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14 December 2017
Van Buren Man Sentenced to over 11 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Fort Smith, Arkansas - Kenneth Elser, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Marco Deandre Smith, age 41, of Van Buren, was sentenced today to 135 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Possession of a Controlled Substance, namely methamphetamine, with Intent to Distribute. The Honorable Chief United States District Court Judge P. K. Holmes, III presided over the sentencing hearing in Fort Smith.
According to court records, on February 17, 2017, Officer’s with the Fort Smith Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by Smith for a traffic violation. After speaking with Smith, the officer had him step out of the vehicle, handcuffed him for officer safety and had Smith sit down by the vehicles. A search of Smith’s vehicle resulted in the officer locating marijuana. As the officer went back to speak with Smith, the officer saw Smith flee on foot. The officer caught Smith and escorted him back to the vehicle. Once back at the vehicle, the officer resumed the search of Smith’s vehicle. The Officer found multiple bricks of marijuana and four large bags of (445.4 grams) actual methamphetamine inside Smith’s vehicle.
Smith was indicted in the Western District of Arkansas in March, 2017 and plead guilty on May 9, 2017.
This case was investigated by the Fort Smith Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Candace Taylor prosecuted the case for the United States.
Utica Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. - Peeno Davis, 23, of Utica, Mississippi, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
On May 3, 2015, the Utica Chief of Police responded to calls from the community about a blue and silver pickup riding through downtown Utica, with two men on the back of the truck and two men inside the truck who were brandishing guns while riding on Main Street. The truck was located at the Pit Stop convenience store in Utica where Peeno Davis was found to be in possession of a sawed-off shotgun. He was previously convicted in the Second Judicial District of Hinds County for house burglary.
Davis will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate on February 21, 2018, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Utica Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Glenda R. Haynes.
Utah Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS—Robert David Lund, a 53-year old resident of Salt Lake City, Utah, was sentenced today to 120 months in prison and five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Judge Susan P. Watters issued the sentence.
During an investigation into a group of individuals responsible for the distribution of multiple pounds of methamphetamine in the Billings area, agents were led to Salt Lake City, Utah in search of the group’s supplier of methamphetamine. On June 7, 2016, they seized approximately one pound of methamphetamine from a coconspirator and identified Lund’s residence as the source of that methamphetamine. Later in the day, agents executed a search warrant on Lund’s residence. There, they discovered 3,333.5 grams of actual methamphetamine along with 957.2 grams of marijuana, a Winchester shotgun within arm’s reach of the methamphetamine, and $14,731 in United States Currency.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sullivan and investigated by the FBI Transnational Organized Crime Western Task Force and the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime. Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Charges Suburban Mortgage Brokers with Fraud for Allegedly Controlling Property Appraisals in Scheme to Defraud LendersRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago has charged two suburban mortgage brokers with fraudulently operating a purportedly independent appraisal management company to control property valuations, and brokering fraudulent loans to finance real estate transactions between themselves and nominees.
STEVEN L. GARCIA and his brother, MICHAEL R. GARCIA, operated American Financial Mortgage Services Inc., a licensed mortgage brokerage in Schaumburg. According to a criminal information filed Wednesday in federal court in Chicago, the brothers fraudulently caused lenders to make mortgage loans brokered by American Financial by falsely representing that the supporting property appraisals were performed by independent appraisers, when, in fact, the Garcias and American Financial employees selected the appraisers, managed the appraisal process, influenced property valuation and paid the appraisers.
Steven Garcia, 45, of Schaumburg, and Michael Garcia, 43, of Streamwood, are each charged with one count of mail fraud and one count of wire fraud. Arraignments in federal court in Chicago have not yet been scheduled.
The charges were announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Brad Geary, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Office of Inspector General in Chicago; and Jeffrey S. Sallet, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Federal Housing Administration regulations prohibit mortgage brokers from having substantive communications with appraisers relating to valuation of properties, including ordering or managing an appraisal assignment, and from paying appraisers. Lenders rely on independent appraisals conducted within FHA regulations.
According to the charges, the Garcias bypassed FHA regulations by controlling a purportedly independent appraisal firm – Residential Appraisal Management Company Inc. – through a nominee. The Garcias fraudulently used RAMCI to steer appraisals to hand-picked appraisers, including a relative of the Garcias, who would provide an appraised value sufficient to support a proposed loan, while falsely representing to lenders that RAMCI selected appraisers based on experience and skill, the information states.
The Garcias also fraudulently caused lenders to make mortgage loans to finance fraudulent real estate transactions in which the Garcias and their nominees purchased and re-sold residences at inflated prices to unqualified nominees who then defaulted on the loans, the information states. The Garcias furnished lenders with false employment and income information to support the nominees’ loan applications, and then provided the nominees with the money to make the purchases, the information states. The Garcias fraudulently obtained approximately $1.9 million that was disbursed at the closings of the fraudulent real estate transactions, and another $274,000 in commissions from those deals, the information states.
The public is reminded that an information is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Each count in the information is punishable by up to 30 years in prison. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Netols and Matthew Ebert.
Two Stockton Men Plead Guilty in Ongoing Investigation into Issuance of Commercial Licenses to Unqualified DriversRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Stockton residents Donald Earl Freeman Jr., 25, and Juan Arturo Arroyo Gomez, 30, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit bribery, identity fraud, and unauthorized access to a computer, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Freeman was an employee of the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) at the Tracy branch office and was responsible for, among other things, processing applications for California commercial driver licenses (CDLs). Such CDLs permit the license holders to operate tractor-trailer trucks on California and interstate highways, including, in some cases, hauling hazardous materials.
In exchange for the payment of money from Arroyo, Freeman accessed the DMV’s database in Sacramento to alter the records of applicants to fraudulently show that the applicants had passed the required written tests when, in truth, the applicants had not passed the tests or, at times, even taken the written tests. In so doing, this caused the DMV to issue permits to those drivers, as well as completed CDLs upon the applicants’ passing the behind-the-wheel driving tests.
Based upon evidence obtained through the investigation, it was determined that Freeman caused no less than 123 fraudulent permits to be issued, including at least 13 at the request of, and in exchange for payment from, Arroyo.
This case is the product of an investigation by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, Office of Internal Affairs, and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Todd A. Pickles and Rosanne L. Rust are prosecuting the case.
This investigation is ongoing. Freeman is the fourth DMV employee to plead guilty this year in the Eastern District of California in relation to the fraudulent issuance of commercial driver’s licenses. Related cases include United States v. Scattaglia, et al., 2:17-cr-187 GEB, and United States v. Gilliam, 2:17-cr-200 GEB.
Freeman and Arroyo face a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Two Maryland Residents Sentenced to Total of 10 Years in Prison for Bank Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Baltimore, Maryland – United States District Judge Ellen L. Hollander sentenced Robin Summers-Grace, age 50, of Baltimore, Maryland to 42 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. Summers-Grace’s co-conspirator, Joseph Pauling, age 40, of Essex, Maryland, was previously sentenced to 6 years in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. Judge Hollander ordered both defendants to pay more than $139,000 in restitution.
The sentence was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning; Special Agent in Charge Christopher Caruso of the United States Secret Service - Baltimore Field Office; and Chief Terrence B. Sheridan of the Baltimore County Police Department.
According to both plea agreements, beginning September 1, 2015 and continuing through June 30, 2016, Pauling and Summers-Grace defrauded banks and retailers by opening up fraudulent lines of credit in the names of other individuals.
Pauling would obtain the personal identifying information, including social security numbers, addresses, and names of actual individuals. Pauling would use this information to produce false identification, including counterfeit driver’s licenses, with the picture of Summers-Grace. Pauling also used special electronic equipment to create fraudulent credit cards under names matching the driver’s license.
According to court documents, Pauling provided the false identification as well as the credit histories of the individuals to Summers-Grace. Pauling and Summers-Grace would travel to retailers throughout Maryland, as well as other states, and Summers-Grace would apply for a store credit card using the false information provided by Pauling, and then would purchase the items. Pauling would sell the stolen items to “customers” on the street. On many occasions, Pauling would take “orders” from individuals for particular items in advance of the thefts.
The items stolen and sold in the course of the scheme included iPhones, iPads, flat-screen televisions, laptop computers, kitchen ovens, refrigerators, washer/dryer units, wood flooring, furniture, shoes, handbags, and designer watches.
In the course of the scheme, Pauling and Summers-Grace possessed the personal identifying information of over 200 real individuals, and defrauded dozens of banks and numerous retailers. The total intended loss amount from the scheme exceeded $250,000.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning praised the U.S. Secret Service and Baltimore County Police for their work in the investigation. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Maddox and Aaron Zelinsky, who prosecuted the cases.
Two California Residents Charged with Defrauding Thousands in Nationwide Telemarketing Real Estate ScamRead the Press Release
Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced that on Tuesday, a grand jury in East St. Louis, IL, returned an indictment charging two California residents for their participation in a nationwide telemarketing real estate scam. Michael S. Davenport, 49, of Santa Barbara, CA, and Cynthia L. Rawlinson, 51, also of Santa Barbara, CA, were both charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, five counts of wire fraud, and one count of mail fraud. The indictment arises from Davenport’s and Rawlinson’s participation in a Santa Barbara based telemarketing business. The business changed names several times, but was known at various times as MDSQ Productions, LLC, Housing Standard, LLC, Anchor House Financial, American Standard, American Standard Online, and Your American Standard (for ease of reference hereafter "American Standard").
