Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
Thursday 31 August 2017
Baton Rouge Woman Pleads Guilty to Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
BATON ROUGE, LA – Acting United States Attorney Corey R. Amundson announced today that DORIS S. PITCHER, age 66, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge James J. Brady to theft of government funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641. As a result of her conviction, PITCHER faces a potential prison term of up to ten years as well as restitution.
PITCHER’s mother received monthly Retirement Survivor Insurance (“RSI”) benefit payments from the United States Social Security Administration (“SSA”). In approximately 1989, PITCHER became the authorized payee of these benefit payments on behalf of her mother. As the authorized payee, PITCHER was supposed to use the funds to assist in paying for her mother’s food, housing, clothing, medical expenses, personal items, and other expenses. Another of PITCHER’s responsibilities was to inform SSA when her mother died so that they could terminate the benefit payments.
In May 2000, PITCHER’s mother died; however, PITCHER did not notify the SSA about her death. Instead, from approximately 2000 through 2015, the defendant continued to receive the monthly RSI benefit payments in Baton Rouge on behalf of her mother. The monthly payments from the SSA ranged from $244 to $296 per month. In total, the defendant received $49,863 on behalf of her mother, after her mother’s death.
Acting U.S. Attorney Amundson stated: “Federal benefit fraud continues to be a tremendous problem in the United States. When criminals steal funds intended for legitimate purposes, their conduct victimizes not only our federal agencies but also all taxpayers. Our office will continue to work in conjunction with the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General to aggressively identify and prosecute defendants like this who mistakenly believe that their theft of government money will go undetected.”
This investigation was handled by the United States Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Brady Casey.
Authorities Announce Formation of Working Group to Fight Hurricane Harvey-Related Illegal ActivityRead the Press Release
Representatives from numerous federal and state law enforcement agencies have formed a working group to investigate and prosecute illegal activity related to Hurricane Harvey.
Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez made the announcement along with Acting U.S. Attorney Corey R. Amundson of the Middle District of Louisiana, who serves as the Acting Executive Director of the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF); Harris County District Attorney (DA) Kim Ogg; Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton; Director Shamoil T. Shipchandler of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Fort Worth Regional Office; Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner of the FBI; Special Agent in Charge David Green of the Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General (DHS-OIG); Special Agent in Charge Mark Dawson of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Special Agent in Charge D. Richard Goss of IRS Criminal Investigations (CI); Special Agent in Charge Douglas W. Thigpen of the U.S. Secret Service (USSS); Regional Director Dama Brown of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
“This disaster has brought and will continue to bring unprecedented human and financial loss to our communities, and victims of this event have already suffered staggering devastation,” said Martinez. “The last thing that victims of this damage need is to be victimized again. Under the lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina, we bring a comprehensive law enforcement focus to combat any criminal activity arising from the tragedy of Hurricane Harvey and the rebuilding efforts underway.”
While each of these agencies has a history of working together, bringing them together into one focused group is an optimal way to address the varied threats resulting from Hurricane Harvey. The working group will involve all levels of law enforcement and includes representatives from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, NCDF, Harris County DA’s Office, Texas Attorney General’s Office, SEC, FBI, DHS-OIG, HSI, IRS-CI, USSS, FTC and the ATF.
Authorities are already receiving calls about scams in our area and have forwarded complaints to the relevant agencies.
“We intend to use all of the resources at our disposal to both help our registrants and to hold those accountable who try to use this disaster to take advantage of other people,” said Chairman Jay Clayton of the SEC. “There is no place for fraud or shady practices in the rebuilding and recovery of the communities in Texas and Louisiana that have been affected by Hurricane Harvey.”
“As we all work to rebuild the Houston/Gulf Coast region and look for ways to help, it's important to perform due diligence before giving contributions to anyone soliciting donations or individuals offering to provide assistance to those affected by Harvey, whether the solicitations are in person, via email or telephone,” said Turner. “The FBI is dedicated to investigating and preventing this type of fraud, especially when it involves preying on individuals during times of great need.”
“As we have witnessed throughout this disaster, the best of the American spirit shines through with neighbors and strangers helping one another. Sadly, at the same time, these situations also bring out those that would try to prey upon those who are willing to give of themselves to help out,” said Dawson. “Rest assured that HSI will, in coordination with our fellow law enforcement partners, bring its investigative resources to bear to stop those that would seek to take advantage of this situation for their personal and illegal gain.”
Natural disasters often bring out the best in human compassion and spirit, they can also lead to unscrupulous individuals and organizations taking advantage of those in need of and/or providing government services. Examples of typical illegal activity under the jurisdiction of each of the agencies in the working group include:
- Impersonation of federal law enforcement officials
- Identity theft
- Fraudulent submission of claims to insurance companies and the federal government
- Fraudulent activity related to solicitations for donations and charitable giving
- Fraudulent activity related to individuals and organizations promising high investment returns from profits from recovery and cleanup efforts
- Price gouging
- Theft, looting, and other violent crime
Consumers also can report scams and other consumer issues to the FTC and get help if they think they may be a victim of identity theft.
Members of the public are encouraged to contact the NCDF to report all types of disaster fraud. The U.S. Department of Justice established the NCDF following Hurricane Katrina when billions of dollars in federal disaster relief poured into the Gulf Coast region. Its mission has expanded to include suspected fraud from any natural or manmade disaster and includes more than 30 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The team includes law enforcement agents who review those reports and make referrals to the appropriate investigative agencies. The NCDF provides de-confliction, coordination and expertise in handling disaster fraud matters and is focused on protecting disaster victims and any funds dedicated to disaster victims.
The Disaster Fraud Hotline is 1-866-720-5721 and is staffed by a live operator 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Members of the public can also send an email or fax information to 225-334-4707.
In addition, the Texas Attorney General’s Office is asking Texans to please contact their Consumer Protection Division and file a complaint if they feel they have encountered price gouging or have been scammed or fall victim to a charities fraud. They can call the toll-free hotline at 800-621-0508, send an email or file a complaint on via the web.
The SEC provided this information yesterday and continues to monitor the market impact of Hurricane Harvey and encourage affected entities and investment professionals to contact Commission staff with questions and concerns.
For additional information, you may also visit FEMA’s Hurricane Harvey resource page.
The Department of Justice also announced yesterday Tips on Avoiding Fraudulent Charitable Contribution Schemes.
Authorities Announce Formation of Working Group to Fight Hurricane Harvey-Related Illegal ActivityRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - Representatives from numerous federal and state law enforcement agencies have formed a working group to investigate and prosecute illegal activity related to Hurricane Harvey.
Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez made the announcement along with Acting U.S. Attorney Corey R. Amundson of the Middle District of Louisiana who serves as the Acting Executive Director of the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF), Harris County District Attorney (DA) Kim Ogg, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Director Shamoil T. Shipchandler of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) - Fort Worth Regional Office, Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner of the FBI, Special Agent in Charge David Green of the Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General (DHS-OIG), Special Agent in Charge Mark Dawson of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Special Agent in Charge D. Richard Goss of IRS – Criminal Investigations (CI), Special Agent in Charge Douglas W. Thigpen of the U.S. Secret Service (USSS), Regional Director Dama Brown of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
“This disaster has brought and will continue to bring unprecedented human and financial loss to our communities, and victims of this event have already suffered staggering devastation,” said Martinez. “The last thing that victims of this damage need is to be victimized again. Under the lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina, we bring a comprehensive law enforcement focus to combat any criminal activity arising from the tragedy of Hurricane Harvey and the rebuilding efforts underway.”
While each of these agencies has a history of working together, bringing them together into one focused group is an optimal way to address the varied threats resulting from Hurricane Harvey. The working group will involve all levels of law enforcement and includes representatives from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, NCDF, Harris County DA’s Office, Texas Attorney General’s Office, SEC, FBI, DHS-OIG, HSI, IRS-CI, USSS, FTC and the ATF.
Authorities are already receiving calls about scams in our area and have forwarded complaints to the relevant agencies.
“We intend to use all of the resources at our disposal to both help our registrants and to hold those accountable who try to use this disaster to take advantage of other people,” said Chairman Jay Clayton of the SEC. “There is no place for fraud or shady practices in the rebuilding and recovery of the communities in Texas and Louisiana that have been affected by Hurricane Harvey.”
"As we all work to rebuild the Houston/Gulf Coast region and look for ways to help, it's important to perform due diligence before giving contributions to anyone soliciting donations or individuals offering to provide assistance to those affected by Harvey, whether the solicitations are in person, via email or telephone,” said Turner. “The FBI is dedicated to investigating and preventing this type of fraud, especially when it involves preying on individuals during times of great need.”
“As we have witnessed throughout this disaster, the best of the American spirit shines through with neighbors and strangers helping one another. Sadly, at the same time, these situations also bring out those that would try to prey upon those who are willing to give of themselves to help out,” said Dawson. “Rest assured that HSI will, in coordination with our fellow law enforcement partners, bring its investigative resources to bear to stop those that would seek to take advantage of this situation for their personal and illegal gain.”
Natural disasters often bring out the best in human compassion and spirit, they can also lead to unscrupulous individuals and organizations taking advantage of those in need of and/or providing government services. Examples of typical illegal activity under the jurisdiction of each of the agencies in the working group include:
· Impersonation of federal law enforcement officials
· Identity theft
· Fraudulent submission of claims to insurance companies and the federal government
· Fraudulent activity related to solicitations for donations and charitable giving
· Fraudulent activity related to individuals and organizations promising high investment returns from profits from recovery and cleanup efforts
· Price gouging
· Theft, looting, and other violent crime
Consumers also can report scams and other consumer issues to the FTC and get help if they think they may be a victim of identity theft.
Members of the public are encouraged to contact the NCDF to report all types of disaster fraud. The U.S. Department of Justice established the NCDF following Hurricane Katrina when billions of dollars in federal disaster relief poured into the Gulf Coast region. Its mission has expanded to include suspected fraud from any natural or manmade disaster and includes more than 30 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The team includes law enforcement agents who review those reports and make referrals to the appropriate investigative agencies. The NCDF provides de-confliction, coordination and expertise in handling disaster fraud matters and is focused on protecting disaster victims and any funds dedicated to disaster victims.
The Disaster Fraud Hotline is 1-866-720-5721 and is staffed by a live operator 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Members of the public can also send an email or fax information to 225-334-4707.
In addition, the Texas Attorney General’s Office is asking Texans to please contact their Consumer Protection Division and file a complaint if they feel they have encountered price gouging or have been scammed or fall victim to a charities fraud. They can call the toll-free hotline at 800-621-0508, send an email or file a complaint on via the web.
