme and admitted to preparing and filing 166 false, federal income tax returns with the IRS claiming fraudulent refunds of $1,308,422.
Other defendants who played a significant role in the scheme include:
Byron Fernandez-Virula, Jr., 25, of Madison, Tenn., pleaded guilty on April 26, 2017, admitting that he prepared and filed 236 false, federal income tax returns claiming fraudulent refunds of at least $1,444,957. He also admitted to cashing at least $351,000 in fraudulently obtained tax refund checks at a check cashing business located in Shelbyville, Tennessee. In July 2017 he was sentenced to 24 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,444,957 to the IRS.
Byron Fernandez-Virula, Sr., 45, of Madison, Tenn., pleaded guilty on June 12, 2017, admitting that he prepared and filed at least 1,064 false, federal income tax returns claiming fraudulent refunds of at least $5,894,827. He also admitted to cashing at least $817,000 in fraudulently obtained tax refund checks at a check cashing business located in Shelbyville, Tennessee. He was sentenced in September 2017 to 37 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,444,957 to the IRS.
Wilmar Soto-Virula, 35, of Madison, Tenn., pleaded guilty on July 7, 2017, admitting that he prepared and filed at least 170 false, federal income tax returns claiming fraudulent refunds of at least $730,707. He was sentenced in September 2017 to 28 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $730,707 to the IRS.
Julio Soto, 30, of Goodlettsville, Tenn., pleaded guilty on July 13, 2017, admitting that he prepared and filed at least 130 false, federal income tax returns claiming fraudulent refunds of at least $737,788. He was sentenced in November 2017 to 36 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay restitution of $737,531 to the IRS.
This case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas J. Jaworski and Byron M. Jones represented the government.
Felon Pleads Guilty to Heroin/Fentanyl Dealing, Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to drug dealing and illegal gun possession charges, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Nigel Macaya Broadus aka “Little Nige”, 21, of Wilkinsburg, PA pleaded guilty to all six counts of the indictment against him before United States District Judge Cathy M. Bissoon.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Broadus sold heroin on April 30, 2015, May 4, 2015, and June 3, 2015. Broadus was in custody on other charges from September of 2015 through February of 2017. But then, starting in February of 2017, the defendant was involved in a drug conspiracy where others aided him in his drug activity, including running drugs for him, renting him cars, and obtaining guns for him. On April 25, 2017, Broadus was caught by law enforcement in possession of a loaded 9mm pistol purchased by his girlfriend, as well as heroin and fentanyl that he intended to sell. Federal law prohibited Broadus from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to his two separate August 30, 2016 convictions for Illegal Possession of a Firearm in Allegheny County.
Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for April 16, 2018 at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 110 years in prison, a fine of up to $5,250,000, and at least three years of supervised release. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court ordered that the defendant remain in the custody of the United States Marshal Service.
Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt of the Violent Crime Section is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Broadus with valuable assistance from the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, the Monroeville Police Department and the Wilkinsburg Police Department.
Estill Springs Resident Sentenced to Serve 51 Months in Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – On January 3, 2018, Mark Carlton Bryant, 66, of Estill Springs, Tennessee, was sentenced by the Honorable Judge Curtis L. Collier, Senior U.S. District Court Judge, to serve 51 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography. Additionally, Bryant was ordered to pay a $25,000 fine, $5000 in restitution, and forfeit electronic equipment used in the commission of his crimes. Upon his release from prison, U.S. Probation will supervise him for five years.
Bryant, a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Air Force, previously pleaded guilty to a one-count information charging him with possession of child pornography.
U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey said, “This case is a good example of local and federal agencies working together to protect children, our most vulnerable victims. The U.S. Attorney’s office will continue to prosecute aggressively individuals who choose to possess and distribute child pornography.”
"There is no greater call in law enforcement than protecting the young and innocent," said Special Agent in Charge Renae M. McDermott, FBI, Knoxville Division. "This case is an example of our partnerships with prosecutors and other law enforcement agencies doing just that. I want to thank all agencies involved for their commitment to rooting out those who seek to exploit children."
Agencies involved in this investigation included the Winchester Police Department and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney James. T. Brooks represented the United States.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Defendant Who Live-Streamed Standoff with Police on Facebook Sentenced for Possessing Fentanyl, FirearmRead the Press Release
DAYTON – Daniel E. Jones, 29, of Harrison Township, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 144 months in prison for possessing fentanyl and a firearm.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Angela L. Byers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, Montgomery County Sheriff Phil Plummer and other members of the FBI’s Southern Ohio Safe Streets Task Force and the Regional Agency Narcotics Gun Enforcement (RANGE) Task Force announced the sentence handed down today by U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Rose.
According to court documents, on March 31, 2016, Jones engaged in an hours-long standoff with federal and local authorities at an apartment complex in Montgomery County, refusing to allow police access to his residence, because he had fentanyl in his apartment that he intended to sell in the Dayton area.
As the standoff continued, he attempted to burn the drugs. Officers noticed smoke and flames inside of the apartment. An investigator on scene accessed Jones’s Facebook page and discovered that Jones was posting a live video feed of himself with footage of an active fire inside of the shower in a bathroom of the apartment.
Jones stated “No evidence on me buddy” after recording the active fire in the shower. He also flashed bundles of cash and referred to himself as “El Chapo Jr.” during the video.
Ultimately, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Regional SWAT Team officers and federal agents gained access to the apartment, arrested Jones and recovered a firearm as well as the remnants of the burnt fentanyl.
Upon arresting Jones, officers found more than $3,000 in cash on Jones and more than $100,000 cash throughout the apartment.
Jones was charged by a federal criminal complaint in March 2016 and indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2016. He pleaded guilty in April 2017 to one count of possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the cooperative investigation by the FBI and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, as well as Assistant United States Attorney Brent G. Tabacchi, who is representing the United States in this case.
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Confidence Man Sentenced in Fraud and Identity Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that JOHN EDWARD TAYLOR a/k/a “Jay Taylor,” a/k/a “Josie Reeser,” was sentenced today to 46 months in prison in connection with his seven-year scheme to defraud multiple victims into providing their personal identifying information, which Taylor had used to make hundreds of thousands of dollars in unauthorized purchases. Taylor pled guilty on September 19, 2017, before U.S. District Judge Laura Taylor Swain, who imposed today’s sentence.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said: “John Edward Taylor used online dating and networking sites to cultivate prospective victims. This admitted confidence man stole personal information and looted the bank accounts of women across the country – and then threatened them when they discovered his schemes. Now Taylor will spend years in federal prison for his deceitful conduct.”