According to the indictment, American Standard placed ads on Craigslist stating that certain houses were available for sale or rent at very favorable prices. When individuals called in response to these ads, American Standard salespersons told them they would have to purchase American Standard’s list of houses in order to get more information about the property in the Craigslist ad. The salespersons also said that the houses on the American Standard list were in
"pre-foreclosure," that the customers could purchase the houses by simply taking over the homeowners’ mortgage payments, and the deeds to these homes would then be transferred into the customers’ names. The salespersons told the customers that there was a $199 fee for access to the list, but claimed that this $199 fee would cover title searches and deed transfers. In addition, regardless of what area of the country the customers lived in, the salespersons told them that the list contained numerous pre-foreclosure properties that were available in their area.
The indictment further alleges that, after the customers paid the $199 fee, they learned that the houses on American Standard’s list were not available to be purchased. Instead, the customers found that a substantial number of the addresses contained on the list were fictional and/or no houses existed at those locations. In numerous other cases, the customers learned that the houses were not in pre-foreclosure or financial distress, and were not available to be purchased at below market prices. If the customers asked for more information about the houses they had seen on Craigslist, American Standard’s Customer Service Department informed them that the houses were no longer available.
The indictment charges that Davenport was the owner of American Standard and oversaw the operations of the company. It is alleged that Rawlinson started out as a salesperson, but was promoted to the position of Sales Manager for American Standard’s Santa Barbara office. American Standard also had a sales room located in Lompoc, CA.
According to the indictment, the conspiracy and scheme to defraud operated from approximately January 2009 through at least October 5, 2016. During this period, American Standard victimized over 100,000 people and defrauded these individuals out of more than $27,000,000. The victims were located in all fifty of the United States and the District of Columbia. At least 104 victims of the scam were located in twenty-two counties within the Southern District of Illinois, with multiple victims in both St. Clair and Madison Counties. In
addition, the indictment charges that American Standard’s list included 534 houses located in Southern Illinois.
Davenport and Rawlinson are scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment on January 17, 2018, at the Federal Courthouse in East St. Louis, IL.
Under the SCAMS Act, because it is alleged that the crimes took place in connection with telemarketing, and victimized ten or more persons over the age of 55, the maximum penalty for the conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud charge is 30 years of imprisonment. Each of the individual mail and wire fraud counts carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The defendants can also be ordered to serve up to five years of supervised release after any term of imprisonment, can be fined up to $250,000 per count, and can be ordered to pay restitution to the victims. The indictment also seeks forfeiture of $853,210.11 that was seized from Davenport’s Merchant Processing accounts, and $104,000 in cash that was seized from Davenport at the Bill and Hillary Clinton Airport in Little Rock, Arkansas.
This case is part of an ongoing investigation by the St. Louis Field Office of the Chicago Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service. The Office of the Honorable Joyce E. Dudley, District Attorney for Santa Barbara County, and the Santa Maria Office of the FBI have provided substantial assistance in the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott A. Verseman.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, that charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Turlock Resident Indicted for Aiming Laser Pointer at Sheriff and Emergency Medical HelicoptersRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment today against Roger Shane John, 31, of Turlock, charging him with aiming the beam of a laser pointer at two helicopters, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, on the evening of October 22, 2017, John allegedly struck a Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department helicopter, Air 101, five to six times with a powerful green laser, causing visual interference and disrupting an air support response to a domestic violence call. Around the same time, and in the general vicinity of the strikes to Air 101, John struck CalStar 12, an emergency medical helicopter, three to four times. Both aircraft were flying in close proximity to the Modesto Airport at the time of the laser strikes. The laser strikes occurred within the FAA-designated laser-free zone, which encompasses all flight operations at 2,000 feet and below.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department, and Modesto Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar is prosecuting the case.
John is scheduled for an arraignment on the indictment on December 15, 2017, in federal court in Fresno.
If convicted, John faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Tonawanda Man Arrested, Charged with Possession and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Dakar Young, 23, of Tonawanda, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession and distribution of child pornography. The charges carry a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Lamarque, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant was arrested on December 13, 2017, following the execution of a search warrant at his residence. According to the criminal complaint, in May 2017, Young uploaded eight image files of child pornography onto a social networking site. Images of child pornography were also found on Young’s cell phone.
The defendant made an initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. Young was ordered detained pending trial.
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police ICAC Task Force, under the direction of Major Edward Kennedy, and Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Adam S. Cohen.
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.
Three Galivants Ferry Men Sentenced in Federal Court for Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Ephifanio Castillo-Pacheco, age 44, Isidro Camacho-Castillo, age 20, and Samuel Zepeda-Gonzalez, age 60, all of Galivants Ferry, SC, were sentenced today in federal court in Florence, South Carolina. United States District Judge Bryan Harwell sentenced Castillo-Pacheco to 74 months imprisonment, Camacho-Castillo to 108 months imprisonment, and Zepeda-Gonzalez to 51 months. Judge Harwell also ordered the forfeiture to the government of $177,989.00 seized from the defendants.
The evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that on March 8, 2017, during the execution of a federal search warrant, agents seized cocaine, multiple firearms, and a large amount of cash from a residence in Galivants Ferry, South Carolina. During the search, Camacho-Castillo was in one of the bedrooms along with a loaded Glock .380 caliber pistol, a loaded Kassnar Imports 9mm pistol, and approximately 45 grams of cocaine. In the bedroom belonging to Castillo-Pacheco, agents found approximately 14 grams of cocaine, 9mm and .380 caliber ammunition. Castillo-Pacheco and Zepeda-Gonzalez were both located in the living room where they were counting $177,989.00 in cash. Agents learned that Zepeda-Gonzalez had been paid to transport the cash to an unknown individual in McAllen, Texas.
The case was investigated by agents of ICE-Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of the Myrtle Beach Police Department, the Horry County Police Department, the South Carolina Highway Patrol and SLED. Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office handled the case.
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Ten Bakersfield Gang Members and Associates IndictedRead the Press Release
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Ten defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury today following a multi-agency operation in Bakersfield on Tuesday, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
After a 10-month investigation that began in March 2017, more than 35 members and associates of the West Side Crips (WSC), a local criminal street gang, were arrested this week on federal and state charges including burglary, illegal gun possession, drug sales, and murder. State and federal law enforcement teams also executed more than 30 residential search warrants.
The alleged crimes presented in the federal and state cases include weapons violations, unlawful possession of a firearm, assault with a deadly weapon, robbery, money laundering, methamphetamine sales, crack cocaine sales, opiate sales, attempted murder and murder. The affidavit supporting the criminal complaint also details WSC members’ plan to shoot into a crowd of approximately 200 people, including rival gang members, at a local park in early October 2017. Their plan was thwarted by law enforcement as a result of this investigation.
These Bakersfield residents were indicted today: Tommie Thomas, 35, charged with distribution of methamphetamine; William Thomas, 35, charged with distribution of crack cocaine; Danny Willis, 33, charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm; Gary Pierson, 36, charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm; Ladaireus Jones, 24, charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm; Bernard Warren, 18, charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm; Manuel Cruz III, 37, charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana and conspiracy to interfere with commerce by threats or violence; Luis Fernandez, 26, charged with distribution of methamphetamine; Myron Dewberry, 44, charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm; and Bryshanique Allen, 21, charged with money laundering.
U.S. Attorney Talbert stated: “This operation is another example of how my office has worked closely with our state, local and federal law enforcement partners to combat violent criminal street gangs and their associates. As part of our Project Safe Neighborhood initiative, we are committed to collaborating with these partners to hold accountable those who make our communities unsafe.”
Bakersfield Police Chief Lyle Martin stated, “This gang has victimized our city through a system of murder and intimidation. We are using the resources of our city, county, state and federal authorities to stop senseless acts of gun violence that are traumatizing and killing our city’s children. This is the enforcement piece to the department’s community-wide approach to addressing gang violence.”
“Violent gangs threaten the safety and well-being of entire communities, blighting the neighborhoods they dwell in and placing lives of innocent bystanders at risk,” said Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “The FBI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to identify, disrupt, and dismantle gangs to protect the public. We also rely on our community relationships in the effort to remove violent gangs from neighborhoods to ensure our region and families have an opportunity to thrive.”
“My office remains dedicated to working with all law enforcement agencies to successfully solve and prosecute the perpetrators of these violent crimes,” said Kern County District Attorney Lisa Green.
“This violent gang has killed innocent people and escalated violence in our Bakersfield neighborhoods. The successful takedown shows that when local, state and federal law enforcement authorities work together to combat violence, we can improve our communities. We are committed to making our neighborhoods safer by prosecuting street gangs to the fullest extent of the law,” said California Attorney General Xavier Becerra.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, California Department of Justice, California Highway Patrol, Bakersfield Police Department, and Kern County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angela Scott and Vincenza Rabenn are prosecuting the case.
