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16 November 2017
Leader of Black P-Stones Gang Sentenced for Racketeering Conspiracy and Murder ChargesRead the Press Release
A Newport News, Virginia man was sentenced today in Norfolk, Virginia, to two life terms as well as 25 years in prison, to be served concurrently, after being convicted of Racketeering Conspiracy - including acts of murder; attempted murder; robbery; obstruction of justice and narcotics distribution; Murder in Aid of Racketeering; Conspiracy and Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering; Conspiracy and Possession to Distribute Marijuana; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Special Agent in Charge Martin W. Culbreth of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement.
According to the evidence at trial, Michael Hopson, aka “Hop” and “Big Homie,” 39, was a member of a violent street gang called the Black P-Stones, also referred to as the P-Stone Bloods and Cobra Stones, which operated as a criminal enterprise located primarily in the Beechmont, Courthouse Green and Woodview neighborhoods in the Denbigh area of Newport News. The evidence at trial established that the Black P-Stones engaged in various criminal activities including murders, robberies, illegal drug trafficking and obstruction of justice.
According to the evidence at trial, Hopson was the founding member and leader (“OG”) of the Black P-Stones/Cobra Stones set of the Denbigh area, Newport News. The defendant was a security officer at Denbigh High School, in Newport News where he met and recruited Denbigh High School students and others into the P-Stones. According to the government’s evidence, in addition to Hopson recruiting at Denbigh High School, he also sold narcotics while acting in his capacity as a school resource officer. As the “OG,” Hopson approved, directed, planned, and participated in criminal activities, including robbery and attempted robberies, narcotics distribution, murders and attempted murders. He recruited members, associates and non-members, including minors, to conduct criminal activities for the gang. Further, Hopson collected monthly dues from all P-Stone members; carried out violations; ordered violations; ordered and presided over meetings; and possessed, distributed and discharged firearms. Additionally, he distributed marijuana, to other P-Stone members to sell for the purpose of obtaining money for the gang and collected proceeds from marijuana trafficking from all P-Stone members.
The government put forth evidence at trial that demonstrated that on Oct. 31, 2007, Hopson, acting in his leadership capacity, ordered P-Stone members to seek robbery targets for the purpose of obtaining money and property for the gang. After the order, P-Stones, armed with firearms, sought robbery targets in the Beechmont area. Further, the defendant approved the murder of A.J., member of Thug Relations, a rival of the P-Stones. While A.J. did not come out of his house, at Hopson’s direction, the P-Stones members arrived at A.J.’s home, armed with firearms, and attempted to lure him from the home.
On Nov. 6, 2007, a P-Stone member, acting on Hopson’s orders, lured E.S., a 17-year-old P-Stone member, to a location in Newport News, for the purpose of killing him. Hopson had previously given him the “green light” for the killing of E.S. due to E.S. being friends with members of Thug Relations. Once E.S. arrived at the location, E.S was shot and killed. As a result of the murder, Hopson rewarded the P-Stone member with a promotion.
On Dec. 10, 2008 Hopson authorized the murder of J.W., a Crip who had been disrespectful to members of the P-Stones. Acting on those orders, two P-Stone members went to the home of J.W. and fired multiple rounds into the home. J.W.’s father, who was sitting in the living room when the shooting occurred, was hit with debris from the bullet shrapnel and suffered injury to his eye.
On March 9, 2009, Hopson ordered the murder of two members of 10-1 Mafia Crips, a rival of the P-Stones. Hopson authorized the murder after the two were responsible for the beating of a P-Stone member. Acting on Hopson’s orders, two P-Stone members shot multiple times into the home of the two 10-1 Mafia Crips.
On April 17, 2009, Hopson ordered two P-Stones to fire multiple rounds into a home he knew to be occupied because the individuals inside the home were disrespectful to him.
Hopson ordered the murder of A.J., a Thug Relations member who was responsible for the murder of a P-Stone member. On June 12, 2009, A P-Stone member acting on Hopson’s orders shot at A.J.
The investigation of this case was led by the FBI’s Safe Streets Peninsula Task Force, with the assistance of the Newport News Police Department and the James City County Police Department. Trial Attorney Marianne Shelvey of the Organized Crime and Gang Section in the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric M. Hurt of the Eastern District of Virginia prosecuted the case.
Lawrence Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for KidnappingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The leader of a Lawrence-based kidnapping crew was sentenced today to life in federal prison for his role in a 2012 kidnapping.
U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns sentenced Danny Veloz, 41, of Lawrence, Mass., to life in prison today for his role in leading a violent, sophisticated crew that targeted drug dealers for kidnappings.
Veloz was arrested following a wide-ranging investigation that targeted kidnapping and home invasion crews operating in the City of Lawrence. The majority of these kidnappings were carried out by organized, armed, violent crews often referred to as Joloperros (loosely translated as “Stick-up Guys”). Veloz’s crew consisted of four other Lawrence men, Jose Guzman, a/k/a “Cano”; Gadiel Romero, a/k/a “TC”; Jose Matos, a/k/a “Boyca”; and Luis Reynoso, a/k/a “Prieto”; as well as Henry Maldonado, of Manchester, N.H.; and Thomas Wallace of Raymond, N.H.
On July 23, 2012, armed with firearms and wearing t-shirts with the word “police” on them, the crew kidnapped two men at gunpoint on Allston Street in Lawrence. The victims were transported to Manchester, N.H., and held overnight – during which time one was burned with a hot iron – before being rescued by law enforcement. The kidnapping was one of several kidnappings or attempted kidnappings committed by Veloz’s crew in 2012. During trial, several individuals testified that in addition to the July 23, 2012, kidnapping, Veloz and his crew also attempted kidnappings on May 8, 2012, and July 8, 2012.
A search of Veloz’s home resulted in the seizure of two laptop computers containing information about GPS tracking devices used to commit the kidnappings, as well as cell phones used by Veloz to communicate with his associates.
Since the investigation began in 2012, more than 20 people have been convicted of either kidnapping-related offenses or being associated with members of Lawrence-based kidnapping or home invasion crews. Romero, Wallace, and Matos were sentenced to 23 years, 13 years, and 12 years in prison, respectively. Maldonado, Guzman, and Reynoso are scheduled to be sentenced on November 21 and 22, 2017.
The charge of conspiracy to commit kidnapping provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, five years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Colonel Kerry A Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett; Lawrence Police Chief James X. Fitzpatrick; Manchester (N.H.) Police Chief Nick Willard; and Essex County Sheriff Kevin F. Coppinger made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Pohl of Weinreb’s Organized Crime and Gang Task Force prosecuted the case.
LaPorte County Man SentencedRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND - The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Thomas L. Kirsch II, announced that Timothy Bennitt, age 27, of Rolling Prairie, Indiana was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
Bennitt was sentenced to 180 months imprisonment followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, Bennitt committed 6 armed robberies in St. Joseph and LaPorte County restaurants and businesses. During his January 2017 crime spree, Bennitt used a handgun during these armed robberies. In addition, during 4 of the robberies, Bennitt was assisted by co-defendant Nathan Kellogg, who drove and provided the car. Bennitt and Kellogg used the money from the robberies on food, lodging and drugs. Bennitt’s accomplice, Kellogg pled guilty to 4 of the robberies and is scheduled for sentencing November 21, 2017.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department, Mishawaka Police Department, South Bend Police Department and the St. Joseph County Police Department. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Gabrielse.
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Justice Department Settles Immigration-Related Discrimination Claim Against Pasco, Washington, Vegetable Processing PlantRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has reached a settlement agreement with Washington Potato Company, which operates the Freeze Pack vegetable processing plant located in Pasco, Washington. The agreement resolves the department’s investigation into whether Washington Potato discriminated against work-authorized immigrants when verifying their employment authorization, in violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
The department’s investigation revealed that Washington Potato routinely requested that work-authorized non-U.S. citizens present specific documents to confirm their citizenship status, such as Permanent Resident Cards or Employment Authorization Documents, while verifying their authorization to work at the Freeze Pack plant, but did not subject U.S. citizens to such requests. The anti-discrimination provision of the INA prohibits employers from subjecting employees to different or unnecessary documentary demands based on employees’ citizenship, immigration status, or national origin.
Under the settlement, Washington Potato will pay a civil penalty of $100,000 to the United States, train its staff, post notices informing workers about their rights under the INA’s antidiscrimination provision, and be subject to departmental monitoring and reporting requirements. An earlier settlement between the department and Washington Potato Company in May 2017 resolved litigation concerning similar discriminatory conduct by Washington Potato in its management of another facility located in Pasco, Washington.
“Employers must ensure that they do not impose unnecessary and unlawful barriers to employment based on citizenship status,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John M. Gore of the Civil Rights Division. “We look forward to working with Washington Potato Company to fulfill the terms of this agreement and ensure compliance with the law at all the facilities it operates.”
The Division’s Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER), formerly known as the Office of Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices, is responsible for enforcing the anti-discrimination provision of the INA. Among other things, the statute prohibits citizenship status and national origin discrimination in hiring, firing, or recruitment or referral for a fee; unfair documentary practices; and retaliation and intimidation.
For more information about protections against employment discrimination under immigration laws, call IER’s worker hotline at 1-800-255-7688 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); call IER’s employer hotline at 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); sign up for a free webinar; email [email protected]; or visit IER’s English and Spanish websites.
Applicants or employees who believe they were subjected to different documentary requirements based on their citizenship/immigration status or national origin, or discrimination based on their citizenship/immigration status, or national origin in hiring, firing, or recruitment or referral for a fee, should contact IER’s worker hotline for assistance.
Jamaican Resident Sentenced to over Five Years in Prison for Role in Fake Lottery ScamRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A resident of Jamaica, West Indies, was sentenced today to 63 months in prison for swindling elderly residents of the United States by falsely telling them they had won millions of dollars in Jamaican lotteries, Acting U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick announced.
Ricardo Reid, 32, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton to an indictment charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. Judge Wigenton imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From 2011 to 2016, Reid purchased mailing lists that contained addresses and other information of elderly individuals and then solicited these individuals by tricking them into believing they had won millions in lotteries and sweepstakes. He also told the elderly individuals that in order to redeem these fictitious winnings, they had to pay registration fees and other fees and taxes. Reid told the victims that the calls were from officials of the United States, such as the IRS, and from lottery or bank officials.