According to the allegations in the Complaint, the Indictment, and statements made at related court proceedings, including today’s sentencing:
JOHN EDWARD TAYLOR, a/k/a “Jay Taylor,” a/k/a “Josie Reeser,” stole, or attempted to steal, money, credit, and personal information from more than a dozen women (the “Victims”) in cities across the country, including New York City, Chicago, Atlanta, and Philadelphia.
TAYLOR contacted Victims using online matchmaking and networking websites, such as Match.com, eHarmony, Craigslist, and Seeking Arrangement. TAYLOR typically introduced himself as “Jay” and often falsely described himself as a wealthy businessman with oil and land interests in North Dakota. To some Victims, TAYLOR feigned interest in hiring the Victims to work on a new business TAYLOR purported to be creating. To other Victims, TAYLOR expressed an interest in a romantic and personal relationship. To most Victims, TAYLOR purported to be interested in both a personal and a professional relationship.
Using a variety of false pretenses, TAYLOR obtained the Victims’ personal identifying information, often including birthdates, addresses, and bank and credit account numbers. TAYLOR used the Victims’ personal identifying information to purchase goods, transfer funds, and open new accounts – all without authorization. In certain circumstances, TAYLOR opened accounts without the Victims’ knowledge. In other circumstances, TAYLOR opened accounts that he assured Victims were business accounts, but were, in fact, personal accounts in the Victims’ names, over which TAYLOR maintained exclusive control.
Often within a matter of months, Victims would discover thousands of dollars in unauthorized charges and transfers in their existing accounts, receive bills for accounts they had never created, or learn their existing accounts had been closed due to delinquency.
Independent of each other, multiple Victims confronted TAYLOR about his activities. To some, TAYLOR responded with insults. To others, TAYLOR responded with promises to repay the losses – and on at least one occasion attempted to repay one Victim with funds unlawfully obtained from another Victim. On multiple occasions, TAYLOR threatened to transmit sexually explicit images of the Victims – which he had obtained as part of his purported romantic relationships with them – to the Victims’ employers if the Victims tried to collect their debts.
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In addition to the prison term, TAYLOR, 49, was sentenced to five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $290,184.
Mr. Kim praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their investigative efforts and ongoing support and assistance with the case.
The prosecution of this case is being overseen by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Rebold and Andrew Thomas are in charge of the case.
Cleveland Heights man charged for marijuana trafficking conspiracy, making threatsRead the Press Release
A federal Grand Jury returned a five-count indictment charging Cleveland Heights with conspiring to distribute marijuana and sending extortionate threats, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said.
Kitroy Brian Buchanan, 34, conspired with others to receive by mail bulk quantities of marijuana from California and other states between August and December 2017. He then delivered the marijuana to others, according to others.
Buchanan also attempted to extort a parcel from Washington state addressed to a residence in South Euclid through a series of threats, including threats of kidnapping, according to the indictment.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Morrison is prosecuting the case following an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial, in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
California Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Trafficking Charge in New MexicoRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Geoffrey Lawrence Marshall, Jr., 25, of La Palma, Calif., pled guilty today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to a methamphetamine trafficking charge arising out of a seizure of almost 11 pounds of methamphetamine.
The DEA arrested Marshall in June 2017, after seizing approximately 4.95 kilograms (10.91 pounds) of crystal methamphetamine from him during an interdiction investigation at the Greyhound Bus Station in Albuquerque. The methamphetamine was contained in eight bundles inside of Marshall’s luggage.
Marshall subsequently was indicted on July 11, 2017, and was charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on June 26, 2017, in Bernalillo County, N.M.
During today’s change of plea hearing, Marshall pled guilty to the indictment and admitted that on June 26, 2017, he transported approximately 4.95 kilograms of methamphetamine to Albuquerque on the Greyhound Bus. Marshall further admitted that the methamphetamine was concealed inside cereal cardboard boxes and cardboard drink boxes inside of his luggage.
At sentencing, Marshall faces a mandatory minimum penalty of ten years and a maximum of life in federal prison. Marshall remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the DEA and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Brawley.
California Man Indicted for Attempting to Provide Material Support to a Terrorist OrganizationRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against Everitt Aaron Jameson, 26, of Modesto, California, charging him with attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization, and distribution of information relating to destructive devices.
The announcement was made by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott for the Eastern District of California and Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan of the FBI’s Sacramento Field Office.
“Federal law enforcement deserves our thanks for stopping a potential terrorist attack during the busy holiday season,” said Attorney General Sessions. “The Department of Justice will continue to take every lawful step we can to disrupt plots and to protect our nation from foreign and domestic threats, including the dangerous threat posed by radical Islamic terrorism.”
“Our office is committed to investigating potential terrorist threats and working with our law enforcement partners to prevent those threats from being carried out,” said U.S. Attorney Scott. “I am grateful to the FBI for their vigilance and commitment to keeping our communities safe.”
“This case shows our determination to prevent acts of terrorism and to save lives,” said Special Agent in Charge Ragan. “We thank our law enforcement partners for their cooperation in this matter. We also remind members of the public that should they see something suspicious indicating a threat of any kind to immediately report it to law enforcement authorities.”
According to the indictment, between Oct. 24, 2017, and Dec. 20, 2017, Jameson offered to work in support of ISIS, knowing that the organization was engaging in terrorist activity and terrorism. Court documents allege that he had several online interactions with a confidential source, and during those interactions, he expressed support for the Oct. 31, 2017, terrorist attack in New York City and offered his services for “the cause.” In subsequent communications with an undercover agent, Jameson noted that his time in the U.S. military had trained him for combat and war. Later, he met with another undercover agent whom he believed to be associated with the senior leadership of ISIS and offered to carry out violent acts and provide financial support for the terrorist organization.
The indictment also alleges that, on Dec. 16, 2017, Jameson described to a person whom he believed was working for ISIS that he was well-versed with the Anarchist Cookbook, described how to build pipe bombs out of PVC pipe, gunpowder, nails and BBs, asked for remote timing devices from that person, and described how to use such destructive devices in an attack on Pier 39 in San Francisco, California to funnel people into an area in order to shoot them.
