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3 January 2018
Attorney General Jeff Sessions Appoints Gregory G. Brooker as Interim United States AttorneyRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced the appointment of Gregory G. Brooker as Interim United States Attorney pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 546, which provides that “the Attorney General may appoint a United States Attorney for the district in which the office of United States Attorney is vacant.” This appointment will take effect on January 5, 2018.
“For the past 18 years, Gregory Brooker has ably represented the people of Minnesota as a leader in the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said Attorney General Sessions. “He has invaluable experience both in private practice and as a federal prosecutor. He has put fraudsters and other criminals behind bars. I am confident that he will make an excellent Interim U.S. Attorney for Minnesota, and I am pleased to appoint him today.”
Mr. Brooker joined the United States Attorney’s Office in 1999 as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. From 2007-2014, he served as Chief of the Civil Division and in February 2014, he was appointed to the position of First Assistant U.S. Attorney. Mr. Brooker has served as Acting U.S. Attorney since March 11, 2017. Prior to joining the Office, Mr. Brooker spent five years with the Minneapolis law firm of Popham, Haik, Schnobrich, Kaufman and Doty, handing a wide variety of commercial litigation cases.
Mr. Brooker is a Minnesota native who attended Rush City High School in Rush City, Minn., and received his law degree in 1985 from the University of Minnesota Law School. More information about Mr. Brooker’s biography is available at www.justice.gov/usao-mn/
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Attorney General Jeff Sessions Appoints Grant C. Jaquith as Interim United States AttorneyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced the appointment of Grant C. Jaquith as Interim United States Attorney pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 546, which provides that “the Attorney General may appoint a United States Attorney for the district in which the office of United States Attorney is vacant.” This appointment will take effect on January 5, 2018.
“Grant Jaquith has dedicated most of his career to public service as a federal prosecutor and a member of the military,” said Attorney General Sessions. “He has earned not only the rank of Colonel, but a well-deserved reputation for determination and toughness as an attorney. Over the last 28 years, he has prosecuted drug dealers, cop killers, and violent criminals. That work has had a major impact on the community. With Grant as Interim United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York, I believe that New Yorkers are in good hands.”
Mr. Jaquith is currently the Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York. He has worked in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York since 1989, serving as First Assistant United States Attorney (2010-2017), Chief of the Criminal Division (2006-2010), and Narcotics Chief and Chief of the Albany Office (1998-2006).
Attorney General Jeff Sessions Appoints Geoffrey S. Berman as Interim United States AttorneyRead the Press Release
Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced the appointment of Geoffrey S. Berman as Interim United States Attorney pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 546, which provides that “the Attorney General may appoint a United States Attorney for the district in which the office of United States Attorney is vacant.” This appointment will take effect on January 5, 2018.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions said: “Geoffrey Berman brings three decades of invaluable experience to the role of Interim United States Attorney. He was part of the prosecution team charged with investigating the Iran-Contra matter and served as a federal prosecutor in the Southern District of New York. As Interim U.S. Attorney for this same district, he will lead an incredible team of attorneys and investigators and help provide New Yorkers with safety, security, and peace of mind. I am pleased to appoint him to this important role.”
Biographical information for Interim U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman:
- Mr. Berman is currently a principal shareholder in the New York and New Jersey offices of Greenberg Traurig.
- From 1990 to 1994, Mr. Berman was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York, where he handled complex criminal prosecutions, including tax, securities and computer hacking violations.
- Prior to that Mr. Berman was an Associate Counsel in the Office of Independent Counsel Iran-Contra, where he successfully prosecuted a former CIA employee for tax fraud.
- Mr. Berman clerked for Judge Leonard Garth of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
- Mr. Berman received his B.A., magna cum laude, from University of Pennsylvania and his B.A., beta gamma sigma, from the Wharton School. Mr. Berman received his J.D. from Stanford Law School, where he was Note Editor of the Stanford Law Review.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions Appoints Duane A. Evans as Interim United States AttorneyRead the Press Release
Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced the appointment of Duane A. Evans as Interim United States Attorney pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 546, which provides that “the Attorney General may appoint a United States Attorney for the district in which the office of United States Attorney is vacant.” This appointment will take effect on January 5, 2018.
“For nearly two decades as a prosecutor, Duane Evans has worked tirelessly to take on public corruption, drug trafficking, and racketeering,” said Attorney General Sessions. “I am grateful to him for his service and I am confident that he will continue to deliver results as Interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana.”
“Thanks to Attorney General Sessions and the Department of Justice for their continued trust and support,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Evans. “I also would like to thank the employees of this office, both past and present, and our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners for their tireless work for the citizens of the Eastern District of Louisiana.”
Duane A. Evans became Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana on March 11, 2017. Since November 2015, Mr. Evans served as the First Assistant United States Attorney and assisted with management of the daily operations of the office. Prior to becoming First Assistant, Mr. Evans served as a Senior Litigation Counsel and later, Chief of the Criminal Division. Mr. Evans first joined the United States Attorney’s Office in August 2000. His first assignment was to the Violent Crimes Unit where he later became the Unit’s Chief. In 2010, he became Chief of the Strike Force and Anti-Gang Unit. During his time at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mr. Evans successfully prosecuted matters related to firearms, public corruption, violent crime, illegal narcotics trafficking, access device fraud, government theft, and the Racketeer Influenced and Corruption Organization Act (RICO).
Mr. Evans is a 2006 recipient of the Executive Office of U.S. Attorneys Director’s Award for Superior Performance by a Litigative Team.
Mr. Evans received his juris doctorate degree from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law in 1995 and received a B.S.E.E. from Tulane University School of Engineering in 1990. Mr. Evans clerked for Virgin Islands Superior Court Judge Ishmael A. Meyers (retired). He later served as an Assistant District Attorney for the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office from 1998 to 2000. He is a native of St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions Appoints Dayle Elieson as Interim United States AttorneyRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced the appointment of Dayle Elieson as Interim United States Attorney pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 546, which provides that “the Attorney General may appoint a United States Attorney for the district in which the office of United States Attorney is vacant.” This appointment will take effect on January 5, 2018.
“Dayle Elieson has served this Department for more than 15 years and has prosecuted criminals for more than 20 years,” said Attorney General Sessions. “At the federal level, she has successfully taken on fraudsters, money launderers, and terrorists. She is experienced, highly respected, and she will be an excellent leader as Interim U.S. Attorney for Nevada.”
Ms. Elieson has prosecuted cases at both the state and federal levels, having served as an Assistant District Attorney for Dallas County and Denton County, Texas, and as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas. Ms. Elieson received her J.D. from Brigham Young University J. Reuben Clark Law School and her B.A. in English from the University of Texas at Austin.
Upon the appointment of Ms. Elieson as Interim United States Attorney, Acting United States Attorney Steven W. Myhre will resume his role as First Assistant United States Attorney.
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Attorney General Jeff Sessions Appoints Craig Carpenito as Interim United States Attorney, District of New JerseyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced the appointment of Craig Carpenito as Interim United States Attorney pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 546, which provides that “the Attorney General may appoint a United States Attorney for the district in which the office of United States Attorney is vacant.” This appointment will take effect Jan. 5, 2018.
“Craig Carpenito has experience in private practice, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and as an Assistant United States Attorney,” Attorney General Sessions said. “He has successfully prosecuted white collar criminals and fraudsters, and as Interim United States Attorney for New Jersey, he will continue to put criminals out of business—and behind bars.”
Mr. Carpenito is currently a partner at Alston & Bird LLP, where he is a co-chair of the firm’s Litigation and Trial Practice Group and its Government and Internal Investigations Team. He served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey from 2005 to 2008.
Between August 2000 and September 2005, Mr. Carpenito was Senior Counsel in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Enforcement, New York Regional Office. He received his B.A. from Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, and his J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law in Newark.
Upon the appointment of Mr. Carpenito as Interim United States Attorney, Acting United States Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick will resume his role as First Assistant United States Attorney.
Attorney General Appoints Interim U.S. AttorneyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced the appointment of Timothy Garrison as Interim United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri.
“Timothy Garrison has served this country admirably as a Marine for 14 years and as a federal prosecutor for a decade,” said Attorney General Sessions. “He has gone after drug traffickers and gangs and he’s the kind of leader we need as Interim U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri. In this new role, he is well positioned to tackle violent crime and keep the people of Missouri safe.”
Garrison has served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the district’s Springfield office since 2007, prosecuting interstate and international drug trafficking, murder, money laundering, and other offenses.
Garrison is a lieutenant colonel in the Marine Corps Reserve. His military service has taken him to duty stations across the United States, as well as Iraq and Afghanistan. Before becoming a federal prosecutor, Garrison was a prosecutor in the Marine Corps, and received Army JAG School’s trial advocacy award.
Garrison is a recipient of the Missouri Bar Foundation award for appellate advocacy before the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. He received a B.S. from Drury University, and a M.P.A. and J.D. from the University of Missouri.
Atlantic County, New Jersey, Man Sentenced to 235 Months in Prison for His Role in Crack Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – An Atlantic County man was sentenced today to 235 months in prison for distribution and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine in the Atlantic County, New Jersey area, Acting U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick announced.
Tozine Tiller, 43, of Galloway, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Jerome B. Simandle in Camden federal court for his distribution and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine on June 11, 2013.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Tozine Tiller was responsible for distributing in excess of 840 grams of crack cocaine from February 2010 through Dec. 10, 2014. The conspiracy that Tiller participated in was extensive and involved the trafficking of cocaine, crack cocaine and heroin. Tiller and others used residences in Pleasantville and Absecon to store and package cocaine and crack cocaine.
Twelve individuals have been charged for their participation in this drug trafficking conspiracy and all but one of those charged have been convicted. One defendant remains a fugitive.
The following individuals have been sentenced:Francisco Rascon-Muracami –70 months in prison; John Wellman –130 months in prison; Ronald Douglas Byrd – 96 months in prison; Talib Tiller – 57 months in prison; Tejohn Cooper – 96 months in prison; and
Kabaka Atiba – 120 months in prison.The other defendants are awaiting sentencing.
Acting U.S. Attorney Fitzpatrick credited special agents of the FBI’s Newark Division, Atlantic City Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Timothy Gallagher; the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Newark Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Valerie Nickerson; the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner; and the Atlantic City Police Department, under the direction of Police Chief Henry White, with the investigation leading to these convictions.
He also thanked the N.J. State Police; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)-Homeland Security Investigation (HSI); U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and the Ventnor, Northfield and Millville police departments for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Diana Vondra Carrig of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.
Defense counsel: Gilbert Scutti Esq. Somerdale, New Jersey
Albuquerque Man Sentenced to Twenty Years for Bank Robbery Spree in August 2016Read the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Acting U.S. Attorney James D. Tierney, Special Agent in Charge Terry Wade of the FBI’s Albuquerque Division, and Chief of Police Michael Geier of the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) announced today that Christopher James Baum, 37, of Albuquerque, N.M., was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his conviction on federal bank robbery charges. Baum will be on supervised release for three years after completing his prison sentence.
Baum, whose criminal history included three prior bank robbery convictions, was prosecuted under a federal anti-violence initiative that targets “the worst of the worst” offenders for federal prosecution. Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies work with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders for federal prosecution primarily based on their prior criminal convictions with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible.
The FBI and APD arrested Baum in Aug. 2016, on a criminal complaint charging him with robbing four banks and attempting to rob a fifth bank in Bernalillo County, N.M. According to the complaint, Baum committed the bank robberies between Aug. 16, 2016 and Aug. 24, 2016, by entering Albuquerque-area banks and demanding money from bank tellers.
On Nov. 3, 2016, Baum pled guilty to a felony information charging him with six counts of bank robbery. In entering the guilty plea, Baum admitted the following criminal conduct:
- Robbing the Bank of the West branch located at 5901 Menaul Blvd. NE on Aug. 16, 2016;
- Robbing the Bank of the West branch located at 2101 Eubank Blvd. NE on Aug. 19, 2016;
- Attempting to rob the Bank of Albuquerque branch located at 4201 Wyoming Blvd. NE on Aug. 23, 2016;
- Robbing the Nusenda Credit Union branch located at 7517 Montgomery Blvd. NE on Aug. 23, 2016;
- Robbing the Wells Fargo Bank branch located at 4700 Tramway Blvd. NE on Aug. 24, 2016; and
- Robbing the Bank of the West branch located at 780 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE on Aug. 30, 2016.