Reid admitted that he used aliases like “Robert Gates,” “Mr. Bogohazian,” and “Damien Boswel,” and used call forwarding and Voice Over Internet Protocol services to make and receive calls, all while masking his phone number and location.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Wigenton sentenced Reid to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution of $577,703.78.
Anyone with information regarding possible victims of this activity is urged to contact the U.S. Postal Inspectors in Newark at 973-693-5400.
Acting U.S. Attorney Fitzpatrick credited inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector in Charge Joseph W. Cronin, and special agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Newark Field Office, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy, with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lorraine S. Gerson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
Defense counsel: K. Anthony Thomas Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Newark
Illegal Alien Sentenced to Prison for Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – On Wednesday, November 15, 2017, Rodrigo Hernandez-Garcia, 32, an illegal alien living in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., to 8 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, announced U. S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Raymond Parmer, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of Immigration Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, in New Orleans.
Hernandez-Garcia was ordered to be turned over to Immigration officials for deportation to Mexico upon completion of his sentence.
This case was investigated by Immigration Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Annette Williams.
Illegal Alien Sentenced to Prison for Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven has sentenced Efrain Cordoba Carrera (30, Plant City) to two years in federal prison for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. He pleaded guilty on August 17, 2017.
According to court documents, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a residence in Plant City based on evidence that Fausto Beltran Sedano and Lazaro Sandobal Gonzalez were counterfeiting identity documents, such as lawful permanent resident alien cards (also known as green cards) and social security cards, to allow undocumented individuals to unlawfully obtain employment and continue their unlawful presence in the United States. During the execution of the warrant, an arsenal of weapons was found in Carrera’s bedroom, including 11 firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Two of the firearms had high-capacity magazines and the serial number on one of them was obliterated. Carrera was prohibited from possessing the firearms and ammunition because he was unlawfully present in the United States.
"This criminal not only violated our nation's immigration laws, but also illegally possessed more than 10 weapons," said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. "Our communities are safer today because of the hard work of our HSI special agents."
In July 2017, Lazaro Sandobal Gonzalez was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment for transferring a false identification document knowing that it had been produced without lawful authority. In September 2017, Fausto Beltran Sedano was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment on the same charge.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam M. Saltzman.
INTERPOL Washington Attends 2017 IPR Center SymposiumRead the Press Release
On November 15, 2017, INTERPOL Washington—the U.S. National Central Bureau--staff members participated in the 2017 Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Center Symposium, “Solving the E-Commerce Puzzle.” Held at the National IPR Coordination Center in Arlington, Virginia, the symposium brought together over 150 business, industry, government and law enforcement leaders to explore the challenges in combatting e-commerce crime.
Harrison County man sentenced for firearm chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Matthew E. Boone, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 46 months incarceration for unlawful possession of a firearm, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Boone, age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in June 2017. Boone, having previously been convicted of heroin distribution in United States District Court, and five felonies in Harrison County Circuit Court, admitted to having a 9mm pistol in his possession. The crime occurred in January 2017 in Harrison County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Traci M. Cook prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Clarksburg Police Department investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.Hamden Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Fentanyl Disguised as OxycodoneRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that AGUSTIN CIRINO, 29, of Hamden, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to distributing fentanyl disguised as oxycodone.
This matter stems from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 9, 2017, the Hamden Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to a Hamden residence where a 30-year-old male was found deceased. At the scene, investigators seized drug and non-drug evidence, including three suspected oxycodone tablets and the victim’s cellphone. The investigation revealed that the victim arranged to purchase oxycodone tablets from CIRINO on March 7 and March 8.
The DEA Northeast Laboratory subsequently determined that the seized tablets contained fentanyl, acetaminophen and dipyrone, not oxycodone. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner also determined that the victim died as a result of “acute fentanyl toxicity, clonazepam, duloxetine use.”
CIRINO was arrested on May 9, 2017. Today, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of fentanyl, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Chief Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for March 1, 2018.
CIRINO is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Hamden Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector.
Guns Purchased for Oregon Felon Found in CaliforniaRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore. – Sylis Terrance Thomas, 25, of Salem, Oregon, and Lakisha Berry, 25, also of Salem, Oregon, were sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Anna J. Brown for conspiring to make false statements to two Salem-area gun retailers during the purchase of 11 firearms. Both defendants previously entered guilty pleas and have been out of custody since their arrest on federal charges. Thomas received a sentence of 24 months imprisonment and Berry received a sentence of 12 months imprisonment. Both will serve three years of supervised release following the completion of their prison sentences.
This investigation began when Salem Police notified the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms of Thomas’s October 1, 2015 purchase of 9 handguns from The Pawn Shop and two handguns from the Sportsman’s Warehouse, both Federal Firearms Licensees in Salem. ATF Agents subsequently obtained video footage of Berry inside the gun shop with another individual who appeared to be selecting the guns while Berry stood nearby. At the conclusion of both sales, Berry signed federally required sales documents, in which she declared that she was the actual buyer and that the weapons were not purchased on behalf of another. Agents were able to identify the other person as Sylis Terrance Thomas, a convicted felon, prohibited by law from possessing firearms. Agents learned that two weeks after Berry bought the guns, one of the handguns was recovered in Oakland, California, during the course of an investigation into an attempted murder and robbery. Oakland Police did not get any information about the gun except that it was bought on the street for $450.
On October 23, 2015, agents served a federal search warrant at defendant Thomas’s residence. During the search warrant, Thomas told agents that he gave Berry most of the money to buy the guns and that he wanted the firearms for protection. He stated that he was “highly aware” that he was not allowed to purchase or possess firearms, so he asked defendant Berry to buy him the guns. Although Thomas stated that Berry knew he could not have firearms, she agreed to purchase them.
Using the defendant’s cell phone records and other investigative tools, Agents determined that both Berry and Thomas left the Salem area immediately following their purchases, travelling south on I-5 to the Oakland, California, area. Thomas later admitted that he and Berry sold the guns for cash to people he knew in Sacramento.
On November 27, 2015, the California Highway Patrol recovered a Sig Sauer pistol from a driver during a routine traffic stop. That gun had also purchased by Berry. To date, the whereabouts of the other 9 firearms is unknown.
This case was investigated by the Salem Police, and the ATF and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Nyhus.
Gunman sentenced to 32 years in prison for serial commercial robbery spreeRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Deanthony Foster has been sentenced to 32 years in prison for participating in armed robberies of seven commercial businesses in the Atlanta area, including Wal-Mart Stores and Citgo Stores. Foster carried a gun in all of the robberies, pointed the gun at employees, and actually shot into the floor at one of the Wal-Mart robberies while demanding money. He coordinated with other individuals who acted as lookouts by cell phone.
“Foster cared nothing for people or their safety while he sought to enrich himself at the end of a gun,” said U. S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “He seriously injured one individual and terrorized many others, including employees and members of the public by displaying a firearm, and in one instance, discharging a firearm. His sentence is lengthy and reflective of the seriousness of his crime.”
“Mr. Foster was responsible for a violent crime spree where others were seriously hurt. As a result of much hard work by many law enforcement agencies working together with federal prosecutors, this sentencing in federal court to a lengthy prison sentence will not only hold him accountable but will make our community a safer place for all,” said David J. LeValley, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office.
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court: From May 15, 2015 to October 26, 2015, Deanthony Foster and others carried out a series of armed robberies before they were identified by the FBI and other law enforcement agencies. Six of the robberies targeted Wal-Mart Stores. The defendants researched the locations of the stores in Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett and Cobb Counties, and then conducted surveillance before and during the robberies. They communicated by cell phone before and after each robbery, always with one or two of them acting as getaway drivers waiting in the parking lot. The lookouts were captured on in-store videos while talking on their cell phones and casing the stores.
In each robbery, Foster, also captured on video, entered the stores wearing a surgical mask, with a gun in his hand, and demanded money from employees who were emptying cash registers. In the last robbery of this series, Foster discharged his gun into the floor near the employees when they did not immediately meet his demands for money.
After the indictment, law enforcement agents found that the defendant had participated in another commercial robbery in Cobb County where he shot an employee in the leg when the victim struggled with him.
Deanthony Foster, 28, of Atlanta, Georgia, has been sentenced to 32 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $24,791.00, and a special assessment of $200. Foster was convicted on these charges on August 11, 2017, after he pleaded guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Police Departments of Cobb County, DeKalb County, Gwinnett County, Hapeville, Roswell, Riverdale, Dunwoody, and the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine M. Hoffer and Jessica C. Morris prosecuted the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Gulfport Man Pleads Guilty to Two Charges of Possession of Firearms by a FelonRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – On Tuesday, November 14, 2017, Cornell Lamar Abram, 38, of Gulfport, pled guilty before Senior U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., to two separate indictments charging him with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst.
The first indictment was filed in the Southern District of Mississippi in 2015. The case was investigated by the Gulfport Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The second indictment was filed in the Northern District of Alabama in 2017. That case was investigated by the Birmingham, Alabama, Police Department and transferred to the Southern District of Mississippi. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Annette Williams.
Abram will be sentenced on February 15, 2018, and faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine in each case.
Guatemalan National Sentenced for Illegally Re-entryRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that VENACIO ORTIZ-LEON age 29, a citizen of Guatemala, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Bill of Information charging him with illegal reentry of a removed alien.
U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier sentenced ORTIZ-LEON to time served and a $100 special assessment. ORTIZ-LEON will be surrendered to the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.
According to court documents, on or about June 3, 2017, ORTIZ-LEON was found in the United States after having been officially deported and removed on or about January 27, 2011.
Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Irene González was in charge of the prosecution.
Guatemalan National Pleads Guilty to Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Guatemalan national pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to illegally reentering the United States after being deported.
Cecilio Castro-Zacarias, 38, pleaded guilty to one count of one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for Feb. 15, 2018.
In September 2017, law enforcement in New Bedford encountered Castro-Zacarias and determined him to be unlawfully present in the United States. Castro-Zacarias was previously deported on Aug. 12, 2005.
Castro-Zacarias faces up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release, a fine of $250,000, and will be subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence. Sentences are imposed based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Weinreb’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Guatemalan National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Gilberto Ramirez-Ramirez, 27, was charged today in federal court in Boston with one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien.
According to the indictment, law enforcement in Lynn encountered Ramirez-Ramirez in April 2017 and determined him to be illegally present in the United States. Ramirez-Ramirez was previously deported in March 2016.
