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25 October 2017
DEA and Local Law Enforcement Partners Take Back Unwanted Prescription Drugs October 28Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – This Saturday, October 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time the federal Drug Enforcement Administration and its local law enforcement, community and tribal partners will give the public its 14th opportunity in seven years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.
Individuals can take pills and other solid forms of medication to one of almost 5,000 collection sites manned by more than 4,000 partners nationwide. (DEA cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps.) They can find nearby collection sites at www.DEATakeBack.com or by calling 800-882-9539. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
“Disposing of leftover painkillers or other addictive medicines in the house is one of the best ways to prevent a member of your family from becoming a victim of the opioid epidemic,” said DEA Acting Administrator Robert W. Patterson. “More people start down the path of addiction through the misuse of opioid prescription drugs than any other substance. The abuse of these prescription drugs has fueled the nation’s opioid epidemic, which has led to the largest rate of overdose deaths this country has ever seen.”
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. DEA launched its prescription drug take back program when both the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration advised the public that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—posed potential safety and health hazards.
Last April the public turned in 450 tons (900,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,500 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,200 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 13 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 8.1 million pounds—more than 4,050 tons—of pills.# # #
DEA Prepares for Prescription Drug Takeback DayRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Acting U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Strange will join the DEA on Oct. 28, 2017, for its 14th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at thousands of collection sites around the country, including over 70 in Arizona. The event is an effort to rid homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. The links provided below contain information about local location sites.
“We are proud to support this great endeavor in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Strange. “The collection sites throughout Arizona will not only encourage drug disposal and support our smaller communities, but we hope this event will enhance an awareness of the opioid crisis and other prescription-drug problems affecting all of our communities.”
“Every Arizonan can prevent the potential onset of addiction from within their own homes and impact the supply of excess prescription drugs diverted to the illicit drug market by participating in DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back,” said DEA Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Doug Coleman. “The DEA will continue to work with communities to curb the opioid epidemic and target the cartels profiting from the weakness of others, but we must begin with reducing the supply of excess prescription drugs.”
During the last Take Back event, Americans turned in 900,000 pounds of prescription drugs at almost 5,500 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,200 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, during the 13 previous Take Back events, the DEA and its partners have taken in over 8.1 million pounds—more than 4,050 tons—of pills. In Arizona alone, over 121,143 pounds, or approximately 60 tons have been collected.
The disposal service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. (The collection points cannot accept liquids, needles, or sharp objects, only pills or patches.)
Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 91 Americans die each day from an opioid overdose. Some painkiller abusers move on to heroin: Four out of five new heroin users started with painkillers. Flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them in the trash pose potential safety and health hazards. This initiative addresses the public safety and public health issues that surround medications languishing in home cabinets, becoming highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.
For more information or to locate a collection site near you, go to the DEA Prescription Drug Take Back Day web site at https://takebackday.dea.gov/#collection-locator or the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona web page, http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ where you can search by zip code, city, or state.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2017-104_DEA_TakeBack
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
DEA Prepares for Prescription Drug Takeback DayRead the Press Release
DALLAS – This Saturday, October 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the federal Drug Enforcement Administration and its local law enforcement, community and tribal partners will give the public its 14th opportunity in seven years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.
“Making progress on the opioid crisis does not take a herculean effort on any one person’s part,” said U.S. Attorney Parker. “It takes each of us to do whatever we can, no matter how small it may see. This includes cleaning out unused prescriptions before they become part of the problem.”
Last April Americans turned in 450 tons (900,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,500 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,200 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 13 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 8.1 million pounds—more than 4,050 tons—of pills. The disposal service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. (The DEA cannot accept liquids, needles, or sharps, only pills or patches.)
Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 91 Americans die each day from an opioid overdose. Some painkiller abusers move on to heroin: Four out of five new heroin users started with painkillers.
Flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them in the trash pose potential safety and health hazards. This initiative addresses the public safety and public health issues that surround medications languishing in home cabinets, becoming highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.
For more information or to locate a collection site near you, go the DEA Prescription Drug Take Back Day web site at https://takebackday.dea.gov/#collection-locator where you can search by zip code, city, or state.
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DEA Prepares for Prescription Drug Take Back DayRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney SHAWN N. ANDERSON, for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands (NMI), will join the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on October 28th for its 14th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The biannual event will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at thousands of collection sites around the country, including here in Guam and the NMI. The event is an effort to rid homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.
Last April Americans turned in 450 tons (900,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,500 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,200 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 13 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 8.1 million pounds—more than 4,050 tons—of pills. The disposal service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. (The DEA cannot accept liquids, needles, or sharps, only pills or patches.)
Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 91 Americans die each day from an opioid overdose. Some painkiller abusers move on to heroin: Four out of five new heroin users started with painkillers.
Flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them in the trash pose potential safety and health hazards. This initiative addresses the public safety and public health issues that surround medications languishing in home cabinets, becoming highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.
The following sites in Guam and in the NMI are designated to receive unused prescription drugs so please stop by on Saturday, October 28, 2017, between 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the:
- Agana Shopping Center (Across Vitamin World)
- Andersen Air Force Base Exchange (Inside Entrance)
- Naval Base Guam (Navy Exchange Food Court)
- Saipan Commonwealth Health Center (in front of the pharmacy)
- Rota Health Center
- Tinian Health Center
Contact DEA Special Agent Dave Stubbs at 671-472-7384 regarding any questions about prescription drug abuse and/or any concerns regarding drug related activity on Guam or in the NMI.
For more information, go to www.dea.gov, www.getsmartaboutdrugs.com, or www.justthinktwice.com.
DEA Prepares for Prescription Drug Take Back DayRead the Press Release
BOISE – U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis supports the DEA in its 14th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on October 28th. The biannual event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at thousands of collection sites around the country, including 30 here in the District of Idaho. The event is an effort to rid homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.
“Prescription drugs are highly addictive and can be just as dangerous as any street drug and just as deadly,” said Davis. “The Prescription Take Back Day is an important event to get unused prescription drugs removed from homes before a chance of abuse can occur.”
Last April, Americans turned in 450 tons (900,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,500 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,200 of its state and local law enforcement partners. In the District of Idaho, 3,746 pounds of pills were collected. Overall, in its 13 previous Take Back events, the DEA and its partners have taken in over 8.1 million pounds—more than 4,050 tons—of pills. The disposal service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. (The DEA cannot accept liquids, needles, or sharps, only pills or patches.)
Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 91 Americans die each day from an opioid overdose. Some painkiller abusers move on to heroin: Four out of five new heroin users started with painkillers.
Flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them in the trash pose potential safety and health hazards. This initiative addresses the public safety and public health issues that surround medications languishing in home cabinets, becoming highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse.
For more information or to locate a collection site near you, go to DEA Prescription Drug Take Back Day web site at https://takebackday.dea.gov/#collection-locator where you can search by zip code, city or state.
Cyber Criminal Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Steal More Than $3 Million from A Financial Institution and Government AgenciesRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Dwayne C. Hans pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of computer intrusion. The charges arise from a series of frauds that Hans masterminded between July 2015 and October 2016, including by masquerading as an authorized representative of a U.S. financial institution and as a defense contractor. Hans also accessed a website run by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) without authorization and then redirected money intended for the financial institution to his own bank account. The guilty plea took place before United States Magistrate Judge Roanne L. Mann.
Bridget M. Rohde, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the guilty plea.
According to court filings, between July 2015 and December 2015, Hans submitted bids to the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), an agency within the United States Department of Defense, for contracts in the name of two different companies he created. Hans falsely claimed that those companies had numerous employees and were capable of filling the contracts. The contracts on which Hans bid related to the provision of various items to the DLA, including electrical measurement equipment. In reality, the companies had no employees and no ability to service the contracts. The DLA awarded at least 52 contracts, worth approximately $533,209.70, to Hans’s two companies and sent at least $11,999.32 to those companies.
In early 2016, Hans created numerous bank accounts in the name of a U.S. financial institution (Financial Institution 1). In April 2016, Hans accessed a website maintained by the GSA that allowed companies that worked with the U.S. government to provide information about how the government should disburse money to those companies. Hans modified payment information in an entry associated with Financial Institution 1 in order to redirect payments to accounts he controlled. As a result, a U.S. government agency transferred approximately $1.521 million to Hans instead of to Financial Institution 1. Those transfers were ultimately detected and disrupted before the defendant withdrew or transferred the money.
In addition, between April 2016 and June 2016, Hans used a computer to initiate electronic transfers of approximately $134,000 from two corporate bank accounts held by Financial Institution 1. Hans directed these fund transfers for various purposes, including to purchase publicly traded stock, to invest in real estate in Brooklyn, New York, and to pay utility bills.
Finally, between June 2016 and October 2016, Hans accessed a website maintained by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), a U.S. government agency that insures certain pension plans, through which the administrators of pension plans could submit claims for reimbursements. Hans, who was not the administrator of any pension plan, created an account on the PBGC website and then submitted requests to be reimbursed a total of $1.633 million for expenses related to three pension plans. The three plans for which Hans requested reimbursements did not exist, and Hans had incurred no such expenses. The PBGC detected the fraud before any payments were issued.
When sentenced, Hans faces up to 30 years’ imprisonment for the wire fraud charge and five years of prison for the computer intrusion charge, as well as a fine.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorneys David K. Kessler and Ian C. Richardson are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from the DLA and PBGC Office of Inspector General.
The Defendant:
DWAYNE C. HANS
Age: 27
Residence: Richland, WashingtonE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 17-CR-256 (SJ)
Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Shooting and Carjacking a ManRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – John Kenny, 26, pleaded guilty to federal charges of armed carjacking and being a felon in possession of a firearm. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the guilty plea today.
According to information presented in court, on August 20, 2016, the defendant brandished a Glock 9mm pistol and demanded a 2015 GMC Terrain from the victim as he was sitting inside the car outside of Bardog Tavern, 73 Monroe Avenue. The defendant then shot the victim in the arm and demanded the wallet. After stealing the wallet, along with the victim’s cell phone, the defendant carjacked the victim’s car and drove off. The victim was transported to the hospital and treated for his gunshot injury.
Shortly after the robbery, Memphis Police Department officers located the defendant along with the GMC Terrain, the victim’s cell phone, and bloody wallet in his possession. Law enforcement searched the GMC Terrain and recovered a shell casing.
The defendant was identified from a photographic lineup as the person who shot the victim, took the GMC Terrain, and wallet.
United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "On July 24, 2017, our office along with other local partners held the ‘Fed Up’ press conference to inform the citizenry that we are fed up with this type of violence throughout our communities. This case serves as a reminder that if you choose to illegally possess a firearm, you could be facing up to life in federal prison. Gun Crime is Max Time."
Sentencing is scheduled for January 26, 2018, before U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman. Kenny faces statutory penalties of not less than 10 years, up to life in federal prison, a period of supervised release and monetary penalties.
The case was investigated by the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Task Force, which includes the U.S. Attorney’s Office; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Memphis Police Department; and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, who have all joined together to address gun-related crimes through aggressive investigation and prosecution. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bayonle Osundare prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf.
Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Drug and Firearm Offenses Committed Near Elementary School and Public HousingRead the Press Release
Emmanuel Thirkill, aka Hot Boy, 36, of Nashville, Tenn., pleaded guilty Monday in U.S District Court to drug trafficking and firearms violations, announced U.S. Attorney Donald Q. Cochran of the Middle District of Tennessee.
“As the facts of this case indicate, this defendant seriously miscalculated law enforcement’s interest in his illegal activities,” said U.S. Attorney Cochran. “This office and our law enforcement partners will continue our efforts to safeguard our citizens in these public housing areas by removing the bad actors who are so detrimental to their quality of life. A sentence of more than 21 years will put an end to the defendant’s constant criminal activity, for which he has been in and out of state prison on a regular basis. There is no parole in the federal system.”
According to court documents, beginning in May 2016, after being released from prison, Thirkill began selling cocaine in the Tony Sudekem Public Housing Development on a daily basis. Thirkill became the subject of a criminal investigation by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives as part of a concerted effort to reduce crime in the city’s public housing areas.
The investigation determined that Thirkill was receiving a supply of cocaine on a weekly basis, which he stored in his Antioch home located near Thomas Edison Elementary School. On December 6, 2016, Metro Nashville police officers attempted to stop Thirkill as he was leaving his home, but Thirkill fled and temporarily escaped capture. A search warrant was subsequently obtained and executed at Thirkill’s home and officers found five ounces of cocaine, $15,000 cash and a loaded Glock 9mm pistol, which was determined to have been stolen during a home burglary in Sumner County, Tenn. in 2013.
Metro Police located and arrested Thirkill the following day at a hotel in West Nashville. Court documents reflect that Thirkill admitted ownership of the firearm and cocaine and stated that he believed that federal authorities were only focusing on “gang bangers and murderers” and believed he could continue selling drugs in the area without consequence.
Thirkill has four prior felony convictions in state court, since 2001, for trafficking cocaine; two prior felony convictions for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm; and a conviction for attempted reckless aggravated assault.
This investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department’s Gang Division and the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sunny A.M. Koshy prosecuted the case.
Since 2015, more than 40 individuals have been identified and charged with federal offenses and removed from Nashville’s public housing areas as part of the violent crime initiative of the U.S. Attorney, the ATF and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. On October 5, 2017, United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the reinvigoration of the Project Safe Neighborhood initiative and other actions to reduce the rising tide of violent crime. Read the Attorney General’s announcement here.
Connecticut U.S. Attorney's Office Celebrates Community Policing AwardsRead the Press Release
New Haven – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut hosted a Community Policing Awards Ceremony this afternoon that recognized 29 law enforcement officers and community members from cities and towns across the state.
“Our honorees represent the very best in community policing,” said U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly. “In innovative and practical ways, they have reached out to make meaningful connections with people living in our communities. We thank them for their commitment to building public trust and strengthening relationships between the police and the communities they serve. The importance of this work can never be overstated. If the public does not have confidence in the police, they may well not report crimes, cooperate in criminal investigations or support our justice system. We applaud them and we thank them for their dedicated and invaluable service. They have made lasting and purposeful contributions to ensuring that Connecticut is a safer and more secure place to live.”
Below is a list of the award winners and the nominations submitted on their behalf.
(Photos of today’s ceremony are available on our Facebook page.)
Bristol Police Department
Officer James Pelletier
Pastor Patricia Washington-Rice
2nd Vice President, NAACP, Morris PattonWe are all well aware of events that have taken place across our nation that have strained relations between the community and the police. In Bristol, the Bristol Police Department took proactive measures to ensure its community that the police department was committed to working together to strengthen relationships. This was a team effort and many great relationships were developed. Three stars on this team certainly went above and beyond: Pastor Patricia Washington-Rice, Morris “Rippy” Patton and Bristol Police Officer James Pelletier.
Pastor Rice sits on the Executive Board of the Bristol NAACP and is Pastor of the Beulah AME Zion Church in Bristol. Pastor Rice took the lead on improving relations between the community and the police by opening her church to the public on several occasions. Members of the Bristol Police Department, Bristol NAACP and other community members held several forums at the Church to exchange thoughts, ideas, etc., all with the intent of strengthening our bond.