If convicted, Jameson faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. If convicted of any offense, the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court after considering the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The charges are merely allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is the product of an investigation by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dawrence W. Rice Jr. and Christopher D. Baker of the Eastern District of California are prosecuting the case along with Trial Attorney Brenda Sue Thornton of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Baltimore Man Pleads Guilty to Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Baltimore, Maryland – On January 2, 2017, Tyrone Kevin Gregg, age 48, of Baltimore, Maryland, pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery and specifically admitted to robbing or attempting to rob eight other banks in Maryland and Virginia from December 2016 through June 2017.
The guilty plea was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Chief Terrence B. Sheridan of the Baltimore County Police Department; Chief Tim Altomare of the Anne Arundel County Police Department; Chief J. Thomas Manger of Montgomery County Police Department; and Chief Edwin C. Roessler Jr. of the Fairfax County Police Department.
According to his plea agreement, on February 2, 2017 at approximately 10:50 am, Gregg entered a bank in Olney, Maryland where he approached the teller and said, “Give me all the money or I’ll blow your head off.”
Gregg was indicted for committing nine bank robberies in Maryland and Virginia. In pleading guilty to the February 2017 robbery, Gregg acknowledged he committed the other eight bank robberies listed in the indictment.
At the time of the robberies, Gregg was under conditions of supervised release following a 54-month prison sentence imposed by the Honorable Catherine C. Blake in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland as a result of convictions for Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft.
Gregg and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts the parties’ plea agreement Gregg will be sentenced to 10 years in prison for the robberies and up to 18 months, to be imposed consecutively, for his violation of the conditions of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake has scheduled sentencing for March 29, 2018 at 9:15 a.m. Gregg remains detained pending sentencing.
As part of his plea agreement, Gregg will be required to pay restitution to the victim banks.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning commended the FBI, Baltimore County Police Department, Anne Arundel County Police, Montgomery County Police and Fairfax County Police for their work in the investigation. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Riley and Tamera Fine who are prosecuting the case.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions Selects Middle District of Tennessee to Receive New United States Attorney Positions to Combat Violent CrimeRead the Press Release
Attorney General Jeff Sessions has selected the Middle District of Tennessee to receive additional resources for the fight against violent crime. The district will receive two additional Assistant U.S. Attorneys to focus exclusively on violent crime, two of 40 new federal prosecutors in 27 selected locations throughout the United States.
“Led by our 94 United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) task forces are hitting the streets across America to apprehend and bring violent criminals to justice. I have asked Congress for additional PSN funding next year because I believe nothing will be more effective at reducing violent crime,” said Attorney General Sessions. "Under this program, I am asking a great deal of our United States Attorneys. I am both empowering them and holding them accountable for results. To put them in the best position to impact and reduce violent crime, it is my privilege to announce today that through a re-allocation of resources, we will be enlisting and deploying 40 additional violent crime prosecutors across the United States."
“Two additional federal prosecutors will substantially increase our ability to identify and remove the most dangerous and violent offenders from our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Don Cochran. “In the coming weeks, I will be meeting with local law enforcement leaders and District Attorneys General to formulate a strategy aimed at vigorously pursuing those violent offenders whose criminal behavior disrupts the peace and harmony of our neighborhoods and endangers the lives of innocent citizens.”
U.S. Attorney Don Cochran recently re-organized the structure of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and with the addition of these two positions, eight federal prosecutors will now be dedicated to prosecuting violent crime. Those charged with violent crimes in the federal system generally receive a lengthier sentence and there is no parole in the federal system.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions Selects Eastern District of Pennsylvania to Receive New Assistant United States Attorney to Combat Violent CrimeRead the Press Release
Philadelphia - Attorney General Jeff Sessions has selected the Eastern District of Pennsylvania to receive additional resources for the fight against violent crime. The district will receive an additional Assistant U.S. Attorney to focus exclusively on violent crime, one of 40 new federal prosecutors in 27 selected locations throughout the United States.
“Led by our 94 United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) task forces are hitting the streets across America to apprehend and bring violent criminals to justice. I have asked Congress for additional PSN funding next year because I believe nothing will be more effective at reducing violent crime,” said Attorney General Sessions. "Under this program, I am asking a great deal of our United States Attorneys. I am both empowering them and holding them accountable for results. To put them in the best position to impact and reduce violent crime, it is my privilege to announce today that through a re-allocation of resources, we will be enlisting and deploying 40 additional violent crime prosecutors across the United States."
“While all of us in law enforcement in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania have made substantial progress in reducing violent crime rates, many of our communities are still facing untenable levels of violent crime,” said United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. “We must continue to work together to keep our citizens safe, and adding additional resources to this effort will only enhance our commitment to public safety.”
More information on the locations of those 40 Assistant United States Attorneys and violent crime task forces is below:
AUSA Breakdown by District
Northern District of Alabama - 1
Eastern District of Arkansas - 1
Northern District of California - 2
Southern District of California - 1
District of Connecticut - 1
District of Columbia - 1
Central District of Illinois - 1
Northern District of Illinois - 3
Southern District of Indiana - 1
Eastern District of Louisiana - 1
District of Maryland - 3
Western District of Michigan - 1
Eastern District of Missouri - 2
Western District of Missouri - 1
District of Nevada - 2
District of New Mexico - 1
Eastern District of New York - 2
Western District of New York - 1
Northern District of Ohio - 2
Eastern District of Pennsylvania - 1
Middle District of Tennessee - 2
Western District of Tennessee - 2
Eastern District of Texas - 1
Northern District of Texas - 1
Southern District of Texas - 2
Western District of Texas - 1
Eastern District of Wisconsin - 2Attorney General Jeff Sessions Elects Eastern District of Arkansas to Receive New United States Attorney Position to Combat Violent CrimeRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Attorney General Jeff Sessions has selected the Eastern District of Arkansas to receive additional resources for the fight against violent crime. The district will receive an additional Assistant U.S. Attorney to focus exclusively on violent crime, one of 40 new federal prosecutors in 27 selected locations throughout the United States.