Baum also admitted brandishing a pistol at a bank teller when he committed the Aug. 30, 2016 bank robbery.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the FBI and APD and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Spindle.
2 January 2018
Woman Sentenced to Prison for Trafficking Synthetic Cannabinoids on Menominee Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on December 27, 2017, Sheila Madosh (age: 53), a woman who was involved in the trafficking of synthetic cannabinoids on the Menominee Indian Reservation, received a sentence of 24 months in prison and 36 months of supervised release. The sentence was imposed by Chief United States District Judge William C. Griesbach, and followed a September 2017 guilty plea to a charge of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance Analogue in violation of Title 21, Untied States Code, Sections 841 and 813.
The investigation revealed that the defendant obtained and sold synthetic cannabinoids from her residence in Neopit, which is on the Menominee Indian Reservation. Abuse of synthetic cannabinoids on the Menominee Indian Reservation was a public health crisis during the same period of time, with numerous calls for medical service to assist users who had adverse reactions to synthetic drugs like those distributed by the defendant. Examples of symptoms suffered from those who abused the substances included seizures, extremely high blood pressure, high body temperature, catatonia, and disorientation.
In sentencing the defendant, Chief Judge Griesbach noted the serious nature of the offense, which involved the sale of a “poison” that caused great harm to the Menominee Indian community. Chief Judge Griesbach indicated his intent to deter the defendant and anyone else from preying on the weaknesses of others in the community. Chief Judge Griesbach further noted Madosh’s motive for selling synthetic cannabinoids, which originated not out of a desire to feed an addiction but instead to make a profit at the expense of the health of her fellow tribal members.
The case was investigated by the Menominee Tribal Police Department, the Wisconsin Department of Justice – Division of Criminal Investigation (Native American Drug and Gang Initiative), the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier.
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For Additional Information Contact:
Public Information Officer Elizabeth Makowski 414-297-1700
Waterbury Man Charged with Middlebury Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ZACHARY PROVOST, 32, of Waterbury, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with committing two armed robberies in Middlebury last month.
PROVOST has been detained since his arrest on state charges on December 9, 2017. He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joan G. Margolis in New Haven and was ordered detained.
As alleged in the criminal complaint, at approximately 10:00 a.m. on December 8, 2017, PROVOST robbed the Mobil gas station, located at 750 Straits Turnpike in Middlebury, and the Dunkin’ Donuts located inside the Mobil gas station. PROVOST first robbed the Mobil by pointing what appeared to be firearm at the cashier and ordering the cashier to give him the contents of the cash register. The cashier unlocked the cash register and PROVOST took approximately $578 in cash from the register. PROVOST also demanded and received cigarettes valued at approximately $131, from the cashier. PROVOST then walked to the Dunkin’ Donuts counter, displayed a handgun to the cashier and took approximately $350 in cash from the cash register.
It is further alleged that law enforcement identified PROVOST from surveillance images, and that PROVOST is also a suspect in multiple bank robberies.
On December 9, 2017, PROVOST was arrested by Waterbury Police officers after they responded to a call of an overdose of a woman at a motel in Waterbury. Officers were able to revive the overdose victim, who had been staying in the same room as PROVOST.
The complaint charges PROVOST with Hobbs Act Robbery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Waterbury Police Department and other state and local law enforcement agencies. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Washington, D.C. Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Phencyclidine (PCP) ConspiracyRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Greenbelt, Maryland – United States District Judge Paula Xinis has sentenced Glenn Wright, age 48, of Baltimore, Maryland, to eight years in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute phencyclidine (“PCP”).
The sentence was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning; Special Agent in Charge Andrew W. Vale of the FBI Washington Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the FBI Baltimore Field Office; Chief Henry P. Stawinski of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Sheriff Melvin C. High of the Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Office; and Chief Peter Newsham of the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department.
Wright was a member of a drug trafficking conspiracy, which, according to his plea agreement, operated in Maryland and Washington, D.C. Wright participated in the conspiracy by purchasing PCP from Alexander Patton and then transporting and distributing the PCP to others. Wright made multiple purchases of PCP from Patton during the course of the investigation. During the execution of a search warrant at his residence in December 2016, agents seized eight glass vials of an amber liquid that was later determined to be PCP. The weight of the mixture and substance containing PCP that was recovered from Wright’s residence was over 100 grams.
Other members of the conspiracy who have been sentenced include:
Alexander Patton, age 41, of Waldorf, Maryland, sentenced to 120 months in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release.
Reginald Duckett, age 49, of Washington, D.C., sentenced to 84 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
Jermaine Washington, age 44, of Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia, sentenced to 37 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning commended the FBI, the Prince George’s County Police Department, the Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Office and the Metropolitan Police Department. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph Baldwin and Gregory Bernstein, who are prosecuting the case.
Violent Crime Federal Prosecution UpdateRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – The United States Attorney’s Office will prosecute aggressively violent criminals and drug dealers. Federal prosecution is a powerful tool in the fight to reduce violent crime. Below is a list of defendants prosecuted federally in December:
Willie Curtis, 52, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Corey Felton, 46, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm, one felony count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and one felony count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Eric Jenkins, Shuqualak, MS, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Jermaine Lewis and Amin Suluki-Bey, was indicted by a federal grand jury to one felony count each to armed robbery, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and felon in possession of a firearm.
Jeffrey Meyer, 39, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Bryant Spraggins, 44, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Marlon Adams, 36, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Demarye Briggs, 20, St. Charles, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Lamar Brison, 31, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Cecil Cooper, 29, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
Jerome Hughes, 30, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Warren Johnson, 53, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of armed robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and felon in possession of a firearm.
Jerry Massey, 25, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; possession with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine base, marijuana and fentanyl; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Justin Morrow, 19, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of armed robbery and one felony count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Jevantae Phillips, 20, and Travion Lindsey, 19, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of carjacking; attempted carjacking; brandishing and/or discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; conspiracy to interfere with commerce by threats of violence; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Michael Smith, 26, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; possession with intent to distribute heroin/fentanyl; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Horatio Sumrall, Jr., 28, Belleville, IL, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Deante Works, 38, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Shelton Bailey, 44, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
Dajuan Kirkland, 28, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm; possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Christopher Rhodes, Jr., 20, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
David Staples, 48, St. Louis, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Calvin E. Kyles, 33, St. Louis, pled guilty to one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Lenard Kelly, 29, St. Louis, pled guilty to two felony counts of armed robbery.
Darryl Richards, 43, St. Louis, pled guilty to one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Max Haynes, 26, Florissant, pled guilty to one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Andrew Henderson, 30, St. Louis, pled guilty to one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Jon A. Parker, 29, Union, MO, pled guilty to one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
James W. Newberry, 26, St. Louis, pled guilty to one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Laythan Hearton, 22, St. Louis, pled guilty to one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Warren Turner, 27, St. Louis, pled guilty to one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Fidencio Lagunes-Elias, 36, Chesterfield, pled guilty to one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Tyrone Armstrong, 44, St. Louis, pled guilty to one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Lamont Brison, 27, St. Louis, pled guilty to one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Jason Mitchell, 34, Fenton, pled guilty to one felony count of manufacture methamphetamine and one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Hollis Weaver, 25, S. Louis, pled guilty to one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Stephen Redd, 20, pled guilty to one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Avion Allen, 25, St. Louis, pled guilty to one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Lavell T. Sherman, 23, St. Louis, pled guilty to one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm.
Roy C. White, 35, pled guilty to one felony count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Charles Leonard, 48, pled guilty to one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm and one felony count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Joseph D. Stewart, 41, St. Louis, pled guilty to two felony counts of felon in possession of a firearm.
Quontre Thomas, 26, Florissant, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Stephonne Wilder, 22, Ferguson, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Travion Brown, 20, St. Louis, pled guilty to three felony counts of carjacking; and one felony count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Brandon Johnson, 33, St. Louis pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Demetrius Lewis, 28, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Nisean Davis, 29, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Jeramie Blount, 32, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Devin Jones, 28, St. Louis, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
Andrew Henry, 33, St. Louis, was sentenced to 37 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Jakeem Eason, 26, St. Louis, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Brandon Wyatt, 38, St. Louis, was sentenced to 37 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute heroin.
Terrence Bevly, 32, St. Louis, was sentenced to 42 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Kalin M. Anderson, 21, Hannibal, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Trayvon Stratton, 20, St. Louis, was sentenced to 12 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
Tahlequah Man Pleads Guilty to Concealment of Material FactRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that James Michael West, age 64, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma pled guilty to Concealment Of A Material Fact, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(4), punishable by not more than 5 years imprisonment, and up to a $250,000.00 fine or both.
From on or about July 14, 2005, and continuing through December 31, 2016, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, defendant James Michael West, in a matter within the jurisdiction of Social Security Administration, having knowledge of the occurrence of an event affecting the right to receive or continue to receive Social Security Disability Income payments, concealed and failed to disclose such event with the intent to fraudulently secure payment when no payment was authorized. Specifically, defendant James Michael West intentionally concealed that James Michael West secured gainful employment in order to receive and continue to receive Disability Income payments made by the Social Security Administration to him. By such action, defendant James Michael West took approximately $266,982.00 in Social Security Disability Income payments to which he was not entitled.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General.
The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace represented the United States.
San Antonio Consultant Sentenced to Federal Prison for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
In San Antonio today, Rodney Lyle Roberts was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for preparing false tax returns, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash, and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Acting Special Agent in Charge Andy Tsui, San Antonio Field Office.
In addition to the prison term, Senior United States District Judge David A. Ezra ordered that Roberts pay $143,590 restitution to the Internal Revenue Service and be placed on supervised release for a period of one year after completing his prison term.
On October 4, 2017, Roberts was found guilty by a federal jury of four counts of making false tax returns. According to court records, Roberts prepared false and fraudulent income tax returns by failing to report his income for tax years 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013. Roberts did business in San Antonio and the surrounding areas providing software consultant work under the name Rod Roberts. Instead of reporting any income, Roberts said he received zero income, when in fact he had an income totaling over $380,000 for the tax years in question.
“At the IRS, protecting taxpayer money is a matter we take extremely seriously. An integral part of the agency’s mission involves detecting and catching fraudulent tax claims," stated Andy Tsui, IRS Criminal Investigation, Acting Special Agent in Charge, San Antonio Field Office. “Today’s sentencing of Rodney Roberts demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting the interests of law-abiding taxpayers.”
Roberts currently is out on bond. Judge Ezra ordered Roberts to report to federal authorities on or before February 6, 2018, to start his prison sentence.
This case was investigated by IRS-CI. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory J. Surovic prosecuted this case on behalf of the Government.
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Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing a Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, waived prosecution by Indictment and pleaded guilty to an Information in federal court to a violation of federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Ryan Gainer, age 37, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about June 14, 2016, Gainer knowingly possessed a stolen firearm.
Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for May 18, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than ten (10) years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent, deter, and prosecute gun crime. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Penn Hills Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ryan Gainer.
Parkersburg man sentenced to 12 years in federal prison on carjacking chargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg man who used a gun to steal a taxi was sentenced today to 12 years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Marshall Leroy Saunders, 29, previously pleaded guilty to carjacking.
Saunders was a suspect in an unrelated crime when police observed him entering a taxi in Vienna on October 6, 2016. Saunders admitted that when police attempted to pull the taxi over, he pointed a loaded pistol at the driver and ordered him out of the vehicle. Saunders then took control of the taxi and fled to Parkersburg, driving at speeds of up to 110 miles per hour, running a red light, and driving the taxi southbound in the northbound lane of Grand Central Avenue. Saunders abandoned the taxi in Parkersburg, then hid in a wooded area until he was apprehended by police.
The Vienna Police Department, the Parkersburg Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney James Matthew Davis handled the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
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More Than 120 Individuals Charged and over 220 Firearms Removed from the Middle District of Florida as Part of Violent Crime Reduction InitiativeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announced today the results of the first phase of the Violent Crime Reduction Initiative in the Middle District of Florida. Over the past three months, 125 individuals have been charged with firearm and violent crime offenses, and 227 firearms and assorted ammunition have been removed from the streets.
Since 2001, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida (USAO/MDFL) has participated in “Project Safe Neighborhoods,” a national strategy to reduce gun violence in communities through coordination and cooperation with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners. To increase the prosecutorial resources dedicated to firearm and violent crime cases across the District, multiple initiatives have been implemented. These initiatives include:
- In Orlando, the District established a “Gun Unit.”