More than 300 law enforcement personnel from over 20 law enforcement agencies participated in the operation. In addition to the investigating agencies, the following agencies participated in the arrests and searches: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), United States Marshals Service, U.S. National Guard, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Department of Justice Bureau of Firearms, Fresno Methamphetamine Task Force (FMTF), Merced Area Gang Narcotic Enforcement Team (MAGNET), Madera Narcotic Enforcement Team (MADNET), Tulare Area Regional Gang Enforcement Team (TARGET), Kern County Probation Department, Kern County Sheriff’s Department, Kings County Sheriff’s Office, Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, and Coalinga Police Department.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF Program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multi-level attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply.
If convicted of distribution of methamphetamine, the defendants face a statutory sentence of 10 years to life in prison and a $10 million fine. The maximum statutory penalty for distribution of crack cocaine is 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The maximum statutory penalty for being a felon in possession of a firearm is 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum statutory penalty for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana is five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum statutory penalty for conspiracy to interfere with commerce by threats or violence is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum statutory penalty for conspiracy to commit money laundering is 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Syracuse Postal Employee Sentenced for Stealing from MailRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Brian T. Hanlon, age 36, of Syracuse, New York, was sentenced yesterday in federal court to serve a two-year term of probation and pay a $2,500 fine for willfully obstructing the passage of the mail by stealing money from mailed letters, announced Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Eileen Neff, Special Agent in Charge, United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (USPS OIG), Northeast Area Field Office.
Hanlon, who had been employed at the United States Postal Service (USPS) since 2003, admitted as part of his guilty plea that while working at a Postal Facility in Syracuse, he opened between 20 and 30 pieces of mail that were not addressed to him over approximately two weeks in April 2017. He further admitted that after opening these mail items, he stole approximately $100 in cash from them. USPS OIG agents caught Hanlon stealing $11 from a piece of mail at the Syracuse USPS facility on April 21, 2017, after which he confessed to the other thefts. Hanlon is no longer employed by the U.S. Postal Service.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Perry.
Stowe Man Charged with Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Hakeem James Hughes, age 28, of Stowe, Pennsylvania, was indicted on December 13, 2017, by a federal grand jury for offenses involving the exploitation of a minor.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that Hughes coerced and enticed a minor to engage in sex acts for the purpose of making visual images of those acts in February and April 2014. The two-count indictment charges Hughes with production of child pornography on separate dates.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcrment’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant United States Attorney James T. Clancy is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for the production of child pornography offenses is 30 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine. Those charges carry mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment of 15 years. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Springfield Resident Sentenced for Bank Robberies in Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, and SpringfieldRead the Press Release
Adrianna C. Frye-Williamson, 21, of Springfield, Illinois, received a 51-month sentence and three years of supervised release from the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, on Wednesday, December 13, 2017, for bank robberies committed between January 12 and February 9, 2017, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced. The District Court also ordered Frye-Williamson to pay restitution to the victim banks and a special assessment of $300.
According to the evidence of record, on January 20, 2017, Frye-Williamson approached a teller at the National Bank in Edwardsville, Illinois, with a note: "This is a robbery. I have a gun. BIG BILLS ONLY." The teller complied with the demand and gave Frye-Williamson the money from her teller drawer, and Frye-Williamson left the bank.
On February 9, 2017, Frye-Williamson approached a teller at the U.S. Bank in Glen Carbon, Illinois, with a note stating that she had a gun and demanding money. The teller complied with the demand and gave Frye-Williamson the money from his teller drawer. Witnesses saw Frye-Williamson leave the bank, get on a bicycle, and ride away from the U.S. Bank.
Law enforcement soon thereafter located the abandoned bicycle in a residential neighborhood. Law enforcement determined Frye-Williamson purchased the bicycle at a pawnshop in Springfield, Illinois, earlier in the day. Law enforcement obtained the pawnshop’s security camera images and determined they matched the images of the robber from the U.S. Bank, the National Bank in Edwardsville, and the Illini Bank in Springfield, Illinois, occurring on January 12, 2017. In the Illini bank robbery, Frye-Williamson approached a teller and handed her a note indicating that she had a bomb strapped to her body and demanding money.
Law enforcement located and arrested Frye-Williamson in Springfield, Illinois, on February 10, 2017. Law enforcement recovered some of the stolen money from Frye-Williamson’s car on the day of her arrest, and recovered some additional stolen money at her home. She has remained in custody since her arrest.
The Central District of Illinois transferred the case involving the Illini Bank robbery to the Southern District of Illinois for plea and sentencing.
Law enforcement agencies providing information leading to the charges against Frye-Williamson included the FBI and the Glen Carbon, Edwardsville and Springfield Police Departments.
Springfield Man Indicted for Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tom Larson, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that a Springfield, Mo., man has been indicted on charges related to the sexual exploitation of a minor.
Ryan Lee Christoph, 25, of Springfield, was charged in three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017.
The federal indictment alleges that Christoph used a minor, identified as “Jane Doe” (born in 2003), to produce child pornography from April 29 to Aug. 15, 2017. The indictment also alleges that Christoph used the internet and a cell phone to induce Jane Doe to engage in illicit sexual activity. Christoph is also charged with one count of receiving and distributing child pornography.
Larson cautioned that the charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Springfield Man Indicted for Attempting to Produce Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tom Larson, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that a Springfield, Mo., man who used fake online identities has been indicted by a federal grand jury for attempting to produce child pornography.
Genard Alonzo Toney, 36, of Springfield, was charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017. Toney was arrested yesterday and remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing on Monday, Dec. 18, 2017.
The federal indictment alleges that Toney attempted to use a minor, identified as John Doe, to produce child pornography. The indictment also alleges that Toney received and distributed child pornography from May 9, 2016, to March 31, 2017.
According to court documents, Toney engaged in a pattern of soliciting images of child pornography through the Internet. Toney pretended to be a female seeking a female relationship on a dating website, then began texting with women he met on the dating website. Toney used a cell phone application, which provided him with a fake, anonymous cell phone number, cloaking his own number from identification. A forensic examination on devices seized from Toney by law enforcement officers revealed 283 separate conversations, consisting of 13,676 messages, and images of child pornography.
Toney also engaged in conversations where he pretended to be a woman with a 5-year-old daughter, according to court documents. Toney sent images of female children to others and solicited images of the other users’ children. In other conversations, Toney pretended to have a 4-to-6-year-old son and sent images of a child to other users, asking them to also send him pictures of their sons.
Larson cautioned that the charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the FBI.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Sentencings for December 7 - December 13, 2017Read the Press Release
Dalton Shae Self, 26, of Douglas, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on December 13, 2017, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Self was arrested in Douglas, Wyoming. He received 21 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Zachary Montague Boyce, 31, of Rock Springs, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on December 13, 2017, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Boyce was arrested in Rock Springs, Wyoming. He received 77 months of imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Darcy Gene Akin, 61, of Green River, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on December 13, 2017, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Akin was arrested in Sweetwater County, Wyoming. He received 37 months of imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Jonathan Wesley Mortimer, 35, of Green River, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on December 13, 2017, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Mortimer was arrested in Sweetwater County, Wyoming. He received 36 months of imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Martina Caspari, 41, of Salt Lake City, Utah, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on December 13, 2017, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Caspari was arrested in Sweetwater County, Wyoming. She received 46 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment
and $250.00 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Zachariah Newton Strange, 44, of Green River, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on December 13, 2017, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Strange was arrested in Sweetwater County, Wyoming. He received 41 months of imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Randolfo Librado Chavez, Jr., 25, of Loveland, Colorado, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on December 13, 2017, for distribution of methamphetamine. Chavez was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received 95 months of imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $200.00 special assessment and $400.00 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Darrell Joe Irla, 50, of Salem, Iowa, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on December 13, 2017, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Irla was arrested in Carbon County, Wyoming. He received 135 months of imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and $500.00 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Mark Edward Collins, 42, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on December 8, 2017, for being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm. Collins was arrested in Gillette, Wyoming. He received 63 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and $500.00 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Christopher Lamar Williams, 32, of Jacksonville, Florida, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on December 8, 2017, for possession with intent to distribute heroin and for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a federal drug trafficking crime. Williams was arrested in Evanston, Wyoming. He received 78 months of imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $200.00 special assessment and $500.00 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Edwin Moses Jacobs, 29, of Sheridan, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on December 8, 2017, for being a felon in possession of firearms. Jacobs was arrested in Sheridan, Wyoming. He received 43 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Evan Aubrey Armstrong, 36, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on December 8, 2017, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Armstrong was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received 46 months of imprisonment, to be
followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Darrell Peter Gilson, 44, of Green River, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on December 7, 2017, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Gilson was arrested in Sweetwater County, Wyoming. He received 66 months of imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and $500.00 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Savannah Drug Dealer Convicted by a Federal Jury of Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: NATHANIEL THOMAS PUGH, III, 35, of Savannah, Georgia, was convicted on December 12, 2017 by a federal jury after a two-day trial before U.S. District Court Judge William T. Moore, Jr. Pugh was convicted of possessing a firearm as a felon, possession of ethylone, commonly referred to as "Molly," with the intent to distribute, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Pugh was involved in a shooting in the Oak Forest neighborhood of Savannah on November 4, 2015. After sustaining a gunshot wound, Pugh drove his bullet riddled car to the hospital. Savannah Chatham-Metro Police recovered a Glock firearm, loaded with a 30-round extended magazine in the glove compartment, which had Pugh’s DNA on it. Also in the car, officers recovered a treasure trove of drug paraphernalia, including almost an ounce of “Molly,” cocaine, pills, baggies and a scale. Text messages recovered from Pugh’s cell phone revealed that Pugh had engaged in several drug transactions prior to the shooting incident, and also revealed photographs of Pugh holding the firearm that was ultimately recovered from Pugh’s car.