The charge provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised released, and a fine of up to $250,000. Ramirez-Ramirez will be subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Michael S. Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Weinreb’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Georgia Man Sentenced for Cyber Crime That Cost Sedgwick County $566,000+Read the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A Georgia man was sentenced Wednesday to 27 months in federal prison for his part in an e-mail spoofing scheme that cost Sedgwick County more than $566,000, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
George S. James, 49, Brookhaven, Ga., pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
In his plea, James admitted that on Oct. 7, 2016, Sedgwick County sent approximately $566,088 to his bank account at a Wells Fargo bank in Georgia. James transferred part of the money he received from Sedgwick County to a bank account in Shanghai, China, and part of the money to an account at Deutsche Bank in Bremen, Germany. James also spent some of the money.
In his plea, James denied that the fraud scheme was his idea. He said that on Sept. 23, 2016, he was contacted by a person identified in court records as A.H., who asked to deposit some money into James’ account at Wells Fargo. James said he knew A.H. was engaged in fraud, but James denied knowing that Sedgwick County was the victim.
In his plea, James said it was A.H. – or someone working with A.H. – who sent an email to Sedgwick County on Sept. 23, 2016, purporting to be from Cornejo and Sons, LLC, and requesting the county send future payments to a new account number at Wells Fargo. On Oct. 7, 2016, the county sent $566,088 to James’ account at Wells Fargo. The county learned later that Cornejo did not request the change of account and did not receive the payment.
Beall commended the FBI, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, the Wichita Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger for their work on the case.
Fourteen with ties to violent YNB Stretch Gang indicted for drug and firearm offensesRead the Press Release
DALLAS — Fourteen defendants have been charged in a federal indictment, unsealed yesterday, with felony offenses stemming from their role in a Dallas–based criminal street gang known as “YNB Stretch Gang” and a drug distribution group known as “2600 Money Block,” announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
“These violent, drug-dealing gangs should be on notice,” said U.S. Attorney Parker. “We’re going after them wherever they are.”
Ten defendants, mostly from Dallas, were arrested earlier last week and one is in custody on state charges. Those arrested made their initial appearances in federal court and were detained. Three remain fugitives.
In connection with the takedown, law enforcement seized quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine, PCP, prescription pills, marijuana and multiple firearms, including an assault rifle.
The 26-count indictment charges the following: Nykees Earl Campbell, aka “#1,” “NaNa,” “Ny-Nizzle,” 19; Avery Wayne Davis, aka “AD,” 36; Demond Lynn, aka “Slime,” 36; Kearwon Dmargo Magee, 23; Rodney Eugene Roquemore, aka “Turbo,” 31; Lawrence Williams, aka “One Eye”; Kris Landon Greene, aka “#5,” 20; Bryson Deontae Bright, 24; Ralph Earl Campbell III, 22; Garry Dewayne Newton, aka “#4,” 20; Stacy Moore, aka “Jay,” 23; Marcus Jackson, aka “Marty-Mar,” 23; Mitchell Holmes; Cedric Charles Witcher, 22.
The indictment alleges, beginning in January 2016, the defendants used an area in Dallas referred to as “2600 Money Block” to cut, package and distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine and ecstasy/OxyContin pills to numerous customers. The proceeds from the sale of drugs were used to produce music videos glorifying acts of violence and promoting the lifestyle of YNB Stretch Gang members and associates.
Prosecutors are seeking to forfeit several things used as part of or as a result of the criminal conspiracy, including multiple firearms.
A federal indictment is an accusation by a grand jury. A defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty. If convicted, however, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the court after a review of the federal sentencing guidelines and factors unique to the case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record (if any), the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation.
This indictment is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, United States Marshal’s Service, Dallas Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Criminal Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Calvert.
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Four charged in multi-state health care fraud conspiracyRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – Matthew Harrell, Nikki Richardson, Tomeka Howard and Andrea Barrett have been indicted on multiple counts of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and aggravated identify theft related to fraudulent claims filed with the Georgia, Florida and Louisiana Medicaid programs.
“Through their scheme, the defendants are alleged to have fraudulently billed over $3 million to Medicaid,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “Their greed knew no bounds of decency, as they left a number of victims in their wake.”
“The FBI continues to play a key and critical role in protecting federally funded health care based programs, to include Medicaid and Medicare, from those individuals who would, through fraud, attempt to divert those funds to their own accounts and away from those who desperately need the services that they provide. The federal investigation and resulting federal indictments of these four defendants illustrates not only the problems of healthcare fraud but the aggressive efforts underway by law enforcement to combat it,” said David J. LeValley, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office.
“The defendants allegedly ripped off programs meant to provide critical mental health services for children and adults. This type of criminal behavior will not be tolerated,” said Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge for HHS OIG. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to uncover these fraudulent schemes and bring criminals to justice.”
“The Medicaid Program is not an endless source of money, and those who victimize the program take valuable resources away from the people that need them,” said Attorney General Chris Carr. “The Georgia Attorney General's Office will continue to collaborate with our federal and state partners to investigate these kinds of egregious cases.”
“This multi-millon dollar Medicaid scheme spanned several states and involved the stolen identities of medical professionals and children—but through coordinated investigative efforts with our federal partners and Medicaid Fraud Control Units in Georgia and Tennessee this scheme was thwarted and arrests have been made,” said Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. “Medicaid fraud essentially steals from our taxpayers and we will not tolerate anyone manipulating the program to get rich.”
“Medicaid welfare fraud steals money from the taxpayers and jeopardizes care for the needy,” said Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry. “We are grateful to have law enforcement partners throughout the country who are committed to investigating, arresting, and prosecuting criminals who defraud our State and its people.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges, and other information presented in court: The defendants owned or worked with companies that purportedly provided mental health counseling and treatment to children and adults. These companies included, Revive Athletics, Inc., R.A. Florida, Inc., Jode Counseling Treatment and Training Services, LLC, 118 Management and Consulting, Inc., A Brighter Day, LLC, and Lillie Cares Health Services, LLC. These companies billed over $3.7 million in Medicaid claims, and received approximately $2.5 million based on the fraud.
According to the indictment, the defendants stole the identities of mental health service providers, including a psychologist and licensed clinical social workers, in Georgia and Florida. The defendants’ companies then used the stolen identities to submit fraudulent Medicaid claims seeking payment for mental health services that were never provided. The defendants attempted to conceal the fraud scheme by directing employees and contractors to create fraudulent documentation and forge provider signatures to support the fraudulent billing.
Matthew Harrell, 42, of Atlanta, Georgia, Nikki Richardson, 42, of Fairburn, Ga., Tomeka Howard, 42, of Decatur, Georgia, and Andrea Barrett, 42, of Virginia Beach, Virginia were indicted on November 7, 2017.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment contains only allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
The case is being investigated by the Georgia State Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Medicaid Fraud Control Units for Florida and Louisiana. Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey Brown and Georgia Assistant Attorney General Robin Daitch are prosecuting the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the home page for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia Atlanta Division is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Former Wells Man Convicted of Child Sex Abuse ChargesRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that William Gaudet, 51, formerly of Wells, Maine, was convicted today following a four-day jury trial in U.S. District Court of transporting a minor interstate intending to engage in criminal sexual activity and interstate travel with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
According to court records and trial evidence, on two occasions during the summer of 2010, Gaudet traveled between Maine and Pennsylvania with an eight-year-old child intending to engage in sexual activity with her. On both occasions, he sexually assaulted the child. The investigation began in 2014 after the child reported the abuse. In 2012, Gaudet was convicted in New Hampshire Superior Court for sexually assaulting another minor in 2001 and 2005.
The defendant faces between 10 years and life in prison on the transportation charge and up to 30 years in prison on the travel charge. He also faces a $250,000 fine on each count. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The investigation was conducted by the Biddeford, Gorham, Kennebunk, Wells, Wakefield (New Hampshire) and Pocono Township (Pennsylvania) Police Departments; the New Hampshire Correctional Facility; the Carroll County (New Hampshire) Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Former Rutherford County Tennessee Sheriff's Chief Administrative Deputy Sentenced on Federal Corruption ChargesRead the Press Release
A former Rutherford County Sheriff Chief Deputy of Administration was sentenced today to 15 months in prison for operating a private electronic cigarette company in the county jail for personal gain, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Don Cochran of the Middle District of Tennessee.
Joe L. Russell II, 50, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Marvin E. Aspen of the Northern District of Illinois, sitting by designation in the Middle District of Tennessee, who also ordered Russell to pay $52,500 in restitution and to forfeit $52,234.41, an amount equal to all proceeds he received from JailCigs. Russell, along with former Rutherford County Sheriff Robert F. Arnold, 41, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and Arnold’s uncle, John Vanderveer, 59, of Marietta, Georgia, were named in a 14-count indictment in May 2016 charging them with honest services fraud, mail fraud, wire fraud, bribery concerning federal programs, extortion under color of official right, obstruction of justice and conspiracy.
According to his plea, Russell admitted to forming JailCigs along with Arnold and Vanderveer in 2013; using Arnold’s official position as Sheriff of Rutherford County to benefit JailCigs by allowing the company’s electronic cigarettes to come into the Rutherford County jail as non-contraband and to be distributed by county employees; taking steps to disguise their involvement in the company; and misrepresenting the benefits that Rutherford County was supposedly receiving from JailCigs.
Arnold pleaded guilty in January 2017 and was sentenced in May 2017 to 50 months in prison and ordered to pay $52,500 in restitution and to forfeit $66,790. Vanderveer was sentenced in September 2017 to one year plus one day in prison for attempting to tamper with a key witness in the investigation by asking her to destroy incriminating documents related to the scheme. Vanderveer was ordered to pay $52,500 in restitution.
The FBI and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Mark J. Cipolletti of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Andrew Laing of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cecil W. VanDevender of the Middle District of Tennessee prosecuted the case.
Former Rutherford County Tennessee Sheriff's Administrative Chief Deputy Sentenced on Federal Corruption ChargesRead the Press Release
Joe L. Russell, II, 50, of Murfreesboro, Tenn., the former Rutherford County Sheriff Chief Administrative Deputy, was sentenced today on federal corruption charges to 15 months for his role in operating a private electronic cigarette company in the county jail for personal gain, announced U.S. Attorney Don Cochran of the Middle District of Tennessee and Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.