Mr. Patton, who insists on going by the name of “Rippy,” is 2nd Vice President of the Bristol NAACP. It was Rippy’s idea to hold a softball tournament to promote local unity. Our first tournament was held on September 17, 2016, and the second, this past September. The teams consisted of Bristol Police Officers, Bristol Firefighters, Bristol EMS, Bristol Teachers and individuals from our community. The tournament, titled “WE ARE ONE,” consisted of several teams in which the team members were randomly selected. The goal was to have representatives from each of the above groups play together as teammates. Rippy wanted to demonstrate that there was no “us vs. them” and that we all could come together as one and have a great time.
Officer Pelletier has been a member of the Bristol Police Department for over nine years and utilizes his free time volunteering to sit on several local committees. He chooses to take on leadership roles so that he can be more involved and influential. Officer Pelletier has been at the table when meeting with our local community leaders such as the Bristol NAACP and he worked very closely with Rippy Patton in coordinating the WE ARE ONE softball tournaments. This past year, Officer Pelletier was asked to become more involved in raising funds for the Connecticut Special Olympics. Typically, the Bristol Police Department would raise about $5,000 -$6,000 a year for the Special Olympics. Officer Pelletier hit the ground running and his extraordinary efforts have resulted in the Bristol Police Department raising in excess of $20,000 to date, for the Connecticut Special Olympics.
These three have helped make Bristol a better place to live!
Clinton Police Department
Sergeant Jeremiah DunnSergeant Dunn is currently assigned to the Patrol Division as an evening shift supervisor and is also assigned as the Department’s Public Information Officer. Additionally, Sergeant Dunn acts as the President of the Clinton Police Benevolent Association. He is truly an example of community policing spirit. Annually, Sergeant Dunn runs Clinton’s Citizen’s Police Academy, a program that runs for 10 weeks each year and provides citizens of Clinton with an in-depth look at the many facets of modern policing. He has run the academy for groups of 25 to 30 Clinton residents per year and has received rave reviews for the past 21 years. Sergeant Dunn also organizes the department’s fundraising events, coordinates the annual participation in the Connecticut Special Olympics, and spearheads the Department’s annual toy drive every Christmas season.
Sergeant Dunn is always looking for ways to help others in need and often encourages other officers in the Department to do the same. A perfect example of this was when a 10-year-old boy announced at a community meeting that his birthday was the next day but later noted that he was not expecting any presents because his family could not afford them. That night Sergeant Dunn, with Officer Adrian Santiago, appeared at the child’s house with a new bicycle, a skateboard, a toy badge, and DARE bracelet so that the child would have gifts to open the next day. On that next day, the Clinton Police Department brought the child a cake and sang happy birthday to him. This truly represents who Sergeant Dunn is as a person. He continues to build strong relationships with the community he serves and the public at large with his compassion and caring, particularly for those with special needs or those in difficult situations.
Connecticut Police Chiefs Association
Chief Vernon Riddick
Chief John Gavallas
Chief Douglas FuchsWhile generally these nominations include the patrol ranks, these three police chiefs have fought hard to develop and implement the Breaking Barriers Program in an effort to foster improved communications between law enforcement and motorists during a traffic stop.
The program has been developed in partnership with multiple community leaders, members of the public, and public relations professionals to ensure that any curriculum developed and message communicated would be one which was inclusive, tested, and a collaboration between the police and the communities whom they serve.
Breaking Barriers is aimed at improving interactions between the police and the public during traffic stops, with the ultimate goal of making everyone safer during this police encounter. Police in Connecticut conduct in excess of 700,000 motor vehicle stops each year – it is by far the most likely encounter the public might have with the police. Working with civil rights organizations and youth from across Connecticut, a slogan and artwork (or branding) was developed to begin to collaboratively develop the curriculum for this program.
By working with Driver’s Education and community based programs, police officers across Connecticut have become a part of the learning process for new drivers – teaching what to expect during a traffic stop and how police and the public can work together to ensure that all motor vehicle stops are as safe and comfortable for all involved as is possible. While a particular traffic stop might be their fifth of the day – it might be the first time that a motorist has ever been pulled over. Educating motorists that although traffic stops are something police officers do with great frequency, they can also be an extremely dangerous task – reminding all that one might be the most congenial of people – never have committed a violation of law – and have been stopped for a minor traffic offense – but the police officer has no way of knowing that when approaching your vehicle. It is about mutual respect and understanding.
Connecticut State Police
Detective Michael Mudry
Training Coordinator Wayne Kowal
Director, Griswold Pride, Miranda NagleThe Bureau of Special Investigation recently implemented a new community oriented police outreach program named “CRISIS,” standing for Connection to Recovery through Intervention, Support & Initiating Services. The geographic focal point of the pilot initiative was and is Griswold due to the high number of NARCAN deployments and attendant lives saved, all associated with the ongoing opioid epidemic being experienced in the State of Connecticut.
In its broadest sense, the CRISIS Initiative is a partnership between the Connecticut State Police, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), Southeastern Mental Health Authority, Griswold PRIDE, the Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR), the Connecticut Alliance to Benefit Law Enforcement (CABLE), other non-profit organizations, and the community at large. The benefit to this initiative is to provide the community with a healthier quality of life, to enhance the community’s relationship and trust with law enforcement, and ultimately, to provide a fast track into recovery services. Through collaboration with the above-mentioned organizations, a “bridge was built” to provide healthier outcomes for individuals and families struggling with addiction and mental health issues.
Our partnership with DMHAS has allowed for a full-time Licensed Clinical Social Worker that is available to conduct immediate assessments and assist people in need of addiction and/or mental health services to be tasked to this program. In addition, a formal referral system was developed, utilized by State Troopers and Dispatchers that provide individuals in need a direct avenue into the DMHAS system.
This initiative would not have come to fruition if not for the determination, perseverance, and tireless efforts of Detective Michael Mudry, Training Coordinator Wayne Kowal, and Director Miranda Nagle to collaborate and build relationships with community leaders such as the Griswold First Selectman, DMHAS, CCAR, Troop “E” personnel, and most importantly, the residents within the community of Griswold. All were instrumental in the development of the policy and procedures of the CRISIS Initiative. Their commitment and dedication is in the highest tradition of the Connecticut State Police.
East Hartford Police Department
Officer Ted BranonRecognizing the paramount need to improve community/police relations everywhere, the East Hartford Police Department appealed to the Town Council for approval of a full-time Community Service Officer. Upon Council approval, veteran Officer Ted Branon was selected from a number of internal applicants and went to work in this new position one year ago.
During the last year, Officer Branon has rewritten the manual on Community Policing and set the standard for successful relations between police departments and the communities they serve. He has been involved in organizing successful Coffee With A Cop events and the Department's first-ever participation in National Night Out; conducting Neighborhood Block Watch meetings; coordinating Convenience Store and Unlicensed Repair Shop compliance checks; hosting youth, elderly, and school safety seminars; participating in stuff-a-cruiser events and toy drives, as well as assisting with food-share and clothing donations for those less fortunate; and even organizing regular “roundtable” meetings bringing clergy from every religious organization in Town together at once to discuss and share community affairs, all while augmenting patrol enforcement of Town Ordinances designed to regulate blight and improve neighborhood quality of life.
Also, this past summer, Officer Branon created a weekly Youth Basketball Program designed to build relationships between East Hartford youth, Police Officers, and the community through positive engagement and to provide a structured environment for the youth to learn, develop, and improve their basketball skills. The instructor staff, made up of East Hartford Police Officers, focused on individual and team fundamental skills, while emphasizing the importance of teamwork, respect, attention to detail, effective communication, and knowledge of the game - with the overall goal of having fun and getting to know a police officer in town. The program was a tremendous success and will return next summer.
Whether in a group setting or one-on-one, Officer Branon's efforts toward combining aspects of traditional law enforcement while incorporating crime prevention and problem solving through community engagements and partnerships have forged a necessary bond among residents of the community and the Department. Communication between citizens and police has improved, fear of crime has been reduced and mutual trust and understanding has been enhanced. In just one short year, Officer Branon has led the mission to help the East Hartford Police Department and the community they serve unite as partners with measurable success.
East Haven Police Department
Lieutenant David EmermanLieutenant Emerman has been an integral member of the East Haven Police Department since 2004 and has been instrumental in helping reform the Department into a community-driven law enforcement agency that is nationally recognized as change leaders in 21st Century Policing. Lieutenant Emerman is bilingual, in English and Spanish, and serves as the Language Access Coordinator and Community Liaison Officer for the Department. In this capacity, he has forged strong relationships within the community, with community stakeholders, as well as the Ecuadorian Consulate. He is well respected and possesses all the qualities necessary to engage and improve relations between police and the community they serve.
In June 2016, Lieutenant Emerman was appointed as the Compliance Coordinator to the U.S. Department of Justice Settlement Agreement for the Town of East Haven. He is responsible for ensuring compliance with our settlement agreement as well as all communications and coordination between the Department and the U.S. Department of Justice.
Greenwich Police Department
Community Impact Section Sergeant John Thorme
Community Impact Officer Keith Hirsch
Community Impact Officer Daniel PaladinoOver the past few years, Greenwich Police Department Community Impact Section Sergeant John Thorme, Community Impact Officer Keith Hirsch, and Community Impact Officer Daniel Paladino have successfully conducted the following community programs that have strengthened community relations between the Police Department and the citizens of the community.
They have coordinated Spring and Fall 7-week Citizen’s Police Academy (CPA) programs (In 2016 a department record of 93 people graduated from the CPA); a one-week Spring Youth Citizen’s Police Academy (Police Explorer Camp for 7th, 8th, and 9th grade students through the Boy Scouts) consisting of approximately 45 participants; and Spring and Fall 6-week Women’s Self Defense classes, along with a Spring High School Girls’ Self Defense class. They are also responsible for the Citizen’s Emergency Response Team (CERT), conduct neighborhood Community and Police Partnership (CAPP) groups throughout the community, and have created several “Coffee with a Cop” mornings in local establishments, as well as assisted with “Thank a Cop Day” at a local restaurant. They have successfully implemented the Drug Drop-off and Disposal Program. They investigate property crime victim follow-ups, including security assessments of resident's homes and businesses. These officers implemented a Town of Greenwich Employee Response to Active Shooter Program. They also oversee a Boy Scout Police Explorer program that runs a very active Law Enforcement Career interest Explorer Post.
Through their tireless efforts, a strong bond has been created with Greenwich Police Department and the community.
City of Groton Police Department
Officer Patricia LieteauOfficer Lieteau is a veteran officer not only of this agency, but in a previous career retiring as a New London Police Sergeant. Where many would retire and do far less, Officer Lieteau draws on her experience and her ability seeking to always do more. She embodies the spirit and commitment of the community policing model in her daily comportment and interaction with the public, and casts a strong presence in the City of Groton. She is often sought by our community stakeholders as a mediator, confidant and a trusted voice of reason. A product of New London High School and always active in her community locally, her opinion is often sought regionally.
Officer Lieteau, by her integrity, ability and caring, has the unique ability to engage all our community’s diverse demographics in her always professional and effective manner. Her recent work in the City of Groton with a Police Cadet initiative has been exemplary. Working off duty and on her own time, she has worked with local youth and engaged them. She has presented this agency to this group of local youth as caring and devoted to this community, she has built strong bridges to our local youth involved here and ensured trust and ultimately respect is produced. The effect she has had is palpable and she has filled a void with structure, positive encouragement and caring. She is truly beloved by these cadets. She even at her own expense purchased radios for the group and had them assigned where they served with distinction recently addressing parking at the heavily attended City of Groton Day event. Her day to day efforts are deeply respected and appreciated, she always makes a difference. Her efforts to develop and create a Groton City Police Cadet Program are in the highest traditions of not only the City of Groton Police Department but of the concept of community service, community engagement and community policing.
New Canaan Police Department
Officer Jeffrey DeakOfficer Jeffery Deak has been a member of the New Canaan Police Department since 1995. He serves the School Resource Officers at our Middle School and is one of our firearms instructors. He is a great example of how effective one officer can be in a community while interacting with its youth.
Officer Deak has developed tremendous ties and relationships with students and staff. He makes safety presentations, interacts daily with students in the schools, and is a 24/7 resource for New Canaan’s youth and families.
In addition to his school based interactions, Officer Deak has selflessly volunteered his time for many years at police sponsored functions and events such as visiting sick children as Santa Clause at local hospitals and at the department’s Children’s Christmas party. Officer Deak is an exemplary Police Officer and the New Canaan Police Department is proud to have him among the rank and file.
New Haven Police Department
Lieutenant Karl Jacobson
Lieutenant Maneet ColonOn October 4, 2017, the New Haven Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office partnered together for the 2nd Annual Cops & Ballers, 3 on 3 basketball tournament with members of the community. Last year it was part of National Community Policing Week and due to the overwhelming response, it was repeated again this year. The local police were provided an opportunity to engage with residents in a way that broke traditional forms of dialogue in favor of competitive fun on the courts. It was the latest attempt at community outreach from a law enforcement community eager to build both familiarity and trust among the population it serves.
To organize the troops from the police department and the community was no easy feat, but the task was undertaken by Lieutenant Maneet Colon, the Westville/West Hills District Manager and Lieutenant Karl Jacobson, the Officer in Charge of the Criminal Intelligence Unit. Both stepped up to take responsibility of forming teams, ordering t-shirts, seeking out a referee and equipment, as well as preparing the Goffe Street Park for some serious half-court tournament competition. There are many fine details that go into a large event comprised of multiple teams, playing on the courts, but the games went off smoothly and a good time was had by all. Lt. Jacobson even participated in some of the games, while Lt. Colon kept score and encouraged the players.
Norwich Police Department
Lieutenant John PerryLieutenant John Perry is a 15-year member of the Norwich Police Department and has led the Norwich Police Community Policing Unit since 2016. In the area of community relations Lt. Perry’s actions were truly exceptional. Lt. Perry would work hand-in-hand with community and faith based organizations to jointly sponsor community forums and events that were all highly successful. Lt. Perry became the “face” of the Norwich Police Department and there was not one community event that did not have NPD CPU involvement.
Lt. Perry also partnered with Norwich Mayor Hinchey to do business visits with the Norwich businesses. These visits allowed Lt. Perry to act as an ambassador for the Norwich Police Department while learning the needs and challenges Norwich businesses face. Lt. Perry was able, using community policing problem solving skills, to address and, in most cases, solve the issues making Norwich an attractive community to do business in.
In May 2017, Lt. Perry was recognized by the Norwich Branch NAACP for his efforts and was awarded the Robertsine Duncan Youth Council Community Service Award. Lt. Perry is also very active as a volunteer in the Norwich community where he resides. Lt. Perry serves as a volunteer basketball and soccer coach for the Norwich PAL.
Torrington Police Department
Chief Michael Maniago
Deputy Chief Chris Smedick
Officer Antony Pietrafesa
Officer Robert SimonThe Torrington Police Department Community Policing philosophy is based upon a partnership between the police and the community whereby we share responsibility for identifying, reducing, eliminating and preventing problems that impact community safety. By working together, the police and the community can reduce the fear and incidence of crime and improve the quality of life in neighborhoods citywide.
Our Community Policing Officers recently opened a Downtown Police Outreach Center where they offer educational opportunities for school children, seniors, and local corporations. From this location, they also respond to the needs of our Downtown Business District. Active shooter training for schools and businesses, stay safe presentations, block watch meetings, DARE, Park, Walk and Talk Patrols represent a fraction of their activities. Torrington’s Community Policing Officers play active roles in organizing and participating in local efforts to reduce homelessness, plan and hold food drives and toy drives, just to name a few.
