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Friday 3 November 2017
District Man Sentenced to 7 1/2-Year Prison Term for Robbing Woman at Bus Stop in Southeast WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Anthony Thomas, also known as Anthony Jones, 23, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to a 90-month prison term for robbing a woman at gunpoint this year, in broad daylight, at a bus stop in Southeast Washington, U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu announced.
Thomas was found guilty by a jury in July 2017 of charges of armed robbery and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The verdict followed a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. He was sentenced by the Honorable Danya A. Dayson. Following his prison term, he will be placed on three years of supervised release. He also was ordered to pay $200 in restitution to the victim.
According to the government’s evidence, on March 13, 2017, at approximately 2:10 p.m., the victim was waiting for her bus in the 2100 block of Alabama Avenue SE, when Thomas and two other assailants approached her. As a Metro bus pulled up to the stop, Thomas stepped between the victim and the bus, showed her the handle of a gun tucked into his waistband, and told her she was not getting on board. At first, the victim thought Thomas was joking and tried to get around him by pushing past him. Thomas then threatened to shoot the victim. He and his accomplices took the victim’s iPhone, cash, wallet, and other personal effects, before fleeing in a gray Chevy Monte Carlo. Thomas was arrested later that day.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Liu commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the Metro Transit Police Department. She also expressed appreciation for the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Tiffany Fogle, Victim/Witness Advocate Diana Lim, and Victim/Witness Security Specialist Debra Cannon. Finally, she commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha Smalky and Kaitlin Vaillancourt, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
District Man Sentenced to 5 1/2-Year Prison Term for Kidnapping and Sexually Assaulting StrangerRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Saul Castillo, 20, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 66 months in prison for kidnapping and sexually abusing an intoxicated stranger in the stairwell of his apartment building in Northwest Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu.
Castillo pled guilty in August 2017, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to charges of kidnapping and second-degree sexual abuse. He was sentenced by the Honorable Judith Bartnoff. After his prison term, Castillo will be subject to deportation proceedings, lifetime registration as a sex offender, and five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, Castillo found the victim in the early morning hours of May 7, 2017 on a sidewalk near Lafayette Square in downtown Washington. She was extremely intoxicated, unable to walk, and told Castillo that she wanted to go to her home. Castillo hailed a passing taxi and brought her back to his apartment building in the 1700 block of Seventh Street NW.
Once inside, the victim refused to enter Castillo’s fourth-floor apartment and repeated that she wanted to go home. On multiple occasions, she fell and laid down on the hallway floor due to her intoxication. She tried to push Castillo away and return to the elevator to leave the building, but Castillo blocked her and pulled her back toward his apartment. Because of the commotion this was causing in the hallway, Castillo lifted her and carried her to the fourth- floor staircase, where Castillo sexually assaulted her. His conduct inside the building was captured on building surveillance cameras, and Castillo was arrested on May 12, 2017.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Liu commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). She also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Victim/Witness Advocate Juanita Harris and Paralegal Specialist Tiffany Jones. Finally, she commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marisa West and J. Matt Williams, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
District Man Sentenced to 12-Year Prison Term for Shooting Man in Northwest WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Dominic Leatherwood, 25, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 12 years in prison on charges stemming from an attempted murder in Northwest Washington in March 2016, announced U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu.
Leatherwood pled guilty in May 2017, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to charges of assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. He was sentenced by the Honorable Judge Zoe Bush. Following his prison term, Leatherwood will be placed on five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, the victim’s girlfriend shared two children in common with the defendant. At approximately 12:15 a.m. on March 4, 2016, the victim was giving his girlfriend a ride from work, and was going to drop his girlfriend off near Leatherwood’s home. Leatherwood had been in communication with her, and arranged for her to be dropped off by the victim near the intersection of Georgia Avenue NW and Crittenden Street NW. When the two arrived at the intersection, Leatherwood, who was armed with a firearm, approached the car and fired four shots at the victim, who was in the driver’s seat. One of these shots struck the victim in the abdomen, and the victim later underwent surgery because of his injuries. Leatherwood was arrested on March 5, 2016 and has been in custody ever since.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Liu commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. She also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences.
She acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists D’Yvonne Key, Tiffany Jones, Donville Drummond, and Debra McPherson; Christina Principe, Lu Lan, LaJune Thames, and Katina Adams-Washington, all of the Victim/Witness Assistance Unit; Litigation Technology Specialist Anisha Bhatia; and Criminal Investigators Christopher Brophy, Tommy Miller, and John Marsh.
Finally, she commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Romano and Luke Jones, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
District Man Pleads Guilty to Killing Man in Southeast WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Malik Hough, 22, of Washington, D.C., pled guilty today to charges stemming from the broad daylight killing of a man last December in Southeast Washington, and, in a separate case, to a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu announced.
Hough pled guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to second-degree murder while armed and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance while armed with a firearm. The plea agreement, which is contingent upon the Court’s approval, calls for an agreed-upon sentence between 17 and 29 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. The Honorable Judith Bartnoff scheduled sentencing for Jan. 3, 2018.
According to the government’s evidence, on Nov. 19, 2016, at approximately 8:20 p.m., Hough took off in unprovoked flight, on foot, from several officers with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) near the 900 block of Varney Street SE. The officers apprehended him in the rear alley of the 900 block of Varney Street SE a few minutes later. Officers canvassed the area and found two items on the ground nearby: a 9mm firearm, loaded with a single round, and a 9mm magazine loaded with 11 rounds of ammunition. DNA testing on the firearm showed that Hough’s DNA was on the firearm. Officers also recovered from Hough’s person on the scene numerous, empty, small baggies. A subsequent search at the Seventh District Station, and testing by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, revealed that Hough had 6.8 grams of cocaine on him as well. During his plea, Hough acknowledged possessing the firearm, the empty zips, and the cocaine at the same time, and admitted that he intended to distribute the cocaine.
After being arrested for those offenses on Nov. 19, 2016, and charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Hough was released by the Court on Nov. 23, 2016, with conditions including that he wear a GPS tracking anklet and not possess any firearms.
The murder took place roughly a month later. At approximately 1:20 p.m. on Dec. 27, 2016, Herbert Dowtin, 22, was walking in the 800 block of Xenia Street SE. Hough, who knew Mr. Dowtin and had previously argued with him, walked up behind Mr. Dowtin and fired 10 shots at him, hitting him eight times. These gunshot wounds caused the death of Mr. Dowtin later that day. Hough then fled, discarding the 9mm firearm under some black fabric fencing approximately two blocks away. The firearm was recovered with the assistance of a gun dog and later was ballistically matched to the shell casings found at the scene. DNA testing on the firearm showed that the defendant was one of the people whose DNA was on the firearm. Hough was wearing his pretrial GPS anklet at the time of the murder, but later cut that anklet off in an attempt to evade prosecution. Hough was arrested on Jan. 6, 2017, and has been in custody ever since.
During his plea, Hough acknowledged that Mr. Dowtin was unarmed when he shot him and that Hough was not acting in self-defense.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Liu commended the work of the detectives of the Criminal Investigations Division Homicide Branch, crime scene officers, the Seventh Police District of the Metropolitan Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. She also expressed appreciation to those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Victim/Witness Advocate Jennifer Allen and Witness Security Specialist Debra Cannon of the Victim/Witness Assistance Unit; Paralegal Specialist Stephanie Siegerist; and former Intern Julia Banegas. Finally, she commended the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Bruckmann and Marybeth Manfreda, who investigated and prosecuted the cases.
Dallas Area Woman Indicted by Federal Grand Jury for Influencing a Juror in her Brother’s Trial in San AntonioRead the Press Release
Julieta Boone-Tellez, age 43, of Richland Hills, TX, is charged by federal grand jury indictment with allegedly influencing a San Antonio federal juror during the trial of her brother that resulted in a mistrial announced United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr., and United States Marshal David Sligh.
On September 18, 2017, before Chief United States District Judge Orlando L. Garcia in San Antonio, jury selection and trial began for Romeo Boone-Escorcia in criminal docket number SA-17-CR-352. Boone-Escorcia, a Mexican National, was charged by federal grand jury indictment with one count of illegal re-entry into the United States after having been previously deported.
The indictment (SA-17-CR-816) alleges that on September 19, 2017, Boone-Tellez made contact with a trial juror and showed that juror a photograph depicting her brother. Subsequently, Judge Garcia declared a mistrial. Judge Garcia scheduled the retrial for November 6, 2017, however, Boone-Escorcia entered a guilty plea yesterday to the illegal re-entry charge and was sentenced to time served (approx. 6 ½ months). Boone-Escorcia now faces formal deportation proceedings.
Boone-Tellez, who was arrested in the Northern District of Texas on October 13, 2017, is currently on bond. Her arraignment is scheduled for 1:30pm on November 13, 2017, in San Antonio before United States Magistrate Judge Henry J. Bemporad. Upon conviction of the influencing charge, Boone-Tellez faces up to ten years in federal prison.
The United States Marshals Service investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney William R. Harris is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
DTO Leader Sentenced to 121 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
LUBBOCK, Texas — This morning, Senior U.S. District Judge Sam R. Cummings sentenced Leopoldo Herrera-Gandara, aka “Polo,” 33 of Arch, New Mexico to 121 months in federal prison, following his guilty plea in August 2017 to one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Herrera-Gandara and six defendants of a drug trafficking organization (DTO), mostly from the Lubbock, Texas, area, were arrested in May 2017 in a joint operation led by the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Levelland, Texas Police Department, the Cochran County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, as well as the New Mexico State Police Tactical Team, Roosevelt County, New Mexico Sheriff’s Office, and the Region V Metro Drug Task Force, based in New Mexico.