Pugh’s criminal history dates back almost two decades and includes prior convictions for Driving Under the Influence, Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Controlled Substances, Terroristic Threats, Simple Battery and Willful Obstruction of Law Enforcement.
For possessing a firearm as a felon, Pugh faces a sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Additionally, Pugh may be sentenced up to 20 years on the drug trafficking offense, and also faces a consecutive sentence of 5 years to life imprisonment, for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. There is no parole in the federal system. Pugh’s sentencing date has yet to be scheduled.
U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine said, “The number one priority of this office is to keep our citizens safe, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Kirkland and Carlton Bourne are doing just that with this trial victory. The Department of Justice and this United States Attorney’s Office will continue to partner with our local and federal agencies to work tirelessly to track down, apprehend, and bring to justice those who commit violent crimes, or threaten to commit violent crimes in this district.”
Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Kirkland and Carlton Bourne prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. For any questions, please contact Appellate Chief R. Brian Tanner at (912) 652-4422.
Saugus Man Charged with Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Saugus man was charged today in federal court in Boston with dealing firearms.
Leny Soares, 49, was indicted on one count of dealing firearms without a license. Soares was initially arrested and charged by criminal complaint on Nov. 21, 2017, and has been detained since his arrest.
According to court documents, law enforcement began investigating the sale of firearms by Soares with the assistance of a cooperating witness. Over a period of six months, at the direction of law enforcement, the cooperating witness purchased seven firearms from Soares.
The charge of dealing firearms without a license provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Paruti of Weinreb’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Sanger, Texas Woman Pleads Guilty to Theft of an Indian Gaming EstablishmentRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Kristi Michelle Juarez, age 32, of Sanger, Texas pled guilty to Theft By Officers Or Employees Of An Indian Gaming Establishment, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1168(b), punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment, and up to a $1,000,000.00 fine or both.
The Indictment alleged that on January 2, 2017, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, Kristi Michelle Juarez, defendant herein, while an employee of the Chickasaw Nation WinStar World Casino and Resort, did embezzle, abstract, purloin, willfully misapply, and take and carry away in excess of $1,000.00 of moneys belonging to the Chickasaw Nation WinStar World Casino and Resort, an Indian gaming establishment operated by the Chickasaw Nation, pursuant to an ordinance or resolution approved by the National Indian Gaming Commission.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney John David Luton represented the United States.
Roanoke Man Sentenced for Theft of Social Security Administration FundsRead the Press Release
Roanoke, VIRGINIA – A Roanoke man, who stole more than $100,000 of Social Security Administration funds intended for his deceased wife after he failed to report her death to that agency, was sentenced today in federal court, United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle announced.
Walter J. Doran, 77, was sentenced today to six months in prison, three years supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $108,787. Doran previously pleaded guilty to one count of with theft of government money, willfully and knowingly steal and convert for his own use money of the Social Security Administration.
According to evidence presented at a previous hearing by Assistant United States Attorney Charlene R. Day, Doran failed to report his wife’s death to the Social Security Administration in 2009. The defendant continued to receive his late wife’s Social Security Retirement benefits from 2009 through April 2016 and use the funds for his own use. In all, Doran received $108,787 in Social Security Administration benefits to which he was not entitled.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Social Security Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Charlene R. Day prosecuted the case for the United States.
Riverview Man Convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Government PropertyRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that a federal jury today found Chris J. McDonald, Sr. (53, Riverview) guilty of conspiracy to commit theft of government property and nine related substantive counts of theft. He faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison for the conspiracy count and up to 10 years’ imprisonment on each theft count. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
This case is related to the earlier federal prosecution of Jeanette Hevel, a former Tampa Police Department (TPD) corporal with more than 20 years’ experience who stole 13 United States Treasury tax refund checks, money orders, and a refund anticipation loan check from various locations inside TPD, including its secure evidence property room. Her unlawful conduct occurred over an approximately 9-month period beginning in September 2011. In April 2015, Hevel pleaded guilty for her conduct pursuant to a plea agreement in which she agreed to cooperate in the government’s ongoing investigation of those responsible for cashing the stolen tax refund checks. (See United States v. Jeanette Hevel, Case No. 8:15-cr-59-T-33MAP).
On December 9, 2015, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against McDonald and Joseph Lugo for their roles in the criminal conduct. According to the indictment and other court records, Hevel provided 9 of the 13 stolen tax refund checks to Lugo who then delivered them to Robert Sanders and McDonald. McDonald deposited the checks into one of his bank accounts and then typically returned to the bank the next business day and withdrew the funds and shared them amongst the conspirators, including Hevel. None of the conspirators knew any of the payees listed on the tax refund checks nor did they have permission from any of the payees to possess or deposit the checks.
In June 2017, Lugo pleaded guilty for his role in this case. Sanders pleaded guilty in 2014 and testified for the government during the trial. (See United States v. Robert Sanders, Case No. 8:14-cr-411-T-23AEP).
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation and the Tampa Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jay G. Trezevant and Frank Murray.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Enticement of a Minor was sentenced on June 2, 2017, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Shane Davison, age 37, was sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment, followed by 15 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Davison was charged on May 24, 2016, and pleaded guilty on February 24, 2017. The conviction stems from Davison attempting to entice multiple minor females in the Phillipines to engage in criminal sexual acts using the internet, for financial payment.
This case was investigated by the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.
Davison was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Raleigh Blood Gang Member Sentenced to 15 Years Imprisonment for Felon in Possession ChargeRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that yesterday in federal court, Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever, III sentenced ERNEST JAMES HOLLAND, III, 27, of Raleigh to 180 months of imprisonment followed by 4 years of supervised release.
HOLLAND was named in a one-count Indictment filed on January 26, 2016. On May 19, 2016, HOLLAND subsequently pled guilty to one-count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
On January 5, 2016, an officer with the Raleigh Police Department Gang Suppression Unit (GSU) saw HOLLAND in court at the Wake County Justice Center. The GSU was conducting surveillance in the downtown area due to recent firearm related violence in the area. The GSU was further interested in communicating with HOLLAND, as they were aware that HOLLAND was a member of the Bloods gang. The GSU decided to surveil HOLLAND as he left the courthouse with a female. They surveilled HOLLAND to his mother’s residence where HOLLAND stayed on occasion. The GSU was aware of two prior suspected gang related incidents when gunshots were fired into HOLLAND’s mother’s residence on March 11, 2015, and on December 13, 2015. During surveillance, officers observed HOLLAND exiting the residence, where HOLLAND then retrieved an object from a vehicle parked in the driveway. HOLLAND then walked to the Moore Square Transit Mall. Based on the officers’ training and HOLLAND’s behavior, the officers believed that HOLLAND was concealing a firearm. An officer approached HOLLAND at the Moore Square Transit Mall and asked him for identification, which HOLLAND provided. When the officer told HOLLAND that he was going to conduct a weapon’s frisk, HOLLAND fled on foot. Several officers assisted in the foot pursuit as HOLLAND ran outside into Moore Square Park. During the chase, an officer observed HOLLAND reach into his waistband and retrieve a handgun. HOLLAND continued to run with the handgun for approximately 45 feet before throwing it into a flowerbed in the park. While officers were chasing HOLLAND, they were yelling at him to drop the gun, while also instructing bystanders to move to the sidewalks and to clear the park. Shortly thereafter, HOLLAND was apprehended and taken into custody. Another officer recovered a .40 caliber handgun, which was loaded with ten rounds of ammunition.
This case was part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative which encourages federal, state, and local agencies to cooperate in a unified “team effort” against gun crime, targeting repeat offenders who continually plague their communities.
The Raleigh Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney S. Katherine Burnette handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Pine Ridge Man Sentenced for Victim TamperingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Tampering with a Victim by Threat was sentenced on December 11, 2017, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Daelan High Wolf, age 30, was sentenced to 33 months of imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
High Wolf was charged on April 19, 2016, and pleaded guilty on July 13, 2017. The conviction stems from High Wolf robbing and assaulting a man with a dangerous weapon in March of 2016 at Pine Ridge, and then later threatening him.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah B. Collins and Eric Kelderman prosecuted the case.
Philadelphia Man Charged with Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Kenneth Reyes, 43, of Philadelphia, PA, was charged today by Indictment with three counts of bank robbery, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen.
The case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrea G. Foulkes.
Owner of Beverly’s Gun Archery and Pawn Shop Pleads Guilty to Federal ChargeRead the Press Release
Abingdon, VIRGINIA – The owner of a local gun archery and pawn shop, who failed to maintain proper records, will have to give up his federal firearms license after he pleaded guilty and was sentenced yesterday in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon, United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle announced.
Bruce Alva Beverly, 64, of Coeburn Virginia, pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of failing to maintain proper records as a federal firearms licensed dealer, a misdemeanor. During the same hearing, Beverly was also sentenced yesterday. The defendant will serve a period of probation of one year, pay a fine of $5,500, be required to relinquish his federal firearms license, and agree to never again become a federal firearms licensee and never work in a business that has a federal firearms license.