The Torrington Police Department holds to the philosophy of “the most effective way to reach the community is through collaboration with our local partners.” Some of these partners include the United Way, Chamber of Commerce, the Parks and Recreation department, our local Soup Kitchen, and the Latina Woman's Association. Their officers have expanded their Police Activities League (PAL). They currently service close to 800 children from kindergarten to the 12th grade by sponsoring and operating sports programs, day camps, and the arts; twelve months a year.
For Community Policing to take hold in a community, the work must be a department wide philosophy, from the Chief all the way down to the newest officer or civilian clerk.
Trumbull Police Department
Officer Timothy FedorOfficer Timothy Fedor has distinguished himself through exemplary contributions to community policing and improving the relationship between police and the community.
Officer Timothy Fedor has been a member of the Trumbull Police Department since 2001. During his tenure as a Trumbull police officer he has been a School Resource Officer and currently serves as our Training Officer. As the sole Training Officer for the Department of 81 sworn police officers, Officer Fedor is responsible for all recruit officers and their certifications and the constant recertification of the entire Department.
Most importantly, Officer Fedor still contributes to the community more than any other officer of this Department. He trains residents in medical procedures when they become volunteers at the EMS center. He is and has been an integral part of the Trumbull Partnership Against Under Age Drinking, TPAUD, since its inception, more than 11 years ago. He works with its members to train our officers in "Party Patrol" techniques and in the usage of Narcan as First Responders. Officer Fedor has also participated in public training of Narcan deployment to residents through the TPAUD organization.
Officer Fedor coordinates Coffee with a Cop events in Trumbull, which have become important to our agency to meet residents and their children in local coffee shops. It is a “no agenda” listening and getting to know one another outside the role of a police officer.
Officer Fedor is the Advisor of our Department's Police Cadet Program. The Cadet program involves local students from ages 14 through 22 that have an interest in law enforcement. Officer Fedor meets weekly with the Cadets and instructs them in law enforcement practices. The Cadets, through Officer Fedor, sponsor a Toys for Tots donation drive during the Christmas Season; the annual Freshman Forum at the Trumbull High School; Shop a Mile in Her Shoes, an event held annually at the Trumbull Mall to raise awareness of domestic violence; the annual Domestic Violence Vigil held in Trumbull; the 9/11 ride through Trumbull held each year, and the two-day Fall Festival event.
Officer Fedor is the epitome of what a community police officer is. He is always willing to take on more duties and responsibilities and is professional in all of his interactions with residents and community members. Officer Fedor has without question single-handedly raised the bar of community policing. He has made Trumbull a safer and better place to live and raise a family.
University of Connecticut Police Department
Lieutenant Jason HylandLieutenant Jason Hyland has served in law enforcement for 20 years and has been part of the UConn Police Department for 17 years. He is described by his supervisors as a proactive and innovative person who is genuinely interested in helping the community. Lieutenant Hyland was assigned to the Community Outreach Unit in 2015 and has taken the initiative to enhance the relationship between police and the UConn community with new and innovative programming.
Using student focus groups, he has developed successful safety campaigns branded under Bright Futures. Bright Futures campaigns are geared toward engaging UCPD officers with the community while working hand-in-hand to identify public safety concerns, provide education, and host community events. The campaign’s goal is to realize practical and effective solutions to the issues facing our neighborhoods. One of the most notable campaigns is Bright Future: Alcohol or Other Drug Safety. Since the release of this campaign in 2016, there have been hundreds of presentations and events for students.
Lieutenant Hyland also has a special interest in promoting understanding of mental health issues and people with developmental disabilities and was instrumental in the creation of the UConn Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Program. CIT is a nationwide, innovative model community initiative and has been implemented at UConn with all the officers. Lieutenant Hyland’s dedication and love for the UConn Community has brought the UConn Police Department’s community relations from good and positive to outstanding.
Lieutenant Hyland has received many awards from the Department as well as our community for his efforts. Most recently, Lieutenant Hyland received the Gerald N. Weller Award from the UConn Division of Student Affairs. The Weller Award recognizes individuals in the UConn Community, beyond the Division of Student Affairs, who serve students and support the efforts of the Division in the true spirit exemplified by Gerald Weller.
West Hartford Police Department
Officer Dante UrsiniOfficer Ursini has been a police officer for 10 years and a School Resource Officer in the Community Relations Division for the past 2 years. He is currently pursuing his Master’s Degree in Social Work.
Officer Ursini is a pleasure to work with and we have frequently fielded compliments and accolades for the exceptional way he has handled calls, especially those involving children with special needs. Officer Ursini has worked, for many years now, with a student whose family has many legal, financial and mental challenges. Officer Ursini has met with the child on a regular basis, has incorporated other resources, and has worked with the school system in an effort to show this child that there are people who care for him. Officer Ursini sees the promise this child holds and continues to provide full support to the family. This is but one instance of the many “above and beyond” cases he works on in our schools.
In 2017, Officer Ursini developed a “Care Card” program while working with the Board of Education. The Care Card identification program issues cards to residents for a variety of purposes, including – but not limited to – those with cognitive impairments, specifically special needs students and the elderly. Those with special needs may not have the ability to recall personal information, or may not be able to obtain another form of ID, and can be issued a Care Card. This photo ID card is linked to the police database and is completely customizable based on the patient’s privacy concerns. The card enables people to be quickly identified by police as having an impairment. It contains emergency contact and hospital information, also. The goal is to help officers quickly reunite these patients with their loved ones or to connect them with proper care. The program has gained positive media attention and is very popular with senior citizens centers, convalescent homes and has been shared with local Autism centers.
Officer Ursini regularly presents to a variety of groups on a host of topics including teen driving, internet safety, drug awareness, law enforcement & the elderly – to name only a few.
Officer Ursini works tirelessly in order to keep West Hartford residents safe.
Westport Police Department
Officer Ned BatlinOfficer Batlin has continuously worked to improve the relationship between the police and the community over his 16-year career.
Officer Batlin is a member of the Westport Youth Commission, which is a panel of students and adults from the community that report directly to our first selectman. He was instrumental in creating this Commission, and has worked with this group for years. They have created multiple events to bring cops and kids together in a positive environment. After the Commission’s success, Officer Batlin pioneered the Westport Police Youth Collaborative. This is a club for high school students and officers to work together on community service projects, team building and some instructional information about the job of law enforcement. This past spring he was the program coordinator for our first ever Police Youth Citizens Academy. He has also been an instrumental member of our Community Policing Panel.
Officer Batlin is the first patrol officer to be named President of the Police Athletic League in Westport. Westport P.A.L. provides multiple organized sports for boys and girls as well as host of other community based programs. Officer Batlin is also a football and lacrosse coach at the youth and high school level while balancing his law enforcement career. This has made him a valuable and trusted member of the community. He makes himself available to numerous groups annually as a guest speaker on a variety of subjects ranging from “Risky Behavior” panels, to talking with local scouting groups. He organizes guest speakers to speak with the public on a wide range of topics including domestic violence, underage drinking, and heroin addiction. Officer Batlin partnered with Staples High School’s “Teen Awareness Group and Positive Directions” to place a full time Drug Take Back Box in the Police Department lobby. He also sits on the Norwalk / Westport Juvenile Review Board and has been there since its inception.
Most importantly, Officer Batlin has forged many strong, positive relationships in the community from the programs listed here, as well as his many years on patrol.
Willimantic Police Department
Corporal Joshua ClarkCorporal Joshua Clark started his career with the Willimantic Police Department in 2007. Cpl. Clark currently serves as a supervisor on the Day Shift Patrol and serves as a member the Willimantic Police Department SWAT team. Cpl. Clark was born and raised in Willimantic and cares deeply for the Willimantic Community. During the past few years Cpl. Clark has been involved in numerous community events. Most of these events revolve around the youth of the community.
Cpl. Clark has been a key member of the Windham PRIDE (Prevention to reduce the influence of drugs for everyone) Coalition and has helped organize several week-long youth leadership academies. These academies have helped bridge a gap between the city’s youth and the Willimantic Police Department.
Cpl. Clark also administers the Windham PRIDE Facebook page highlighting not only the Police Department’s involvement in the community, but also the children’s involvement within the community. His expertise with social media has created a connection between the public and the Willimantic Police Department and has shown the public so many of the great things happening in Willimantic.
Cpl. Clark has tirelessly helped organize several Christmas toy drives that resulted in numerous truckloads of toys that were handed out to the community. He has also been involved in organizing back to school events where backpacks and sneakers were given to the children. Whether he is helping with a bicycle giveaway throughout the Willimantic Schools or Halloween safety events, Cpl. Clark is there working to help the children of the community.
When there is any type of charitable event in the city of Willimantic, Cpl. Clark is always there willing to volunteer his time. His effort does not go unnoticed. During community events, the children flock to him because of their connection to him and his outgoing personality.
Before becoming a Police officer, Cpl. Clark was in the U.S. Army and at one point served in Iraq. While in Iraq he was injured and received the Purple Heart.
Columbus Woman Pleads Guilty to Gun, Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Temesia A. Green, 44, of Columbus, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to three drug and gun charges.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Trevor Velinor, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Columbus Police Chief Kim Jacobs announced the plea entered into before U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley.
Green pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to the Statement of Facts in this case, Green used her residence on Whitethorn Avenue in Columbus to sell heroin. She agreed with other individuals to bring heroin into the home and acquired firearms to protect the heroin and the proceeds from the sale of the drug.
Numerous regular customers would come to Green’s home to buy and use heroin, and Green also supplied individuals with the narcotic to sell outside the residence.
In January 2017, when Columbus Police officers executed a search warrant at the residence, they discovered five handguns, at least three of which were reported stolen. Green had two loaded handguns in her purse; her juvenile son had a loaded pistol and two other handguns were located in the home. They also found more than eight grams of heroin in the home.
Subsequent search warrants executed by ATF at the residence uncovered 92 pill capsules filled with heroin and fentanyl, 40 grams of marijuana, 40 oxycodone pills, 17 Xanax pills and eight additional loaded handguns.
Green had previously been convicted in 1995 in Franklin County Common Pleas Court of attempted robbery.
Conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin is a crime punishable by a range of 10 years to life in prison. Using a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a potential sentence of five years to life in prison, to be served consecutively to other sentences. Possessing a firearm after being convicted with a felony is a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by ATF and Columbus Police, and Assistant United States Attorneys David M. DeVillers and Jessica W. Knight, who are representing the United States in this case.
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Columbia Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONCORD, N.H. - David Morris, 57, of Columbia, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty today in federal court to possessing child pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley.
According to court documents and statements in court, law enforcement officers executed search warrants at two residences associated with the defendant on July 20, 2016. A review of various electronic devices found in the residences showed that they contained hundreds of images and videos of child pornography.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 1, 2018.
The case was investigated by the New Hampshire Crimes Against Children Task Force in conjunction Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Manchester, as well as the Lincoln, Littleton, and Columbia police departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Seth Aframe and Georgiana Konesky.
In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, 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.
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Clayton Man Sentenced for Possession of Firearm and Ammunition by a Felon and False Statement to a Firearms DealerRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that in federal court on October 20, 2017, United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle, sentenced JOSEPH KELVIN ABERANT, 60, of Clayton, NC to 200 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
ABERANT was named in a four-count Superseding Indictment filed on March 22, 2017. On July 17, 2017, ABERANT pled guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of Ammunition by a Felon, and Knowingly Making a False and Fictitious Statement to a Firearms Dealer during Acquisition and Aiding and Abetting.
On August 11, 2016, investigators with the Johnston County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) responded to a residence on Waymon Way in Clayton in response to a shooting. The caller advised that a man had been intentionally shot by her father, JOSEPH ABERANT. ABERANT drove away from the scene of the shooting before responding law enforcement and medical personnel arrived. The victim suffered seven gunshot wounds to various parts of his body, including his thigh, head, back, right arm, torso, and chest. He was transported to a hospital via ambulance for treatment of his injuries and required surgery.
Investigators subsequently located a .22 caliber rifle which had an empty magazine and a bag of ammunition in the field across the street from the residence. Further investigation revealed that ABERANT’s wife, Marie Aberant, purchased the firearm for her husband, who was a felon, earlier that day.
ABERANT was discovered by investigators driving his vehicle in the vicinity and a traffic stop was attempted. ABERANT refused to stop and led investigators on a chase that lasted several minutes. During the chase, ABERANT drove through the yards of multiple residential properties, including one where young children were present in the yard, struck a bush and a fence with his vehicle, and reached speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. ABERANT’S vehicle was eventually stopped and taken into custody. He declined to make a statement to investigators.
This case was part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative which encourages federal, state, and local agencies to cooperate in a unified “team effort” against gun crime, targeting repeat offenders who continually plague their communities.
The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the criminal investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney Peggah B. Wilson handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Charlottesville Man Indicted for Production and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Charlottesville, VIRGINIA – A Charlottesville man was indicted today on child pornography charges, Acting United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle announced.
Richard Wellbeloved-Stone, 57, was indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Charlottesville on three counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
The investigation of the case is ongoing and is being conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Charlottesville Police Department, the Virginia State Police and the Albemarle County Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Nancy S. Healey and Trial Attorney Leslie Williams Fisher of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section will prosecute the case for the United States.
A Grand Jury Indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the government to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s 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.
Burley Men Plead Guilty to Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
BOISE – Davie J. Martinez, Jr., 41, and Lorenzo Ornelas, 31, both of Burley, Idaho, pleaded guilty yesterday in United States District Court to felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced.
According to court records, in January of this year, Martinez and Ornelas led officers on a 20-minute car chase. Martinez was driving, while Ornelas threw multiple items from the vehicle, including a .40 caliber handgun. Ultimately, officers were able to stop the vehicle and arrest them. While searching the car, officers located a .30-.30 caliber rifle and multiple boxes of ammunition. Both Martinez and Ornelas had absconded from parole when they committed the offense.
The charge of felon in possession of a firearm is punishable by up to ten years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000 and three years of supervised release.
Martinez and Ornelas will be sentenced on January 30, 2018, before Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Cassia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Minidoka County Sheriff’s Office.
The case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Board. The Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Board is a collaboration of local law enforcement drug task forces and prosecuting agencies dedicated to addressing regional drug trafficking organizations that operate in Ada, Canyon, and Malheur Counties.
Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051
BUFFALO, N.Y.-Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy announced today that Jeffrey Mills, 48, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, and a $250,000 fine.Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan A. Tokash, who is handling the case, stated that on May 21, 2015, the defendant provided information to his parole officer, law enforcement officers and a prosecutor regarding two homicides and a robbery/kidnapping. Mills stated that he saw his cousin, Thamud Eldridge, run from the area where Sam Jones, Jr., aka Smokey, was murdered. The night Smokey was killed, Mills said that he was riding a bicycle on Bissell Avenue when he heard gunshots. The defendant then saw his cousin Eldridge run through the “cut” from Goodyear Avenue to Bissell Avenue, and get into a vehicle that was driven by Kevin Allen and depart the area. Mills also stated that he spoke with an individual who was also on Bissell Avenue and saw Eldridge toss a gun to the individual after the shooting and heard Eldridge ask that individual to “put that joint up,” meaning to hide the firearm. After the murder, the defendant said Eldridge left Buffalo and traveled to Atlanta, Georgia. After returning to Buffalo, Mills said Eldridge told him that he intended to rob Smokey and “everything went wrong,” meaning the defendant killed Smokey. The defendant also gave information about other criminal activity committed by Eldridge. At the conclusion of the interview, the prosecutor told the defendant that he would be called as a witness in the trial against his cousin Thamud Eldridge.