Of the seven defendants who were indicted, five have been convicted and sentenced. The charges were dismissed against one of the defendants following a plea of guilty to related state charges and the remaining defendant. Arcadio Ornelas, Jr., aka “Junior,” 36, of Morton, Texas, is scheduled to begin trial on December 4, 2017.
Johnathan Navarrette Garza, aka “Johnny,” 27, of Morton, Texas, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Jorge Andres Nunez-Saenz, aka “Tucan,” 51, of Levelland, Texas, was sentenced to 97 months in federal prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Raul Jose Hernandez, aka “RJ,” 35, of Morton, Texas, was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine.
Nancy Cecilia Martinez, 37, of Levelland, Texas, was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison. She pleaded guilty to one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Long is in charge of the prosecution.
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Colombian National Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Bribe a Federal Agent to Dismiss Indictment Against Colombian Narcotics KingpinRead the Press Release
A Colombian national pleaded guilty today in connection with his role in a bribery scheme that resulted in the dismissal of a drug trafficking indictment filed against a Colombia-based cocaine trafficker from the Cali Cartel, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.
According to admissions in the plea agreement, Juan Carlos Velasco Cano, 49, acted as an intermediary between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Christopher V. Ciccione II, 52, of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, and Colombian national Jose Bayron Piedrahita Ceballos, 58, to use Ciccione’s official position to cause a drug trafficking indictment against Piedrahita to be dismissed and to obtain official authorization for Piedrahita to enter the United States.
Velasco admitted that Piedrahita gave Ciccione approximately $20,000 in cash, dinner, drinks and prostitution during an extended hotel stay in Bogota, Colombia in exchange for Ciccione using his official position to obtain the dismissal of the indictment against Piedrahita. In furtherance of the scheme, Velasco arranged for a meeting of the conspirators in Bogota, Colombia; facilitated communications between Piedrahita and Ciccione; and received confidential law enforcement information from Ciccione about himself and others, including the names of a confidential source and cooperating witnesses.
Velasco will be sentenced on Jan. 17, 2018 before U.S. District Judge Robert N. Scola Jr. of the Southern District of Florida. Ciccione is pending trial and Piedrahita is currently incarcerated in the Republic of Colombia.The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control designated Piedrahita as a Specially Designated Narcotics Trafficker pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act on May 3, 2016.
ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility, Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General and the FBI investigated the case. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs, the Office of the Judicial Attaché in Colombia and the Drug Enforcement Administration provided valuable assistance to the investigation. The Colombian Attorney General’s Office also provided invaluable support. Trial Attorneys Luke Cass and Jennifer A. Clarke of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section are prosecuting the case.Chicago Man Sentenced to 30 MonthsRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that Paul Fowlkes, 23, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced on November 2, 2017 by District Court Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen to 30 months imprisonment to be followed by two years of supervised release for providing false information to a Federal Firearms Licensee in acquiring firearms.
According to Court filings, the Defendant purchased over 25 firearms during a one year period between March of 2016 and March of 2017 utilizing a false home address on required forms to acquire firearms from Federally Licensed Firearms Distributors within the Northern District of Indiana. Fowlkes received a sentencing enhancement for trafficking in firearms due to the determination that at least eight of the firearms purchased by him in Indiana were later recovered by law enforcement in the possession of other persons, including juveniles and convicted felons, in Indiana, Illinois and Ohio.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in cooperation with the Indianapolis and Chicago Police Departments. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.
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Chicago Man Sentenced for Prostituting MinorRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Chicago man was sentenced today to four years in prison for conspiring to prostitute a 17 year-old in the Tidewater region.
According to court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, in February 2017, Juan Hollis, 23, started prostituting a 19 year-old in the Tidewater area. Soon after, the pair recruited a 17 year-old that the 19 year-old knew previously. Hollis would post the minor’s image on the Internet and advertise for prostitution clients for the minor. An undercover operation by the Norfolk Police Department targeting commercial sex discovered the minor. Hollis previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to sex traffick a child.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Michael K. Lamonea, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Norfolk, and Larry D. Boone, Chief of Norfolk Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Mark S. Davis. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth M. Yusi prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:17-cr-62.
Buffalo Men Sentenced in Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.-Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy announced today that Daniel Molina Rios a/k/a Ponce, 43, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of 100 grams or more of heroin, was sentenced to 201 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. In addition, Jose Andujar, 40, of Buffalo, NY, was sentenced to 188 months in prison for his role in the conspiracy.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan A. Tokash, who handled the case, stated that between March 2014 and June 2015, the defendants conspired with Orlando Rios, Luis Montanez, and others to distribute heroin on the West Side of Buffalo. Rios headed and Andujar managed a wide-scale drug trafficking organization providing day-to-day supervision to several street-level dealers who used a series of cellular telephones to conduct daily heroin sales.
During the conspiracy, the defendants made at least six trips to the New York City area to purchase large quantities of heroin from a source of supply. They purchased at least 300 grams of heroin on each trip. In addition, during the conspiracy, the Buffalo Police Department and New York State Police conducted 66 undercover heroin purchases from individuals subordinate to Rios in the organization.
Rios exercised ultimate decision making authority and had complete authority over five or more other participants, including at least 10 drug “runners” who were responsible for coordinating sales for incoming customers and who contacted the drug trafficking organization on a “runner” phone each day. The defendant also maintained a premise at 74 Fillmore Avenue in Buffalo for distributing heroin. A search of that residence on June 18, 2015, recovered six cell phones, packaging materials for heroin, and $14,293.00, in U.S. currency representing the proceeds from heroin distribution.
Andujar, who maintained a premise at 620 Grant Street, Rear Lower in Buffalo for distributing heroin, also exercised decision-making authority over participants in the drug trafficking conspiracy. A search of that residence on June 18, 2015, recovered heroin, drug ledgers, and six cellular phones.
A total of 14 defendants have been indicted in connection with this case, eight have been convicted. Charges are pending against the remaining defendants. 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.
The sentencings are the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division; the New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET), under the direction of Major David Krause and Lieutenant Kevin Reyes, CNET West Commander; and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel Derenda.
Boynton Beach Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Sex Trafficking of a Minor and Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A Boynton Beach resident was sentenced to 20 years in prison, followed by lifetime of supervised release for sex trafficking of a minor and producing child pornography.
Benjamin G. Greenberg, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Mark Selby, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), and Jeffrey S. Katz, Chief, Boynton Beach Police Department (BBPD), made the announcement.
Marco Vinicio Orrego, 31, of Boynton Beach, Florida, previously pled guilty to committing sex trafficking of a minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1591(a), and production of child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2251(a) and (e) (Case No. 17-CR-80097-Middlebrooks).
According to court records, from May 3 through May 5, 2017, Orrego prostituted a sixteen-year-old girl using Backpage.com. He provided her with transportation and a hotel for these illicit activities, taking all of the proceeds for himself. Additionally, Orrego had sex with the minor during that same period and created videos of the sexual abuse.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Mr. Greenberg commended the investigation efforts of ICE-HSI and the Boynton Beach Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gregory Schiller.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
2017 Strom Thurmond Awards for Excellence in Law Enforcement AnnouncedRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA –The United States Attorney’s Office’s Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee, along with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers’ Association (SCLEOA) and the Strom Thurmond Foundation, hosted the annual Strom Thurmond Awards for Excellence in Law Enforcement Luncheon today at the Fort Jackson Officers' Club, Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Approximately 150 state, local and federal law enforcement officials from across the state attended the awards luncheon.
The following South Carolina law enforcement officers received the 2017 awards:
City – Chief George D. Brothers, Edisto Beach Police Department
County – Sheriff Phillip E. Thompson, Horry County Sheriff’s Office
Federal – Special Agent Barry A. Wilson, U. S. Drug Enforcement Administration
State – Major C. Todd Hughey, SLED
The Strom Thurmond Awards for Excellence in Law Enforcement were established by Senator Strom Thurmond in 1983 to recognize law enforcement officers whose performances demonstrate the highest ideals of excellence in professional law enforcement. An annual award is given in each of four categories: (1) City Officer; (2) County Officer; (3) State Officer; and (4) Federal Officer. An awards committee composed of representatives from the U.S. Attorney's Office, the Strom Thurmond Foundation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, along with a police chief and sheriff who have received the award selected the recipients from nominations received from across the state.
United States Attorney Beth Drake stated, "It is indeed an honor to recognize these four outstanding officers. They each exemplify the best in law enforcement, serving their agencies, this state, and our nation with distinction, integrity, and character--making tremendous personal sacrifices to ensure just enforcement.”
City Recipient
George D. Brothers
Chief
Edisto Beach Police Department
Chief George Brothers graduated from T. L. Hanna High School in Anderson, SC. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree from Central Wesleyan College in Human Resource Management. Chief Brothers received his Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of
South Carolina.
Chief Brothers began his law enforcement career in 1980 as a Reserve Officer for the City of Anderson, SC. When he relocated to Charleston County, he began their Reserve Officer Program in 1983. He served in this capacity for approximately three years. Chief Brothers then volunteered as a Reserve Officer for the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department in 1987. It was there he decided to commit to law enforcement in a full-time capacity and was hired as a Deputy Sheriff in 1990. Chief Brothers graduated from the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy as the winner of the J.P Strom Award in 1991. He advanced through the ranks at the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department from a deputy to a DARE Officer and then as a Juvenile Investigator. He was promoted to Deputy Regional Commander at the rank of Lieutenant. He served as Captain of Headquarters Region and eventually was promoted to Major of the Department.