Russell, along with former Rutherford County Sheriff Robert Arnold and Arnold’s uncle, John Vanderveer, were named in a 14-count indictment in May 2016 charging honest services fraud; mail fraud; wire fraud; bribery concerning federal programs; extortion under color of official right; obstruction of justice; and conspiracy. Russell pleaded guilty on January 20, 2017.
The sentence was handed down by Senior U.S. District Judge Marvin E. Aspen of the Northern District of Illinois, sitting by designation in the Middle District of Tennessee, who also ordered Russell to pay $52,500 in restitution and to forfeit $52,234.41, an amount equal to all proceeds he received from JailCigs, LLC, the company at the heart of the fraud scheme.
According to court documents, Russell admitted to forming JailCigs along with Arnold and Vanderveer in 2013, using Arnold’s official position as Sheriff of Rutherford County. The profit-making scheme to derive benefits from JailCigs included allowing the company’s electronic cigarettes to come into the Rutherford County jail as non-contraband and to be distributed by county employees; taking steps to disguise their involvement in the company; and misrepresenting the benefits that Rutherford County was supposedly receiving from JailCigs.
Robert F. Arnold, the former Sheriff of Rutherford County, pleaded guilty in January 2017 and was sentenced in May 2017 to 50 months in prison and ordered to pay $52,500 in restitution and to forfeit $66,790. Arnold’s uncle, John Vanderveer, was sentenced in September 2017 to one year plus one day in prison, for attempting to tamper with a key witness in the investigation by asking her to destroy incriminating documents related to the scheme.
The FBI and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cecil W. VanDevender of the Middle District of Tennessee and Trial Attorneys Mark J. Cipolletti of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Andrew Laing of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section prosecuted the case.
Former New York Man Sentenced to 15 Months for Interstate Transportation of a Person for ProstitutionRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Donovan Miller, 30, formerly of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Chief Judge Nancy Torresen to 15 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release for transporting an individual in interstate commerce with the intent that she engage in prostitution. He was also ordered to pay $500 in restitution to his victim.
Court records reveal that on March 29, 2014, Miller, the female victim, and a third person traveled from Portland to New York City by bus. Upon arriving in New York City shortly after midnight, Miller took the victim and the third person to a hotel, and introduced them to another woman he had known for a long time. Advertisements for the victim’s prostitution services thereafter were posted on Backpage.com under the phone number of Miller’s long-time acquaintance.
The District of Maine is one of six districts designated through a competitive, nationwide selection process as a Phase II Anti-Trafficking Coordination Team (ACTeam), through the interagency ACTeam Initiative of the Departments of Justice, Homeland Security and Labor. ACTeams focus on developing high-impact human trafficking investigations and prosecutions involving forced labor, international sex trafficking and sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion through interagency collaboration among federal prosecutors and federal investigative agencies.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Westbrook Police Department.
Former Ballard County Judge Executive and Ballard County Treasurer Sentenced for Their Individual Roles in Concealing Unauthorized Bank LoansRead the Press Release
PADUCAH, Ky. – United States Attorney Russell M. Coleman today announced the sentencing of the former Ballard County Judge Executive and Ballard County Treasurer, in United States District Court, by Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas B. Russell, for their individual roles in securing and then concealing unauthorized bank loans.
“When public officials break the law, this diminishes the public’s confidence in our government and the rule of law itself,” stated United States Attorney Russell M. Coleman. “Our office and our law enforcement partners will hold elected officials accountable, be it for defrauding banks or the very resources of the people they were elected to represent. Vigorous investigation and ultimate federal prosecution of public officials in the Western District of Kentucky, who use their positions to steal from the public, should keep corrupt officials up at night.”
Vickie Louise Viniard, the former Ballard County Judge Executive was sentenced to time served and a 2-year period of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution of $1,832.76 individually and $53,998.21 jointly and severely with co-defendant Belinda Foster for bank fraud, wire fraud and making false statements on a loan application. Foster, the former Ballard County Treasurer, was also sentenced to time served and a 2-year period of supervised release and ordered to pay $93,673.82 in restitution, of which $53,998.21 will be jointly and severally liable with Viniard. Foster pleaded guilty to bank fraud, wire fraud, and receiving fraudulent medical reimbursement payments. Neither Viniard nor Foster had any history of criminal activity but both now stand convicted of felony offenses involving public corruption.
According to information presented in court, Viniard, while serving as Ballard County Judge Executive, applied for and received a series of five unauthorized loans, totaling over $1 million, on behalf of Ballard County during a two-year period between June of 2012 and June of 2014.
At the time of the loans, Ballard County suffered from cash shortages and this prompted Viniard’s scheme, which was to obtain short-term loans in order to fund Ballard County operations and make payments on bond obligations without seeking approval of the loans from the Ballard County Fiscal Court or informing the Kentucky Department of Local Government, both of which she was required to do under Kentucky state law. Even though Viniard did not personally benefit from any of these loans and all loan proceeds were used for Ballard County expenditures; Viniard lied to the bank’s loan officer by claiming she had authority to obtain the loans, which she knew she did not have. Viniard also intentionally concealed these loans from the Ballard County Fiscal Court for over two years and never notified the Kentucky Department of Local Government about any of the loans.
Co-defendant Belinda Janean Foster, the former Ballard County Treasurer, also deceived the Ballard County Fiscal Court about the loans by assisting Viniard in intentionally concealing the existence of the loans and even acting as a co-signor on some of the loans. Foster, at the direction of Viniard, never reported the loans to the Fiscal Court or the Kentucky Department of Local Government and intentionally labeled $350,000 from the loans as “payroll tax” instead of accounting for the income as loan proceeds. In addition to the fraudulent loans, Foster regularly wrote herself checks for fraudulent medical reimbursement payments totaling over $27,000.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nute Bonner and was investigated by the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Former Attorney and Others Sent to Prison for Money Laundering and Auto Loan SchemeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Three people have been ordered to federal prison following their convictions of money laundering for their participation in a Houston-based bank fraud and money laundering scheme, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.
Houston resident Jason Ryan Hall, 36, pleaded guilty Aug. 15, 2016, while disbarred former attorney Howard Price Johnson, 63, from Salt Lake City, Utah, and Ohio resident Anissa Lavon Burdett, 50, pleaded guilty Sept. 29, and 23, 2016, respectively.
Today, U.S. District Judge Alfred Bennett ordered Hall to serve an 18-month sentence to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. Johnson was previously sentenced to a term of 12 months and a day, while Burdett was ordered to serve six months in prison. At the hearing today, additional evidence was presented about Hall’s role in orchestrating the scheme. He was further ordered to pay restitution to the victim banks of $484,070.76 and forfeit $21,000 to the United States.
The three individuals participated in an automobile loan fraud scheme centered in Houston spanning April through November 2011. Hall held himself out as a used car dealer who sold luxury vehicles through his alleged Houston car dealerships “EZ Auto Group” and “1st Choice Motors.” Hall’s alleged dealerships, however, existed only as websites that Hall created. They had no physical existence, owned no cars and made no actual auto sales.
Acting as “straw buyers,” Johnson, Burdett and others applied to lenders for auto loans in order to purchase used Mercedes and Lexis cars from Hall’s supposed dealerships. In reality, no vehicles were purchased and Hall had none to sell. In their auto loan applications, the straw buyers made multiple misrepresentations to prospective lenders and submitted fraudulent documents Hall created and supplied in support of the loan applications. These fraudulent documents included fake bills of sale of the cars that were the subject of the loans and fake W-2 forms that purported to show gainful employment by the straw buyers that would qualify them for the loans.
Once the auto loans funded and the funds had been deposited into the bank accounts of the alleged dealerships, Hall kicked-back a portion of the loan funds to the straw buyers. Hall delivered no vehicles to the straw buyers and delivered no vehicle titles to the lenders. The straw buyers failed to pay off their loans, causing the loans to go into default. During the scheme, straw buyers applied for a total of 16 fraudulent auto loans with a combined value of approximately $695,741.
Hall was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
IRS-Criminal Investigation and U.S. Secret Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Johnson prosecuted the case.
Firearms Smugglers SentencedRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – Five Laredoans have been ordered to prison following their convictions for their roles in smuggling firearms into Mexico, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.
Juan Diego Madrid, 27, Rolando Armando Madrid, 21, Erik Villasana, 20, Edward Alexander Duenas, 20, and Francisco Xavier Martinez, 25, participated in a scheme to purchase civilian variants of firearms currently issued to military forces from various local firearms dealers. Between March 2016 and November 2016, Juan Madrid directed several individuals, including Rolando Madrid, Duenas and Martinez, to purchase the firearms. The firearms were then transferred to Villasana, who arranged for the firearms to be smuggled into Mexico.
Today, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña sentenced Juan Diego Madrid to a term of 65 months in federal prison, while his brother - Rolando Madrid, Villasana, Duenas and Martinez received respective sentences of 51, 63, 27 and 41 months in prison.
The straw purchasers bought AR-15 and AK-47-type semiautomatic rifles, Beretta 92FS and DPMS AR-type rifles from Academy and Kirkpatrick Guns & Ammo stores in Laredo and San Antonio. Juan Madrid would then purchase the firearms from the straw purchasers and then re-sell them at a profit to Villasana who would then arrange for the firearms to be smuggled into Mexico. Juan Madrid was already a convicted felon and thereby prohibited from purchasing, owning or possessing firearms.
Juan Madrid’s brother, Ruben Arnoldo Madrid, 21, was also involved in the scheme as a straw purchaser. He will be sentenced at a later date.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Homero Ramirez and Special AUSA Lisa Ezra are prosecuting the case.
Federal Criminal Complaint Charges Two Men with Witness TamperingRead the Press Release
FORT WORTH, Texas — Bruce Trenshel Davis, aka “Wheatie,” 25, of Shreveport, Louisiana and Brandon Ray Austin, aka “Pep,” 31, of Fort Worth, Texas, appeared yesterday in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey L. Cureton, on a federal criminal complaint stemming from their attempt to threaten witnesses who were cooperating with law enforcement in the prosecution of a child sex trafficking organization, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
The complaint charges both Davis and Austin with one count of attempting to obstruct or interfere with enforcement and one count of tampering with a witness, victim, or informant. Magistrate Judge Cureton ordered both defendants to remain in custody pending further court hearings.
