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Wednesday 18 October 2017
Two heroin dealers appear in federal court on drug chargesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two defendants appeared in federal court today for heroin crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Gerald Tyrone King, 38, of White Sulphur Springs, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin and was sentenced in federal court in Beckley to a year and nine months in prison. In a separate prosecution, Dana Stevenson, 26, of Charleston, pleaded guilty in federal court in Charleston to distribution of heroin.
King admitted that on May 27, 2016, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place in White Sulphur Springs. At sentencing it was determined that King had distributed additional quantities of heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl.
In a separate prosecution, Stevenson admitted that on December 14, 2016, he sold heroin to a confidential informant cooperating with police officers. The controlled buy occurred in the area of Garvin Avenue and Washington Street, West in Charleston. Stevenson additionally admitted that in January 2017, he possessed firearms, sold a shotgun, and distributed narcotics on multiple occasions. Stevenson faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 18, 2018.
The Greenbrier Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force conducted the investigation of King. Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the King prosecution. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed King’s sentence. The Special Enforcement Unit of the Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation of Stevenson. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor is in charge of Stevenson’s prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston is presiding over the Stevenson case.
The King case was prosecuted under the Greenbrier Valley Heroin and Pill Initiative. Stevenson’s case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking with existing local programs targeting gun crime.
Both cases were brought as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Two Marijuana Scouts with Weapons Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
TUCSON – Today, Jose Abelordo Guzman-Perez, 21, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Raner C. Collins to 97 months in prison, followed by a term of three years of supervised release. Guzman-Perez had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana and carrying a firearm during a drug crime.
On the night of Sept. 28-29, 2016, the Tucson Sector U.S. Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC) responded to the Roskruge Mountains northwest of Three Points, Ariz., after a camera captured two suspected unauthorized aliens, later identified as Lorenzo Antonio Infante-Ortiz and Jose Abelordo Guzman-Perez, carrying backpacks. Guzman-Perez was also seen carrying a Century Arms AK-47 7.62 mm rifle and Sig Sauer P220 .45-caliber pistol, and Infante-Ortiz was seen carrying a Springfield Armory AR-15 .223-caliber rifle and Smith & Wesson 9 mm pistol. Air support units arrived and observed Infante-Ortiz and Guzman-Perez sleeping with the aforementioned rifles within arm’s reach of both of them, near a cliff with a 6-foot drop.
BORTAC agents struggled for hours in the pitch dark, utilizing only night-vision, to get in place to apprehend the defendants. Once in place, agents announced their presence and attempted to take the defendants into custody. Infante-Ortiz attempted to flee but was detained after a brief struggle. Guzman-Perez reached for the AK-47 and was promptly tackled by an agent. Guzman-Perez was combative and violently fought, causing him and the agent to fall off the cliff. The fall caused the agent’s left shoulder to dislocate, but the agent held on to Guzman-Perez with his other arm while the defendant continued to push, kick, and punch him. Eventually, Guzman-Perez got away from the agent and fell several times as he attempted to run down the mountainside in the dark. Agents on containment duty were then able to close in and capture Guzman-Perez before he left containment. Infante-Ortiz previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Homeland Security Investigations and BORTAC. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lawrence Lee and Adam Rossi, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBER: CR-16-01374-PHX-SPL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2017-102_Perez etal
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Two Indicted in Eastern District of Texas Wire Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – Two men have been indicted in a wire fraud conspiracy in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston today.
Arlando Jacobs, 52, of The Woodlands, Texas, and Clarence Roland, 56, of Tacoma, WA, were named in a seven-count indictment charging them with wire fraud conspiracy, bank fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. The indictment was returned by a federal grand jury in Sherman, Texas last week.
According to the indictment, between October 2011 and April 2017, Jacobs and Roland are alleged to have conspired with each other and others to create and submit fraudulent mortgage lien documents to title companies and financial institutions in order to receive transfers of funds they were not entitled to receive. According to an affidavit for a complaint, the fraud scheme resulted in approximately $3.7 million in fraudulent proceeds.
If convicted, the defendants face up to 30 years in federal prison. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency-Office of Inspector General, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Housing & Urban Development-Office of Inspector General. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Andrew Williams and Christopher Eason.
A grand jury indictment is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Two Behavioral Health Clinic Operators Plead Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit over $1 Million in Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, FL – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that Shawn Thorpe (30) and Ruben McLain (46), both of Winston Salem, North Carolina, have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud. Each faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreements, Thorpe and McLain agreed that McLain was an “excluded provider” – meaning that he was prohibited from billing the federal health care programs for any services. McLain had been excluded from participation in these programs due to an earlier 2011 federal conviction for health care fraud.
Notwithstanding this exclusion, Thorpe and McLain together worked to create and manage Coastal Bay, a company that provided medical care to Medicaid patients. Thorpe never disclosed to the Medicaid program that he was working with an individual who had been excluded from participating in the program. In an effort to conceal McLain’s involvement, McLain used an alias – “Julian Winchester.” Through this alias, McLain performed a variety of functions, including hiring and firing individuals, seeing patients, and performing other managerial tasks. McLain routinely traveled from his home in North Carolina, to Jacksonville, to assist in Coastal Bay’s operations.
McLain and his family received significant financial benefits due to his involvement in Coastal Bay. Specifically, McLain had access to a Coastal Bay credit card, which he used to make routine purchases at restaurants, furniture stores, gas stations, and other places in North Carolina, even though Coastal Bay had no operations in North Carolina. In addition, McLain and his immediate family received more than $10,000 in direct payment withdrawals from the Coastal Bay business account.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the State of Florida Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason Mehta and Jay Taylor.
Three New Jersey Men Charged in Manhattan Federal Court in Telemarketing Fraud Scheme Targeting the ElderlyRead the Press Release
Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced the unsealing of a Superseding Indictment charging CHRISTOPHER WILSON, a/k/a “Eric Fields,” JACK KAVNER, a/k/a “Bob Wiley,” a/k/a “Phil Powers,” and DANIEL QUIRK, a/k/a “Lou Epstein,” a/k/a “Bill Huckabee,” a/k/a “Josh Newman,” with conspiring to commit wire fraud and money laundering. WILSON also is charged with destruction, alteration, or falsification of records in a federal investigation. WILSON, KAVNER, and QUIRK were arrested this morning and will be presented and arraigned this afternoon before U.S. District Judge Sidney H. Stein in Manhattan federal court.
Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said: “These three defendants, together with their previously charged co-defendants, allegedly targeted the elderly in a callous telemarketing scheme. They allegedly lured their victims into making ‘investments’ in businesses, then just stole their money. Together with HSI and the NYPD, we will continue to investigate and prosecute all those who target victims who are vulnerable because of their age.”
According to the allegations in the Superseding Indictment[1], a Complaint filed against co-defendants, and other statements in the public record:
Beginning in at least October 2013 through at least September 2016, WILSON, KAVNER, and QUIRK operated telemarketing companies (the “Telemarketing Companies”) that engaged in a fraudulent scheme (the “Telemarketing Scheme”), by which they promised to earn victims’ (the “Victims”) money in exchange for particular Victims making an initial cash “investment” in business development, website design, grant applications, or tax preparation services. Many Victims, the majority of whom are over 70 years old, “invested” thousands of dollars with the Telemarketing Companies, but did not earn any of the promised returns. When Victims of the Telemarketing Scheme sought refunds, or fought credit card charges, the Telemarketing Companies provided explanations and documentation to the credit card companies falsely representing that the Victims had received the promised services.
WILSON, KAVNER, and QUIRK participated in the Telemarketing Scheme by, among other things, operating the interrelated Telemarketing Companies as set forth in the below chart:
Telemarketing Company
Defendants
Olive Branch Marketing
CTO Consulting
CHRISTOPHER WILSON, a/k/a “Eric Fields”
Carlyle Management Group
Vanguard Business Solutions
JACK KAVNER, a/k/a “Bob Wiley,” a/k/a “Phil Powers”
DANIEL QUIRK, a/k/a “Lou Epstein,” a/k/a “Bill Huckabee,” a/k/a “Josh Newman”
Six other individuals were previously indicted in this case, which is scheduled for trial on April 16, 2018.
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WILSON, 32, of Teaneck, New Jersey, KAVNER, 31, of West New York, New Jersey, and QUIRK, 33, of Little Ferry, New Jersey, are each charged with one count of conspiring to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiring to commit money laundering, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. WILSON also is charged with one count of destruction, alteration, or falsification of records in a federal investigation, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Kim praised the outstanding investigative work of HSI and the NYPD. He added that the investigation is ongoing.
The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Kiersten A. Fletcher and Robert B. Sobelman are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Superseding Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
If you have any information regarding WILSON, KAVNER, QUIRK, or victims of the Telemarketing Companies, please report it by phone at (917) 480-7167 or by email at [email protected].
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Superseding Indictment, and the description of the Superseding Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Texas Man Indicted for “Sextorting” Minors in IllinoisRead the Press Release
A Texas man was indicted on Wednesday by a federal grand jury in Peoria, Illinois, on charges related to the production of child pornography involving four minor victims, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Hansen of the Central District of Illinois.
Mark P. Barnwell, 35 of Whitehouse, Texas, was indicted on four counts of production of child pornography and one count of being required to register as a sex offender while committing a sex-related felony involving a minor. Barnwell was initially arrested on Oct. 3, in Whitehouse, Texas on a federal criminal complaint.
According to the indictment, from September 2016 through November 2016, Barnwell employed, used, persuaded, coerced, and enticed four different minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct. Further, according to the Indictment, Barnwell committed a felony offense involving a minor while being required to register as a sex offender.
The charges and allegations contained in an indictment are merely accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The charges are the result of a joint investigation by the U.S. Secret Service, the Peoria Police Department and the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ronald Hanna and Katherine Legge of the Central District of Illinois and Trial Attorney William Grady of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS).
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Students Take Pledge Against Gun Violence with U.S. Attorney, Police ChiefRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman and Cincinnati Police Chief Eliot K. Isaac united with middle school students this morning in taking a stand against violence.
The law enforcement officials joined a sixth grade class at Ethel M. Taylor Academy in signing a voluntary pledge promising that they will never take a gun to school, will never resolve a dispute with a gun and will use their influence to prevent friends from using guns to resolve disputes.
In coordination with the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods program, the Student Pledge Against Gun Violence is a national program that recognizes the role that young people, through their own decisions, can play in reducing gun violence. This campaign against youth gun violence culminates each October in a Day of National Concern about Young People and Gun Violence. Students from around the country join together in pledging to do their part to end gun violence. More than 10 million students nationwide have signed the pledge since its inception in 1996.
2017 marks the inaugural year for the initiative in the Southern District of Ohio, and U.S. Attorney Glassman has invited schools throughout the entire District to participate.
“The pledge is right: individual choices and actions, when multiplied by young people throughout the Southern District of Ohio and across the country, will make a difference,” Glassman said. “I’m proud to partner with Cincinnati Public Schools and the Cincinnati Police Department in working to prevent violence. Most of all, I’m proud of the students who took the pledge today and who will honor it going forward. They are the key to a better future for all of us.”