The SEC provided this information yesterday and continues to monitor the market impact of Hurricane Harvey and encourage affected entities and investment professionals to contact Commission staff with questions and concerns.
For additional information, you may also visit FEMA’s Hurricane Harvey resource page.
The Department of Justice also announced yesterday Tips on Avoiding Fraudulent Charitable Contribution Schemes.
Various personnel will also be available for any additional information, comments or interviews regarding this effort. Members of the media wishing to speak with anyone are asked to send an email with your request and preferred times and the office will respond accordingly.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions to Speak at 30th Annual Law Enforcement ConferenceRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steve Butler of the Southern District of Alabama announces that United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions will be the keynote speaker at the 30th annual Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee (LECC) conference. The United States Attorney’s Offices for the Southern, Northern, and Middle Districts of Alabama are sponsoring the conference. The Southern District is hosting the event.
Attorney General Sessions will be speaking at 11:00 a.m., September 1, 2017, in the Grand Ball Room of the Perdido Beach Resort, 27200 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach, AL.
The media is invited to attend this portion of the conference only. Preset for the media will take place at 10:00 am and final access is set for 10:30 am. For further information, contact Eric Day (USAO Public Information Officer) at 251-709-6565 or Tommy Loftis (FBI Public Affairs Specialist) at 251-654-7104.
Atlanta Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Smuggle Cocaine through Cyril E. King AirportRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Makimba Barry, 41, of Atlanta, Ga., pleaded guilty today before District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute not less than 50 and not more than 150 kilograms of cocaine, Acting United States Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced. Sentencing is scheduled for January 4, 2018.
According to the plea agreement filed with the court, Barry was a member of a drug trafficking organization from 2011 through 2016. During the course of the conspiracy, Barry was responsible for 32 shipments of more than 236 kilograms of cocaine from St. Thomas to Florida. On each smuggling operation, Barry traveled from Miami to St. Thomas where he would pick up 10 or more kilograms of cocaine. The following day, Barry would deliver the cocaine and partial payment to Neal Chesterfield, then immediately return to Florida. Chesterfield, a law enforcement officer, would then smuggle the cocaine through the Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas using his work credentials to bypass United States Customs and TSA. Chesterfield, who was paid $2,750 per kilogram of cocaine, was arrested on September 3, 2016 minutes before boarding a Spirit Airlines flight to Ft. Lauderdale. In his possession was approximately 22 kilograms of cocaine and over $26,000 in cash that he had received as payment from Barry.
Barry faces a sentence of not less than 10 years in prison and not more than life, and a fine of up to $10 million. Barry remains detained pending sentencing.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Delia Smith.
Alleged Marijuana Growers in Siskiyou County Charged for Conspiring to Bribe SheriffRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Chi Meng Yang, 31, of Montague, and his sister Gaosheng Laitinen, 36, of Mt. Shasta Vista, were charged today for conspiring to commit bribery, bribery of a public official, conspiracy to manufacture marijuana, and manufacturing marijuana, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to the criminal complaint, on May 17, 2017, Yang met with Siskiyou County Sheriff Jon Lopey in Yreka. During the meeting, Yang offered $1 million to the Sheriff in exchange for his assistance with an interstate marijuana distribution business that Yang and others were in the process of organizing. Yang explained his role to be that of a representative for several families, himself included, that were currently cultivating marijuana in Siskiyou County. After the meeting, the Sheriff immediately reported it to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Federal agents asked the Sheriff to continue meeting with Yang.
At the request of, and in conjunction with the FBI and DEA, the Sheriff contacted Yang and indicated a willingness to work with him and the marijuana growers he represented. The subsequent meetings were audio and video recorded by the FBI. Laitinen attended some of those meetings. During those meetings, Yang and Laitinen talked with the Sheriff about how he could assist them. Because Yang’s offer of $1 million was contingent on Yang securing and profiting from certain out-of-state marijuana licenses, Yang and Laitinen promised to pay the Sheriff a total of $80,000 if he would exempt eight properties from the Siskiyou County ban against outdoor marijuana grows. They sought protection from raids or other law enforcement actions on these eight properties where outdoor marijuana was being grown. In furtherance of this plan, Yang and Laitinen gave the Sheriff several initial payments, totaling $10,500 in cash. These funds were immediately turned over to the FBI as evidence.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Forest Service (USFS), North State Marijuana Investigation Team (NSMIT), Tehama Interagency Drug Enforcement (TIDE), Shasta Interagency Narcotics Task Force (SINTF), Siskiyou Unified Major Investigations Team (SUMIT), and California Highway Patrol (CHP). Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael M. Beckwith is prosecuting the case.
Yang was arrested today and is scheduled to make an initial court appearance on September 1, 2017, in Sacramento. If convicted of the charges in the complaint, Yang and Laitinen face the following maximum statutory penalties: (1) five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the conspiracy charge; (2) 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the bribery charge; and (3) a minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine for the drug charges. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
3 Defendants Charged with Distributing Kilogram Quantities of CocaineRead the Press Release
BRUNSWICK, GA – A federal indictment was unsealed last week charging Rafeal Lateef Baker, also known as “Channel 4,” age 42, of Brunswick, Georgia, Takashia Atkinson, age 31, of Brunswick, Georgia, and Kenneth Anthony Moore, also known as “Smooth”, age 47, of Freeport, Texas, with conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
Baker, who was already serving a supervised release sentence for a prior federal drug trafficking conviction, was arrested last week in Brunswick, Georgia, and was detained pending trial. Moore was arrested last week by FBI agents in Freeport, Texas, and remains in custody pending transport from Texas to the United States District Court in Brunswick, Georgia. Atkinson remains a fugitive despite efforts by law enforcement to locate and arrest her. Anyone with information about the location of Atkinson are encouraged to contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation or the Brunswick Police Department.
The indictment of Baker, Atkinson and Moore was part of “Operation Bloody Prince,” a law enforcement operation targeting gang activity and drug trafficking in and around Brunswick. Acting United States Attorney Durham noted that the indictment is only an accusation and is not evidence of guilt. Each defendant is entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the Government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation of Baker, Moore and Atkinson was led by the FBI’s Coastal Georgia Violent Gang Task Force, the Glynn County Police Department and the Brunswick Police Department, with assistance from the FBI in Houston as well as the Houston Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Brian T. Rafferty is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. For additional information, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (912) 201-2522.
Wednesday 30 August 2017
Wilkes-Barre Man Indicted on Drug Trafficking and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Larry Gilliam, age 36, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania was indicted on August 29, 2017, by a federal grand jury for carefentail and heroin trafficking as well as possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Gilliam sold heroin laced with carfentanil on July 19 and 21, 2017, and possessed with intent to distribute carfentanil and heroin on July 22, 2017. The indictment also alleges that Gilliam possessed three firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking activity. Gilliam is also charged with unlawfully possessing an AK-47 pistol, a Springfield semi-automatic pistol and a Smith and Wesson semi-automatic pistol as a previously convicted felon.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Kingston and Wilkes-Barre Police Departments. Assistant United States Attorney Evan Gotlob is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
This case was also brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes with firearms.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
# # #
West Hartford Man Admits Importing Pill Press from China to Make Fake Oxycodone Pills Containing HeroinRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that PABLO TEXIDOR, 40, of West Hartford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to importing a tableting machine and tableting dies to manufacture fake oxycodone pills that contain heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 15, 2017, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials inspected a parcel from China that was being shipped to TEXIDOR’s West Hartford residence. The parcel, which was described as containing “machine spare parts,” contained one set of tablet press dies.
Pill presses are often used by individuals engaged in the manufacturing of distribution-quantities of pills or capsules. A pill die is used with a pill press to cut and mark tablets.
The investigation revealed that five parcels had been shipped previously from China to TEXIDOR’s residence. Four of the parcels were described as containing “machine spare parts,” and one parcel was described as containing a “hole puncher machine for sample.”
On March 30, 2017, DEA agents searched TEXIDOR’s residence and seized a tableting press, seven pill dies, 99 fake oxycodone pills, a bag containing approximately four grams of heroin, and a bag containing approximately 500 grams of a binding powder. A subsequent lab test revealed that the pills contained no oxycodone, but instead contained heroin.
TEXIDOR pleaded guilty to one count of importation of any product used to manufacture a controlled substance, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of four years. Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for November 28, 2017.
TEXIDOR was released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, with the assistance of the West Hartford Police Department. The DEA Tactical Diversion Squad includes officers from the Bristol, Greenwich, Hamden, Milford, New Haven, Shelton, Vernon and Wilton Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Spector.
Two Charged in Federal Court with Smuggling Counterfeit CigarettesRead the Press Release
Benjamin G. Greenberg, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida; Justin D. Green, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Food & Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA OCI), Miami Field Office; Mark Selby, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), Miami Field Office; and Scott Israel, Sheriff, Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BSO), announced that Abhishek Shukla and Harish Shabhai Panchal, both citizens of India, appeared in Federal District Court in Miami today to be formally arraigned on an indictment charging them and two companies, Jubilee Tobacco Industries Corp., and Pelican Tobacco (India) Private Limited, both incorporated under the laws of India, with conspiring to smuggle counterfeit cigarettes into the United States.
According to the indictment, the defendants are charged with conspiring with the intent to defraud and mislead, and selling and dispensing and causing the sale and dispensing of a counterfeit tobacco product, to wit cigarettes, the containers and labeling of which bore the trade name of Newport cigarettes, a tobacco product listed with the FDA pursuant to Title 21, United States Code, Section 387(e)(i)(1), in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 331(qq)(3) and 333(a)(2), and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2 (Counts 2 and 4); and that they intentionally trafficked in goods, that is approximately 68,600 cartons of cigarettes, while knowingly using a counterfeit mark on and in connection with such cigarettes, the use of which counterfeit marks was likely to cause confusion, to cause mistake, and to deceive. The counterfeit marks were spurious marks identical to and substantially indistinguishable from the marks of the United States domestic manufacturer of Newport brand cigarettes, which marks were then in use by and registered to that manufacturer on the principal register of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2320(a) and 2 (Counts 3 and 5).
Shukla and Panchal each face the following potential prison sentences: up to five years on Count 1, up to three years on Counts 2 and 4, and ten years on each of Counts 3 and 5. Additionally, they face possible fines of up to $250,000 on each count, followed by supervised release of up to five years. Jubilee faces a fine of up to $500,000 on Count 1 and Pelican faces a possible fine of $500.000 per Count. This case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Kathleen M. Williams.