“Protecting victims and witnesses is one of the most important jobs of law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Parker. “We will aggressively prosecute those who attempt to threaten, intimidate, or do physical harm against those who cooperate and work with law enforcement. That commitment is never more steadfast than in cases such as this, involving violent threats against minor female victims who have been sexually exploited.”
In March of 2017, the Fort Worth Police Department’s VICE Unit conducted a recovery operation in response to a lead sent from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in reference to a suspected victim of Child Sex Trafficking. Fort Worth VICE Unit located and utilized a Backpage.com ad containing photographs of a minor female that advertised commercial sex acts. As a result of the operation, the minor female was recovered. Additionally, two other minor females, Jane Doe 2 and Jane Doe 3, were also located. The operation resulted in eight men being arrested on sex trafficking of children charges.
Demarcus Davis, Kentrell Davis, Pierre Lagrone, Herman Sanders and Reginald Smith were among the eight charged.
According to the affidavit filed with the complaint, on July 25, 2017, Bruce Davis, a relative of Demarcus Davis and Kentrell Davis, sent threatening text messages to Jane Doe 2, the 17-year-old female victim in the case mentioned above. Bruce Davis threatened physical harm to Jane Doe 2 and her family because he believed she was cooperating with law enforcement in the prosecution of Kentrell Davis and Demarcus Davis.
Another witness who cooperated with law enforcement and provided valuable evidence that detailed the size and scope of the same child sex trafficking organization received threats from Austin, according to the affidavit. Austin was friends with Lagrone, Sanders and Smith. On October 18 and 19, 2017 Austin sent text messages to the witness threatening her in relation to her cooperation in the prosecution of Lagrone, Sanders and Smith.
A complaint is a written statement of the essential facts of the offense charged and must be made under oath before a magistrate judge. A defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. The government has 30 days to present the matter to a grand jury for indictment. The maximum penalty for the offense is not more than 20 years in federal prison.
The U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fort Worth, Tyler and Arlington Police Departments are investigating. Assistant U.S. Attorney P.J. Meitl is in charge of the prosecution.
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Evansville-area methamphetamine drug trafficking organization dismantledRead the Press Release
PRESS RELEASE
Evansville – United States Attorney Josh Minkler today announced federal criminal charges against 14 individuals for their role in a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking ring.
“Drug dealing fuels much of the violence that plagues many of our communities,” said Minkler. “My goal is to make Evansville one of the most inhospitable places in the country to sell illegal drugs. Those who do sell illegal drugs will face the full force of federal prosecution.”
Those charged include:
Mark Dow, Jr. 37, Owensboro, Kentucky
Tommy Howard, 42, Evansville
Andrea Maddox, 37, Evansville
Derricus Gilbert, 34, Tell City
Noel Henry, 42, Evansville
William Brown 33, Evansville
Kelly Damien, 33 Evansville
Tashiya Sanabria, 38, Evansville
Charles Redwine, 33, Evansville
Richard Mayo, Jr. 37, Evansville
Robert Howard, 45, Evansville
Bobby Hunter, 37, Evansville
Melinda Sigers, 33, Evansville
Shampayne Brown, 22, Evansville
All individuals are in the custody of the U.S. Marshal Service except Tashiya Sanabria who remains a fugitive.
From October 2016 until November 13, 2017, it is alleged that Tommy Howard and Andrea Maddox were the leaders and supervisors of a conspiracy to distribute and possess large quantities of methamphetamine in the Evansville area. T. Howard and Maddox would obtain their methamphetamine from their source of supply who was Mark Dow, Jr. - his sources were in Arizona and California.
Once the methamphetamine was transported to Evansville, it was redistributed to mid-level dealers who sold the drug throughout Southern Indiana and Northern Kentucky. Members of the conspiracy distributed the methamphetamine on a “front” providing quantities of the drug on a consignment basis, meaning it was paid for after the sale. It is further alleged that the conspirators used cellphones and talked in code language using text messages to discuss matters related to the trafficking operation.
During the course of the investigation, law enforcement agents seized 13 pounds of methamphetamine, 10 pounds of marijuana, $120,000 in United States currency, and two firearms.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, the United States Marshal Service, the Evansville Vanderburgh County Drug Task Force, the Tell City Police Department, the Owensboro Police Department, the Henderson Police Department and the Kentucky State Police.
“Unfortunately, with drugs, also comes violence and addiction, said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Greg Westfall.” “The message is clear, the DEA and our law enforcement partners will continue to utilize all the resources available to target those criminals who are responsible for the distribution of drugs poisoning the Evansville Community.”
“The Evansville Vanderburgh County Drug Task Force will continue to work diligently with our Federal law enforcement partners to ensure our community and our citizens remain safe,” said Evansville Police Chief Billy Bolin. “This investigation and the resulting arrests are examples of our ongoing commitment to address the problem of drugs in our community.”
According to Assistant United States Attorney Lauren M. Wheatley who is prosecuting this case for the government, all defendants face up to 20 years imprisonment if convicted.
An indictment is merely a charge and not evidence of guilt. All defendant are considered innocent until proven guilty in federal court.
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Elizabethtown Man Charged with Illegal Re-entry After DeportationRead the Press Release
Raul Francisco Torres-Perez, of Elizabethtown, PA, was charged today by Indictment with illegal reentry after deportation, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. The indictment alleges that on or about October 13, 2017, Torres-Perez, an alien, and native and citizen of Mexico, was found in the United States after having been deported from the United States on or about October 1, 2011 and January 10, 2012.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of ten years’ imprisonment.
The case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations (“ERO”), and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Josh A. Davison.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Dominican National Indicted on Drug Trafficking, Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Dominican national previously convicted and incarcerated in federal and state prisons on drug trafficking charges was named today in a 15-count federal indictment charging him with trafficking fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine; and being an alien in possession of a firearm, a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch and Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) New England Field Division announced the return of an indictment charging Marcio Alexandro Martinez-Lara, 42, of Providence, with one count each of possession with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and possession with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl; 5 counts of distribution of fentanyl; one count of possession with intent to distribute a kilogram or more of heroin; one count each of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and distribution of cocaine; and one count each of possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, alien in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Lara has been detained in federal custody since his arrest by members of the Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force on July 19, 2017. The arrest came after numerous alleged controlled purchases of fentanyl, heroin and cocaine from Martinez-Lara while he was under law enforcement surveillance, and the execution on July 19 of court authorized searches of his residence and business in Providence, a drug stash house he allegedly operated in Cranston, and of two vehicles allegedly in his control. During the searches law enforcement seized more than 1,182 grams of fentanyl, 1,148 grams of heroin, 106 grams of methamphetamine, 28 grams of cocaine and a loaded firearm.
As members of the DEA Drug Task Force, with the assistance of the Woonsocket, Cranston and Providence Police Departments, were preparing to execute the search warrants, agents and officers encountered and detained Martinez-Lara outside the alleged stash house in Cranston. Law enforcement officers allegedly seized nearly 103 grams of fentanyl concealed inside Martinez-Lara's clothing.
At the time of his arrest, Martinez-Lara identified himself to law enforcement as being Sandro Martinez. Law enforcement has since determined that his actual name is Marcio Alexandro Martinez-Lara.
An indictment is merely an allegation 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.
According to court records, in October 1997 Martinez-Lara was convicted in federal court on cocaine trafficking charges and subsequently sentenced to 121 months in federal prison; in April 1998 Martinez-Lara was convicted in Rhode Island state court on delivery of schedule I/II controlled substances and conspiracy charges and sentenced to 10 years in state prison – 18 months to serve with 102 months suspended with probation; and on June 9, 2016, Martinez-Lara was arrested by Providence Police and released on bail on a charge of delivery of heroin. He was awaiting trial at the time of his most recent arrest by the DEA Drug Task Force.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gerard B. Sullivan.
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Cuyahoga Falls man charged after making threats to shoot up church and casinoRead the Press Release
The Cleveland Division of the FBI, The United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District and the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department announce the arrest of a Cuyahoga Falls man charged with interstate threatening communications and destruction of evidence.
Wei Li, 28, texted his estranged wife on November 6, 2017 multiple times threatening to kill her and to shoot up a Las Vegas hotel and casino. Li also referenced conducting a mass shooting at a church with at least 1,000 people in attendance. Li indicated in the text messaging that the killing he planned to commit would go down in history and that he would blame his wife for all the deaths. Li’s wife was employed at a Las Vegas casino at the time of the text.
On November 10, 2017, during a joint interview with FBI agents and Cuyahoga Falls Police Detectives, Li was asked to unlock his phone. He complied but proceeded to delete a string of text messages. Li was immediately arrested and placed in local custody.
This morning, Li was transferred into federal custody. He will have his initial appearance in U.S. Magistrate Judge George Limbert’s courtroom today, Thursday, November 16, 2017, at 9a.m.
A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Cleveland man sentenced to 20 years in prison after trying to film people showering at Geneva State ParkRead the Press Release
A Cleveland man was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after he was arrested trying to film people showering at Geneva State Park, law enforcement officials said.
James D. Sullivan, 60, was found guilty of child pornography crimes.
Law enforcement received a complaint of someone attempting to record people while they were showering at the Geneva State Park’s campground restroom on July 18, 2015, according to court documents.
The restroom has drop ceilings. An Ohio State trooper found an ajar ceiling tile and entered the space, where he found a blanket, a bottle of lotion and bodily fluid on a ceiling tile. The bodily fluid was tested and was a DNA match for Sullivan, according to court documents.
A subsequent search of his Cleveland apartment revealed Sullivan had a Dell laptop computer containing nearly 100 images of children being sexually assaulted.
Sullivan was previously convicted of attempted rape, burglary and gross sexual imposition, according to court documents.
“This defendant has preyed upon people for years, whether abusing people here in Cleveland or trading in images of children being victimized,” U.S Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “This prison sentence makes our community safer.”
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael A. Sullivan and Carol M. Skutnik following an investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Secret Service.
Cincinnati Men Charged with 9 Robberies at Area UDF Stores, Gas StationsRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A federal grand jury has charged Lorenzo Bratcher, 23, and Isaiah Buck, 21, both of Cincinnati, with conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery and use of a firearm during a crime of violence in an indictment returned in Cincinnati. Bratcher was also charged with possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony offense.