“Led by our 94 United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) task forces are hitting the streets across America to apprehend and bring violent criminals to justice,” Attorney General Sessions said. “I have asked Congress for additional PSN funding next year because I believe nothing will be more effective at reducing violent crime. Under this program, I am asking a great deal of our United States Attorneys. I am both empowering them and holding them accountable for results. To put them in the best position to impact and reduce violent crime, it is my privilege to announce that through a re-allocation of resources, we will be enlisting and deploying 40 additional violent crime prosecutors across the United States.”
Cody Hiland, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas (EDAR), has made combatting violent crime, particularly gang and gun crimes, a top priority since being sworn into office in October 2017. Hiland will announce new initiatives and programs intended to address the acute violent crime problems facing the EDAR, particularly Little Rock. The addition of a violent crime AUSA will aid in this effort.
“The Attorney General has made curbing violent crime a focal point of his administration, and I am pleased that he has awarded this needed position to our office,” Hiland said. “Violent crime, especially gun crimes, continues to be a plague on our communities. In the coming weeks I will be announcing measures to ensure that people who commit these crimes will be prosecuted with the full force of federal law. We will continue to team with both federal and local law enforcement partners and use all available resources and strategies to keep the law-abiding citizens of the Eastern District of Arkansas safe.”
The EDAR continues to be an active participant in the PSN program, and remains committed to the program’s collaborative and targeted approach to reducing violent crime. The PSN program identifies the most violent locations in a district and the individuals who drive the gun and gang violence. PSN partners then develop and bring cases against those who commit violent crimes. Hiland intends to raise the level of federal involvement in cases involving PSN criminals, including bringing in additional resources to permit an increased number of federal firearm prosecutions.
In addition, through 2018, Little Rock and West Memphis remain a part of the Public Safety Partnership (PSP). PSP is a Department of Justice program designed to enhance support of state and local law enforcement officers and prosecutors in the investigation, prosecution, and deterrence of violent crime, especially crime related to gun violence, gangs, and drug trafficking. PSP builds on lessons learned from a pilot concept known as the Violence Reduction Network and enables cities to consult with and receive coordinated training, technical assistance, and an array of resources from DOJ to enhance local violence reduction strategies.
The Eastern District of Arkansas’ participation in the PSN and PSP programs, which have shared goals of reducing violent crime through collaboration with local and federal law enforcement partners, will enhance the office’s ability to reduce violent crime. The new federal prosecutor in the EDAR will work to further the goals of the PSN and PSP programs.
“Prosecuting those who commit violent crimes will be a priority for this office, and we will use whatever tools we have at our disposal to meet this priority,” Hiland said. “The people and communities we serve deserve nothing less.”
New AUSA Positions Breakdown by District
Northern District of Alabama - 1
Eastern District of Arkansas - 1
Northern District of California - 2
Southern District of California - 1
District of Connecticut - 1
District of Columbia - 1
Central District of Illinois - 1
Northern District of Illinois - 3
Southern District of Indiana - 1
Eastern District of Louisiana - 1
District of Maryland - 3
Western District of Michigan - 1
Eastern District of Missouri - 2
Western District of Missouri - 1
District of Nevada - 2
District of New Mexico - 1
Eastern District of New York - 2
Western District of New York - 1
Northern District of Ohio - 2
Eastern District of Pennsylvania - 1
Middle District of Tennessee - 2
Western District of Tennessee - 2
Eastern District of Texas - 1
Northern District of Texas - 1
Southern District of Texas - 2
Western District of Texas - 1
Eastern District of Wisconsin - 2
# # #Attorney General Jeff Sessions Appoints Gretchen Shappert as Interim United States AttorneyRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI -- Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced the appointment of Gretchen C.F. Shappert as Interim United States Attorney pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 546, which provides that "the Attorney General may appoint a United States Attorney for the district in which the office of United States Attorney is vacant." This appointment will take effect on January 5, 2018.
"Gretchen Shappert has served this Department well for more than 25 years," said Attorney General Sessions. "For five of those years, she led federal prosecutions in Western North Carolina as United States Attorney. I am confident that, with this extensive experience, she will be an excellent leader as Interim U.S. Attorney for the Virgin Islands."
Gretchen C.F. Shappert has served as the Assistant Director for the Indian, Violent and Cyber Crime Staff in the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA), since 2010. Prior to joining EOUSA, Ms. Shappert served as the United States Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina from 2004-2009 and as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) from 1990-2004. As the United States Attorney and as an AUSA, Ms. Shappert prosecuted a wide range of criminal defendants including outlaw motorcycle gangs and violent drug organizations. Ms. Shappert also served as an Assistant District Attorney, an Assistant Public Defender, and in private practice prior to her federal service. She received her B.A. from Duke University in 1977 and her J.D. from Washington & Lee University School of Law in 1980.
Attorney General Sessions thanked Joycelyn Hewlett for stepping up to lead the office as Acting United States Attorney. Hewlett will now resume her role as First Assistant United States Attorney.
Arrest Made in Drug and Firearm Charges in and Around Harnett CountyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announces the arrest yesterday of one defendant pursuant to a federal indictment for drug and firearms charges.
A 12-count indictment was returned by a federal grand jury on December 12, 2017. The indictment charges JOHN ANDREW PIPKIN, aka “Puppy,” 58, of Erwin, NC with conspiracy to distribute cocaine base (crack), various drug offenses, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
The charges and allegations contained in the Indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) and the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney Lawrence J. Cameron is prosecuting the case for the government.
Armed Heroin Dealer Sentenced to 262 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Darren Shawn Smith, age 49, of Athens, Georgia, was sentenced to 262 months imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute heroin and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking by United States District Court Judge C. Ashley Royal in Athens, Georgia on January 4, 2018.
In his plea agreement, Mr. Smith admitted that on November 18, 2016, officers from the Athens-Clarke County Police Department executed a search warrant on his home in Athens, Georgia. As officers took Mr. Smith into custody, they found he was in possession of a loaded .380 caliber pistol and a quantity of heroin. Additional heroin was found in Mr. Smith’s residence, along with indications of drug distribution. Mr. Smith has a lengthy criminal history, including previous state felony convictions for Armed Robbery, Aggravated Assault with Intent to Rob, Robbery by Intimidation, Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Burglary, Criminal Attempt to Commit Burglary, and Theft by Receiving Stolen Property.