According to court records, including allegations contained in the indictment, beginning as early as March 2015 and continuing through August 16, 2017, the defendants initiated contact with an individual cooperating with FDA-OCI, offering counterfeit cigarettes for sale. Through internet negotiations, agreement was reached for a 20-foot container to be shipped from India to Miami, Florida, laden with counterfeit Newport brand cigarettes. Payment for the shipment was made in installments through international wire transfers to bank accounts in India and in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. On November 1, 2016, the container arrived in the USA and was seized with the assistance of United States Customs and Border Protection Officers at the Port of Miami. If distributed in the State of Florida, the un-taxed importation would have an approximate value of $1.2 million. Analysis conducted by FDA’s Forensic Chemistry Center concluded that the cartons, packs, and cigarettes were all counterfeit.
Within two weeks of the arrival, the coconspirators sought out the undercover agents offering another shipment, twice as large. By April 2017, deposits totaling $55,000 had been made to accounts in the name of Pelican for counterfeit Newport cigarettes. On June 9, 2017, the container arrived at the Port of Miami and was seized with the assistance of United States Customs and Border Protection Officers, and turned over to FDA Special Agents. If distributed in the State of Florida, the un-taxed importation would have an approximate value of $3.2 million.
According to acts described in the conspiracy charge, Shukla and Panchal travelled to Miami in August 2017 to meet with the undercover agents in order to promote further business dealings. During the recorded meeting, they advised the agents that they had been partners for twelve years and personally oversaw the production of all the product being offered. They also assured the agents that they could counterfeit any American-made menthol cigarette with no problem, as well as other trademarked brands and that they could produce tobacco blends which would closely match the legitimate product.
An indictment merely contains accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of FDA OCI, ICE-HSI and BSO, for their assistance with this long-term investigation. Mr. Greenberg also thanked U.S. Customs and Border Protection for their support. This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Watts-FitzGerald of the Economic & Environmental Crimes Section.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Tips on Avoiding Fraudulent Charitable Contribution SchemesRead the Press Release
The National Center for Disaster Fraud reminds the public to be aware of and report any instances of alleged fraudulent activity related to relief operations and funding for victims. Unfortunately, criminals can exploit disasters, such as Hurricane Harvey, for their own gain by sending fraudulent communications through email or social media and by creating phony websites designed to solicit contributions.
Tips should be reported to the National Center for Disaster Fraud at (866) 720-5721. The line is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Additionally, e-mails can be sent to [email protected], and information can be faxed to (225) 334-4707.
The U.S. Department of Justice established the National Center for Disaster Fraud to investigate, prosecute, and deter fraud in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, when billions of dollars in federal disaster relief poured into the Gulf Coast region. Its mission has expanded to include suspected fraud from any natural or manmade disaster. More than 30 federal, state, and local agencies participate in the National Center for Disaster Fraud, which allows the center to act as a centralized clearinghouse of information related to disaster relief fraud.
The public should remember to perform due diligence before giving contributions to anyone soliciting donations or individuals offering to provide assistance to those affected by the hurricane and tornadoes. Solicitations can originate from social media, e-mails, websites, door-to-door collections, flyers, mailings, telephone calls, and other similar methods.
Before making a donation of any kind, consumers should adhere to certain guidelines, including:
- Do not respond to any unsolicited (spam) incoming e-mails, including clicking links contained within those messages, because they may contain computer viruses.
- Be skeptical of individuals representing themselves as members of charitable organizations or officials asking for donations via e-mail or social networking sites.
- Beware of organizations with copy-cat names similar to but not exactly the same as those of reputable charities.
- Rather than follow a purported link to a website, verify the legitimacy of nonprofit organizations by utilizing various Internet-based resources that may assist in confirming the group’s existence and its nonprofit status.
- Be cautious of e-mails that claim to show pictures of the disaster areas in attached files because the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders.
- To ensure contributions are received and used for intended purposes, make contributions directly to known organizations rather than relying on others to make the donation on your behalf.
- Do not be pressured into making contributions; reputable charities do not use such tactics.
- Be aware of whom you are dealing with when providing your personal and financial information. Providing such information may compromise your identity and make you vulnerable to identity theft.
- Avoid cash donations if possible. Pay by credit card or write a check directly to the charity. Do not make checks payable to individuals.
- Legitimate charities do not normally solicit donations via money transfer services. Most legitimate charities’ websites end in .org rather than .com.
Tips on Avoiding Fraudulent Charitable Contribution SchemesRead the Press Release
The National Center for Disaster Fraud reminds the public to be aware of and report any instances of alleged fraudulent activity related to relief operations and funding for victims. Unfortunately, criminals can exploit disasters, such as Hurricane Harvey, for their own gain by sending fraudulent communications through email or social media and by creating phony websites designed to solicit contributions.
Tips should be reported to the National Center for Disaster Fraud at (866) 720-5721. The line is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Additionally, e-mails can be sent to [email protected] (link sends e-mail), and information can be faxed to (225) 334-4707.
The U.S. Department of Justice established the National Center for Disaster Fraud to investigate, prosecute, and deter fraud in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, when billions of dollars in federal disaster relief poured into the Gulf Coast region. Its mission has expanded to include suspected fraud from any natural or manmade disaster. More than 30 federal, state, and local agencies participate in the National Center for Disaster Fraud, which allows the center to act as a centralized clearinghouse of information related to disaster relief fraud.
The public should remember to perform due diligence before giving contributions to anyone soliciting donations or individuals offering to provide assistance to those affected by the tornadoes. Solicitations can originate from social media, e-mails, websites, door-to-door collections, flyers, mailings, telephone calls, and other similar methods.
Before making a donation of any kind, consumers should adhere to certain guidelines, including:
- Do not respond to any unsolicited (spam) incoming e-mails, including clicking links contained within those messages, because they may contain computer viruses.
- Be skeptical of individuals representing themselves as members of charitable organizations or officials asking for donations via e-mail or social networking sites.
- Beware of organizations with copy-cat names similar to but not exactly the same as those of reputable charities.
- Rather than follow a purported link to a website, verify the legitimacy of nonprofit organizations by utilizing various Internet-based resources that may assist in confirming the group’s existence and its nonprofit status.
- Be cautious of e-mails that claim to show pictures of the disaster areas in attached files because the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders.
- To ensure contributions are received and used for intended purposes, make contributions directly to known organizations rather than relying on others to make the donation on your behalf.
- Do not be pressured into making contributions; reputable charities do not use such tactics.
- Be aware of whom you are dealing with when providing your personal and financial information. Providing such information may compromise your identity and make you vulnerable to identity theft.
- Avoid cash donations if possible. Pay by credit card or write a check directly to the charity. Do not make checks payable to individuals.
- Legitimate charities do not normally solicit donations via money transfer services. Most legitimate charities’ websites end in .org rather than .com.
Three Webster City Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Three men who conspired to distribute methamphetamine were sentenced August 30, 2017, to 16 ½, 15 and 11 ½ years in federal prison.
Soon Phatdouang, 44; Touy Khamsai, 42 and Van Khamsai, 42 all from Webster City, Iowa, received the prison terms after their guilty pleas to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Van and Phatdouang also pled guilty to a possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime count. Touy pled guilty to a second count of distribution of methamphetamine, and agreed to a sentencing enhancement for possession of a firearm while distributing methamphetamine.
At the guilty plea, each admitted to their involvement in a conspiracy that distributed methamphetamine in the Webster City, area. On a number of occasions in the fall of 2016, Phatdouang, Van and Touy distributed and aided and abetted each other in the distribution of methamphetamine in controlled drug transactions with law enforcement. During a number of search warrants executed at the residences of Phatdouang, V. and T. Khamsai in Webster City on December 1, 2016, law enforcement officers seized approximately 26 pounds of methamphetamine, 30 pounds of marijuana, over $67,000 cash, and eleven firearms.
Each were sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Phatdouang was sentenced to 200 months’ imprisonment; V. Khamsai was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment; and T. Khamsai was sentenced to 140 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $200 was imposed for each. T. Khamsai must also serve a 4-year term of supervised release; and Phatdouang and V. Khamsai must each serve a five-year term of supervised release after their respective prison terms. There is no parole in the federal system. Each are being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until they can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department, Webster County Sheriff’s Department and Webster City Police Department, Fort Dodge Police Department and the United States Marshall’s Service.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 16-3053. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Texas Man Receives 87 Months' Imprisonment for Trafficking Cocaine in Muskegon and Oceana CountiesRead the Press Release
Other two coconspirators also receive lengthy prison sentences
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN —Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge announced today that U.S. District Judge Janet T. Neff sentenced Jaime Valente Pina, Jr. of Alamo, Texas to 87 months’ in prison for participating in a cocaine distribution conspiracy that operated in and around Muskegon and Oceana counties from the summer of 2015 until August 2016. In addition to his prison term, the Court sentenced him to three years of supervised release. Pina was convicted on May 10, 2017 after a three day jury trial.
The conspiracy began in the summer of 2015 when Magdaleno Rodriguez, a cocaine dealer operating in and around Oceana County, was introduced to Jaime Valente Pina, Jr. as a new source of supply for cocaine. Thereafter, Jaime Pina and his brother, Angel Pina, supplied cocaine to Rodriguez on a monthly basis for further redistribution throughout West Michigan. The Pina brothers are from the Rio Grande Valley – the southernmost tip of Texas – which shares an extensive stretch of border with Mexico. Throughout the conspiracy, they brought cocaine to Rodriguez from their Texas-based source of supply. The conspiracy ended in approximately August 2016 after officers of the State, Sheriffs, Chiefs, Enforcement Narcotics Team (SSCENT) concluded undercover buys from Rodriguez and executed a search warrant at his home. Officers of the West Michigan Enforcement Team (WEMET) apprehended the Pina brothers while executing a warrant at a drug house in Ravenna, Michigan in November 2016.
Magdaleno Rodriguez and Angel Pina pled guilty prior to trial. Rodriguez and Angel Pina were sentenced in U.S. District Court on July 11, 2017. The Court sentenced Rodriguez to 98 months’ incarceration and four years of supervised release. Angel Pina received 109 months’ incarceration and three years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Birge stated: "The interstate trafficking of controlled substances into the Western District of Michigan remains a key prosecution priority for my office. Controlled substances poison our communities and they impair and often destroy the potential of those who use them. Individuals involved with importing these toxic substances into the Western District of Michigan will be brought to justice."