Beverly, through his work with Beverly’s Gun Archery & Pawn Shop in Coeburn failed to maintain records concerning the acquisition and/or sale of multiple firearms.
This case was investigated by the Bristol Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Randy Ramseyer prosecuted the case for the United States.
Oseceola Man Sentenced to 102 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND - The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that Jason Arthur Keltz, age 36, of Osceola, Indiana, was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Keltz was sentenced to 102 months imprisonment followed by two (2) years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, on March 20, 2017, the St. Joseph County Police initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Keltz. Keltz exited the vehicle and ran from the officer. During the foot pursuit, Keltz pointed a firearm at the officer. Keltz continued to run away from the officer but was ultimately detained, at which time it was discovered that Keltz was wearing a bulletproof vest. Keltz has multiple prior felony convictions.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the St. Joseph County Police Department, with assistance from the South Bend Police Department. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly E. Donnelly.
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Oklahoma City Man Charged with Seven Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – A federal grand jury has charged DEVON BOWMAN, 22, of Oklahoma City, with a series of armed robberies of Oklahoma City businesses in April and May of 2017, announced Mark A. Yancey, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.
According to a 16-count indictment filed today, Bowman, also known as Marcus Hunter, used a gun to rob four convenience stores, two Family Dollar Stores, and a Fast Cash Pawn store over the course of six weeks. At the convenience stores and the Family Dollar Stores, he is alleged to have demanded and received cash and cigarettes. During all but one of these robberies, he allegedly discharged a firearm. At Fast Cash Pawn, he allegedly discharged a firearm and then demanded and received firearms and jewelry. Because of Fast Cash Pawn’s federal firearms license, a separate count charges Bowman with theft of 23 firearms from the inventory of a federal firearms licensee. He is also charged with possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a felony.
Each of the seven robbery counts carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and three years of supervised release. Each of the six counts of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence carries a sentence of ten years to life in prison and five years of supervised release; a second conviction under this statute, however, carries a minimum sentence of 25 years in prison. Bowman would be subject to a sentence of seven years to life for the one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. The allegations that he stole firearms from a licensed dealer and that he possessed a firearm after a felony conviction carry maximum sentences of ten years in prison and three years of supervised release. If convicted on all counts, Bowman would be subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 157 years in prison. He could also be fined up to $250,000 on each count.
The public is reminded these charges are merely accusations and that Bowman is presumed innocent unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt by a unanimous jury.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David McCrary and Jacquelyn M. Hutzell are prosecuting the case. Reference is made to court filings for further information.
Ocean Springs Man Sentenced to Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Brett Michael Sekinger, 26, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, was sentenced today by U. S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to serve 8 years in federal prison followed by ten years of supervised release for possessing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze and Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood. Sekinger was also ordered to pay restitution to a victim in the amount of $5,000.
Through an investigation conducted by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force, which began in January 2015, a user was identified via an internet protocol address as being associated with activity linked to a child pornography "bulletin board". This bulletin board was used by an online community of individuals regularly sending and receiving child pornography via a website that operated on an anonymous online network. The website was accessible only to users within the subject network who had to use appropriate software and who had to create a user name and a password to get on this anonymous website.
A federal search warrant was executed on February 5, 2016, on the residence associated with a particular internet protocol address and user name located in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. At that time, Brett M. Sekinger was found to knowingly possess computers and other electronic components containing visual depictions in digital still and video format of minors, to include minors who had not attained 12 years of age, engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
Brett M. Sekinger faced a maximum sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and not less than 5 years to life supervised release. This case was investigated by agents of the FBI Jackson Division’s Child Exploitation Task Force, which is made up of agents from the FBI and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, officers from the Prentiss County Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea C. Jones.
Norwich Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JAVON MORSE, 22, of Norwich, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in early 2017, members of the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Safe Streets Task Force and Norwich Police Department conducted three controlled purchases of cocaine from MORSE. The investigation revealed that MORSE was utilizing storage units at two separate storage facilities in Waterford to hide drugs and cash.
On April 24, 2017, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of MORSE’s rented storage units. A search of one unit revealed two kilogram packages of cocaine, a quantity of marijuana, items used to process and package narcotics for street sale, and a loaded .25 caliber handgun. A search of the second unit revealed a loaded .357 magnum caliber handgun, two types of loose ammunition, digital scales, an empty kilogram wrap with cocaine residue, and empty bank cash wraps.
MORSE has been detained since his arrest on May 24, 2017. On August 8, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.
North Ridgeville man indicted for downloading multiple videos of young children being raped and sexually assaultedRead the Press Release
A North Ridgeville man was indicted for downloading multiple videos of young children being raped and sexually assaulted, law enforcement officials said.
Dana F. Cain, 48, was indicted on one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of a computer that contained child pornography.
Cain downloaded nearly 500 movie files from May 2015 through January 2017. These movies include images of toddlers and young girls being rapes and sexually assaulted, according to court documents.
The indictment also alleges that Cain possessed an Apple Macbook computer at his home on Avon Belden Road in North Ridgeville which contained child pornography.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Sullivan following an investigation by the FBI, the North Ridgeville Police Department and the Avon Police Department.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Nineteen Men Charged in White Plains Federal Court with Narcotics Conspiracy in New RochelleRead the Press Release
Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr., the Westchester County District Attorney, William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Patrick J. Carroll, the Commissioner of the New Rochelle Police Department, announced the a coordinated operation earlier today in which federal, state, and local law enforcement officers arrested 36 defendants in Westchester County. Nineteen defendants are charged in a federal indictment, unsealed today, charging them with conspiracy to distribute 500 grams and more of powder cocaine and 28 grams and more of crack cocaine in and around New Rochelle, New York, since at least in or about September 2017. The Westchester County District Attorney has charged an additional 23 defendants. Those defendants arrested today who are charged in the federal indictment are expected to be presented in White Plains federal court today before Magistrate Judge Paul E. Davison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said: “Today, we have charged 19 defendants with running a narcotics organization in New Rochelle, New York. These men allegedly conspired to sell large quantities of cocaine and crack cocaine. I commend our law enforcement partners for their work to keep our streets free of illegal drugs and the dangers they present.”
FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. said: “The speed with which this group of alleged drug dealers was investigated and arrested should serve as a warning to others who look to fill the void. Our FBI Westchester County Safe Streets Task Force and our outstanding partnerships with state and local law enforcement agencies allow everyone to act with an agility that only gets sharper with each new case. These arrests will have a significant impact on the criminal underbelly in the Westchester County area, and we won't stop working each day to make these communities safer.”
Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr. said: “I congratulate the New Rochelle Police Department and the FBI for the success of this important effort to stop the flow of illegal narcotics into our communities. We are pleased to join with our colleagues in law enforcement in an ongoing collaborative effort to combat this serious problem.”
New Rochelle Police Commissioner Patrick J. Carroll said: “I am proud of the dedicated efforts of our members and those of our law enforcement partners which resulted in the indictments and arrests of these individuals. New Rochelle will not tolerate the sale of drugs, or the violent crimes that are associated with the narcotic trade. This sends a strong message of our dedication to clearing our community of these dangerous substances.”
As alleged in the Indictment unsealed today in White Plains federal court[1]:
From at least in or about September 2017 up to and including December 2017, ANDRE FRANCIS, a/k/a “Huddy,” a/k/a “Hut,” RAYMOND GILKES, a/k/a “Fresh,” KRISHNA RAGHUBAR, JOSE ACEVEDO, a/k/a “Cake,” ANTHONY JACKSON, a/k/a “Razor,” a/k/a “Worm,” DEVAUGHN BLAKEY, a/k/a “Natron,” CHRIS MABRY, ERIC LANDRINE, a/k/a “E Waterz,” DAVID TUCKER, a/k/a “Prince,” KAREEM PARNELL, a/k/a “Goofy,” JERRY AUGUSTINE, a/k/a “Juice,” JASON ORTEGA, a/k/a “Fetty,” RAKEEM JONES, RYAN HINES, a/k/a “Mooch,” DAVID THOMAS, CHANJU CARROL, a/k/a “Choo,” JACK BENJAMIN, KENDALL MILLER, a/k/a “Swin,” and TROY WILCOX conspired to distribute 28 grams and more of crack cocaine and 500 grams and more of powder cocaine.
The defendants each face a maximum term of 40 years in prison, and a mandatory minimum term of five years in prison. The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencings of the defendants would be determined by the respective judges.
The Indictment arises from a joint investigation by the FBI’s Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force and the City of New Rochelle Police Department.
Mr. Kim praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and the New Rochelle Police Department. Mr. Kim also thanked the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office for its ongoing coordination in the case.
These cases are being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Celia V. Cohen and Berit W. Berger are in charge of the prosecutions.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the descriptions of the Indictment set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Nigerian Man Sentenced to 41 Months in Prison for Participating in Business Email Compromise ScamsRead the Press Release
Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that DAVID CHUKWUNEKE ADINDU was sentenced today in Manhattan federal court to 41 months in prison for participating in a wire fraud conspiracy and identity theft conspiracy. These charges stemmed from ADINDU’s participation in fraudulent business email compromise scams that targeted thousands of victims around the world, including the United States. Collectively, the scams attempted to defraud victims of more than $25 million. Today’s sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Paul A. Crotty.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said: “As part of a business email compromise scam, David Chukwuneke Adindu tricked thousands of victims around the world into fraudulently wiring him over $25 million. As Adindu learned today, building a business based on fraud can come with a steep price, and that is years in a federal prison.”