Chief Brothers retired from the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department in 2011 and moved to the private sector. Chief Brothers returned to law enforcement in 2013 as an officer with the Edisto Beach Police Department and was promoted to Assistant Chief in 2014. He was selected as Chief of Police in 2015.
Chief Brothers has been married for 39 years to his wife, Jackie, who also retired from law enforcement. He enjoys spending time with his family enjoying the beach and traveling.
County Recipient
Phillip E. Thompson
Sheriff
Horry County Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff Phillip E. Thompson is a 39-year veteran of law enforcement. He gained his law enforcement experience with both the Myrtle Beach and Horry County Police Departments before being elected Sheriff of Horry County in January 2001. He is currently serving his fifth term as Sheriff.
Sheriff Thompson has served as the Chairman of the 15th Judicial Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit since its conception in 2006. Sheriff Thompson’s commitment to assisting others lead to the creation of the only incarcerated drug treatment program for inmates in South Carolina, which is a model for incarceration treatment programs in the Southeast. The success of the program resulted in a three-year partnership with the South Carolina Department of Corrections in providing a reentry treatment program for inmates reentering in to society. As a result, Sheriff Thompson was awarded the Young Offender Parole and Reentry Services Judge Bill Byars Community Partner Award in Law Enforcement by Governor Nikki Haley in May of 2016. In July of 2017, Sheriff Thompson was awarded Sheriff of the Year by the South Carolina Sheriff’s Association.
Sheriff Thompson has been married to his wife, Cherry, over 48-years and they have three sons, three daughters-in-law and six grandchildren. Sheriff Thompson is a member of First United Methodist Church of Conway.
Federal Recipient
Barry A. Wilson
Special Agent
U. S. Drug Enforcement Administration
Special Agent Barry Wilson has worked in law enforcement for more than 24 years. He worked with the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office and the Greenville City Police Department before joining the DEA in 1997. He was initially assigned to the DEA Miami Field Division where he worked in a HIDTA Task Force for four years. In 2001, he was transferred to the Florence, SC DEA Office and subsequently transferred to the Columbia, SC District Office in 2005.
Special Agent Wilson has been a valuable contributor to the SC OCDETF Program and has worked on several high level Title III wiretap/drug trafficking investigations. He has been the Case Agent for numerous OCDETF Investigations including the 2010 OCDETF Case of the Year for the District of SC–Operation Bitter Orange. This investigation, and the follow-up OCDETF Investigation, Orange Collision, resulted in the arrest of more than 130 defendants, the seizure of 60 kilograms of cocaine and nearly two million dollars in assets. Special Agent Wilson has built strong relationships with other law enforcement agencies and has assisted on several FBI led OCDETF investigations as well. In 2016, he initiated OCDETF Operation Diga No Mas targeting a large-scale heroin group in Orangeburg, SC. In 2017, he began an assignment with the DEA Tactical Diversion Group (TDS) and initiated an investigation of a Beaufort, SC, based pill press group that was responsible for the nationwide distribution of clandestinely manufactured Schedule II and Schedule IV controlled substances and laundered in excess of eight million dollars using virtual currency. The TDS recently dismantled this operation and thus far, over 50,000 pills and over a million dollars in assets have been seized.
Special Agent Wilson is a graduate of the University of SC, is married and has two daughters. He is a DEA Firearms Instructor and has instructed other law enforcement officers on Title III investigations and critical incident response. Special Agent Wilson serves as DEA's Domestic Cannabis Eradication Coordinator for SC and works with SLED and other law enforcement agencies implementing this program. He is a DEA Purple Heart recipient resulting from a gunshot wound he received during the execution of a search warrant in Orangeburg in 2014.
State Recipient
C. Todd Hughey
Major
SC Law Enforcement Division
Major Todd Hughey currently serves as the Laboratory Director in the Forensic Services Division of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Major Hughey received his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 1986 from Wofford College and his Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of South Carolina in 1992. He performed post-doctoral work at Duke University Medical Center from 1992-1995.
Major Hughey began his career at SLED in 1996 in the Toxicology Department and has served in various departments throughout his 21 years, ultimately rising to the rank of Major. Major Hughey has demonstrated a passion for forensic science throughout his career. He has held himself and his staff to the highest ethical standards, which has resulted in the advancement of Forensic Services provided to the criminal justice system and citizens of South Carolina. Under the guidance of Major Hughey, the state forensic laboratory has advanced its capabilities through the use of advanced technology and innovative techniques. Some of these include: new technology in Toxicology to assist with detection of novel designer drugs; new technology in Drug Analysis to allow for quantitation of THC in hemp, food and oil products; new technology in crime scene for 3D imaging of scenes; new sampling and analysis techniques of DNA evidence for improved sensitivity and discrimination. The SLED Forensic Services Laboratory achieved International Accreditation through the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors, Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB-International) in 2014 under Major Hughey’s guidance. Major Hughey is recognized nationally as a leader in the field of forensic science. He serves on numerous national boards and champions ethical, transparent, and unbiased work.
Major Todd Hughey is the unique combination of scientist and law enforcement officer and blends these two fields in a unique way to best serve the citizens of South Carolina. He has provided excellent leadership for the SLED Forensic Services Laboratory through his example of integrity, ethics and pursuit of truth through science. Major Hughey and his wife April have two children. He is an active member and Deacon of Fellowship Baptist Church in Lexington. He is an avid hiker and nature photographer and also enjoys mountain biking and being outdoors#####
Thursday 2 November 2017
Vail, Iowa Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A woman who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced November 2, 2017, to 3 ½ years in federal prison.
Treshina Salazar, 31, from Vail, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 10, 2017, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
At the guilty plea, Salazar admitted her involvement in a conspiracy that distributed at least 500 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine throughout the Crawford and Sac County, Iowa area from 2012 through July 2016. In July 2016 law enforcement traffic stopped Salazar and seized one ounce of methamphetamine from the center console. Salazar admitted she served as a “middle-person,” collecting money and delivering sizable amounts of methamphetamine for a number of large-scale methamphetamine traffickers.
Salazar was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Salazar was sentenced to 42 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed. She must also serve a two-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Salazar is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by the Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, Sac County Sheriff’s Office, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, and Iowa Division of Criminalistics Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 16-4103.
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Tyler County man sentenced for illegal possession of firearmsRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Jamie Villono, of Sistersville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 46 months incarceration for illegally possessing firearms, United States Attorney William J. Powell announced.
Villono, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Felon in Possession of a Firearm” in August 2017. Villono, having previously been convicted of breaking and entering in Tyler County Circuit Court, admitting to having in his possession a 30-30 caliber rifle, a.22 caliber rifle, a.22-250 caliber rifle, and a .223 caliber rifle. The crime occurred in October 2016 in Tyler County.
Villono was also ordered to pay $2,310 in restitution.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.Two West Virginia women admit to their roles in an oxycodone distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Monongalia County woman and a Harrison County woman admitted to their roles in distributing oxycodone, United States Attorney William J. Powell announced.
Ariel Blosser, of Morgantown, age 28, pled guilty to “Distribution of Oxycodone.” Blosser admitted to selling oxycodone in February 2016 in Monongalia County.
Brandy Miller, of Salem, age 28, pled guilty to “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility.” Miller admitted to using a phone to assist others in distributing oxycodone in March 2017 in Monongalia County.
Blosser faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Miller faces up to four years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,0000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.Two Defendants Convicted at Trial in Connection with Fatal 2012 Home Invasion RobberyRead the Press Release
Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that GIBRON LOPEZ and JUDIE OLIVERA were convicted in Manhattan federal court yesterday of Hobbs Act robbery and Hobbs Act robbery conspiracy charges stemming from their commission of a May 2012 home invasion robbery of victim Miles Klein, which resulted in Klein’s death. LOPEZ and OLIVERA were convicted after a one-and-a-half week trial before U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla.
According to the Indictment, other filings in Manhattan federal court, and the evidence admitted at trial:
In May 2012, OLIVERA, who had a preexisting relationship with Klein, set up a home invasion robbery, which targeted Klein’s drugs and drug proceeds. OLIVERA recruited LOPEZ and another man to commit the robbery. On May 15, 2012, OLIVERA gained access to Klein’s apartment in the Bronx, and LOPEZ and the other man, armed with a wrench and a rubber mallet, respectively, followed her there. LOPEZ and the other man struggled with Klein at the door, striking him in the head repeatedly with the wrench and the mallet, binding his eyes and mouth with duct tape, and gagging him. During the assault, OLIVERA stole a safe containing cash, among other items, from Klein’s apartment. LOPEZ and the other man then dragged Klein’s body to the bathroom, where they left him. They discarded the murder weapons and their bloody clothes in a sewer, and later split the proceeds of the robbery. Police responded to the scene on May 16, 2012, after receiving a 911 call from concerned family members. Klein was ultimately pronounced dead as a result of blunt force trauma to his head and obstruction of his airway.
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LOPEZ, 37 and OLIVERA, 39, both of the Bronx, were each convicted of one count of Hobbs Act robbery, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of Hobbs Act robbery conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Kim praised the outstanding investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”), the Strategic Pattern Armed Robbery Technical Apprehension (“SPARTA”) Task Force, and the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”).