"The sentencing of this final defendant brings full resolution to this investigation and chokes off a drug tracking organization responsible for distributing cocaine in our communities," said Steve Francis, HSI Detroit special agent in charge. "HSI will continue to use its vast resources to combat the spread of illegal drugs."
"This is yet another great example of the cooperative law enforcement efforts that occur daily in west Michigan. The agencies involved in this case worked diligently to ensure justice was served," stated Detective/First Lieutenant Andy Fias, the Section Commander of WEMET and SSCENT.
Homeland Security Investigations, an investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security, led the investigation with the assistance of SSCENT and WEMET. SSCENT and WEMET are two state-managed multijurisdictional drug task forces. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joel S. Fauson and Timothy P. VerHey prosecuted this case.
END
Tampa Man Sentenced to Three Years for Role in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Sciven yesterday sentenced Weldon Malveau to three years in federal prison for theft of government property. The Court also ordered him to forfeit a 2010 Porsche Panamera, which is traceable to proceeds of the offense. As part of his sentence, the Court entered a money judgment in the amount of $342,563, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct.
Malveau pleaded guilty on February 7, 2017.
According to court documents, between January 2011 and March 2012, Malveau was involved in a scheme to file false and fraudulent income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in order to generate large refunds that were deposited onto debit cards. When law enforcement officers arrested Malveau in March 2012, he had 26 debit cards in his possession, in the names of different individuals, along with ledgers containing names and social security numbers. The investigation revealed that the IRS had received fraudulent tax returns and had issued refunds in the names of many of those individuals, totaling $342,563, which was traced back to Malveau.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam M. Saltzman.
Sixteen U.S. Postal Service workers charged with accepting bribes to deliver cocaineRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – In three separate federal indictments unsealed on Tuesday August 29, 2017, 16 U.S. Postal Service (USPS) employees working in locations across the metro-Atlanta area have been charged with accepting bribes to deliver packages of kilogram-quantities of cocaine in a wide-reaching sting operation.
“Postal employees are entrusted to perform a vital service as they travel through our communities, often visiting our homes and interacting personally with our citizens,” said U.S. Attorney John Horn. “The defendants in this case allegedly sold that trust out to someone they knew to be a drug dealer, and simply for cash in their pockets they were willing to endanger themselves and the residents on their routes and bring harmful drugs into the community.”
“The allegations contained in these federal indictments are disturbing to say the least. The blatant abdication of the public trust through the criminal conduct of these sixteen U.S. Postal Service employees, absolutely stains the established trust of their peers and those that went before them at the U.S. Postal Service. While it is hoped that this extensive joint investigation and resulting federal prosecution will serve as a deterrent for others, the FBI makes it clear that public corruption remains our number one criminal program priority and, as such, we have dedicated significant resources toward the identification, investigation, and presentation for prosecution of any individuals involved in similar such conduct,” said David J. LeValley, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office.
“The DeKalb County District Attorney's Office is equally committed to aggressively combating public corruption. This case highlights the importance of interagency cooperation to effectively identify, investigate, and prosecute those who abuse their positions of public trust regardless of geographical borders,” said DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston.
“While the vast majority of U.S. Postal Service personnel are hard-working and trustworthy individuals who are dedicated to delivering mail and would never consider engaging in criminal behavior, these charges reflect the select few who decided to betray the trust. This type of behavior within the Postal Service is not tolerated and when employees engage in criminal behavior, the special agents of the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (USPS OIG) vigorously investigate these matters, along with other federal and local law enforcement agencies, to hold accountable those employees who violate that public trust,” said Paul L. Bowman, USPS OIG Special Agent in Charge, Capital Metro Area Field Office.
According to U.S. Attorney Horn, the indictments, and other information presented in court: USPS employees allegedly accepted bribes from a person they believed was a drug trafficker using the U.S. mail to ship cocaine – multiple kilograms at a time – into the Atlanta area. The USPS employees are as follows:
-
Cydra Rochelle Alexander, 31, of Riverdale, Georgia, a letter carrier assigned to the Ralph McGill Carrier Annex and Central City Branch of the Atlanta Post Office.
-
Aurthamis O. Burch, a/k/a Tank, 46, of Snellville, Georgia, a letter carrier assigned to the Doraville Post Office.
-
Kawana Rashun Champion, 35, of Jonesboro, Georgia, a clerk assigned to the North Springs Branch of the Sandy Springs Post Office and Central City Branch of the Atlanta Post Office.
-
Eleanor Lolita Golden, a/k/a Eleanor Johnson, 54, of East Point, Georgia, a letter carrier assigned to the West End Branch of the Atlanta Post Office.
-
Tonie Harris, 54, of Decatur, Georgia, a letter carrier assigned to the Sandy Springs Post Office.
-
Leea Janel Holt, 38, of Atlanta, Georgia, a letter carrier assigned to the Old National Branch of the Riverdale Post Office.
-
Clifton Curtis Lee, a/k/a Cliff, 41, of Lithonia, Georgia, a letter carrier assigned to the Sandy Springs Post Office.
-
Shakeed Anilah Magee, 40, of College Park, Georgia, a letter carrier assigned to the West End Branch of the Atlanta Post Office.
-
Horace Manson, 40, of Roswell, Georgia, a letter carrier assigned to the West End Branch of the Atlanta Post Office.
-
Olivia Marita Moore, 25, of Atlanta, Georgia, a letter carrier assigned to the Old National Branch of the Riverdale Post Office.
-
Eddie Nash, 63, of Decatur, Georgia, a letter carrier assigned to the West End Branch of the Atlanta Post Office.
-
Jeffrey A. Pearson, 59, of Austell, Georgia, a letter carrier assigned to the Decatur Post Office.
-
Rodney Antwain Salter, 33, of Jonesboro, Georgia, a letter carrier assigned to the Martech Branch of the Atlanta Post Office.
-
Frank Webb, 40, of Lithonia, Georgia, a letter carrier assigned to the Central City Branch of the Atlanta Post Office.
-
Katrina Nicole Wilson, a/k/a Trina, 38, of Fairburn, Georgia, a letter carrier assigned to the West End Branch of the Atlanta Post Office.
-
Harvel Donta Young, a/k/a Dante, 39, of Atlanta, Georgia, a letter carrier assigned to the Westside Annex Branch of the Marietta Post Office.
In exchange for the bribe payments, these individuals allegedly provided special addresses that the drug trafficker could use to ship packages of cocaine. The defendants then intercepted the packages and delivered them to the drug trafficker. Unbeknownst to them, the drug trafficker was actually working with law enforcement and the packages they delivered contained fake drugs.
Some of the postal employees went on to recruit additional USPS employees to join the criminal scheme, and accepted additional money for drug packages delivered by their recruits.
Dexter Bernard Frazier, a/k/a Dec, 56, of Fairburn, Georgia, was also charged based on his role in introducing several of the defendants to the drug trafficker and coordinating logistics of the scheme in exchange for payments.
Alexander, Burch, Champion, Frazier, Golden, Harris, Holt, Lee, Magee, Manson, Moore, Nash, Salter, Webb, Wilson, and Young have been arrested and will be arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Linda T. Walker.
Members of the public are reminded that the indictments only contain charges. The defendants are presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendants’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office, and U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Garrett L. Bradford and Jill E. Steinberg are prosecuting the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta recommends parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following web site: www.justthinktwice.gov.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
-
Sharpsburg Man Charged with Stealing his Dead Mother’s BenefitsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of theft of government money, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
The one-count indictment named Kevin Roehlig, 56, of Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, between November 2003 and August 2016, Roehlig converted to his own use the Social Security Title II, Old Age, Survivor’s Disability Insurance benefits of his mother, Carolyn Roehlig, who died in and around October 2003, knowing he was not entitled to said benefits. The stolen funds totaled $124,514.00.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 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 Charles A. Eberle is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Second Man Sentenced for Jewelry Store RobberiesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that Aquabeus Demond Moore, 37, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced today to thirty-two years and one day by the Honorable Richard M. Gergel in Charleston, South Carolina. Moore was convicted of five separate counts, one count of Conspiracy to Commit Robbery Affecting Interstate Commerce, two counts of Robbery Affecting Interstate Commerce, and two counts of Brandishing a Firearm During a Violent Crime, following a four-day jury trial in United States District Court in Charleston.
Witness testimony and the evidence presented by the government during the trial established that Moore and others travelled from Atlanta to rob Sylvan Jewelers in Columbia, SC, on February 19, 2015, and MP Demetre Jewelers in Charleston, SC, on March 4, 2015. During both robberies, two masked men entered the jewelry stores during business hours. One man held the employees at gunpoint while the other man smashed the Rolex cases with sledgehammers. In total, the robbers stole 88 Rolex watches from the jewelry stores, valued at over one million dollars. Among other evidence presented during the trial, cell site location evidence established that, after traveling from Atlanta, Moore’s phone was in Columbia during the time of the Sylvans robbery and in Charleston during the time of the MP Demetre robbery. Further evidence presented during the trial established that Moore had a picture of one of the stolen Rolex watches on his phone. Investigators also recovered Moore’s fingerprint from the getaway vehicle used in the robbery of MP Demetre Jewelers.
The conviction is the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, City of Charleston Police Department and Columbia Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Nathan Williams and Emily Limehouse prosecuted the case.
#####
Santa Clara Pueblo Woman Sentenced for Federal Misdemeanor Assault on Child ChargeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERUQE – Jona Chavarria, 26, an enrolled member of the Santa Clara Pueblo who resides in Albuquerque, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court to a three-year term of probation for her conviction on a misdemeanor assault on a child charge.
Chavarria was charged in a misdemeanor information filed on April 21, 2017, with assaulting a child on the Santa Clara Pueblo in Rio Arriba County, N.M., on April 15, 2016. On April 21, 2017, Chavarria pled guilty to the information, and admitted biting an 11-month old child on the face causing a visible bite mark and bruising.
This case was investigated by the Northern Pueblos Agency of the BIA’s Office of Justice Services, and the Santa Clara Pueblo Tribal Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucy B. Solimon prosecuted the case.
Roanoke Woman Pleads Guilty to Child Sexual Exploitation, Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Roanoke, VIRGINIA – A Roanoke woman, who repeatedly abused a 5-year-old child in her custody, pleaded guilty this morning in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke to a number of charges related to child sexual exploitation and child pornography, Acting United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle announced.
Shannon Marie Bobrosky, 23, of Roanoke, pleaded guilty to two counts of production of child pornography, one count of permitting the production of child pornography involving a child she had custody or control of at the time, and one count of distribution of child pornography.