On January 6, 2016, the defendant met with the prosecutor and two law enforcement for pretrial preparation at which time he again recounted hearing gunshots and seeing his cousin Eldridge run through the “cut” from Goodyear Avenue to Bissell Avenue the night Smokey was killed. At the conclusion of the pretrial preparation, the prosecutor once again told Mills he would be called as a trial witness.
On February 3, 2016, the prosecution called the defendant as a witness in United States v. Eldridge, et al. As U.S. Marshals Service deputies escorted Mills into the courtroom, the defendant walked by his cousin Eldridge and winked his eye at Eldridge and then sat on the witness stand. Mills refused to be sworn and told the Court that, “it wasn’t going to happen.” The Judge cautioned the defendant about criminal contempt and Mills was assigned counsel.
The following day, on February 4, 2016, the defendant took the stand again and agreed to take the oath. The prosecutor questioned Mills regarding the murder of Smokey but the defendant stated he could not remember. When confronted with information he previously gave, Mills testified falsely and feigned memory loss by repeatedly stating that he said he did not recall, did not remember and that he had no recollection of that day. The defendant willfully answered questions this way to impede the due administration of justice.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Adam S. Cohen; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ashan Benedict; and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, under the direction of Acting Commissioner Anthony J. Annucci.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 7, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Arcara.
Bristol Man Charged with Distributing Heroin to Overdose VictimRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROGER TUSCANO, 47, of Bristol, was arrested today on a criminal complaint charging him with distributing heroin.
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.
TUSCANO appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and was released on a $100,000 bond into an inpatient drug treatment program.
As alleged in court documents, on April 26, 2017, the Southington Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence for an unresponsive 54-year-old female who had suffered an apparent drug overdose. Responders attempted lifesaving measures on the victim, including administering naloxone, with minimal effect. The victim was then transported to the hospital.
At the scene, officers seized drug and non-drug evidence, including four wax folds that contained heroin.
The victim died on April 28. The Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has determined that the victim’s death was caused by a combination of heroin and clonazepam.
It is alleged that on the morning of April 26, the victim purchased heroin from TUSCANO at a gas station in New Britain.
The complaint charges TUSCANO with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, Southington Police Department and Bristol Police Department. The Tactical Diversion Squad includes members from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe and Fairfield Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.
Billings Man Sentenced to Prison for Unlawfully Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – Terry Lee Feller, a 58 year-old resident of Billings was sentenced today to 33 months in prison followed by 3 years supervised release after pleading guilty to possessing a stolen firearm. U.S. District Judge Susan Watters handed down the sentence.
The case arose when Feller, a career thief with more than fifteen convictions dating back to 1983, was released from state prison in April 2015 and moved into a home in the 4200 block of Arden Ave. Shortly thereafter, homes in the neighborhood were burglarized. One the burglary victims confronted Feller’s landlord who told the victim that she had noticed Feller bringing several items into the home and she did not know where the items came from. The landlord allowed the neighbor/victim to search the home and she discovered several items of her missing property in a bedroom used by Feller. The neighbor/victim contacted Billings Police Department. When law enforcement arrived, they searched the home as well as a car that Feller was using. The search uncovered a stolen 9 millimeter pistol. Feller later admitted to law enforcement that he possessed the pistol and he knew it was stolen.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Starnes and investigated by the Billings Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in Montana. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a recently reinvigorated Department of Justice program that has proven to be successful in reducing violent crime. Today’s sentencing is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
Baltimore City Department of Transportation Supervisor Charged with Taking Thousands in BribesRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Baltimore, Maryland – The United States Attorney’s Office has charged Daryl Christopher Wade, age 50, of Rosedale, Maryland, today on charges related to an extortion scheme.
The charges were announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Acting Inspector General Stephen J. Lesniewski Jr. of the Baltimore City Office of Inspector General.
Wade has been a City of Baltimore employee since 1988 and is currently employed by the Baltimore City Department of Transportation (“DOT”) as a Construction Project Supervisor II within the DOT’s Street Cut Unit. The DOT Street Cut Unit helps to monitor and administer fines associated with street cuts and street cut permits. According to the criminal complaint, Wade used his official position at City of Baltimore’s Department of Transportation to claim that he could void street cut fines in return for payments.
According to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint, Wade accepted multiple cash payments, from a confidential human source (“CHS2”) in exchange for claiming that he could erasing his street cut fines. Baltimore City street cut permits are required for companies who need to impede into a public street, alley, sidewalk, or other right-of-way for purposes of construction. The street cut permits are valid for 120 days before they expire and a fine is assessed by DOT at $50 per day for each street cut not repaired past the expiration date.
In March 2016, the criminal complaint alleges that an individual with the initials J.S., an owner of a Maryland construction and utilities company, was involved in attempting to broker bribe payments to Wade from the Vice President of a Virginia based construction company (“CHS1”). CHS1’s company required street cuts within the City of Baltimore. CHS1’s company provides all phases of underground utility construction and sewer rehabilitation throughout the east coast of United States. At the time of J.S. and Wade’s attempt to broker bribe payments from CHS1’s company it had approximately $55 million in contracts with the City of Baltimore to restore and/or replace water and sewage lines throughout the City. In November 2015 and February 2016, the Virginia company was also awarded approximately $36 million in contracts with the City of Baltimore to conduct sewer and waterline overhauls, including street cuts. In order to complete those contracts, CHS1’s company conducted street cuts to reach water and sewer lines.
In January 2016, J.S. told CHS1 that CHS1’s company would be receiving $1.3 million in street cut fines from DOT in the near future. J.S. then said he had a connection that could reduce the $1.3 million in fines by 80% to $260,000, if CHS1 paid 20%, ($52,000) to J.S.’s connection. This offer was rejected by the Virginia based company.
The complaint also alleges that a second confidential human source (“CHS2”), who runs a plumbing and drain construction business in Baltimore, Maryland was previously fined approximately $17,000 for street cuts in Baltimore City. In March 2016, CHS2 attended a Baltimore City street cut appeal hearing regarding the fine. In attendance at the hearing were CHS2 and Baltimore City employees including Wade. During the hearing, CHS2 explained to the attendees, that he was not responsible for acquiring permits for the work site and therefore should not be held liable for the fines. Wade stopped the hearing, stating that he had heard enough and that the fines determination was on hold pending further review. Wade then requested to speak with CHS2 outside the hearing. Once outside the hearing, Wade explained to CHS2 that if CHS2 helped Wade that he would help CHS2.
On or about September 19, 2016, at the direction of law enforcement, CHS2 participated in a recorded telephone conversation with Wade, where CHS2 explained that he did not have money to pay the $17,000 fine. Following this call, Wade met in-person with CHS2 and asked CHS2 “what is it worth to you?” CHS2 understood that this meant that if he (CHS2) paid Wade, Wade would void the $17,000 fine. CHS2 stated, it would be worth $5,000 for him to pay Wade to remove the fine. Wade explained that he had to also pay a female at the office to push the fine reduction paperwork through but accepted the $5,000 offer. Wade told CHS2 that after making the $5,000 payment, CHS2 would not have to worry about any future fines.
On September 22, 2016, CHS2 paid Wade the first $3,000 in cash. Wade arrived at the meeting driving a Baltimore City issued government vehicle. At the direction of Wade, CHS2 threw the $3,000 into Wade’s Baltimore City government vehicle. After the money was in his Baltimore City government vehicle, Wade stated “you good for life with me . . . .” and later laughed and further stated to CHS2, “we in cahoots now . . . . ”
On or about September 28, 2016, CHS2 paid Wade the remaining $2,000 in cash, and that same day a $17,000 journal entry was posted to the Baltimore City Dynamics accounting system voiding the $17,000 in street cut fines for CHS2’s construction site. The entry was made by a female Baltimore City employee and Baltimore City records indicate that the female employee is an accountant working at the Baltimore Bureau of Accounting and Payroll Services.
A complaint is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by complaint is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
Wade’s initial appearance is scheduled for today at 2:30 p.m. in United States District Court in Baltimore, Maryland in courtroom 3A.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning commended the FBI and Baltimore City Office of Inspector General for their work in the investigation. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Phil Selden and Leo Wise, who are prosecuting the case.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions Recognizes South Dakota Prosecutor for Exceptional Service in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
Attorney General Jeff Sessions recognized 202 department employees for their distinguished public service today at the 65nd Annual Attorney General’s Awards Ceremony in Washington, DC. Gregg Peterman, Supervisory Assistant United States Attorney for the District of South Dakota, received national recognition for his work in Indian Country. Peterman was the recipient of the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Service in Indian Country – Outstanding Dedication to Lowering Crime Rates in Indian Country.
The awards ceremony took place at Constitution Hall near the White House, before hundreds of Justice Department employees and other award recipients, as well as Attorney General Sessions, the Deputy Attorney General, the Director of the FBI, and numerous other federal law enforcement officials. This annual ceremony recognizes individuals for their outstanding service and dedication to carrying out the missions of the Department of Justice.
Peterman supervises six federal prosecutors in the Rapid City branch of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The office is responsible for general crimes prosecutions in western South Dakota, including violent crime on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Under Peterman’s careful guidance, his talented team of prosecutors have persevered and achieved an appreciable increase in the number of defendants’ indicted year-upon-year out of the Rapid City office.
Peterman joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota in 1995. Shortly after joining the office, he showed an interest in working on Indian Country issues, and quickly displayed a passion and energy focused on these cases. Over the years, he has handled some of the District’s toughest Indian Country matters, ranging from violent homicides to heart wrenching child sexual abuse cases.
He has been involved in numerous national Indian Country working groups and committees, including the Attorney General’s Task Force on Domestic Violence in Indian Country, as well as the Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime Working Group addressing Alcohol Facilitated Sexual Assault in Indian Country. Peterman is a frequent lecturer on Indian Country issues at the Justice Department’s training center in South Carolina, and has provided law enforcement training to hundreds of Indian Country and other federal officers. He has co-authored two Indian Country articles for a Justice Department publication.
“Every single day, the 115,000 men and women of the Department of Justice work to protect our national security against terrorist threats, defend the civil rights of all Americans, reduce violent crime in our communities, stop deadly drug dealers and their organizations, and strengthen the rule of law,” said Attorney General Sessions. “This work benefits every American, and each Department of Justice employee plays a role that helps us accomplish our objectives. Today, we take a moment to recognize those who have distinguished themselves by exemplary service to the Department. Each one of these men and women—through their dedication and commitment—has made a difference. Meeting with them and their families today, I am more confident than ever that the Department—and the safety of the American people—are in good hands.”
“Gregg Peterman’s steadfast commitment and dedication to Indian Country over the past 22 years is unparalleled,” said Randy Seiler, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota. “It is not an overstatement to say relations between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Oglala Sioux Tribe have never been stronger, more productive, and more respectful than they are right now. That is a direct result of Gregg’s extraordinary efforts to build that relationship. Gregg’s compassion, coupled with his tenacity, knowledge, and familiarity with Indian Country, makes him the model choice for the exceptional service award. His prosecutorial skills and expertise continue to be valuable tools in our ongoing efforts to improve public safety on reservations.”
Peterman has served as a pathfinder for the nation by leading the first Community Prosecution Project on the Pine Ridge Reservation implemented in 2010. Peterman embraced the challenge to establish a stronger presence on the reservation, and successfully created and strengthened relationships by setting up a satellite U.S. Attorney’s Office in Pine Ridge. Since then, he has maintained regular, productive, and proactive interactions through an unmatched level of one-on-one engagement with tribal leaders, agencies, and law enforcement personnel in an effort to stem the incidence of crime on the reservation, bring justice to victims of such crime, and carry on the Department’s mission in Indian Country.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions Hosts the 65th Annual Attorney General Awards Honoring Department Employees and Others for their ServiceRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Attorney General Jeff Sessions recognized 202 department employees for their distinguished public service today at the 65nd Annual Attorney General’s Awards Ceremony. Nineteen other individuals outside of the department were also honored for their work. This annual ceremony recognizes individuals for their outstanding service and dedication to carrying out the missions of the Department of Justice. The department will also present one posthumous award to Deputy Commander Patrick T. Carothers for exceptional heroism in the line of duty during a fugitive apprehension in Allenhurst, Georgia on Nov. 18, 2016, in which Deputy Commander Carothers was mortally wounded.
Every single day, the 115,000 men and women of the Department of Justice work to protect our national security against terrorist threats, defend the civil rights of all Americans, reduce violent crime in our communities, stop deadly drug dealers and their organizations, and strengthen the rule of law,” said Attorney General Sessions. “This work benefits every American, and each Department of Justice employee plays a role that helps us accomplish our objectives. Today, we take a moment to recognize those who have distinguished themselves by exemplary service to the Department. Each one of these men and women—through their dedication and commitment—has made a difference. Meeting with them and their families today, I am more confident than ever that the Department—and the safety of the American people—are in good hands.”
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina said: “It is impossible to overstate the importance of the Melton case and the work of Mr. Duffy, Ms. Cooley and the entire trial team. The kidnapping and torture of a family member of a prosecutor of our community strikes at the heart of the rule of law in our society. If you are able to intimate prosecutors and law enforcement officers, we are left with little protection as citizens. So, I am very pleased to recognize this prosecution and those who worked so diligently to protect the rule of law for us all.
This year’s program honors individuals across the department and our federal, state, local, and tribal partners for their self-less efforts, protecting our national security and our civil rights, addressing rising violent crime in our communities, going after gangs and those trafficking in dangerous narcotics and human beings. The awards also honor the work of civil and environmental litigation, which enforces the rule of law and upholds our Constitution. They also recognize employees whose ideas and efforts save taxpayer dollars and help our government operate more effectively and efficiently, among other contributions to public safety and good governance.
In the Eastern District of North Carolina Assistant United States Attorneys Dennis Duffy and Leslie Cooley received The John Marshall Award. The John Marshall Awards are the Department's highest awards offered to attorneys, for contributions and excellence in specialized areas of legal performance. Twelve awards in nine categories are presented this year. The award is in the Trail of Litigation category for their outstanding performance in conviction of a United Blood Nation Member.
This team is honored for its outstanding work in the conviction of United Blood Nation member Kelvin Melton in a jury trial, as well as the conviction by guilty plea of nine co-defendants, and the conviction of a tenth in a separate jury trial. In April of 2014, Melton orchestrated the kidnapping and torture of an Assistant District Attorney’s father as retribution for his State conviction and life sentence, all while incarcerated in the State of North Carolina’s maximum security prison. The victim spent five days bound to a chair, locked in a closet, deprived of food and water, beaten, tased, and forced to urinate on himself. The Federal Bureau of Investigation was able to utilize cellular telephone analysis and a Title III wiretap to locate and rescue the victim just hours after Melton gave the order to have him killed, and arrest nine individuals who had perpetrated a string of heinous crimes culminating in the kidnapping. The recipients conducted a sweeping probe into the North Carolina Department of Corrections to determine which corrupt officials were responsible for prisoner access to cellular telephones while incarcerated. The team took a tremendous amount of evidence and created a cohesive and powerful trial presentation, diligently prepared a large number of gang members and inmates for trial, and distilled hundreds of thousands of pages of digital evidence into a succinct overview that led to Melton’s conviction of all counts. The recipients accepted a case that posed significant personal risk, investigated and expertly prepared it for trial, and secured swift justice for one of the most dangerous criminals in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina’s history.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions Hosts the 65th Annual Attorney General Awards Honoring Department Employees and Others for Their ServiceRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Attorney General Jeff Sessions recognized 202 department employees for their distinguished public service today at the 65nd Annual Attorney General’s Awards Ceremony. Nineteen other individuals outside of the department were also honored for their work. This annual ceremony recognizes individuals for their outstanding service and dedication to carrying out the missions of the Department of Justice. The department will also present one posthumous award to Deputy Commander Patrick T. Carothers for exceptional heroism in the line of duty during a fugitive apprehension in Allenhurst, Georgia on Nov. 18, 2016, in which Deputy Commander Carothers was mortally wounded.
“Every single day, the 115,000 men and women of the Department of Justice work to protect our national security against terrorist threats, defend the civil rights of all Americans, reduce violent crime in our communities, stop deadly drug dealers and their organizations, and strengthen the rule of law,” said Attorney General Sessions. “This work benefits every American, and each Department of Justice employee plays a role that helps us accomplish our objectives. Today, we take a moment to recognize those who have distinguished themselves by exemplary service to the Department. Each one of these men and women—through their dedication and commitment—has made a difference. Meeting with them and their families today, I am more confident than ever that the Department—and the safety of the American people—are in good hands.”
This year’s program honors individuals across the department and our federal, state, local, and tribal partners for their self-less efforts, protecting our national security and our civil rights, addressing rising violent crime in our communities, going after gangs and those trafficking in dangerous narcotics and human beings. The awards also honor the work of civil and environmental litigation, which enforces the rule of law and upholds our Constitution. They also recognize employees whose ideas and efforts save taxpayer dollars and help our government operate more effectively and efficiently, among other contributions to public safety and good governance.
The Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement was presented to a group of law enforcement professionals from the Eastern District of Tennessee for their extraordinary teamwork in the successful investigation and prosecution of a violent drug dealing and human trafficking organization. Today’s award recipients included:
Allen P. Pack, Jr., Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Gregory J. Smith, Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Steven T. Fogarty, Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Ted S. Francisco, Special Agent, Homeland Security Investigations
Michelle L. Evans, Special Agent, Homeland Security Investigations
Carl Richard Walker, Jr., Special Agent, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
Sollie W. Rabun III, Trooper, Tennessee Highway Patrol
Patrick L. White, Captain, Elizabethton Police Department
The trial team associated with these successful prosecutions included Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Donald Wayne Taylor, Jr., Helen C.T. Smith, and J. Christian Lampe assisted by Paralegal Specialist Cynthia St. John.
From 2009 through 2014, approximately 55 individuals associated with this organization were indicted and convicted of federal offenses associated with drug trafficking, firearms, immigration, and human trafficking. The organization and its associates were officially linked to drug suppliers from Tennessee, North Carolina, California, Oklahoma, Arizona, and ultimately a major drug organization in Mexico. The human trafficking portion of the operation affected such states as Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Ohio and Georgia. Removal of the drug operation and its numerous associates had a profound impact on the area. Arrests and convictions associated with the human trafficking portion of the investigation resulted in the rescue of numerous victims and likely saved countless lives.
U.S. Attorney Nancy Stallard Harr praised today’s award recipients, as well as the prosecution team, for their success in eliminating this combined violent drug and human trafficking organization. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is extremely proud of these dedicated, hard-working individuals. Their endeavor to eradicate a serious threat to the American public unquestionably improved the safety and well-being of law-abiding citizens in the region. Their success is due to the outstanding communication, commitment and perseverance by the multiple federal, state and local agencies and the prosecution team in our office,” said U.S. Attorney Harr.
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Attorney General Jeff Sessions Hosts the 65th Annual Attorney General Awards Honoring Department Employees and Others for Their ServiceRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Attorney General Jeff Sessions recognized 202 Department of Justice employees for their distinguished public service today at the 65nd Annual Attorney General’s Awards Ceremony. This annual ceremony recognizes individuals for their outstanding service and dedication to carrying out the missions of the Department of Justice.
Four honorees received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism for their actions in Allenhurst, Georgia, on November 18, 2016. That day, members of the U.S. Marshals Service Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force, led by Deputy Commander Patrick T. Carothers, conducted an investigation to apprehend a fugitive at a residence in Allenhurst. The fugitive was wanted in South Carolina on multiple counts of attempted murder of police officers. When the fugitive was located in a room inside the residence, he opened fire on Deputy Commander Carothers, striking him multiple times. Although mortally wounded, Deputy Commander Carothers gallantly continued to return accurate fire in an attempt to protect his team and himself from the fugitive’s attack. As additional task force members entered the gunfight, others removed Deputy Commander Carothers from the residence and rendered medical aid. Tragically, Deputy Commander Carothers succumbed to his wounds.
For these events, the Attorney General presented the Award for Exceptional Heroism posthumously to Deputy Commander Carothers, and to three members of his team: Supervisory Criminal Investigator Ramiro Suarez, Jr., Criminal Investigator James F. Turner, and Deputy United States Marshal Robert C. Doherty.
“Every single day, the 115,000 men and women of the Department of Justice work to protect our national security against terrorist threats, defend the civil rights of all Americans, reduce violent crime in our communities, stop deadly drug dealers and their organizations, and strengthen the rule of law,” said Attorney General Sessions. “This work benefits every American, and each Department of Justice employee plays a role that helps us accomplish our objectives. Today, we take a moment to recognize those who have distinguished themselves by exemplary service to the Department. Each one of these men and women—through their dedication and commitment—has made a difference. Meeting with them and their families today, I am more confident than ever that the Department—and the safety of the American people—are in good hands.”
During the ceremony, Attorney General Sessions talked specifically about Deputy Commander Carothers. “We must remember some who couldn’t be with us because they gave the last full measure of devotion. That includes Deputy Commander Patrick Carothers of the Marshals Service. After more than 25 years in law enforcement, Pat could have gotten a desk job or retired. But that just wasn’t who he was. And so, when it was time to serve a warrant for a fugitive wanted for attempting to kill police, Pat was the first one through the door,” said Attorney General Sessions, “We are going to remember Patrick Carothers’ story for a long time. And he is going to inspire us to live up to his example of selflessness and bravery.”
Said United States Attorney R. Brian Tanner, “Every member of Deputy Commander Carothers’s team exhibited profound courage, but he made the ultimate sacrifice. We rightly should take this moment to recognize Deputy Commander Carothers and his entire team for their exceptionally heroic actions under extreme duress. That team not only included the three federal Marshals recognized with him by the Attorney General today, but also a number of state and local law enforcement agents that with no less gallantry were on the scene in Allenhurst returning fire and rendering aid. All these men and women voluntarily took on the mantle of public service, putting themselves in harm’s way in order to keep us all safe. Today, and every day, they deserve our gratitude and respect.”
Attorney General Jeff Sessions Hosts the 65th Annual Attorney General Awards Honoring Department Employees and Others for Their ServiceRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Attorney General Jeff Sessions recognized 202 department employees for their distinguished public service today at the 65nd Annual Attorney General’s Awards Ceremony. Nineteen other individuals outside of the department were also honored for their work. This annual ceremony recognizes individuals for their outstanding service and dedication to carrying out the missions of the Department of Justice. The department will also present one posthumous award to Deputy Commander Patrick T. Carothers for exceptional heroism in the line of duty during a fugitive apprehension in Allenhurst, Georgia on Nov. 18, 2016, in which Deputy Commander Carothers was mortally wounded.
“Every single day, the 115,000 men and women of the Department of Justice work to protect our national security against terrorist threats, defend the civil rights of all Americans, reduce violent crime in our communities, stop deadly drug dealers and their organizations, and strengthen the rule of law,” said Attorney General Sessions. “This work benefits every American, and each Department of Justice employee plays a role that helps us accomplish our objectives. Today, we take a moment to recognize those who have distinguished themselves by exemplary service to the Department. Each one of these men and women—through their dedication and commitment—has made a difference. Meeting with them and their families today, I am more confident than ever that the Department—and the safety of the American people—are in good hands.”
“I’m delighted that the Attorney General chose to recognize the work of one of our outstanding prosecutors,” said U.S. Attorney Parker. “Mr. Meitl’s work in this case was nothing short of extraordinary and exemplifies the work that goes on in this office every day.”
This year’s program honors individuals across the department and our federal, state, local, and tribal partners for their self-less efforts, protecting our national security and our civil rights, addressing rising violent crime in our communities, going after gangs and those trafficking in dangerous narcotics and human beings. The awards also honor the work of civil and environmental litigation, which enforces the rule of law and upholds our Constitution. They also recognize employees whose ideas and efforts save taxpayer dollars and help our government operate more effectively and efficiently, among other contributions to public safety and good governance.
Attorney General Sessions recognized Northern District of Texas Assistant U.S. Attorney P.J. Meitl for the prosecution of one the largest cases ever against the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT), which is considered a Tier One gang in the State of Texas. Mr. Meitl’s leadership in the ABT investigation was instrumental in the highly successful prosecution of dozens of members and associates of various white supremacy groups in North Texas. To date, 89 dangerous defendants are incarcerated for their involvement in a far-reaching drug trafficking conspiracy. Combined, the defendants had previously been convicted of 730 crimes that included murder, sexual assault, robbery, and other violent offenses.
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Attorney General Jeff Sessions Hosts the 65th Annual Attorney General Awards Honoring Department Employees and Others for Their ServiceRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Attorney General Jeff Sessions recognized 202 department employees for their distinguished public service today at the 65nd Annual Attorney General’s Awards Ceremony. Nineteen other individuals outside of the department were also honored for their work. This annual ceremony recognizes individuals for their outstanding service and dedication to carrying out the missions of the Department of Justice. The department will also present one posthumous award to Deputy Commander Patrick T. Carothers for exceptional heroism in the line of duty during a fugitive apprehension in Allenhurst, Georgia on November 18, 2016, in which Deputy Commander Carothers was mortally wounded.
“Every single day, the 115,000 men and women of the Department of Justice work to protect our national security against terrorist threats, defend the civil rights of all Americans, reduce violent crime in our communities, stop deadly drug dealers and their organizations, and strengthen the rule of law,” said Attorney General Sessions. “This work benefits every American, and each Department of Justice employee plays a role that helps us accomplish our objectives. Today, we take a moment to recognize those who have distinguished themselves by exemplary service to the Department. Each one of these men and women—through their dedication and commitment—has made a difference. Meeting with them and their families today, I am more confident than ever that the Department—and the safety of the American people—are in good hands.”
“Today’s recognition of members of our office, DOJ’s Organized Crime and Gang Section, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is well-deserved,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “As a result of their combined, tireless efforts over two years, a violent criminal gang was brought to justice. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and the community to reduce crime throughout our district.”
This year’s program honors individuals across the department and our federal, state, local, and tribal partners for their selfless efforts, protecting our national security and our civil rights, addressing rising violent crime in our communities, and going after gangs and those trafficking in dangerous narcotics and human beings.
From the Middle District of Florida, Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher Murray, Natalie Hirt Adams, and Administrative Specialist Abbey Hicks, Special Agents Yannick J. Deslauriers and Melinda G. Sears from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, along with Trial Attorney Marty Ann Woelfle from the Organized Crime and Gang Section, were recognized for their outstanding achievements in the case of United States v. Nathaniel Harris, et al.
Between April 2014 and September 2016, this team successfully investigated and prosecuted six leaders of the most violent gang in Manatee County. For nearly a decade, the Harris defendants operated an extremely violent racketeering enterprise. The gang’s violence culminated on August 1, 2013, when two defendants stormed a youth football practice and gunned down Coach Brenton Coleman, killing him in front of 300 children and their parents. The recipients prosecuted the six defendants in a 28-count racketeering indictment involving charges for seven murders, one attempted murder, and two armed kidnappings, among many other crimes. Additionally, the team worked feverishly to prepare over 150 witnesses and over 1,800 exhibits for trial. Through the course of a grueling three-month trial that began on June 6, 2016, the recipients excelled in the complex task of persuasively presenting the testimony of cooperating defendants and other witnesses, coupled with physical, forensic, and electronic evidence. The team’s work resulted in the conviction of all six defendants and sentences ranging from 120 years to multiple life sentences. The Harris case was one of the most complex and successful violent crime prosecutions in the history of the Middle District of Florida. Furthermore, the professionalism, dedication, and devotion to duty of the recipients are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Arrests Made in Drug and Firearm Charges in and Around Craven CountyRead the Press Release
NEW BERN – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina Robert J. Higdon, Jr., District Attorney Scott Thomas, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announce the arrests yesterday of eight defendants pursuant to three federal indictments for drug and firearms charges.
A 35-count indictment was returned by a federal grand jury on October 17, 2017. The indictment charges nine defendants with conspiracy to distribute heroin and marijuana and various drug offenses, one defendant with operating a continuing criminal enterprise, and three defendants with firearm offenses arising out of a Title III wiretap investigation in Craven County.
The defendants include:
- CALVIN MARK WILSON, aka “Bali,” 33, of New Bern, NC
- MARIO CORRELLUS BARGNEARE, aka “Rio,” 38, of New Bern, NC
- WILLIE FRANK JAMES AHERN, aka “White, White Bread, Dribs,” 38, of Bayboro, NC
- DEREK JACQUAN WIGGINS, aka “DJ,” 37, of New Bern, NC
- ROY JAMES NOLON, aka “Henny,” 20, of New Bern, NC
- MICHAEL QUALEEK VELASQUEZ, aka “Moo Moo,” 22, of New Bern, NC (currently housed in the Bertie Correctional Institution)
- LAMAR HOSEA WIGGINS, aka “LB,” 39, of New Bern, NC
- LASHAWNNA JAQUETTE MCCOTTER, aka “Flossy,” 46, of New Bern, NC
- LATREKA DENISE HARDESTY, aka “T,” 26, of New Bern, NC
Additionally, ADRIENNE MICHELLE HALL, 34, of New Bern, NC, was indicted for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin and for possession of heroin. CAROLINE LOUISE HUGHES, 27, of Alliance, NC, also faces a 3-count indictment for conspiracy to distribute heroin and distributing heroin.
In addition to the federal arrests, three other individuals were arrested by the New Bern Police Department for state drug and firearm offenses. Suquanna Robinson, 33, of New Bern, NC, was arrested for possession with intent to sell and deliver heroin and maintaining a dwelling. Dwayne Stallings, 32, of Cove City, was arrested for possession of a stolen firearm. Finally, Nassar Mack, 36, of New Bern, NC, was arrested for possession of a firearm by a felon.
“The heroin epidemic is affecting the lives of citizens here in North Carolina and throughout the nation,” commented U.S. Attorney Higdon. “In fact we are losing more than 3 North Carolinians to drug overdoses every day. And, heroin and opioids are driving a significant portion of this devastating problem. This prosecution reflects the commitment of this office and that of our state and local law enforcement partners in combatting this crisis and targeting those who put these dangerous drugs on the streets.”