- In Jacksonville, the District launched a joint initiative with the State Attorney’s Office for the Fourth Judicial Circuit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to locate and seize unlawfully possessed guns and then swiftly prosecute the offenders using both federal and state gun laws.
- In Brevard County, State Attorney Phil Archer is calling the initiative "Operation Cease Fire."
- In Tampa, the District collaborates with law enforcement agencies in eight counties, including the State Attorneys’ Offices for the Sixth, Twelfth, and Thirteenth Judicial Circuits, to investigate and prosecute violent crime and firearm cases.
- In Ft. Myers, the District works in concert with the State Attorney’s Office for the Twentieth Circuit to identify and prosecute violent crime and firearm cases.
- District-wide, in an effort to prevent and decrease future gun-related incidents, the USAO-MDFL employs a proactive community outreach strategy, including, but not limited to, outreach to youth. In 2017, more than 2,500 youths have been engaged and administered the National Gun Pledge to reduce violence.
To support these efforts, beginning on August 23, 2017, Acting U.S. Attorney Muldrow directed every prosecutor in each of the District’s five offices to prosecute firearm or violent crime cases. Of the 125 individuals charged so far, offenses include possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime or a crime of violence, possession of a stolen firearm, robbery, and bank robbery. A chart containing the details for each case is below.
“In August 2017, I directed every prosecutor in the Criminal Division to assist in the prosecution of firearm and violent crime cases,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “Over the past three months, we have dedicated additional resources to the prosecution of violent crime and firearm cases. I would like to commend our local, state, and federal partners that have investigated these cases. Our community is safer because of their tremendous efforts. We pledge to continue to work with our law enforcement partners to aggressively prosecute these cases.”
The cases identified in the attached chart were investigated by the Apopka Police Department, the Bradenton Police Department, the Cocoa Beach Police Department, the Brevard County Sheriff's Office, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Myers Police Department, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Lake Mary Police Department, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Orlando Police Department, the Osceola County Sheriff's Office, the Palm Bay Police Department, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the Sanford Police Department, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota Police Department, the Seminole County Sheriff's Office, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Petersburg Police Department, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, the Tampa Police Department, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, the Winter Haven Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Enforcement and Removal Operations, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Border Patrol, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
An indictment or criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has violated one or more federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Natalie Hirt Adams, Callan Albritton, Daniel Baeza, Robert E. Bodnar, Jr., E. Jackson Boggs Jr., Chauncey A. Bratt, D. Rodney Brown, Dale Campion, Vincent S. Chiu, Charlie Connally, Michael J. Coolican, Arnold B. Corsmeier, Christina R. Downes, Kristen Fiore, Kevin C. Frein, Carlton Gammons, Daniel George, Eric Gerard, Beatriz Gonzalez, Michael Gordon, Shauna Hale, Nathan W. Hill, Rachel Jones, Kelly S. Karase, Embry J. Kidd, Michael Leeman, Robert Mosakowski, Ilianys Rivera Miranda, Frank Murray, Shawn P. Napier, Gregory Nolan, Diego Novaes, Kaitlin O’Donnell, Thomas Palermo, Matthew Perry, Christopher Poor, James Preston, Mandy Riedel, Alejandro J. Salicrup, Charles Schmitz, Sean Shecter, Taylor Stout, Jay Taylor, Laura Cofer Taylor, Frank Talbot, Lisa Thelwell, Josie Thomas, Ashley Washington, Kara M. Wick, and Acting U.S. Attorney Stephen Muldrow.
Fort MyersMonth of Indictment/ Information
Defendant, Age, City of Residence
Status
Number of Firearms Seized/Recovered
8/2017
Herman Fleming, 25, Lehigh Acres
Pending*; charged with one count of making a false statement in required information kept by a firearms dealer and one count of receipt of a firearm by a person under felony indictment or information; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
3
8/2017
Sondrejah Wilbon, 23, Fort Myers
Pending*; charged with one count of making a false statement in required information kept by a firearms dealer; facing up to 5 years in federal prison
Included in total for Fleming
8/2017
Oliver Rocher, 33, Alva
Pending*; charged with two counts of distribution of heroin, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base, and heroin, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to life
1
10/2017
Javier M. Rascon, 32, Perry
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
10/2017
Christopher Jones, 29, Indiantown
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
Included in the total for Rascon
10/2017
Reginald Lakeith Hodge, 24, Fort Myers
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
10/2017
Alejo Guerrero, 36, Lehigh Acres
Pending*; charged with eight counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and three counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felone; facing a minimum mandatory of 30 years, up to life, in federal prison
3
11/2017
Robert E. Clifton, 35, Immokolee
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prisonPending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
Jacksonville9/2017
Johnnie Spydale Thomas, Jr., 24, Bunnell
Pending*; charged with one count of distribution of cocaine base and two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 40 years in federal prison
2
9/2017
Serome Bell, 27, Palm Coast
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, facing up to 10 years in federal prison
Included in total for Spydale
9/2017
Jason Dixon, 31, Palm Coast
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and three counts of distribution of cocaine base; facing up to 70 years in federal prison
1
9/2017
Bruquanna Griffin, 21 Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to steal a firearm from a federally-licensed firearms dealer and two counts of stealing a firearm from a federally-licensed firearms dealer; facing up to 30 years in federal prison
2
9/2017
Gregory Greer, 35, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to ten years in federal prison.
1
9/2017
Brandon Oxendine, 39, St. Augustine
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 20 years in federal prison up to life
4
9/2017
Derek Hatcher, 35, Tallahassee
Pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 30 years in federal prison
1
9/2017
Michael Anthony Deyton, 59, Sanderson
Pleaded guilty to one count of possession of firearms by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
20
10/2017
Tantai Vo, 27, Jacksonville
Pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marihuana, one count of possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance, and one count of structuring; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to 40 years
4
10/2017
James Edward Moultrie, 42, Jacksonville
Pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
10/2017
John Robert Horner, 29, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
2
10/2017
Michael A. Crider, 37, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
11/2017
Derrick Burney, 40, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and two counts of distribution of marijuana; facing up to 20 years in federal prison
5
11/2017
Daniel Francesco Vidal, 27, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
3
11/2017
Ronald Andrews, 33, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of possession with intent to distribute MDMA; facing up to 30 years in federal prison
1
11/2017
Nathaniel Harrison, 33, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
5
11/2017
Charles Robert Alexander, 47, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
11/2017
John Stevenson Jordan, 51, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
11/2017
Sheldon Tarence Wright, 27, Savannah, Georgia
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
11/2017
Andrew James Ward, 29, Middleburg
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
11/2017
Edward Lamont Thomas, 44, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count of distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 25 years in federal prison up to life
5
11/2017
Joseph Arnold Thomas, 47, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
1
11/2017
Darrick Flozell Stafford, 41, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with three counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, two counts of distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base, and one count of distribution of cocaine; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to 130 years
8
11/2017
Daryl D. Shack, 27, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
12/2017
Bernandino G. Bolatete, 69, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of an unregistered silencer; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
11
12/2017
Maurice Sanders, 27, Jacksonville
Pending*, charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to life
1
12/2017
James Robert Cotton, 33, Jacksonville
Pending*, charged with one count of manufacturing (cultivation) of marijuana and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 20 years in federal prison
5
12/2017
Dorothy Pearl Smith, 49, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and two counts of distribution of crack cocaine; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
1
12/2017
William Charles Nolan, 50, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
12/2017
Daniel Dwain Lundeby, 42, Jacksonville Beach
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
12/2017
Walter John Smith, 31, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison
1
12/2017
Rashann Lamont Bennet, 31, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison
1
12/2017
Sauvier Addorinn Wright, 35, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
Ocala8/2017
Anthony Michele Decotis, Jr., 29, Eustis
Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 10 years in federal prison up to life
3
10/2017
Devion-tae Wess, 25, Ocala
Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to life
1
Orlando8/2017
William Matthew Tex Price, 31, Cocoa
Pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and two counts of marriage fraud; facing up to 20 years in federal prison
2
8/2017
James Arthur Van Meerten, 35, Palm Bay
Sentenced to 210 months for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
1
8/2017
Aniceto Aguirre- Cardenas, 56, San Pedro, Michoacan, Mexico
Pending*; charged with one count of illegal alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and ammunition, and one count of illegal reentry after removal as an aggravated felon; facing up to 40 years in federal prison
1
8/2017
Chad Wycoff, 40, Kissimmee
Pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 20 years in federal prison up to life
1
8/2017
Arkee Vernard Howard, 27, Orlando
Pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and marijuana and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 30 years in federal prison
1
9/2017
Tyrondrick Madry, 32, Orlando
Pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
9/2017
Eric Jean Gilles, 36, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and 280 grams or more of cocaine base, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 25 years in federal prison up to life
6
9/2017
Edson Gelin, 39, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and 280 grams or more of cocaine base, six counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, and two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 50 years in federal prison up to life
Included in total for Gilles
9/2017
Jimmy Remy Fernetus, 30, Miami
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and 280 grams or more of cocaine base, seven counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 50 years in federal prison up to life
Included in total for Gilles
9/2017
Silky Johnson, 35, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of carjacking, one count of using and brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 7 years in federal prison up to life
1
9/2017
Jeffrey Noel, 24, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to commit carjacking, one count of conspiracy to possess a firearm in furtherance of carjacking, one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base, and marijuana, three counts of carjacking, one count of attempted carjacking, and three counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of carjacking; facing a minimum mandatory of 32 years in federal prison up to life
2
9/2017
Herichie Paul, 20, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to commit carjacking, one count of conspiracy to possess a firearm in furtherance of carjacking, two counts of carjacking, one count of attempted carjacking, and two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of carjacking; facing a minimum mandatory of 32 years in federal prison up to life
Included in total for Noel
9/2017
Awetu Megersa, 22, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to commit carjacking, one count of conspiracy to possess a firearm in furtherance of carjacking, two counts of carjacking, one count of attempted carjacking, and two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of carjacking; facing a minimum mandatory of 32 years in federal prison up to life
Included in total for Noel
9/2017
Jose Luis Sanchez-Rosado, 43, Volusia County
Pending*, charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
1
10/2017
Bakari McCant, 26, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, two counts of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 30 years in federal prison up to life
3
10/2017
Deandre Brewer, 25, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to life
Included in total for McCant
10/2017
Jarvis Wingster, 27, Ocoee
Pending*; charged with one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to life
Included in total for McCant
10/2017
Rodolfo Luna Fernandez, 42 Mexico
Pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by an illegal alien; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
11/2017
Frederick Hankins, Jr., 30, New Symrna
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
1
11/2017
Thomas Porter, 39, Daytona Beach
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
11/2017
Hector Luis Santiago-Jorge, 47, Kissimmee
Pending*; charged with one count of dealing in and manufacturing firearms without a license and one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
10
11/2017
Jamus Dixon, 35, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and 28 grams or more of cocaine base and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to 50 years
1
11/2017
Windesthon Junior Pierre, 22, Kissimmee
Pending*; charged with one count of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; facing a minimum mandatory of 7 years in federal prison up to life
1
11/2017
Stephon Te’vonta Johnson, 22, Kissimmee
Pending*; charged with one count of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; facing a minimum mandatory of 7 years in federal prison up to life
Included in total for Pierre
11/2017
Bernard Henry, 27
Pending*; charged with one count of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; facing a minimum mandatory of 7 years in federal prison up to life
1
11/2017
Joshua Franceschi, 22, Kissimmee
Pending*; charged with one count of stealing a firearm from a federally licensed firearms dealer; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
11/2017
Harold Omar Vargas-Delgado, 32, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 1 kilogram or more of heroin, one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, one count of possession with intent to distribute 1 kilogram or more of heroin, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
11
11/2017
Theodore Vazquez, 43, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
0
11/2017
Michael Gordon Watson, 41, Melbourne
Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute MDMA, marijuana, and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
2
11/2017
Taylor John Creevy, 23, Orlando
Pending*; charged with three counts of bank robbery; facing up to 20 years in federal prison
0
12/2017
Cedrick Antwain Gant, 27, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of carjacking, one count of attempted carjacking, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; facing a minimum mandatory of 30 years in federal prison up to life
1
12/2017
Tariq Malik Cherry, 20, Orlando
Pending*; charged with attempted bank robbery; facing up to 20 years in federal prison.