According to evidence presented at this morning’s guilty plea hearing by Supervisory Assistant United States Attorney Laura Day Rottenborn, Bobrosky was the child victim’s legal guardian. Although she was responsible for the child’s physical, emotional and mental well-being, Bobrosky instead sexually abused the child, took digital photographs of the abuse, and distributed the images using text message applications and other means. According to the evidence, Bobrosky appears to have been motivated by her desire to satisfy various sexual fetishes, to include having a submissive relationship with males interested in child pornography and/or pedophilia, and seeking sexual gratification by providing such males with images of the actual or simulated sexual molestation of the child, as well as fantasies regarding the rape of the child by those males.
Acting United States Attorney Mountcastle commended Supervisory AUSA Rottenborn, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Roanoke City Police Department, whose outstanding investigation and prosecution rescued the child-victim from further sexual abuse.
Pittsburg Resident Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison for Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Ebony Standifer was sentenced today to 84 months in prison and ordered to pay $193,602 in restitution for conspiracy to file false claims, aggravated identity theft, and criminal contempt announced United States Attorney Brian J. Stretch and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Special Agent in Charge Michael T. Batdorf. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Charles Breyer, U.S. District Judge after Standifer pleaded guilty to the charges.
According to court documents, Standifer, 30, of Pittsburg, Calif., admitted she conspired with others to file false federal income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service from 2010 through 2012. As part of the scheme, individuals with whom Standifer conspired provided her with names of people for whom to file false tax returns. Standifer used those identities and filed returns without showing the documents to the people listed on them. In addition to inserting the person’s name and Social Security number, Standifer made up figures for income and the amount of taxes that were withheld. She then requested a tax refund based on these made-up figures. Standifer filed the false returns electronically from various locations and kept notebooks that recorded information regarding the people whose identity she misappropriated. In total, during 2010-2012, Standifer filed or assisted in filing false tax returns in the aggregate amount of $656,000 for the 2009-2011 tax years. Of that amount, the IRS actually paid fraudulent claims in the amount of $193,602.
A federal grand jury indicted Standifer on October 28, 2014, charging her with one count of conspiracy to file false claims, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 286; five counts of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C § 1343; and three counts of aggravated identity theft, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1028A. Standifer pleaded guilty on August 19, 2015, to conspiracy to file false claims and one count of aggravated identity theft.
On February 3, 2016, Standifer was charged by information with two additional counts of criminal contempt, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 401(3). Standifer pleaded guilty to both counts on February 22, 2017, admitting that when she pleaded guilty to the original charges, she already was involved in a pending identity theft case in Nevada. Standifer acknowledged that while awaiting sentencing in this district, she used a misappropriated credit card to travel illegally to Nevada so she could attend hearings on the identity theft charges pending in that jurisdiction.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Breyer also sentenced Standifer to 36 months of supervised release.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Newman is prosecuting the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the IRS, Criminal Investigation.
Pill Mill Doctor Sentenced to Nearly Four Years for Role in Opioid Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene Honeywell has sentenced Anil Sahijwani (43, Tampa) to 45 months in federal prison for illegally prescribing oxycodone, Adderall, and other controlled substances. The Court also ordered him to forfeit his DEA registration number, $182,266.66, and the value of a personally owned Porsche, all of which constitute proceeds of the offenses, or which were used in furtherance of the offenses.
Sahijwani pleaded guilty on February 23, 2017.
According to court documents, Sahijwani worked at Family Medical Express Center, Inc. in Brandon, Florida, along with several co-conspirators. He and his co-conspirators implemented a plan to sell unlawful prescriptions for oxycodone and other controlled substances to people who did not need them and who instead diverted them for sale in the community on a per-pill basis. In some cases, Sahijwani wrote prescriptions at the request of his co-conspirators in the names of people he had never examined or met. Sahijwani also sold prescriptions for oxycodone out of his car in a Tampa parking lot. During the course of the conspiracy, Sahijwani wrote unlawful prescriptions for over 18,000 oxycodone pills.
“As law enforcement addresses the ongoing opioid crisis, it is unconscionable that a physician would be part of the Pill Mill problem that has left its indelible mark on the Tampa area and the country,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Adolphus P. Wright. “DEA, and our law enforcement partners, will remain vigilant in finding these unscrupulous medical professionals and clinics and see to it that they are prosecuted accordingly.”This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel George.
Parkersburg felon sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for possession of a firearm used in drug-related shootingRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg man was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison for a gun crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Tyrese Antonio McMillon, 32, previously pleaded guilty to a single-count indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
McMillon admitted that he possessed a Lorcin .380 pistol that was used in a shooting in a 19th Street apartment in Parkersburg on May 27, 2016. McMillon was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2006 felony conviction in Cabell County Circuit Court for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. At the sentencing hearing, the Court found that McMillon shot a heroin dealer from Pittsburgh in the head and robbed him of heroin and a firearm. The Court further found that Parkersburg Police located the stolen heroin and firearm in a hotel room, and that McMillon possessed the key to the hotel room along with some of the heroin when he was arrested during the traffic stop of a taxi in which he was riding. Analysis by the West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory confirmed that the Lorcin .380 was the weapon used to shoot the heroin dealer and that gunshot residue was found on McMillon’s clothing.
The Parkersburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
- Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews
Owner of Mayfield Heights company charged with failing to pay over $420,000 in taxes he withheld from employeesRead the Press Release
The owner of a Mayfield Heights company was charged with failing to pay over more than $420,000 in taxes he withheld from his employees, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and IRS Special Agent in Charge Ryan L. Korner.
Daniel Day, 59, was charged via criminal information with 17 counts of failure to pay over taxes.
Day was the sole owner and operated or Academy Answering Service, a telephone messaging service provider. Day retained a payroll company, which prepared and provided payroll checks for Day to give to his employees. The company withheld the proper amount of taxes from each employee and prepared documents for Day to make AAS’ quarterly employment tax payments to the IRS, according to the information.
In 2008, Day directed the payroll company to discontinue making quarterly employment tax problems to the IRS due to “cash flow problems.” Day then failed to make payments of AAS employee taxes between 2008 and 2013, according to the information.
Day collected but did not pay over approximately $420,286 in employee taxes, according to the informnation.
This case was investigated by the IRS – Criminal Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Patton.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
An charge is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Operation “Real Time”: Greenville Man Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Felon in Possession of Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Greenville, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Johnny Ray Hamby, age 53, of Travelers Rest, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court in Greenville pursuant to his federal indictment for felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. United States District Court Judge Timothy M. Cain accepted the plea and will impose sentence after United States Probation has prepared a presentence report. Hamby is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition based on his prior felony convictions. He faces up to ten years in federal prison.
Evidence presented by the government during the guilty plea hearing established that on March 10, 2017, members of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) responded to Hamby’s residence in relation to a possible drug overdose victim. During the initial investigation, GCSO observed a revolver and ammunition in plain view inside the residence. After then obtaining a search warrant for the residence, GCSO searched the house and recovered twenty-one firearms and assorted ammunition.
Hamby’s case was expedited for federal prosecution pursuant to Operation “Real Time.” The goal of this program is to identify individuals for federal prosecution with significant criminal histories who continue to actively possess firearms in the Upstate community. “Real Time” is a working collaboration between local, state, and federal law enforcement as well as state and federal prosecutors. Since August of 2015, the initiative has resulted in the expedited federal prosecution of over 120 defendants and seizure of over 165 firearms as well as assorted ammunition from prohibited persons in the upstate.
U.S. Attorney Beth Drake commended the partnership between local, state, and federal agencies that led to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the U.S. Attorney’s Office adopting the case. “We work best when we work together. This ‘real time’ identification of high risk offenders is smart policing and we welcome the opportunity to work alongside our state chiefs, sheriffs, and solicitors in taking violent repeat offenders out of our communities.”
The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and ATF investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen is prosecuting the case.
#####
Operation "Real Time": Federal Jury Finds Greenville Felon Guilty in Firearms TrialRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that a jury returned a guilty verdict following a one-day jury trial in federal court in Greenville, South Carolina Monday. The jury found Alvin Andrae Drummond, age 41, of Greenville, guilty of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a person who had been convicted of both a felony and a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. The trial was held before Senior United States District Judge Henry M. Herlong, Jr., of Greenville. Judge Herlong will impose a sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. Drummond faces up to Life in prison and remains in custody.
Witness testimony and the evidence presented by the government at trial established that on May 10, 2017, deputies from the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office went to the RedRoof Inn in Greenville to investigate information they had received about methamphetamine, heroin, and pills being sold from Room 131 of the motel. The deputies were allowed into the room and found 8 people, including Alvin Drummond. The deputies saw drug paraphernalia and other indicators of drug activity and obtained a search warrant for the room. During the execution of the search warrant, deputies found a book bag that contained a loaded Smith & Wesson 38. caliber revolver, 23 additional rounds of ammunition, and Alvin Drummond’s wage paperwork.
A Greenville County Sheriff’s Office Investigator and Task Force Officer (TFO) with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) interviewed Drummond. After being advised of his Miranda rights, Drummond admitted the book bag was his, but denied knowledge of the gun. The TFO then questioned each person who had been in the room in front of Drummond, asking them if they: (1) put the revolver in the book bag; (2) saw anyone else put the gun in the book bag; or (3) if anyone else had left the room since Drummond arrived. Each person answered no to all of the questions, and Drummond stated that he did not think any of them were lying.
A Greenville County Forensic Technician arrived on scene and collected the evidence. The Forensic Technician processed the gun and found a fingerprint on the cylinder of the Smith & Wesson revolver. A Latent Print Examiner from the Greenville County Forensics Division identified the fingerprint as belonging to Alvin Drummond.
Drummond’s case was expedited for federal prosecution pursuant to Operation “Real Time.” The goal of this program is to identify individuals for federal prosecution with significant criminal histories who continue to actively possess firearms in the Upstate community. “Real Time” is a working collaboration between local, state, and federal law enforcement as well as state and federal prosecutors. Since August of 2015, the initiative has resulted in the expedited federal prosecution of over 120 defendants and seizure of over 165 firearms as well as assorted ammunition from prohibited persons in the upstate.
“ATF is extremely appreciative of our partners and this collaborative effort to make our communities safer,” said Charlotte Field Division’s Special Agent in Charge C.J. Hyman. “ATF has committed our resources to help tackle illegal firearms possession and violent crime. That commitment, combined with the cooperation of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and other local law enforcement agencies, our federal partners, the 13th Circuit Solicitor’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, has resulted in a very successful effort with a long-term impact on violent crime in the upstate and beyond.”