According to publicly filed court documents and statements made at public court proceedings:
Between 2014 and 2016, ADINDU participated in Business Email Compromise scams (“BEC scams”) targeting thousands of victims around the world, including in the United States. As part of the BEC scams, emails were sent to employees of various companies directing that funds be transferred to specified bank accounts. The emails purported to be from supervisors at those companies or third party vendors that did business with those companies. The emails, however, were not legitimate. Rather, they were either from email accounts with a domain name that was very similar to a legitimate domain name, or the metadata in the emails had been modified so that the emails appeared as if they were from legitimate email addresses. After victims complied with the fraudulent wiring instructions, the transferred funds were quickly withdrawn or moved into different bank accounts. In total, the BEC scams attempted to defraud over $25 million from victims.
ADINDU and others carried out BEC scams by exchanging information regarding: (1) bank accounts used for receiving funds from victims; (2) email accounts for communicating with victims; (3) scripts for requesting wire transfers from victims; and (4) lists of names and email addresses for contacting and impersonating potential victims.
* * *
In addition to the prison term, ADINDU, 30, of Lagos, Nigeria, and Guangzhou, China, was ordered to pay over $1.4 million in restitution.
Mr. Kim praised the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Mr. Kim also thanked the Yahoo! E-Crime Investigations Team, and noted that the investigation is continuing.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew K. Chan is in charge of the prosecution.
Niagara Falls Man Sentenced on Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that James Smith, 27, of Niagara Falls, NY, who was convicted of being a felon-in-possession of a firearm, was sentenced to 37 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who handled the case, stated that on February 25, 2016, New York State Parole Officers and others conducted a search at Smith’s residence on Orleans Avenue in Niagara Falls. The defendant was under the supervision of New York State Parole following a July 2010 federal conviction and an August 2014 Niagara County Conviction.
As officers entered, Smith attempted to go into the basement. The defendant was stopped and the basement was searched. Officers recovered a Colt, .32 caliber, semi-automatic handgun with a magazine loaded with two rounds of ammunition. As a result of his previous convictions, Smith is prohibited from legally possessing a firearm.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ashan Benedict, New York Field Division; the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Chief Bryan DalPorto; and New York State Parole, under the direction of Acting Commissioner Anthony J. Annucci.
Niagara Falls Man Pleads Guilty to Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Antonio Carr, 24, of Niagara Falls, NY, pleaded guilty to being a felon-in-possession of a firearm, before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who is handling the case, stated that on July 28, 2017, Niagara County Probation Officers performed a home visit for a woman living at 1224 Niagara Avenue, Upper Apartment, in Niagara Falls. As they entered the residence, officers observed the defendant, the probationer's boyfriend, in the bedroom of the apartment. Carr attempted to leave the apartment, telling officers he needed to go and get his children who were in the lower apartment. An officer accompanied the defendant, who was holding a blue jacket in his hand, to the lower apartment. Carr knocked on the door and handed the blue jacket to the occupant of the lower apartment. The officer witnessed the occupant of the lower apartment take the blue jacket down a hallway and place it on a staircase. When the officer asked the occupant of the lower apartment for the blue jacket, they denied having it. The occupant eventually turned it over. The officer discovered a .380 caliber pistol in the right inside pocket of the jacket.
Carr has a previous felony conviction in Niagara County Court and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. At the time of his arrest, the defendant was on the list of top offenders in Niagara County.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Niagara County Probation Office, under the direction of Director John Cicchetti; the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Superintendent Bryan DalPorto; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco. Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ashan Benedict, New York Field Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 6, 2017, at 12:30 p.m. before Judge Arcara.
New Garden Township, PA Man Charged with Illegal Re-entry After DeportationRead the Press Release
Miguel Angel Vasquez-Camacho, of New Garden Township, PA, was charged today by Indictment with illegal reentry after deportation, announced United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. The indictment alleges that on or about November 29, 2013, Vazquez-Camacho, an alien, and native and citizen of Mexico, was found in the United States after having been deported from the United States on or about January 5, 1999.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of two years.
The case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations (“ERO”), and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bea Witzleben.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Nephews of Venezuela First Lady Each Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Import Cocaine into the United StatesRead the Press Release
Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that EFRAIN ANTONIO CAMPO FLORES (“CAMPO FLORES”) and FRANQUI FRANCISCO FLORES DE FREITAS (“FLORES DE FREITAS”) was each sentenced to 216 months in prison for conspiring to import cocaine into the United States. A jury convicted CAMPO FLORES and FLORES DE FREITAS on November 18, 2016, following a two-week trial before U.S. District Judge Paul A. Crotty, who imposed today’s sentences.
Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said: “In part to fund an election campaign for the First Lady of Venezuela, Efrain Antonio Campo Flores and Franqui Francisco Flores de Freitas devised a plan to work with the FARC terrorist organization to send literally tons of cocaine to the United States. At their trial last November, a unanimous jury saw their plot for what it was – a massive drug distribution conspiracy. With today’s sentencing, for participating in this brazen cocaine trafficking scheme, they will spend many years in an American prison.”
According to the evidence presented at trial and in connection with sentencing proceedings:
Beginning in August 2015, CAMPO FLORES and FLORES DE FREITAS worked with others in Venezuela, Mexico, Honduras, and elsewhere – including at least one member of Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (“FARC”), a designated foreign terrorist organization – in an effort to dispatch large loads of cocaine via private aircraft from premises controlled by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro at Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetia, Venezuela. The defendants’ aunt, Cilia Flores, is the First lady of Venezuela, and during the investigation, CAMPO FLORES and FLORES DE FREITAS told individuals acting at the direction of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) that they intended to use part of the proceeds of their drug trafficking to fund her December 2015 campaign for a position in the Venezuelan National Assembly. Electronic communications seized from the defendants’ phones also demonstrated, among other things, that CAMPO FLORES and FLORES DE FREITAS had engaged in a scheme to solicit bribes from debtors of Venezuela’s state-run oil and natural gas company, Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. (“PDVSA”), in exchange for promises that a cousin, Carlos Erik Malpica-Flores, would cause PDVSA to approve and make payments on certain debts.
In early October 2015, an individual who was cooperating with the DEA in Honduras (“CW-1”) reported to the DEA that a Honduran national had introduced CW-1 to two Venezuelans – later identified as the defendants – who were interested in sending cocaine-laden aircraft with legitimate-seeming flight plans from Venezuela to Honduras. On October 3, 2015, CAMPO FLORES and FLORES DE FREITAS traveled to San Pedro Sula, Honduras, via private jet to meet with CW-1 to discuss sending hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Simón Bolívar International Airport to Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport in Roatan, Honduras. Two days after the meeting, CAMPO FLORES sent text messages to CW-1 that stated: “What I want is to start work because the electoral campaign is almost here and I always contribute . . . [w]ith money if you know what I mean that is why I want to start work.”
In late October 2015, two confidential sources working at the direction of the DEA (“CS-1” and “CS-2”) traveled to Caracas, Venezuela, to meet with the defendants. CS-1 purported to be the Mexican boss of the drug trafficking organization with which CW-1 was affiliated, and CS-2 purported to be an associate of CS-1. On October 23, 2015, during a recorded meeting with CS-1 and CS-2 regarding potential drug shipments, CAMPO FLORES explained: “[M]y mom,” i.e., Cilia Flores, “is running for the election and I need . . . $20 million. . . . In other words, the issue of the money . . . we need it by December [2015].” During the same meeting, CAMPO FLORES reiterated: “[W]e want to take possession again of the . . . National Assembly and . . . several places with power.” In another recorded meeting in Caracas on October 26, 2015, CAMPO FLORES described the defendants’ plan to use some of the drug proceeds to bribe local Venezuelan officials who they anticipated would assist Cilia Flores in connection with the upcoming election. CAMPO FLORES also told CS-1 and CS-2 that there had been an “agreement” involving Venezuelan official Diosdado Cabello that allowed the defendants’ family to “control the oil completely in Venezuela.” At a third recorded meeting in Caracas, on October 27, 2015, CAMPO FLORES and FLORES DE FREITAS presented CS-1 and CS-2 with a kilogram of cocaine, referring to it as a “little animal,” so that they could test the quality of the drugs.
On November 6, 2015, FLORES DE FREITAS and a bodyguard traveled to Honduras via private jet in order to meet with individuals acting at the direction of the DEA as well as co-conspirators, including co-defendant Robert de Jesus Soto Garcia, to further discuss the cocaine shipment. During the recorded meeting, Soto Garcia indicated that numerous officials at the airport in Roatán, including military and police personnel, would participate in receiving the defendants’ drug load. FLORES DE FREITAS and Soto Garcia proceeded to make precise plans for the shipment during the meeting, and FLORES DE FREITAS agreed to send the first load of cocaine on November 15, 2015.