The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Gina M. Castellano, Christopher J. DiMase, and Justina L. Geraci are in charge of the prosecution.
Two Californians Sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that GEOFFREY RICKETTS, age 48, and SAMUEL KIM, age 42, both of Porter Ranch, California, were sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud.
U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon sentenced GEOFFREY RICKETTS to to 46 months imprisonment. SAMUEL KIM was sentenced to 25 months imprisonment. In addition, GEOFFREY RICKETTS and SAMUEL KIM owe restitution in the amount of $1,338,210 and $988,593 respectively.
GEOFFREY RICKETTS, SAMUEL KIM, along with co-defendants MARLA RICKETTS and SUNYUP KIM were indicted on June 11, 2015, for their direction of a $38 million fraud scheme centering around the distribution of "talking glucose meters" that were not medically needed and were often not even requested. The defendants operated Care Concepts, LLC, which was based in Metairie and Choice Home Medical Equipment and Supplies (Choice), which was based in Chatsworth, California. According to court documents, the defendants paid kickbacks to workers at call centers in California and South Carolina, from which operators would cold-call Medicare recipients to convince them to accept talking glucose meters and related supplies. From 2007 through 2015, the defendants caused thousands of claims to be submitted to Medicare through Care Concepts and Choice, virtually all of which were fraudulent.
MARLA RICKETTS pleaded guilty on January 5, 2017, to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay $39,880.46 in restitution.
SUNYUP KIM pleaded guilty on September 7, 2017, to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and was sentenced to twelve months and one day imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release. Additionally, KIM was ordered to pay $93,927 in restitution.
Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Office of Inspector General for the United States Department of Health and Human Services for investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrice Harris Sullivan and Jordan Ginsberg were in charge of the prosecution.
Three Ghanian Defendants Convicted of A $1.4 Million Conspiracy to Commit Bank and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal jury has convicted Mohammed “Kofi” Kwaning, age 36, of Laurel, Mark Dennis, age 30, of Laurel, and Charles Mensah, age 30, of the Bronx, New York, of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, as well as bank and wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft for a scheme to defraud in 2014 which attempted to steal nearly $1.4 million in funds from the personal, retirement, and business accounts of various victims. All three are lawful permanent residents of the United States and citizens of Ghana.
The verdict was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning; Special Agent in Charge Andre R. Watson of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, Baltimore Office; and Police Chief Terrence B. Sheridan of the Baltimore County Police.
According to evidence at presented at the 10 day trial, in 2014, Mohammed Kwaning acquired account information from the individual victims, to include the investment account management firms listed in the Superseding Indictment, as well as forged checks containing bank account information of both individual and corporate victims from across the United States.
Issah Mohammed then recruited individuals, to include Mark Dennis, Charles Mensah, Sandra Badu, Abayomi Davies, and Francis “Pino” Fosu, who registered corporate shell entities with the state of Maryland. The individuals Issah Mohammed recruited then set up bank accounts at multiple banking institutions in the names of these shell entities. Mohammed Kwaning then either directed that the funds from the compromised accounts be wired into those bank accounts or provided altered or fabricated checks from compromised accounts to Issah Mohammed, who then provided the checks to Mark Dennis, Charles Mensah, Sandra Badu, Abayomi Davies, and Francis “Pino” Fosu, to be deposited into those bank accounts. After doing so, those same individuals would attempt to withdraw as much of the stolen funds before the banks discovered that the source of the funds were compromised accounts.
Some of the accounts were compromised by individuals who called into investment firms pretending to be the actual account holders, and then eventually providing enough correct answers in order to reset the password for the account. Individuals also hacked the emails of victims and, posing as the account holders, requested funds be wired from their retirement accounts to the bank accounts of the shell corporations controlled by the conspirators. The loss attempted over the course of nine months was over $1.3 million; the conspirators were able to withdraw over $229,000 of stolen funds, which they then split amongst themselves.
Sentencing for Kwaning is set for February 16, 2018. Sentencing for Mensah and Dennis is set for January 19, 2018. All three defendants are detained pending sentencing. Issah Mohammed, Sandra Badu, Abayomi Davies, and Francis “Pino” Fosu had all previously pled guilty. Their sentencing hearings are to be scheduled.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning commended HSI Baltimore and the Baltimore County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul E. Budlow and Judson T. Mihok, who prosecuted this case.
Store Owner Who Cashed Fraudulent Checks Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ASAFAK B. BHURA, 51, of Manchester, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 10 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for attempting to obstruct federal tax laws. Judge Bryant also ordered BHURA to pay a $30,000 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, BHURA owned and operated Nafisa, LLC, and later BAB Enterprise, LLC, a convenience store located in Middletown. The store was registered with the U.S. Department of Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) as a money service business that sold money wire services and money orders to the public for fees. The store was never licensed by the State of Connecticut to be a check cashier, which would permit the store to cash checks for a fee greater than 50 cents per check.
In April 2010, in response to an Internal Revenue Service Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”) Compliance Audit, BHURA adopted an anti-money laundering (“AML”) program and check cashing policies and procedures for his store. The procedures listed the acceptable forms of identification of those seeking to cash a check and required the collection and verification of the customer’s information, including addresses, home telephone number and place of employment, along with a copy or scan of the cashed checks.
From March 2012 to June 2012, BHURA accepted and cashed 126 U.S. Treasury tax refund checks totaling $787,187.17 for an individual. BHURA did not properly identify the individual and the checks were not made payable to that individual. In addition, he deposited the checks into his personal bank accounts rather than the store’s business operating accounts.
BHURA purposefully did not comply with his store’s AML program and check cashing policies and procedures. Based on prior IRS BSA Compliance examinations of the store, BHURA knew the IRS BSA Compliance auditor reviewing the store’s money service business activities and business bank accounts would detect the cashed U.S. Treasury checks if they were deposited into the store’s business accounts.
The federal tax refund checks BHURA cashed were payable to payees residing in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey. The investigation revealed that the checks were federal tax refund checks that others fraudulently obtained through the filing of federal income tax returns containing stolen or fraudulently obtained personal identifying information.
For his services, BHURA received and kept a five percent fee for cashing the 126 checks, which amounted to $39,359. BHURA has paid restitution in that amount to the IRS.
On May 10, 2017, BHURA pleaded guilty to attempting to interfere with the administration of Internal Revenue laws.
BHURA, who is released on a $50,000 bond, was ordered to report to prison on December 27, 2017.
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed.
South Bend Woman Convicted During 4-Day Jury TrialRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND - The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that Sharon Ramos, age 56, of South Bend, Indiana was convicted of ten counts of making false entries in government records, two counts of conversion of government money, and one count of wire fraud, after a four-day jury trial before District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio.
According to documents filed in this case, from approximately January 2008 and continuing until in and around December 2013 Ramos devised a scheme to defraud the Social Security Administration by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations and promises. Ramos, an employee of the Social Security Administration made numerous false and fictitious representations in Supplemental Security Income (SSI) accounts of numerous SSI claimants. These improper entries in the accounts resulted in numerous SSI claimants obtaining payments they were not entitled to receive. As a result, Ramos fraudulently converted money belonging to the Social Security Administration.
United States Attorney Kirsch said, “When a public employee misuses her position to break the law and violate the public trust, we will hold the employee accountable for her actions by prosecution. This case is an example of the outstanding work done by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General to root out fraud and corruption, and in this case, to hold Ms. Ramos accountable for her conduct.”
This case was the result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Luke N. Reilander and Frank E. Schaffer.
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Smith County Man Sentenced for Importing Anabolic SteroidsRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A 45-year-old Tyler man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston today.
Stacey Godsey pleaded guilty on July 5, 2017 to conspiracy to import anabolic steroids and was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Thad Heartfield.
According to information presented in court, from 2014 to 2016, Godsey and Joseph Shay Burton, 39, also of Tyler, purchased anabolic steroids through the internet from suppliers located in China. The steroids were shipped to the United States where Godsey and Burton converted them from powder to liquid dosage units in the kitchen and garage of Godsey's residence. Once converted into liquid dosage units, the steroids were sold and distributed to steroid users in Tyler, Texas and elsewhere. In the spring of 2016, law enforcement officers searched residences belonging to Godsey and Burton. More than 60,000 dosage units of anabolic steroids were found at Godsey's residence. More than 6,000 dosage units were found at Burton's residence.
Burton also pleaded guilty in July 2017 and is awaiting sentencing.
This casewas investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Tyler Police Department, and the Smith County Sheriff's Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel C. Kummerfeld.
Sioux City Woman Sentenced for Meth PossessionRead the Press Release
A woman who possessed methamphetamine was sentenced November 2, 2017, to more than three years in federal prison.
Nicole Maxine Ramirez, 30, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after a July 18, 2017, guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
At the guilty plea, Ramirez admitted she possessed more than 27 grams of pure methamphetamine. On October 12, 2016, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of Ramirez’s vehicle on Interstate 29 near Sioux City. Officers searched the vehicle and located 37.6 grams of methamphetamine mixture. Ramirez admitted she had purchased the methamphetamine and intended to sell the methamphetamine to other person(s).
Ramirez was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Ramirez was sentenced to 43 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed. She must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Ramirez is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Mikala M. Steenholdt and investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-4026. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Seven Members of Drug Trafficking Organization Plead Guilty to Distributing over 100,000 Oxycodone PillsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Seven members of a drug trafficking organization have pleaded guilty to distributing Oxycodone. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the guilty pleas today.
According to the indictment, on or about 2012 through March 2, 2017, Courtney M. Jones’ drug trafficking organization distributed a continuous supply of Oxycodone pills to customers of his organization. Jones and other co-conspirators organized and managed the delivery of various quantities of Oxycodone from Las Vegas, Nevada, into the Western District of Tennessee. The other defendants include Loren N. Bryant; Toresha D. Douglas; Charlotte M. Goldsmith; Magon O. Hall; Gabriel Rounds and Demarious E. Tuggle.
On May 9, 2013, Las Vegas Postal Inspectors began an investigation into packages suspected of containing Oxycodone pills. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) identified phone numbers, surveillance images, vehicle registrations and other information connecting Gabriel Rounds and Magon Hall sending packages to various addresses and recipients through Express Mail envelopes.
On March 2, 2017, an undercover Postal Inspector delivered an Express Mail package to Jones’ apartment. The surveillance team observed Jones meet the mail carrier and accept the package. A search warrant was executed, and approximately 700 oxycodone pills and $53,325 in cash was recovered, as well as a fully loaded Glock 9mm pistol, 6.1 grams of marijuana found inside of a wooden box and 3.3 grams of marijuana inside a plastic bag in a kitchen cabinet. Jones was a convicted felon at the time of the incident.
The investigation further revealed that the defendants would deposit or withdraw cash from Wells Fargo Bank, Bank of America, In Touch Credit Union and MoneyGram as payment for the shipments.
The defendants are scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman as follows: Courtney M. Jones on January 12, 2018; Toresha D. Douglas on January 18, 2018; Megan O. Hall on January 19, 2018; Gabriel Rounds and Demarious E. Tuggle on January 25, 2018; Loren N. Bryant and Charlotte M. Goldsmith on February 2, 2018. The maximum penalty is not more than 20 years imprisonment and $500,000 fine and 5 years supervised release to begin after incarceration.
The United States Postal Inspection Service and Shelby County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jerry Kitchen and Michelle Parks are prosecuting the case on the government’s behalf.
Sentencings for October 27, 2017Read the Press Release
Roman Daniel Vanberkom, 31, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on October 27, 2017, for being a felon and unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of firearms. Vanberkom was arrested in Gillette, Wyoming. He received 43 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $400.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Scranton Man Sentenced to 70 Months’ Imprisonment for $3.5 Million Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that United States District Court Judge Richard P. Conaboy sentenced Brian Reyes, age 30, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, to 70 months’ imprisonment for participating in a stolen identity tax refund fraud conspiracy. Reyes pleaded guilty on October 18, 2016, pursuant to a one-count information that charged him with conspiring to defraud the United States with respect to fraudulent tax claims.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Reyes owned and operated Reyes Services LLC, a Scranton, Pennsylvania-based check cashing business. From January 2011 to June 2015, Reyes and his co-conspirators used stolen identities to prepare and file false federal income tax returns, unbeknownst to their victims. Reyes’s co-conspirators obtained the refund checks from those fraudulent returns and provided them to Reyes, who cashed the checks at his business. Reyes kept a portion of each check cashed. The scheme netted $3,655,368 in false claims paid by the U.S. Treasury.
The government seized $48,933 during the course of the investigation. As part of the sentence, Judge Conaboy imposed a restitution obligation on Reyes for the remaining balance of $3,606,435.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant United States Attorneys William Houser and Phillip J. Caraballo prosecuted the case.
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Sacramento Resident Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison for Fraud Scheme and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Raleigh Rana Figueras, 36, of Sacramento, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Morrison C. England Jr. for his role in a fraud and identity theft scheme, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
On February 9, 2017, Figueras pleaded guilty to bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, possession of stolen U.S. mail, and unlawful possession of five or more identification documents.
On March 16, 2017, Judge England sentenced Figueras’ estranged spouse, Michele Reyes Serrano, 35, also of Sacramento, to five years and 11 months in prison for bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and possession of stolen U.S. mail.
According to court documents, between June 2015 and January 2016, Figueras, Serrano, and others obtained victim identities and financial information from stolen mail and other stolen property. They obtained personal and financial information and used it to pose as the identity theft victims and use their stolen bank accounts, access device numbers, and altered checks to get money, goods and services from banks and merchants. Figueras created counterfeit driver’s licenses on his computer. Surveillance cameras caught the defendants cashing checks or making purchases at Sacramento-area Target and Wal‑Mart stores.
This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service with the assistance of the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department and the Sacramento County Probation Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Rodriguez and Rosanne L. Rust prosecuted the case.
The Postal Inspection Service conducted these investigations with assistance of its Narcotic and Economic Crimes Investigations Task Force (NECI). NECI is a partnership between local and federal law enforcement to combat theft and unlawful use of the U.S. Mail. The Placer County District Attorney’s Office and Sutter County Sheriff’s Office have each dedicated law enforcement personnel to the task force.
Sacramento Man Sentenced to over 17 Years in Prison for Running Methamphetamine Ring Involving a Pipe Bomb and WeaponsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Emilio Marquez Barba, 39, of Sacramento, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley to 17 and a half years in prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Barba was the leader and organizer of an attempted deal to sell 15 pounds worth of methamphetamine for $210,000 to undercover agents. When agents executed a search warrant on Barba’s residence, they found additional methamphetamine, cocaine packaged for distribution, marijuana, and a pipe bomb. Other weapons were found in connection with the co-conspirators. On July 20, 2017, Barba pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.
This case is the product of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Mountain and Valley Marijuana Investigation Team (MAVMIT). Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd A. Pickles is prosecuting the case.
Barba’s three co-defendants pleaded guilty in this case. Gabriel Vargas-Guerrero was sentenced to seven years in prison, Mario Lopez-Ayala was sentenced to five years and three months in prison, and Jose Jaime Diaz is set for sentencing on December 7, 2017, at 9:30 a.m.
Rochester Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Jail for Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.- Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Thaddeus Grice, 38, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of sex trafficking of a minor, was sentenced to 240 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Marangola, who is handling the case, stated that in November, 2013, the defendant recruited a 16 year-old minor victim to engage in commercial sex acts and used Backpage.com for advertisement purposes. Between November and December 2013, Grice rented rooms at hotels in Henrietta and Rochester, NY, for the minor victim to meet with customers.
During that same time period, the defendant also coerced an adult victim to engage in commercial sex acts. Grice met the adult victim, a self-described heroin addict, in Rochester and used heroin to coerce the victim to work for him as a prostitute. Again, the defendant placed ads for the adult victim on Backpage.com and would rent hotel rooms at various locations for the adult victim to with clients and engage in commercial sex acts. On at least one occasion, Grice threatened the adult victim with use of force and on at least one other occasion, hit the adult victim when she wanted to stop prostituting for him.
“Today’s significant sentence demonstrates this Office’s commitment to protecting the victims of human trafficking, especially where, as here, such victims are, as a result of their age or addiction, among the most vulnerable among us,” said Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. “We will continue to do all that we can to remove from our society those who perceive frailty in the human condition as something to be exploited in order to make money.”
"This sentence ensures that this predator will no longer be a threat to the young people in our community," said Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly of HSI Buffalo. "HSI will continue to work with our partners to bring sex traffickers to justice, while ensuring the survivors get the support they need to rebuild their lives."
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly.Restaurant Owner Sentenced for Multiple Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A restaurant owner was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for committing tax and insurance fraud involving 11 Boston-area restaurants and for committing visa and immigration fraud.
Hazrat Khalid Khan, 58, a Pakistani national residing in Middletown, N.Y., was sentenced to 30 months in prison, one year of supervised release, and will be subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence. Khan was also ordered to pay restitution of $2,343,155 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and $27,863 to two insurance companies he defrauded.
In April 2017, Khan pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the IRS, failing to collect and pay over taxes, committing mail fraud, making false statements on a naturalization application and committing visa fraud. The sentence resolves two cases in the District of Massachusetts and one brought in the Southern District of New York. The whereabouts of two of Khan’s co-defendants, Khursed Iqbal and Rahman Zeb, also Pakistani nationals, remains unknown.
Khan was the partial owner of 11 fried chicken takeout restaurants in greater Boston, including Roxbury, Chelsea and Mattapan. As part of a tax fraud scheme that ran for years, Khan and his co-conspirators—generally the managers of these restaurants—defrauded the government and avoided paying payroll and income taxes owed by the stores. They paid their employees in cash and provided tax preparers with false information about the restaurants’ payroll and income, thereby causing the tax preparers to file false tax returns.
Federal law requires employers to withhold payroll taxes, which includes Social Security and Medicare taxes, and then pay them over to the IRS. To avoid paying taxes, Khan and several co-conspirators falsely reported to the IRS the number of employees at their stores, some of whom were undocumented workers, and the wages they paid them. They also failed to file W-2s showing wages paid to employees and falsely described on tax returns their sales, total income, compensation of officers, salaries and wages, and taxable income. Khan and his co-conspirators also failed to withhold payroll taxes and pay them over to the IRS, resulting in approximately $2.3 million in unpaid federal payroll and income taxes over a five-year period.
Khan also underreported payroll to the workers’ compensation insurance providers for the 11 restaurants he and his co-conspirators controlled, thereby defrauding insurers. Lastly, Khan repeatedly made false statements to obtain immigration benefits. Specifically, on two occasions – first in connection with obtaining legal permanent resident status and again when applying to naturalize as a U.S. citizen – Khan falsely denied that he had previously been arrested or convicted of a crime, when, in fact, Khan had been previously convicted in federal court of alien smuggling.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Boston Police Commissioner William Evans, made the announcement. The case was investigated with the cooperation of the Massachusetts Insurance Fraud Bureau. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John A. Capin and Brian A. Pérez-Daple of Weinreb’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Rapid City Man Sentenced on Methamphetamine ChargesRead the Press Release
South Dakota, man convicted of Possession With Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on October 30, 2017, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Thomas Gary Thompson, age 28, was sentenced to 235 months in custody, followed by 6 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Thompson was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 4, 2017. He pled guilty on August 14, 2017.
On March 22, 2017, Thompson was the driver of a vehicle, which crashed east of White River, South Dakota. Thompson fled from the vehicle on foot carrying four bundles wrapped in cellophane. Thompson was eventually apprehended by law enforcement. The four bundles, tested by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s laboratory, contained approximately four pounds of pure methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Mellette County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Department of Criminal Investigation, and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney SaraBeth Donovan prosecuted the case.
Thompson was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pueblo Police Department and Southern Colorado Safe Streets Task Force Announce the Arrest of Five Individuals and the Seizure of Historic Amounts of Heroin in Southern ColoradoRead the Press Release
DENVER – The Pueblo Police Department, the Colorado U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the FBI Denver Division, all parts of the Southern Colorado Safe Streets Task Force, announced the seizure of historic amounts of heroin from two residences and a business located in Pueblo, Colorado. Following the seizure, the U.S. Attorney’s Office obtained grand jury indictments charging five individuals with distribution of drug charges. Four of the five defendants were also charged with federal firearms violations. All five defendants are in federal custody with charges pending and have made initial appearances.
The criminal investigation began in Pueblo in December 2016, when the Southern Colorado Safe Streets Task Force began investigating criminal activity associated with several street gangs operating in the Pueblo area. As a part of that investigation federal agents and state and local law enforcement, including the Pueblo Police Department, executed search warrants on three locations. Two were residences in Pueblo, with the third a Pueblo business called “Get Your Fix Automotive”. Seized from the three locations were approximately:
- 28 kilograms of heroin
- 2.5 pounds of methamphetamine
- 50 grams of cocaine
- 35 firearms, including several stolen weapons, and a machine gun
- $540,000 in cash
Those indicted include:
- Daniel Vasquez, of Pueblo, charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute heroin and Felon in Possession of a firearm.
- Roger Bujanda, of Pueblo, charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute heroin and Felon in Possession of a firearm.
- Jesus Mercado Valdez, of Pueblo, charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute heroin and Felon in Possession of a firearm.
- Gage Rael, of Pueblo, charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute heroin and Felon in Possession of a firearm.
- Leonard Aragon, of Pueblo, charged with two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute heroin.
The heroin alone is worth approximately $8,000,000. If cut for sale, it could provide up to 40,000 user doses. One house alone yielded over $300,000 in cash and a substantial amount of the heroin seized, in addition to the many assault weapons hidden throughout. The heroin was distributed on the streets of Pueblo, as opposed to being stored for distribution in other cities.
Sentences regarding heroin distribution depend on the weight of the drugs seized or trafficked. Possession with Intent to Distribute a kilogram or more of heroin carries a penalty of not less than 10 years, and not more than life in federal prison, as well as a fine of up to $250,000. Possession with intent to distribute a lower amount of heroin carries a penalty of not less than 5 years, and up to 40 years in prison. Also, being a felon in possession of a firearm carries a penalty of not more than 10 years in federal prison, and up to a $250,000 fine.
“This series of cases reflects forensic partnership policing at its best,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bob Troyer. “Dangerous individuals and their poison and weaponry are now gone. With minimal disruption, Pueblo is a safer place.”
“Solid relationships between law enforcement and prosecutorial offices at all levels, Federal, State and Local, creates an effective tool for dealing with violent crime,” said Pueblo Police Chief Troy Davenport. “FBI Safe Streets is a great example of those relationships and the kind of effort that our citizens deserve. Our community is much safer today because of this relationship and cooperative effort. The Pueblo Police Department is a proud participant.”
"The outcome of this case is indicative of the success that can be attained when agencies combine resources to dismantle drug trafficking organizations," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Calvin Shivers. "Crimes of this nature destroy our neighborhoods and the futures of our children. We are confident this case will send a message to those contemplating trafficking heroin and other dangerous illegal narcotics they will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and prosecutors to attack the heroin epidemic and remove violent criminals from our neighborhoods."
These prosecutions were coordinated with Jeff Chostner and the 10th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. This investigation was handled by the Pueblo Police Department, as part of the FBI Southern Colorado Safe Streets Task Force, which includes the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office, the Canon City Police Department, the Fountain Police Department, the Colorado Springs Police Department, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, the state Department of Corrections Office of Inspector General, the state Department of Corrections Office of Parole, the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Department of Homeland Security (HSI), the IRS CI, and Air Force Office of Special Investigations.
The defendants are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Beth Gibson.
The charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty
Postal Employee Charged with Opening MailRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of Opening of Mail by Postal Employee, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
The two-count indictment named Ronald Wojcik, 38, of Tarentum, PA, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment presented to the court, on March 3, 2017, Wojcik unlawfully opened two articles of mail that had been entrusted to him as an employee of the United States Postal Service.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Mary McKeen Houghton is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Service-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Police and Prosecutors Join Students at the Bay County Youth Crime Prevention SummitRead the Press Release
PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida will join the LEAD Coalition of Bay County and the following agencies to present a youth summit on Friday to approximately 220 high school and middle school students.
Participating agencies include:
- LEAD Coalition of Bay County
- U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida
- Florida Highway Patrol
- Bay County Sheriff’s Office
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Drug Enforcement Administration
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
- Panama City Police Department
- U.S. Secret Service
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General
Participating schools include: (Students with media permissions will be identified.)
- Bay High School
- Rosenwald High School
- Rutherford High School
- Everitt Middle School
- Jinks Middle School
- AMIkids, Panama City Marine Institute
- C.C. Washington Academy
Event:
3rd Annual Bay County Youth Crime Prevention Summit
BLAST Program (for 100 high school students)
“Chasing the Dragon” film screening (for 120 middle school students)Host: LEAD Coalition of Bay County
Location:
Gulf Coast State College
Student Union East, 2nd Floor
5230 West Highway 98
Panama City, FL 32401
Date: Friday, November 3, 2017
Time:
9:30 a.m. CDT Opening Remarks. Please note Central Time.
10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. CDT Breakout Sessions
Press:
To RSVP for the event, to coordinate interviews, and for BLAST Program-specific questions:
Amy Alexander
850-491-0367(cell)
For questions related to Chasing the Dragon:
Amanda Videll
FBI Public Affairs Specialist
904-349-7750 (cell)
For questions about the Bay County Youth Crime Prevention Summit or the LEAD Coalition:
Janice Lucas
850-913-3263
BLAST Program
The BLAST Program offers students an opportunity to meet representatives of the criminal justice community and ask them questions, share their perceptions of law enforcement, and interact with officers in a familiar setting. Officers also provide students with their perspective on responding to dangerous or uncertain circumstances and the importance of remaining calm and following the officers’ directions in these situations.
The schedule will include the following discussion sessions, during which students will have a chance to participate and role play with law enforcement officers.
- Criminal Justice Overview: Students will learn about each phase of a federal criminal case, including investigation, prosecution, and sentencing.
This session is open to the media and public, and videography and photography is permitted.
- Domestic Violence: Students will participate in a scenario in which police respond to a domestic disturbance. Discussion includes the challenges officers face, rights of witnesses and suspects, and benefits of providing information to the police.
This session is open to the media and public, and videography and photography is permitted.
- Traffic Stop Simulation: Participants and officers alternate playing the roles of civilians and officers in a traffic stop. Discussion includes de-escalation and the uncertainty officers and vehicle occupants face during a traffic stop.
This session is open to the media and public, and videography and photography is permitted.
- Use of Force: Facilitators and students will discuss when law enforcement officers may use force and an officer’s reaction time when confronted with a life-threatening situation.
This session is closed to the media and public. Reporters may try the simulator equipment after the event ends.
Chasing the Dragon
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) co-produced a 45-minute documentary titled Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict. The film features several stark, first-hand accounts of the dangers of opiate addiction. A free download of the film is available online, along with a teacher discussion guide.
Over the past year, law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, DEA, and U.S. Attorney’s Office, have hosted screenings of the film to educate students on the dangers of opiate abuse and to discuss how the issue could impact their lives and future careers.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison for Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 108 months’ imprisonment on his conviction of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Ronnie McGill, age 35, of Pittsburgh, PA.
According to information presented to the court, from April through August 2016, McGill was intercepted over a DEA wiretap conspiring with others to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 100 to 400 grams of heroin.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Fischer stated that the sentence was sufficient but not greater than necessary to achieve the goals of sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Song commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of McGill. The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Pittsburgh Felon Sentenced for Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to a term of one day imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, with the first six months to be served on home detention, on his conviction of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Eric Wesley Triplett, 24, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
According to the information presented to the court, City of Pittsburgh Police Officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which the defendant was a passenger. Triplett ran from the vehicle and discarded a loaded firearm, which officers recovered. Based on a prior conviction, the defendant is not permitted to possess a firearm.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Conti stated that the defendant’s possession of a loaded firearm was a very serious and dangerous offense.
Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Song commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Triplett.
Philadelphia Parking Authority to Address ADA Compliance in Three Parking GaragesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Parking Authority has voluntarily addressed accessibility issues with parking at three of its Philadelphia garages in collaboration with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The Americans with Disabilities Act and its accompanying regulations require certain properties, including parking facilities, to have accessibility features. The U.S. Attorney’s Office conducted a review of several Philadelphia Parking Authority garages and identified concerns regarding accessibility at the Autopark at Independence Mall at 5th and Market Streets, the Autopark at Olde City at 2nd and Sansom Streets, and the Philadelphia Gateway Parking Garage at 1540 Vine Street. Once it became aware of the concerns, the Philadelphia Parking Authority cooperated with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to identify the issues, develop a plan to address them, and remediate promptly.
“Enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act is an important priority of this office,” said Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. “Ensuring public access to parking facilities so that visitors to Center City can enjoy Philadelphia is a benefit to us all. We were pleased that the PPA agreed with these priorities, and our mutual goal of ensuring access for all was accomplished.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania is committed to investigating alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Those interested in learning more about architectural barriers to access under the Americans with Disabilities Act may access www.ada.gov, or call the Department of Justice’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383 (TDD). Information about filing a complaint, including instructions for filing a complaint online, can be found at www.ada.gov/filing_complaint.htm.
The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul W. Kaufman and Anthony D. Scicchitano in conjunction with the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.
Pensacola Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to 224 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Donald Santoriello, 60, of Pensacola, was sentenced today to 224 months in prison. He received 200 months as the result of his guilty plea on August 10, 2017, to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and 24 months consecutive for violating his federal supervised release. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
In March 2017, Santoriello was under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for being convicted of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The Probation Office received information that Santoriello was in possession of a firearm, and subsequently law enforcement agents found a firearm in his residence. Santoriello previously had been convicted of crimes dating back to 1987, including first degree robbery, grand theft auto, aggravated assault, and second degree murder.
This case resulted from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes prosecuted the case.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Operator of Horse Rescue Group Gets Prison Time for Fraud, Filing a False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A Butler County resident was sentenced today to five months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $20,000 in restitution on her conviction of mail fraud and filing a false tax return related to a non-profit organization, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Pamela A. Vivirito, 47, of Mars, Pa. Vivirito pleaded guilty in April to one count of mail fraud charged in a second superseding indictment and one count of filing a false tax return charged in an information.
According to information provided to the Court, Vivirito operated a not-for-profit charity called Equine Angels Rescue, Inc. (EAR) which solicited contributions to rescue and rehabilitate horses. Vivirito fraudulently solicited donations and used them for personal expenses. Additionally, Vivirito caused the filing of a fraudulent and false Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax wherein it was reported her compensation was $46,877, when in actuality, Vivirito received compensation in the amount of $93,606.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Vivirito.
Meigs County Banker Sentenced for Stealing More Than $300,000 from Bank ATMRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Bobbie A. Holter, 53, of Racine, Ohio, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 12 months in prison and six months of home confinement for theft by a bank employee.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Angela L. Byers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the sentence handed down today by Chief U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr.
According to court documents, Holter was an employee of The Citizens Bank of Logan in Athens, Ohio for approximately 10 years until her termination in February 2014. Holter served as Branch Manager and Teller Supervisor at the Walmart and Stimson Avenue branches.
A surprise audit was performed at the Walmart branch after a discrepancy in the ATM was discovered by a bank operations specialist. The audit showed that reports filed by Holter in the normal course of her duties prior to the audit did not match the amount of $20 bills dispensed by the ATM for various days.
Security footage for those days depicted Holter coming into the bank alone before the branch opened, removing the cash cassette from the ATM and then replacing it. Surveillance showed Holter conducting at least 24 such exchanges – each time alone, in the dark and before bank hours.
In total, a more thorough audit discovered 60 cash shortages totaling $318,400.
When she was interviewed by bank officials, Holter initially denied taking any money, but eventually said she was threatened and coerced into taking the money by a former supervisor who had sexually harassed and choked her. Further investigation by the FBI found no evidence to support this claim.
One week after being interviewed, Holter contacted bank officials and told them she found a bag of money at the end of her driveway. She met with the officials and turned over a bag containing $81,360 in $20 bills.
FBI forensic accountants conducted a financial analysis of Holter’s finances, taking into account all known sources of funds and known use of funds and determined her spending exceeded her income by nearly $150,000 for the period of time they examined.
Holter used money orders totaling nearly $43,000 to pay off her mortgage and deposited money orders into her bank accounts reportedly from the sale of puppies to individuals around the country. Research on the addresses of 15 of the puppy sales money orders revealed that 14 contained fictional addresses.
Holter pleaded guilty to one count of theft by a bank officer in April 2017. As part of her plea agreement, she has agreed to pay full restitution.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the bank officers and the FBI, as well as Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan J.C. Grey, who is representing the United States in this case.
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Massachusetts Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that Alberto Guerrero Marte, 34, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced yesterday to serve 15 years in federal prison for participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Guerrero Marte ran a heroin trafficking organization that distributed heroin to customers from New Hampshire and Massachusetts through residences owned or occupied by individuals cooperating with the drug trafficking organization. Day-to-day customer orders for heroin were taken by a member of the conspiracy who would pass that information on to Guerrero Marte. The information was relayed to a delivery person who would deliver the heroin to a customer and pick up payment for the heroin.
Guerrero Marte previously pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, heroin. He is expected to be deported to the Dominican Republic after serving his sentence.
“This defendant was responsible for the distribution of large quantities of heroin to customers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire and deserves the lengthy sentence that was imposed by the Court,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “While we recognize the importance of providing access to treatment for those suffering from addiction, we will continue to work closely with all of our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who are profiting from the sales of heroin and other deadly drugs. I commend the hard work of the law enforcement officers whose efforts led to the successful prosecution of this significant drug trafficker.”
“Opioid abuse is at epidemic levels in New Hampshire and across the North East,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson. “Heroin is causing deaths in record numbers and DEA is committed to aggressively pursue Drug Trafficking Organizations who distribute this poison in order to profit and destroy people’s lives and wreak havoc in our communities. This investigation would not have been a success without the continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners.”
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration; Homeland Security Investigations; the Massachusetts State Police; the Haverhill Police Department; the United States Marshals Service; the New Hampshire State Police; the Manchester Police Department; the Lawrence Police Department; the Lowell Police Department, the Methuen Police Department, and the Hillsborough County Drug Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald Feith.
This case was supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
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Martinsburg men admit to drug distribution chargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Martinsburg, West Virginia men have admitted to drug distribution charges, United States Attorney William J. Powell announced.
Christopher Deshaun Walker, age 28, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin.” Walker admitted to selling heroin in October 2015 in Berkeley County, West Virginia.
Henry Aaron Shepherd, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin.” Shepherd admitted to aiding another in selling heroin in November 2015 in Berkeley County.
Walker and Shepherd each face up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul T. Camilletti is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drugs & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Marion County man sentenced for mail fraudRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Fairmont, West Virginia man was sentenced today to 37 months incarceration for mail fraud, United States Attorney William J. Powell announced.
Martin Stoneking, age 25, pled guilty to one count of “Mail Fraud” in May 2017. Stoneking admitted to participating in a staged vehicle accident, faking injuries from said accident, and filing false insurance claims resulting in a $41,000 settlement. The crime happened between May 2013 and October 2013 in Marion County.
Stoneking was also ordered to pay $152,603.64 in restitution,
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia Insurance Commission Office of Inspector General and the United States Postal Inspection Service investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Manager Charged with Defrauding Two Celebrity Clients in Relation to OXYwater CaseRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal grand jury has charged Kevin R. Foster, 42, of Montclair, N.J. with charges related to a fraud scheme in a superseding indictment returned here today.
Foster was charged in an original, seven-count indictment in July 2016. This superseding indictment contains 10 counts – including additional wire fraud, money laundering and bankruptcy fraud charges – as well as a second victim.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Ryan L. Korner, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation, and Angela L. Byers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the new charges.
This case stems from the prior prosecution of Thomas E. Jackson and Preston J. Harrison, who raised approximately $9 million from investors under false pretenses to start and market the sports beverage “OXYwater.” The two were convicted by a federal jury in March 2015 of multiple wire fraud, money laundering and tax fraud charges.
The charges against Foster allege that he, as the principal of his management/accounting firm, Foster & Firm, Inc., and as business manager for Shaffer Smith (“Ne-Yo”), induced Smith to invest $2 million into OXYwater under false representations.
Foster served as an officer or controller of Imperial Integrative Health Research & Development, LLC in Westerville, Ohio with Jackson and Harrison. Foster did not disclose that he served as a controller for the company or that he would earn commission based on investments.
Unbeknownst to Smith, Foster allegedly invested an additional $1.5 million of Smith’s money into the product without his consent and fraudulently took out $1.4 million in lines of credit under Smith’s name by forging his signature. It is alleged that Foster received approximately $250,000 in finder’s fees based on Smith’s investments into OXYwater and that Foster received additional money as a result of the unauthorized investments.
The superseding indictment also alleges that Foster defrauded a second celebrity client, Brian McKnight, as a way to secure money to help keep Imperial solvent.
“McKnight agreed to invest in the company, not knowing that Foster served as an officer/controller of Imperial,” U.S. Attorney Glassman said. “Foster allegedly withdrew more money from McKnight’s account than he had authorized, and failed to invest any of the money, but rather transferred it to one of Imperial’s business associates in order to help keep the business afloat.”
Foster also allegedly lied about disclosing the kickbacks during a deposition in Bankruptcy Court.
Foster was charged in the superseding indictment with four counts of wire fraud, five counts of money laundering and one count of bankruptcy fraud. Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, money laundering is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and bankruptcy fraud is punishable by up to five years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the IRS Criminal Investigation and FBI, and Assistant United States Attorney Jessica H. Kim and Department of Justice Tax Division Trial Attorney Jason M. Scheff, who are prosecuting the case.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Man Sentenced to 27 Years for Cocaine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Newport News man was sentenced today to 27 years in prison for his role in a large-scale cocaine trafficking conspiracy.
According to court documents, Marvin O’Neal Carter, 50, along with Michael Stephen Kuna, 42, of Canada, and brothers Hilario Rodriguez, 50, and Daniel Rodriguez, 49, both of California, were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. Carter was also charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime and maintaining a drug involved premises.
According to court documents, agents observed the arrival of a tractor trailer at a garage leased by Carter. With the assistance of Michael Kuna, who stopped traffic and directed the driver, the trailer was off-loaded next to the garage. Agents observed Daniel and Hilario Rodriguez arrive and park in Carter’s garage parking lot. The men then worked together to unload cocaine from a hidden compartment located underneath the trailer. A short time later, Kuna left and returned with two large duffel bags which were taken underneath the trailer. Kuna left the location after loading the now-empty duffel bags into a vehicle. Law enforcement agents conducted a traffic stop on Kuna and located the two duffle bags which smelled of bulk currency. As Kuna was being detained, agents executed two federal search warrants on the garage and trailer. During the search, approximately 54 kilograms of cocaine and 100 bundles of cash in $5,000 to $10,000 stacks, totaling nearly $1 million, were recovered. The search of the garage also led to the recovery of a firearm, a quantity of heroin and more cocaine, in addition to approximately $49,000 in cash from a safe.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Karl C. Colder, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division, Martin Culbreth, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, Michael C. Grinstead, Acting Chief of Newport News Police, and Terry L. Sult, Chief of Hampton Police Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson. Managing Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard J. Zlotnick and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy E. Cross prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:16-cr-76.
Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Hampton Roads RobberiesRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Norfolk man was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for a series of armed robberies.
According to court documents, from August 2016 through January 2017, Zakee Hawkins, 25, conspired with two others to conduct a series of armed robberies of various commercial establishments. They robbed a Metro PCS, 7-Eleven, Boost Mobile, Tinee Giant, Fast Auto Loan and Quick N Save stores and various gas stations located in Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach and Hampton. In each of these robberies, Hawkins and a co-conspirator would enter the store brandishing firearms and demand that employees turn over all the money. They would then flee the scene in a get-a-way vehicle. After the 15th robbery, an employees picked Hawkins out of a photo lineup as the person who robbed the store. Afterwards, Hawkins was arrested, but his co-conspirators continued the armed robbery spree by robbing 16 additional stores and gas stations before they were arrested. In total, they conducted 31 armed robberies of various locations, with over 50 employees as victims of their crimes.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Thomas L. Chittum, III, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen. Assistant U.S. Attorney William D. Muhr prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:17-cr-51.
Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Failure to Register as A Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A convicted sex offender who failed to register as a sex offender when he moved to the Las Vegas area was sentenced to 60 months in prison today, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada.
Charles Elmer Roush, 79, pleaded guilty to one count of violation of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Larry R. Hicks sentenced Roush to lifetime of supervised release.
According to the plea agreement, Roush admitted that he failed to register with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department or any local jurisdiction when he relocated to the Las Vegas area. In 1985, Roush was convicted in El Paso County, Colo., of inducing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct and mailing visual depiction of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. As a result of the conviction, Roush was required under SORNA to register and to update his registration in each jurisdiction he resides and is employed.
The case was investigated by the Nevada Parole and Probation and U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elham Roohani prosecuted the case.
To report a non-compliant or unregistered sex offender, contact the U.S. Marshals Service National Sex Offender Targeting Center at [email protected].
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Lower Brule Man Charged with First Degree Burglary and AssaultsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Lower Brule, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for First Degree Burglary, two counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and two counts of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.
Jaron Grassrope, a/k/a Jaron Grass Rope, age 18, was indicted on October 17, 2017. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on November 1, 2017, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 35 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, up to 6 years of supervised release, and $500 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on July 2, 2017, Grassrope and his co-defendant unlawfully entered and remained in an occupied structure with the intent to commit the crime of larceny. The Indictment also alleges that both defendants stabbed two male victims, causing serious bodily injuries to both of them.
The charges are merely accusations and Grassrope is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Lower Brule Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case.
Grassrope was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial, which has been set for January 3, 2018.
London Man Pleads Guilty to Assaulting and Attempting to Rob Man in Georgetown in January 2017Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Paolo Aldorasi, 34, of London, pled guilty today to assaulting and attempting to rob a man who he forced into his sport utility vehicle in the Georgetown area of Washington, D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu, Andrew W. Vale, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Peter Newsham, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Aldorasi pled guilty to assault with intent to commit robbery, a District of Columbia offense. The plea took place in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. As part of the plea agreement, the government agreed to dismiss a federal kidnapping charge. The Honorable Richard J. Leon scheduled sentencing for Jan. 30, 2018. Aldorasi faces a statutory minimum sentence of two years in prison and a statutory maximum of 15 years of incarceration.
According to a factual proffer submitted at the plea hearing, on Jan. 26, 2017, at about 3:20 p.m., Aldorasi saw the victim walking eastbound in the 3400 block of O Street NW. Aldorasi, who was operating a sport utility vehicle, pulled alongside the victim and asked for directions to Washington Dulles International Airport. The victim, who spoke limited English, said he did not know the location. As the conversation continued, Aldorasi grabbed the victim and ordered him into the SUV. He then drove off with the victim, taking him to four ATMs in the District of Columbia, in unsuccessful attempts to withdraw money, as well as to two retail establishments in unsuccessful attempts to make purchases. After the last failed attempt, at a retail store in the 4500 block of Wisconsin Avenue NW, he finally let the victim go.
Aldorasi was arrested by the FBI’s Seattle Field Office on Feb. 24, 2017, in SeaTac, Washington, and has been in custody ever since.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Liu, Assistant Director in Charge Vale, and Chief Newsham commended the work of those who investigated the case from the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department. They expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the FBI’s Seattle Field Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington. Finally, they acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Jeannette Litz, Catherine O’Neal and Teesha Tobias; Legal Assistants Peter Gaboton and Holly Crouse, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emory V. Cole and Kamilah O. House, who prosecuted the matter.
Local Man Sentenced for Participation in Used Textbook ScamRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051
BUFFALO, N.Y. - Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Jeffrey Tomasik, 34, of Hamburg, N.Y., who was convicted of mail fraud, was sentenced to two years probation by Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci Jr. As part of his sentence, the judge also ordered the defendant to donate 200 books to a school in need in the City of buffalo.Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth R. Moellering, who handled the case, stated that the defendant ran a used textbook scheme. Tomasik rented textbooks from Amazon and other companies and then sold the textbooks on eBay. When the rental contract on the textbooks expired, the defendant ignored collection notices. Tomasik also made it difficult for the companies to find him by using aliases. The defendant used at least 20 online accounts with different email addresses to perpetrate the fraud.
The defendant also entered into a sizeable contract to sell used textbooks to victims in California. After receiving an approximately $50,000 down payment on the contract via PayPal, Tomasik allegedly sent a single textbook and removed his bank information from his PayPal account so that the victims could not recoup their money.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Shelly Binkowski of the Boston Division.
Local Businessman Convicted of Credit Card Fraud and ID TheftRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – The owner of American Auto Pros in Corpus Christi has admitted he used numerous credit card accounts belonging to others in order to obtain things of value without authorization, announced Acting United States Attorney Abe Martinez. Antonio Arteaga, 38, of Corpus Christi, pleaded guilty to one count of credit card fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Arteaga was arrested Aug. 18, 2017, following an investigation into a series of fraudulent ATM withdrawals in Corpus Christi and surrounding areas. Many of the victims had been customers at Arteaga’s business, American Auto Pros. Authorities executed a search warrant at the business which led to the discovery of a credit card processing pad that was connected to a laptop computer in the office. This allowed Arteaga to illegally capture the account information and PIN numbers of credit and debit cards used there.
During a subsequent search of Arteaga’s home, law enforcement found a magnetic strip encoder that had been used to replace the information on the magnetic strip of gift cards with the compromised credit and debit card numbers. Agents also found numerous altered gift cards with the encoder at Arteaga’s house and additional gift cards illegally re-encoded with victim’s credit card information in Arteaga’s vehicle and wallet.
Agents determined that between Dec. 10, 2016, and Aug. 18, 2017, Arteaga unlawfully used the credit and debit card information of dozens of American Auto Pros customers to withdraw tens of thousands of dollars from his victims’ accounts.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has set sentencing for Jan. 30, 2018. At that time, Arteaga faces up to 10 years in federal prison for the credit card fraud. For the aggravated identity theft, he will also be subject to a mandatory two years which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed. All charges also carry the potential of a $250,000 maximum fine
He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The Secret Service conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Corpus Christi Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. Thorpe Jr. is prosecuting the case.