U.S. Attorney Beth Drake commended the partnership between local, state, and federal agencies that led to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the U.S. Attorney’s Office adopting the case. “We work best when we work together. This ‘real time’ identification of high risk offenders is smart policing and we welcome the opportunity to work alongside our state chiefs, sheriffs, and solicitors in taking violent repeat offenders out of our communities.”
The case was investigated by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenville County Forensic Division, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Schoen prosecuted the case.
#####
Onslow County Man Sentenced on Firearm and Robbery ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, John Stuart Bruce, announced that in federal court, Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever sentenced MATTHEW ASHLEY CUMMINGS, 26, of Hubert, NC to 144 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
On May 22, 2017, CUMMINGS pled guilty to a four count indictment, consisting of two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, and one count each of Possession of Stolen Firearms and Attempted Interference with Commerce by Robbery.
The evidence established that during the early hours of September 3, 2016, CUMMINGS and an accomplice burglarized the Pamlico County home of a man who owns a gun show business. CUMMINGS broke into two gun safes and stole, among other things, over two dozen guns and approximately $241,000. The evidence further established that on November 2, 2016, CUMMINGS attempted to rob a fictitious heroin dealer in Wilmington, North Carolina. In doing so, CUMMINGS directed a confidential informant to pick him up in a car and to drive to a location where CUMMINGS retrieved a firearm to be used in the robbery. Officers arrested CUMMINGS enroute to the purported target and recovered the firearm in CUMMINGS’ possession.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the Pamlico County Sheriff’s Office, and the Jacksonville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jake D. Pugh is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Nurse Practioner Sentenced on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-305BUFFALO, N.Y.-Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Brandon Coburn, 34, of West Seneca, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute fentanyl, was sentenced to 108 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who handled the case, stated that between July 2013 and May 2015, Coburn, a licensed nurse practitioner who was legally authorized to prescribe controlled substances, provided fraudulent fentanyl, oxycodone, oxymorphone, and amphetamine prescriptions to nine co-defendants. Those prescriptions were not used for legitimate medical purposes and instead were filled by the co-defendants and sold on the street in the Buffalo area. Coburn issued a total of 253 prescriptions without any legitimate medical purpose.
To date, eight of the 10 people charged in this case have been convicted. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Today’s sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of James J. Hunt, Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Field Division.
New York City Man Sentenced to Eleven Years for Heroin Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Corey Carter, 32, of Brooklyn, was sentenced Tuesday in United States District Court in Rutland to 132 months of imprisonment following his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute heroin. United States District Judge Geoffrey Crawford also ordered that Carter serve three years of supervised release following completion of his prison term. Carter had been in the custody of the United States Marshals Service since his June 2016 arrest.
Carter pleaded to a Superseding Indictment charging him with conspiring with brothers Sebastian and Yorgan Benjamin, and others, to distribute heroin in May 2016. Court records indicate that Carter and the Benjamin brothers tried to distribute heroin out of an apartment in Rutland, with Carter leaving town after setting up the Benjamins in the apartment to sell Carter’s heroin. Unbeknownst to Carter and the Benjamins, however, the apartment was part of a law enforcement operation orchestrated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Vermont State Police Drug Task Force, and the Benjamins distributed Carter’s heroin to persons working with law enforcement. Court records also indicate Carter had conspired to distribute heroin in Vermont since at least 2014 until his arrest.
Both Benjamin brothers have pleaded guilty. Last month Sebastian Benjamin was sentenced to a time-served sentence of approximately four months. Yorgan Benjamin, who has not yet been sentenced, has failed to appear in court and a warrant has issued for his arrest.
This was Carter’s fourth felony conviction. He had also been convicted of felonies in New York state courts.
This case was investigated by the Vermont State Police and the FBI.
Carter is represented by Ernest Allen, III, Esq. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Drescher.
New Jersey Man Sentenced to Six Months of Incarceration and $10,000 Fine for Hiring Twelve Unauthorized AliensRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Sanjay Gupta, 51, of Fords, New Jersey, was sentenced yesterday for illegally hiring twelve unauthorized aliens to work at his company, Doon Technologies located in Iselin, New Jersey. U.S. District Judge J. Garvan Murtha sentenced Gupta to a six-month term of incarceration and a $10,000 fine. Judge Murtha also ordered that Gupta pay restitution totaling $14,200 to foreign workers from whom Gupta obtained illegal fees and payments.
According to Court documents, Gupta admitted to recruiting 12 foreign workers with information technology expertise to work in the United States at his company Doon Technologies. Gupta then submitted forms and documentation to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to obtain H1-B visas for the foreign workers with the stated purpose of working for Doon Technologies. USCIS has a visa processing center in St. Albans, Vermont which processed some of the applications submitted by Gupta. The applications Gupta submitted claimed that Doon Technologies would employ the foreign workers in the State of New Jersey, and that the foreign workers would be paid within 30 days of admission to the United States, as required. However, Gupta had no intent to follow these assurances, and instead placed the foreign workers at worksites outside the State of New Jersey, and paid the foreign workers only when work was available. Gupta’s misrepresentations to USCIS were material, in that H1-B visa allocations are designed to allow the employment of foreign workers in specialty occupations only when there are insufficient U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents to work in those positions.
In addition, Court documents reflect that Gupta submitted fraudulent documentation to USCIS to obtain H1-B visas, specifically by forging fictitious contracts with purported customers in an effort to demonstrate that work would be available for foreign workers when they began work for Doon Technologies. Further, court documents reflect that Gupta demanded prospective H1-B visa beneficiaries pay Gupta an illegal fee for submitting the H1-B visa applications to USCIS. Gupta also demanded that H1-B visa beneficiaries pay him hundreds of dollars to retain their visas, or risk deportation.
Acting United States Attorney Eugenia A. P. Cowles commended the investigative efforts of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General’s Office of Investigations – Labor Racketeering and Fraud.
The United States was represented in this matter by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt. Gupta was represented by David J. Williams, Esq. and Brooks G. McArthur, Esq.
Mustang Woman Pleads Guilty to $1.3 Million Embezzlement and Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – VANESSA L. POLLARD, of Mustang, Oklahoma, pled guilty today to wire fraud and signing a false federal income tax return in connection with a $1.3 million embezzlement from an insurance agency in Canadian County, Oklahoma, announced Mark A. Yancey, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.
On August 8, 2017, Pollard was charged by information with one count of wire fraud and one count of signing a false federal income tax return. According to the charges, Pollard worked for an insurance agency as a bookkeeper from April 1999 until early August 2016. As part of her job, she reviewed monthly bank statements, made entries in an internal accounting system, and reconciled those records with a business checking account at Yukon National Bank. She was accused of writing unauthorized checks and making unauthorized interstate wire transfers from the business checking account to pay her personal credit card accounts. The information also alleged that she altered bank statements to conceal these payments from the agency’s management.
Today, Pollard pled guilty to transmitting $3,178 through interstate wires with the intent to defraud the insurance agency in January 2014. In a plea agreement, she has agreed to forfeit property purchased with funds traceable to her embezzlement, including her house in Mustang, two trucks, a sports car, three motorcycles, a boat, two jet skis, and a retirement account. She also stipulated that the total loss from her embezzlement was $1,344,915.02.
In addition to pleading guilty to wire fraud, Pollard pled guilty to signing a false tax return. She admitted that on May 13, 2013, she signed a personal federal tax return for the 2012 calendar year that she knew was false because it reported only $50,736 in total income when she knew her 2012 income was substantially higher.
At sentencing, Pollard faces up to 20 years in prison on the wire fraud count, plus three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and restitution. She also faces up to three years in prison on the tax count, in addition to one year of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and restitution to the Internal Revenue Service for the tax loss. She will be sentenced in approximately 90 days. Reference is made to the information and other public filings for further information.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigations and the United States Secret Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark R. Stoneman.
Mountville Man Enters Guilty Plea in Federal Court to Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine ChargesRead the Press Release
Greenville, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Corey Rashad Yeargin, age 24, of Mountville, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court in Greenville, pursuant to an indictment for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. United States District Court Judge Timothy M. Cain accepted the plea and will impose sentence after United States Probation prepares a presentence investigation report. Yeargin faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
Evidence presented by the government during the plea established that on October 5, 2016, members of the Laurens County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) executed a search warrant at a residence in Cross Hill, South Carolina. LCSO Deputies heard gunfire as they approached the residence and detained multiple individuals, including Yeargin, at the residence. LCSO located a bag containing 13 grams of crack cocaine in Yeargin’s pocket.
The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office and ATF investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen is prosecuting the case.
#####
Mississippi Man Charged with Sexual Abuse of Minor on Cruise ShipRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Mississippi man was charged today in federal court in Boston for sexually assaulting a minor during a cruise from Boston to Bermuda.
Adam Christopher Boyd, 30, of Bay Springs, Miss., was charged with one count of sexual abuse of a minor. He is currently in Bermuda, awaiting extradition to the United States.
According to court documents, Boyd was a passenger on a seven-day cruise from Boston to Bermuda. While the ship was docked in Bermuda, Boyd allegedly raped a minor passenger while the two were onboard the ship. The child subsequently reported the rape to ship security, who notified Bermudian authorities. In the course of the Bermuda Police Service’s initial investigation, they arrested Boyd and notified authorities in the United States.
Sexual abuse of a minor carries a sentence of no greater than 15 years in prison, a minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Bermuda Police Service, Massachusetts Port Authority and FBI Legat Bridgetown, Barbados, Sub Office Nassau. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Paruti, Weinreb’s Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and a member of the Major Crimes Unit, is prosecuting the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Miami-Dade Resident Sentenced to More Than 6 Years in Prison for Operating a Miami Spa Performing Illicit Silicone InjectionsRead the Press Release
Benjamin G. Greenberg, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida; Justin D. Green, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA-OCI), Miami Field Office; Mark Selby, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), Miami Field Office; and Juan J. Perez, Director, Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD), announced the six year sentence imposed upon Maribel Jimenez for operating a Miami spa which performed illicit silicone injections.
On June 16, 2017, Jimenez previously pled guilty for her participation in a conspiracy and delivery for pay of an adulterated and misbranded device received in interstate commerce with the intent to defraud and mislead. United States District Judge Kathleen M. Williams sentenced Jimenez to the maximum five year (60 month) sentence for the conspiracy, to be followed by a consecutive term of 19 months in prison for the remaining count of conviction. In addition, the Court sentenced Jimenez to three years of supervised release and ordered her to forfeit $1,168,353. A restitution hearing has been scheduled for December 1, 2017.