4
12/2017
Lamarcus Demane Harvey, 40, Orlando
Pending*; charged with attempted bank robbery; facing up to 20 years in federal prison
Included in total for Cherry
12/2017
Coryell Demond Robinson, 30, Orlando
Pending*; charged with attempted bank robbery; facing up to 20 years in federal prison
Included in total for Cherry
12/2017
Walter Lee Jones, 39, Mt. Dora
Pending* charged with attempted bank robbery; facing up to 20 years in federal prison
Included in total for Cherry
12/2017
Raymond Lee Kelly, 50, Cocoa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
1
12/2017
Prince Toburas Jermaine Rolle, 31, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon; facing up to 30 years in federal prison
1
Tampa8/2017
Keagan Williams, 27, Winter Haven
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
8/2017
Thomas Paul Stephens, 49, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 10 years in federal prison up to life
6
8/2017
Devante Moreno Smith, 26, Clearwater
Pending*; charged with two counts of distribution of crack cocaine, one count of distribution of marijuana, one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and cocaine, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to life
2
8/2017
Kevin Lopez Duerte, 19 Bradenton
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
8/2017
Jonathon James Dryburgh, 23, Ellenton
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
9/2017
Woodrow Pressey, 46, Bradenton
Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 30 years in federal prison
5
9/2017
Tramel Ronsha Middleton, 25, Tampa
Pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
9/2017
Miguel Angel Algarin, 41, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 10 years in federal prison up to life
1
9/2017
Chauncey Gregory, 33, St. Petersburg
Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute ecstasy, one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 10 years in federal prison up to life
1
9/2017
Demario Cornelius Buckner, 25, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
9/2017
Edward Lamont Dash, 29, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
9/2017
Dallan Bolden, 23, St.
Petersburg
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
9/2017
Lawrence Xavier Freeman, 34, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
3
9/2017
Rakim Jamal Philon, 27, Tampa
Pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
Included in total for Freeman
9/2017
Richard Deandre Walton, 23, Tampa
Pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
Included in total for Freeman
9/2017
Zane Coraderell Brassfield, 23, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
10/2017
Antwan Williams, 34, Bradenton
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, three counts of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, two counts of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 47 years in federal prison up to life
1
10/2017
Tronesh Sparkels Akerman, 24, Palmetto
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, three counts of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; facing a minimum mandatory of 7 years in federal prison up to life
1
10/2017
Cedrick Lee Taylor, 31, Sarasota
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
1
10/2017
Jason Michael Trigger, 34, Port Richey
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
1
10/2017
Tracy Lee Williams, 37, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of pure methamphetamine, one count distribution of methamphetamine, one count of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
2
10/2017
Joshua Christian Cantrell, 24, Dade City
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of pure methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
Included in total for Williams
10/2017
Arvester Lamonica Anderson, 46, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
1
10/2017
Devan DI’Andre Bristol, 29, Spring Hill
Pending*; charged with seven counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, codeine, and marijuana, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to life
1
10/2017
Lecardo Renard Albury, 32, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
1
10/2017
Doga Kuyon Yuoh, 25, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
10/2017
Jodarin Marquis Whitfield, 27, Sarasota
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to attempt to damage and destroy by means of fire and explosive and one count of attempt to damage and destroy by means of fire and explosive; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to 20 years
0
10/2017
Herbert Adelphus Pinckney, 39, Sarasota
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to attempt to damage and destroy by means of fire and explosive and one count of attempt to damage and destroy by means of fire and explosive; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to 20 years
0
10/2017
Rashica Shaguana Ford, 39, Palmetto
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to attempt to damage and destroy by means of fire and explosive and one count of attempt to damage and destroy by means of fire and explosive; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to 20 years
0
11/2017
Raheem Davis, 46, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
1
11/2017
Steven Garcia, 22, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
7
11/2017
David Valentin, 27, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
11/2017
Jeremy Dwayne Simmons, 36, Brandon
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
1
11/2017
Joshua Dekoyer, 30, Sarasota
Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute U-47700, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine; facing a minimum mandatory of 10 years in federal prison up to life
1
11/2017
Pierre Rashawn Walker, 31, Sarasota
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and three counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 80 years in federal prison
3
11/2017
Ashanti Roundtree, 42 Bradenton
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to life
1
11/2017
Kurt Gell, 36, Bartow
Pending*; charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and one count of felon in possession of a short- barreled shotgun; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to 100 years
2
11/2017
Ian Brook Weigant, 44, Bradenton
Pending*; charged with two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 20 years in federal prison
2
11/2017
Clifford Etheridge, 28, St. Petersburg
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
11/2017
Edgar Delgado, 26, Plant City
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
11/2017
Steven Lawrence Moore, 41, Lakeland
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
12/2017
Juan Carlos Ramrez-Arcos, 32, Mexico
Pending*; charged with one count of illegal alien in possession of a firearm; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
12/2017
Rico Remon Washington, 44, New Port Richey
Pending*; charged with one count of Hobbs Act robbery, on count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison.
12/2017
Madio Morris, 36, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
12/2017
Reginald Hollie, 35, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 15 years, up to life in federal prison
1
*An indictment or criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has violated one or more federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
Mobile County Man Receives 57 Month Sentence for Possession of a Firearm After Felony ConvictionRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney, Richard W. Moore, announces that Montrell Pettaway, a 29 year old, resident of Mobile, Alabama was sentenced today to 57 months incarceration followed by three years of supervised release for possessing a firearm after being convicted of felony possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine.
On November 29, 2016, a Mobile County deputy was told by an informant that he/she has just seen Pettaway packaging, processing and storing illegal drugs at his residence in Mobile, Alabama. The informant provided the deputy with a photograph to support his/her information. Several experienced narcotics investigators (deputies) of the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office immediately began surveilling Pettaway at his residence because they sought to confirm that he was illegally distributing narcotics from that location.
Over a 30 minute period, deputies observed a high volume of vehicle traffic pull up to the residence and stay for very short periods of time. During this time, Pettaway was in and out of his residence. On occasions when Pettaway was outside, he approached the vehicles or the occupants of the vehicle exited and approached him. Each time, the contact between him and the vehicle occupants was de minimis. After the contact, the occupants reentered their vehicles and left the area. Sometimes Pettaway was inside the residence and the occupants exited their vehicles and went inside for a few minutes then returned to their vehicles and left the area. On several occasions, Pettaway was observed going to and from his parked Chevrolet Malibu before and after the vehicles arrived at his residence. Deputies concluded that Pettaway was storing and also selling illegal drugs at his residence.
Based, in part, on their observations at Pettaway’s residence, deputies sought a warrant to search the residence. While deputies were waiting on the search warrant to be approved, Pettaway got into his Chevrolet Malibu and drove away from the residence. Deputies followed Pettaway and saw him stop the vehicle behind a house a couple of miles away. Deputies also saw another vehicle approaching and believed its occupant(s) might be attempting to buy illegal drugs from Pettaway. Deputies approached Pettaway to investigate their belief that he was in possession of illegal narcotics. Lighting was limited so the deputies asked Pettaway to exit the vehicle. He complied. As Pettaway exited the vehicle and the vehicle’s dome light came on, deputies saw a hand gun on the floorboard of the front seat and a small amount of cocaine on the ground just outside the driver’s side door after Pettaway stepped out of the vehicle. Pettaway was arrested and $795.00 in U. S. currency was seized from his person incident to his arrest.
Pettaway entered a guilty plea on September 29, 2017, after his motion to suppress the evidence was denied.
The U. S. Department of Homeland Security/ICE special agents investigated the case along with Mobile County Sheriff’s Office deputies who presented the case to the United States Attorney’s Office for prosecution. The prosecutor assigned to the case was Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.
Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Arson-for-Profit SchemeRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Florida man was sentenced today to 40 years in prison for running a 15-year insurance fraud scheme that involved at least 27 fires in two states.
Verdon Taylor, 72, of Leesburg, Florida, was convicted by a federal jury on Oct. 25, 2017, of conspiracy, wire fraud, use of fire to commit a federal felony, and witness tampering in connection with the fraud. According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Verdon Taylor and four co-conspirators, Vershawn Jackson, 39, and Marie Taylor, 55, both of Richmond, along with Sylvia Mitchell, aka Sylvia Jackson, 59, of Tampa, Florida, and Eugenia Fleming, 57, of Victoria, participated in a long-running arson-for-profit scheme in which the conspirators purchased cars or mobile homes at auction, or signed leases at rental properties, insured the property, and set fire to the insured property to collect insurance proceeds. In many instances, the time between the purchase of insurance and the fire was mere weeks or even days. The evidence at trial also showed that the defendants made a practice of staging mobile homes and rental properties with furniture and clothing that had been purchased at flea markets or auctions, and on several occasions had been in other properties that previously burned. Over the course of the scheme, defrauded insurance companies paid out over $1 million on claims by the conspirators.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Thomas L. Chittum, III, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division, Henry Rosenbaum, Henrico County Fire Marshal, and David Creasey, Richmond Fire Marshal, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Robert E. Payne. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David V. Harbach, II, Michael C. Moore, and Janet Jin Ah Lee are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:17-cr-29.
Man Convicted of Distributing Heroin and Fentanyl that Caused Near-Death Overdose Sentenced to 30 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who distributed heroin laced with fentanyl that caused a near-fatal overdose was sentenced on December 27, 2017, to 30 years in federal prison.
Cordero Robert Seals, age 29, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a July 19, 2017, jury verdict finding him guilty of one count of distribution of heroin and fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury and one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl.
Evidence at trial showed Seals sold heroin laced with fentanyl to a man in November 2016. Seals and the man then drove to a convenience store on First Avenue SE in Cedar Rapids, where the man entered the store’s bathroom and injected the heroin/fentanyl mix. Surveillance video from the store showed that about two minutes after the man left the bathroom, he lost consciousness and collapsed at the gas pump. The video showed Seals re-entering the convenience store after the man overdosed, and then looking out to the pumps where the man had collapsed. Seals then left the area without returning to the man’s vehicle. Trial evidence also showed that in April 2017, Seals was arrested for an outstanding warrant by Cedar Rapids Police. During a search, officers found six baggies of heroin laced with fentanyl, as well as nearly $3,800 in cash, in his pockets.
Seals was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade. Seals was sentenced to 360 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $200 was imposed. He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Seals is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force consisting of the DEA; the Linn County Sheriff's Office; the Cedar Rapids Police Department; the Marion Police Department; the Iowa City Police Department; and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement.is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is CR17-00028-LRR.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Four Quebec Men Sentenced in Fraud Scheme Involving Burlington Area ATMsRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that four Quebec men have recently been sentenced in United States District Court in Rutland following their guilty pleas to charges stemming from their involvement in a cross-border conspiracy to commit access device fraud. U.S. District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford sentenced Mathieu Baaklini, 22, a leader of the conspiracy who lives in Laval, to 24 months of imprisonment. He also sentenced three lesser-involved participants, Safwan Bensalma, 22, of Laval, Brandon Lo, 25, of Laval, and Nicolau Manfredi, 22, of Montreal, to time served. Baaklini has been held in custody since his arrest on October 24, 2016. Bensalma, Lo and Manfredi all spent about two weeks in jail following their October 2016 arrests before they were released after posting cash bail. The court also ordered that Baaklini serve three years of supervised release following completion of his prison term and pay restitution of more than $68,000, while Bensalma, Lo and Manfredi were each ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution.
According to court records, at various times between March and October 2016, the four men traveled from Quebec to Burlington, Vermont, where they used ATM machines in Burlington and Essex to obtain cash advances on counterfeit debit cards made with account information from mostly European and Canadian accountholders. Authorities believe the card numbers were skimmed from taxi patrons in the Montreal area. ATM transaction records and bank surveillance video shows that on May 24, 2016, approximately $8,800 in cash advances were withdrawn using suspected fraudulent credit cards. Records further show that on May 25, 2016, one of the charged conspirators made $11,000 in wire transfers from Chittenden and Franklin Counties, Vermont to locations in Quebec. ATM transaction records and bank surveillance video further shows that between August 22-25, 2016, NBT Bank incurred approximately $54,000 in suspected fraud activity in the form of 500 suspected cash advances on Canadian and European credit and debit cards. All told, banks suffered losses of more than $98,000.
On October 21, 2016, federal agents executed a search warrant on a storage unit in Chittenden County, Vermont, where they recovered approximately $33,000 in cash, a laptop computer, a card-reading device, and approximately 378 gift cards with markings indicating that they contained bank account information on them.
All four men were arrested on October 24, 2016 by Department of Homeland Security Agents at the Highgate Springs, Vermont Port of Entry as they attempted to enter the United States.
Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Burlington Police Department conducted the investigation into this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples is handling the prosecution. Baaklini is represented by Mark Kaplan. Bensalma is represented by Craig Nolan. Lo is represented by Chandler Matson and Manfredi by Douglas Kallen.
Former Detroit Deputy Chief of Police and Legal Advisor Pleads Guilty to Bribery ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A former Deputy Chief of Police for the Detroit Police Department, Celia Washington, 57, of Detroit, pleaded guilty today to conspiring with Gasper Fiore to commit bribery, in connection with the corruption of towing permits in Detroit, Acting United States Attorney Daniel L. Lemisch announced today.
Lemisch was joined in the announcement by David P. Gelios, Special Agent In Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Manny Muriel, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service.
While serving as a Deputy Police Chief and the legal advisor to the Chief of Police, Washington’s responsibilities included overseeing the Detroit Police Department’s permitting, licensing, and use of private towing companies. During the plea hearing today, Washington admitted to accepting $3,000 in cash from tow company owner Gasper Fiore. On December 20, 2017, Fiore pleaded guilty to bribing Clinton Township Trustee Dean Reynolds in connection with a Clinton Township towing contract. Washington admitted that she knew that Fiore was using the cash bribe to seek to influence her in the selection of tow rotations in the City of Detroit for Fiore’s towing companies. Under the city’s towing rotation, private towing companies are called by the police to tow cars that are seized by the police or had been stolen. When she accepted the bribe, Washington was aware that Fiore was violating the City of Detroit’s rules prohibiting a towing company owner from having more than one company in the rotation for a particular police precinct or district. After she accepted the $3,000 cash bribe from Fiore, Washington assisted in issuing a police towing rotation list that continued to allow Fiore to violate the city’s towing rules and that significantly benefited Fiore’s companies. Although Washington had claimed that the $3,000 in cash from Fiore was a “loan,” Washington admitted during her guilty plea that she kept the money and had spent some of it when she knew Fiore was seeking to bribe her in connection with the city’s tow rotations.
The bribery conspiracy count carries a maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.
Acting United States Attorney Lemisch said: “Former Deputy Police Chief Washington’s crime was a serious breach of the public’s trust. The public must have every confidence that its police force is free of corruption and bribery. We again thank Chief of Police James Craig for his assistance in this investigation.”
"Today’s guilty plea demonstrates the allure of financial gain, even if ill-begotten, sometimes overcomes the impulse to do what is right”, said David P. Gelios, Special Agent in Charge, Detroit Division of the FBI. “It is our hope that the continued march of dishonest individuals before the Federal bench for their crimes will serve as a reminder to anyone who believes corrupt practices will go unpunished.”
This case is part of the government’s wide-ranging corruption investigation centered in Macomb County, Michigan. The investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David A. Gardey and R. Michael Bullotta.
Derry Man Sentenced to over Seven Years in Prison for Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD, N.H. - Edwin Ruiz, 30, of Derry, was sentenced in federal court to serve 90 months in prison for cocaine trafficking, Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today.
Court filings and statements made in court established that on December 1, 2016, Ruiz was driving a vehicle stopped by the Manchester Police Department. A search of the car resulted in the seizure of $8,264 and 799.8 grams of cocaine.
Ruiz previously pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine with intent to distribute on September 19, 2017. The cash seized from Ruiz was forfeited to the United States.
“As we continue to fight against the deadly problems posed by opioids, the law enforcement community also remains committed to working together to stop the distribution of other dangerous illegal drugs,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “I commend the work of the law enforcement officers in this case. Their efforts prevented a substantial quantity of cocaine from being distributed in the Granite State.”
This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana L. Konesky.
###
Chinese and Malaysian nationals sentenced in interstate prostitution and money laundering schemeRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – Xiaohong Huang, also known as “Michelle,” Chan Kong Chow, and Biyun Gong, have been sentenced for conspiring to operate a brothel in Doraville, Georgia, which lured sex-workers to Atlanta from across the U.S.
“Interstate prostitution is a serious crime that exploits women and harms our community,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “Brothels remain a blight in segments of our communities. The prosecution of these defendants, the seizure of significant assets, and the dedication of law enforcement resources in targeting this long-running criminal scheme are a warning for others engaged in this conduct.”
“The FBI and its law enforcement partners will not tolerate the ongoing exploitation of disadvantaged people for the profit of a few,” said David J. LeValley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “While we are working vigorously to identify victims of exploitation, we are also sending a message to anyone who engages in these illegal activities that they will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charge, and evidence presented in court: Xiaohong Huang operated a brothel at a large apartment complex in Doraville from approximately December 2005 through May 2017. Chan Kong Chow and Biyun Gong assisted Huang by managing the day-to-day operations of the business. The defendants induced women of Asian descent to travel to Georgia from across the U.S., including California and New York, for work at the brothel as commercial sex workers. Huang advertised her business online and by word-of-mouth.
The defendants regularly used cellular phones to communicate with women who worked as sex workers at the brothel, and with their male clients. The defendants arranged for sex workers to travel to the brothel on commercial flights into Atlanta approximately every 10 days on a rotating basis.
Additionally, as a part of the conspiracy, Huang utilized checking accounts at Bank of America, Wells Fargo Bank, and Metro City Bank, to deposit proceeds derived from the brothel. Huang then used proceeds of the business to pay expenses related to the operation of the brothel. In this way, Huang laundered more than $150,000 in criminally derived proceeds during the conspiracy.
- Xiaohong Huang, a/k/a “Michelle,” 45, of China, was sentenced to two years, nine months in federal prison. As part of her sentence, Huang was required to forfeit a large residence in Johns Creek, Georgia, cash, jewelry, and other expensive items.
- Chan Kong Chow, 59, of China, was sentenced to one year, nine months in federal prison.
- Biyun Gong, 54, of China, was sentenced to one year, three months in federal prison.
Huang, Chow, and Gong, pleaded guilty on July 27, 2017, to conspiring to operate an interstate prostitution scheme involving money laundering.
Upon completion of their sentences, the Defendants will be immediately transferred to the custody of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE), for deportation proceedings and removal from the United States.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Department of Homeland Security.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. and Bret R. Hobson 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.
California Man Sentenced on Drug Charges Following Jury Trial VerdictRead the Press Release
Bismarck - United States Attorney Christopher C. Myers announces that on January 2, 2018, ANTONIO AVILA MEDRANO, age 41, of Los Angeles, California, was sentenced by Chief Judge Daniel L. Hovland to serve 25 years in federal prison, to be followed by 10 years of Supervised Release, after being found guilty by a trial jury in July of 2017 on charges of Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance; Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Medrano was further ordered to pay $300 in special assessments to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
This case came to the attention of law enforcement when a traffic stop of Medrano was conducted in Bismarck on May 6, 2015, during which a Bismarck hotel key card was found on Medrano’s person, as well as $4800 US currency in a Ziploc bag. Following further investigation, it was determined that Medrano and the co-defendant were transporting methamphetamine in to North Dakota from California for distribution. A search of the Bismarck hotel room revealed methamphetamine, digital scales, baggies, a vacuum sealer, heat sealer bags, and dryer sheets, all of which was indicative of drug trafficking. Also located in the room was a Sig Sauer P290 firearm, which was found inside Medrano’s bag along with empty baggies, methamphetamine, and a prescription pill bottle with Medrano's name on it. A search of Medrano’s residence in California was conducted on April 28, 2015, during which time Medrano’s son informed law enforcement that methamphetamine was not at the residence because Medrano and the co-defendant took it with them when they left 4-5 days prior to the search warrant being executed.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bismarck Police Department.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Dawn Dietz prosecuted the case.
Anchorage Man Sentenced for Selling Large Quantities of Oxycodone Out of His Auto Repair ShopRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that an Anchorage man was sentenced in federal court in Anchorage for selling large quantities of Oxycodone out of his auto repair shop.
Spresim Alimi, 36, of Anchorage, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess, to serve 136 months in prison. Alimi previously pleaded guilty on July 7, 2016, to possession with intent to distribute Oxycodone and agreed to forfeit $88,146 and a 2016 Dodge Viper.
According to court documents, Alimi owned and operated Alpina Auto, an auto repair shop which he used as a front to distribute large quantities of Oxycodone at $35 per pill. After search warrants were executed on Alimi’s residence, business, and storage unit, he was found to be in possession of 4,363 Oxycodone pills, almost $90,000 in cash, and a 2016 Dodge Viper, which had been purchased shortly before his arrest. The street value of the 4,363 Oxycodone pills was over $150,000. The investigation further revealed that Alimi would sometimes use the credit card machine at Alpina Auto to conduct narcotics transactions with buyers. Alimi was also found in possession of a number of firearms, several of which were reported stolen.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Alaska State Troopers (AST), and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case.
4 More Members and Associates of MS-13 Charged in Superseding Indictment; Obstruction, Drug & Other Charges AddedRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Four additional individuals alleged to be members and associates of MS-13 have been charged by a federal grand jury in a superseding indictment returned here Dec. 14 and unsealed today.
The new indictment also includes eight additional charges, including in part: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana, alien in possession of firearms and/or ammunition, obstruction of justice, destruction or removal of property to prevent seizure and illegal reentry of a previously removed alien.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Angela L. Byers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Rebecca Adducci, Detroit Field Office Director, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations, Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin and Columbus Police Chief Kim Jacobs announced the new charges.
The four additional defendants are:
Name
Also Known As
Age
City
*Jose Daniel Gonzalez-Campos
Flaco
27
Fugitive – whereabouts unknown
Daniel Alexander Diaz-Romero
Manchas
23
Deported
Denis Donaldo Fuentes-Avila
18
Columbus, Ohio
Carolina Garcia-Miranda
Mamayema
29
Columbus, Ohio
In July, a federal grand jury charged 10 individuals with conspiracy to commit extortion, conspiracy to commit money laundering and use of a firearm during a crime of violence.
Five other individuals were arrested and charged in criminal complaints this summer with federal immigration-related crimes. Since that time, another four individuals have been arrested and charged by criminal complaint with federal immigration-related crimes.
MS-13, formally La Mara Salvatrucha, is a multi-national criminal organization composed primarily of immigrants or descendants of immigrants from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. The organization’s leadership is based in El Salvador, where many of the gang’s high-ranking members are imprisoned.
In 2012, the United States government designated MS-13 as a “transnational criminal organization.” It is the first and only street gang to receive that designation. MS-13 has become one of the largest and most violent criminal organizations in the United States, with more than 10,000 members and associates operating in at least 40 states, including Ohio.
In Ohio and elsewhere in the United States, MS-13 is organized into “cliques,” which are smaller groups of MS-13 members and associates acting under the larger mantle of the organization and operating in a specific region, city or part of a city.
The 11-count superseding indictment alleges that defendants – members and associates of the MS-13 – conspired to commit extortion through the use of threatened or actual force, violence or fear to intimidate their victims into paying money to the defendants and their co-conspirators. Many of the proceeds were sent, usually by wire transfer and often through intermediaries, to MS-13 members and associates in El Salvador and elsewhere. The money was then used to promote and facilitate the criminal activities of MS-13 in El Salvador and the United States.
As part of the alleged conspiracy, the defendants and their co-conspirators unlawfully obtained extortion and drug trafficking proceeds to be used to, among other things, buy items that MS-13 uses to engage in criminal activity, such as cell phones, narcotics and weapons; provide financial support and information to MS-13 members, including those incarcerated in El Salvador and the United States, as well as those who have been deported; and aid families of deceased MS-13 members.
The superseding indictment also alleges that various defendants conspired to possess cocaine and marijuana with the intent of distributing the drugs.
Jose Martin Aguilar-Rivera, an illegal alien, allegedly possessed ammunition. Juan Jimenez-Monufar, also an illegal alien, allegedly possessed multiple firearms.
On August 26, according to the superseding indictment, Isaias Alvarado attempted to obstruct justice and prevent the lawful seizure of evidence by directing another individual to dispose of a firearm.
The 10 defendants also charged in the original indictment are:
Name
Also Known As
Age
City
Jose Martin Neftali Aguilar-Rivera
Momia, Pelon
32
Columbus, Ohio/ Indianapolis, Ind.
Pedro Alfonso Osorio-Flores
Smokey
38
Columbus, Ohio
Juan Jose Jiminez-Montufar
Chele Trece
34
Columbus, Ohio
Isaias Alvarado
Cabo
44
Columbus, Ohio
Cruz Alberto-Arbarngas
Cruzito
30
Columbus, Ohio
Jose Manuel Romero-Parada
Russo
23
Indianapolis, Ind.