On November 10, 2015, CAMPO FLORES and FLORES DE FREITAS flew on a private jet to Haiti intending to pick up an initial multimillion-dollar payment for the cocaine. During a recorded meeting, CAMPO FLORES described the defendants’ connection to a “supposedly high ranked” “commander for the FARC,” and both defendants indicated that the first drug shipment, consisting of 800 kilograms, was prepared to be dispatched from Venezuela. Following the meeting, CAMPO FLORES and FLORES DE FREITAS were arrested by Haitian law enforcement officers, expelled from Haiti, and flown to Westchester County International Airport in White Plains, New York, on a DEA jet.
* * *
In addition to the prison terms, CAMPO FLORES, 31, and FLORES DE FREITAS, 33, was each ordered to pay a fine of $50,000.
Mr. Kim praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA’s Special Operations Division, Bilateral Investigations Unit, and New York Strike Force. Mr. Kim also thanked the DEA’s Port-au-Prince Country Office, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol’s National Targeting Center, DEA’s Airwing, the Government of the Republic of Haiti and the Haitian National Police, and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs for their assistance.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emil J. Bove III and Brendan F. Quigley are in charge of the prosecution.
17-398 rrorism and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emil J. Bove III and Brendan F. Quigley are in charge of the prosecution.
Napoleon man indicted on child pornography chargesRead the Press Release
A Napoleon man was indicted for child pornography crimes, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.
Nicholas Evanoff, 33, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of possession of child pornography. Evanoff possessed the child pornography between September and November 2017, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The investigating agency in this case is the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Ballard Tangeman.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Monongalia County woman sentenced for her role in an oxycodone distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Bobbie Jo Phillips, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 12 months incarceration for oxycodone and cocaine distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Phillips, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility” in September 2017. She admitted to using a phone to aide in the distribution of oxycodone and cocaine in Monongalia County in March 2017.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug and Violent Crime Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Mission Woman and Rapid City Man Sentenced for Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Mission, South Dakota, woman, and a Rapid City, South Dakota, man, convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance were sentenced on December 11, 2017, and December 12, 2017, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
June Swalley, a/k/a June Einspahr, a/k/a June Dmytrasz, age 31, and Jeremey White Horse, age 41, were sentenced to 15 months in custody, followed by 3 years of supervised release, a fine of $1,000, forfeiture in the amount of $964, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Swalley and White Horse were indicted by a federal grand jury on February 15, 2017. They both pled guilty on October 2, 2017.
The convictions stem from two different traffic stops. On June 30, 2016, a Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services Officer initiated a traffic stop of a black SUV. White Horse was driving and Swalley was a passenger. A K9 officer arrived on scene, and the K9 alerted to the presence of narcotics. During the execution of a vehicle search, 21 plastic baggies containing a white crystal substance, a digital scale, pipe, and drug paraphernalia were found in a bag in the vehicle near where Swalley was seated. United States currency in the amount of $870 was found hidden in the front console, and $94 was located in the back seat.
On July 21, 2016, a Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services Officer conducted a traffic stop of White Horse’s vehicle. A K9 officer and his K9 arrived on scene, and the K9 alerted to the presence of narcotics. Upon a search of the vehicle, a black pouch was found containing several plastic baggies of a white crystal substance, a digital scale, drug paraphernalia, and a brick of green leafy substance. The items field-tested positive for methamphetamine and marijuana.
White Horse admitted that the drugs in the vehicle were his and that he had purchased them from Rapid City.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Swalley and White Horse were immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mission Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on December 12, 2017, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Adrian William Fast Dog, age 37, was sentenced to 18 months in custody, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Fast Dog was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 16, 2017. He pled guilty on October 30, 2017.
The conviction stems from Fast Dog failing to register as a sex offender as required by federal law between July 7, 2017, and August 4, 2017. Fast Dog had previously been convicted of a sex offense in federal court, which requires him to register for the rest of his life.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Fast Dog was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mexican National Sentenced to 21 Months for Reentering the United States After Previous DeportationsRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, FL – U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis today sentenced Humberto Nunez-Ocampo (38, Mexico) to 21 months in federal prison for illegally reentering the United States after he had been deported. He pleaded guilty to the offense on September 28, 2017.
According to court documents and information presented at sentencing, Nunez-Ocampo was encountered by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportation officer in July 2017, following Nunez-Ocampo’s arrest in Suwannee County for domestic battery. Further investigation revealed that Nunez-Ocampo had previously been deported in 2008, 2010, and 2012. In 2012, he received a felony conviction for leaving the scene of an accident with personal injury. Additional criminal convictions after his initial deportation included domestic battery, third-degree burglary, and fourth-degree assault.
“This case highlights ICE’s commitment to getting criminal illegal aliens out of our communities,” said Michael W. Meade, acting field office director for the Miami Field Office of ERO.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, with assistance from the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor.
Methamphetamine Trafficker Sentenced to More Than 33 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Gregory G. Brooker today announced the sentencing of ELFRED WILLIAM PETRUK, 39, to 31 years in prison for methamphetamine-related trafficking offenses. PETRUK was found guilty on June 12, 2017, following a four-day trial, of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. PETRUK was sentenced to 31 years for each count and will serve those terms concurrently. PETRUK was indicted on these counts while on supervised release for a previous federal conviction. As a result, he will serve an additional two-and-one-half years consecutively for violating his supervised release terms and conditions. He was sentenced on December 13, 2017, before U.S. District Judge Ann D. Montgomery.
“Methamphetamines are destroying lives across Minnesota. Today’s sentence highlights our commitment to prosecuting individuals, such as Mr. Petruk, who are intent on bringing these dangerous drugs into our communities,” said Acting United States Attorney Gregory G. Brooker. “This case reflects the collaborative work of federal, state, and local task forces and their dedication to combating drug trafficking.”
“Mr. Petruk has had a history of criminal behavior dating back two decades. Getting him off the streets is a big win for these communities,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Kirk Howard of the Saint Paul Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. “In fact, our local ATF office has built a number of cases on Mr. Petruk resulting in three separate federal indictments. We are extremely happy with the sentencing. We owe a big thanks to the Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crime Task Force with whom we worked closely during this investigation. This is a big win for them, too.”
As proven at trial, in July 2016, law enforcement agents received information that PETRUK, who then had only recently been released from prison and placed on federal supervised release, was trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine from the Twin Cities area to the Twin Ports area. In September 2016, on at least three separate occasions, law enforcement agents observed PETRUK traveling from the Twin Ports area to the Twin Cities, making short-duration stops at remote locations and at homes of known methamphetamine users and dealers. On September 20, 2016, agents stopped and detained PETRUK and, upon execution of a search warrant, recovered more than 800 grams of highly pure methamphetamine hidden in a compartment under the hood of PETRUK’S vehicle.
As proven at trial, following PETRUK’S arrest, law enforcement agents executed search warrants at several of the locations in Duluth, Minn. and Superior, Wisc. believed to be related to PETRUK’S drug-trafficking activities. During the course of the searches, law enforcement agents seized a loaded 9mm handgun, methamphetamine, cash, digital scales, drug-packaging materials, and other drug-trafficking paraphernalia.
The defendant has multiple prior criminal convictions in state and federal courts. In September 2006, PETRUK pleaded guilty in federal district court to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 120 months in prison. In July 2015, PETRUK was found guilty by a federal jury of one count of corruptly attempting to obstruct an official proceeding and was sentenced to 46 months in prison.
This case is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Duluth Police Department; the Superior, Wisconsin Police Department; and the Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crime Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Allen A. Slaughter and Benjamin Bejar prosecuted the case.
Defendant Information:
ELFRED WILLIAM PETRUK, 39
Duluth, Minn.
Convicted:
- Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count
- Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count
Sentenced:
- 402 months in prison (372 months each count to be served concurrently, plus 30 months for violation of supervised release conditions to be served consecutively)
- 10-year term of supervised release (10 years each count, served concurrently)
###
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Mental Health Facility to Pay Almost $7 Million to Resolve Fraud AllegationsRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss - Region 8 Mental Health Services has agreed to pay the United States government in excess of $6.93 million under the False Claims Act to resolve allegations that it was paid for services that it either did not provide or that were not provided by qualified individuals as part of its preschool Day Treatment program, announced United States Attorney Mike Hurst and Derrick Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. Today’s announcement is believed to be the largest False Claims Act healthcare settlement in the history of the State of Mississippi.
The Mississippi Department of Mental Health reports that nearly 35,000 Mississippi children and adolescents suffer mental health issues that are "severe and persistent." Day Treatment is defined by Medicaid as "a behavioral intervention program, provided in the context of a therapeutic milieu, which provides children/adolescents with serious emotional disturbances the intensity treatment necessary to enable them to live in the community." Day Treatment services covered by Medicaid provide a vital service to the citizens of Mississippi, enabling the State’s youth to live productive lives and grow to become healthy, productive adults.
Region 8, a regional community health center covering Copiah, Lincoln, Madison, Rankin and Simpson Counties, operated a Day Treatment program for preschool age children. During its investigation, the United States Department of Justice and Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, discovered that many of the claims submitted for payment from 2004 to 2010 were for services that were either not provided or were not provided by qualified individuals.
"Our children are among the most valuable and vulnerable in our society, and it is imperative that we do all that we can to protect the programs that offer them the services that they need," says U.S. Attorney Hurst. The Office of the United States Attorney says that it continues to increase its efforts to investigate allegations of fraud and protect the federal programs serving the citizens of this State and country. "The work we do in combatting waste, fraud and abuse in government programs is among some of the most important work this office does, and we will continue to vigorously investigate all allegations of fraud," says U.S. Attorney Hurst.