“Darren Shawn Smith is the exact type of dangerous career criminal who should not be walking our streets armed with a firearm, yet that weapon is no deadlier than the drugs he possessed to sell in our community. In this time when firearms violence and opioid addiction are so rampant, the United States Attorney’s Office shall prosecute all such offenders to the fullest extent of the law,” said United States Attorney Peeler.
Mr. Smith’s co-defendant Stacey Stewart was sentenced by Judge Royal on October 19, 2017 to 18 months in federal prison for Unlawful Use of a Communications Facility.
The case was investigated by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Peter D. Leary prosecuted the case for the Government.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Albany Woman Sentenced to 37 Months for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Bobbi A. Constantine, formerly known as Robert Bove, age 48, of Albany, was sentenced today to 37 months in prison, and 3 years of supervised release, following her November 2017 guilty plea to wire fraud.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Acting Inspector in Charge Raymond Moss, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Boston Division.
United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also ordered Constantine to pay restitution of $72,589.96 and forfeit $43,640.72.
From October 2014 through July 2016, Constantine, then known as Robert Bove, obtained mortgages and automobile lease financing from lenders under the false pretense that she was the beneficiary of a trust containing more than $12 million of the assets of a fictitious, deceased aunt.
Constantine used fictitious trust documents, which bore a forged notary seal, to dupe an attorney into generating a letter stating that that she was the beneficiary of a trust generating annual income of more than $50,000. Constantine also impersonated a fictitious administrative trustee for the trust. On the basis of the fraudulent trust documents and the attorney’s letter, Constantine obtained lease financing for a new Toyota RAV4 and a new Jeep Renegade, and obtained mortgages for her purchase of a $200,000 home in Albany and a $131,000 condominium in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
In August 2017, Constantine was sentenced in another federal criminal case, for making false statements in connection with her May 2016 application for employment with the United States Postal Service in Troy, New York. Constantine, who has more than 20 prior convictions including convictions for fraud, falsely stated in her employment application that she had never been convicted of a crime.
Constantine has been in federal custody since September 13, 2016. She received a sentence of time served on the false statements conviction.
This case was investigated by the USPIS, the New York State Police, the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, and the Bethlehem Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Coffman.
Additional Police Officer Indicted on Federal Bribery ChargeRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Police Officer Mark Taylor of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department has been added as a defendant in the criminal case against former officers Marlon Caldwell and Cauncenet Brown. Caldwell, Taylor, and Brown are all charged in connection with a scheme to disclose un-redacted accident reports to Dr. Mitchell Davis, a local chiropractor who has pleaded guilty to making false statements and criminal conspiracy.
On January 3, 2018, a Federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment against Caldwell, Brown, and Taylor. All three defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bribery in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371. Caldwell and Taylor are also charged with one count of bribery in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 666. Conspiracy carries a penalty of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Bribery carries a penalty of up to ten years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.
As is always the case, the charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorneys Dorothy McMurtry and Reginald Harris are handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
55th Defendant Sentenced on Charges Arising Out of ATF-Led Operation Targeting Drug Trafficking and Firearms Crime in Bernalillo CountyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – In Aug. 2016, a multi-agency investigation led by the ATF concluded with the filing of 59 federal indictments and a federal criminal complaint charging 103 Bernalillo County residents with federal firearms and narcotics trafficking offenses. To date, 84 of these defendants have been convicted, including 83 who have entered guilty pleas, and 55 of them have been sentenced.
The investigation was undertaken in support of a federal anti-violence initiative that targets “the worst of the worst” offenders for federal prosecution. Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies collaborate with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders for federal prosecution primarily based on their prior criminal convictions with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible.
Yesterday, Albuquerque resident Jennifer Padilla, 39, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for her conviction on a methamphetamine trafficking charge. Padilla will be on supervised release for three years after completing her prison sentence.
Padilla’s co-defendant, Felix Ulibarri, 39, was indicted on July 28, 2016, and was charged with distributing methamphetamine on July 11, 2016. The indictment was superseded on Aug. 9, 2016, to add Padilla, Leo Lopez, 29, and Joseph Sena, 40, as defendants. The superseding indictment included two conspiracy charges; one charging Ulibarri and Padilla with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine in July 2016, and the other charging Padilla, Lopez and Sena with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine in July 2016. It also charged Ulibarri with distributing methamphetamine on July 11, 2016, and Sena with distributing methamphetamine on July 26, 2016. On Sept. 22, 2017, Padilla pled guilty to a felony information charging her with conspiracy, and admitted facilitating a drug deal by introducing a buyer to Ulibarri, who supplied the methamphetamine. Her three co-defendants previously entered guilty pleas, and Lopez was sentenced on June 19, 2017 to 60 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release.
Sixteen of the defendants charged as the result of the ATF investigation have entered not guilty pleas. Charges in indictments are merely accusations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty in a court of law. Two defendants are fugitives and the charges against two defendants have been dismissed.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of ATF and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Han.
3 January 2018
Wellington, Nevada Man Sentenced to over 12 Years in Prison for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A Wellington, Nevada resident was sentenced today to 151 months in prison for distribution of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steve W. Myhre for the District of Nevada.
Daniel O’Brien, 27, pleaded guilty on Sept. 14, 2017, to one count of distribution of child pornography. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Howard D. McKibben sentenced O’Brien to lifetime supervised release to follow his term of imprisonment.
According to the plea agreement, O’Brien admitted that he used his cell phone to send images and videos over the Internet of children engaged in sexually explicit acts. On Nov. 17, 2016, during the execution of search warrant of O’Brien’s residence, law enforcement found 172 images and 30 videos depicting child pornography on his cell phone and computer.
The case was investigated by the Northern Nevada Child Exploitation Task Force, which is comprised of members of the FBI, the Reno Police Department, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, and the Nevada Attorney General’s Office. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office also assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon M. Bryant prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals, federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood and for information about internet safety education, visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
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Warrensville Heights couple charged with embezzling nearly $200,000 from now-closed Cleveland credit unionRead the Press Release
A Warrensville Heights couple were charged in federal court with embezzling nearly $200,000 from a now-closed Cleveland credit union where once worked, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.
Gwendolyn Dubose, 64, and Kolade Awoyade, 48, were charged with one count each of embezzlement and making false entries in credit union reports and records. They are accused of embezzling approximately $191,978 from Greater Abyssinia Federal Credit Union (GAFCU) between 2012 and 2015.