Jose Salinas-Enriquez
Martillo
32
Dayton, Ohio
Jorge Cazares
Veneno
37
Columbus, Ohio
Jose Ramiro Aparicio-Olivares
Flaco
42
Columbus, Ohio
*Nelson Alexander Flores
Mula
46
Fugitive – whereabouts unknown
The crimes charged in the superseding indictment and each crime’s potential maximum sentence include:
Crime
Potential Maximum Sentence
Conspiracy to commit extortion
20 years in prison
Conspiracy to commit money laundering
20 years in prison
Brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence
At least 7 years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence imposed
Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances
20 years in prison
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
20 years in prison
Alien in possession of firearm or ammunition
10 years in prison
Obstruction of justice
20 years in prison
Destruction or removal of property to prevent seizure
5 years in prison
Illegal reentry of a removed alien
2 years in prison
“The defendants and charges added in the indictment unsealed today illustrate our continued dedication to eradicating MS-13’s presence from our communities in the Southern District of Ohio,” U.S. Attorney Glassman said. “This investigation is ongoing.”
“This is a great example of law enforcement and the community working together to make neighborhoods safe," stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Angela Byers. "We urge any additional victims of MS-13 to contact the FBI so we can provide assistance and continue these important efforts.”
“ICE will continue to be relentless in our efforts to rid the community of MS-13 members and the related criminal activity that comes with gang activity,” said Rebecca Adducci, field office director for ERO Detroit, which covers Michigan and Ohio. “Working together with our law enforcement partners, ICE will use its unique authorities to arrest MS-13 members who are subject to removal from the United States.”
If you are a victim of the alleged crimes, or have additional information about MS-13, please call the FBI hotline at 614-849-1765. Callers can remain anonymous.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the FBI, ICE, Columbus Division of Police and Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, and the assistance of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), as well as Assistant United States Attorneys Brian J. Martinez and Jessica H. Kim, who are prosecuting the case.
An indictment, superseding indictment or criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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1 January 2018
Ziebach County Man Indicted on Methamphetamine and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Ziebach County, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises, and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Jason Leo Fischer, age 33, was indicted on November 22, 2017. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Court Judge Mark A. Moreno on December 11, 2017, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalties upon conviction are up to 20 years in custody and/or a $1,000,000 fine, three years up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between June 1, 2016, and the date of the Indictment, Fischer knowingly and intentionally conspired with other persons to knowingly and intentionally distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. The Indictment further alleges that since June 1, 2016, Fischer used and maintained his residence for purposes of distributing and using a controlled substance. Furthermore, it is alleged that on September 5, 2016, Fisher, an unlawful user of and addicted to a controlled substance, knowingly received and possessed a .22 caliber rifle, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce and foreign commerce, in violation of federal law.
The charges are merely accusations and Fischer is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services Narcotics Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney SaraBeth Donovan is prosecuting the case.
Fischer was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial, which has been set for February 6, 2018.
Wanblee Man Charged with Aggravated Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Wanblee, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aggravated Sexual Abuse.
Isadore John Conquering Bear, age 44, was indicted on August 16, 2017. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on December 21, 2017, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to any term of years or life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on June 11, 2017, Conquering Bear, knowingly caused the victim to engage in a sexual act by use of force.
The charge is merely an accusation and Conquering Bear is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel C. Nelson is prosecuting the case.
Conquering Bear was released on bond. A trial date has been set for April 3, 2018.
Mission Man Sentenced for Possession of CocaineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Controlled Substance was sentenced on December 19, 2017, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno.
Charles Griffen Spotted Elk, age 21, was sentenced to 18 months probation, a $1,000 fine, forfeiture of U.S. currency seized by law enforcement, and a special assessment of $25 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Spotted Elk was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 16, 2017, for Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. He pled guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance on December 19, 2017.
On November 6, 2016, Rosebud Sioux Tribal Law Enforcement Service Officers performed a traffic stop on a vehicle near Mission, in which Spotted Elk was a passenger. Found inside the vehicle under the seat where Spotted Elk was sitting, was a plastic baggie containing 7.22 grams of cocaine and 2.88 grams of marijuana. Also found on Spotted Elk during the traffic stop was $56 in United States currency, and $538 in United States currency in the wallet belonging to the driver of the vehicle. Spotted Elk agreed to forfeit any interest he may have had in the currency.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney SaraBeth Donovan prosecuted the case.
Spotted Elk was released on conditions following sentencing.
Eagle Butte Man Sentenced for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited PersonRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on December 11, 2017, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Elliot John Tiger, age 27, was sentenced to 10 months in custody, followed by 2 years of supervised release, forfeiture of two firearms and ammunition, and a special assessment of $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Tiger was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 14, 2017, for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and pled guilty to the charge on September 26, 2017.
On December 9, 2016, the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Tiger was a passenger. At the time of the stop, law enforcement seized a .30-30 caliber rifle from the front seat where Tiger was sitting, and a 12 gauge shotgun located in the back seat. Tiger denies any ownership in the two firearms or any ammunition found in the vehicle; however, agreed to forfeit any interest he may have had in both the firearms and the ammunition. Tiger admitted to smoking marijuana on the date of the traffic stop and prior to that date. While he denied owning either firearm, Tiger admitted that the rifle was within his reach in the vehicle, and that he had fired both firearms earlier in the day.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services Narcotic Division and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney SaraBeth Donovan prosecuted the case.
Tiger was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Eagle Butte Man Charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.
Michael Thomas LeBeau, age 23, was indicted on December 19, 2017. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on December 20, 2017, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about August 2, 2015, in Eagle Butte, LeBeau did unlawfully assault an individual with a dangerous weapon, that is, shod feet with the intent to do bodily harm and said assault did result in serious bodily injury.
The charge is merely an accusation and LeBeau is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller is prosecuting the case.
LeBeau was released on a bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
29 December 2017
Wife of Big Island Capital Fraudster Charged for Her Role in Million Dollar Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Gregory G. Brooker today announced the filing of a felony information charging ALEX REAVES LUNDIN, 25, with conspiracy for her role in a $1 million Ponzi scheme orchestrated by her husband, Jeremy Lundin. LUNDIN will make her initial appearance in U.S. District Court at a later date. Jeremy Lundin, who has already pled guilty to charges of mail fraud and money laundering for his role in orchestrating the scheme, is scheduled to be sentenced on February 1, 2018.
According to the information, from approximately December 2014 through May 2017, Jeremy Lundin claimed that he conducted “options trading” through his business Big Island Capital. He worked through a network of associates and friends to solicit investors by promising to generate exponential growth through options trading, and obtained more than $1 million from 51 investors over a roughly two-year period. However, instead of using the funds for options trading, Jeremy Lundin and LUNDIN spent investors’ money to fund their lavish lifestyle.
According to the information, as part of the scheme, Jeremy Lundin provided investors with a “Welcome Packet,” consisting of an “Investment Advisory Agreement” and other materials describing his business. Through these materials, Jeremy Lundin claimed that Big Island Capital investments earned a 67 percent rate of return in 2013 and a 97.8 percent rate of return in 2014. In order to appear legitimate and promote his scheme, Jeremy Lundin also created phony account statements which commonly and falsely showed double-digit gains on a weekly or quarterly basis. Between May 2015 and May 2017, at least $992,000 in investor funds was deposited into Jeremy Lundin’s “Big Island Capital” bank account. During roughly the same time period, however, Jeremy Lundin transferred $933,950 from the business account directly into his and LUNDIN’s personal checking account. The couple then used the majority of those investor funds on their personal expenses including travel, luxury automobiles, a boat, jewelry, retail purchases, and more than $366,000 in credit card payments.
According to the information, after LUNDIN became aware that her husband was not conducting options trading as he promised investors, she continued to assist him in carrying out the scheme by, among other actions, soliciting new investors and drafting correspondence intended to lull current victim-investors into believing their money was safe, despite knowing that she and Jeremy Lundin had spent all of the investor funds on personal expenses.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Criminal Investigation Division of the IRS, Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Minnesota Department of Commerce Fraud Bureau.
Assistant United States Attorney Amber M. Brennan is prosecuting the case.
Defendant Information:
ALEX REAVES LUNDIN, 25
Mound, Minn.
Charges:
- Conspiracy to commit mail fraud, 1 count
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
The charges contained in the information are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
United States Reaches Settlement with Glenn Dale Internist to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Relating to Medically Unnecessary ProceduresRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md (410) 209-4885
Baltimore, Maryland – Nwaehihie H. Onyeaghala, M.D., an internist in Glenn Dale, Maryland, that operates his medical practice in a limited liability corporation named Krystal Medical Associates, LLC, has agreed to pay the United States $1,000,000.00 to settle allegations that he submitted false claims to the United States for medically unnecessary autonomic nervous function tests and peripheral vascular tests.
The settlement agreement was announced today by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning, Nick DiGuilio, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services and Maryland Attorney General, Brian Frosh.
In his practice, Dr. Onyeaghala administered central and peripheral autonomic nervous function tests and peripheral vascular tests. Autonomic nervous function disorders are rare and tests conducted to determine such disorders should be done only after a clinician suspects an autonomic nervous function disorder. Furthermore, such tests should be conducted only one time per beneficiary, with the necessary equipment and by clinicians with specialized training to administer and interpret these tests. The CPT codes that Dr. Onyeaghala used for central autonomic nervous function tests were CPT codes 95921, 95922 and 95924; he used CPT code 95923 for peripheral autonomic nervous function tests.
Peripheral vascular testing is indicated when a patient presents with leg pain and an examination reveals diminished peripheral arterial pulses. The purpose of monitoring a patient that presents with these symptoms is to see if a patient’s arterial insufficiency progresses to a point where surgical intervention is needed. The CPT code that Dr. Onyeagahala used to test the peripheral vascular system was CPT code 93922 which is a “limited bilateral noninvasive physiologic study of the upper or lower arteries.”
According to the settlement agreement, from January 1, 2013 to January 28, 2017, Dr. Onyeaghala submitted claims to Medicare and Medicaid for medically unnecessary autonomic nervous function tests. The United States alleged that autonomic nervous function tests were not medically necessary because Dr. Onyeaghala lacked the necessary equipment to conduct the tests, the patients did not have an autonomic nervous function disorder before the test was conducted, Dr. Onyeaghala lacked the specific training to conduct such tests and he only used the tests to monitor patient symptoms, not make any clinical decisions about future patient care. With regard to the peripheral vascular tests, the United States alleged that Dr. Onyeaghala conducted these tests at a frequency per beneficiary that was not medically necessary. Dr. Onyeaghala denied the allegations.
Also as part of the settlement, Nwaehihie Onyeaghala, M.D. has agreed to enter into an expansive, 3 year Integrity Agreement that provides for procedures and reviews to be put in place to avoid and promptly detect conduct similar to that which gave rise to the settlement.
The civil settlement was reached by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. The Integrity Agreement was negotiated by the Office of the Counsel to the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services.
This case arose from a recent initiative inside the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The United States Attorney’s Office has dedicated resources to enable it to review Medicare billing data. The review of that data has enabled the United States Attorney’s Office to identify areas of concern where it appears that billing irregularities may have taken place. Partnering with the effected agencies, the United States Attorney’s Office has developed the ability to investigate these billing irregularities to determine whether the matter is appropriate for treatment under the False Claims Act.
Acting U.S. Attorney Stephen M. Schenning commended the HHS Office of Inspector General for its work in the investigation. Mr. Schenning also thanked Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Corcoran, who handled the case.
Two from Tonawanda Arrested on Cocaine ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Iramarie Velez-Mateo, 36, of Tonawanda, NY, and Osvaldo Rivera-Amaro, 47, of Tonawanda, NY, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with attempted possession, with intent to distribute, 500 grams or more of cocaine. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in prison, a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on December 15, 2017, United States Postal Inspectors intercepted a package that contained over 2 kilograms of cocaine. The package was addressed to the defendant Iramarie Velez-Mateo.
On December 28, 2017, a controlled delivery of a package containing sham cocaine was conducted at this same Tonawanda address. Defendant Velez-Mateo accepted the package, took it inside the residence, and departed. Approximately 30 minutes later, defendant Rivera-Amaro conducted counter-surveillance around the house in his black Audi. After departing, Rivera-Amaro returned to the house with Velez-Mateo. They obtained the package from the residence and placed it in the trunk of the vehicle. Law enforcement surveilled the two defendants as they departed. When Rivera-Amaro’s vehicle was stopped, the package with the sham cocaine was found inside.
Law enforcement subsequently executed a search warrant of the residence. During the search, investigators located drug packaging materials and a digital scale.
Previously, on November 15, 2017, Postal Inspectors intercepted a package sent to the same address that contained about a quarter kilogram of cocaine.
The defendants made an initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and were released.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Boston Division Inspector in Charge Shelly Binkowski and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.Theodosia Husband, Wife Plead Guilty to Illegally Trafficking in GinsengRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tom Larson, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced a Theodosia, Mo., couple pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally trafficking in wild American ginseng.
Kermit J. Schofield, 76, and his wife, Sandy Schofield, 73, both of Theodosia, each waived their right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to a federal information that charges them with trafficking in wild American ginseng plants across state lines in violation of state and federal laws.
The Schofields operated a business from their home, Schofield Roots and Herbs, which purchased and sold wild American ginseng, blood root, Echinacea, Virginia snake root, and other roots and herbs.
By pleading guilty today, the Schofields each admitted that they illegally purchased a total of approximately 114.9 pounds of ginseng from sources in Arkansas on several occasions between June 25, 2013, and Aug. 15, 2015. They knew it was illegal to purchase ginseng that was transported out of Arkansas without the required state certification. The purchases occurred outside the permitted time frame for purchasing ginseng in Missouri. The Schofields also admitted they falsified records related to the purchases.
For example, the Schofields purchased approximately 57.4 pounds of dried ginseng from sources in Arkansas on June 19 and Aug. 15, 2015, for a total of $22,940. Federal authorities executed a search warrant at their residence and seized 118 pounds of illegally obtained dried ginseng before the Schofields were able to sell it. Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, the Schofields must forfeit the seized ginseng to the government.
The Lacey Act makes it illegal to import, export, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase in interstate commerce any plant that is taken, possessed, transported, or sold in violation of state law. Under Arkansas statutes, the Arkansas State Plant Board has authority to regulate the harvesting, sale, and exportation of wild American ginseng. A valid certificate must be obtained to take ginseng out of the state of Arkansas. Missouri also regulates the harvesting, sale, importation and acquisition of wild American ginseng.
Under federal statutes, the Schofields are each subject to a sentence of up to five years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing hearings will be scheduled after the completion of presentence investigations by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Clark. It was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Tax Preparers Plead Guilty to Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that Elizabeth M. Jordan (52), and her daughter, Dolores A. Youmans (30), both of Jacksonville, have pleaded guilty to aiding and assisting others with the filing of fraudulent tax returns. Each faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreements, Jordan had been working as a tax preparer since approximately 1990. Since 2011, she was the owner and operator of a business that offered tax return preparation services. At the business, Jordan, Youmans, and others prepared individual income tax returns, with accompanying forms and schedules, on behalf of clients. In doing so, they reported false information, including false deductions, false claims for education and other credits, and false claims of business expenses. These false representations reduced the amount owed by, or increased the amount refunded to, the taxpayers.
Jordan pleaded guilty to preparing and filing a fraudulent 2011 tax return in which she represented that the taxpayer owned a business with no income and $34,755 in expenses. She also represented on the return that the taxpayer had $4,000 in education expenses and was entitled to an education credit of $1,000. In fact, the taxpayer was a wage-earning employee of a corporation who had not operated a business in 2011, and had not incurred any education expenses that year.
After Jordan filed the return, the IRS issued a refund of $10,021 to the taxpayer. In the absence of the false statements and other improperly claimed deductions and credits, the taxpayer would have been entitled to a refund of $533. The tax loss to the IRS was $9,488.
Youmans pleaded guilty to preparing and filing a fraudulent 2012 tax return. On the return, she represented that the taxpayer had a business with no income and $36,895 in expenses. She also represented on the return that the taxpayer had $4,000 in education expenses and was entitled to an education credit of $1,500. In fact, the taxpayer was a wage-earning employee of a corporation, had not operated a business in 2012, and did not incur any education expenses during that year. She further represented that the taxpayer had bought 5,255 gallons of gasoline and was entitled to a $962 fuel tax credit. Although the taxpayer was a truck driver, the employer had paid for all of the fuel and the taxpayer was not entitled to the credit. After Youmans filed the return, the IRS issued a refund to the taxpayer of $16,469. In the absence of the false statements and other improperly claimed deductions and credits, the taxpayer would have been entitled to a refund of $5,182. The tax loss to the IRS was $11,287.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier.
Six Defendants Admit to Trafficking Large Quantities of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
LUBBOCK, Texas — Six defendants charged in an indictment returned in November 2017 appeared this week and last week in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge D. Gordon Bryant to plead guilty to their involvement in a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking organization operating in the Lubbock, Texas area, announced U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox of the Northern District of Texas.
Alejandro Garcia-Izazaga, aka “Flaco” and “Alex,” 29; Anthony Wayne Reiley, aka “Tony,” 49; Ivan Cruz-Martinez, 37; and Zacarias Blanco-Olea, 45, each pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Each faces a statutory penalty of not less than 10 years and up to life in federal prison and a $10 million fine.
Ernesto Martinez, Jr., 54, and Patricia Ann Hernandez-Salas, 48, each pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Each faces a statutory penalty of not less than five years and up to 40 years in federal prison and a $5 million fine.
A seventh defendant, Amanda Nicole Marney, 28, is scheduled to go to trial in February 2018.
Garcia-Izazaga, Reiley, Cruz-Martinez, and Blanco-Olea have been in custody on related criminal complaints since their arrest in October 2017. Martinez and Hernandez-Salas have been in custody following their arrests in November 2017. Sentencing dates will be set at a later date.
According to plea documents filed in the case, Garcia-Izazaga was facilitating the transportation of pound-quantities of methamphetamine in Lubbock and other major cities in the State of Texas. On three separate occasions in the summer of 2017, Garcia-Izazaga offered to pay Reiley, Cruz-Martinez, and Blanco-Olea to transport large quantities of methamphetamine from other parts of the state to Lubbock, Texas. On each occasion, the defendants were stopped by law enforcement for traffic violations. Searches of the vehicles revealed large amounts of methamphetamine in hidden compartments.
Martinez, Jr. and Hernandez-Salas each purchased and distributed large quantities of methamphetamine in the Lubbock, Texas area.
In total, law enforcement agents were able to seize in excess of 15 pounds of methamphetamine and several firearms.
The Drug Enforcement Administration is investigating with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Customs and Border Protection, the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office, the Lubbock Police Department, and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Long is in charge of the prosecution.
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Salvadoran National Charged with Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A previously deported Salvadoran national appeared in federal court in Boston today to face the charge of failure to register as a sex offender.
Oscar Alfaro, 46, is in state custody in connection with sexual assault charges stemming from a 2016 incident in Newbury. On Dec. 21, 2017, Alfaro was indicted in federal court on one count of failure to register as a sex offender.
In 2008, Alfaro was convicted in Virginia state court for taking indecent liberties with a child. As a result, Alfaro was required to register as a sex offender in any jurisdiction where he lives or works. Following his 2008 conviction, Alfaro was deported.
In March 2016, Alfaro committed an indecent assault and battery in Massachsuetts, which qualified as a sex offense under Massachusetts state law. After the assault, Alfaro left Massachusetts. The U.S. Marshals Service located and apprehended Alfaro in Virginia in November 2017 and returned him to Massachusetts to face the state sexual assault charges.
Failing to register as a sex offender provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, a minimum of five years and up to lifetime supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Alfaro will be subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and John Gibbons, United States Marshal for the District of Massachusetts, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Paruti, Lelling’s Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and a member of the Major Crimes Unit, is prosecuting the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
Misdemeanor Immigration Prosecutions – November and December 2017Read the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – The following is a summary of misdemeanor immigration prosecutions from November and December 2017:
Citizen of Mexico Sentenced for Illegal Entry into United States
Candelaria Solis-Guzman, age 30, of Mexico, was sentenced on November 9 to 22 days in jail following her guilty plea to illegally entering the United States from Canada.
Solis-Guzman admitted that she walked across the border approximately one-half mile east of the Trout River Port of Entry on the night of October 29, 2017. She was arrested by Border Patrol Agents as she hid in the woods just south of the border near Trout River, New York.
Citizen of Mexico Sentenced for Illegal Entry into United States
Fabian Moreno-Lule, age 30, of Mexico, was sentenced on December 5 to 17 days in jail following his guilty plea to illegally entering the United States from Canada.
Moreno-Lule admitted that he walked across the border without inspection one-half mile east of the Champlain Port of Entry on November 26, 2017. He was arrested by Border Patrol Agents about one mile south of the border.
Two Citizens of Haiti Sentenced for Illegal Entry into United States
Jean Dessalines, age 35, and Rosthy Pierre Charles, age 46, both of Haiti, were sentenced on December 14 to 24 days in jail and 17 days in jail, respectively, following their respective guilty pleas to illegally entering the United States from Canada.
Dessalines and Charles each admitted that together they walked across the border about one-half mile east of the Champlain Port of Entry on December 4, 2017. They were arrested together by Border Patrol Agents as they walked south away from the border.
Citizen of Brazil Sentenced for Illegal Entry into United States
Maura Evangelista-Dias, age 44, of Brazil, was sentenced on December 14 to 30 days in jail following her guilty plea to illegally entering the United States from Canada.
Evangelista-Dias admitted that she crossed the border approximately two miles east of the Massena Port of Entry on December 4, 2017. She was found and arrested by Border Patrol Agents as she was trying to leave the border area.
Citizen of Mexico Sentenced for Illegal Entry into United States
Marco Antonio Alpizar-Sanchez, age 34, of Mexico, was sentenced on December 19 to 45 days in jail after being found guilty at trial of illegally entering the United States from Canada.
The evidence at trial demonstrated that Alpizar-Sanchez climbed over a fence and walked across the border one-half mile east of the Champlain Port of Entry on November 11, 2017. Border Patrol Agents found Alpizar-Sanchez hiding in the woods about a half-mile south of the border.
Two Citizens of Haiti Sentenced for Illegal Entry into United States
Joseph James Monexil, age 30, and Delorme Gedeon, age 41, both of Haiti, were sentenced on December 20 to 22 days in jail and 20 days in jail, respectively, following their respective guilty pleas to illegally entering the United States from Canada.
Monexil admitted that he walked across the border near Champlain, New York, on December 5, 2017. He was arrested by Border Patrol Agents as he walked south away from the border.
Gedeon admitted that he entered the United States from Canada by walking across the border near Champlain, New York, on December 7, 2017. He was arrested by Border Patrol Agents as he walked south away from the border.
Three Citizens of Haiti Sentenced for Illegal Entry into United States
Dony Lacroix, age 24, Inel Jean, age 29, and Jean Riche, age 30, all of Haiti, were each sentenced on December 21 to 20 days in jail following their respective guilty pleas to illegally entering the United States from Canada.
Lacroix, Jean and Riche each admitted that they entered the United States together from Canada by walking across the border near Champlain, New York, on December 7, 2017. They were arrested by Border Patrol Agents as they walked south away from the border.
Citizen of Romania Sentenced for Illegal Entry into United States
Catalin Andrei Albu, age 30, of Romania, was sentenced on December 28 to time served (16 days in jail) following his guilty plea to illegally entering the United States from Canada.
Albu admitted that he crossed the border approximately five miles east of the Massena Port of Entry on December 12, 2017. Border Patrol Agents located and arrested him in Malone, New York.
Medicaid Fraud Complaint Filed Against Former Physicians and Their Business EntitiesRead the Press Release
HAMMOND - United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II and Indiana Attorney General Curtis T. Hill, Jr. announced today the filing of a civil Medicaid fraud complaint against former physicians Don J. Wagoner, age 81, of Burlington, Indiana and Marilyn L. Wagoner, age 80, of Burlington, Indiana, and their business entities, Wagoner Medical Center, L.L.C., Wagoner Medical Center, P.C., and Don J. Wagoner, M.D. and Marilyn L. Wagoner, M.D., P.C. for filing false claims.
According to documents in this case, during 2011-2013, former physician Don J. Wagoner and his wife, former physician Marilyn L. Wagoner, practiced medicine together at Wagoner Medical Center. Defendants had a routine practice of requiring patients seeking a prescription for opioid pills or other pain medicine to submit a urine sample for qualitative testing for the presence or absence of nine or more drugs or drug classes. Using a multiplexed screening kit costing defendants no more than approximately five dollars, defendants tested each single urine sample for the same patient on the same day using the simple kit. Defendants then billed Indiana Medicaid and received $171.27 per patient, even though Indiana Medicaid billing rules only allowed them to bill $20.83 per patient. Defendants concealed this fraud by falsely certifying to Indiana Medicaid that they had collected and separately analyzed nine or more urine samples from each patient, when in fact they only had collected and analyzed one urine sample. Defendants perpetrated this fraudulent scheme for over 6,400 claims, and received a total overpayment from Indiana Medicaid of over $1.1 million.
The federal False Claims Act, and the Indiana Medicaid False Claims Act, allows the federal government and the State of Indiana to recover three times the amount of the false and fraudulent claims submitted to Indiana Medicaid plus a civil penalty of $5,500 to $11,000 per false claim submitted. A small portion of recoveries under the federal False Claims Act, three percent, is used to fund the cost of future health care fraud investigations and cases.
In 2013, defendants Don J. Wagoner and Marilyn L. Wagoner permanently surrendered their licenses to prescribe drugs and to practice medicine in connection with a state criminal investigation of their opioid-prescribing practices, which resulted in felony drug dealing convictions of Mr. Wagoner.
“Although they no longer are endangering vulnerable Medicaid patients by practicing medicine, former physicians Don Wagoner and Marilyn Wagoner cannot be allowed to retain the fruits of their fraudulent Medicaid claims,” said United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II. My Office will continue to make it a priority to pursue investigations and cases to recover funds that were fraudulently received from the Medicare and Medicaid programs.”
The Justice Department’s Commercial Litigation Branch have given a high priority to civil prosecution of health care fraud, including Medicare and Medicaid fraud.
“Working to recover taxpayer funds taken through fraud and other illegal means is part of our responsibility as stewards of the public trust,” said Indiana Attorney General Curtis T. Hill, Jr. “We appreciate the collaboration of our federal partners in this particular case, and we intend to remain vigilant going forward to make sure monies set aside to help society’s most vulnerable members are truly used for that purpose.”
The United States Attorney’s office emphasizes that a Complaint is merely an allegation and that the United States and Indiana are required to prove their allegations before defendants can be found liable.
This suit was filed as the result of an investigation by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana and the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Wayne T. Ault will be the United States’ lead counsel in this civil litigation. Lead counsel for co-plaintiff, the State of Indiana, is Supervising Deputy Attorney General Steven A. Hunt.
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McGregor W. Scott Sworn in as United States Attorney for the Eastern District of CaliforniaRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California announced that McGregor “Greg” W. Scott was sworn in today as the new United States Attorney by United States District Judge Morrison C. England Jr.
Mr. Scott is returning to the position he held from 2003 to 2009 when he was appointed United States Attorney by President George W. Bush. While Mr. Scott is currently serving as the Court-appointed United States Attorney, he has been nominated for the position by President Donald J. Trump, and his nomination is currently before the United States Senate.
Mr. Scott received his B.A. from Santa Clara University in 1985 and his J.D. from Hastings College of the Law, University of California, in 1989. He served as a deputy district attorney from 1989 to 1997 in Contra Costa County, California, and served as the elected District Attorney of Shasta County, California, from 1997 to 2003. After completing his first term as U.S. Attorney, Mr. Scott practiced as a partner with the law firm of Orrick, Herrington, & Sutcliffe LLP, focusing on white collar criminal defense and corporate investigations. In addition, Mr. Scott retired in 2008 from the United States Army Reserve as a lieutenant colonel after 23 years of service.
The United States Attorney serves as the chief federal law enforcement officer for the Eastern District of California and is responsible for prosecuting federal criminal cases and representing the United States in civil litigation. The Eastern District covers 34 counties throughout the Central Valley and the Sierras, from the Oregon border in the north to the Los Angeles County line in the south. The office has 92 attorneys and 81 non-attorney staff with offices in Sacramento, Fresno, and Bakersfield.
“I am honored to once again lead the committed public servants in this outstanding office. I look forward to working with them and our law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe and to provide the United States with the highest quality legal representation in all the matters we handle,” U.S. Attorney Scott said. He also thanked Phillip A. Talbert for his stewardship in serving as United States Attorney over the last 20 months.
Illegal Alien Convicted of Possessing Loaded Firearms and Felony Assault on A Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that a federal jury has found Oniel Christopher Russell (40, Jamaica), a/k/a OG Russel, guilty of possessing firearms and ammunition as an illegal alien and felony assault on a federal officer. He faces a maximum penalty of 18 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 9, 2018.
Russell was indicted in May 2017.
According to evidence presented at trial, Russell last entered the United States on October 29, 2008, as a non-immigrant visitor with authorization to remain in the country until January 3, 2009. He failed to depart and remained without any lawful immigration status thereafter. On August 24, 2013, deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office pulled Russell over for a traffic violation and subsequently conducted a search of his vehicle. They located a loaded firearm in the glove compartment and another loaded firearm, with one round in the chamber, under the passenger seat where a female passenger had been sitting prior to the traffic stop. Russell gave a written confession to the gun recovered from the glove compartment, but denied knowledge of the other firearm. During the trial, the female passenger testified that Russell had handed her the gun right before the deputy pulled them over, and told her to put it under the seat and say it was hers. Neither were arrested that night on firearms charges.
In October 2016, deportation officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) received a lead as to Russell’s whereabouts and attempted to locate him for six months. On April 25, 2017, the officers located Russell and attempted to execute an administrative warrant for his arrest. While trying to handcuff him, Russell dragged one of the officers 6 to 10 feet, slamming him against the house in an attempt to flee back into the home. Only when another officer pulled his firearm out and ordered Russell to stop resisting, did he allow himself to be handcuffed and taken into custody.
This case was investigated by ICE, Enforcement and Removal Operations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Protective Service. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Christina R. Downes, on assignment from ICE’s Office of the Principal Legal Advisor.
Four San Francisco Bay Area Residents Indicted for Conducting Illegal Gambling Business in Sacramento and ElsewhereRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a single-count indictment on Thursday against Yaniv Gohar, 34, of Berkeley, Orel Gohar, 27, of San Francisco, Eran Buhbut, 32, of Oakland, and May Levy, 26, of Walnut Creek, charging them with conducting an illegal gambling business, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, between September 2015 and November 2017, the defendants operated a business that involved installing and maintaining video slot machines at smoke shops and convenience stores throughout Northern California, including in Sacramento, in violation of California laws prohibiting such machines.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and California Department of Justice – Bureau of Gambling Control. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew M. Yelovich and Miriam R. Hinman are prosecuting the case.
If convicted, the defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of five 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 defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Fort Worth Man Convicted for His Role in Methamphetamine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
FORT WORTH, Texas — Following a two-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Reed C. O’Connor, a federal jury has convicted Jeremy Crabtree, 41, on a felony drug charge, announced U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox of the Northern District of Texas.
Crabtree was convicted last week on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. The conspiracy count carries a penalty of not less than 10 years or more than life in federal prison and a $10 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for April 9, 2018.
The government presented evidence at trial that in 2014 and 2015, Crabtree operated an illegal gambling establishment near I-35W and Long Avenue. The game room became a hub for Aryan Brotherhood (AB) gang-related activity and methamphetamine trafficking. Although not an official member, Crabtree was a close associate to AB members and allowed them to use his game room to buy and sell methamphetamine and discipline AB members for gang-related violations.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn Smith and Frank Gatto prosecuted.
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Charleston man sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for fentanyl crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced today to 20 years in federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. David Ellis Murray, 48, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, which is anywhere from 25 to 50 times more potent than heroin.
Murray admitted that on October 20, 2016, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted a traffic stop of his vehicle. During the stop, officers recovered 1.13 grams of fentanyl from Murray. He later admitted that he intended to distribute the fentanyl. Officers then executed a search warrant at Murray’s residence on Lewis Street in Charleston and seized an additional 6.62 grams of fentanyl, as well as 7.37 pounds of crystal methamphetamine and a gun.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is in charge of the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston 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 illegal drugs, including fentanyl. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Arizona Man Pleads Guilty to Intimidating Flight Crew and Flight Attendants Resulting in Emergency Landing in New MexicoRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Robert Tomblin, 55, of Phoenix, Ariz., pled guilty today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to interfering and intimidating flight crew members and flight attendants requiring an emergency landing in New Mexico.
Tomblin was arrested in Aug. 2017, on a criminal complaint charging him with assaulting and intimidating flight crew members and flight attendants while on an aircraft. According to the complaint, on Aug. 21, 2017, a flight from Roswell, N.M., to Phoenix, Ariz., was diverted to the Albuquerque airport due to Tomblin’s belligerent behavior towards the flight crew.
Tomblin was subsequently indicted on Sept. 6, 2017, and charged with interference and intimidating flight crew members and flight attendants by refusing to comply with necessary safety requirements on Aug. 21, 2017. During today’s proceedings, Tomblin pled guilty to the indictment without the benefit of a plea agreement.
According to court documents, approximately five minutes after takeoff, the airline captain was informed by a flight attendant that Tomblin, who was seated in an emergency exit row, appeared to be intoxicated, was acting belligerent and intimidating the flight crew. After observing that Tomblin appeared to be intoxicated, flight attendants asked Tomblin to move to a seat that was not in an emergency exit row due to safety concerns. Tomblin refused to comply with requests from flight attendants, got up from his seat during landing, continued to make phone calls during takeoff and landing of the airplane, and yelled profanity. After landing at the Albuquerque airport, Albuquerque Police Department (APD) officers attempted to escort Tomblin from the airplane, but Tomblin resisted attempts to restrain him, kicked an officer in the leg and head butted two officers before being carried off the plane by officers.
At sentencing, Tomblin faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. A sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the FBI and the APD. Assistant U.S. Attorney George C. Kraehe is prosecuting the case.
28 December 2017
Women Charged with Transporting Four Mexican National MinorsRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – Two women are set to appear in federal court on allegations they transported four unaccompanied minors in the country, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.
Olga Patricia Reyes, 30, from Laredo but resides in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, and Leslie Chavira, 25, of Laredo, will appear for a preliminary examination and detention hearing today at 10:00 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Guillermo R. Garcia.
Both women are charged with transporting four unaccompanied minor children who are all citizens of Mexico.
On the evening of Dec. 20, 2017, Reyes applied for admission into the United States from Mexico at the Laredo Port of Entry accompanied by a minor child, according to the criminal complaint. She first claimed the child was a relative and allegedly presented a birth certificate as proof of citizenship. However, the investigation revealed she did not actually know the child.
The charges allege Reyes had previously used birth certificates to successfully smuggle three additional unaccompanied minor children into the United States from Mexico. Those children were ultimately found at Chavira’s Laredo residence, according to the charges.
“We applaud the excellent work of our frontline officers in uncovering the initial immigration violation and the spirit of teamwork between law enforcement that led to a positive outcome and location of three minor alien children,” said Customs and Border Protection (CBP) - Laredo Field Office Director David P. Higgerson.
“Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) works closely with its law enforcement partners in pursuit of identifying, arresting and bringing to justice those individuals suspected of human smuggling,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden. “We will continue to utilize our broad authorities to target those believed to engage in such practices and place personal profit ahead of public safety.”
If convicted, both women face up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol and the Laredo Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julian Castaneda is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Vian Man Sentenced to 36 Months Probation for Interstate Transportation of Stolen PropertyRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Tyler Wayne Jones, age 24, of Vian, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 3 years probation for Interstate Transportation Of Stolen Property, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2314 and 2.
The Indictment alleged that on or about April 15, 2015, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, Tyler Wayne Jones, did unlawfully transport in interstate commerce stolen goods, wares and merchandise, that is, six (6) zero turn mowers, of the value of $5,000.00 or more, knowing the same to have been stolen.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, Sallisaw Police Department, the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Smith Police Department, the Sabastian County Sherriff’s Office, the Poteau Police Department, and the District 27 Drug Task Force.
United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “This investigation and prosecution is a great example of the results that occur when citizens freely share information they believe to be suspicious and multiple law enforcement agencies from different jurisdictions work together. Officers and investigators from each jurisdiction that assisted in this case played a critical role in the thorough, professional investigation that allowed this office to prosecute Jones. I commend the officers for their work and those citizens that provided information that lead to Jones’s arrest.”
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States.