According to the court record, including an agreed upon factual statement, Jimenez and her co-defendant, Magaly del Rosario (who is scheduled for sentencing on September 19, 2017, following her previous guilty plea), conspired from 2008 through August 2015 to receive and deliver an adulterated and misbranded “medical device” for pay which consisted of silicone used illegally for body contouring injections. Jimenez further admitted to having unlawfully injected this substance into hundreds of clients seeking buttocks augmentation at Bella Beauty Spa (“Bella Beauty”), a business owned by Jimenez and located at 8360 West Flagler Street in Miami. The silicone was unlawfully smuggled into the United States from Colombia throughout the period of the criminal conspiracy by means of multiple DHL deliveries of bottles falsely labeled as containing depilatory wax.
During the course of the criminal conduct, Jimenez “repeatedly and consistently” informed Bella Beauty’s clients that they would be injected with a substance that was safe, non-permanent and capable of being absorbed by the body over time,” while she “knew this not to be the case.” Jimenez and her co-defendant falsely claimed that the substance was hydrogel, hyaluronic acid, Juvederm or Restylane, or other such substances. They did not inform clients that the dermal filler material was in fact silicone, a substance known to be harmful if injected into the human body. The potentially dangerous and harmful health risks that could result from the injection of the illicit silicone include: the potential of injection into a blood vessel resulting in embolism, migration of injected silicone to other bodily regions, infection and infection-related disorders, silicone-filled scar tissue formations (“granulomas”) caused by the body’s attempt to encapsulate such a foreign substance, necrosis, skin discoloration, immune system hyperactivity and related adverse systemic conditions, disfigurement, discomfort, and pain.
Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of FDA-OCI, ICE-HSI and MDPD. Mr. Greenberg also thanked U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and the Colombian National Police for their assistance. This case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter Outerbridge and Miesha Darrough.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Memphis Man Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Federal Law Enforcement Officers in NashvilleRead the Press Release
Anthony Allen, of Memphis, Tenn., pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court, to assaulting a federal law enforcement officer and to federal firearms violations, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jack Smith of the Middle District of Tennessee.
“This defendant is facing more than a decade in federal prison - a sentence that reflects the seriousness of his actions’” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jack Smith. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to take a zero tolerance approach to violence directed at our law enforcement officers. Serious consequences await those who choose to make the unwise decision to assault a law enforcement officer.”
According to court documents, on July 31, 2015, agents with the FBI and officers with the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department executed a federal search warrant at a house on Lanewood Court in Nashville. This search warrant was obtained in furtherance of an investigation into drug trafficking and firearms violations.
When agents knocked on the front door and announced their presence, Allen opened the front door, pointed a semiautomatic pistol through the doorway and discharged the firearm in the direction of agents, before closing the door. Minutes later, Allen complied with commands of law enforcement officers, exited the house and was taken into custody.
On August 5, 2015, a federal grand jury returned a 4-count indictment, charging Allen with assault of a federal law enforcement officer; discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon; and possession of ammunition by a previously convicted felon. Allen pleaded guilty today to all counts of the indictment.
Allen faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, on the discharging a firearm charge, which must be consecutive to any sentence imposed on the other charges, when he is sentenced later this year.
This case was investigated by the FBI; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms & Explosives; and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Clay Lee is prosecuting the case.
Lorain man and federal prison inmate indicted in murder-for-hire conspiracyRead the Press Release
A Lorain man and an inmate at a federal prison in New Jersey were indicted for their conspiracy to commit murder for hire and to distribute cocaine, law enforcement officials said.
Indicted are Eduardo Rios Velasquez, 36, of Lorain, and Angel Cordero, 36, an inmate at Fort Dix Federal Correctional Institution.
Velasquez and Cordero had previously been incarcerated together. Cordero was in contact with Velasquez in the summer of 2017 through a contraband cellular phone that had been smuggled into Fort Dix, according to court documents.
Cordero put Velasquez in contact with another inmate. Velasquez offered to pay the other inmate money if he could provide Velasquez with the address for a woman identified in court documents as T.G. Cordero told the inmate that Velasquez had been hired to kill T.G, according to court documents
Additionally, another person supplied Velasquez with large shipments of cocaine, with Cordero serving as the broker in the deals. Federal law enforcement authorities intercepted a kilogram of cocaine in July that was being shipped to Velasquez, according to court documents.
“This was a tremendous effort by law enforcement to avert a tragedy,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said.
“These two individuals are alleged to be so bold as to hire a hitman and order the movement of cocaine, all while serving time for past crimes. Even behind bars, they continue to show a blatant disregard for authority,” said Angel M. Melendez, special agent in charge of HSI New York. “It is with the investigative know-how and collaboration with our law enforcement partners, like the FBI, that we can ensure these perpetual criminals face additional charges for their actions.”
“This individual is being held accountable for his ruthless willingness to kill someone for money,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony. “The FBI Cleveland Division commends the collaboration between the law enforcement agencies involved in disrupting this conspiratorial murder for hire.”
If convicted, each defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including each defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, each defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian McDonough, Brad Beeson and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Hiral Mehta following an investigation by the New York Department of Homeland Security, the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Cleveland office, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Liberian National Charged with Assaulting Deportation Officer During RemovalRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Liberian national was charged today in federal court in Boston with assaulting a deportation officer at Logan International Airport during removal.
Mohammed Kenneh, 35, was charged with assault on a federal officer and is scheduled to appear before Magistrate Judge M. Page Kelley today at 2:45 PM.
On July 16, 2016, Kenneh was ordered removed from the United States back to Liberia. On Aug. 29, 2017, Kenneh was transported to Logan International Airport for removal. Once at the airport, Kenneh was met by two deportation officers who asked him to exit the van in which he arrived. Kenneh refused to exit the van; therefore, one of the officers entered the van and attempted to remove Kenneh from the vehicle. Kenneh resisted the officer and struck the officer on the head and shoulders multiple times, eventually knocking the officer onto the floor of the van. Kenneh then wrapped his handcuffed hands around the officer’s wrist and hands and refused to release the officer. Another officer then entered the van and, together, the two officers were able to remove Kenneh from the van onto the sidewalk. A decision was then made to abort the removal proceedings and return Kenneh to Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody.
Kenneh faces a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 and will be subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Christopher Cronen, Field Office Director, Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston Field Office, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Weinreb’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lawrence Police Officer Agrees to Plead Guilty to Attempted Extortion ChargesRead the Press Release
Boston – A 16-year veteran officer of the Lawrence Police Department agreed to plead guilty today in connection with attempting to use his position as a police officer to extort cocaine from a drug trafficker.
John R. Desantis Jr., 45, of Methuen, agreed to plead guilty today to one count of extortion and attempted extortion under color of official right and through the use of threatened force and fear. U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV deferred acceptance of the plea until the sentencing hearing, which is scheduled for Nov. 17, 2017.
Desantis had been purchasing small amounts of cocaine once or twice a week from a drug trafficker for 10-12 months without identifying himself as a police officer. On May 16, 2016, during a drug transaction at his home, Desantis displayed his gun and badge, seized the cocaine and threatened to arrest the drug trafficker if he did not continue to supply him with drugs. Desantis thereafter continued to communicate with the drug trafficker through text messages, telling him, “you will not be arrested at all if you do as I tell you to.”
The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. If the court accepts the plea, Desantis will be sentenced to no less than 12 months and no greater than 18 months in prison. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Lawrence Police Chief James X. Fitzpatrick made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina Barclay of Weinreb’s Public Corruption Unit is prosecuting the case.
Knoxville Man Charged with June Robbery of Mt. Washington BankRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A former Pittsburgh resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating the federal robbery laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
The one-count indictment named Joseph Abbinanti, age 49 as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, on June 29, 2017, Abbinanti robbed the PNC Bank, located at 236 Shiloh Street, Pittsburgh, PA, of $2,420.00.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $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 Timothy M. Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Indictment: Former Controller Embezzled $175,000+ from Kechi CompanyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A grand jury returned an indictment here today charging the former controller of a company in Kechi with embezzling more than $175,000, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Richard H. Yust, 64, Hutchinson, Kan., is charged with five counts of wire fraud. The crimes took place while Yurst was responsible for overseeing the financial operations of F&H Insulation Sales and Service, Inc. The indictment alleges he used company credit cards to make unauthorized purchases and he made unauthorized payments to his wife and son.
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Jose Badilla, 33, Kansas City, Kan., is charged in a superseding indictment with two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, two counts of maintaining a residence in furtherance of drug trafficking, and one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in March and August 2017 in Wyandotte County, Kan.
The indictment alleges Badilla maintained residences in furtherance of drug trafficking in the 2800 block of North 51st Street and the 3500 block of Ohio Avenue in Kansas City, Kan.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine: Not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million on each count.
Possession with intent to distribute heroin: Not less than 10 years and a fine up to $10 million.
Unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking: Not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
Maintaining a drug involved premises: Up to 20 years and a fine up to $500,000 on each count.
Possession with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin: Not less than five years and not more than 40 years and a fine up to $5 million.
The Kansas Bureau of investigation investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel is prosecuting.
Angel D. Mora, 18, Kansas City, Kan., and Ramiro G. Whitney, 20, Kansas City, Kan., are charged with stealing pistols, rifles and shotguns from Little Joe’s Pawn and Gun in Kansas City, Kan.
If convicted, they face up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel is prosecuting.
Robert M. Purinton, 69, formerly of Overland Park, Kan., is charged with three counts of filing false tax returns for 2010, 2011 and 2012 that failed to report some of his income.
If convicted, he faces up to three years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The Internal Revenue Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon Patton is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Harrison County woman sentenced for conspiring with others to distribute illegal drugsRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Megan Eileen Dunigan, 29, of Mount Clare, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 36 months incarceration for possession and distribution of an illegal substance, Acting United States Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.
Dunigan pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute MAM2201 and Buprenorphine” in July 2017. She admitted to having conspiring with others to distribute illegal substances in Harrison County, West Virginia from April 2014 to April 2016.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, The West Virginia State Police, and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crime Task Force investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.Harrisburg Man Indicted on Drug and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Maurice Lackey, age 38, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for possession with intent to distribute crack and marijuana, possession of two firearms by a convicted felon, and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that on June 18, 2017, after a traffic stop, Lackey was arrested by Harrisburg Police when officers found crack, marijuana and two loaded Sig Sauer handguns in Lackey’s vehicle.