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), Cincinnati Police Chief Eliot K. Isaac, Colerain Township Police Chief Mark Denney, Mount Healthy Police Chief Vincent L. Demasi and Norwood Police Chief William Kramer announced the charges.
The indictment alleges that between August 30 and September 6 the defendants committed nine robberies in Cincinnati. They include robberies at the United Dairy Farmers stores on Glenmore, Clifton, Hamilton and Woodford avenues and on Montgomery Road, as well as the Thornton’s Gas Station stores on West Galbraith and West North Bend roads.
Conspiracy to commit robbery is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Use of a firearm during a crime of violence carries a potential sentence of seven years to life, or, in Bratcher’s case, a mandatory minimum of 25 years in prison up to life for a second offense. Possessing a firearm as a convicted felon is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by ATF and the local police departments, and Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Springer, who is prosecuting the case.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Chicago Podiatrist Sentenced for Health Care Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Dr. John Dailey was sentenced to 27 months in prison and ordered to pay $291,413 in restitution to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
According to court records, Dr. Dailey, a podiatrist, was employed by Aggeus Healthcare, a Chicago company, to provide podiatry services to residents of nursing homes and other long term care facilities in Missouri and other states. To justify unnecessary services to patients, Dr. Dailey stated in his treatment notes that the patients had conditions that they did not have or grossly exaggerated the conditions the patients did have. As examples, Dr. Dailey stated that patients were experiencing pain, had problems walking, and had peripheral vascular disease when these conditions did not exist. To increase his compensation, at times, Dr. Dailey billed for procedures that would have required from 19 to 28 hours of work in a single day, which did not account for time spent traveling, eating, or sleeping.
Dr. Dailey, 60, currently residing in Las Vegas, pled guilty on July 6, 2017 to two felony counts of healthcare fraud and appeared on Wednesday for sentencing before United States District Judge Ronnie L. White.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Dorothy McMurtry is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Cell phone store robbers sentenced in federal courtRead the Press Release
Robbery team terrorized stores around the Midwest.
PRESS RELEASE
New Albany – United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced today the sentencing of two men convicted of robbing cell phone stores in the Midwest. Jeffrey A. Kemp, 41, Dolton, Illinois, was sentenced to 384 months (32 years) and Lawrence D. Adkinson, 28, Hazel Crest, Illinois, was sentenced to 346 months (over 28 years) before U. S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. The defendants were found guilty at a jury trial in August 2017, of conspiracy to commit robbery, conspiracy to brandish a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, robbery, and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
“This group used violence to terrorize retail store employees around the Midwest,” said Minkler. “Putting the safety of shoppers, employees and law enforcement in jeopardy will never be tolerated. They will many years in the Bureau of Prisons to contemplate their actions.”
The investigation began when a T-Mobile store in Clarksville, Indiana, and a Verizon store in Lexington, Kentucky, were robbed at gun point on successive days in July 2015. The investigation led by the FBI and a coalition of state and local law enforcement agencies and offices determined that Kemp and Adkinson led a group of ten men who committed armed robberies of cell phone retailers in various cities and towns in Illinois, including Orland Park, Joliet, Bloomington, Batavia, and DeKalb, and in St. Louis, Missouri, and Waterloo, Iowa, in addition to those in Clarksville, Indiana, and Lexington, Kentucky. The defendants were ultimately arrested in Iowa, while still in possession of phones stolen from many of the other locations.
The robberies were violent in nature. The robbers often held firearms to the faces of the victims before ultimately restraining them in the back rooms of the retail stores. Kemp and Adkinson, as the leaders of the group, provided all the vehicles, guns, and other instrumentalities of the robberies, selected all of the stores to be robbed, and decided who would rob each store. The other eight defendants have all pled guilty for their roles in the offenses.
"This sentencing is a testament to the dedication of our agents and our partners whose hard work on this investigation ensured this group is no longer a threat to the community," said W. Jay Abbott, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Indianapolis Division
According to Assistant United States Attorneys Bradley Shepard and Pamela Domash who prosecuted this case for the government, both defendants face 3 years of supervised release after serving their sentences.
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Cape Cod Man Sentenced for Role in Heroin OperationRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dennis man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with a heroin trafficking operation on Cape Cod.
Jason Mello, 29, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Patti B. Saris to 78 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In May 2017, Mello pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin and possession of heroin with the intent to distribute.
Mello was charged as part of a federal investigation into the “Nauti-Block” gang, led by Denzel Chisholm, Christian Chapman and Christopher Wilkins, that resulted in the indictment of 19 individuals. These gang leaders obtained heroin from New Bedford, and other areas, and distributed the heroin to numerous drug dealers on Cape Cod, including Mello.
On Sept. 18, 2017, Wilkins was sentenced to nine years in prison; on Sept. 15, 2017, Chisholm was sentenced to 342 months in prison; and on July 12, 2017, Chapman was sentenced to eight years in prison.
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; Cape and Islands District Attorney Michael O’Keefe; and Barnstable Police Chief Paul MacDonald made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric S. Rosen and Miranda Hooker of Weinreb’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Canton Man Sentenced for Federal Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Canton man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for multiple drug and firearm offenses.
Hollis Owens, 44, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to four years in prison and three years of supervised release. In July 2017, Owens pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition and four counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
In the spring of 2016, law enforcement officers investigating the illegal distribution of cocaine in Framingham made several controlled purchases of cocaine from Owens. In April 2016, a search of Owen’s residence resulted in the seizure of approximately 18 grams of crack cocaine, a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm hand gun, 114 rounds of various caliber ammunition and $1,869 in cash.
Owens is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior state felony conviction.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Soivilien of Weinreb’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Canadian man arrested in Orlando, Florida, after attempting to meet Ohio child for sexRead the Press Release
A Toronto resident was arrested in Orlando, Florida, this morning based on federal charges filed in the Northern District of Ohio for coercion and enticement, and transfer of obscene material to minors.
Daniel Jason Wnek, 27, was placed in custody without incident by law enforcement this morning.
On November 3, 2017, FBI Cleveland Division, Lima Resident Agency, was notified by Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office of an allegation of an adult male attempting to set up a meeting with a juvenile for the purpose of committing a sex act with the juvenile. The adult male was ultimately identified as Daniel Wnek.
Wnek initially portrayed himself as a fellow teen, describing himself as a 14-year-old as he interacted with what he believed to be a 14-year-old female. The underage female was actually an 11-year-old female. Numerous sexually graphic conversations occurred between Wnek and the underage female via two different platforms online. Wnek acknowledged during the conversations his intent to have sex with the underage female, and potentially her friends.
Wnek entered the United States with his destination being Orlando, Florida on November 13, 2017. FBI agents from the FBI Lima Resident Agency traveled to Orlando, Florida, and assisted in executing the arrest of Wnek this morning, Thursday, at approximately 8 a.m. at an area hotel. Wnek will have an initial appearance in United States Middle District of Florida court.
This investigation was a collaborative effort with special thanks to the following agencies: FBI, Tampa Division; United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Ohio and Middle District of Florida; Toronto Police Service and the United States Customs and Border Protection.
A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Canadian County Jailer Pleads Guilty to Violating Civil Rights of Pretrial DetaineeRead the Press Release
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – JASON BARBER, 41, of Bethany, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty today to depriving a pretrial detainee of his civil rights by using unreasonable force, announced Mark A. Yancey, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.
According to charges filed on October 31, 2017, Barber was a ranking Lieutenant and employed as a Correctional Officer during 2014 at the Canadian County Jail in El Reno, Oklahoma. On December 23, 2014, L.T. was an individual held at the jail after an arrest but before conviction of a crime. The charges allege that Barber willfully deprived L.T. of his constitutional right to due process of law when he struck L.T. while participating in a disciplinary hearing concerning L.T. Because Barber was acting under color of law, his unreasonable use of force violated federal criminal law. In the absence of bodily injury, the offense is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in prison.
Today Barber pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Shon T. Erwin. Barber and the government have agreed he should receive a sentence of probation. He could also be fined up to $100,000. He will be sentenced in approximately 90 days.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI and the Investigations Division of the Canadian County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia E. Barry is prosecuting the case. Reference is made to court records for further information.
Camby Indiana woman sentenced in federal court in aggravated identity theft caseRead the Press Release
Sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment following scourge of identity theft
PRESS RELEASE
Indianapolis – Josh J. Minkler, the United States Attorney, announced today a 36 month sentence of imprisonment for defendant Selina Norman, 35, following her guilty pleas to bank fraud, possession of stolen mail, and aggravated identity theft. She was sentenced by U.S. District Judge William T. Lawrence. The matter was investigated jointly by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Cumberland Police Department with assistance from security officers employed by commercial establishments in the district affected by the charged activity.
Norman was apprehended in January 2017, and later charged following an investigation that unearthed a scourge of identity theft activity. She stole checks from the U.S. mail, edited the checks and cashed them at various commercial entities to purchase gift cards. Recently, United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced the priorities for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Indiana to include aggressively prosecuting identity thieves and fraudsters whose criminal conduct often affect innocent citizens for years.
“Identity Theft strips innocent citizens of tangible and intangible securities. This criminal activity and the individuals who chose to partake will be aggressively pursued in this district and across the country in an effort to address this national epidemic,” said Minkler.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia J. Ridgeway who prosecuted this case for the government, Norman must serve three years of supervised release after her sentence.
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Cabot Man in Federal Court on Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Jeremy A. Churchill, age 37, from Cabot, Vermont, made an initial appearance on November 15, 2017 before United States Magistrate Judge John M. Conroy in Burlington on firearms charges.
An Indictment charges Churchill with two gun violations: possession of stolen firearms, and possession of firearms after being convicted of a felony. Both charges carry 10-year maximum terms of imprisonment. The Indictment alleges that the offenses took place on May 16, 2017, and that Churchill has a 2007 conviction for felony sale of narcotics in Washington County, Vermont. Magistrate Judge Conroy ordered Churchill detained pending a November 16, 2017 bail hearing.
Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms arrested Churchill Tuesday as he left a State of Vermont court hearing in Barre, Vermont. Pending State charges against Churchill relate to his alleged May 16, 2017 burglary of a home in East Montpelier and possession of stolen property from that home, including handguns.
The Indictment is an accusation only and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Any sentence will be imposed after consideration of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. In addition to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the U.S. Attorney’s Office lauded the work of the Vermont State Police, Middlesex Barracks, in investigating and developing the case. Churchill is represented in the federal prosecution by the Federal Public Defender’s Office. The United States is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Darrow.