According to a two-count criminal information:
Dubose served as manager and treasurer at GAFCU while Awoyade worked as head teller. Together they caused the credit union to make false and fraudulent deposits and transfers totaling approximately $191,978 into nine bank accounts they controlled, according to the information.
GAFCU attempted to merge with another credit union in November 2015. That resulted in the identification of numerous unaccounted-for transactions and an overstatement of GAFCU’s assets. The couple was placed on administrative leave, the merger did not take place and GAFCU was closed by the National Credit Union Administration, according to the information.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carmen Henderson following an investigation by the FBI.
An information is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Upshur County woman admits to her role in a methamphetamine distribution operationRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A Buckhannon, West Virginia woman has admitted today to distributing methamphetamines, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Elizabeth Ellen Golden, also known as Liz, age 43, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Golden admitted to conspiring with others to distribute methamphetamine in Upshur County from March 2016 to September 2017.
Golden faces up to 10 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 case 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.
United States Attorney Charles E. Peeler Investiture to Be HeldRead the Press Release
The investiture for United States Attorney Charles E. “Charlie” Peeler will be held on Friday, January 5, 2018 at 3:00 pm in the C.B. King United States Courthouse located at 201 W. Broad Avenue in Albany, Georgia.
Mr. Peeler was nominated by President Donald Trump on August 3, 2017 and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on November 9, 2017. He took the oath of office from Chief United District Court Judge Clay D. Land on November 22, 2017.
As U.S. Attorney, Mr. Peeler is the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the Middle District of Georgia, which includes Albany, Athens, Columbus, Macon and Valdosta. He oversees a staff of 74 employees, including 28 attorneys and 46 non-attorney support personnel. The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including crimes related to terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, firearms, and narcotics. The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.
Mr. Peeler, of Albany, Georgia, received his J.D cum laude in 1999 from The University of Georgia School of Law and his B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 1995 also from The University of Georgia. He is a member of the Georgia Bar Association.
Over the last 17 years Mr. Peeler has built a diverse trial practice. Mr. Peeler worked in Atlanta for King & Spalding prior to moving to Albany and founding a litigation boutique firm. Mr. Peeler has argued cases before the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, Georgia Court of Appeals and the Georgia Supreme Court. Mr. Peeler has obtained multi-million dollar jury verdicts on behalf of plaintiffs and defense verdicts on behalf of defendants. Mr. Peeler has tried to verdict business disputes, civil rights matters, criminal matters, employment matters and intellectual property matters. Mr. Peeler was appointed by District Court Judges in the Middle District of Georgia to serve on the Local Rules Advisory Committee and the Planning Committee for the 2016 11th Circuit Judicial Conference. Mr. Peeler was appointed by Georgia Governors Sonny Perdue and Nathan Deal to serve on the State Judicial Nominating Commission.
Media representatives are invited to attend the event. Bring your press credentials, including a picture I.D., and be prepared to go through security. You will want to arrive early. Cameras will be allowed in the courtroom.
Please direct any questions to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, at 478-621-2603 or [email protected].
Two Charged with Violating Federal Drug and Gun LawsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Two Allegheny County residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh and charged with violations of the federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The three-count indictment named Devon Robinson, age 29, and James Kadish, age 27, as defendants.
According to the indictment, on or about December 3, 2017, Robinson & Kadish possessed with the intent to distribute and distributed a quantity of fentanyl. Additionally, on or about December 4, 2017, Robinson is charged with possession with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Federal law prohibits a convicted felon from possessing a firearm.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both for the drug charges. For the firearms charge, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses, and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the West Mifflin Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Turkish Banker Convicted of Conspiring to Evade U.S. Sanctions Against Iran and Other OffensesRead the Press Release
Mehmet Hakan Atilla was found guilty today of conspiring with others, including Reza Zarrab, aka Riza Sarraf, who previously pleaded guilty to evading U.S. sanctions among other offenses, to use the U.S. financial system to conduct transactions on behalf of the Government of Iran and other Iranian entities, which were barred by U.S. sanctions, and to defraud U.S. financial institutions by concealing these transactions’ true nature.
Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Dana J. Boente and Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim for the Southern District of New York made the announcement. The jury convicted Atilla of five charges in the controlling indictment following a four-week trial before U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman.
“For years, Mehmet Hakan Atilla conspired to use the American financial system to conduct millions of dollars’ worth of illegal transactions on behalf of the Government of Iran,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Boente. “He used his high rank at a Turkish bank to disguise the transactions as humanitarian food payments and deceive American officials, but now, after receiving due process of law, he has been held accountable in court, by an impartial jury. This successful prosecution is another example of our resolve to pursue and bring to justice those who violate our sanctions and other laws that protect our national security.”
“Today, after a full, fair, and open trial, a unanimous jury convicted Hakan Atilla, a senior banker at Halk Bank,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kim. “Along with the prior guilty plea of Reza Zarrab, two men at the heart of this massive and brazen scheme that blew a billion-dollar hole in the Iran sanctions regime now stand convicted of serious federal crimes. Foreign banks and bankers have a choice: You can choose willfully to help Iran and other sanctioned nations evade U.S. law, or you can choose to be part of the international banking community transacting in U.S. dollars. But you can’t do both. If you lie repeatedly to U.S. Treasury officials and fabricate documents – all as part of a secret scheme to smuggle billions of dollars in Iranian oil money past the U.S. sanctions net – as Atilla did, then you should be prepared for the consequences. The consequence of Atilla’s choice is now a felony conviction in an American court of law.”
According to the evidence introduced at trial, other proceedings in this case, and documents previously filed in Manhattan federal court:
Beginning in or about 1979, the President, pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), has repeatedly found that the actions and policies of the government of Iran constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States and declared a national emergency to deal with the threat. In accordance with these presidential declarations, the United States has instituted a host of economic sanctions against Iran and Iranian entities. This sanctions regime prohibits, among other things, financial transactions involving the United States or United States persons that were intended for the Government of Iran or Iranian entities.