District Attorney Scott Thomas said, “This coordinated investigation between local, state and federal agencies is part of our ongoing effort to combat violence and illegal drug activity in our area. The fight against crime requires cooperation between law enforcement agencies and prosecutors at the state and federal levels to be successful. My office will continue to work closely with the United States Attorney’s Office as these and similar cases are investigated and prosecuted in the future.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge CJ Hyman stated, “One of ATF’s primary missions is to combat violent crime, and this investigation is a great example of the positive results that can be accomplished when we collaborate with our law enforcement partners to accomplish the common goal of making our communities safer.”
“I applaud the spirit of cooperation that exists at local, state and federal levels”, said New Bern's Chief of Police, Toussaint E. Summers, Jr., as he remarked on the arrests yesterday that represented a coordinated effort of more than two years. “The citizens of the City of New Bern, Craven County and eastern North Carolina can be assured that the law enforcement community as well as federal and state prosecutors will work together to use all available resources to remove drug traffickers from the streets of our community.”
All but two of the defendants charged in the federal indictments are in custody pending trial. DEREK WIGGINS and LAMAR WIGGINS remain at large.
In addition to the arrests, law enforcement executed seven search warrants of residences in Craven County as part of a multi-year investigation into the violent drug trafficking organization. This case was brought as a part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Operation entitled Operation 190.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), New Bern Police Department, Jacksonville Police Department, Craven County Sheriff’s Office, Pamlico County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Onslow County Sheriff’s Office, Sampson County Sheriff’s Office, Trentwood Police Department, Carteret County Sheriff’s Office, Morehead City Police Department, and with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Anchorage Man Charged for Trafficking Large Quantities of Heroin and Methamphetamine into AlaskaRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that an Anchorage man was arrested and charged for the trafficking of multi-kilo quantities of heroin, as well as multi-pound quantities of methamphetamine, which were to be distributed in the Anchorage area.
Cheng Chiew Saechao, 28, of Anchorage, was charged yesterday with possession with intent to distribute 1,000 grams or more of heroin. Saechao had his initial appearance in court yesterday, and was ordered detained pending grand jury indictment.
According to the complaint, on October 23, 2017, federal, state, and local law enforcement officers arrested Saechao following a seizure of nearly 10 pounds of methamphetamine by the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), which had been shipped to Alaska from California. When law enforcement officers subsequently searched Saechao’s residence, they found approximately 4 kilograms of heroin, which is the approximate equivalent of 40,000 individual dose quantities. In total, the complaint alleges that the street value of the drugs is approximately $400,000 for the heroin and $1,000,000 for the methamphetamine.
At Saechao’s residence, evidence of drug distribution including packaging materials, a digital scale, and a handgun were also found. Following his arrest, Saechao admitted receiving pounds of heroin and methamphetamine in recent months and further admitted he intended to distribute the heroin throughout the Anchorage area.
If convicted, Saechao faces a mandatory minimum 10 years to life imprisonment, a $10 million fine, and a minimum of five years of supervised release.
The Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force (DEA), United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Anchorage Police Department Vice Unit, Alaska State Troopers, Anchorage Airport Police Department and Alaska National Guard Counter Drug Support Program conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Anchorage Man Charged for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that an Anchorage man was charged for the distribution of child pornography.
Ronald Teekell, 52, of Anchorage, and owner of Jewel Lake Bowl, was arraigned yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin F. McCoy on two counts of distribution of child pornography. A detention hearing was scheduled for Oct. 27, 2017.
According to the indictment, in November 2014 and June 2016, Teekell knowingly distributed, by any means and facility of interstate and foreign commerce, visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. It is alleged that Teekell used the wireless internet at Jewell Lake Bowl to access child pornography.
The charges against Teekell are the result of a joint investigation conducted by the FBI and APD. If the public has any further information, questions, or concerns about the activities of Teekell, please contact the FBI at (907) 276-4441.
If convicted, Teekell faces a statutory minimum of five years in prison and guideline sentence of the statutory maximum of 20 years in prison. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In May 2006, DOJ launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Altoona Man Admits Possessing Pornographic Images and Videos of MinorsRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Altoona, Pa. pleaded guilty today in federal court to a charge of possession of child pornography, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
Trenton Stehley, 20, of Altoona, Pa., pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, on August 11, 2015, Stehley knowingly possessed videos and images in individual computer graphic files which were produced using minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The computer graphic files were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Feb. 20, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines, is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Altoona Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Stehley.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Acting United States Attorney Farley Encourages Participation in Dea’s National Presription Drug Take Back Day on October 28, 2017Read the Press Release
CONCORD, N.H. – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley encourages the public to participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 28, 2017. This biannual event will be held form 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at thousands of collection sites around the country, including over 100 here in New Hampshire. This event is an important effort to rid homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.
“I encourage everyone in our state to join in our efforts to combat the opioid crisis by participating in National Prescription Take Back Day,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “As our state and our nation combat the opioid crisis, we have heard far too many stories of individuals whose paths to addiction began with the misuse of prescription drugs. One way that all citizens in the Granite State can help to fight this drug epidemic is to remove any unneeded prescription drugs from their homes. Properly disposing of these drugs can prevent them from falling into the wrong hands. The simple act of disposing of unneeded drugs may help to prevent someone you love from misusing these drugs or dying from an overdose.”
"The abuse of opioid prescription drugs can lead to the path of addiction and overdose death," said DEA Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson. "We are proud to partner with the New Hampshire U.S. Attorney's Office and the residents of the Granite State to provide a method to dispose of unwanted, unused and expired pain killers and addictive medicines. The abuse of opioids is our nation’s biggest drug problem."
Prior Drug Take Back Day events have been very successful. Last April, Americans turned in 450 tons (900,000 pounds) or prescription drugs at almost 5,500 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,200 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 13 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 8.1 million pounds—more than 4,050 tons—of pills. The disposal service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. Please note that the DEA cannot accept liquids, needles, or sharps, only pills or patches.
Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that most abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 91 Americans die each day from an opioid overdose. Some painkiller abusers move on to heroin. In fact, four out of five new heroin users started their drug use with painkillers.
Flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them in the trash pose potential safety and health hazards. This initiative addresses the public safety and public health issues that surround medications languishing in home cabinets, becoming highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.
For more information or to locate a collection site near you, go the DEA Prescription Drug Take Back Day web site at https://takebackday.dea.gov/#collection-locator where you can search by zip code, city, or state.
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24 October 2017
Westerville Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening CongressmanRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – E. Stanley Hoff, 68, of Westerville, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to one count of threatening to assault and murder a United States official.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and the United States Capitol Police announced the plea entered into before U.S. District Judge Michael H. Watson.
Hoff was indicted by a federal grand jury in July, and, according to court documents, threatened to assault and murder U.S Representative Steve Stivers and a member of Stivers’ family. Hoff left a threatening voice mail on Rep. Stivers’ Hilliard office phone.
Hoff was arrested on June 21, when he was charged by a criminal complaint. He is being held without bond.
Threatening to assault and murder a United States official is a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the U.S. Capitol Police and Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin Kelley and Noah Litton, who are prosecuting the case.
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West Warwick Man Admits to Possessing 7,000 Images and Videos of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – Joseph Seymour, 39, of West Warwick, pleaded guilty in federal court in Providence today to possession of child pornography.
Appearing before U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., Seymour admitted to the Court that in July 2016, he was in possession of more than 7,000 digital images or videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Some of the images and videos depicted prepubescent minors under the age of 12 engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Seymour’s guilty plea is announced by Acting United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch; Shelly A. Binkowski, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; and Colonel Ann C. Assumpico, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police.
According to court documents and information presented to the court, in July 2016, a Tempe, Arizona computer repair service notified the Tempe Police Department that they discovered images on a digital hard drive that appeared to be child pornography. The hard drive had been sent to the repair service via a Rhode Island-based manufacturer of electronic products. The Arizona company is often used by the Rhode Island-based manufacturer as a sub-contractor for computer repair services.
The Tempe Police Department reviewed some of the material on the hard drive, and, after determining that some of the contents they reviewed depicted child pornography, they contacted that Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The hard drive was transferred to the ICAC Task Force and then to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) for further examination. In addition to numerous documents and other files containing identifying information belonging to Joseph Seymour, a forensic examination by a USPIS Digital Evidence Unit revealed over 7,000 images of child pornography stored in more than 160 subfolders.
On December 21, 2016, USPIS agents and members of the ICAC Task Force arrested Seymour while executing a court authorized search of Seymour’s residence and seizing numerous computers and digital storage devices.
Seymour is scheduled to be sentenced on January 12, 2018. Possession of child pornography is punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.
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Virginia Tax Return Preparer Sentenced to Prison for Filing Fraudulent ReturnsRead the Press Release
Danville, VIRGINIA – A Danville, Virginia, resident was sentenced to 30 months in prison for aiding and assisting in the preparation of fraudulent tax returns, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle for the Western District of Virginia.
According to documents filed with the court, Timothy Harris, 49, owned and operated TNA Tax Services and TNT Tax Services, which were located in Danville and Rocky Mount. Harris used these businesses to prepare false tax returns for clients that claimed bogus business losses in order to seek refunds to which his clients were not entitled. After the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) revoked Harris’s Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN) in December 2012, he used another person’s EFIN to continue filing tax returns. Harris admitted that his fraudulent conduct caused a tax loss of more than $250,000.
In addition to the term of prison imposed, Senior U.S. District Judge Jackson L. Kiser ordered Harris to serve one year of supervised release and to pay $335,389 in restitution to the IRS. Harris pleaded guilty in July 2017 to aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and Acting U.S. Attorney Mountcastle commended special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys William M. Montague and Michael C. Boteler of the Tax Division, who prosecuted the case.
Virginia Tax Return Preparer Sentenced to Prison for Filing Fraudulent ReturnsRead the Press Release
A Danville, Virginia, resident was sentenced to 30 months in prison for aiding and assisting in the preparation of fraudulent tax returns, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle for the Western District of Virginia.
According to documents filed with the court, Timothy Harris, 49, owned and operated TNA Tax Services and TNT Tax Services, which were located in Danville and Rocky Mount. Harris used these businesses to prepare false tax returns for clients that claimed bogus business losses in order to seek refunds to which his clients were not entitled. After the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) revoked Harris’s Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN) in December 2012, he used another person’s EFIN to continue filing tax returns. Harris admitted that his fraudulent conduct caused a tax loss of more than $250,000.
In addition to the term of prison imposed, Senior U.S. District Judge Jackson L. Kiser ordered Harris to serve one year of supervised release and to pay $335,389 in restitution to the IRS. Harris pleaded guilty in July 2017 to aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and Acting U.S. Attorney Mountcastle commended special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys William M. Montague and Michael C. Boteler of the Tax Division, who prosecuted the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division’s enforcement efforts can be found on the division’s website.
Union Treasurer Sentenced to Prison for Embezzling FundsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANDREW THIBODEAU, 72, of East Hartford, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to three months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for embezzling more than $70,000 from his union.
According to court documents and statements made in court, THIBODEAU was a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 1433. Beginning in approximately 2004, THIBODEAU served as secretary/treasurer of the local office of the union in Kensington. For several years, THIBODEAU used his access to the union’s funds to defraud the union in various ways. He issued unauthorized paychecks to himself, sometimes forging the signature of another union official so the bank would cash the check. He also reimbursed himself for fraudulent expenses for maintenance, officer duties and supplies. At times, he charged expenses to the union’s credit card, paid the resulting bill with union funds, and then wrote a check for the same amount to himself.
Between 2010 and 2014, THIBODEAU embezzled $70,379.30 from the union.
Judge Covello ordered THIBODEAU to make full restitution.
On April 5, 2017, THIBODEAU pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement and theft of labor union assets.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, and U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor Management Standards. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Hosts Conference Addressing Hate Speech in K-12 SchoolsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office hosted a conference yesterday aimed at bringing together educators, school administrators, advocates, and community members to learn and share ideas about preventing and effectively responding to hate speech in K-12 schools in Massachusetts.
“Preventing and responding to hate speech in our schools is essential to ensuring equal educational opportunities for youth in Massachusetts,” said Acting U.S. Attorney William D. Weinreb. “All young people have a right to learn in a safe and welcoming environment that fosters respect for diversity and nurtures healthy development.”
The full day conference, “Hate Speech in K-12 Schools: Prevention and Response,” was organized by Weinreb’s Civil Rights Unit and held at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester. The conference brought together a diverse audience of over 200 educators, school resource officers, school administrators, advocates, and community members from across Massachusetts for a series of panels and plenary sessions about addressing hate speech in Massachusetts schools.
Keynote speaker Maureen Costello, the Director of Teaching Tolerance at the Southern Poverty Law Center, spoke about the importance of addressing bias in schools. “Thanks to media coverage of hate speech incidents and the use of modern technology to bully or harass, we are more aware than ever of what vulnerable children face in school, and we have a profound responsibility to ensure that our schools are inclusive and free from bias,” she said. According to keynote speaker Steve Wessler, a Human Rights Educator & Advocate, “The impact [of hate speech] on students includes damage to their physical and mental health as well as to their ability to succeed in school. Additionally, degrading language can escalate from words to violence when no one speaks up for civility and respect.”
The sessions covered a variety of topics including how to address the needs of vulnerable populations who are disproportionately victimized by hate speech and how to prevent hate speech and harassment online and through social media. One panel shared best practices in prevention programs and how to create and maintain positive and welcoming school environments. A panel of legal experts also discussed the legal obligations of schools with respect to harassment and hate speech, including First Amendment protections that apply to students in schools, and when hate speech becomes a hate crime.
The Civil Rights Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office was established in 2015 with the mission of enhancing federal civil rights enforcement. For more information on the Office’s civil rights efforts, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-ma/civil-rights.
U.S. Attorney and Law Enforcement Partners Announce Formation of Connecticut Cyber Task ForceRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deirdre M. Daly and representatives of federal, state and local law enforcement today announced the formation of the Connecticut Cyber Task Force to investigate complex crimes in cyberspace.
The Connecticut Cyber Task Force, which is based at the FBI in New Haven, includes representatives from the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Connecticut State Police and 11 police departments from across the state, including the Bridgeport, Bristol, Fairfield, Greenwich, Hartford, New Canaan, New London, Norwalk, Stamford, Torrington and Westport Police Departments.
“The broad reach of cyber criminals can be felt almost every day in Connecticut,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “Day after day, we learn of companies, municipalities, educational institutions, hospitals, public utilities, nonprofits and citizens being targeted by bad actors. These cyber criminals seek to disrupt our work, steal our intellectual property, compromise the personal or financial information of employees, customers and citizens through dedicated denial of service (DDOS) attacks, spear phishing campaigns, ransomware and malware attacks and other computer hacks or cyber intrusions.”
“The Connecticut Cyber Task Force will address the significant increase in the number and frequency of cyber-attacks occurring in Connecticut,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Patricia M. Ferrick. “The primary goal of the task force is to combine available federal, state and local law enforcement resources in Connecticut to address challenging and emerging cyber threats such as the use of the Dark Markets, crypto currencies such as Bitcoin, and encrypted routing services, including TOR, to hide the advertising, sale and distribution of controlled substances and the sale of stolen personal identification, user credentials and financial information. We will also work closely with our law enforcement partners to provide training, resources and investigative strategies to address the significant ransomware and business email compromise attacks in Connecticut. It is our hope that this task force will make a significant impact and serve to better protect the citizens of Connecticut from the ever-changing criminal threats emanating from the internet.”
“Cybercrime is an increasing threat to individuals, businesses, and government in Connecticut and across the country,” said Commissioner Dr. Dora Schriro of the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. “Neither impeded by geographic boundaries nor governmental jurisdictions, no single law enforcement agency can adequately address cybercrime. The Connecticut State Police welcomes the opportunity to expand our efforts and outreach in this important area through collaborative efforts such as this. Working closely with federal and local partners is key to keeping our communities safe and to holding accountable those who are responsible.”
Initially, the Task Force will prioritize cybercrime investigations in two areas. First, the Task Force will work to identify and disrupt criminal organizations that use computer intrusions to defraud companies of their money and information. “According to some estimates, in the last four years alone, ‘business compromise’ schemes have cost American companies more than $1.6 billion,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “The FBI, Secret Service, HSI and IRS have made great strides in minimizing the impacts of these frauds through both prosecution of fraudsters and numerous outreach efforts to the business communities, but by working together and with state and local law enforcement, we believe that we will detect trends across intrusions, thereby allowing us to identify, arrest and prosecute the most serious offenders.”
“On behalf of HSI, I am extremely pleased to join the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut on this new cyber task force,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Etre of HSI Boston. “HSI’s unique authorities, broad scope of investigative areas, and cyber-specific assets bring to the table an extensive toolkit that can track down cyber criminals and bring them to justice, no matter where they hide. Our methods have been tried and tested over many years, helping to make HSI a world leader in cyber investigations.”
“Our growing reliance on computer networks and electronic devices in almost every aspect of our lives has been accompanied by an increased threat from individuals, organized criminal networks, and nation states that victimize American citizens and businesses,” said Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation. “Recent revelations about massive thefts of financial and other sensitive data, from both the public and private sector, serve as a stark reminder of how vulnerable we all are to cyber-attacks. IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to investigating and prosecuting those perpetrating criminal schemes in the cyber world. Through our partnership with the U.S. Attorney's Office and our federal, state and local partners, we will aggressively pursue those who threaten our citizens and our nation.”
Second, the Task Force will target criminal activity on the dark web, notably the illicit acquisition and distribution of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs that are the cause of tens of thousands of overdose deaths annually. “Many dark web forums are an online version of an open-air drug market where narcotics are openly marketed and sold with impunity,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “We believe that the vast majority of fentanyl that is killing far too many Americans is being produced overseas, and then sold on the dark web. Our Office, in partnership with the DEA and Postal Inspectors, has arrested and prosecuted online distributors of fentanyl and other drugs. The goal of the Task Force is to now marshal our resources and focus attention on those who operate and profit from the online forums themselves.”
“The DEA continues to be proactive in attacking criminal organizations that use the internet to conduct their illicit trade,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson. “Many times these organizations are utilizing the Dark Web to procure fentanyl directly from China. Connecticut has been experiencing a deadly opioid epidemic and the majority of these deaths can be attributed to a combination of fentanyl and heroin. The creation of this Task Force will give us additional resources to target and attack those individuals who are responsible for bringing this deadly poison into the United States and onto the streets of Connecticut.”
“The need to combat cybercrimes is increasing as more individuals become victims to these types of crimes,” said Inspector in Charge Shelly Binkowski of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.” The U.S. Postal Inspection Service looks forward to working collaboratively with our law enforcement partners to keep the American public safe.”
“Cybercrimes that could compromise the integrity of the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) Information Network or result in the disclosure of sensitive or classified DoD data are a top priority for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS),” said Special Agent-in-Charge Leigh-Alistair Barzey, DCIS Northeast Field Office. “DCIS welcomes the opportunity to join the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI New Haven Division and its law enforcement partners in this important initiative to combat cyber-related crimes.”
U.S. Attorney Daly noted several significant cybercrime matters that were investigated and prosecuted in Connecticut in the last decade, including the dismantling of the Coreflood botnet in 2011, a groundbreaking case that utilized legal and technical tools that are now used regularly throughout the country; the prosecution and extradition of several Romanian citizens who stole financial and personal information in phishing schemes; a fentanyl distribution investigation that revealed the drug was being acquired in kilogram quantities over the dark web; the arrest this past August of a Nigerian citizen who is alleged to have operated a phishing scheme to acquire tax information from school system employees, which information was used to file numerous false tax returns, and the arrest in Spain of a Russian citizen who is alleged to have operated the Kelihos botnet for more than 10 years.
U.S. Attorney Daly announced that Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vanessa Richards, David Huang and Neeraj Patel are coordinating the efforts of the Task Force within the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “Over the last two years, the Office has made a singular commitment to fighting cyber crime by creating a cyber bench – a group of prosecutors specially trained in this complex area,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “These dedicated prosecutors have presented to Connecticut’s largest companies to educate businesses on how to avoid becoming the victim of a cyber-attack, and what to do when attacked.”
To contact the Connecticut Cyber Task Force, please call the FBI in New Haven at 203-777-6311.
U.S. Attorney Charges NW Alabama Compounding Pharmacy Sales Representative in Prescription Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM – The U.S. Attorney’s Office today charged a fourth sales representative for a Haleyville, Ala.,-based compounding pharmacy for participating in a conspiracy to generate prescriptions and defraud health care insurers and prescription drug administrators out of tens of millions of dollars in 2015.
U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town, FBI Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge Adrian Gonzalez, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Special Agent in Charge Derrick L. Jackson, Defense Criminal Investigative Service Special Agent in Charge John F. Khin, and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Acting Special Agent in Charge James E. Dorsey announced the charges.
Prosecutors filed an information in U.S. District Court charging PETER EODICE II, 34, of Webster, NY, with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, wire fraud and mail fraud, various counts of health care fraud for submitting fraudulent prescription reimbursement claims to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, and one count of aggravated identity theft for forging a prescription. In conjunction with the charges, prosecutors also filed a plea agreement with Eodice.
Eodice worked for Northside Pharmacy, an Alabama company doing business as Global Compounding Pharmacy. Global’s compounding and shipping facility was in Haleyville. The pharmacy did its prescription processing, billing and customer service at its “call center” in Clearwater, Fla.
Global hired sales representatives, including Eodice, who were located in various states and were responsible for generating prescriptions from physicians and other prescribers. To bill insurance providers, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, for these prescriptions, Global contracted to enter the pharmacy networks of third-party administrators, known as “pharmacy benefit managers” or “PBMs.” These PBMs included Prime Therapeutics and Express Scripts Incorporated.
The court documents describe a conspiracy at Global that centered on generating and billing PBMs for fraudulent, often high-reimbursement prescriptions. To generate prescriptions, Global hired sales representatives who were married or related to doctors and other prescribers. Global also encouraged sales representatives to volunteer at doctors’ offices where they would review patient files and push Global’s products to patients. Global executives also frequently instructed employees to obtain high-reimbursing prescriptions that Global would fill and bill for reimbursement. One of the drugs that Eodice got for himself and his family members was a wound cream that cost over $29,000.
The plea agreement describes a Global executive instructing sales representatives to obtain certain prescriptions and, shortly after, Eodice obtained those prescriptions for himself and family members. Eodice also forged multiple prescriptions, according to the court documents.
When billing, Global engaged in various fraudulent practices, including automatically refilling and billing for prescriptions regardless of patient need, and routinely waiving co-pays to encourage patients to accept unnecessary medications and refills.
As part of his plea agreement, Eodice agreed to forfeit $266,513 to the government as proceeds of illegal activity.
Global paid sales representatives a base salary plus a monthly commission for prescriptions that they obtained, according to court documents.
The charges against Eodice follow charges brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office earlier this year against three other Global sales representatives, Robin Gary Lowry, 49, of Columbus, Miss., Bridget McCune, 42, of Destin, Fla., and Kelley Norris-Hartley, 41, of Tuscaloosa. All three were charged with conspiracy to defraud insurance plans and PBMs, along with various health care fraud counts for submitting fraudulent claims for payment to BCBS of Alabama. McCune also was charged with conspiring to solicit and receive kickbacks in return for referring prescriptions under Medicare and TRICARE, a U.S. Department of Defense health care program, and with money laundering for spending proceeds of the crimes. All three defendants pleaded guilty. Their sentencings are scheduled for early 2018.
FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and U.S. Defense Criminal Investigative Service investigated the cases, which Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chinelo Dike-Minor and Nicole Grosnoff are prosecuting.
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Two New York Residents Plead Guilty in Separate Stolen Identity Refund Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
Two Queens, New York, residents pleaded guilty today for their roles in separate stolen identity refund fraud schemes, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
Kishore Jattan, 44, pleaded guilty to identity theft. According to the plea agreement and documents filed with the court, from April 2012 through June 2012, Jattan stole student IDs from packages he delivered for a university located in New York and sold the stolen IDs to other individuals who used the IDs to file fraudulent tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Jattan admitted that he caused a tax loss of between $250,000 and $550,000.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 21, 2018 before U.S. District Court Judge Edward R. Korman. Jattan faces a statutory maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
In a separate scheme, Michael Bratton, 51, pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States. According to the plea agreement and documents filed with the court, from January 2011 through June 2012, Bratton purchased stolen IDs, which he provided to a co-conspirator for the purpose of filing fraudulent tax returns with the IRS. Bratton admitted to causing a tax loss of more than $40,000.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 21, 2018 before U.S. District Court Judge Edward R. Korman. Bratton faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years for conspiring to defraud the United States. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg thanked special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, who conducted the investigations, and Trial Attorneys Mark Kotila and Ann M. Cherry of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting these cases.
Additional information about the Tax Division’s enforcement efforts can be found on the division’s website.
Two Men Indicted for Conspiring to Cause False Statements to the Federal Election CommissionRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury sitting in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania returned an indictment today charging two Philadelphia-area political consultants with a scheme to use a political candidate’s campaign funds to make illegal contributions to his opponent’s campaign to secure the opponent’s agreement to drop out of a 2012 congressional primary race.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Louis D. Lappen for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Donald “D.A.” Jones, 62, of Willingboro, New Jersey, and Kenneth Smukler, 57, of Villanova, Pennsylvania, were charged with conspiracy, causing unlawful campaign contributions and causing the filing of false reports to the Federal Election Commission (FEC), and Jones was charged with making false statements to the FBI, in connection with a falsification scheme involving unlawful contributions to the campaign of former Municipal Court Judge Jimmie Moore, a candidate for the Democratic Party’s nomination for Member of the U.S. House of Representatives in the 2012 Democratic race for Pennsylvania’s First Congressional District. According to the indictment, those payments came from the campaign committee of Moore’s opponent for the purpose of removing Moore from the race. Moore pleaded guilty to the charge of causing false statements to the FEC in connection with this matter on Oct. 2.
As alleged in the indictment, in or about February 2012, Moore withdrew from the primary election pursuant to an agreement with his opponent, who promised $90,000 in campaign funds to be used to repay Moore’s campaign debts. Under the applicable law, a contribution from one authorized campaign to another could not exceed $2,000 for the primary election. Therefore, the $90,000 payment from Moore’s opponent’s campaign to pay Moore’s campaign debts constituted an unlawful campaign contribution.
According to the indictment, the FEC requires campaigns to file periodic reports itemizing the campaign’s contributions and expenditures during the reporting period. However, in order to conceal the unlawful contribution and its source, Moore instructed his campaign manager, Carolyn Cavaness, to create a company whose sole purpose would be to receive the funds from his opponent’s political campaign and repay Moore’s campaign debts. As described in the indictment, those payments were routed through Voter Link Data Systems (Voter Link) and D. Jones & Associates, political consulting companies run by Smukler and Jones.
According to the indictment, the defendants used false invoices to generate a paper trail intended to justify the payments from Moore’s opponent’s campaign committee, and Cavaness, acting at Moore’s direction, used a portion of the money from the opponent’s campaign committee to repay Moore’s campaign debts, including debts to Moore and Cavaness themselves. Cavaness pleaded guilty to the charge of causing false statements to the FEC in connection with this matter on July 25.
According to the indictment, to further conceal the scheme, the defendants willfully caused Moore’s campaign committee to file false reports with the FEC that did not disclose or reference the funds received from his opponent’s campaign committee; did not mention Voter Link or D. Jones & Associates, the companies through which the payments were routed; and falsely listed the same debts owed by Moore’s campaign that had been disclosed on earlier reports, despite the fact that those debts had been repaid using funds from Moore’s opponent’s campaign committee. Likewise, the defendants willfully caused the opponent’s campaign committee to file false reports with the FEC that did not mention the use of campaign funds to repay Moore’s campaign debts. Finally, the indictment alleges that Jones made material false statements to FBI agents investigating this matter, telling them that Cavaness had performed work in exchange for the opponent’s campaign funds that were routed through D. Jones & Associates, when in fact Cavaness never performed any such work.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. It merely alleges that crimes have been committed. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The FBI conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Gibson Eric Gibson of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and Trial Attorney Jonathan Kravis of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section are prosecuting the case.
Two Indicted for Conspiring to Cause False Statements to the Federal Election CommissionRead the Press Release
Philadelphia – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging two Philadelphia-area political consultants with conspiracy, causing unlawful campaign contributions, causing the filing of false reports to the Federal Election Commission, causing false statements to the Federal Election Commission and making false statements to the FBI.
Acting U.S. Attorney Louis D. Lappen for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Donald Jones, 62, and Kenneth Smukler, 57, caused unlawful campaign contributions and engaged in a falsification scheme involving those contributions to the campaign of a candidate for the Democratic Party’s nomination for Member of the U.S. House of Representatives. According to the indictment, those payments came from the campaign committee of a candidate for the purpose of removing that candidate’s opponent, former Municipal Court Judge Jimmie Moore, from the 2012 Democratic race for Pennsylvania’s First Congressional District. Moore pleaded guilty to the charge of causing false statements to the FEC in connection with this matter on Oct. 2.
As alleged in the indictment, in or about February 2012, Moore withdrew from the primary election pursuant to an agreement with his opponent, who promised $90,000 in campaign funds to be used to repay Moore’s campaign debts. Under the applicable law, a contribution from one authorized campaign to another could not exceed $2,000 for the primary election. Therefore, a $90,000 payment from Moore’s opponent’s campaign to pay Moore’s campaign debts would constitute an unlawful campaign contribution. Moreover, because the FEC requires campaigns to file periodic reports itemizing the campaign’s contributions and expenditures during the reporting period, that unlawful campaign contribution should appear on the FEC reports filed by both campaigns.
According to the indictment, in order to conceal the unlawful contribution, as well as the fact that his opponent’s campaign committee paid his campaign debts, Moore instructed his campaign manager, Carolyn Cavaness, to create a company whose sole purpose would be to receive the funds from his opponent’s political campaign and repay Moore’s campaign debts. As described in the indictment, those payments were routed through Voter Link Data Systems and D. Jones & Associates, political consulting companies run by Smukler and Jones. According to the indictment, the defendants used false invoices to generate a paper trail intended to justify the payments from Moore’s opponent’s campaign committee. Cavaness pleaded guilty to the charge of causing false statements to the FEC in connection with this matter on July 25.
According to the indictment, Cavaness, acting at Moore’s direction, used a portion of the money from the opponent’s campaign committee to repay Moore’s campaign debts, including debts to Moore and Cavaness themselves. According to the indictment, by causing Moore’s opponent’s campaign to make these payments, the defendants willfully caused the opponent’s campaign to make unlawful campaign contributions.