“I was truly inspired from our time with these amazing sixth graders in taking the pledge to make their communities, their city, and their country a safe place,” said Cincinnati Police Chief Eliot Isaac. “Fighting gun violence is of one of Cincinnati Police Department’s highest priorities and we are working strategically with our local and federal partners as well as Cincinnati Public Schools to end the senseless violence in our City. One the best ways we can start to do that is by working with and educating our youth on the effects of violence.”
If your school would like to participate in the pledge, contact Jennifer Thornton at [email protected].
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St. Mary's County Man Sentenced to 23 Years in Federal Prison for Committing Multiple RobberiesRead the Press Release
October 18, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Bailey Drumm
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Greenbelt, Maryland –Quantaz Lamar Shields, age 30, of Leonardtown, Maryland, was sentenced today by the United States District Judge Paul W. Grimm to 23 years of imprisonment for committing four armed robberies in St. Mary’s County, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to those robberies.
The sentence was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning, Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office, and Sheriff Tim Cameron of St. Mary’s County Sherriff’s Office.
According to the guilty plea and accompanying factual stipulation, between October 20, 2015 and October 28, 2015, the defendant entered multiple locations while brandishing a firearm and stole business proceeds and other items. On November 5, 2015, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a location associated with Shields and located a 9mm Beretta handgun with a magazine containing six 9mm live rounds that Shields had used during each of the armed robberies. Law enforcement also located a Samsung flip phone that was used to communicate with the codefendant, Trevone Butler, during one of the robberies. During another search warrant executed at Shields’s sister’s residence, law enforcement seized over $2,000 in U.S. currency hidden throughout the house. Prior to the warrant, law enforcement obtained a recorded conversation between Shields (who was incarcerated) and his sister, where Shields directed his sister to deposit money into his commissary account from money hidden in her shed.
Butler was previously sentenced on December 2, 2016 to 57 months imprisonment for his role in the robberies.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning commended the FBI and St. Mary’s County Sherriff’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes, who prosecuted the case.
St. Francis Man Sentenced for Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a St. Francis, South Dakota, man convicted of Assaulting a Federal Officer was sentenced on October 17, 2017, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Christopher Little Elk, age 35, was sentenced to 10 months in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Little Elk was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 14, 2017. He pled guilty on July 25, 2017.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred in Rosebud on May 12, 2017. Little Elk was standing in front of the Rosebud Police Department when a patrol officer pulled up to the building in his patrol vehicle. Little Elk approached the patrol officer and reported he was waiting for a ride. The officer told Little Elk he had to respond to a call, but that he might be able to give him a ride later. Little Elk became agitated and lunged at the officer, punching him in the chest and then pushing him. The officer drew his service weapon and ordered Little Elk to get on the ground. Little Elk refused to comply until the office pepper sprayed him, at which point Little Elk dropped to the ground and was placed under arrest.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Little Elk was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
South Charleston woman pleads guilty for theft from Tornado Post OfficeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A South Charleston woman who stole from the Tornado Post Office in Kanawha County pleaded guilty today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Martha Edele, 34, entered her guilty plea to theft of government money.
Edele was employed as an Officer-In-Charge at the Tornado Post Office. From December 23, 2013, through January 30, 2014, Edele took money that customers paid for stamps or money order sales. After taking the money, Edele would not report the transaction. Agents with the United States Post Office, Office of Inspector General, noted the account shortfall and spoke with Edele on January 31, 2014. Edele admitted taking the money, and she is no longer working for the United States Postal Service. Edele took $5,470.21 from the Tornado Post Office, and, as part of her plea agreement, has agreed to pay that amount in restitution.
Edele faces up to a year in federal prison and a $100,000 fine when she is sentenced on January 10, 2018.
The United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the plea hearing.
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Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of Firearm by Prohibited Person was sentenced on October 16, 2017, by U.S. District Judge Lawrence Piersol.
Ehab Abdulmutta Jaber, age 46, was sentenced to 7 months in custody, 7 months of community confinement, and 3 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Jaber was indicted for Possession of Firearm by Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury on May 9, 2017. He pled guilty on July 25, 2017.
On April 9, 2017, Jaber, who later admitted he was a methamphetamine addict, while armed with two handguns, walked into a meeting being held at a Sioux Falls motel where the speaker was giving a presentation entitled “Sabotaging America: Islam’s March Towards Supremacy.” Jaber was asked to leave and he returned to his vehicle. There he streamed live video to Facebook where he displayed multiple firearms. Law enforcement officials later searched the vehicle and recovered a total of five firearms and over 600 rounds of ammunition. In a subsequent search of Jaber’s apartment, officers found methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Criminal Division Chief, Dennis Holmes, prosecuted the case.
Shelby County Woman, Trussville Man Prosecuted for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM – A federal judge today sentenced a Shelby County woman to more than 24 years in prison for producing child pornography of an eight-year-old relative in 2015, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and FBI Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp Jr.
U.S. District Court Judge R. David Proctor sentenced JENNIFER LYNNE GALLOWAY, 34, to 24 years and six months in prison on one count of producing child pornography. Galloway pleaded guilty to the charge in June.
After she took the photos of the child, Galloway sent them to a man she knew as Cory Haynes, whom she had met on the internet. Haynes actually was BRIAN WAYNE RAY, 55, of Trussville, according to Ray’s plea agreement with federal prosecutors. FBI investigators discovered the pornographic images that Galloway produced attached to emails between Ray and a man living in Washington, D.C., according to the plea agreement. The FBI also located other images of child pornography within Ray’s email account.
Ray pleaded guilty Oct. 11 to one count of distributing child pornography between March 9, 2016, and March 15, 2016, using the internet and an email account. He also pleaded guilty to one count of possessing child pornography between Feb. 14, 2016, and July 5, 2016, in Jefferson County. Ray is scheduled for sentencing Jan. 23.
Ray will face between five and 20 years in prison.
The FBI investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Erica Williamson Barnes is prosecuting.
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Salina Man Pleads Guilty to Sexually Exploiting Three ChildrenRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - Charles Poltenson, 28, of Salina, New York, pled guilty today to three counts of sexual exploitation of a child, announced Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Vadim D. Thomas, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
In entering his guilty plea today, Poltenson admitted that he recorded via the internet three minor children engaged in sexually explicit conduct over a three-year period.
As part of his guilty plea, Poltenson admitted that from 2014 through 2016 he used the real-time video technology of Skype to chat with numerous female children online. During the course of these Skype chat sessions, Poltenson persuaded, induced, enticed, or coerced girls between the ages of 10 and 15 to engage in sexually explicit conduct. While engaging in these online interactions with children, the defendant misrepresented his true-identity, pretending to be a 16- year old teen. Charles Poltenson’s actual age at the time was between 24 and 26 years old.
As part of his guilty plea, Poltenson further admitted that in addition to the live Skype sessions, he also used the internet to send voice recordings with specific instructions about sexually explicit videos he wanted various female children between the ages of 10-15 to create for him. In response to his instructions, girls between the ages of 10 and 15 created sexually explicit videos for the defendant.
United States District Judge Hon. Brenda K. Sannes will sentence Poltenson on April 13, 2018. He faces a mandatory minimum term of 15 years imprisonment on each count, with a maximum penalty of 30 years imprisonment per count. He will be required to serve a term of supervised release of a minimum of 5 years, and up to life, following his term of imprisonment. Poltenson will also be required to register as a sex offender.
This joint investigation was conducted by the FBI Syracuse Mid-State Child Exploitation Task Force. This task force is comprised of FBI Agents and Investigators of the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey J. L. Brown.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Sacaton Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Selling Methamphetamine on the Gila River Indian CommunityRead the Press Release
PHOENIX - On Oct. 17, 2017, Carmela Marvelle Lopez, 28, of Sacaton, Ariz., and a member of the Gila River Indian Community, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven P. Logan to 57 months in prison, followed by a term of three years of supervised release. Lopez had previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Between Feb. 19, 2016 and March 9, 2016, Lopez sold methamphetamine to an undercover officer on three separate occasions. Lopez conducted two of those methamphetamine sales at her former residence located on the Gila River Indian Community.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Gila River Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Christina J. Reid-Moore, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-16-01374-PHX-SPL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2017-100_Lopez
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Claude Taylor, 38, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty, before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford, to robbing the Lexington Federal Credit Union at 1275 Lexington Avenue in Rochester. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.
Assistant U.S. Charles E. Moynihan, who is handling the prosecution of the case, stated that on May 5, 2016, Taylor entered the Lexington Federal Credit Union, waited in line and then passed a hand written note to a bank teller. The note, which was written on an envelope, demanded that the teller turn over $5,000. The defendant yelled, ordering the teller to “do it fast.” Taylor also ordered a neighboring teller not to interfere. The bank teller turned over money, and Taylor ran from the bank. Subsequent investigation identified the defendant, and on May 22, 2017, Taylor was arrested by law enforcement officers.
The plea is the culmination of an investigation on the part of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Adam S. Cohen; the United States Marshal’s Service, under the direction of Charles Salina; and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Ciminelli.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 22, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. before Judge Wolford.Resolution of ADA Compliance Reviews of Twelve Philadelphia RestaurantsRead the Press Release
Louis D. Lappen, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, announced a series of agreements to resolve the U.S. Attorney’s Office Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance review of twelve Philadelphia restaurants. The restaurants are operated by Garces Restaurant Group (“Garces”), Starr Restaurant Organization (“Starr”), Restaurant 13 and Longacre Holdings (“Longacre”). The government inspected these restaurants for ADA compliance as part of the ADA Compliance Review of 25 Philadelphia restaurants launched by the United States Attorney’s Office in 2015. These restaurants were not reviewed in response to any specific complaint.
Garces entered into a Voluntary Compliance Agreement to resolve the government’s ADA compliance review of Amada, Tinto, and Village Whiskey. Starr and affiliated entities entered into Voluntary Compliance Agreements to resolve the government’s ADA compliance review of Buddakan, Butcher & Singer, Dandelion, El Vez, Morimoto, Parc, and Talula’s Garden. Restaurant 13 entered into a Voluntary Compliance Agreement to resolve the government’s ADA compliance review of Barbuzzo.
Longacre entered into a settlement agreement to resolve the government’s 2016 lawsuit filed in federal court arising from Longacre’s failure to cooperate with the ADA Compliance Review of South Philadelphia Tap Room.
The agreements announced today require the restaurant operators to take steps to remove specific barriers to accessibility identified by the Department of Justice during inspections of these twelve restaurants. These agreements also require each operator to identify and correct violations of the ADA that may exist in affiliated restaurants and to implement new or revised ADA policies. Collectively, these agreements will impact accessibility at dozens of restaurants.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office initiated this compliance review to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to area restaurants to the full extent guaranteed by the Americans With Disabilities Act. The agreements announced today further that important goal,” said Lappen. “Restaurants must comply with the accessibility provisions of the ADA. If they do not we, will continue to take all reasonable steps within our power to enforce compliance, including litigation if necessary.”
The ADA compliance review of these restaurants was handled by the office’s Civil Rights Coordinator, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero, and Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Crutchlow.
Randolph County Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
On October 18, 2017, Justin M. Rice, 27, Sparta, was sentenced to federal prison for a methamphetamine offense, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Rice, who had previously pled guilty to a one-count superseding indictment charging conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, was sentenced to 108 months of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and was fined $200.00. The superseding indictment alleges that the methamphetamine offense occurred between 2014 and September 2016, in Perry, Randolph, St. Clair, and Franklin Counties. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Rice was involved with numerous other persons in the distribution of ice in southern Illinois. Ice is methamphetamine which has a purity level of at least 80%. At sentencing, the district court found that Rice was responsible for the distribution of 137 grams of ice. Rice received a sentence enhancement based on his possession of a firearm. Co-defendants Bradley M.D. Miller and Taylor C. Robertson were previously sentenced to prison terms of 169 months and 57 months, respectively, for their roles in the ice conspiracy. Two additional co-defendants have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing. One co-defendant has pled not guilty and is being held without bond pending an October 26, 2017, change of plea hearing.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Percy Police Department, Steeleville Police Department, Illinois State Police, Sparta Police Department and Southern Illinois Drug Task Force. The Randolph County States Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
Prince George's County Liquor Board Official Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy, Bribery, and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
Sent to Baltimore and Washington media.
October 18, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Greenbelt, Maryland – On October 17, 2017, Prince George’s County Liquor Board official David Dae Sok Son, age 41, of Bowie, Maryland, pleaded guilty to an Information charging him with conspiracy, bribery, and obstruction of justice, in a scheme involving alcoholic beverage licenses in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
The guilty plea was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Thomas Jankowski of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office; and Chief Henry Stawinski III of the Prince George’s County Police Department.
Son was a Commissioner on the Prince George’s County Board of License Commissioners (“Liquor Board”) from 2005 through 2014. During the 2015 Maryland legislative session, Son served as a liaison for the Prince George’s County Senate delegation. He returned to the Liquor Board later in 2015, as its Director.
As described in the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint and in the plea agreement, Son solicited and facilitated bribes, from lobbyists and business owners, including co-conspirators Young Jung Paig and Shin Ja Lee. The bribe recipients were elected state officials, including then-County Councilman William Alberto Campos-Escobar (a/k/a “Will Campos”) and then-Delegate Michael Vaughn.
For example, during a meeting on April 4, 2014, Son informed an FBI Confidential Human Source (“CHS”) that Campos needed $10,000 to pay an expense related to Campos’s campaign for Maryland State Delegate. Son told the CHS that Son had spoken with Campos about the CHS giving cash to Campos in exchange for Campos arranging for another grant to be awarded to a non-profit organization selected by the CHS.
On or about April 9, 2014, Son met the CHS at a coffee shop in Lanham, Maryland. Son told the CHS that Son had told Campos to “hook [the CHS] up” with the developer of a new business in the County, so that the developer would retain the CHS’s business services. Son explained to the CHS that the business owed Campos, because Campos obtained a tax benefit for the business. Son and the CHS then walked to the coffee shop’s parking lot, where the CHS’s vehicle was located. The CHS then retrieved $3,000 in U.S. currency from the CHS’s vehicle.
On or about April 9, 2014, Son gave Campos the $3,000 in U.S. currency that Son had received from the CHS. Later on April 9, 2014, Campos sent a text message to the CHS that stated, “I owe you big time my man.”
Beginning in 2015, Son solicited and facilitated bribe payments from lobbyists and business owners who were interested in the “Sunday Sales Bill,” which established up to 100 Sunday liquor sales permits in Prince George’s County. The bribes were intended to influence public officials in the performance of their official duties. For example, in 2015, Son had asked Campos to assist in passing the Sunday Sales bill by talking to one of his colleagues about the bill; both subsequently voted in favor of the bill. On April 22, 2015, after the passage of the bill, Son arranged a lunch between Campos, Paig, and Lee. A lobbyist and attorney, Matthew Gorman, also attended. During the lunch, Son told Campos to meet Paig in the men’s bathroom, saying that Paig was “… going to hook you up.” In the men’s bathroom, Paig handed Campos an envelope containing a total of $4,000 cash, which constituted a bribe from Son, Paig, Lee, and Gorman. In addition, on October 19, 2015, Son received a $4,000 bribe payment from a lobbyist for his assistance in ensuring that the lobbyist’s clients received Sunday Sales licenses.
Lee and Paig subsequently talked to Son about getting beneficial legislation introduced related to the Sunday Sales bill and indicated that they would be willing to pay $50,000 to make that happen. Son spoke with Delegate Vaughn, who agreed to introduce legislation. On November 10, 2015, Son arranged for Paig and Lee to meet with Vaughn so they could make a “down payment.” After the meeting, law enforcement observed Paig and Vaughn get into Vaughn’s car, while Lee and Son waited in the parking lot. Shortly after Paig got out of the car, Vaughn drove directly to a bank in the same shopping center. Bank surveillance video shows Vaughn pulling a stack of cash out of his right pocket and handing it to the teller, and then doing the same from his left pocket. Bank records show that Vaughn deposited a total of $4,000.
On December 17, 2016, after Son had been questioned by the FBI, he hand-wrote a letter to another subject of the FBI’s investigation informing the subject that Son had been “taken” by the “Feds” and was “wired” when he last visited the subject. In the letter, Son also listed names of individuals who had “flipped,” or cooperated with the FBI. Son further described devices used by the FBI for body wires and told the subject that the subject should assume meetings with Son were being recorded. Son also laid out means by which the subject and Son could communicate secretly.
If convicted, Son faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison for the conspiracy, ten years in prison for bribery, and 20 years in prison for obstruction of justice. U.S. District Court Judge Paula Xinis has scheduled sentencing for January 22, 2018 at 10 a.m. in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning commended the FBI, IRS-CI, and Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas P. Windom, Menaka Kalaskar, Arun G. Rao, and James A. Crowell IV, who prosecuted the case.
Plainfield Man Pleads Guilty to Charge Stemming from Overdose Death InvestigationRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GEORGE KINNEY, 34, of Plainfield, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of heroin and fentanyl.
This matter stems from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 31, 2016, the Plainfield Police Department responded to a report of an untimely death of a 38-year-old female at a hotel in Plainfield. At the scene, officers seized drug and non-drug evidence, including bags that appear to have contained heroin and/or fentanyl that were located in a bathroom garbage can. The investigation revealed that KINNEY had provided the drugs to the victim and her boyfriend shortly before the victim’s death.
KINNEY was arrested on May 9, 2017. At the time of his arrest, KINNEY possessed 40 bags of heroin, most of which had identical labeling to the bags found at the hotel. Forensic analysis of the bags revealed the presence of heroin and fentanyl.
KINNEY has been detained since his arrest.
Judge BOLDEN scheduled sentencing for January 10, 2018, at which time KINNEY faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Plainfield Police Department. The Tactical Diversion Squad includes members from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe and Fairfield Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute HeroinRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Gemere Bey was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute at least 100 grams of heroin, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
Bey, age 27, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Nora Barry Fischer. Judge Fischer ordered that Bey serve four years of supervised release after he is released from prison. Bey’s sentencing guideline range for the heroin trafficking conviction was increased for his possession of a dangerous weapon and for his use of violence or credible threat to use violence.
Assistant United States Attorneys Rachael L. Dizard and Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police led the multi-agency investigation of this case that also included the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Marshals Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Scott Township Police Department, the Munhall Police Department, the Baldwin Police Department, and the Pleasant Hills Police Department. The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Distributing Fentanyl that Killed Two and Injured ThreeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Jocquinn Lamont Harris, a former resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 144 months imprisonment, followed by six years supervised release, on charges of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Harris was also ordered to pay $11,396.76 in restitution, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
United States District Judge Reggie B. Walton imposed the sentence Monday on Jocquinn Lamont Harris, age 31, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, on or about November 29, 2015; December 3, 2015; December 4, 2015; and December 5, 2015, Harris distributed and possessed with the intent to distribute fentanyl. These distributions resulted in the death of two individuals and serious bodily injury to three individuals.
Assistant United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting U.S. Attorney Song commended the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for conducting the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Jocquinn Lamont Harris.
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Running Heroin Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Christopher Brown was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute at least one kilogram of heroin, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
Brown, age 24, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Nora Barry Fischer. Judge Fischer ordered that Brown serve five years of supervised release after he is released from prison. Brown’s sentencing guideline range for the heroin trafficking conviction was increased for possession of a dangerous weapon, for maintaining a premises for the purpose of distributing a controlled substance, and for management or supervision of criminal activity that involved five or more participants.
Assistant United States Attorneys Rachael L. Dizard and Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police led the multi-agency investigation of this case that also included the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Marshals Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Scott Township Police Department, the Munhall Police Department, the Baldwin Police Department, and the Pleasant Hills Police Department. The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Pilot Sentenced for Operating Aircraft While Under the Influence of Alcohol at Cherry Capital AirportRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge announced today that Sean Michael Fitzgerald, 36, of Boca Raton, Florida, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Robert J. Jonker for operating a common carrier under the influence of alcohol. Fitzgerald will serve 12 months and 1 day confinement, 3 years of supervised release, and pay a $5,500 fine. Chief Judge Jonker commented that public deterrence is needed to remind the public and the flying community that this behavior is intolerable.
The evidence at trial established that on August 25, 2016, Fitzgerald arrived at the Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City, Michigan, to co-pilot a private charter to Bedford, Massachusetts. On the way to the airport and once there, witnesses observed obvious signs of intoxication, including slurred speech, the smell of alcohol on his breath, and bloodshot eyes. Fitzgerald proceeded to the plane and began the pre-flight preparation process before he was arrested. Among other tasks, he inspected the plane, completed systems checks, turned on the auxiliary power unit, and received clearance for the flight’s route from air traffic control. After the arrest, his blood alcohol content was measured at 0.343%.
"Without prompt action by the pilot and airport personnel, this incident could have developed into a tragedy on the ground or in the air," Birge said. "I hope this sentence serves to deter pilots from showing up for work intoxicated and endangering all those who work at airports or fly for work or pleasure."
"The safety of commercial aviation is of utmost importance to the FBI and cannot be compromised. Today’s sentencing is a reminder that operating an aircraft while intoxicated endangers the public and can cause real life consequences," said David P. Gelios, Special Agent in Charge, Detroit Division of the FBI. "While troubling, this case does not reflect on the vast majority of flight crew professionals who conduct themselves in the best interest of public safety. It does reinforce the importance of how the public's vigilance can result in the protection of other people’s lives."
The FBI and the Traverse City Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Clay M. West and Justin M. Presant prosecuted it.
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Physician at Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Martinsburg admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA - A Maryland man has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William J. Powell announced.
Daniel J. Bochicchio, of Monkton, Maryland, age 60, has pled guilty to one count of “Acquiring Fentanyl by Misrepresentation, Fraud, Deception, and Subterfuge.” Bochicchio admitted to acquiring fentanyl by fraudulently entering patient information at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Martinsburg, West Virginia. The crime occurred in March of 2017.
Bochicchio faces up to four years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Police investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Pennsylvania Man Arrested for Defrauding Fema of over $250,000 in Hurricane Sandy Disaster ReliefRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – An Ambler, Pennsylvania, man was charged today with using phony documents to collect $252,734 in FEMA-backed disaster benefits and insurance payments that were supposed to be used to cover storm damages to his mother’s property in Ocean City, New Jersey, Acting U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick announced.
Nicholas Ochs, 54, is charged by indictment with one count of disaster benefits fraud, five counts of mail fraud and one count of theft of government funds. He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen M. Williams and was released on $100,000 unsecured bond.
According to the indictment:
In October 2012, the various counties of southern New Jersey, including Cape May County, suffered significant damage due to wind, rain, and flooding as a result of Hurricane Sandy. During that time, Ochs’s mother lived in a house in Ocean City. In January 2013, Ochs, on behalf of his mother, filed an application with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) seeking federal rental assistance and assistance for personal property damage, claiming that the property was unfit for occupancy as a result of the storm.
An inspector working on behalf of FEMA inspected the property and determined that the property was uninhabitable and that repairs were required. During the inspection, Ochs, acting as power of attorney, signed the application on behalf of his mother attesting that all the information on the application was true and correct. By signing the application, Ochs also acknowledged that any disaster relief money awarded would be returned if his mother received insurance benefits for the same loss. FEMA initially denied Ochs’s claim citing the fact that the property was covered by flood insurance.
However, Ochs submitted fraudulent documents to FEMA indicating that the insurance provider denied his mother’s claim. In addition, when applying for the federal assistance, Ochs allegedly submitted false documents claiming that, as a result of being displaced, his mother was renting another property on the same block in Ocean City. From January 2013 through December 2013, Ochs faxed fraudulent lease agreements and rental receipts and failed to disclose that the property his mother was renting was owned by his mother and that no rent was ever paid. In addition, in February 2013, Ochs contacted FEMA and made a claim for transportation assistance based on his false claim that his mother’s 1985 Mercedes Benz was damaged by Hurricane Sandy.
As a result of the false documents, between February 2013 and December 2013, FEMA paid Ochs’s mother $17,229 for rental assistance and $4,345 for home repairs. Ochs then used the money for his own personal expenses. The total amount of FEMA benefits for rental assistance and home repair that Ochs collected to which he was not entitled was $21,574.In addition, after Ochs made an insurance claim for damages related to the storm, his mother’s insurance provider ultimately paid her $231,160, $169,518 of which was held in escrow by the mortgage-holder, Wells Fargo. To entice Wells Fargo to release the funds, Ochs presented fraudulent invoices and forms that over-inflated the value of the work that was actually performed.
Based on the false invoices, Wells Fargo mailed numerous checks totaling $169,518 to the house in Ocean City, which Ochs deposited into bank accounts that he controlled and spent on personal expenses. These funds were ultimately paid for by FEMA pursuant to its National Flood Insurance Program, which backed insurance payments for disaster-related expenses. Altogether, Ochs allegedly defrauded FEMA of $252,734.
The count of disaster benefits fraud carries a potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The mail fraud counts each carry a potential penalty of 30 years in prison and $1 million fine. The count of theft of government funds carries a potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations, and Ochs is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Acting U.S. Attorney Fitzpatrick credited special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Mark Tasky, with investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason M. Richardson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.
Defense counsel: Thomas Young Esq., Camden
Panama City Beach Man Convicted of Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Yesterday, Michael Shawn Garrett, 45, of Panama City Beach, Florida, a colonel in the Florida Air National Guard, was convicted of attempted enticement of a minor for sex. The trial lasted two days and was held in the U.S. District Court in Panama City. The verdict was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
In May 2017, undercover investigators conducted an operation to identify individuals seeking to engage in sexual activity with minors. Garrett responded to a Craigslist advertisement in which an undercover officer posed as a 14-year-old boy. During ninety minutes of conversation with the undercover officer, Garrett discussed the sex acts he wished to perform with the boy. Through his email communications, Garrett repeatedly requested the physical address of the boy, offering to pick up the boy to engage in the sexual encounter. Garrett was arrested after arriving at the designated meeting place.
The sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 11, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Panama City, Florida. Garrett faces a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison.
The case was investigated by the Panama City Beach Police Department, the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Thielemann.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Owner of Old Town Albuquerque Jewelry Stores Pleads Guilty to Fraudulently Selling Filipino-Made Jewelry as Native American-MadeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Nael Ali, 53, of Albuquerque, N.M., pled guilty today in federal court to violating the Indian Arts and Crafts Act (IACA) by selling counterfeit Native American-style jewelry out of two retail jewelry stores located in Albuquerque’s Old Town. Ali entered a guilty plea to two felony charges under a plea agreement that recommends up to 18 months of imprisonment followed by a term of supervised release to be determined by the court.
The IACA prohibits the offer or display for sale, or the sale of any good in a manner that falsely suggests that it is Indian produced, an Indian product, or the product of a particular Indian and Indian tribe. The law is designed to prevent products from being marketed as “Indian made,” when the products are not, in fact, made by Indians. It covers all Indian and Indian-style traditional and contemporary arts and crafts produced after 1935, and broadly applies to the marketing of arts and crafts by any person in the United States. IACA provides critical economic benefits for Native American cultural development by recognizing that forgery and fraudulent Indian arts and crafts diminish the livelihood of Native American artists and craftspeople by lowering both market prices and standards.
“Today’s guilty plea is a victory for Native Americans and the protection of their cultural heritage. Southwest Native American jewelry is world renowned for its craftsmanship and beauty. Those who pay top dollar to own these treasures should be able to trust their authenticity and know their money supports real Native Americans and their tribes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney James D. Tierney. “Convictions of profiteers like the defendant in this case restore trust in that marketplace and prevent the exploitation of Native Americans.”
“As Chairman of the Indian Arts and Crafts Board, U.S. Department of the Interior, I want to again convey the Board’s deep appreciation for the outstanding leadership and contributions provided by the U.S Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, along with the other agency partners who participated in bringing this landmark enforcement action under the Indian Arts and Crafts Act,” said Chairman Harvey Pratt of the Indian Arts and Crafts Board. “When Indian artists are undercut by the sale of fake Indian art, the integrity of authentic Indian art and artists suffer. Eliminating the flow of counterfeit Native American art and craftwork provides a level playing field for the highly talented, dedicated, and hard-working producers of genuine Native American art. “
“This case brought much needed attention to the issue of counterfeit Native American arts and crafts,” said Nicholas E. Chavez, Special Agent in Charge for the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement for the Southwest Region. “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will continue to work closely with our tribal, federal, and state partners to investigate and prosecute individuals who would threaten the livelihoods of Native American artisans through forgery and fraud.”
“The beautiful and unique jewelry made by Native Americans is one of our country's most precious cultural resources,” said Special Agent in Charge Terry Wade of the FBI’s Albuquerque Division. “The FBI is committed to investigating any attempt to cheat these artists out of the fruits of their labor, as well as the collectors who admire their work.”
Ali and co-defendant Mohammad Manasra, 57, also of Albuquerque, were charged in Oct. 2015, in a four-count indictment with conspiracy to violate the IACA and three substantive violations of the Act. A ten-count superseding indictment was filed in March 2016, charging Ali and Manasra with conspiracy and substantive violations of the IACA, mail fraud and four counts of wire fraud. According to the superseding indictment, Ali owned two jewelry stores, Gallery 8 and Galleria Azul, in Albuquerque’s Old Town specializing in Native American jewelry, and Manasra was a wholesaler of Native American jewelry. The superseding indictment alleged that Ali and Manasra violated the IACA by conspiring to import and fraudulently sell Filipino-made jewelry as Native American-made.
The charges against Ali and Manasra were the result of an ongoing federal investigation led by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and FBI into an international scheme to violate the IACA. During a law enforcement operation in Oct. 2015, federal agents executed 15 search warrants in New Mexico and one in California. Eight of the search warrants were executed in Albuquerque including four at retail and wholesale jewelry businesses. In addition, search warrants were executed at three jewelry stores in Gallup, three jewelry stores in Santa Fe, and a jewelry production shop in Zuni. Federal agents also executed a search warrant at a jewelry store in Calistoga, Calif. Three federal seizure warrants also were executed on bank accounts in a Charlotte, N.C., bank and a San Francisco, Calif., bank. In addition, the Philippines National Bureau of Investigations conducted a series of investigative interviews at two factories in Cebu City, Philippines.
During today’s change of plea hearing, Ali pled guilty to a two-count felony information charging him with violating the IACA. In his plea agreement, Ali admitted operating Gallery 8, a store in Old Town Albuquerque, where he sold Native American-style jewelry made by laborers in the Philippines. Ali admitted mixing Filipino-made jewelry with Native American-made jewelry without labeling the Filipino-made jewelry with the country of origin. Ali also admitted intentionally stocking the Filipino-made jewelry in a manner that falsely suggested that it was Native-American made; providing lists for the employees to reference symbols and initials to falsely suggest the jewelry was Native American-made; and training employees to tell customers the jewelry was Native American-made. Ali also admitted that on Feb. 26, 2014, an employee acting at Ali’s direction sold ten rings, which he represented as Navajo-made but were actually Filipino-made, to an undercover law enforcement agent for $1,115.
According to the plea agreement, from Oct. 8 2015 through Oct. 28, 2015, Ali operated two stores in Albuquerque’s Old Town – Gallery 8 and Galleria Azul – where Ali personally displayed and offered Filipino-made Native American-style jewelry for sale as Native American-made. Ali admitted that he personally represented to another undercover agent that all of his Native American-style jewelry had been made by Native Americans and members of tribes, including the Navajo Nation and Zuni Pueblo. Ali acknowledged that the total value of Filipino jewelry offered and displayed for sale in his stores as Native American-made far exceeded $1,000 in retail and wholesale price.
On Oct. 5, 2016, Manasra entered a guilty plea to a misdemeanor information charging him with violating IACA. In entering the guilty plea, Manasra admitted that on Oct. 19, 2014, he fraudulently sold a Kokopelli pendant and earing set, two rings, a bracelet and an orange cluster pendant to an undercover law enforcement agent. Manasra further admitted that he knew the jewelry was made in the Philippines even though he intentionally told the undercover agent that the Kokopelli set was “Zuni” and the rings, bracelet and cluster set were “Navajo.” Manasra admitted that Filipino-made jewelry had been displayed, offered and sold falsely to suggest that it had been made by members of federally recognized Indian Tribes. At sentencing, Manasra faces a maximum penalty of one year in prison or a maximum of five years of probation.
Sentencing hearings for Ali and Manasra have yet to be scheduled.
The case was investigated by the Office of Law Enforcement for the Southwest Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Albuquerque Division of the FBI with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Marshals Service, DEA and New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement for Region Eight and California Department of Fish and Wildlife provided support in Calistoga, Calif., and HSI provided support in La Habra, Calif. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Attaché for Southeast Asia and the Philippine National Bureau of Investigations provided support in Cebu City, Philippines. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristopher N. Houghton and Sean J. Sullivan are prosecuting the case.
Owner and Employee of Metal Plating Government Contractor Plead Guilty to Hazardous Waste CrimesRead the Press Release
Phillip Michael Huddleston, 61, pleaded guilty today to violating the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (“RCRA”) by illegally storing hazardous waste without a permit at Protech Metal Finishing, LLC, a metal plating facility he owned and operated in Vonore, Tennessee.
John Thomas Hatfield, 43, Protech’s production manager, pleaded guilty on October 2, 2017, to being an accessory after-the-fact to Protech’s illegal storage of hazardous waste. In order to hinder an investigation of Protech’s compliance with the RCRA, Hatfield represented that containers of hazardous waste were accurately labeled when he knew that they were not.
“These guilty pleas are the result of notable efforts undertaken by multiple law enforcement agencies to enforce provisions in government contracts and the RCRA that protect human health and the environment,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey H. Wood. “In this case, what was at stake was the health and safety of Protech employees and the community of Vonore, Tennessee.”
When Congress passed the RCRA, it determined that the disposal of, and inadequate controls over hazardous waste “will result in substantial risks to human health and the environment.” To that end, the RCRA imposes “cradle-to-grave” tracking, handling, and reporting controls to ensure that companies like Protech properly manage the generation, storage, transport, and disposal of hazardous wastes. The maximum penalty for each felony RCRA count is five years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The maximum penalty for this accessory-after-the-fact count is one year in prison and a fine of $25,000.
Defendants Hatfield and Huddleston are scheduled to be sentenced by Senior District Court Judge Leon Jordan on January 10 and January 8, 2018, respectively.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matt Morris of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee, and Trial Attorneys Cassandra Barnum and Senior Trial Attorney Todd W. Gleason of the Environment and Natural Resources Division. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the IRS, EPA-CID, TVA-OIG, Department of Defense, and Department of Energy.
Over 10,000 Students to Pledge Against Gun ViolenceRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, South Carolina ------- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that members of the United States Attorney’s Office and their local, state, and federal law enforcement partners began visiting schools across South Carolina, to meet with students and conduct presentations as a part of South Carolina’s 16th Annual Student Pledge Against Gun Violence.
With a focus on keeping their schools and communities safe, students in middle school and high school are signing a voluntary pledge promising that they will never take a gun to school, will never resolve a dispute with a gun, and will use their influence to prevent friends from using guns to resolve disputes. Elementary school children are making a simpler commitment, pledging that if they see a gun they will not touch it, they will assume that any gun they see might be loaded, and they will tell a teacher or a trusted adult.
The effort is part of South Carolina’s Project CeaseFire, which is South Carolina’s implementation of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods Program, aimed at reducing gun violence. The Student Pledge Against Gun Violence is a national program that recognizes the role young people, through their own decisions, can play in reducing gun violence. This campaign against youth gun violence culminates each October in a “Day of National Concern About Young People and Gun Violence.” The program provides a means for beginning the conversation with young people about gun violence. Students from around the country will join together in pledging to do their part. Over the years, millions of students nationwide have signed the pledge.
The campaign encourages important conversation among young people about gun safety and respectful ways to resolve disputes. With more than 10,000 students from schools across the state agreeing to take part, the National Day of Concern provides an opportunity for teachers, counselors, and community leaders to connect with South Carolina students about gun violence and the importance of respect and making good decisions.
The U.S. Attorney's Office worked with schools, student resource officers, and law enforcement agencies throughout the state to make the pledges available, providing the pledges to participating schools as well as scheduling presentations for the schools that requested speakers. For additional information concerning the pledge, visit the national Student Pledge website at www.pledge.org.
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Orlando Man Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Federal Prison for Identity Theft and Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge G. Kendall Sharp today sentenced Jaime H. Fort (36, Orlando) to 5 years and 5 months in federal prison for aggravated identity theft and bank fraud. He pleaded guilty on July 26, 2017.
According to court documents, between January and March 2016, Fort and two of his associates executed a scheme to defraud several federally-insured financial institutions. As part of the scheme, they obtained the names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers of identity theft victims and used these stolen identities to create counterfeit Florida driver’s licenses. They then used the counterfeit licenses to obtain financing from banks, in the victims’ names. The conspirators purchased three luxury vehicles at Orlando-area car dealerships with this financing, including two Mercedes-Benz vehicles and a Cadillac Escalade. They then sold these vehicles for cash.
Fort and his associates also used the counterfeit licenses to obtain credit and make fraudulent purchases in victims’ names at various retail stores in the Orlando area. In total, Fort is responsible for more than $175,000 in actual or attempted purchases made using credit obtained in the names of his victims.
Fort’s associates, Sena Howell and Sean White, were also charged for their roles in this case. Howell pleaded guilty and was sentenced on March 16, 2017, to 27 months’ imprisonment. White is currently a fugitive and remains at large.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the Orlando Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chauncey A. Bratt.
Oakland County Drug Trafficking Organization Charged with Drug Distribution Causing DeathRead the Press Release
An indictment was unsealed today charging 12 individuals with selling heroin mixed with fentanyl in Oakland County and elsewhere, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel L. Lemisch. Seven of the defendants were charged with distributing fentanyl and heroin resulting in overdose death and serious bodily injury.
Joining Lemisch in the announcement were Special Agent in Charge David P. Gelios, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard.
The drug-trafficking organization, known as the “TEAM”, is alleged to have been selling heroin in Oakland County, as well as Livingston, Macomb and Wayne counties since 2010. “TEAM” was formed when members of the “Hustle Boys” and the “Wall Street Gorillaz” joined together to distribute heroin.
According to the indictment, “TEAM” customers contacted members of the conspiracy and arranged heroin sales by phone. Customers called one of several drug phones and a member of “TEAM” would deliver the heroin either to the buyer’s house or to a neutral location, including parking lots in various strip malls throughout Pontiac. “TEAM” members also sold heroin from two “trap” houses located at 595 Granada Drive in Pontiac and 380 West Hopkins Avenue in Pontiac. “TEAM” informed their customers of heroin for sale by sending individual and group text messages with the word “FIRE.”
Charged were Timothy Williams, 26, of Pontiac, Kristopher Anderson, 40, of Pontiac, Deaire Rayford, 26, of Auburn Hills, Christopher Light, 25, of Commerce, Kourvoisiea Pittman, 27, of Keego Harbor, Robert Bell, Jr., 28, of Pontiac, Deandre Mullen, 26, of Pontiac, Steven Erkins, 24, of Pontiac, Anthony Lee, 27,of Pontiac, Quanzay Milton, 32, of Pontiac, Antonio Bell, 26, of Waterford and James Bellmore, 50, of Waterford. All twelve were charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute over one kilogram of heroin and heroin mixed with fentanyl.
“TEAM” was led by Timothy Williams, who went by the name “T2.” Williams was also charged with distribution of heroin resulting in serious bodily injury to four victims.
Anderson and another man, Marlon McCallum,35, of White Lake, were charged with distribution of heroin and fentanyl resulting in the death of one victim.
The law defines serious bodily injury as an injury that involves a substantial risk of death. The charges of distribution causing death or serious bodily injury, or the conspiracy to commit the offence each carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment.
In an effort to combat the growing epidemic of opioid and fentanyl related overdoses and deaths, the United States Attorney’s Office, along with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, have been going after individuals who distribute dangerous narcotics and who are profiting off this crisis. To date, we have charged 30 such individuals. Drug dealers are making the drugs stronger, and more deadly, by lacing heroin with fentanyl – a drug 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin.
In August of this year, the Attorney General selected the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan as one of 12 offices across the country to participate in a Department of Justice pilot project to pursue opioid-related health care fraud. The three-year program will focus specifically on opioid-related health care fraud using data to identify and prosecute individuals that are contributing to this prescription opioid epidemic. Experienced Assistant United States Attorneys will focus solely on investigating and prosecuting health care fraud related to prescription opioids, including pill mill schemes and pharmacies that unlawfully divert or dispense prescription opioids for illegitimate purposes.
In addition to our prosecutions, the United States Attorney’s Office, along with the FBI and DEA have been participating in outreach efforts around the state that educate communities about the dangers of heroin, opioids, and synthetic opioids like fentanyl. One such outreach program is the DEA 360 Strategy. The 360 Strategy takes an innovative three-pronged approach to combating heroin/opioid use through: (1) coordinated law-enforcement actions against drug cartels and heroin traffickers in specific communities; (2) diversion-control actions against DEA registrants operating outside the law and long-term engagement with pharmaceutical-drug manufacturers, wholesalers, pharmacies, and practitioners; and (3) community outreach through local partnerships that empower communities to take back affected neighborhoods after enforcement actions and prevent the same problems from cropping up again.
Since 2016, Michigan’s FBI, DEA, and United States Attorney Offices have joined community groups to host over 50 proactive opioid prevention events which showcase the documentary film “Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict.”
The film tells the raw truth of how deadly this problem is in our country. People going through opioid and prescription drug abuse each tell a similar story – from how they became dependent on Opioids and how quickly their lives spiraled out of control as addiction took hold of their lives. The FBI and DEA created this documentary, which is at times raw and uncomfortable, to help educate the public about the growing opioid epidemic in the United States.
"Chasing the Dragon: the Life of an Opiate Addict" aims to educate the public, especially students and young adults, about the dangers of Opioid use and addiction. The path to addiction for many begins with their first use of Opioids. Because the use of heroin is increasingly deadly, the FBI, DEA, and the USAO have collaborated to educate the public and to deliver a compelling message of deterrence and prevention to those exposed to these deadly drugs.
To view the film in its entirety, click on the hyperlink “Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict”.
"Overdose deaths from heroin and fentanyl have become a national epidemic, including here in Michigan, as people addicted to prescription pills become desperate to feed their addictions," Lemisch said. "Law enforcement agencies are banding together to prosecute traffickers who are exploiting these addictions and risking lives for profit."
The trafficking of heroin and fentanyl by neighborhood gangs continues to cause significant harm and death in our communities”, said Maureen Reddy, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Detroit Division of the FBI. "Today’s indictments and arrests are a result of the hard work of the FBI’s Oakland County Gang and Violent Crime Task Force (OCGVCTF) along with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Narcotics Enforcement Team (NET). The FBI will continue to prioritize the dismantlement of violent gangs and their networks responsible for the distribution of fentanyl and heroin”.
“It is due to the incredible work of the Oakland County FBI Violent Crime and Gang Task Force, the Oakland County Narcotic Enforcement Team, the work of the Sheriff’s Office Pontiac Substation Directed Patrol Unit and our local police chiefs and their departments that we can bring justice to those who have been a victim of these death dealers,” said Sheriff Michael J. Bouchard. “This is a clear message to those who prey on members of our community. We will not tolerate drug dealers in Oakland County. We are coming for you, and will take you off our streets for good.”
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This investigation was conducted the FBI’s Oakland County Gang and Violent Crime Task Force (OCGVCTF) along with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Narcotics Enforcement Team (NET). . The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John O’Brien and Shane
North Side Man Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding Pittsburgh-area BanksRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A local resident has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months incarceration and three years supervised release on his conviction of charge of bank fraud conspiracy, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence yesterday on Darein Clark, 24 of Pittsburgh, PA.
According to information presented to the court, Clark and others agreed to defraud Pittsburgh area banks by depositing counterfeit checks by remote mobile deposit, and then making ATM withdrawals or point of sale charges against funds credited from the deposited counterfeit checks.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Western Pennsylvania Financial Crimes Task Force (WPFCTF), conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of this defendant. The WPFCTF was established as a collaborative, multi-agency effort to effectively combat financial crimes, including identity fraud, in Western Pennsylvania. Partnering in this effort is the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the United States Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Department of Homeland Security, the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office, the Allegheny County Police Department, the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Pennsylvania State Police.
Nigerian Citizen Pleads Guilty to Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Olusola Luke, 38, a citizen of Nigeria and resident of Guatemala pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal government funds and to commit identity theft today. Luke appeared before U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey who accepted his plea and deferred sentencing until January 17, 2018.
“Investigating refund fraud and identity theft is a priority for IRS Criminal Investigation,” said Karl Stiften, Special Agent in Charge. “Stealing identities and filing false tax returns is a serious crime that hurts innocent taxpayers. The conviction of Mr. Luke should serve as a strong warning to those who are considering similar conduct.”
In his plea agreement, Luke admitted that he and others misused the identifiers of dozens of individuals to seek and obtain hundreds of thousands of dollars in government funds by filing false tax returns in the names of the identity theft victims. In all, the conspiracy obtained more than $734,000 in government funds. Luke also acknowledged his conviction may subject him to removal from the United States.
Luke was arrested as he entered the United States at Dulles International Airport late on the evening of April 6, 2017 and was taken into custody by the United States Marshals Service at that time and will remain in custody until sentencing.
The case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation as part of its Stolen Identity Refund Fraud (SIRF) Initiative which seeks to disrupt the multi-billion-dollar enterprise whereby Americans’ identities are compromised and used to defraud the government through the income tax system. The U.S. Marshals Service assisted with the apprehension of the Defendant.
New York Man Convicted of Being A Felon in Possession of A Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
WILKES-BARRE - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Tyrone Greene, age 43, formerly of New York City, was convicted on October 17, 2017, of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition after a two-day jury trial held before U.S. District Court Judge A. Richard Caputo.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, on November 20, 2014, police officers in Hanover Township initiated a traffic stop of a vehicle in which Greene was a passenger. The vehicle was traveling at night without lights. The officers detected the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and located a bag of marijuana in Greene’s pocket. A subsequent search of Greene, a convicted felon, revealed that he was carrying a fully loaded Beretta pistol.
The investigation was conducted by the Hanover Township Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, and Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force. Assistant United States Attorneys Robert J. O’Hara and Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes with firearms.
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.
Tyrone Greene is facing a maximum possible penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment under federal law, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. 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.
A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
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New Orleans Man Indicted for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DAMIAN BARBARITO ROMERO, age 37, of New Orleans, was arrested yesterday after previously being indicted for one-count of possession of images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children under the age of twelve years old.
If convicted, ROMERO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, followed by up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. ROMERO can also be required to register as a sex offender.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys= Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Acting United States Attorney Evans reiterated that the Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Violent Crimes Against Children Task force, which includes members of the Kenner Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg is in charge of the investigation.
Nampa Woman Pleads Guilty to Mail TheftRead the Press Release
BOISE – Laura Alicia Cox, 56, of Nampa, Idaho, pleaded guilty yesterday to theft of mail matter by a postal employee, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. Cox was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 8, 2017.
Cox worked as a clerk at the U.S. Post Office in Melba, Idaho. According to the plea agreement, in June 2017, a surveillance camera at the Melba post office captured Cox opening mail that did not belong to her and removing its contents. Cox then put the mail contents in her employee locker. The video camera was installed following numerous complaints from customers of the Melba post office who reported problems with their mail. Cox had been employed by the U.S. Postal Service since January 1, 2000.
Sentencing is set for January 4, 2018, before Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge at the federal courthouse in Boise.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General.
Muksedur Rahman, Md. Rafiqul Islam and David Trung Quoc Phan Guilty of Mail Fraud, Fraud in Foreign Labor Contracting, and Visa FraudRead the Press Release
SHAWN N. ANDERSON, Acting United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that defendants Muksedur Rahman, Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, and David Trung Quoc Phan were found guilty of two counts of Mail Fraud, three counts of Fraud in Foreign Labor Contracting, and one count of Visa Fraud, by a 12-person jury in the District Court of the Northern Mariana Islands.
The charges in the Indictment spring from a scheme to defraud Bangladeshi men by promising them good-paying jobs in the United States, as well as Green Cards. Each of the victims paid over $10,000.00, but when they arrived in Saipan in April of 2016, they were not given work as promised. Defendant Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, and unindicted co-conspirators in Bangladesh recruiting the men, collected large fees from them, and deposited them into the bank accounts of defendants’ family members in Bangladesh. Defendant Muksedur Rahman coordinated the recruitment and employment of the victims from Saipan. A necessary part of the scheme required the purported employer, Defendant David Trung Quoc Phan, to mail fraudulent applications to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services in order to obtain CNMI-only work authorization permits. The victims were also ‘coached’ to lie to U.S. Embassy personnel in Dhaka during their visa interviews; the Defendants told the victims not to admit they had paid any fees for their jobs, upon pain of losing all the money they had already paid.
Acting United States Attorney Anderson stated, “The CNMI has been plagued by illegal recruitment scams for more than 20 years. They are difficult cases to investigate and prosecute. Every CW-1 permit approved for a sham employer for a non-existent job represents one less nurse at the Commonwealth Health Center, one less power plant operator for the Commonwealth Utilities Commission, or one less worker for the CNMI economy. The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to pursue these cases at every opportunity.”
Part of the evidence in the case consisted of official bank records obtained from the Government of Bangladesh pursuant to a mutual legal assistance letter request (MLAT) prepared by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs (OIA). The case against Defendant Rahman and his co-defendants is the first NMI District case in which foreign evidence has been obtained through the MLAT process.
Special Agents and Task Force Officers from the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys James Benedetto and Eric O’Malley prosecuted the case. Sentencing is set for March 9, 2018.
More Charges Against Springfield Man Who Managed Online Chat Group to Share Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tom Larson, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that additional charges have been filed against a Springfield, Mo., man who managed an online chat group to share child pornography.
Anthony Cotter, 30, of Springfield, was charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Jefferson City, Mo. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Cotter on Oct. 5, 2017, and includes an additional charge.
Today’s indictment alleges that Cotter used a minor, identified as Jane Doe #1, to produce child pornography from Jan. 1, 2015, to Oct. 5, 2017. The indictment also includes the original charge against Cotter of receiving and distributing child pornography over the Internet.
According to an affidavit filed in support of today’s criminal complaint, Cotter was a group administrator for a very active online chat group of 50 members who shared images and videos of child pornography with each other. Cotter also told investigators that he had been sexually abusing a minor female and taking photographs of her in various states of nudity.
The investigation began on March 9, 2017, when federal agents assisted the New York State Police with a child exploitation investigation that resulted in the arrest and prosecution of a member of Cotter’s chat group. Investigators reviewed communications that occurred in the group, including Cotter’s involvement as he monitored other users and warned them to follow the rules of the chat group. Cotter actively encouraged other users to post child pornography, the affidavit says, and posted several video files to the chat room himself.
According to the affidavit, members of the chat group were receiving and distributing videos and images of child pornography that depicted children from infants to approximately 12 years old. The images and videos depicted various types of sexual abuse to the children perpetrated by adult males and adult females; some of the images and videos depicted bondage and bestiality involving the sexual abuse of children under the age of 12.
Investigators also identified Cotter as the source of a Skype account that was being used to distribute images and videos of child pornography, the affidavit says. Multiple cyber tips related to the account were received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Officers executed a search warrant at Cotter’s residence and arrested Cotter.
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 James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Southwest Missouri Cybercrimes Task Force.
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."
Monroe woman pleads guilty to stealing mailRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced today that a former Monroe post office employee pleaded guilty to stealing mail.
Tanasha Turner, 34, of Monroe, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen L. Hayes to one count of theft of mail matter by a postal service employee. The plea will be final when accepted by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. According to the guilty plea, the postmaster from a Monroe post office reported losses of mail from the Monroe Main Post Office and the Northside Station. Law enforcement agents conducted a surveillance operation April 12, 2017 at the Northside Station and tracked Turner taking a letter containing $45. Agents conducted a traffic stop of her vehicle and found Turner in possession of the letter. She admitted to taking the letter and numerous other first class letters beginning in December 2016.
Turner faces up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The court set a February 18, 2018 sentencing date.
The U.S. Postal Service-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary J. Mudrick is prosecuting the case.
Mineral County man admits to distributing heroinRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Robert Lee Sutter, IV, of Keyser, West Virginia, admitted today in federal court to distributing heroin, United States Attorney William J. Powell announced.
Sutter, age 30, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin.” Sutter admitted to conspiring with others to distributing heroin in Mineral County and elsewhere from November 2010 to September 2016.
Sutter faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug and Violent Crime Task Force investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOSE MANUEL MAZON-DE DIOS, age 32, a citizen of Mexico, pled guilty today to a one-count Indictment charging him with illegal reentry of a removed alien.
According to court documents, MAZON-DE DIOS, reentered the United States after he was previously deported on April 5, 2013.
If convicted, MASON-DE DIOS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt set sentencing for January 3, 2018.
Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.
Mexican Man Admits Illegal Re-entry into United StatesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Dario Sanchez-Rosas, 55, of Yonkers, New York, pled guilty today to illegal re-entry into the United States, announced Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Field Office Director Thomas E. Feeley, Buffalo, New York Field Office.
Sanchez-Rosas, a citizen of Mexico, was removed from the United States to Mexico on three separate occasions in 2001. On August 24, 2017, he was encountered and arrested by an ICE Officer in Guilderland, New York. A fingerprint check of Sanchez-Rosas resulted in the discovery of his prior immigration history and the defendant admitted that he returned to the United States without permission following the 2001 removals.
As a result of his conviction, Sanchez-Rosas faces up to 2 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 when he is sentenced by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Norman A. Mordue on January 18, 2018. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case was investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Albany, NY, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Grogan.
Massachusetts Man Convicted of Supporting ISIS and Conspiring to Murder U.S. CitizensRead the Press Release
Boston – An Everett man was convicted today by a federal jury of conspiring with others to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS).
David Daoud Wright, a/k/a Dawud Sharif Abdul Khaliq, a/k/a Dawud Sharif Abdul Khaliq, 28, of Everett, Mass., was convicted of conspiracy to provide material support to ISIS, conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries, conspiracy to obstruct justice and obstruction of justice.
“Mr. Wright intended to wage war against the United States on behalf of ISIS,” said Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb. “Despite the fact that he was born and raised in Massachusetts, Mr. Wright swore allegiance to ISIS, a foreign terrorist organization, and plotted attacks that he hoped would cause more harm than the Boston Marathon Bombings. Today’s conviction ensures that Mr. Wright will never again endanger the lives of innocent Americans or recruit others on behalf of a violent enemy of this country. I commend the efforts of the law enforcement officers who investigated and halted Mr. Wright’s plans and the prosecutors who brought the case to a successful conclusion.”
“Mr. Wright conspired to provide material support to ISIS and plotted to kill innocent civilians on U.S. soil and to wage violence against our government on behalf of the foreign terrorist organization,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Boente. “Mr. Wright will now be held accountable for his crimes. The National Security Division’s highest priority is counterterrorism, and we will remain vigilant in our efforts to disrupt potential attacks in the United States and to hold accountable those who seek to provide material support to foreign terrorist organizations. I want to thank the many agents, analysts, and prosecutors who are responsible for this result.”
“Today's verdict is a victory for America in its fight against terror,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division. “It reflects the true gravity of Mr. Wright's crimes, betraying his country, conspiring to support a terrorist organization dedicated to the murder of innocent people, and obstructing an investigation. Mr. Wright was a soldier of ISIS right here in Massachusetts and his plan to carry out terror attacks was a very real threat. This case is a testament to the tireless efforts of the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Forces in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The close coordination between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, combined with trusted international partnerships, led to the disruption of this plot. Every day, the Joint Terrorism Task Force strives for a perfect record, and we'd like to thank all of our partners for their dedication and hard work in bringing this case to its successful conclusion.”
In April 2016, Wright and co-defendant Nicholas Alexander Rovinski were indicted on charges that they conspired with each other and Usaamah Abdullah Rahim, 26, Wright’s uncle,
to provide material support to ISIS and commit acts of terrorism. Even after his arrest, while detained pending trial, Rovinski sought to continue their planned attacks and wrote letters to Wright from prison discussing ways to take down the U.S. government and decapitate non-believers.
In September 2016, Rovinski pleaded guilty to conspiring to provide material support to ISIS and conspiring to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries.
Beginning in at least February 2015, Wright began discussing ISIS’ call to kill non-believers in the United States with Rahim and Rovinski. Wright created a “martyrdom” operation cell in Massachusetts. In April 2015, he created a Twitter page for the “Lions of America” and published a document entitled, Internal Conquest, on the internet. In this document, Wright called on the “Lions of Allah” to kill Americans. Wright also plotted with Rahim and Rovinski to behead U.S. citizens at the direction of ISIS, and identified Pamela Geller as the first beheading target. Rahim purchased three knives for this plot. In addition, Wright knew Rahim was communicating with an overseas ISIS contact, Junaid Hussain. Hussain, an ISIS member located in Syria, provided Rahim with an encrypted document regarding details about Ms. Geller. In August 2015, Hussain was killed in an airstrike in Raqqah, Syria.
In preparation for their attack, Wright conducted extensive research on weapons, knives, machetes, bombing making components, and methods to subdue their victims. Wright also conducted research on “how to start a secret militia in the United States.”
On June 2, 2015, Rahim was shot and killed after he attacked law enforcement officers in a Roslindale, Mass., parking lot. Two hours before Rahim attacked the police, Wright had encouraged and motivated Rahim to pursue martyrdom by attacking the “boys in blue.” Within minutes of learning of his Uncle’s death from a family member, Wright deleted data from his laptop computer by restoring it to factory settings and deleted call logs on his cellphone that showed that he had spoken to Rahim that morning.
The charge of conspiracy to provide material support provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to obstruct justice provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of obstruction of justice provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The charge of conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries provides for a sentence of life in prison, a lifetime 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 U.S. Attorney Weinreb, Acting AAG Boente and FBI SAC Shaw made the announcement today. This investigation was conducted by the Boston Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF); the Boston Police Department; Massachusetts State Police; Everett Police Department; and Customs and Border Protection. The Suffolk District Attorney’s Office; Rhode Island State Police; Warwick, R.I. Police Department; and West Midlands Police, United Kingdom also provided valuable assistance.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney B. Stephanie Siegmann of the District of Massachusetts’s National Security Unit and Trial Attorney Gregory R. Gonzalez of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Massachusetts Man Convicted of Supporting ISIS and Conspiring to Murder U.S. CitizensRead the Press Release
David Daoud Wright, aka Dawud Sharif Abdul Khaliq, aka Dawud Sharif Abdul Khaliq, 28, of Everett, Massachusetts, was convicted of conspiracy to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization; conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries; conspiracy to obstruct justice; and obstruction of justice.
Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Dana J. Boente, Acting U.S. Attorney William D. Weinreb for the District of Massachusetts and Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Harold H. Shaw of the FBI’s Boston Field Division made the announcement today.
“Mr. Wright conspired to provide material support to ISIS and plotted to kill innocent civilians on U.S. soil and to wage violence against our government on behalf of the foreign terrorist organization,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Boente. “Mr. Wright will now be held accountable for his crimes. The National Security Division’s highest priority is counterterrorism, and we will remain vigilant in our efforts to disrupt potential attacks in the United States and to hold accountable those who seek to provide material support to foreign terrorist organizations. I want to thank the many agents, analysts and prosecutors who are responsible for this result.”
“Mr. Wright intended to wage war against the United States on behalf of ISIS,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Weinreb. “Despite the fact that he was born and raised in Massachusetts, Mr. Wright swore allegiance to ISIS, a foreign terrorist organization, and plotted attacks that he hoped would cause more harm than the Boston Marathon Bombings. Today’s conviction ensures that Mr. Wright will never again endanger the lives of innocent Americans or recruit others on behalf of a violent enemy of this country. I commend the efforts of the law enforcement officers who investigated and halted Mr. Wright’s plans and the prosecutors who brought the case to a successful conclusion.”
“Today's verdict is a victory for America in its fight against terror. It reflects the true gravity of Mr. Wright's crimes, betraying his country, conspiring to support a terrorist organization dedicated to the murder of innocent people, and obstructing an investigation,” said SAC Shaw. “Mr. Wright was a soldier of ISIS right here in Massachusetts and his plan to carry out terror attacks was a very real threat. This case is a testament to the tireless efforts of the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Forces in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The close coordination between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, combined with trusted international partnerships, led to the disruption of this plot. Every day, the Joint Terrorism Task Force strives for a perfect record, and we'd like to thank all of our partners for their dedication and hard work they put in to bring this case to its successful conclusion."
In April 2016, Wright and co-defendant Nicholas Alexander Rovinski were indicted on charges that they conspired with each other and Usaamah Abdullah Rahim, 26, Wright’s uncle, to provide material support to ISIS and commit acts of terrorism. In September 2016, Rovinski pleaded guilty to conspiring to provide material support to ISIS and conspiring to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries.
Beginning in at least February 2015, Wright began discussing ISIS’ call to kill non-believers in the United States with Rahim and Rovinski. They began plotting and recruiting members for their “martyrdom” operation. In March 2015, Wright drafted organizational documents for a “Martyrdom Operations Cell” and conducted internet search queries about firearms, the effectiveness of tranquilizers on human subjects and the establishment of secret militias in the United States. Simultaneously, Rahim was communicating with an ISIS member overseas, Junaid Hussain. In August 2015, Hussain was killed in an airstrike in Raqqah, Syria.
Beginning in or about May 2015, Hussain communicated directly with Rahim. Rahim in turn communicated Hussain’s instructions to Wright, with regard to the murder of an individual residing in New York. Wright, Rovinski and Rahim conspired to commit attacks and kill persons inside the United States on behalf of ISIS. In preparation for their attack, Rovinski conducted research on weapons that could be used to behead their victims. While detained pending trial, Rovinski sought to continue their planned attacks and wrote letters to Wright from prison discussing ways to take down the U.S. government and decapitate non-believers.
On June 2, 2015, Rahim was shot and killed after he attacked law enforcement officers in a Roslindale, Massachusetts, parking lot. Within minutes of learning this from a family member, Wright deleted data from his laptop computer by restoring it to factory settings and deleting call logs on his cellphone that showed he had spoken to Rahim that morning.
The charge of conspiracy to provide material support carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a lifetime term of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to obstruct justice carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of obstruction of justice carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The charge of conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, a lifetime term of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. The sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court after considering the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This investigation was conducted by the Boston Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF); the Boston Police Department; Massachusetts State Police; Everett Police Department; and Customs and Border Protection.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney B. Stephanie Siegmann of the District of Massachusetts’s National Security Unit and Trial Attorney Gregory R. Gonzalez of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Maryland Man Found Guilty of Murder and Other Charges in 2011 Killing of Government WitnessRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Stanley Moghalu, 30, of Bowie, Md., was found guilty by a jury today of first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, assault with intent to kill, conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and other charges in an attack that killed one man, who was a government witness, and wounded another man in Northeast Washington.
The verdict was announced by U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu and Peter Newsham, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Moghalu was found guilty following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable José M. López scheduled sentencing for Jan. 26, 2018. Moghalu faces a potential sentence of life in prison without parole.
According to the government’s evidence, on Nov. 14, 2011, shortly after 5 p.m., Moghalu and an accomplice ambushed Ronald D. Smith and Charles Harrison at the intersection of 21st and M Streets, NE. Mr. Smith, 27, was killed in the attack. Mr. Harrison was shot nine times, losing the use of his right arm, but survived his injuries.
An investigation determined that Mr. Smith was killed because he was a government witness in an investigation into the May 2011 murder of Ervin L. Griffin in the 1200 block of 18th Street NE. One defendant, David Warren, now 31, and formerly of Washington, D.C., was later found guilty of first-degree murder while armed and other charges in Mr. Griffin’s slaying and sentenced to 36 years in prison.
In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Liu and Chief Newsham commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura R. Bach; Lead Paralegal Specialist Meridith McGarrity; Paralegal Specialist Stephanie Gilbert; Intelligence Analyst Zachary McMenamin; Litigation Technology Specialist Leif Hickling, and Victim/Witness Advocate Marcia Rinker. Finally, they expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Glenn Kirschner and Gilead Light, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Local Woman Sentenced on Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Candice Maxwell, 29, of Mobile, was sentenced last week in federal court on charges involving her illegal possession of firearms and her possession with intent to distribute 30 grams of methamphetamine. Court documents reflect that Maxwell, an admitted drug user, was found in possession of several firearms during the search of her apartment in Saraland in 2016. In June of 2016, she was arrested on state gun-related charges, and corrections officers at the jail found that she had methamphetamine concealed in her clothing at that time. Maxwell pled guilty to both federal charges in November of 2016.
United States District Court Judge Callie V. S. Granade sentenced Maxwell to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by a four-year term of supervised release. The judge ordered that sentences on the two charges be served concurrently. Maxwell will undergo treatment for drug abuse while in prison and as a condition of her supervised release. No fine was imposed, but the judge ordered that Maxwell pay mandatory $200 special assessments.