Derrick Jackson, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, adds, "It is imperative that these children receive the behavioral intervention services they need. We will continue to monitor Region 8 Mental Health Services to ensure the organization is providing intervention services by qualified staff and properly billing Medicaid."
The allegations settled today arose from a lawsuit filed by a whistleblower, who was a former employee of the company, under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. Under the False Claims Act, private citizens can bring suit on behalf of the government for false claims and share in any recovery. Such private citizens are referred to as relators. The relator in this case will receive more than $1 million from the recovery announced today. The case is styled United States v. Madison-Simpson-Copiah Mental Health Commission Region 8, et al., 3:09cv441- HTW-LRA (S.D. Miss.).
The investigation and settlement were the result of a coordinated effort by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General. There were also significant contributions to the investigation from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. The United States government was represented by Assistant United States Attorney Angela Givens Williams, with contribution from Auditor Kim Mitchell. The Mississippi Division of Medicaid will receive a portion of the settlement in proportion to its contribution to the Medicaid fund.
Moving forward, Region 8 will be subject to oversight under its Corporate Integrity Agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General. This agreement is designed to increase accountability and transparency and prevent future fraud and abuse.
The claims settled by this agreement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Members of Robbery Crew Exiled to 13.5 Years and 10 Years in Prison for Gun and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Baltimore, Maryland – United States District Judge Roger W. Titus sentenced Nathan Antonio Davis, age 38, of Seat Pleasant, Maryland, today to thirteen and a half years in prison, followed by eight years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more cocaine and for conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Davis was also convicted of possession of firearms and ammunition by a felon due to his additional criminal conduct while incarcerated on this pending federal indictment. Co-defendant Raymond Dexter Parker, age 33, of District Heights, Maryland, was sentenced earlier this week to 10 years of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised released for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and for possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The sentences were announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Schenning M. Schenning; Special Agent in Charge Daniel Board, Jr. of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; and Chief Henry P. Stawinski III of the Prince George’s County Police Department.
According to their plea agreements, between November 2015 through May 3, 2016, Parker conspired with Davis and others to rob certain drug dealers operating in Maryland, and conspired to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. In addition, between March and April of 2016, Parker and Davis met with an undercover agent at various locations in Maryland to discuss robbing a drug dealer.
On May 3, 2016, the day of the planned armed robbery, Parker and Davis along with others met with the UC at a location in Maryland. During this meeting, the crew discussed, in detail, plans for the upcoming robbery. During the conversation, the UC observed Parker with a firearm in his hand and observed Parker wiping off the firearm with his search. Parker began to remove the license plates from a rental vehicle that they planned to use for the robbery and replace them with license plates from an unaffiliated vehicle parked in the parking lot to evade detection by law enforcement during and after the robbery. The men confirmed their desire to conduct the armed robbery of a drug dealer.
After the men’s arrest, law enforcement recovered a Sabre stun gun from the scene and three loaded firearms from Parker’s vehicle. From the conspirators and their vehicles, officers also located a black ski mask, nylon stockings, gloves, disinfecting wipes, duct tape, a 60,000 volt taser, paracord, and screwdrivers.
Davis and Parker have been detained since their arrest.
While detained on the above-described offenses, Davis wrote letters to individuals, which were intercepted by the Government. In one of the letters, Davis instructed one individual to retrieve a firearm from a residence in Suitland, Maryland, and bring it to the residence in Waldorf, Maryland, for safekeeping. Davis wrote another letter to a different individual and instructed the individual to retrieve a package from a dresser in the Washington, D.C. residence, weigh out a certain quantity of cocaine from the package, and sell that amount to a different individual. Davis further instructed the individual to send some of the proceeds from the sale to Davis in jail and to use the remainder of the proceeds to fund the marijuana grow operation. Based on this information, law enforcement executed three search warrants on three residences in Maryland and Washington, D.C. and recovered five firearms, ammunition, cocaine, cocaine base, drug paraphernalia, and over 3,000 in cash.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen Schenning commended the ATF and Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Sykes and Menaka Kalaskar, who prosecuted the case.
Member of Lawrence Kidnapping Crew Sentenced to 11 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A member of a Lawrence-based kidnapping crew was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for his role in a 2012 kidnapping.
Luis Reynoso, a/k/a “Prieto,” 27, of Lawrence, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 11 years in prison and three years of supervised release. In August 2015, Reynoso pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit kidnapping.
Reynoso was charged in connection with a wide-ranging investigation targeting violent kidnapping and home invasion crews operating in Lawrence. According to court documents, these crews – often referred to as “joloperros,” which loosely translates to “stick-up guys” – were organized, armed and violent.
Reynoso was identified as part of a violent, sophisticated kidnapping crew that included Danny Veloz, a/k/a “Maestro;” Jose Guzman, a/k/a “Cano;” Jose Matos, a/k/a “Boyca;” and Gadiel Romero, a/k/a “TC,” all of Lawrence; Henry Maldonado of Manchester, N.H., and Thomas Wallace of Raymond, N.H.
On July 23, 2012, armed with firearms and wearing t-shirts with the word “police” on them, the crew kidnapped two men at gunpoint in Lawrence. The victims were transported to Manchester, N.H., and held overnight – during which time one was burned with a hot iron – before being rescued by law enforcement. Several cooperating defendants advised that the July 23, 2012, kidnapping was one of several kidnappings or attempted kidnappings committed by this crew in Lawrence in 2012.
A federal investigation identified this crew as one of several kidnapping and home invasion crews operating in Lawrence. The crews typically kidnapped drug dealers for large ransoms that were paid in cash or drugs; used safe houses to stash their victims; and used sophisticated tracking techniques, such as GPS devices, to follow their victims. The crews targeted drug dealers because they believed that the drug dealers were unlikely to cooperate with law enforcement, were subject to deportation, or feared reprisals, either against themselves or their families. Numerous kidnapping victims described how they were abducted, tortured, and forced to pay ransoms of hundreds of thousands of dollars (either in the U.S. or in the Dominican Republic) to joloperros crew members. Victims were burned, scarred, bruised, and given other significant physical injuries marking them as kidnapping victims. During the investigation, law enforcement seized dozens of firearms, including shotguns, GPS devices, irons used to torture victims, masks, zip ties, t-shirts with the word “police” on them, fake police badges, handcuffs and drugs.
Veloz was sentenced to life in prison in November 2017; Romero was sentenced to 23 years in prison; Guzman was sentenced to 16 years in prison; Wallace and Maldonado were each sentenced to 13 years in prison; and Matos was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett; Essex County Sheriff Kevin F. Coppinger; Lawrence Police Chief James X. Fitzpatrick; and Manchester (N.H.) Police Chief Nick Willard made the announcement. The cases are being prosecuted by Weinreb’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit.
Matthew Shaffer Sentenced to 35 Years for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. — Matthew Wesley Shaffer, 39, of Walton, Ky., was sentenced today, to 35 years in prison, by United States District Court Judge David Bunning. In August of 2017, Shaffer was convicted by a jury of two counts of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute it, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
At his trial, Shaffer was identified as the president of the Florence, Kentucky, chapter of the Iron Horsemen motorcycle club and as a national enforcer for that organization. He has multiple prior felony convictions. The evidence at trial further established that Shaffer directed a group that was transporting large amounts of crystal methamphetamine from California to Northern Kentucky and distributing it, during 2015 and 2016. The evidence also established that, on August 25, 2016, Shaffer possessed more than 180 grams of crystal methamphetamine in his Walton, Kentucky residence, along with two loaded firearms, body armor, and $8,920.00 in currency. Additionally, the evidence established that Shaffer led a group of individuals who smuggled approximately ten grams of crystal methamphetamine into the Boone County Detention Center for distribution, in October 2016. The jury convicted him after five days of trial.
“This investigation and prosecution highlights the importance of a strong partnership between local, state, and federal law enforcement in reducing violent crime and drug trafficking activities,” said Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “Our communities are made safer through the cooperative efforts of law enforcement, and I commend the officers and agents for their hard work and dedication on this case and others like it.”
Under federal law, Shaffer must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence; and upon his release, he will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for ten years.
United States Attorney Duncan; Timothy J. Plancon, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration; and Stuart Lowrey, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA, the ATF, and the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney Tony Bracke.
Marion County man admits to firearm chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Fairmont, West Virginia man has admitted to an illegal firearm charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Rocmond Lewis, Sr., age 40, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Lewis, having previously being convicted of a felony in the Circuit Court of Marion County, West Virginia, admitted to possessing a .45 caliber pistol, a 9mm pistol, and a .380 caliber pistol. The crime occurred in March 2017 in Marion County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine ChargeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Joel Torres Diaz, 30, of Puerto Rico, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years and a $5,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul C. Parisi, who is handling the case, stated that on May 12, 2017, the defendant attempted to enter the United States from Canada at the Peace Bridge port of entry. Diaz was referred to a secondary inspection during which Customs and Border Patrol officers observed a shoebox inside a plastic bag on the rear seat of the vehicle. Inside the box, officers recovered three packages of cocaine weighing approximately one kilogram.
The plea is the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly.