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17 November 2017
Jury Convicts Four Defendants of Conspiracy Charges Related to Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Abingdon, VIRGINIA – United States Attorney Rick Mountcastle announced today that following a seven day trial, a jury sitting in Abingdon, Virginia convicted four defendants of multiple charges related to the large scale distribution of methamphetamine, oxycodone, and buprenorphine. Richard Kayian, 55, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Tracy Callihan, 48, Glade Spring, Virginia, were both convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and oxycodone and to use a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking offense, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. John Williams, 50, Glade Spring, Virginia, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to use a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking offense. Rebecca Williams, 51, Abingdon, Virginia, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, oxycodone, and buprenorphine, and to use a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking offense.
In late 2016, law enforcement agencies, led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration, and assisted by agencies from across southwest Virginia and Las Vegas, Nevada, charged 32 individuals with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, oxycodone, and buprenorphine. The investigation, Operation Leaving Las Vegas, accused 32 individuals of trafficking methamphetamine, oxycodone, and buprenorphine from Las Vegas into Southwest Virginia, Eastern Kentucky and elsewhere. Evidence presented at the trial demonstrated that Kayian was responsible for sending large quantities of methamphetamine and oxycodone via UPS and Federal Express to numerous locations in Abingdon, Virginia and Glade Spring, Virginia. These drugs were then distributed throughout the area and in Eastern Kentucky by Tracy Callihan, Rebecca Williams, and others. Evidence also showed that John Williams, formerly employed as a delivery driver for UPS, assisted the organization by ensuring that packages of methamphetamine and oxycodone were safely delivered to Tracy Callihan in Glade Springs and were not intercepted by law enforcement. Additionally, evidence at the trial demonstrated that more than $1,000,000 in proceeds from the drug sales in the Abingdon area were sent via wire transfers and bank deposits to Kayian and others in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Sentencing hearings for Richard Kayian and Tracy Callihan have been set for February 27, 2018. Kayian and Callihan each face punishment of up to life imprisonment and $12,000,000.00 in fines. The sentencing hearing for Rebecca Williams has been set for February 28, 2018 and she faces punishment of up to twenty years imprisonment and fines of up to $1,000,000. The sentencing hearing for John Williams has been set for February 12, 2018, and he faces punishment of up to four years imprisonment and fines of up to $250,000.00.
To date, 30 of the 32 charged have been convicted of federal drug conspiracy and money laundering charges and 23 defendants have been sentenced. The cases for the remaining defendants are working their way through the federal court system. Throughout the course of the investigation, more than $60,000.00 has been forfeited. Those previously sentenced are:
- Brandon Lee Stone, 33, Abingdon, Virginia – 300 months imprisonment
- Misael Reyes Tajimaroa, 32, Spokane, Washington – 192 months imprisonment
- Bradley Lee Chapman, 28, Bristol, Virginia - 135 months imprisonment
- Heather Michelle Sullins, 27, Abingdon, Virginia – 30 months imprisonment
- Alex Michael Kayian, 23, Bristol, Virginia - 72 months imprisonment
- Kaitlynn Elizabeth Chapman, 24, Bristol, Virginia - 72 months imprisonment
- Ralph Stewart Dingus, 27, Abingdon, Virginia - 37 months imprisonment
- John Dewayne Farmer, 32, Abingdon, Virginia - 240 months imprisonment
- Lola Virginia Farmer, 52, Abingdon, Virginia - 87 months imprisonment
- Shauna Nicole Chafin, 36, Abingdon, Virginia - 97 months imprisonment
- William Wesley Fleenor, 29, Abingdon, Virginia - 79 months imprisonment
- Jeffrey Nathaniel Gobble, 25, Abingdon, Virginia - 46 months imprisonment
- Preston Kyle Lawson, 21, Abingdon, Virginia - 46 months imprisonment
- Gary Ginn, 47, Clay City, Kentucky - 151 months imprisonment
- Daniel Corey Cantrell, 25, Abingdon, Virginia - 37 months imprisonment
- Tanner Morris Curd, 23, Meadowview, Virginia - 84 months imprisonment
- Amy Lorene Moser, 52, Abingdon, Virginia -100 months imprisonment
- Steven Salyer, 27, Abingdon, Virginia - 87 months imprisonment
- Brandon Cody Trivett, 23, Abingdon, Virginia - 30 months imprisonment
- Brian Edward Widener, 30, Abingdon, Virginia – 46 months imprisonment
- Justin Lowe, 24, Abingdon, Virginia – 41 months imprisonment
- Lamar Skipper, 27, Chilhowie, Virginia - four years probation
- Gary Brandon Childress, 25, Abingdon, Virginia - three years probation.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, United States Marshals Service, Virginia State Police, Washington County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office, Abingdon Police Department, Marion Police Department, Smyth County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Jordanian national living in Youngstown charged with making false claims related to firearms purchaseRead the Press Release
A one-count information was filed charging a Jordanian citizen living in Youngstown with making a false claim of citizenship related to the purchase a firearm, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said.
Abdul Maola Alabadi, 35, falsely and willfully represented himself to be a citizen of the United States on Aug. 30, 2017, according to the information.
The manager at Fin Fur Feather in Boardman called the ATF on Sept. 2 after he stopped the purchase of a rifle by Alabadi based on comments made by Alabadi. The manager told agents that Alabadi purchased a 9 mm pistol the previous week, according to the court documents.
Alabadi told a sales associate he wanted to purchase a “sniper rifle for training.” The manager estimated Alabadi was in the store for two to three hours and at one point had someone come to translate and attempt to straw purchase a firearm for him, according to court documents.
During the previous purchase of the 9 mm, Alabadi checked a box indicating he was a U.S. citizen. Alabadi is not a U.S. citizen, according to court documents.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the information was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David M. Toepfer.
An information is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Jerseyville Man Charged with Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
A Federal Grand Jury sitting in East St. Louis has indicted Christopher Scott Fry, 47, of Jerseyville, Illinois with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm while being a user of a controlled substance, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today. The Court ordered Fry to be detained without bond pending trial after a hearing held today.
Documents filed in the U.S. District Court allege that from March 2016 to September 23, 2016, Fry knowingly conspired with another person to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The documents further allege that Fry, being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, knowingly and unlawfully possessed three firearms.
If convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, Fry faces a term in prison of up to 20 years, a fine of up to $1,000,000, or both, and a term of supervised release of up to three years. If convicted of being in possession of a firearm while being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, Fry faces a term in prison of up to ten years, a fine of up to $250,000, or both, and a term of supervised release of up to three years.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant that is comprised of the essential facts constituting the offense charged. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent
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of a charge until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The investigation was conducted by theMetropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois (MEGSI), the South Central Illinois Drug Task Force (SCIDTF), and the Jersey County Sheriff’s Department. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Ali Summers for prosecution.
Jefferson Parish Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Cocaine BaseRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that PATRICK STEPHEN, age 37, pled guilty today to Count 1 of an Indictment, which charged him with distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base.
According to court documents, Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted five separate controlled purchases of cocaine from STEPHEN between August 2016 and February 2017 in Jefferson and Orleans Parishes. The last purchase involved over 57 grams of cocaine base.
STEPHEN faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years up to a maximum sentenced of 40 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled before Judge Carl J. Barbier on January 25, 2018.
Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, as well as the Jefferson Parish Sherriff’s Office, in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Shirin Hakimzadeh is in charge of the prosecution.
Janesville Man Charged with Dealing Firearms Without a LicenseRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on November 7, 2017, Gary Schroeder, of Janesville, was indicted by a federal grand jury of dealing firearms without a license and transferring a firearm to an out-of-state person.
The indictment alleges that Schroeder, 65, engaged in the business of dealing firearms without a license from at least April 2014 until at least January 2017. According to the indictment and other documents filed in court, Schroeder sold hundreds of firearms at gun shows in Wisconsin and elsewhere and displayed signage at the shows advertising that he did not collect taxes on his sales or conduct background checks on his customers. Revenue from Schroeder’s gun sales appears to have exceeded $100,000.
As part of the investigation, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives executed a federal search warrant at Schroeder’s residence. Among the items seized by the agents were:
- 52 firearms;
- Over 200 handwritten receipts documenting the sale of firearms to about 200 customers;
- Records showing gun sales revenue of more than $100,000;
- Sales records for approximately twenty out-of-state customers;
- Approximately 1,000 business cards advertising “Gary Schroeder: Buy and Sell Guns”; and
- Dozens of ATF forms 4473 bearing Schroeder’s signature immediately below a sentence that reads, “I further understand that the repetitive purchase of firearms for the purpose of resale for livelihood and profit without a Federal firearms license is a violation of Federal law.”
According to documents filed in court, a number of firearms sold by Schroeder were later involved in separate crimes.
“Federal law requires gun dealers to obtain a license and to conduct background checks on their customers,” said United States Attorney Haanstad. “The principal purpose of those requirements is to prevent guns from falling into the hands of dangerous people. When someone circumvents the license-and-background-check framework by engaging in the business of unlicensed dealing, that person increases the threat to public safety. The United States Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice are committed to countering that public safety threat as a part of its broader strategy to combat violent crime.”
If convicted, Schroeder faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a maximum term of supervised release of three years, and a maximum fine of $250,000. The United States has also sought to forfeit all of the firearms found in Schroeder’s home during the search warrant execution.
An indictment is a formal method of charging an individual with a criminal offense. The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations. Schroeder is presumed innocent until and unless the government establishes his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin Taibleson.
For additional information contact:
Public Information Officer Dean Puschnig (414) 297-1700
Jacksonville Man Pleads Guilty to Receiving Child Sex Abuse Images from A Convicted Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that Stanley Hagan, Jr. (33, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to receiving child pornography over the Internet. He faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison, and a potential life term of supervised release. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, in 2015, convicted child sex offender Darren Dozier was released from prison and established a residence in Philadelphia. While there, he molested an 8-year-old child and produced images and videos of the abuse. On December 19, 2015, and again on August 7, 2016, Hagan engaged in sexually explicit online conversations with Dozier. During the first conversation, Dozier offered to send Hagan sexually explicit images of his victim, and Hagan accepted the offer. Dozier then sent Hagan four images depicting Dozier sexually abusing the child. On August 30, 2017, during an interview with FBI agents in Jacksonville, Hagan admitted that he had solicited and received these images from Dozier.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville and Philadelphia. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
It is another case 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 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.justice.gov/psc.
Inmate Sentenced on Federal Fraud Charges Involving Check-Kiting Scheme from PrisonRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Pierre Watson, 39, of Jennings Correction Center, was sentenced to 48 months in prison on Thursday by U.S. District Judge John Ross. Watson was sentenced in June to 84 months in prison in front of U.S. District Judge Audrey Fleissig. The two sentences which will run consecutive for a total prison sentence of 132 months.
Watson was found guilty by a bench trial in December 2016 on multiple fraud counts involving a conspiracy to commit various fraudulent schemes while he was being detained at the Jennings Correctional Center. One of the schemes at issue included check-kiting which they term as “piggybacking.” Check-kiting occurs when an individual takes advantage of the small window of time between when checks are deposited into an account, and the financial institution upon which the checks are drawn provides notice to the depositing institution that the check will not be honored.
The prior conviction resulted from a bench trial before U.S. District Judge Fleissig in November 2016. Watson was found guilty of a conspiracy to produce counterfeit checks from real and fictitious businesses and to commit bank fraud. Watson was being detained pending the trial before U.S. District Judge Fleissig when he committed the check-kiting scheme that was ultimately tried by U.S. District Judge Ross.
The cases were investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and St. Louis County Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Tracy Berry is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Information: Federal Court ArraignmentsRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office announced that those persons listed below were arraigned before the U.S. Magistrate and the indictments handed down by the Grand Jury unsealed.
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on November 17, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- KEVIN RAYMOND RUCKS, a 56-year-old resident of Dickinson, North Dakota, appeared on charges of distribution of methamphetamine. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, RUCKS faces 40 years in prison, $5,000,000 in fines and 4 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. PACER Case Reference. 17-08
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on November 14, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- MICHAEL JASON TORREZ, a 44-year-old resident of Billings, appeared on charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted of the most serious charges contained in the indictment, TORREZ faces life in prison, $10,000,000 in fines and 5 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the FBI Task Force. PACER Case Reference. 17-124
- DUSTIN LEE WOLFF, a 33-year-old resident of Missoula, appeared on charges of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of the most serious charge contained in the indictment, WOLFF faces 40 years in prison, $5,000,000 in fines and 4 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the FBI Task Force. PACER Case Reference. 17-125
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Cavan in Billings on November 13, 2017 and entering pleas of Not Guilty were:
- IRA LEFTHAND, JR., a 42-year-old resident of Lodge Grass, appeared on charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. If convicted of the charge contained in the indictment, LEFTHAND faces 10 years in prison, $250,000 in fines and 3 years supervised release. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. PACER Case Reference. 17-115
If any of the above cases are of interest to your media organization and the community it serves, we encourage you to monitor the progress of the case regularly through the U.S. District Court calendar and the PACER system so that you stay current and not miss any important developments in the case.
To establish a PACER account, which will allow you to review documents filed in the case, please go to, http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the district court’s calendar, please go to https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
Henry County Man Pleads Guilty to Possession and Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – A Henry County man has pleaded guilty to possession and receipt of child pornography. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the guilty plea today.
In February 2017, law enforcement officers in Henry County, Tennessee, received a lead out of Belvidere, Illinois, regarding Russell Jann, 44, of Cottage Grove, Tennessee. Based on that lead and the ensuing investigation, agents learned that Jann had been engaging in sexually explicit online chats and conversations via text messages with at least four minor victims ranging in age from 15 to 17 years old.
Jann exchanged messages with the victims containing pictures of his genitalia and videos of himself masturbating and received similar sexually explicit images and/or videos of at least 3 of the 4 minor victims. Agents also recovered a laptop computer and external hard drive from Jann’s home that contained thousands of images and videos of child pornography depicting children as young as infants. Jann is facing a mandatory minimum five years’ imprisonment.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), 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 Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC 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 PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc/resources.html and click on the tab "resources."
This case was investigated by the FBI; Belvidere (Illinois) Police Department; and Henry County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland is prosecuting the case on the government’s behalf.
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Hartford Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Possessing AmmunitionRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL LEDBETTER, 26, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 15 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing ammunition.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 27, 2016, members of Hartford Police were dispatched to a residence on Nelson Street on a report of a possible domestic assault. LEDBETTER left the residence before police arrived. A short time later, an officer located LEDBETTER in a vehicle on Barbour Street. After LEDBETTER was secured in handcuffs, an officer conducted a pat down of his person and discovered one .40 caliber Hornady live round in LEDBETTER’s right front pocket.
In April 2014, LEDBETTER was convicted in Connecticut Superior Court of six counts of accessory to first degree assault. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
LEDBETTER has been detained since his arrest on a federal criminal complaint on February 12, 2017. On July 7, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.
This investigation was conducted by the Hartford Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson and Senior Assistant State’s Attorney John F. Fahey of the Hartford State’s Attorney’s Office, who has been cross designated as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in this matter.
Hammond Woman Sentenced for Operating Fraudulent Tax Preparation BusinessRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ROJONAH HARRIS, age 35, of Hammond, was sentenced yesterday after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Bill of Information charging her with aiding and abetting in the preparation of false tax returns.
U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced HARRIS to 30 months imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release. Additionally, HARRIS was ordered to pay $1,115,578 in restitution.
According to court documents, beginning in about 2012, HARRIS owned and operated a tax preparation business in Hammond, Harris Finance and Tax Service. An investigation revealed that HARRIS regularly claimed false deductions and claimed false federal tax withholdings for her clients to generate unnecessarily large refunds to which they were not entitled. In many cases, HARRIS created false W-2s for her clients that artificially and erroneously misstated the amount of income the customer had earned, including by overstating, understating, or fabricating income. HARRIS also knowingly overstated federal income tax on W-2s that had been withheld from their income. Additionally, in order to increase her clients’ tax refund, HARRIS fraudulently included false wages in the form of household help (“HSH”) income to which her clients were not entitled and provided no supporting documentation. Further, HARRIS reported that some customers had qualified educational expenses when, as HARRIS knew, the customers had neither educational expenses nor documentation indicating expenses. HARRIS charged substantial tax preparation fees for the preparation and transmittal of these tax returns to the Internal Revenue Service; she earned not less than $582,090 in return preparation fees for preparing tax returns for tax years 2011 through 2013.
In total, between tax years 2011 and 2014, HARRIS prepared and filed not fewer than 267 false and fraudulent tax returns, resulting in inappropriate and unnecessary refunds of not less than approximately $1,115,578. As part of her plea, HARRIS acknowledged a loss to the IRS of not less than $1,115,578, and agreed to repay at least that amount in restitution.
Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation Division in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg was in charge of the prosecution.
Galloway Man Sentenced for Distributing Child Pornography after Recording 12-Year-Old Girl in BathroomRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Justin M. Nickell, 36, of Galloway, Ohio, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 160 months in prison for distribution of child pornography.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Westerville Police Chief Joseph Morbitzer, Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin and other members of the Franklin County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force announced the sentence handed down by Chief U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr.
According to the Statement of Facts in this case, Nickell communicated with an undercover task force officer posing online as the mother of young children.
During conversation on the Kik Messenger App, Nickell routinely made comments indicating that he wished to engage in sexual activity with the undercover persona’s fictitious children. He also told the officer he secretly recorded a 12-year-old girl in his household getting out of the shower and drying off, and would then masturbate to the video afterwards. Nickell sent a screen shot from one of the videos to the officer. Nickell admitted to hiding his phone in a container in the bathroom under some clothing and also to recording her outside of the bathroom by placing his phone under the door.
On more than one occasion, Nickell sent nude photos of the 12-year-old girl to the undercover officer.
“The nature and circumstances of Nickell’s actions involve an unimaginable violation of trust,” U.S. Attorney Glassman said. “His offenses, paired with the fact that he stated – in excruciating detail and on multiple occasions – that he wanted to engage in very specific sexual acts with the undercover officer’s young fictitious children, call for significant time in federal prison.”
Nickell was indicted by a federal grand jury in March and pleaded guilty in August.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the Franklin County ICAC and Assistant United States Attorneys Heather A. Hill and Jessica H. Kim, who are representing the United States in this case.
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Ft. Lauderdale Man Pleads Guilty to Flying without CertificationRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Mark Lewis Pullen, 45, of Ft. Lauderdale, pled guilty today to serving as an airman without an airman’s certificate. The guilty plea was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
In October 2015, the Federal Aviation Administration notified Homeland Security Investigations that an unregistered aircraft planned to land at the Pensacola airport. The last registered owner of the aircraft was Pullen, but his airman’s certificate was revoked. The plane landed at the airport, and Pullen, the pilot, notified law enforcement officers that he had been piloting the aircraft from Texas and was returning home. The law enforcement officers asked to see Pullen’s airman and medical certificates, which he was required to carry with him while operating an aircraft. In response, Pullen told the agents that he did not have his certificates. Between July 2012 when his certificates were revoked and October 2015, Pullen’s aircraft was flown on approximately 46 separate dates.
Pullen faces a maximum of three years in prison and a maximum of a $250,000 fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 2, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola.
U.S. Attorney Canova said: “It is important that pilots follow the regulations in place to ensure that everyone is safe while flying in our skies.”
“This investigation demonstrates that ensuring the safety of the Nation’s air transportation system remains a high priority for both the Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Department of Transportation (DOT),” said Marlies T. Gonzalez, DOT-OIG Regional Special Agent-in-Charge. “Working with the Federal Aviation Administration and prosecutorial partners, we will continue our efforts to prevent and punish those who seek to compromise the safety of our National Airspace System.”
“The unique investigative authorities of HSI special agents enabled us to close this breach of aviation security,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. “With this investigation, HSI, the Department of Transportation Office of the Inspector General, and the Federal Aviation Administration have helped protect the integrity of our nation’s aviation systems.”
The case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General, Department of Transportation and the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany H. Eggers.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Former United States Merchant Marine Academy Employee Sentenced to Nine Months’ Imprisonment for Receiving BribesRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, New York, Frank DeCarlo, a former supervisory carpenter for the Department of Public Works of the United States Merchant Marine Academy, located in Kings Point, New York, was sentenced by United States District Judge Arthur D. Spatt to nine months’ imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for receiving a bribe as a public official. The Court also imposed a $10,000 fine and a forfeiture order of $48,000 for funds illegally received by DeCarlo as part of the scheme. DeCarlo pleaded guilty on April 20, 2017, in connection with his participation in a scheme to defraud the United States by steering maintenance and repair contracts to favored contractors in exchange for bribes.
Bridget M. Rohde, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Douglas Shoemaker, Regional Special-Agent-in-Charge, United States Department of Transportation, Office of the Inspector General (DOT-OIG) and James Robnett, Special Agent-in-Charge, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, New York Field Office (IRS-CI), announced the sentence.
According to court filings, between 2003 and 2016 while DeCarlo was employed in the Department of Public Works of the United States Merchant Marine Academy, he solicited and submitted fake bids on contracts he supervised in order to steer the awarding of maintenance and repair contracts to favored contractors who paid him bribes. Using his position, DeCarlo arranged, supervised or effected a majority of construction contracts at the Academy.
“DeCarlo’s solicitation of bribes in exchange for the awarding of government contracts compromised the integrity of the procurement system,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Rohde. “This Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to vigorously investigate and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law those corrupt public employees who abuse their positions for their own enrichment.”
“The prosecution of Mr. Frank DeCarlo for bribery at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy sends a clear signal that those entrusted with the stewardship of taxpayer dollars will be held responsible for maintaining the highest level of integrity,” stated DOT-OIG Regional Special-Agent-in-Charge Shoemaker. “Accountability is a priority of the Secretary and OIG, and working with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners, we will continue our vigorous efforts to protect the taxpayers’ investment in our nation’s transportation system from fraud, waste, abuse and violations of law.”
“Serving the public is a privilege,” stated IRS CI Special Agent-in-Charge Robnett. “This sentence sends a message to all those who abuse the public trust that investigators for IRS-CI will uncover these schemes and protect taxpayers and the U.S. Treasury.”
The government's case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Burton T. Ryan, Jr., and Madeline O’Connor are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
FRANK DeCARLO
Age: 67
Residence: Franklin Square, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 17-CR-35 (ADS)
Former State Department Employee Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Take and Sell Government VehiclesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A former U.S. Department of State employee pled guilty today to conspiring with others to sell vehicles belonging to the government, without authorization, for their own personal profit, announced U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu, Steve A. Linick, Inspector General for the U.S. Department of State, and Andrew W. Vale, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office.
Ricky J. Motley, 59, of Thurmont, Md., pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to a charge of conspiracy to commit theft of government property and wire fraud. The charge carries a statutory maximum of five years in prison and potential financial penalties. Under federal sentencing guidelines, he faces a potential range of 18 to 24 months of incarceration and a fine of $4,000 to $40,000. The plea agreement calls for Motley to pay $416,020 in restitution and an additional amount of $53,000 in a forfeiture money judgment. The Honorable Amit P. Mehta scheduled sentencing for Feb. 22, 2018.
A second defendant, James Ratcliffe, 68, of Fairfax Station, Va., pled guilty to the same charge in January 2017 and is awaiting sentencing. As part of his plea, Ratcliffe has agreed to pay $416,020 in restitution and an identical amount in a forfeiture money judgment.
According to a statement of offense, Motley worked in the State Department’s Defensive Equipment and Armored Vehicle Division. He was responsible for the acquisition, repair and maintenance of armored vehicles and also handled related record-keeping duties.
Ratcliffe is the manager of the Car Collision Center, located in Springfield, Va. He and the owner of the Collision Center, who is identified in court documents as “Person A,” also have a license to sell automobiles in Virginia under the name of Collector’s Auto Restoration.
Through the Car Collision Center, Ratcliffe and others performed legitimate work on vehicles for government agencies, including the U.S. Department of State. Vehicles that came to the Collision Center from the State Department were delivered by State Department employees. The Collision Center provided estimates for the work requested, and, if approved, employees of the Collision Center prepared work tickets, performed the work, and billed the State Department.
The criminal charge involves a scheme carried out by Motley, Ratcliffe, and others from 2011 until 2013. According to the statement of offense, on at least two occasions in 2011 and 2012, Motley caused truckloads of State Department tires and wheels to be delivered to the Collision Center. Motley told Ratcliffe that he could sell them and keep the proceeds. Ratcliffe kept the full proceeds of his sales, which amounted to at least $7,500.
Also, beginning in or before June 2011, and continuing through at least November 2013, Motley and Ratcliffe took a Hummer and 12 Chevrolet Suburbans from the State Department motor pool; these vehicles were unarmored. They agreed that Ratcliffe would sell the vehicles and split the proceeds with Motley. Ratcliffe did not tell purchasers of the misappropriated vehicles they in fact belonged to the State Department. If customers or others asked him where he got the vehicles, he would falsely claim that he acquired them at an auction.
The total amount generated through these sales was $408,520. Per Motley’s request, Ratcliffe paid Motley in cash. Cash withdrawal and deposit records show that Motley obtained at least $53,000 in cash from the sales of the stolen vehicles.
Additionally, in 2015, Motley provided Ratcliffe with two unarmored Suburbans that Ratcliffe kept at his place of business or home. The base price of these vehicles was $48,200 each, for a total of $96,400. The two vehicles were recovered during a law enforcement investigation of the criminal activities.
All told, the value of the property misappropriated through the schemes was at least $512,420.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Liu, Inspector General Linick, and Assistant Director in Charge Vale commended the work of those who investigated the case from the U.S. Department of State, Office of Inspector General, as well as the FBI’s Washington Field Office. They also expressed appreciation for the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea L. Hertzfeld, former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Marina Stevenson, and Paralegal Specialists Aisha Keys and Jessica Mundi. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. Marston, who is prosecuting the matter.
Former Postal Employee Charged with Embezzlement of Mail MatterRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that YVONNE WILSON, age 37, of Kenner, was charged today in a one-count Bill of Information with embezzlement of mail matter by a postal service employee.
According to the Bill of Information, it is alleged that on or about July 14, 2016, WILSON, while being an employee of the United States Postal Service, did embezzle a first class letter containing $115.00 in United States currency.
WILSON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a fine of $250,000 and three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
Acting U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the Bill of Information 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 United States Postal Service - Office of Inspector General for investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Loan AMimi@ Nguyen is in charge of the prosecution.
Former Merrillville Town Councilman Indicted for BriberyRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that Hammond Grand Jury returned an indictment against Thomas Goralczyk, age 51, of Merrillville, Indiana on a federal bribery charge.
The indictment alleges from February 2013 to February 2014 Goralczyk, while a Merrillville Town Councilman, did knowingly and corruptly solicit, demand, accept and agree to accept bribes from Individual A in exchange for a towing contract between the Town of Merrillville and Individual A’s company. Goralczyk accepted the following: a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a 2008 Ford Focus, 4 camper tires and free storage for his personal motorcycle, from Individual A, intending to be influenced and rewarded in connection with a transactions or series of transactions of the Town of Merrillville.
Also filed today with the Indictment, was a plea agreement in which Goralczyk will be pleading guilty to the charge contained in Indictment. The plea agreement signed by Goralczyk states that Goralczyk was first elected as a Merrillville Town Councilman in 2007 and took office in January 2008. He was re-elected in 2011 and began his 2nd term as 4th ward councilman in January of 2012. He served as President of the Town Council in 2011 and 2015. Goralczyk also held various other positions on the Merrillville Redevelopment Commission, Lake County Solid Waste Management Board and the governing board of NIRPC (Northwest Indiana Regional Planning Commission). As alleged in the indictment, Goralczyk identified that he accepted bribe payments from a Federal Bureau of Investigation “cooperating individual” in the form of two vehicles. He obtained a Jeep Grand Cherokee for $400 when he knew the value was in excess of $2500. In an attempt to cover up the bribe, he presented a false bill of sale to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles representing that he paid $1000 for the vehicle. In addition, Goralczyk accepted a 2008 Ford Focus with a value in excess of $5000. He paid nothing for this vehicle, but presented a false bill of sale to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles indicating that he paid $2750 for the vehicle. Goralczyk acknowledged that he accepted both the vehicles for his own personal gain, in exchange for his promise to engage in official conduct by using his influence and power as a Merrillville Town Councilman to obtain a Town of Merrillville towing contract for the FBI “cooperating individual’s” towing company. A date for the plea hearing has not yet been set.
United States Attorney Kirsch said, “Public officials, like Mr. Goralczyk, elected and entrusted to do the public’s work, are required to do that work free from self-dealing and graft. This is not optional. The public demands and is, in fact, entitled to honest public servants. Mr. Goralczyk violated this trust for the purpose of enriching himself. This will not be tolerated at any level of government. Public corruption must be routed out where it exists. If you are in the community and are aware of an elected or appointed official engaging in illegal conduct, I encourage you to notify the FBI or US Attorney’s Office.”
The United States Attorney’s office emphasizes that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
This case results from an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division. This case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Philip C. Benson.
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Former Lawrence Police Officer Sentenced on Attempted Extortion ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Lawrence Police Officer was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with attempting to use his position as a police officer to extort cocaine from a drug trafficker.
John R. Desantis Jr., 45, of Methuen, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 18 months in prison and two years of supervised release. In August 2017, Desantis agreed to plead guilty to one count of extortion and attempted extortion under color of official right and through the use of threatened force and fear.
Desantis had been purchasing small amounts of cocaine once or twice a week from a drug trafficker for 10-12 months without identifying himself as a police officer. On May 16, 2016, during a drug transaction at his home, Desantis displayed his gun and badge, seized the cocaine and threatened to arrest the drug trafficker if he did not continue to supply him with drugs. Desantis thereafter continued to communicate with the drug trafficker through text messages, telling him, “you will not be arrested at all if you do as I tell you to.”
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Lawrence Police Chief James X. Fitzpatrick made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristina Barclay and Theodore Merritt of Weinreb’s Public Corruption Unit prosecuted the case.
Former Employee of New Mexico State Taxation and Revenue Department Pleads Guilty to Federal Extortion ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Acting U.S. Attorney James D. Tierney and Special Agent in Charge Terry Wade of the FBI’s Albuquerque Division announced today that Larry Mendoza, a former Revenue Agent of the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, has pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act extortion charges in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M.
Mendoza, 44, of Santa Fe, N.M., pled guilty today to a three-count felony information charging him with Hobbs Act extortion under color of official right. The felony information alleges that, between Feb. 2017 and May 2017, Mendoza abused his position as a state Revenue Agent to extort an aggregate of $2,500 from a business owner in return for reducing the business owner’s tax liability. Mendoza entered the guilty plea under a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
According to the plea agreement, Mendoza was employed by the New Mexico State Taxation and Revenue Department from 2007 through 2017. Beginning in Oct. 2013, Mendoza began working as a Revenue Agent with responsibilities that included collecting outstanding taxes owed by New Mexico business owners. In Feb. 2017, Mendoza approached a business owner with a proposal that the business owner pay him $500 a month in exchange for Mendoza lowering the business owner’s tax obligation to the State of New Mexico.
After the business owner gave Mendoza $500 in Feb. 2017 and another additional $500 in March 2017, Mendoza logged onto his work computer on May 11, 2017 and reduced the business owner’s tax liability to the State of New Mexico by $8,000. On that same day (May 11, 2017), Mendoza solicited another $1,500 from the business owner in exchange for reducing his tax obligation. On May 24, 2017, the business owner gave $1,500 to Mendoza in exchange for Mendoza’s reduction of the business owner’s tax obligation to the State of New Mexico.
In entering his guilty plea, Mendoza admitted that the money he solicited and received from the business owner was for his personal use and benefit, and that he was not entitled to that money. Mendoza also admitted that he engaged in a similar pattern of criminal conduct with other business owners and that his criminal conduct was responsible for losses in excess of $40,000.
The New Mexico State Taxation and Revenue Department placed Mendoza on administrative leave on May 24, 2017, and his employment was terminated shortly thereafter.
At sentencing, Mendoza faces a statutory penalty of imprisonment for not more than 20 years and a fine not to exceed $250,000. Mendoza was released under pretrial supervision and other conditions of release pending his sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.
The FBI offices in Albuquerque and Santa Fe investigated the case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin.
Mendoza Information Mendoza Plea AgreementFormer Bank VP Sentenced for ID Theft and FraudRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A former bank executive was sentenced to 78 months in prison today for a fraud and identity theft scheme that caused over $3.2 million in losses. He was also ordered to pay over $3.2 million in restitution and to forfeit $8.6 million.
According to court documents, Kirk Russel Marsh, 39, of Oakton, was a former vice president at Virginia Commerce Bank (VCB) and later at Fulton Bank. Virginia Commerce Bank and Fulton Bank’s parent company, Fulton Financial Corporation, received $71 million and $376.5 million, respectively, in Troubled Asset Relief Program funds from the U.S. Treasury. At VCB, Marsh forged the signatures of senior bank officers to cause the fraudulent issuance of over $1.25 million in loans to small businesses. At Fulton Bank, Marsh used the name and personal identifying information of a former client to fraudulently apply for and obtain a $1 million line of credit, which he used to purchase another client’s software company, Wave Software. Marsh also made unauthorized draws on a $485,000 line of credit of another client, which he used to pay Wave Software operating expenses and make the down payment on a home valued at over $800,000.
After being fired by Fulton Bank, and while purportedly cooperating with the United States, Marsh pretended to buy a company that sold beauty products, Revive You Media. He requested real financial information as part of purported due diligence. Marsh used that financial information to hold himself out as the owner of Revive You Media and seek financing. As part of those attempts to secure financing, Marsh also used the identities of other former clients and family members. The attempted loss was over $10 million.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Christy Goldsmith Romero, Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP), and Andrew W. Vale, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Wong prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:17-cr-122.
Final Jewelry Heist Defendant SentencedRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Rasim Ukoja, 51, of Morton Grove, Ill., was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 43 months in prison for robbery.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Trevor Velinor, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Columbus Police Chief Kim Jacobs announced the sentence handed down today by U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley.
Ukoja was involved in a robbery at Gold Craft Company jewelry store on Sinclair Road in Columbus in July 2014.
According to the Statement of Facts, co-defendant Anthony Persinger was approached by a friend to become involved in the robbery of a diamond seller in Columbus and traveled to Columbus from Chicago with Victor Aloush and Ukoja.
On the afternoon of July 29, 2014, Aloush scheduled a meeting with the store owner to negotiate the purchase of two bags of small diamonds. During the meeting, he opened the locked office door.
Persinger opened the office door and announced, “FBI! Don’t move! Get on the ground.”
Persinger pushed the store owner to the ground and attempted to put him in flex cuffs, but the owner bit Persinger’s finger, ripping off the fingernail. As Ukoja and the other defendants fled the store with approximately $242,000 in diamonds, the owner retrieved his firearm and tried to fire but the safety was engaged. The owner was unable to disengage the safety because Persinger had dislocated his thumb.
The diamonds were transported back to Chicago and Ukoja and others were paid for their roles in the offense.
Ukoja pleaded guilty in May to one count of Hobbs Act robbery. Persinger and Aloush each previously pleaded guilty and have been sentenced.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the cooperative investigation by ATF and Columbus Police, as well as Assistant United States Attorney David J. Bosley, who is representing the United States in this case.
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Federal grand jury indicts four McDowell County defendants for insurance fraud schemeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A federal grand jury sitting in Charleston indicted four defendants from McDowell County on Wednesday for federal insurance fraud crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Windel Lester, 66, James Edward Lester, 47, Gregory A. Lester, 40, and Georgetta Lester, 41, all of Iaeger, were charged with federal crimes including conspiracy to commit money laundering, money laundering, and mail fraud. A copy of the indictment is attached.
The indictment alleges that between April of 2012 and April of 2014, the Lesters and others devised a scheme to defraud an insurance company by buying vacant properties, insuring the properties, setting fires to the properties in order to makes insurance claims, submitting false insurance claims, and receiving over $550,000 in insurance payments made on the false insurance claims. The properties involved in the alleged fraud were a residence at 101 Smokeless Road in Matoaka, Mercer County, and 3542 Norwood Road in Huntington, Cabell County. The indictment also alleges that after the Lesters received the insurance money, they laundered the money through at least two banks in southern West Virginia. Windel Lester was a member of the Board of Directors of one of the banks.
If convicted, the Lesters face up to 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering, and up to 10 years for money laundering. The fraud charges are punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. Conspiracy to commit arson carries a penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The use of fire to commit a felony carries a sentence of up to 10 years, or, in Windel Lester and James Lester’s cases, a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for a second offense.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Federal Inmate Sentenced to 200 Months in House Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Kenneth Hampton, 56, an inmate of a federal prison, was sentenced today to 200 Months, for masterminding a scheme under which he and his coconspirators defrauded the City of Philadelphia, the State of Pennsylvania, and innocent owners and purchasers of Philadelphia real estate. Hampton had been found guilty of one count of conspiracy, eleven counts of wire fraud, and two counts of aggravated identity theft by a federal jury in June.
During the time he was a federal inmate, Hampton led a scheme to file false and fraudulent deeds for residential properties in Philadelphia. Using the prison telephones Hampton would direct other members of the scheme to locate houses, prepare and file false deeds, reside in the properties, and then eventually sell the properties for a profit.
“The defendant in this case is a recidivist criminal who had the audacity, while he was in prison, to steal homes from innocent victims. Real estate frauds such as this have a devastating impact on each victim whose most valuable asset generally is his home,” said United States Attorney Louis L. Lappen. “Today’s sentence of more than 16 years in prison sends the message that our justice system will not tolerate this type of financial fraud, and those who commit these crimes will be punished severely.”
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security - Office of the Inspector General, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the Inspector General, City of Philadelphia. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Paul G. Shapiro and Lesley S. Bonney.
Federal Grand Jury IndictmentsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that a Federal Grand Jury in Greenville, South Carolina, returned Indictments against the following:
Husband and Wife Indicted on Conspiracy and VISA Fraud. Michael A. Rawson, age 48, of Anderson, South Carolina, and Brenda Rawson, age 47, of Bluffton, South Carolina, were charged in a two-count indictment. Both were charged with Conspiracy, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, and VISA Fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1546(a). The maximum penalty that both could receive is 10 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000. The case was investigated by agents of ICE-Homeland Security Investigations and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William J. Watkins, Jr. of the Greenville office for prosecution.
Spartanburg Man and Jonesville Woman Indicted on Federal Drug Charges. Tromone L. Hall, age 37, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Jennifer N. Allen, age 34, of Jonesville, South Carolina, were charged in a two-count indictment with possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 846. The maximum penalty they could face is a fine of $10,000,000.00 and/or Life imprisonment. The case was investigated by agents of ICE-Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joe Brewer of the Greenville office.
Spartanburg Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge. Phillip James Childers, age 26, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). The maximum penalty Childers could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 10 years. This case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Wells of the Greenville office.
Four Aliens Arrested and Charged with Illegal Re-Entry into the United States. Gilberto Netro Castillo, age 37, Bernardino Mendoza-Ruiz, age 23, Salomon Arreola-Martinez, age 34, and Vicente Salazar-Rodriguez, age 27, are each charged in a one count indictment with illegal re-entry into the United States, a violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326. The maximum penalty each could face is a fine of $250,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 2 years. The cases were investigated by agents of the ICE - Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen of the Greenville Office.
The United States Attorney stated that all charges in these indictments are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Erin Nealy Cox Sworn in as United States AttorneyRead the Press Release
DALLAS – Erin Nealy Cox has taken the oath of office to become the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas. Ms. Nealy Cox was nominated by President Donald Trump on September 22, 2017 and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on November 9, 2017. She took the oath of office from U.S. District Judge Jane J. Boyle. She succeeds John Parker who has been serving as the United States Attorney since December 2014.
“I am honored to return to the United States Attorney’s Office and I am looking forward to working with the great people here, our many law enforcement partners, and all those in the community who have a commitment to the pursuit of justice,” said U.S. Attorney Nealy Cox.
As U.S. Attorney, Ms. Nealy Cox is the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the Northern District of Texas, which includes Dallas, Fort Worth, Lubbock and Amarillo. She oversees a staff of 215 employees, including 100 attorneys and a similar number of non-attorney support personnel. The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including crimes related to terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, firearms, and narcotics. The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.
Ms. Nealy Cox, a Mississippi native, most recently worked as a Senior Advisor at McKinsey & Co. in the cybersecurity and risk practice. She also served on the Board of Directors of Sally Beauty Holdings, a large retailer on the NYSE. From 1999 to 2008, Ms. Nealy Cox served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Northern District of Texas, where she prosecuted cyber crimes, white collar crimes, and general crimes. In 2004 and 2005, she served at Main Justice as chief of staff and senior counsel to the Assistant Attorney General in the Office of Legal Policy. From 2008 to 2016, Ms. Nealy Cox was a member of the executive leadership team at Stroz Friedberg, a cybersecurity and investigations consulting firm. Ms. Nealy Cox ultimately lead the firm’s global incident response business, the unit responsible for assisting and supporting private sector corporations investigate complex computer intrusions. Ms. Nealy Cox clerked for the Honorable Henry A. Politz, when he served as Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and the Honorable Barefoot Sanders, United States District Judge in the Northern District of Texas.
Ms. Nealy Cox received her J.D., magna cum laude, from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law and her B.B.A. in finance from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin. She is a member of the Texas and New York Bar Associations.
As she took on her new responsibilities, U.S. Attorney Nealy Cox thanked Mr. Parker for his many years of public service with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and his commitment to justice over the last three years as he served as the United States Attorney.
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Eleven Individuals, Including A Mother and Her Two Sons, Sentenced for Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida - U.S. District Judge Harvey E. Schlesinger has sentenced 11 individuals in connection with their involvement in a year-long methamphetamine distribution conspiracy.
According to court documents, between mid-2015 and mid-2016, Audrey Jenkins, along with her sons, Marcelle and George Jenkins, supplied multi-ounce quantities of highly pure crystal methamphetamine, directly or through others, to Kathy Meyer, Lena Leigh Davis, Dane Lloyd, Tina Rayos, Melinda Reeves, Layton Franklin Thomas, Shanique Morgan, and Michelle Ryder. Those individuals, in turn, distributed the methamphetamine to others in south Georgia and north Florida. Audrey Jenkins’s residence in Alma, Georgia was a central meeting and distribution point.
On January 9, 2016, Marcelle Jenkins was arrested on state charges in Bacon County, Georgia. While in custody, he continued to run the drug organization via cellphones that were smuggled into the jail.
During this investigation, law enforcement officers seized methamphetamine from a number of the defendants. Tests by the Drug Enforcement Administration laboratory determined the methamphetamine to be as much as 99% pure.
Name
Age, Residence
Term of Imprisonment
Marcelle Jenkins
25, Alma, GA
22 years
Audrey Jenkins
44, Alma, GA
21 years and 8 months
George Jenkins
27, Alma, GA
12 years
Tina Rayos
44, Fernandina Beach, FL
10 years
Kathy Meyer
63, Folkston, GA
6 years
Layton Franklin Thomas
22, Folkston, GA
6 years
Michelle Ryder
43, Fernandina Beach, FL
6 years
Melinda Reeves
38, Jacksonville, FL
5 years
Lena Davis
40, Waycross, GA
4 years
Norman Dane Lloyd
45, Folkston, Georgia
3 years
Shanique Morgan
23, Alma, GA
2 years
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Baker County Sheriff’s Office, and the Charlton County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julie Hackenberry Duva.
Edmonds Man Convicted of Wire Fraud and Embezzlement for Stealing from Non-Profit Sea Cadet ProgramRead the Press Release
A 49-year-old Edmonds, Washington man who defrauded the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC) of more than $50,000 was convicted today in U.S. District Court in Seattle following a four-day jury trial, announced U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. MICHAEL NOEL LEIGHTON was convicted of four counts of wire fraud and one count of embezzlement. The jury deliberated about two hours before returning the verdicts. U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Zilly scheduled sentencing for February 22, 2018.
According to records filed in the case, in 2011 LEIGHTON volunteered to become a training officer for a local NSCC unit based in Skagit and Snohomish Counties. In this role LEIGHTON was to organize and implement training opportunities for teen-aged students, called Sea Cadets. The program was funded by federal grants from the U.S. Navy to the NSCC. In addition, the Sea Cadets and their parents paid fees to participate in the programs. LEIGHTON and a family member had control of the bank account for the program. Between October 2011 and December 2012, LEIGHTON withdrew thousands of dollars for his personal expenses including meals, gas and the purchase of firearms and firearms accessories. Such purchases were not allowed under the program.
The Naval Sea Cadet Corps asked LEIGHTON for audit reports and receipts for his spending. In response, LEIGHTON provided fraudulent reports, attempting to cover up his illegitimate spending. When the new volunteer leaders of the group took over they discovered items purchased with the funds were missing. In the storage locker they found a few inexpensive furniture pieces, several uniforms, and camping gear. The expensive cameras, copiers and computers, as well as a number of firearms that LEIGHTON had purchased with NSCC funds were missing.
The case was investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Seungjae Lee and Stephen Hobbs.
District Man Sentenced to More Than 60 Years in Prison for 2011 Slaying of 18-Year-Old in Northeast WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Dwayne Hilton, 26, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to a prison term of 61 ½ years for the 2011 slaying of a teenager in Northeast Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu and Peter Newsham, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Hilton was found guilty by a jury in September 2016 of first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and related firearms offenses. The verdict followed a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. He was sentenced by the Honorable José M. López.
According to the government’s evidence, on Nov. 26, 2011, at approximately 12:35 a.m., Hilton and an unknown accomplice followed the victim, 18-year-old Mico Briscoe, and his friends for approximately two blocks, as they walked to the Circle 7 convenience store in the 1200 block of Mount Olivet Road NE. Hilton and the accomplice ran up behind Mr. Briscoe and his friends. As Mr. Briscoe and three friends approached the front door of the Circle 7, they were shot approximately 19 times from behind. Mr. Briscoe was shot once directly in the back, and once from a ricochet in the clavicle. He died several hours later. One of his friends was shot in the elbow, and survived. The remaining two friends suffered graze wounds.
This shooting is believed to have arisen from an old rivalry between two neighborhood groups in the Trinidad and E Street/Rosedale areas. Hilton was arrested on Feb. 11, 2013, and has been in custody ever since.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Liu and Chief Newsham commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). They also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by Deputy U.S. Marshals John Hale and Gregory Conner of the U.S. Marshals Service, the FBI, and the District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences. They acknowledged the efforts of those who handled the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Chrisellen Kolb; Litigation Technology Specialist Leif Hickling; Investigative Analyst Zachary McMenamin; David Foster, LaJune Thames, and Meshall Thomas all of the Victim/Witness Assistance Unit; Forensic Operation/Program Specialist Benjamin Kagan-Guthrie, and Paralegal Specialists Sandra Lane and Zekiah Wright.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Shana Fulton, who investigated the case and secured the defendant’s indictment, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sharon Donovan and Alicia Long, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
District Man Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Bank Robbery in Downtown WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Kevin Aguilar, 24, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 57 months in prison on a federal bank robbery charge stemming from a hold-up he committed earlier this year at a bank in downtown Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu, Andrew W. Vale, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Peter Newsham, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Aguilar pled guilty in July 2017 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. He was sentenced by the Honorable Reggie B. Walton. Following the prison term, Aguilar will be placed on three years of supervised release. He also must pay $852 in restitution and an identical amount in a forfeiture money judgment.
According to the government’s evidence, on Jan. 26, 2017, at approximately 11:15 a.m., Aguilar entered a Capital One Bank in the 1200 block of F Street NW. He gave the teller a note in which he threatened to shoot the teller unless he immediately was given $10,000. The teller handed over $852, and Aguilar fled. He later was identified through bank surveillance footage and other evidence. Aguilar was arrested on April 18, 2017, and has been in custody ever since.
As part of the plea, Aguilar also admitted attempting to rob a BB & T bank in the 600 block of 13th Street NW on June 24, 2016. In that incident, he demanded money and stated, “I’m going to count to three and I’ll shoot … one.” The teller pressed an alarm and he fled without any cash. Aguilar was identified as the robber through surveillance videos and other evidence.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Liu, Assistant Director in Charge Vale, and Chief Newsham commended the work of those who investigated the case from the FBI’s Washington Field Office and MPD. They also expressed appreciation for the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Arvind K. Lal, Chief of the Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section, and Paralegal Specialist Teesha Tobias. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Akhi Johnson and Lisa Walters, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
District Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Christmas Day Slaying of Tricia McCauleyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Duane Johnson, also known as Adrian Duane Johnson, was sentenced today to 30 years in prison for the Christmas day slaying last year of Tricia McCauley, a stranger who he also sexually assaulted, announced U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu and Peter Newsham, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Johnson, 30, formerly of Washington, D.C., pled guilty in September 2017, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to a charge of first-degree felony murder. The plea, which was contingent upon the Court’s approval, called for an agreed-upon sentence of 30 years in prison. The Honorable Hiram E. Puig-Lugo accepted the plea and sentenced Johnson accordingly. Following his prison term, Johnson will be placed on 30 years of supervised release and he will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
According to a proffer of facts submitted at the plea hearing, on Dec. 25, 2016, at about 5:30 p.m., Ms. McCauley, 46, left her home in the 2000 block of North Capitol Street NW and got into her two-door Toyota Scion to drive to a holiday party at a friend’s home in Washington, D.C. On the drive to her friend’s home, Ms. McCauley encountered Johnson. He entered her vehicle and, shortly thereafter, sexually assaulted her. He attempted to restrain her and she attempted to fight him off by kicking and punching him. During this struggle, Ms. McCauley’s clothing was ripped and she suffered a fractured nose. Johnson, meanwhile, took the scarf that Ms. McCauley was wearing and used it as a ligature, tightening it around her neck muscles and causing her death. After Ms. McCauley died, Johnson took her body and put it in the back seat.
Ms. McCauley was reported missing and a widespread search was launched to find her. The following night, Dec. 26, 2016, at about 11:20 p.m., Ms. McCauley’s car was discovered, found parked in front of a pharmacy in the 2200 block of M Street NW. Officers with the Metropolitan Police Department went inside the store and found Johnson. He had the key to Ms. McCauley’s car in his pocket. A check of the car led to the discovery of Ms. McCauley’s body. Johnson was arrested and has remained in custody ever since. In a search, police recovered several of Ms. McCauley’s credit cards in Johnson’s pocket.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Liu and Chief Newsham commended the work of the officers, detectives and others from the Metropolitan Police Department who investigated the case. They also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the U.S. Park Police and the FBI’s Cellular Analysis Survey Team, and the District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences. They acknowledged the efforts of those who handled the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Sharon Donovan; Paralegal Specialists Sharon Newman and Lornce Applewhite; Victim/Witness Advocate Jennifer Clark, and Litigation Technology Specialist William Henderson. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney David Misler, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Des Moines Man Sentenced for Assault upon a Federal Law Enforcement Officer and Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, Iowa – On November 17, 2017, United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose sentenced Raymond Lee Rhodeman, 39, of Des Moines, Iowa, to 70 months imprisonment for assault upon a federal officer and felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Upon his release from imprisonment, Rhodeman will serve three years of supervised release. Rhodeman was also ordered to pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund and $380 of restitution.
As part of his guilty plea, Rhodeman admitted to fighting, resisting and forcibly assaulting two federal officers during an investigation in November of 2015. Rhodeman, a previously convicted felon, also admitted to unlawfully possessing a Model M-11, 9 mm handgun at the Centerville, Iowa, residence where he was staying in February of 2016.
On August 31, 2017, Judge Rose previously sentenced Rhodeman’s co-defendant, Melissa Renee Zanders, 45, of Centerville to 67 months imprisonment for unlawful possession of a firearm. As part of her guilty plea, Zanders, a previously convicted felon, admitted to unlawfully possessing a 9 mm handgun at the same Centerville residence in February of 2016.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the South Central Iowa Drug Task Force. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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Learn more about this release by calling Kevin E. VanderSchel at 515-473-9300, or by emailing him at [email protected] (link sends e-mail).
Corpus Christi Man Arrested for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 24-year-old Corpus Christi man has been charged with distribution of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.
Authorities arrested Randy Michael Ramirez today. He is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate B. Janice Ellington Monday at 2:00 p.m.
According to the criminal complaint filed Nov. 15, Ramirez was communicating with an undercover officer and eventually sent the detective a link which contained 76 videos of child pornography. According to the charges, law enforcement seized a cellular telephone from Ramirez’s residence which resulted in the discovery of more than 80 images and 12 videos of child pornography.
If convicted, Ramirez faces a minimum of five and up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Corpus Christi Police Department - Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hugo R. Martinez is prosecuting the case, which 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."
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Convicted Felon Sentenced for Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the sentencing of DAVID SUMERA, age 31, of Roseland, Louisiana. SUMERA previously pled guilty to possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a felony.
U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced SUMERA to 51 months in the Federal Bureau of Prisons, followed by three years of supervised release.
According to court documents, on July 5, 2016, an undercover joint Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Hammond Police Department operation arrested SUMERA for selling a Smith & Wesson Model SD9VE, 9mm semi-automatic pistol to an undercover officer. SUMERA was prohibited from possessing firearms because of previous convictions for simple robbery and possession of hydrocodone in the Twenty-Fourth Judicial District in Jefferson Parish and a possession of heroin conviction in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court.
Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hammond Police Department for investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany Reed was in charge of the prosecution.
Coffeyville Man Sentenced for Trying to Buy Bomb OnlineRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Coffeyville man who tried to buy an explosive on the internet was sentenced Friday to two years in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Carlos Francisco Martin, 19, Coffeyville, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to obtain an explosive with intent to destroy property. In his plea, he admitted he ordered an explosive from an internet site where users seek to remain anonymous and purchases are paid for in bitcoins.
Investigators tracked Martin’s purchases on the internet site, which included more than $4,000 worth of illegal drugs such as MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy. In his plea, Martin admitted he tried to buy the explosive for the purpose of intimidating a rival drug dealer.
Beal commended the FBI, Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Mattivi and Trial Attorney Rebecca Magnone of the Justice Department’s Counterterrorism Section for their work on the case.
Clovis Man Pleads Guilty to Violating Federal Firearms Laws by Possessing Unregistered Sawed-Off ShotgunRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Alan William Weber, 37, of Clovis, N.M., entered a guilty plea today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to violating the federal firearms laws by possessing an unregistered sawed-off shotgun.
Weber was arrested on Feb. 23, 2017, on a criminal complaint charging him with firearms offenses. According to the complaint, Weber pointed a firearm at an EMS crewmember following a call for service at Weber’s residence. Law enforcement agents subsequently located a large gun safe in Weber’s residence that contained multiple firearms and ammunition during the execution of a search warrant incident to Weber’s arrest. Further inquiry revealed that on Feb. 23, 2017, Weber did not have any firearms registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR).
Weber was charged in a two-count indictment on July 27, 2017, with being a person previously convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence offense in possession of a firearm and possession of an unregistered firearm on Jan. 30, 2017, in Curry County, N.M.
During this morning’s change of plea hearing, Weber pled guilty to Count 2 of the indictment charging him with possession of an unregistered firearm. In entering the guilty plea, Weber admitted that on Jan. 30, 2017, he was in possession of a sawed-off shotgun that was not registered to him in the NFRTR.
At sentencing, Weber faces a maximum penalty of ten years in federal prison. A sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Clovis Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Brawley.
Citizen of Honduras Pleads Guilty to Reentering U.S. after Being DeportedRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CARLOS ANARIBA, also known as Marvin Guillen, 27, a citizen of Honduras last residing in Stamford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to one count of reentry of a removed alien.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in November 2008, ANARIBA, using the name Marvin Guillen, was charged in Connecticut Superior Court in Stamford with assault, weapons, breach of peace and forgery offenses. After ANARIBA posted bond, he was released to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and, in March 2009, was deported from the U.S. to Honduras.
ANARIBA subsequently returned to the U.S.
In October 2014, ANARIBA, using his true name, was arrested by Stamford Police for a burglary offense. In February 2016, he was arrested by Stamford Police on larceny charges.
A biometric match connected the three criminal cases and confirmed that ANARIBA and Guillen are the same individual. ANARIBA resolved all three cases and, in October 2016, was sentenced in state court to 25 months of incarceration.
Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for February 13, 2018, at which time ANARIBA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years. He is detained pending sentencing.
This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.
Catawissa Man Indicted on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Daniel Avetta, also known as Jessica Gables, 28, of Catawissa, MO, appeared in the Federal District Court today to answer to child pornography charges contained in a federal grand jury indictment that was filed Wednesday but remained sealed until Avetta’s court appearance this afternoon.
Avetta has been indicted on four counts of production of child pornography; six counts of receipt of child pornography; and two counts of online enticement of a minor. The indictment involved multiple victims from January 1, 2017 and April 3, 2017.
If convicted, production charge carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000; receipt charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years; and online enticement of a minor charge is not less than 10 years to life. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
This case was investigated by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Colleen Lang is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.
As is always the case, charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Brockton Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine and Crack Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to drug trafficking charges.
Luis Rivera, a/k/a “Fat Louie,” 35, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for March 21, 2018.
During an investigation into a network of street gangs trafficking illegal firearms and drugs, investigators identified Rivera as a Brockton-based source of supply for cocaine and cocaine base for members and associates of the Boylston Street Gang, as well as numerous other drug dealers in Brockton and other communities.
From January to April 2016, a cooperating witness purchased significant amounts of both cocaine and crack cocaine from Rivera. Rivera operated his robust drug trafficking business from various residential locations in Brockton, and conspired with numerous other individuals, including Kenneth Burke and Kevin Davis, to distribute drugs.
Burke pleaded guilty on Nov. 15, 2017, and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 21, 2018. Davis pleaded guilty in September 2017, and is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 19, 2017.
Rivera is one of 53 defendants indicted in June 2016 on federal firearms and drug charges following an investigation into a network of street gangs that created alliances to traffic weapons and drugs throughout Massachusetts and to generate violence against rival gang members. According to court documents, the defendants, who are leaders, members, and associates of the 18th Street Gang, East Side Money Gang and the Boylston Street Gang, were responsible for fueling a gun and drug pipeline across a number of cities and towns in eastern Massachusetts. During the course of the investigation, over 70 firearms were seized.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute cocaine base provides for a sentence of no less than 10 years to life in prison, a minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; John Gibbons, U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; Maura Healey, Attorney General of Massachusetts; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Boston Police Commissioner William Evans; Chelsea Police Chief Brian Kyes; and Brockton Police Chief John Crowley made the announcement today. The U.S. Attorney’s Office also acknowledges the assistance of the Suffolk and Middlesex County Sheriff Departments and the Malden, Revere and Everett Police Departments. Weinreb’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
Bob Troyer Appointed by Attorney General Jeff Sessions to Serve as Colorado U.S. AttorneyRead the Press Release
DENVER – Bob Troyer, who has served as Acting U.S. Attorney since August 11, 2016, was appointed this week by U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado. Troyer’s appointment will be in effect until the U.S. Senate confirms a Presidential nominee.
As the top federal law enforcement officer in Colorado, Troyer will continue to focus on reducing violent crime in Colorado. The Colorado U.S. Attorney’s Office is a national leader in this area, both through its work with Crime Gun Intelligence Centers and its creative approach to reducing violent crime in the most needy geographic regions within Colorado.
Because of the Office’s leadership on this front, Troyer also has been appointed to the National Crime Gun Intelligence Governing Board. He is the first federal prosecutor in the country to serve on this prestigious board. In addition, Troyer will continue the Office’s work to rebuild trust between communities and law enforcement, including by prosecuting hate crimes and improving reporting of those crimes. Finally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue its aggressive attack on the state-wide opioid crisis -- with both criminal and civil enforcement as well as crime prevention and inmate re-entry work.
Troyer was born in Colorado and grew up in Maryland. He graduated from Pomona College. For several years after college he taught high school English in Washington, D.C. and worked during the summers as a commercial fisherman in Alaska. He then attended Boston College Law School. After law school he practiced at Ropes & Gray in Boston and then moved to Denver to practice at Brownstein Hyatt Farber & Strickland. In 1999 he left to join the criminal division of the Colorado U.S. Attorney’s Office. He then headed the Hogan & Hartson Denver Office’s litigation department before returning to the U.S. Attorney’s Office as First Assistant U.S. Attorney seven years ago.
Bank Teller Sentenced for EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dorchester woman was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for embezzling $172,551 from a customer of the Mattapan bank at which she was a teller.
J’Cynda Sales, 22, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to time served, five years of supervised release, restitution of $172,551 and forfeiture of $172,551. In June 2017, she pleaded guilty to embezzlement by a bank employee. Between November 2015 and May 2016, Sales made 48 unauthorized withdrawals from the bank account of a customer totaling $172,551.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen P. Heymann of Weinreb’s Economic Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Bank Robbers IndictedRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Louisiana has indicted SAMUEL TAYLOR, age 23, of Harvey; JONATHAN BAHAM, age 24, of New Orleans; and ARLANDER CELIUS, age 23, of Terrytown, for crimes associated with a string of armed robberies in Orleans and Jefferson parishes.
Specifically, TAYLOR was indicted for the offenses associated with the robbery of a Dollar General in Avondale, on July 9, 2017; the robbery of the Fidelity Bank in Algiers, on September, 7, 2017; conspiracy to rob the Whitney Bank on South Carrollton Avenue on September 27, 2017; conspiracy to use firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence, and two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of crimes of violence. If convicted, TAYLOR faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
BAHAM was indicted for conspiracy to rob the Whitney Bank on South Carrollton Avenue on September 27, 2017, and conspiracy to use firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence. BAHAM faces a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison for these alleged crimes.
CELIUS was indicted for conspiracy to rob the Whitney Bank on South Carrollton Avenue on September 27, 2017; being a felon in possession of a firearm on that same date, and conspiracy to use firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence. CELIUS and faces a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison for these alleged crimes.
Acting U.S. Attorney Evans stated that an Indictment is only an allegation, and that the defendants are presumed innocent.
Acting U.S. Attorney Evans also praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crime Task Force, the New Orleans Police Department’s Second District, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Myles Ranier is handling the prosecution.
Authorities Arrest Eight on San Antonio’s East Side on Federal Drug Distribution ChargesRead the Press Release
This morning, federal, state and local authorities arrested without incident eight members of the Crips East Terrace Gangstas who call themselves the “Skinny Bloc Crew,” including 40–year-old ringleader Alvin Clark (aka “Ray Ray”), on federal drug charges stemming from a “crack” cocaine distribution investigation announced United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr., Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs and San Antonio Police Chief William McManus.
On Wednesday, a federal grand jury in San Antonio returned an indictment charging Clark and the following with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute “crack” cocaine and one substantive count of possession with intent to distribute “crack” cocaine:
Earl Whitley, Jr. (aka “Earl Jr”, “E”), age 36;
Dai’Vonte E’Shaun Titus Ross (aka “Tay”), age 21;
Jovon Deante Stewart (aka “Lil JoJo”), age 24;
Paul Low (aka “P-Low”), age 49;
**Joseph Hammond (aka “JoJo”), age 37;
James Bilal Ali (aka “Showtime”), age 34;
Spurgeon Williams (aka “Bubba”), age 47; and,
Joseph Lake (aka “J.L.”), age 29.
** Already in state custody prior to today.
The indictment also charges Ross with one count of use of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The indictment alleges that the defendants conspired to distribute more than 28 grams of “crack” cocaine since January 2016. The indictment further alleges that on September 19, 2017, Ross was in possession of a black pistol while distributing “crack” cocaine.
Upon conviction, Clark, Whitley, Ali, Hammond, Lake, Stewart, Low, and Williams face an enhanced penalty of between 10 years and Life in federal prison due to their criminal histories. Ross faces between five and 40 years in federal prison for each drug charge and a mandatory consecutive five years in federal prison on the firearm charge, upon conviction.
This investigation, conducted by local, state and federal authorities, focuses on drug trafficking and violent crime occurring on the city’s East side. Most all of the narcotics trafficking occurred in the 200 and 300 blocks of Ferris Avenue on the city’s East side.
The defendants remain in federal custody pending detention hearings next week. Detention hearings for Clark, Whitley, Low and Ali are scheduled for 10:00am on November 22, 2017, before United States Magistrate Judge Elizabeth S. Chestney. Detention hearings for Ross, Stewart, Williams and Lake are scheduled for 10:00am on November 30, 2017, before Judge Chestney. An initial appearance has yet to be scheduled for Hammond.
“Drug trafficking, and the related violence, has a debilitating effect on individuals, families, and communities. It is a scourge on neighborhoods throughout the nation and causes citizens to live in fear. The FBI is committed to working with the San Antonio Police Department, along with our federal, state and local partners on the Violent Crime Task Force to ensure children and families can enjoy their community,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs.
“Today's arrests are the result of the ongoing collaboration with SAPD and our local, state and federal partners. We will continue to work strategically using intelligence led policing and teamwork to ensure that violent offenders are arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” stated San Antonio Police Chief William McManus.
The FBI and San Antonio Police Department, together with Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, New Braunfels Police Department, Comal County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshals Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, are investigating this case. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Wannarka is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
An indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions Ends the Department’s Practice of Regulation by GuidanceRead the Press Release
Today, in an action to further uphold the rule of law in the executive branch, Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a memo prohibiting the Department of Justice from issuing guidance documents that have the effect of adopting new regulatory requirements or amending the law. The memo prevents the Department of Justice from evading required rulemaking processes by using guidance memos to create de facto regulations.
In the past, the Department of Justice and other agencies have blurred the distinction between regulations and guidance documents. Under the Attorney General’s memo, the Department may no longer issue guidance documents that purport to create rights or obligations binding on persons or entities outside the Executive Branch.
The Attorney General’s Regulatory Reform Task Force, led by Associate Attorney General Brand, will conduct a review of existing Department documents and will recommend candidates for repeal or modification in the light of this memo’s principles.
“Guidance documents can be used to explain existing law,” Associate Attorney General Brand said. “But they should not be used to change the law or to impose new standards to determine compliance with the law. The notice-and-comment process that is ordinarily required for rulemaking can be cumbersome and slow, but it has the benefit of availing agencies of more complete information about a proposed rule’s effects than the agency could ascertain on its own. This Department of Justice will not use guidance documents to circumvent the rulemaking process, and we will proactively work to rescind existing guidance documents that go too far.”
View the memo here.
Armed Robber Sentenced to 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Saul Robinson, 38, of Rochester, who was convicted of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, was sentenced to 188 months in prison and 5 years supervised release, by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa. Robinson was also ordered to pay $179 in restitution and forfeit a firearm and ammunition.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Marangola, who handled the case, stated that on December 27, 2013, at about 10:30 pm, Robinson committed an armed robbery of the Adams Mobil Station located at 575 N. Winton Road in Rochester. Robinson brandished a loaded .25 caliber semi-automatic pistol and stole $179 in U.S. currency from an employee. The gas station routinely purchases and sells goods from suppliers within and outside the State of New York. As such, Robinson’s armed robbery gave rise to the federal investigation and prosecution. Robinson was arrested later that night by the Rochester Police Department.
The conviction was the culmination of an investigation conducted by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Ciminelli, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in- Charge Ashan Benedict, New York Field Division.Alaska Man Found Guilty of Possessing Firearms as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that an Alaska man was found guilty on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017, of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The man possessed two rifles and many rounds of ammunition after having been convicted in Alaska State Court of three felonies, including assault in the third degree.
On Dec. 29, 2016, Joseph Kuzmin, 40, of Voznesenka, Alaska, was arrested by the Alaska State Troopers (AST) after he reportedly assaulted his teenage son. Voznesenka is about 20 miles east of Homer. AST referred the case to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). ATF searched Kuzmin’s home in January 2017 and found two rifles and the ammunition. Federal law prohibits felons from possessing rifles, in addition to other types of firearms.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonas Walker, the jury heard evidence that Kuzmin physically assaulted his son, then threatened to shoot him, and another relative, and any police officers who responded.
Sentencing has been scheduled for Feb. 5, 2018. Kuzmin faces up to 10 years in federal prison. The State of Alaska originally charged Kuzmin with assaulting his son, but dismissed the assault case before trial.
Acting U.S. Attorney Schroder commended ATF and AST, who conducted the investigation of this case.
Aiken Women, Georgia Prisoner Indicted for Phone ScamRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Jay Byron Wright, age 41, of the Calhoun State Prison in Morgan, Georgia, Christine Wright, age 24, of Windsor, South Carolina, and Barbara Lynn Clayton, age 43, also of Windsor, were charged in a one-count Indictment by a Grand Jury in Columbia for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, § 1349.
Ms. Drake stated the penalty faced by the Defendants for a violation of Title 18, United States Code, § 1349 is imprisonment for ten years, with a potential fine up to $250,000.
The Deschutes County (Oregon) Sheriff’s Office and SLED (South Carolina) investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Winston David Holliday, Jr., of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.
The United States Attorney stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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16 November 2017
York Gang Member Sentenced to 25 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Roscoe Villega, a/k/a “P Shawn,” age 43, a member of a gang that has operated for a decade or more in the City of York, was sentenced yesterday to 25 years in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Yvette Kane for racketeering and drug distribution conspiracies.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Villega, who was identified as a member of the “Southside” street gang as well as a member of the “Bloods”. When imposing sentence, Judge Kane noted Villega’s role as a drug trafficker in the gang that ravaged the community in York for over a decade, causing numerous deaths and many other victims. Judge Kane indicated that Villega’s previous periods of incarceration failed to deter Villega’s activities.
The government asked for a substantial sentence but noted his role in the offense was less that the two leaders of the group Rolando Cruz, Jr., and Mark Hernandez, both of whom were recently sentenced to life in prison.
In November 2015, a jury convicted Villega of racketeering and drug trafficking conspiracies after a seven-week trial. It included over 100 witnesses called by the government, including York City Police officers and detectives, federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI and gang members who had previously pleaded guilty and featured the presentation of over 500 exhibits. Among the exhibits were videos of violent incidents involving the Southside Gang, drugs, cash and property seized by police and ATF agents as part of the investigation.
The jury convicted the other 11 men who went to trial with Villega.
According to United States Attorney Bruce Brandler, the gang, labeled by the government as a criminal enterprise, is known as Southside. It operated in southern York, centered in the area of Maple and Duke Streets. There was no formal structure but the participants included senior leaders, drug traffickers engaged in distribution and sales of narcotics, particularly crack cocaine, and “shooters,” individuals who committed acts of violence, including use of firearms on behalf of the gang and to protect its members from other gangs in York. Order was maintained through intimidation and threats and, in some cases, murder. The Southside Gang includes a group of violent drug traffickers, originally affiliated with the “Bloods,” primarily a New York-based national violent street gang.
Violence against a rival York gang, called “Parkway,” allegedly resulted in death or shootings of members of both gangs and innocent bystanders.
ATF, together with the York City Police Department and the York County District Attorney’s Office, began an intensive two-year investigation of Southside in 2012. It culminated in a September 2014 grand jury indictment of 21 individuals.
Eight of the indicted persons, including James Abney, a senior Southside leader, pleaded guilty to the racketeering conspiracy charge prior to the trial, as did seven other individuals included in the September 2014 indictment.