Atilla, Zarrab and others used deceptive measures to provide access to international financial networks, including U.S. financial institutions, to the Government of Iran, Iranian entities and entities identified by the Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control as Specially Designated Nationals (SDNs). They did so by, among other things, using the Turkish bank at which Atilla acted as Deputy General Manager of International Banking (Turkish Bank-1) to engage in transactions that violated U.S. sanctions against Iran. In particular, they took steps to protect and hide Zarrab’s supply of currency and gold to the Government of Iran, Iranian entities, and SDNs using Turkish Bank-1, and in doing so, shielded Turkish Bank-1 from U.S. sanctions. Atilla, Zarrab, and others conspired to create and use false and fraudulent documents to disguise prohibited transactions for Iran and make those transactions falsely appear as transactions involving food, thus falling within humanitarian exceptions to the sanctions regime. As a result of this scheme, the co-conspirators induced U.S. banks to unknowingly process international financial transactions in violation of the IEEPA.
* * *
Mehmet Hakan Atilla, 47, is a resident and citizen of Turkey. Atilla was convicted of conspiracies to defraud the United States, to violate the IEEPA, to commit bank fraud and to commit money laundering, as well as a substantive count of bank fraud. The conspiracy to defraud the United States count carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. The conspiracy to violate the IEEPA and money laundering conspiracy counts each carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. The bank fraud counts each carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years. The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. Atilla is scheduled to be sentenced on April 11, before Judge Berman.
Zarrab, 34, also a resident and citizen of Turkey, pleaded guilty Oct. 26, 2017, to one count of conspiring to defraud the United States, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; one count of conspiracy to violate the IEEPA, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of bank fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison; one count of conspiring to commit bank fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison; one count of money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of conspiring to bribe a U.S. public official and possessing contraband in a federal detention center, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Zarrab’s sentencing date has not been scheduled.
Mr. Boente and Mr. Kim praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and its New York Field Office, Counterintelligence Division.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Lockard, Sidhardha Kamaraju and David W. Denton, Jr., and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Dean Sovolos of the Southern District of New York are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Deputy Chief Elizabeth Cannon and Trial Attorney David Recker of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Turkish Banker Convicted of Conspiring to Evade U.S. Sanctions Against Iran and Other OffensesRead the Press Release
Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Dana J. Boente, Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security, announced that MEHMET HAKAN ATILLA was found guilty today of conspiring with others, including Reza Zarrab, a/k/a “Riza Sarraf,” who previously pled guilty to evading U.S. sanctions among other offenses, to use the U.S. financial system to conduct transactions on behalf of the Government of Iran and other Iranian entities, which were barred by U.S. sanctions, and to defraud U.S. financial institutions by concealing these transactions’ true nature. The jury convicted ATILLA on five of six charges in the controlling indictment following a four-week trial before U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim stated: “Today, after a full, fair, and open trial, a unanimous jury convicted Hakan Atilla, a senior banker at Halk Bank. Along with the prior guilty plea of Reza Zarrab, two men at the heart of this massive and brazen scheme that blew a billion-dollar hole in the Iran sanctions regime now stand convicted of serious federal crimes. Foreign banks and bankers have a choice: You can choose willfully to help Iran and other sanctioned nations evade U.S. law, or you can choose to be part of the international banking community transacting in U.S. dollars. But you can’t do both. If you lie repeatedly to U.S. Treasury officials and fabricate documents – all as part of a secret scheme to smuggle billions of dollars in Iranian oil money past the U.S. sanctions net – as Atilla did, then you should be prepared for the consequences. The consequence of Atilla’s choice is now a felony conviction in an American court of law.”
Acting Assistant Attorney General Dana J. Boente stated: “For years, Mehmet Hakan Atilla conspired to use the American financial system to conduct millions of dollars’ worth of illegal transactions on behalf of the Government of Iran. He used his high rank at a Turkish bank to disguise the transactions as humanitarian food payments and deceive American officials, but now, after receiving due process of law, he has been held accountable in court, by an impartial jury. This successful prosecution is another example of our resolve to pursue and bring to justice those who violate our sanctions and other laws that protect our national security.”
According to the evidence introduced at trial, other proceedings in this case, and documents previously filed in Manhattan federal court:
Beginning in or about 1979, the President, pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (the IEEPA), has repeatedly found that the actions and policies of the government of Iran constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States and declared a national emergency to deal with the threat. In accordance with these presidential declarations, the United States has instituted a host of economic sanctions against Iran and Iranian entities. This sanctions regime prohibits, among other things, financial transactions involving the United States or United States persons that were intended for the Government of Iran or Iranian entities.
Specifically, ATILLA, Zarrab, and others used deceptive measures to provide access to international financial networks, including U.S. financial institutions, to the Government of Iran, Iranian entities, and entities identified by the Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control as Specially Designated Nationals (“SDNs“). They did so by, among other things, using Halk Bank, at which ATILLA acted as Deputy General Manager of International Banking, to engage in transactions that violated U.S. sanctions against Iran. In particular, they took steps to protect and hide Zarrab’s supply of currency and gold to the Government of Iran, Iranian entities, and SDNs using Halk Bank, and in doing so, shielded the bank from U.S. sanctions. ATILLA, Zarrab, and others conspired to create and use false and fraudulent documents to disguise prohibited transactions for Iran and make those transactions falsely appear as transactions involving food, thus falling within humanitarian exceptions to the sanctions regime. As a result of this scheme, the co-conspirators induced U.S. banks to unknowingly process international financial transactions in violation of the IEEPA.
* * *
Mehmet Hakan Atilla, 47, is a resident and citizen of Turkey. Atilla was convicted of conspiracies to defraud the United States, to violate the IEEPA, to commit bank fraud and to commit money laundering, as well as a substantive count of bank fraud. The conspiracy to defraud the United States count carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. The conspiracy to violate the IEEPA and money laundering conspiracy counts each carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. The bank fraud counts each carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years. The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. ATILLA is scheduled to be sentenced on April 11, 2018, before Judge Berman.
Zarrab, 34, also a resident and citizen of Turkey, pled guilty October 26, 2017, to one count of conspiring to defraud the United States, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; one count of conspiracy to violate the IEEPA, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of bank fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison; one count of conspiring to commit bank fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison; one count of money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of conspiring to bribe a U.S. public official and possessing contraband in a federal detention center, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Zarrab’s sentencing date has not been scheduled.
Mr. Kim and Mr. Boente praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and its New York Field Office, Counterintelligence Division.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Lockard, Sidhardha Kamaraju and David W. Denton, Jr., and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Dean Sovolos of the Southern District of New York are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Deputy Chief Elizabeth Cannon and Trial Attorney David Recker of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Thibodaux Woman Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud While Holding Power of Attorney for Terminally Ill Mother and Theft of Government Check from Disabled SisterRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JILL ANDRAS LEBLANC, a/k/a JILL FREMIN, age 41, of Thibodaux, pled guilty today one count of wire fraud and one count of theft of government funds.