Burlington Woman Pleads Guilty to Involvement in Large Scale Fentanyl Operation in LawrenceRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Burlington woman pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to her role in a widespread heroin and fentanyl ring operating in Lawrence.
Lacey Picariello, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine and fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock deferred sentencing until Picariello completes the Court’s Repair, Invest, Succeed, Emerge (R.I.S.E.) program.
On May 30, 2017, after a year-long investigation aimed at attacking the fentanyl and heroin crisis in Lawrence and surrounding areas, more than 200 federal, state and local law enforcement officers executed a federal drug sweep to dismantle a Lawrence-based drug trafficking organization allegedly run by Juan Anibal Patrone. Picariello was arrested and charged along with Patrone and approximately 30 co-conspirators.
Picariello redistributed fentanyl and cocaine for Patrone in Burlington and surrounding areas.
The charge provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, a minimum of three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 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; Michal J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Essex County District Attorney Jonathan W. Blodgett; Colonel Kerry A Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Lawrence Police Chief James Fitzpatrick made the announcement today. The DEA Cross Border Initiative, comprised of the DEA and the Andover, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, and Wilmington Police Departments, conducted the investigation jointly with the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Winkler of Weinreb’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Angleton Man Sentenced for Multiple Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
GALVESTON, Texas – A 44-year old resident of Angleton has been ordered to federal prison following his convictions on one count each of distribution, receipt and possession of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. John Kevin Waldrip pleaded guilty June 7, 2017.
Today, U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks Jr. imposed sentences of 175, 175 and 120 months for the possession, receipt and distribution convictions, respectively. The sentences will run concurrently. Following completion of his 175-month sentence, Waldrip will be on supervised release for 10 years, during which time he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the Internet. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
Waldrip came to the attention of law enforcement following an investigation into persons using the Internet to traffic in child pornography via peer-to-peer software. A detective with Pearland Police Department (PPD) was able to locate and identify a computer as offering to participate in the receipt of child pornography videos through a peer-to-peer network on the Internet. Through the investigation, it was determined that the computer was located at a residence in Angleton.
On June 30, 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the Angleton residence, during which time they seized a computer. A forensic examination on the computer revealed 81 videos and 512 images of child pornography involving minor children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Some of the videos are of known victims as identified through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Waldrip will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
PPD and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.
This case, prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sherri L. Zack, 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."
Albany Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kewon D. Johnson, age 24, of Albany, pled guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF).
As part of his plea, Johnson admitted that on July 27, 2017, while in Troy, he possessed a Glock .40 caliber semiautomatic pistol. Johnson was prohibited from possessing the pistol because he had two prior felony convictions.
At sentencing on March 12, 2018, Johnson faces up to 10 years in prison and up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case was investigated by the ATF, Albany Police Department, and Troy Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Coffman.
Additional YMM Gang Member Sentenced to 20 Years for Drug and Gun ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BRYAN SCOTT, age 23, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced today after having previously been found guilty of participating in a drug conspiracy and a firearms conspiracy. U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt sentenced SCOTT to serve 240 months or 20 years in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, and a $200 special assessment.
In June of 2017, BRYAN SCOTT, JAWAN FORTIA, DEDRICK KEELEN, LIONEL ALLEN, and DELWIN McLAREN were convicted following a 7-day trial. According to evidence presented at trial, SCOTT was a member of the “Young Melph Mafia” gang, also referred to as “YMM.” The YMM gang was initially formed in or about 2005 and continued to exist through 2014. During the course of the federal investigation into the gang, agents learned that the defendants controlled an area of Central City New Orleans along Martin Luther King Boulevard near the former Melpomene Housing Development. The gang, which started when the members were in their early teens, participated in a wide ranging conspiracy to distribute street level quantities of crack cocaine in Central City and participated in several acts of violence against rival gangs, such as the 110ers. The members of the YMM were associates of the members of the Allen family, who were also indicted and convicted in federal court in 2014. Three members of the 110ers gang were convicted on January 29, 2015, in Orleans Parish Criminal Court for the Briana Allen shooting.
The jury found SCOTT guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 280 grams of crack cocaine and a quantity of marijuana along with conspiracy to possess firearms during and in relation to crimes of violence and drug trafficking crimes. SCOTT’s sentence was enhanced due to a prior felony drug conviction to a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years.
SCOTT was one of eleven defendants originally charged in August of 2014 in a superseding indictment involving gun and drug conspiracies. Five YMM defendants pled guilty to the conspiracy charges and were sentenced. JACOBI BOYD was sentenced to 480 months of incarceration; ALFRED COBBINS was sentenced to 252 months of incarceration; SHAWN GRACIN was sentenced to 270 months of incarceration; RUBEN GEIGER was sentenced to 220 months of incarceration; DARIUS WILLIAMS was sentenced to 156 months of incarceration; and DEONTRE HILLS was sentenced to 96 months of incarceration. In August of 2015, federal RICO and murder charges were added against the remaining defendants in a second superseding indictment. JEFFREY WILSON, a YMM associate, pled guilty to only drug charges and was sentenced to 180 months of incarceration. DEDRICK KEELEN was sentenced to life plus 10 years after being convicted of multiple murder counts at trial, JAWAN FORTIA was also sentenced to life in prison, and DELWIN McLAREN was sentenced on November 15, 2017, to 16 years of incarceration for his participation in the same drug and gun conspiracies. LIONEL ALLEN, who is facing multiple life terms, is awaiting sentencing.
Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as part of the metro area’s Multi-Agency Gang Unit (MAG) in investigating this matter. As an integral component of NOLA FOR LIFE’s Group Violence Reduction Strategy, the MAG Unit consists of a partnership with New Orleans Police Department (NOPD); Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office (DA); Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (OPSO); Louisiana State Police (LSP); Parole Board of the Louisiana Department of Corrections; United States Attorney’s Office (USAO); Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); United States Marshal’s Service (USMS); and the United States Probation & Parole Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Assistant United States Attorneys Edward Rivera, Nolan Paige, and Nicholas Moses were in charge of the prosecution.
Adam Braverman Sworn in as United States Attorney for the Southern District of CaliforniaRead the Press Release
Media Relations Director Kelly Thornton (619) 546-9726 or [email protected]
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – November 16, 2017
SAN DIEGO – Adam L. Braverman, a veteran prosecutor who has spent a significant part of his government career pursuing large-scale international drug trafficking cartels, took the oath of office today to become U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California following his interim appointment by Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
“It is an honor and privilege to be asked to lead an office that is so close to my heart,” Braverman said. “I intend to support all the excellent work that is underway in this office, and also to pursue new, comprehensive, long-term solutions to our most challenging issues – particularly those crimes committed by transnational criminal organizations.”
Braverman, a native of Columbus, Ohio, has been a federal prosecutor in San Diego since 2008. He was most recently deputy chief of the Criminal Enterprises Section, which investigates and prosecutes international and domestic narcotics trafficking organizations and criminal street gangs.
During his tenure as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, Braverman led one of the Department of Justice’s most successful investigations and prosecutions of the Sinaloa Cartel, which resulted in the indictments of more than 125 people, including the command and control structure of the Sinaloa Cartel.
Braverman has been the recipient of numerous significant awards in recent years, including a Justice Department honor for superior performance as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in 2017 and the prestigious J. Michael Bradford Award from the National Association of Former United States Attorneys in 2016 for most outstanding performance by an Assistant U.S. Attorney.
With his appointment, Braverman becomes the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the Southern District of California, which includes San Diego and Imperial counties. The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including crimes related to terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, firearms, immigration and narcotics. The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.
Braverman earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and criminal justice from The George Washington University in 1997 and his law degree from The George Washington University School of Law in 2000. He began his legal career as a law clerk, first for Washington, D.C. Superior Court Judge Ann O’Regan Keary in 2000 and then for U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton in the District of Columbia in 2002.
In 2004, Braverman went to work in private practice at Goodwin Procter in Washington, D.C. and then became a law clerk for Judge Consuelo M. Callahan of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in 2007. He joined the U.S. Attorney’s office in San Diego in 2008.
Braverman replaces Alana Robinson, who was appointed by Department of Justice officials in January to be acting U.S. attorney on a temporary basis for up to 300 days, a period that expired today. Chief U.S. District Judge Barry T. Moskowitz officiated over the swearing-in ceremony.
Acoma Pueblo Man from Cibola County Pleads Guilty to Federal Child Sexual Abuse ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Anthony P. Castillo, 49, an enrolled member of the Acoma Pueblo who resides in San Fidel, N.M., pled guilty today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to abusive sexual contact charges. Castillo’s plea agreement recommends a prison sentence within the range of 12 to 18 years followed by a term of supervised release to be determined by the court. Castillo will also be required to register as a sex offender.
Castillo was arrested in April 2017, on a criminal complaint charging him with sexually abusing a Navajo child under the age of 12 years between Jan. 1, 2017 and Feb. 28, 2017, on the Acoma Pueblo in Cibola County, N.M.
During today’s proceedings, Castillo pled guilty to a two-count felony information charging him with abusive sexual contact. In entering the guilty plea, Castillo admitted that between Jan. 1, 2017 and Feb. 27, 2017, he engaged in sexual contact with two child victims under the age of 12 years at a residence on the Acoma Pueblo. Castillo remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Laguna/Acoma Agency of the BIA’s Office of Justice Services and the Acoma Pueblo Tribal Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Raquel Ruiz-Velez is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
ALPHABAY Spokesperson Ronald L. Wheeler III A/K/A “Trappy” arraigned in federal courtRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Ronald L. Wheeler, III, a/k/a Trappy, has been arraigned on federal charges of conspiracy to commit access device fraud. During the hearing, Wheeler waived indictment and opted to proceed by criminal information.
“This defendant was the mouthpiece for AlphaBay on the internet, encouraging others to access the Dark Web and purchase illegal drugs and contraband,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “Like other defendants, Wheeler eventually learned that the Dark Web is not impenetrable; your actions will catch up to you, just like they did in this case.”
“Cyber criminals, such as Ronald L. Wheeler, present an omnipresent and increasingly critical threat to our community's safety. By acting as a spokesperson for the criminal element on AlphaBay, he served to further the agendas of those who chose to defy our laws and victimize our communities. He operated with an attitude of impunity, until now,” said David J. LeValley, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office.
“People think the Dark Web allows them to be incognito, conduct criminal activity and profit undetected,” said James E. Dorsey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office to shine light into the Dark Web and dismantle these corrupt criminal enterprises one at a time.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges, and other information presented in court: Ronald L. Wheeler III a/k/a Trappy conspired with Alexandre Cazes a/k/a Alpha02 a/k/a Admin, and others to commit access device fraud through The Onion Routing (“TOR”) Dark Web marketplace AlphaBay.
AlphaBay was an international criminal marketplace that enabled users to purchase and sell stolen and fraudulently obtained access devices, illegal drugs, firearms, hacking tools, and other illicit goods and services. Sales listings on the website were organized into categories, including “Fraud,” “Drugs & Chemicals,” “Counterfeit Items,” “Weapons,” and “Carded Items.” Shortly before AlphaBay was shut down by law enforcement, the website contained thousands of sales listings for illegal products, including approximately 4,488 sales listings for stolen personally identifying information; 28,800 sales listings for stolen online account information; 6,008 sales listings for stolen credit card information; 3,586 sales listings for computer hacking tools, such as botnets and exploit kits; and 257,533 sales listings for illegal drugs, including cocaine, heroin, and a variety of opioids. The sales of stolen personally identifying information, online account information, and credit card information all provided fertile grounds for access device fraud to flourish on the Dark Web.
The financial transactions conducted on AlphaBay occurred in virtual cryptocurrencies. Aside from product listings, AlphaBay provided message board forums where users could securely discuss their criminal activities and receive support from AlphaBay staffers.
On or about May 25, 2015, Wheeler began working as a public relations specialist for AlphaBay. Wheeler’s duties included moderating the AlphaBay subreddit on the internet website reddit.com; moderating the AlphaBay message board forums; mediating sales disputes among AlphaBay users; promoting AlphaBay on the internet; and providing non-technical assistance to AlphaBay users. In return for his work in the conspiracy, Wheeler received a salary in Bitcoin. Throughout his participation in the conspiracy, Wheeler advised the public on how to access AlphaBay and encouraged the public to use AlphaBay. Wheeler’s work with AlphaBay continued until early July 2017, when the FBI and its international law enforcement partners shut down AlphaBay and the AlphaBay owner, Cazes, was arrested in Thailand.
Ronald L. Wheeler, III, a/k/a Trappy, 24, of Streamwood, Illinois, was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Janet F. King. Members of the public are reminded that the information only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Samir Kaushal is prosecuting the case. Substantial assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
50th Defendant Sentenced on Federal Charges Arising Out of ATF-Led Operation Targeting Drug Trafficking and Firearms Crime in Bernalillo CountyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – In Aug. 2016, a multi-agency investigation led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) concluded with the filing of 59 federal indictments and a federal criminal complaint charging 103 Bernalillo County residents with federal firearms and narcotics trafficking offenses. To date, 80 of the 103 defendants charged as the result of this investigation have entered guilty pleas and 50 of them have been sentenced.
The investigation was undertaken in support of a federal anti-violence initiative that targets “the worst of the worst” offenders for federal prosecution. Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies collaborate with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders for federal prosecution primarily based on their prior criminal convictions with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible.
Today, Simon Shields, 37, of Bernalillo, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to 63 months in prison followed four years of supervised release for his methamphetamine trafficking conviction
Shields and his co-defendant Ray Martinez, 46, were charged in an indictment with conspiracy and methamphetamine trafficking offenses. The indictment was subsequently superseded on July 28, 2016, to include David Corral-Valenzuela, 45. The superseding indictment charged Martinez and Shields with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine on June 13, 2016, Shields and Corral-Valenzuela with conspiracy and distribution of methamphetamine on June 21, 2016, and Corral-Valenzuela with being an alien in possession of a firearm and illegal reentry into the United States on July 6, 2016. The superseding indictment included forfeiture provisions requiring the co-defendants to forfeit $6,550 to the United States. On April 12, 2017, Shields pled guilty to Count 2 of the superseding indictment charging him with distribution of methamphetamine and admitted that on June 13, 2016, he aided and abetted his co-defendant by transporting approximately 56.8 grams of methamphetamine, which was later sold to an undercover law enforcement agent. Shields further admitted that he assisted another co-defendant in selling methamphetamine on June 21, 2016. Martinez entered a guilty plea on Sept. 2, 2016, and was sentenced on Dec. 15, 2016, to 77 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release. Corral-Valenzuela is currently scheduled for trial in Feb. 2018.
Twenty of the defendants charged as the result of the ATF investigation have entered not guilty pleas to the charges against them. Charges in indictments are merely accusations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty in a court of law. Two defendants are fugitives and the charges against two defendants have been dismissed.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of ATF is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly A. Brawley and Paul Mysliwiec
22 MS-13 Members and Associates Charged Federally in ICE’s MS-13 Targeted ‘Operation Raging Bull’ Which Netted a Total of 267 ArrestsRead the Press Release
U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials today announced the results of stepped up efforts by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the department to target and dismantle MS-13 – culminating in the arrest of 267 in the United States and overseas.
“Operation Raging Bull” was led by ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with support from federal, state, local and international law enforcement partners, and was conducted in support of the Department of Justice’s renewed prioritization of the violent transnational gang.
“With more than 10,000 members across 40 states, MS-13 is one of the most dangerous criminal organizations in the United States today,” said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. “President Trump has ordered the Department of Justice to reduce crime and take down transnational criminal organizations, and we will be relentless in our pursuit of these objectives. That’s why I have ordered our drug trafficking task forces to use every law available to arrest, prosecute, convict, and defund MS-13. And we are getting results. So far this year, we have secured convictions against more than 1,200 gang members and worked with our partners in Central America to arrest and charge some 4,000 MS-13 members. I want to thank the Department of Homeland Security, our federal law enforcement agents and prosecutors from the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section as well as Treasury, BOP, DOJ’s OCDETF task force members, and all of our state and local law enforcement partners for their hard work. These 267 arrests are the next step toward making this country safer by taking MS-13 off of our streets for good.”
“MS-13 has long been a priority for ICE. However we are now combating the gang with renewed focus and an unprecedented level of cooperation among DHS’s components and our domestic and international partners,” said Thomas Homan, ICE Deputy Director and Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director. “ICE has the ability to pursue complex criminal cases using our statutory authorities and to prevent crime by using our administrative arrest authorities to remove gang members from the country. We will not rest until every member, associate, and leader of MS-13 has been held accountable for their crimes, and those in this country illegally have been removed.”
The operation was conducted in two phases, targeting dangerous gang members and their global financial networks. The first phase of the operation which was announced previously, netted 53 arrests in El Salvador at the conclusion of an 18-month investigation in September. The second phase was conducted across the United States from Oct. 8 to Nov. 11, and concluded with 214 MS-13 arrests nationwide.
HSI received significant operational support, including intelligence sharing and collaboration, from ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the U.S. Department of Treasury, U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Prisons (BOP), as well as state, local, federal, and international law enforcement partners. The Organized Crime and Gang Section of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, with funding from the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, along with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in the Districts of Arizona, Maryland, Massachusetts, Northern District of California, Southern District of Iowa and Southern District of Texas, and are prosecuting the cases.
"Securing the homeland is a critical piece of the USCIS mission,” said USCIS Director L. Francis Cissna. “We are committed to supporting and providing intelligence to our law enforcement colleagues on public safety initiatives like Operation Raging Bull. We will bring all of our agency’s resources to bear in helping protect the American public from violent crime, and in the pursuit of those who seek to endanger the security of our nation.”
"This joint effort is not new. It is something we all do as law enforcement,” said Border Patrol Deputy Chief Scott Luck. “I look forward to continue working with my partners here at Headquarters as well as the field to address not just this threat but all threats.”
“The Bureau of Prisons is proud to have supported our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners in this successful effort to enhance public safety,” said Assistant Director Frank Lara for the Federal Bureau of Prisons Correctional Programs. “The Bureau of Prisons will continue to work collaboratively to combat the threat violent gangs pose inside prisons and in the community.”
Of the total 214 arrests made in the United States, 93 were arrested on federal and/or state criminal charges including murder, aggravated robbery, Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organization (RICO) offenses, Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering (VICAR) offenses, narcotics trafficking, narcotics possession, firearms offenses, domestic violence, assault, forgery, DUI and illegal entry/reentry. The remaining 121 were arrested on administrative immigration violations.
Sixteen of the 214 arrested were U.S. citizens and 198 were foreign nationals, of which only five had legal status to be in the United States. Foreign nationals arrested were from El Salvador (135), Honduras (29), Mexico (17), Guatemala (12), Ecuador (4) and Costa Rica (1).
Sixty-four individuals had illegally crossed the border as unaccompanied alien children; most are now adults.
Examples of the federal prosecutions during this operation include:- In Baltimore, Maryland, the arrest and indictment of four MS-13 members on charges that include violent crimes in aid of racketeering and conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering;
- In Greenbelt, Maryland, the arrest and indictment of eight MS-13 members on charges that include conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise, conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by extortion; and
- MS-13 members and associates were arrested in East Boston and Chelsea, Massachusetts; Falfurrias, Hidalgo and Laredo, Texas; Nogales, Tucson and Yuma, Arizona; Council Bluffs, Iowa; Annapolis, Baltimore, Clinton, Beltsville, Upper Marlboro, Centreville and Jessup, Maryland; and San Jose, California and charged with various federal offenses including illegal alien in possession of a firearm and illegal re-entry after deportation.
Following this operation, ICE has added six MS-13 fugitives to its list of “most wanted” individuals, including one fugitive wanted for homicide in Montgomery County, Texas, and five others wanted for their involvement in the homicide and attempted homicides of El Salvadoran police officers. All are suspected of being somewhere in the U.S.
Individuals are confirmed as gang members if they admit membership in a gang; have been convicted of violating Title 18 USC 521 or any other federal or state law criminalizing or imposing civil consequences for gang-related activity; or if they meet certain other criteria such as having tattoos identifying a specific gang or being identified as a gang member by a reliable source.
Gang associates are individuals who exhibit gang member criteria but who are not formally initiated into the gang. Law enforcement officers encountering these individuals will determine whether indications of gang association are present by referring to the gang membership criteria.