Many individual Southside gang members were investigated and previously prosecuted by York County law enforcement agencies on state charges. The federal prosecution aimed at dismantling the organization by exposing and attacking its continuity and leadership. The federal investigation of gang violence and drug dealing in York is continuing in full cooperation with local police and the York County District Attorney’s Office.
Overall, the jury found seven of the 12 men on trial guilty of racketeering conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute drugs, mainly cocaine base (crack) and cocaine, but including heroin in some instances. Two others were found not guilty of the racketeering charge but were found guilty of the drug distribution conspiracy count of the indictment. Three of the defendants were found not guilty of either of the conspiracy counts. The jury found all 12 defendants guilty of possession of illegal drugs with the intent to distribute. Two defendants were also charged and found guilty of, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to U.S. Attorney Brandler, the principal defendants, specifically the most violent and those in leading roles, were found guilty of the racketeering conspiracy charges.
The individual defendants and the charges on which they were awaiting sentencing or were sentenced:
Rolando Cruz, Jr., “Mico,” age 32; racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, drug possession with intent to deliver and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking (2 counts) was sentenced on October 3, 2017, to life in prison.
Marc Hernandez, a/k/a “Marky D,” age 32; racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, drug possession with intent to deliver and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking (2 counts) was sentenced on October 25, 2017, to life in prison.
Douglas Kelly, a/k/a “Killer,” age 39; racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, and drug possession with intent to deliver is awaiting sentencing,
Tyree Eatmon, a/k/a “Ree,” age 29; racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, and drug possession with intent to deliver is awaiting sentencing,
Maurice Atkinson, a/k/a “Mo,” age 30; racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, and drug possession with intent to deliver is awaiting sentencing,
Anthony Sistrunk, a/k/a “Kanye,” age 29; racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, and drug possession with intent to deliver is awaiting sentencing,
Eugene Rice, a/k/a “B Mor,” age 29; drug trafficking conspiracy, and drug possession with intent to deliver is awaiting sentencing,
Angel Schueg, a/k/a “Pocko,” age 28; drug trafficking conspiracy, and drug possession with intent to deliver is awaiting sentencing,
Jalik Frederick, a/k/a “Murder Cat,” age 22; drug possession with intent to deliver was sentenced to 33 months in prison on June 5, 2017,
Brandon Orr, a/k/a “B Or,” age 23; drug possession with intent to deliver was sentenced to 34 months in prison on November 10, 2016,
Jabree Williams, a/k/a “Minute,” age 24; drug possession with intent to deliver was sentenced to 60 months in prison on May 15, 2017.
Southside gang members who pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy prior to the trial are and who are awaiting sentencing are:
James Abney, a/k/a “Doocs,” age 31.
Malik Sturdivant, a/k/a “Base,” age 25.
Jahkeem Abney, a/k/a “Foo,” age 27.
Ronald Payton, a/k/a “Ron Ron,” age 25.
Cordaress Rogers, a/k/a “Tank,” age 31.
Marquis Williams, a/k/a “Quis,” age 29.
Jerrod Brown, a/k/a “Boogie,” age 28.
Quintez Hall, a/k/a “Q,” age 25.
Richard Nolden, a/k/a “Rich,” age 27.
The case included the participation and assistance of the Pennsylvania State Police, West York Borough Police Department, Spring Garden Township Police Department, the York County Drug Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael A. Consiglio, William Houser, and Joseph Terz 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.
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Welling Man Sentenced to 16 Months, $7,750 for Multiple Controlled Substances CountsRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Ian Alexander Bowline, age 32, of Welling, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 16 months imprisonment, 1 year of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $7,750.00 money judgment for 7 counts of OBTAINING A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE BY FRAUD, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(a)(3) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2; 7 counts of USE OF A REGISTRATION NUMBER OF ANOTHER PERSON TO OBTAIN A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE BY FRAUD, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(a)(2) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2; 1 count of ATTEMPTING TO OBTAIN A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE BY FRAUD, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 843(a)(3) and 846 and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2; and 1 count of ATTEMPTING TO USE A REGISTRATION NUMBER OF ANOTHER PERSON TO OBTAIN A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE BY FRAUD, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 843(a)(2) and 846 and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2. The jury trial began on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 and concluded on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 with the guilty verdicts.
Beginning in or about 2010, and continuing until the date of the service of a search warrant at Bowline’s residence on May 7, 2013, Bowline led an organization aimed at obtaining Oxycodone by utilizing false prescriptions manufactured by Bowline and distributed to others who, in turn, presented the false prescriptions to pharmacies and obtained 90 to 120 count Oxycodone pills at 30 mg. dosages per pill. The false prescriptions were generated by Bowline, contained valid DEA physician license numbers, and were printed on special watermark paper used by physicians when writing prescriptions. Bowline obtained the DEA physician numbers and paper from the internet.
The false prescriptions were presented to pharmacies in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri. The evidence presented at trial included items seized from a search of Bowline’s residence. Agents seized a computer, laptop, and thumb-drives which contained approximately 80 blank prescriptions in a format used to produce and print the prescriptions. Fifty-one of the prescriptions, resulting in a total of 6,030 Oxycodone pills, had been illegally passed at pharmacies within and outside Oklahoma. Prosecutors also presented other false prescriptions that had been filled by various pharmacies and identified as being manufactured and signed by Bowline. During the course of the trial, evidence was presented that Bowline was involved in the diversion of approximately 14,000 Oxycodone pills. In all, 6 other defendants were sentenced as a result of the investigation into the Bowline organization. Their sentences ranged from probation to 60 months imprisonment.
The verdicts obtained were the result of an investigation by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and was coordinated by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) of the Eastern District of Oklahoma. OCDETF is an initiative led, and coordinated by, the Office of the United States Attorney.
United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “The OBN investigators and assistant United States Attorneys worked diligently on this investigation and prosecution for years. I commend them for their efforts to put an end to the scheme by this Defendant and others to fraudulently obtain large quantities of opioids. This office, as well as our federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners are committed to enforcing the laws that we have to combat the abuse of opioids.”
The Honorable James H. Payne, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the sentencing hearing and jury trial.
Assistant United States Attorneys Shannon Henson and John David Luton represented the United States.
VDOT Officials Plead Guilty to $10.3 Million Bribe SchemeRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Two Virginia Department of Transportation officials and three private contractors have pleaded guilty to their involvement in a bribery scheme involving the awarding of over $10.3 million in snow removal contracts over the course of five years.
According to court documents, Anthony Willie and Kenneth Duane Adams were VDOT supervisors at the Burke Area Headquarters (AHQ) and secretly used their official positions to enrich themselves by soliciting and accepting cash bribes in exchange for various favorable official acts, such as awarding lucrative snow removal work to local trucking companies during winter snow storms in the northern Virginia area.
According to court documents, Willie and Adams negotiated bribe agreements with several owners and operators of trucking and snow removal companies seeking snow removal work from the VDOT Burke AHQ, including Rolando Pineda Moran, Shaheen Sariri, and John Williamson. At their core, each agreement stated that the company owners would provide a percentage or a flat rate of their hourly contracts as bribes in the form of cash payments to Willie and Adams, in exchange for being awarded snow removal work and having Willie and Adams sign off on their VDOT invoices. Beginning in the 2012‑2013 snow season and continuing through the 2016‑2017 snow season, Willie and Adams would often meet the snow plow contractors at local restaurants, grocery stores, and parking lots in Burke and Fairfax and received approximately $440,000 in cash bribes.
According to court documents, from 2011 through 2016, Adams also conspired with Elmer Antonio Mejia by negotiating an unlawful bribery agreement whereby Mejia would sub-contract snow removal work out to Adams’ nominee-owned company, Supreme Landscaping. During this period, Mejia paid Adams approximately $160,000, frequently disguising the payments as pay for snow removal work allegedly performed by Adams’ nominee-owned company.
Additionally, Adams also pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine. According to court records, while executing a search warrant in November 2015, law enforcement recovered approximately 129 grams of cocaine and related drug paraphernalia at Adams’ residence. Adams also admitted to previously distributing cocaine to others, including several of his colleagues at VDOT, and to obtaining cocaine from a relative of one of his VDOT co-workers.
Name
Age, Hometown
Pleaded Guilty to
Sentencing Date and Max Penalty
Anthony Willie
55, Culpeper
Conspiracy to Commit Honest Services Mail and Wire Fraud
Feb. 16, 2018; 60 years
Kenneth Duane Adams
42, Fairfax
Conspiracy to Commit Honest Services Mail and Wire Fraud; Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine
Feb. 9, 2018; 100 years
Rolando Pineda Moran
46, Alexandria
Conspiracy to Commit Honest Services Mail Fraud
Feb. 9, 2018; 20 years
Elmer Mejia
50, Aldie
Conspiracy to Commit Honest Services Mail Fraud
Feb. 9, 2018; 20 years
John Williamson
51, Springfield
Conspiracy to Commit Honest Services Wire Fraud
Feb. 2, 2018; 20 years
Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Willie pleaded guilty today, Pineda Moran and Mejia on Monday, Adams on Tuesday, and Williamson on Wednesday.
A sixth indicted defendant in this case, Shaheen “Shane” Sariri, 31, of Fairfax, is scheduled for trial on Jan. 29, 2018.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Andrew W. Vale, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly R. Pedersen and Samantha P. Bateman are prosecuting the case.
This case involved a joint investigation by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, Virginia State Police, and Fairfax County Police Department. Additional assistance was provided by the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Office of Assurance and Compliance.
Any person who believes they may have information regarding public corruption or fraud in the northern Virginia area is encouraged to call the FBI’s Northern Virginia Public Corruption Hotline at 703-686-6225 or e-mail tips to [email protected].
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:17-cr-188.
Utica Man Sentenced to 51 Months for Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Luis Estela, age 53, of Utica, New York, was sentenced today to serve 51 months in prison for his participation in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, announced Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt of the New York Division.
After a two-day jury trial in June 2017, Estela was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin in connection with his involvement in a heroin trafficking organization operating in Utica and Rome, New York. At trial, the evidence showed that Estela helped the organization package heroin on multiple occasions and assisted in distributing drugs along the Erie Canal in Rome.
Chief District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also sentenced Estela to serve a 3-year term of supervised release following his release from prison.
This case was investigated by the DEA, New York State Police-Community Narcotics Enforcement Team-Central (NYSP-CNET), City of Rome Police Department, City of Utica Police Department, Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, Oneida County District Attorney’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, and Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert Levine and Carla Freedman.