The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell prosecuted it in the United States Attorney’s Office.
Liberian National Found Guilty of Immigration Fraud and PerjuryRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA –Mohammed Jabbateh, a/k/a “Jungle Jabbah,”51, a citizen of Liberia residing in East Lansdowne, PA, was found guilty of two counts of fraud in immigration documents and two counts of perjury, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen and Special Agent-in-Charge Marlon Miller, Homeland Security Investigations. In December of 1998, when making application for asylum and later for permanent legal residency, the defendant was not truthful about his activities during Liberia’s first civil war while he was a member of the United Liberation Movement of Liberia for Democracy (ULIMO) and later ULIMO-K, rebel groups that battled for control of Liberia. Jabbateh was a battalion commander in ULIMO and ULIMO-K.
In January of 1999, during the asylum seeking process, Jabbateh was interviewed by a United States asylum officer for purposes of determining whether his application should be granted. To this end, he jury heard evidence that Jabbateh falsely responded "no" to the following two queries: 1) "[H]ave you ever committed a crime?"; and 2) "[H]ave you ever harmed anyone else?" On or about December 23, 1999, Jabbateh, largely based upon his answers to these and other questions posed on his Form I-589 asylum application and his answers to questions posed during his asylum application interview, received asylum.
Later, when Jabbateh applied for legal permanent residency by filing a Form I-485 with United States immigration authorities, he falsely responded "No" to the following two questions:
“Have you ever engaged in genocide, or otherwise ordered, incited, assisted or otherwise participated in the killing of any person because of race, religion, nationality, ethnic origin or political opinion?” and
“Are you under a final order of civil penalty for violating section 274C of the Immigration and Nationality Act for use of fraudulent documents or have you, by fraud or willful misrepresentation of a material fact, ever sought to procure, procured, or procured, a visa, other documentation, or entry into the U.S. or any immigration benefit?”
The jury found that the defendant knew his answers to these two questions were false in that he had ordered, incited, assisted, and otherwise participated in the killing of any person because of religion, nationality, ethnic origin, and political opinion; and knew that he had procured asylum in the United States by fraud and willful misrepresentation of material fact.
During the course of two weeks of testimony from over two dozen witnesses that included 17 Liberian victims and eyewitnesses, the jury heard evidence that Jabbateh, as a ULIMO commander from approximately 1992 through 1995, either personally committed, or ordered ULIMO fighters under his command to commit the following nonexclusive list of acts: 1) the murder of civilian noncombatants; 2) the sexual enslavement of women; 3) the public raping of women; 4) the maiming of civilian noncombatants; 5) the torturing of civilian noncombatants 6) the enslavement of civilian noncombatants; 7) the conscription of child soldiers; 8) the execution of prisoners of war; 9) the desecration and mutilation of corpses and ritual consumption of human flesh, including human hearts; and 10) the killing persons because of race, religion, nationality, ethnic origin or political opinion.
“Jabbateh sought to escape to the United States and start anew, where he lied about his extensive and horrific criminal background on federal immigration forms and to the faces of U.S. immigration officers,” said Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. “Jabbateh committed atrocities in Liberia that ravaged communities in ways that will be felt for generations. This office has rarely if ever seen such an abuse of our immigration process, and we are incredibly proud of the efforts of law enforcement and the victim witnesses who helped bring this man to justice. We thank the jury for its just and proper verdict of guilty on all counts.”
"The United States will not be a safe haven for human rights violators and war criminals,” said Marlon Miller, special agent in charge of HSI’s Philadelphia office. “Today’s verdict will help bring justice to the victims of Mr. Jabbateh's atrocities, for having survived the suffering he inflicted during the Liberian Civil War. HSI will continue to use every tool at our disposal to ensure that those who have committed such acts abroad never evade justice and accountability for their crimes by hiding among their victims in the United States.”
At sentencing, Jabbateh faces a maximum possible sentence of 30 years in prison, a possible fine, a $400 special assessment, and a period of supervised release.
The case was investigated by U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Linwood C. Wright, Jr. and Nelson S.T. Thayer, Jr.
Leading Electrolytic Capacitor Manufacturer Indicted for Price FixingRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned an indictment against an electrolytic capacitor manufacturer for participating in a conspiracy to fix prices for electrolytic capacitors sold to customers in the United States and elsewhere, the Department of Justice announced today.
The indictment, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in San Francisco, charges that Nippon Chemi-Con Corporation, based in Japan, conspired to suppress and eliminate competition for electrolytic capacitors from as early as September 1997 until January 2014. Three current Nippon Chemi-Con executives, and one former Nippon Chemi-Con executive, were previously indicted for their participation in the conspiracy: Takuro Isawa, Takeshi Matsuzaka, Yasutoshi Ohno, and Kaname Takahashi.
“Today’s indictment affirms the Antitrust Division’s commitment to holding companies accountable for conspiring to cheat American consumers,” said Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. “The Division will prosecute companies—no matter where they are located—that violate U.S. antitrust laws.”
According to the one-count felony charge, Nippon Chemi-Con carried out the conspiracy by agreeing with co-conspirators to fix prices of electrolytic capacitors during meetings and other communications. Capacitors were then sold in accordance with these agreements. As part of the conspiracy, Nippon Chemi-Con and its co-conspirators took steps to conceal the conspiracy, including the use of code names and providing misleading justifications for prices and bids submitted to customers in order to cover up their collusive conduct.
As a result of the government’s ongoing investigation, eight companies and ten individuals have been charged with participating in a conspiracy to fix prices of electrolytic capacitors. Electrolytic capacitors store and regulate electrical current in a variety of electronic products, including computers, televisions, car engines and airbag systems, home appliances, and office equipment.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Today’s charge results from ongoing federal antitrust investigations being conducted by the Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Office and the FBI’s San Francisco Field Office into price fixing, bid rigging and other anticompetitive conduct in the capacitor industry. Anyone with information related to the focus of this investigation should contact the Antitrust Division’s Citizen Complaint Center at 1-888-647-3258, visit https://www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations, or call the FBI tip line at 415-553-7400.
Leaders of Multi-State Drug Distribution Ring Convicted Following Ten-Day Jury TrialRead the Press Release
Three key players in a drug distribution ring that operated over a large swath of Washington State were found guilty this week following a ten day jury trial, announced U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. Fourteen other co-conspirators charged in the case pleaded guilty in the months following their arrests in November 2016. The drug ring distributed heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine in King, Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom Counties. The conspirators operated stash houses on Camano Island and in Mount Vernon, as well as in Yakima and Franklin Counties. They had drug connections in Nevada and California. The jury deliberated about five hours before returning a guilty verdict. U.S. District Judge James L. Robart scheduled sentencing for January 16, 2018.
The defendants convicted at trial of participating in the drug conspiracy are BALTAZAR REYES-GARCIA 45, of Camano Island, WA, HECTOR CONTRERAS-IBARRA, 33 of Pasco, WA, and ANGEL SERRANO-CARRENO, 30, of Mt. Vernon, WA. All three men were convicted of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and various specific counts of drug distribution. SERRANO-CARRENO was also convicted of possession of heroin with intent to distribute and illegal possession of ammunition. Due to the amount of drugs involved in the conspiracy, the defendants face mandatory minimum ten year sentences.
As court records and evidence admitted at trial demonstrate, law enforcement investigated the drug ring in late 2015, and early 2016, utilizing pole cameras, confidential sources, wiretaps and undercover officers to document the drug distribution activity, and identify the leaders of the ring. In November 2016, law enforcement served search warrants on more than two dozen locations seizing two kilos of cocaine, more than $180,000 cash, and more than 20 firearms – including a loaded AK47. Those totals were in addition to the seizures made during the investigation: eight kilos of methamphetamine, two kilos of cocaine, nearly a kilo of heroin, and more than $117,000 in cash.
The investigation was named “Operation Car Wash” as some of the conspirators would meet up to conduct their deals at a Mount Vernon car wash.
This was an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation, providing supplemental federal funding to the federal and state agencies involved. The investigation was led by: the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in conjunction with the FBI, Whatcom Gang & Drug Task Force and Skagit County Inter-Agency Drug Task Force. The investigation was supported by: the Auburn Police Department, Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, Snohomish County Regional Drug & Gang Task Force, Mt. Vernon Police Department, Washington State Patrol, Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, Skagit County Sheriff’s Office, Everett Police Department and Seattle Police Department. Additional assistance was provided by HSI; CBP, and Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kate Vaughan and Steven Masada.
Law Enforcement and Community Members United Against Hate and Intolerance at A Special Event Held at California State University, SacramentoRead the Press Release
Sacramento, Calif. — On Tuesday, approximately 300 students and community members gathered to watch a movie telling the story of one of the deadliest hate crimes in recent U.S. history. The screening, which was held at the Harper Alumni Center on the Sacramento State University campus, was followed by a discussion between representatives from law enforcement agencies and community leaders, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
The acclaimed film, “Waking in Oak Creek,” tells the empowering story of how the community of Oak Creek, Wisconsin, responded when six worshipers at a Sikh Temple were killed by a white supremacist during prayer services in 2012. The entire community and law enforcement worked together to overcome tragedy and stand up to hate.
U.S. Attorney Talbert stated: “In the aftermath of the deadly attack on the Sikh Gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, the entire community rallied together to turn tragedy into an opportunity to unite against hate. The community found positive and inclusive ways to commemorate the victims, which included Sikh worshippers as well as law enforcement officers, and to raise awareness about hate crimes, particularly those directed at Sikhs. I am proud that my office could host a screening of the film that documents that community’s inspiring response to hate and facilitate a discussion about how our community can work together to prevent these crimes from happening in our district.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office organized this event in partnership with the FBI; the Sacramento Sikh and Muslim Communities; Sikh Temple Sacramento; the Tarbiya Institute; the Interfaith Council of Greater Sacramento; United Sikhs; Sacramento State University, including the College of Health and Human Services, College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies, Division of Criminal Justice, Department of Sociology, and the University Police Department; Sacramento Police Department; Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office; and the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office.
After the screening of the 33-minute film, U.S. Attorney Talbert moderated a panel discussion where law enforcement officials and Sikh and Muslim community leaders offered their perspectives on identifying opportunities and strategies to collaborate in the fight against hate. The panel members were FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Susan Ferensic, Sikh Community leader and filmmaker AJ Singh, Imam and Founder of the Tarbiya Institute Dr. Mohamed Abdul-Azeez, Sacramento Police Chief Daniel Hahn, Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones, and Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert.
The panel discussion was followed by a lively and collaborative question and answer session that gave attendees the opportunity to engage with panelists and have their voices heard on this important issue.
Earlier, U.S. Attorney Talbert hosted similar screening of the film and panel discussions with local community and law enforcement leaders at California State University, Bakersfield and California State University, Fresno.
“Waking in Oak Creek” was produced in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office as part of the Not In Our Town: Working Together for Safe, Inclusive Communities Initiative.