The matter was investigated by the Harrisburg Police Department Street Crimes Unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott R. Ford is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes with firearms.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty for this offense is up to life in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
# # #
Guatemalan Deported Three Times Charged with Illegally Re-entering United StatesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A citizen of Guatemala has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of reentry of removed alien, Acting States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
The one-count indictment named Alex Grajea-Navarro, 26, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, the Grajea-Navarro, who was previously removed from the United States on August 13, 2010, September 23, 2011, and February 10, 2016, was found in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on July 27, 2017, without having applied for or received permission to reenter the United States from the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of two years in prison, one year supervised release, and 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 Mary McKeen Houghton is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)/ Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Greenville Man Enters Guilty Plea on Federal Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
Greenville, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Oran Kenta Crisp, age 37, of Greenville, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court in Greenville pursuant to a federal indictment for felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. United States District Court Judge Timothy M. Cain accepted the plea and will impose sentence after United States Probation has prepared a presentence investigation report. Crisp faces up to ten years in federal prison and remains in custody.
Evidence presented by the government during the plea established that on March 23, 2017, members of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) deputies responded to a shots-fired call at a residence in Greenville. Pursuant to their investigation on scene, GCSO recovered a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber pistol, a magazine loaded with .40 caliber ammunition in the back yard, and a spent .40 caliber cartridge in the front yard. When interviewed by GCSO, Crisp told responding Deputies that he was arguing with a friend over the return of a car and fired the weapon.
Crisp’s case was expedited for federal prosecution pursuant to Operation “Real Time.” The goal of this program is to identify individuals for federal prosecution with significant criminal histories who continue to actively possess firearms in the Upstate community. “Real Time” is a working collaboration between local, state, and federal law enforcement as well as state and federal prosecutors. Since August of 2015, the initiative has resulted in the expedited federal prosecution of over 120 defendants and seizure of over 165 firearms as well as assorted ammunition from prohibited persons in the upstate.
U.S. Attorney Beth Drake commended the partnership between local, state, and federal agencies that led to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the U.S. Attorney’s Office adopting the case. “We work best when we work together. This ‘real time’ identification of high risk offenders is smart policing and we welcome the opportunity to work alongside our state chiefs, sheriffs, and solicitors in taking violent repeat offenders out of our communities.”
The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and ATF investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen is prosecuting the case.
#####
Frankfort Man Indicted for Bribery of State EmployeeRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Frankfort, Ky., man was indicted today for charges alleging a scheme to bribe an employee of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
A federal grand jury in Lexington returned an indictment charging 64 year-old James Sullivan with one count of conspiring to bribe and three counts of payments to influence an employee of a federally funded program.
The indictment alleges that Sullivan agreed to make cash payments to Timothy Longmeyer, to influence decisions that Longmeyer made while an employee of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
As alleged in the indictment, Sullivan first offered to bribe Longmeyer in 2009. At that time, Sullivan represented a company that held a contract to administrate workers’ compensation claims filed by state employees. The Personnel Cabinet managed this program, giving Longmeyer oversight over the workers’ compensation contract. Between 2009 and approximately June 2015, Sullivan made multiple cash payments to Longmeyer, each time intending that Longmeyer would help with awarding, extending, and renewing the contract for Sullivan’s client. The indictment alleges that Sullivan made cash payments of $5,000 and $4,000 to Longmeyer, among other payments that were part of the conspiracy.
The indictment also alleges that Sullivan sought Longmeyer’s assistance on behalf of several private attorneys that Sullivan represented. Sullivan asked Longmeyer to identify opportunities for those attorneys to secure contracts to handle civil litigation for the Attorney General’s Office. Sullivan presented Longmeyer $1,000 in cash, intending to receive his assistance. Longmeyer is not alleged to have committed any criminal conduct while employed by the Kentucky Attorney General.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Amy Hess, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, jointly announced the indictment.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The indictment was presented to the grand jury by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew T. Boone.
A date for Sullivan to appear in court has not yet been scheduled. He faces up to 5 years in prison for the conspiracy charge and up to 10 years in prison for each of the bribery charges, and a maximum fine of $250,000 for each count. However, any sentence following a conviction would be imposed by the Court, after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statutes.
Any indictment is an accusation only. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Four Previously Deported Aliens Charged with Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that four previously deported aliens were indicted today by a federal grand jury for illegal re-entry into the United States by a previously deported alien.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Jose Solorzano-Rojas, age 39, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in September 2009. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after September 2009, and was found in the United States in York County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers. In January 2008, he was convicted in the York County Court of Common Pleas of carrying a firearm without a license, an offense which subjects him to enhanced penalties in the current case.
Because of Solorzano-Rojas’ previous conviction, under federal law he faces a maximum penalty of ten years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
Ervin Vasquez-Salas, age 26, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in April 2011. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after April 2011, and was found in the United States in York County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Erick Quinto-Correa, age 27, of Mexico, was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in September 2010. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after September 2010, and was found in the United States in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Christian Guardado-Alvarenga, age 27, of El Salvador, was previously deported from the United States to El Salvador in May 2012. He is alleged to have illegally re-entered the United States sometime after May 2012, and was found in the United States in York County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
Under federal law, Vasquez-Salas, Quinto-Correa and Guardado-Alvarenga all face a maximum penalty of two years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
All four cases were investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian G. McDonnell is prosecuting the cases.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
# # #
Former Springfield School District Employee Sentenced to 18 Years for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tom Larson, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a former employee at a Springfield, Mo., middle school was sentenced in federal court today for producing child pornography and distributing child pornography over the Internet.
Carrie Anne Allred, 34, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 18 years in federal prison without parole. Allred was immediately taken into custody at the conclusion of today’s sentencing hearing.
On March 22, 2017, Allred pleaded guilty to one count of the sexual exploitation of a child for the purpose of producing child pornography, and one count of receiving and distributing child pornography.
Prior to her arrest, Allred worked for five years in the kitchen at Wilson Creek Middle School. An officer with the Southwest Missouri Cybercrimes Task Force was conducting an undercover investigation on Sept. 20, 2012, and identified Allred’s computer as sharing images of child pornography over the Internet through a peer-to-peer file-sharing network. Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at her residence on Jan. 8, 2013, and seized a computer and two hard drives.
According to court documents, Allred video-recorded her dog performing a sexual act on a four-year-old child. Investigators located a substantial amount of child pornography of prepubescent children during their forensic examination of Allred’s electronic devices. Allred also admitted that she broadcasted, via webcam, videos of herself engaged in bestiality with her dogs.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the FBI and the Southwest Missouri Cybercrimes Task Force.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Former Penndot Employee Charged with Issuing Illegal Licenses and BriberyRead the Press Release
A federal indictment was unsealed today charging Henry Gibbs and Bakary Camara with conspiracy, bribery and other charges, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen
According to allegations contained in the indictment, Gibbs, a former driver’s license examiner with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (“PennDOT”), accepted cash payments in exchange for the issuance of driver’s licenses to others, including foreign nationals, who failed to take the required tests and to provide acceptable proof of residency. Gibbs accepted falsified documents to establish proof of residence, including utility bills, cellular telephone bills and insurance documents as well as tax letters containing identifying information for other people. Camara provided Gibbs the names, dates of birth, driver’s license numbers and/or social security numbers for the driver’s license recipients and paid Gibbs cash to improperly issue both non-commercial and commercial driver’s licenses
Gibbs and Camara are charged with conspiracy to produce identification documents without lawful authority and bribery concerning agencies receiving federal funds. The charge of conspiracy carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; and the charges of bribery concerning agencies receiving federal funds carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Gibbs is also charged with false statements to government agents, which carries a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Additionally, Camara is charged with aiding and abetting social security fraud and aggravated identity theft, which carry a maximum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. He also faces a 2-year mandatory minimum term of imprisonment that must run consecutive to any other sentence for the aggravated identity theft charge.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tomika N.S. Patterson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Former Homer police officer pleads guilty to conspiring to commit mail fraudRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced today that a former Homer Police officer pleaded guilty to his role in a vehicle fraud theft and insurance scheme.
Donald W. Malray, 52, of Homer, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Hornsby to one count of mail fraud conspiracy. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. According to the guilty plea, Malray and another individual planned a scheme to fake a vehicle and trailer theft, and then file an insurance claim to collect the money on the value of the property. On August 4, 2015, Malray and the other individual transferred the ATV and trailer to Malray’s possession after they met in Ruston, La. Malray then instructed the other individual to call the Homer Police Department and report the ATV and trailer stolen. The insurance company paid the individual in the conspiracy with Malray approximately $13,000 on September 8, 2015. Law enforcement agents recovered the ATV and trailer on January 31, 2017 in Ruston, La.
Malray faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The court set a sentencing date of December 6, 2017.
The DEA and the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney James G. Cowles Jr. is prosecuting the case.
Former Davenport Alderman Bill Boom Sentenced to Two Years of Probation for Making False Statements to a Federal Grand JuryRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA – On August 30, 2017, Chief United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced William Boom to two years of probation, a $5,000 fine, 80 hours of community service, and a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund for making false statements to a federal grand jury, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Boom’s probation terms include, but are not limited to, refraining from illegal possession and/or use of a controlled substance and participation in a substance abuse testing and/or treatment program.
On April 18, 2017, Boom pleaded guilty to the offense. During his plea, Boom admitted in July of 2016, he was placed under oath and testified before a federal grand jury in Davenport. During his testimony, Boom was advised by an Assistant United States Attorney of his oath to testify truthfully and potential criminal penalties for providing false testimony. Boom made the following declarations to the Assistant United States Attorney’s questions during his testimony:
Q: Prior to April 6th of 2016, were you aware that G.W. used methamphetamine?
A: I wasn’t aware that he used methamphetamines. There was a time when I found a syringe in his room, but he told me that that was from one of his friends that had diabetes. But every time that I suspected something, I would give him holy hell.
Q: So prior to April 6th of 2016, were you aware that G.W. used ice methamphetamine?
A: No.
Q: Have you ever given the person depicted in Exhibit 1 any money?
A: No. The only person I ever gave money to was G.W., or his relatives, but never to this gentleman.
The person depicted in Grand Jury Exhibit 1 was Joseph Allen Terry, also known as Lump and/or Lumpy. At the time, Boom knowingly made these false declarations. Prior to April 6, 2016, Boom knew G.W. used methamphetamine and Boom had given money to Terry, who has since pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and will be sentenced on September 21, 2017. These questions and answers were material to an investigation into the distribution of methamphetamine in the Southeastern Iowa.
The Scott County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
-END-
Learn more about this release by calling Rachel J. Scherle at 515-473-9300, or by emailing her at [email protected].