According to court documents, LEBLANC was charged by a Superseding Bill of Information on December 19, 2017. LEBLANC stole several hundred thousand dollars from her mother's retirement account. More specifically, the defendant was appointed power of attorney on October 29, 2008 for her mother who was terminally ill with cancer. The defendant's father, an oil field worker, had accumulated a substantial individual retirement account (IRA) during his working life. He passed away several years prior to 2011. This investment account was managed by a national brokerage house whose home offices are in Minneapolis, Minnesota. During the defendant's administration of her mother's account, she stole approximately $369,701 from the account and spent it on personal, frivolous items.
In addition to the wire fraud, LEBLANC also pled guilty to theft of a Social Security disability check in the amount of $13,500 meant for her disabled sister.
LEBLANC faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment on the wire fraud count, and/or a fine of $250,000, and up to three 3 years of supervised release. On the theft of government property, LEBLANC faces 10 years imprisonment. LEBLANC will be ordered to pay restitution. U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt set sentencing for April 11, 2018.
Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation and the Louisiana State Inspector General in investigating this matter and thanked the Lafourche Parish District Attorney’s Office for their assistance. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K. D. Guice, Jr. of the Fraud Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Texas Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Hate CrimeRead the Press Release
Nigel Garrett, 21, was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for assaulting a man because of the victim’s sexual orientation, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of Texas, and U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ Dallas Division announced.
According to the plea agreement, Garrett admitted that he, Anthony Shelton, and Chancler Encalade used Grindr, a social media dating platform for gay men, to arrange to meet the victim at the victim’s home. Upon entering the victim’s home, the defendants restrained the victim with tape, physically assaulted the victim, and made derogatory statements to the victim for being gay. The defendants brandished a firearm during the home invasion, and they stole the victim’s property, including his motor vehicle.
A federal grand jury previously had returned an eighteen-count superseding indictment, against Garrett, Shelton, Encalade and Cameron Ajiduah, that included charges for hate crimes, kidnappings, carjackings, and the use of firearms to commit violent crimes. The indictment also charged the defendants with conspiring to cause bodily injury because of the victims’ sexual orientation during four home invasions in Plano, Frisco, and Aubrey, Texas, from January 17 to February 7, 2017. Anthony Shelton, Chancler Encalade, and Cameron Ajiduah subsequently pleaded guilty to hate crime charges from this indictment, and all three await sentencing.
“Hate crimes are an attack on a fundamental principle of the United States to be free from fear of violence because of your sexual orientation, gender identity, race, color, religion, or national origin,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice is committed to using every tool at its disposal to combat this type of violence.”
“Violence, in any form, is an affront to the American principles of freedom and safety that our communities are entitled to,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston. “The Department of Justice has made prosecution of violent crime a priority. The Eastern District of Texas, in prosecuting this case and others like it, intends to demonstrate that this priority is something more than just a slogan.”
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Plano Police Department, and the Frisco Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Batson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas and Trial Attorney Saeed Mody of the Civil Rights Division.
Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Transport 28 Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that KEVIN DECUIR, age 23, of Brownsville, Texas, pled guilty today to conspiring to distribute and to possesses with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride.
According to court documents, DECUIR, along with co-defendants ROEL RANGEL and VICTOR ESQUIVEL, conspired to distribute over 28 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride.
RANGEL and ESQUIVEL each previously pled guilty to the same charges. They are scheduled to be sentenced on February 28, 2018, and March 28, 2018, respectively.
DECUIR faces a sentence of imprisonment of at least ten years and up to life. U.S. District Court Judge Ivan L. R. Lemelle will sentence DECUIR on April 11, 2018.
Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Department of Homeland Security and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas D. Moses is in charge of the prosecution.
Statement of Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim on the Conviction of Hakan AtillaRead the Press Release
“Today, after a full, fair, and open trial, a unanimous jury convicted Hakan Atilla, a senior banker at Halk Bank. Along with the prior guilty plea of Reza Zarrab, two men at the heart of this massive and brazen scheme that blew a billion-dollar hole in the Iran sanctions regime now stand convicted of serious federal crimes. Foreign banks and bankers have a choice: You can choose willfully to help Iran and other sanctioned nations evade U.S. law, or you can choose to be part of the international banking community transacting in U.S. dollars. But you can’t do both. If you lie repeatedly to U.S. Treasury officials and fabricate documents – all as part of a secret scheme to smuggle billions of dollars in Iranian oil money past the U.S. sanctions net – as Atilla did, then you should be prepared for the consequences. The consequence of Atilla’s choice is now a felony conviction in an American court of law.”
State Corrections Officer Sentenced for Smuggling Drugs and Cell Phones into the J.T. Vaughn Correctional CenterRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Paul Hursey, age 49, of Dover, Delaware, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Leonard P. Stark to 30 months incarceration. Hursey previously had pled guilty to conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right.
According to statements made at sentencing and in documents filed in court, Hursey served as a Corrections Officer (“CO”) at the J.T. Vaughn Correctional Center (“JTVCC”) from 2013 through 2015. CO Hursey smuggled drugs, including heroin, and 30 cell phones to 11 different inmates in return for money. Hursey did so knowing those inmates were using the smuggled cell phones to orchestrate the smuggling of drugs and more phones into JTVCC.
Following the sentencing, Acting U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “The defendant was charged with keeping JTVCC safe. Instead, he committed an abuse of trust that made the prison manifestly less safe - where his charge was to protect the inmates and his colleagues, the defendant’s prison smuggling endangered them. My office is committed to investigating and prosecuting corrupt prison employees. Today’s sentence should serve as a deterrent for correction officers who would smuggle contraband into a prison.”
"Few things threaten our society more than public servants who betray their oath for personal gain," said Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the FBI's Baltimore Division. "The FBI in Delaware, along with our state and federal partners, are sending a strong message today that we will not tolerate corruption in the prison system which tarnishes the good work of the dedicated and committed correctional employees."
This matter resulted from a joint investigation conducted by the FBI and the Delaware Department of Correction. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edmond Falgowski.