In addition, true and accurate information about the payments was never disclosed to the FEC. Instead, according to the indictment, the defendants willfully caused Moore’s campaign committee to file false reports with the FEC that did not disclose or reference the funds received from his opponent’s campaign committee, did not mention the companies of the political consultants through which the payments were routed, Voter Link and D. Jones & Associates, and falsely listed the same debts owed by Moore’s campaign that had been disclosed on earlier reports, despite the fact that those debts had been repaid using funds from Moore’s opponent’s campaign committee. According to the indictment, the defendants also willfully caused the opponent’s campaign committee to file false reports with the FEC that did not mention the use of campaign funds to repay Moore’s campaign debts. Finally, the indictment alleges that Jones made material false statements to FBI agents investigating this matter, telling them that Cavaness had performed work in exchange for the opponent’s campaign funds that were routed through D. Jones & Associates, when in fact Cavaness never performed any such work.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. It merely alleges that crimes have been committed. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Acting U.S. Attorney Lappen and Acting Assistant Attorney General Blanco commended special agents of the FBI, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Gibson and Trial Attorney Jonathan Kravis of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section, who are prosecuting the case.
Two California Men Sentenced to Years in Federal Prison for Roles in Multi-Million Dollar ‘High-Yield Prime Bank’ SchemeRead the Press Release
SANTA ANA, California – Two California men have been sentenced to multi-year federal prison terms after being convicted of federal wire fraud charges for participating in a “high-yield prime bank” scam that stole more than $5 million from victims across the nation who were promised huge returns on investments, purportedly with little or no risk.
Francis Wilde, 66, of Mountain View, who was the chief executive officer of Riptide Worldwide Inc. and the owner of Matrix Holdings, LLC, was sentenced yesterday to 51 months in prison and was ordered to pay nearly $6.2 million in restitution. Wilde, who was the leader of the scheme, was actively involved in more than two dozen deals with investors, he admitted in court.
Mark Gelazela, who was also known as Mark Zella, 44, of Marina Del Rey, who operated IDLYC Holdings Trust, was sentenced yesterday to 41 months in prison.
Both defendants were sentenced by United States District Judge David O. Carter, who scheduled a December 11 restitution hearing for Gelazela
Wilde and Gelazela lured victims to invest in their scheme by falsely promising astronomical returns. They told investors that their money would be used to lease and monetize “bank guarantees” overseas. After leasing the bank instruments, credit lines would be drawn from the instruments and those funds would be used for trading, leading to extraordinary profits, they told victims.
Once money came in from investors, Wilde and Gelazela almost immediately split the money to pay themselves and their co-conspirators. In at least one case, Gelazela took half of an investor’s funds as an undisclosed fee, and told Wilde to “play” with $50,000 of the investor’s money. In other cases, money from new victims was used to pay off earlier investors to keep the scheme running. When victims began inquiring about the status of payouts under the program and then began seeking the return of their money, Gelazela lulled them with falsehoods and took steps to conceal the fraud.
As part of the scheme, Wilde and Gelazela falsely represented that Gelazela was an international finance guru – while in reality Gelazela had zero success with leasing and monetizing bank guarantees, and his research consisted of “Google.” Wilde and Gelazela also lied about how investors’ money would be used, made excuses for delays in payment, and urged victims to avoid cooperating with investigators.
“Over months – and time and again – [Gelazela] lied to victims about the status of payouts under the program,” prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum. “Even though defendant knew full well that he had taken part of their money without telling them, that there was no money left in the attorney escrow account, and that there was nothing to recommend the program, defendant repeatedly told investors that payouts were right around the corner. That is to say, defendant repeatedly lifted and crushed his victims’ spirits.”
Wilde pleaded guilty last year to one count of wire fraud. A federal jury found Gelazela guilty of two counts of wire fraud after a six-day trial late last year.
The evidence presented at trial showed that Gelazela brought 18 victims into the scheme with false promises of huge returns on their investments. Wilde admitted being involved with approximately 20 victims.
A third defendant in the case – attorney Bruce Haglund, 66, of Irvine, who acted as an escrow “paymaster” in deals made by his co-defendants – is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Carter on February 12. Prosecutors argued in court documents that Haglund’s role provided “an air of legitimacy and safety” because victims sent their money to his attorney trust account. As a result of pleading guilty to one count of wire fraud, Haglund faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and IRS Criminal Investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel H. Ahn of the Santa Ana Branch Office.
Three Members of Nicholasville Family Sentenced for Conspiracy to Defraud Nicholasville BusinessRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Joyce Minton, 65, Aaron Brooke Warren, 43, and James Minton, 70, all of Nicholasville, Ky., have been sentenced, respectively, to 97 months, 46 months, and 18 months in federal prison, for defrauding a Nicholasville business. They were also ordered to forfeit the proceeds of their crimes and to pay restitution to their victims.
Senior United States District Judge Joseph M. Hood formally sentenced the Mintons and Aaron Brooke Warren yesterday. They must serve 85 percent of their prison sentence.
In June, according to evidence presented at their trial, James Minton, Joyce Minton, and Aaron Brooke Warren conspired to defraud their longtime employer, Clark Machine Tool and Die, of Nicholasville. The criminal conspiracy took place from February 2000 through May 2016 and stole over $1,500,000. The conspirators defrauded the business by using company checks and credit cards to purchase personal items, by cashing and keeping company petty cash checks, by issuing themselves extra paychecks, and by inflating their paychecks. They also kept money that customers had paid the company for work, converting those funds to their personal use. Joyce Minton was the office manager and bookkeeper for the company; Aaron Brooke Warren was the company’s shop supervisor; and James Minton was a contractor.
The jury convicted Joyce Minton of 46 counts of conspiracy, mail fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering; Aaron Brooke Warren was convicted of 34 counts of conspiracy, mail fraud, and money laundering; and James Minton was convicted of seven counts of conspiracy and mail fraud.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Amy Hess, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation; Chris White, Assistant Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service; and Richard W. Sanders, Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the sentences. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Neeraj Gupta and Ken Taylor prosecuted the case on behalf of the federal government.
Texas man pleads guilty to using postal service fuel cards for private vehicleRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that a former Lake Charles post office employee pleaded guilty last week to using U.S. Postal Service fuel cards for his personal vehicle.
Shawn Bell Jr., 21, of Port Arthur, Texas, pleaded guilty Thursday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen Kay to one count of use of an unauthorized access device. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell. According to the guilty plea, Bell started using U.S. Postal Service fuel cards for his private vehicle starting on November 29, 2016. Bell resigned as a route driver for the Drew Station Post Office in Lake Charles on January 12, 2017, after law enforcement agents interviewed him about U.S. mail from his route found discarded in a dumpster. Even after his resignation, he kept the fuel cards and used them through April 10, 2017 for a total loss to the U.S. Postal Service of $2,021.24.
Bell faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The court set a January 18, 2018 sentencing date.
The U.S. Postal Service-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys T. Forrest Phillips and Robert C. Abendroth are prosecuting the case.
Sweetwater Resident Sentenced to Serve Thirty Months in Prison for Extortion via SnapChatRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On October 24, 2017, Brandon Douglas Shanahan, 23, of Sweetwater, Tennessee, was sentenced by the Honorable Pamela L. Reeves, U.S. District Court Judge, to serve 30 months in federal prison for extortion using the computer application SnapChat.
Shanahan pleaded guilty in November 2016 to one count of a federal indictment charging him with using interstate communications with the intent to extort contained in a federal indictment. Shanahan used Snapchat to extort women into sending nude photographs of themselves to him. After entering his guilty plea, it was discovered that Shanahan engaged in new conduct which could have been charged in a subsequent indictment. However, the U.S. Attorney’s Office agreed to allow Shanahan to plead guilty to an additional count in the indictment prior to his sentencing today. Details of this are outlined in the plea agreement on file with the U.S. District Court and available to the public.
Agencies involved in this investigation include the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Knoxville Cyber Task Force, which includes the University of Tennessee Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Knoxville Police Department and Knox County Sheriff Office, assisted by the Sweetwater Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia F. Davidson represented the United States.
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St. Martinville man pleads guilty to drug distribution, firearms possessionRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that a St. Martinville man pleaded guilty Monday to drug distribution and firearm charges.
Clay Anthony Robertson, 31, of St. Martinville, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carol Whitehurst to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and one count of possession of firearms by a convicted felon. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote. According to the guilty plea, law enforcement agents searched Robertson’s former apartment in the River Ranch area of Lafayette on January 19, 2017. Law enforcement agents recovered more than 500 grams of cocaine, 31 grams of marijuana dipped in Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) wax, and $64,280. Law enforcement also recovered a .40 caliber pistol, a 9 mm semi-automatic pistol, 30 rounds of 9 mm ammunition, and 41 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition. Agents also discovered later that the .40 caliber pistol was stolen, and that Robertson was previously convicted of a controlled substance felony on January 25, 2007.
Robertson faces up to 40 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a $5 million fine for the controlled substance violation. He also faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine for the firearms count. The court set sentencing for February 9, 2018.
The DEA, ATF, Lafayette Metro Narcotics Task Force, and the St. Martin Parish Narcotics Division of the St. Martin Parish Sheriff's Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy is prosecuting the case.
South Jersey Brother and Sister Admit Kickback Conspiracy Involving Military Parts for the U.S. NavyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – The president and secretary of a Cherry Hill, New Jersey, machine shop today admitted paying kickbacks in return for subcontract work from a Philadelphia company that manufactured military parts for the U.S. Navy, Acting U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick announced.
John Schallenhammer, 57, of Atco, New Jersey, and his sister, Theresa Schallenhammer, 53, of Cherry Hill, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge William J. Martini in Newark federal court to separate informations charging them with conspiracy to violate the federal anti-kickback act. They were both released on $50,000 unsecured bond.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Christopher Sanchirico, 55, of King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, was the assistant purchasing manager for an entity identified in the information as “Subcontractor 1,” which was located in Philadelphia and manufactured shock-hardened circuit breakers and switchgears for installation on U.S. Navy surface ships, submarines, and aircraft carriers. Subcontractor 1 performed work on multiple U.S. Navy and Defense Logistics Agency maritime contracts as a first-tier subcontractor to a prime contractor working for the United States.
In July 2013, John Schallenhammer, the president of a machine shop identified in the information as “Subcontractor 2,” made an agreement with Sanchirico. In return for Sanchirico’s assistance in securing a manufacturing contract between Subcontractor 1 and Subcontractor 2, John Schallenhammer paid Sanchirico between five and 10 percent of the gross revenue from circuit breaker and switchgear components that Subcontractor 2 provided to Subcontractor 1. Theresa Schallenhammer, Subcontractor 2’s secretary, maintained records of the payments and sometimes made bank withdrawals for the kickbacks when John Schallenhammer was unable to do so.
From 2013 to 2016, the Schallenhammers paid Sanchirico approximately $150,000 in cash kickbacks.
John and Theresa Schallenhammer both face a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gain or loss from the offense. Sentencing for both defendants is scheduled for Feb. 6, 2018.
Sanchirico pleaded guilty to a related charge on Oct. 10, 2017 and awaits sentencing.
Acting U.S. Attorney Fitzpatrick credited agents of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Leo S. Lamont in Newport, Rhode Island, and agents of the U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Leigh-Alistair Barzey, with the investigation leading to the guilty pleas. He also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, under the direction of Acting U.S. Attorney Louis D. Lappen, for its assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joyce M. Malliet of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s National Security Unit in Newark.
Defense counsel:
John Schallenhammer: Blair R. Zwillman Esq., Millburn, New Jersey
Theresa Schallenhammer: Henry E. Klingeman Esq., and Ernesto Cerimele Esq., Newark
Shreveport woman sentenced to 10 years in prison for distributing methamphetamineRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced today that a Shreveport woman was sentenced to 120 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine.
Guadalupe Ponte, 27, of Shreveport, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. She was also sentenced to five years of supervised release. According to the guilty pleas, DEA drug task force agents learned that Ponte was distributing methamphetamine in Shreveport. They recorded her on January 12, 2017 setting up sales and then observed her traveling to meet codefendant Rogelio Lopez, 47, of Longview, Texas. Agents arrested the defendants after they arrived at a hotel in separate vehicles. Agents found 82.9 grams of methamphetamine in Lopez’s car. While Ponte was being detained, agents saw a Ruger LC9S 9 mm semi-automatic handgun in her car, and they also saw an infant in the backseat. Agents found 326.6 grams of methamphetamine when they later searched Lopez’s Texas home. Lopez admitted to being Ponte’s supplier of methamphetamine. Ponte admitted to owning the firearm and selling methamphetamine for Lopez.
Lopez was sentenced on August 25, 2017 to 65 months in prison and five years of supervised release for conspiracy.
The DEA investigated this case with assistance from the Shreveport Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary J. Mudrick prosecuted the case.
Rome Man Sentenced for Possession of a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Michael Dyer, age 33, of Rome, New York, was sentenced today to 10 months of weekend incarceration, as well as a 3-year term of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm as a felon.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) New York Field Division.
As part of his guilty plea, Dyer admitted that in January 2016, after being convicted for the sale of a controlled substance, he sold a 12 gauge shotgun and four boxes of ammunition to another person. Dyer further admitted that he told the buyer to create a bill of sale that omitted Dyer’s involvement as the seller because Dyer could not sell the gun as a felon.
This case was investigated by the Oneida County Drug Enforcement Task Force and the ATF, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Levine.
Rockland Man Pleads Guilty to Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Adam Davis, 37, of Rockland, Maine, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to illegally importing from China the synthetic opioid U-47700, also known as “Pink” or “U4,” and to illegally possessing a firearm while being a user of a controlled substance.
On November 14, 2016, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration listed U-47700 as a temporary Schedule 1 controlled substance on an emergency basis after it determined that the drug represented an imminent hazard to public safety.
On January 15, 2017, border agents intercepted a package from China which contained U-47700 that was destined for the defendant’s Rockland residence. On January 25, 2017, federal and state agents made a controlled delivery of the package to the defendant. The defendant was arrested after he accepted the package. The defendant admitted that he knew that the package contained U-47700 and that he ordered it from China. Agents also recovered a firearm while searching Davis’ apartment.
Davis is the first person convicted of a federal offense involving U-47700 in the District of Maine. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.
Ponemah Man Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison for Assault, Kidnapping and RobberyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Gregory G. Brooker today announced the sentencing of DARRIS JAY KINGBIRD, 33, to 15 months in prison for assault with intent to commit a felony offense. KINGBIRD, who was indicted on January 25, 2017, pleaded guilty on May 31, 2017, before Chief Judge John R. Tunheim in United States District Court in Minneapolis, Minn.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, on October 8, 2016, the Red Lake Police Department received a report of a female victim being physically assaulted by a man, who was later identified as KINGBIRD. Immediately after the assault, the victim was placed into the trunk of her car by KINGBIRD. The victim was eventually able to escape and KINGBIRD drove off in the victim’s car. Law enforcement later recovered the victim’s vehicle, which was parked next door to KINGBIRD’S residence. They also found multiple blood stains in the trunk and passenger compartment of the vehicle. As a result of the assault, the victim sustained injuries to her face, abdomen and legs.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Red Lake Police Department and the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clifford B. Wardlaw prosecuted the case.
Defendant Information:
DARRIS JAY KINGBIRD, 33
Ponemah, Minn.
Convicted:
- Assault with intent to commit a felony offense, 1 count
Sentenced:- 15 months in prison
- Three years supervised release
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600