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Tuesday 1 August 2017
Dennehotso Man Sentenced to 13 Months for Assault on a Navajo Nation Police OfficerRead the Press Release
PHOENIX– Yesterday, Reed O’Brien Thomas, Jr., 27, from Dennehotso, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge G. Murray Snow to 13 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Thomas had previously pleaded guilty to assaulting a federal officer.
The investigation revealed that on August 17, 2016, Navajo Nation police officers responded to a domestic dispute on the Navajo Indian Reservation. Thomas fought with the officers, and during the struggle, one of the officers sustained a broken finger. Thomas is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. The officers at the time were delegated authority to enforce federal law.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Dimitra H. Sampson, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-16-08219-PCT-GMS
RELEASE NUMBER: 2017-070_Thomas
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Crystal Methamphetamine Smuggler Ordered to PrisonRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 23-year-old man has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction for importing and possessing with the intent to distribute crystal methamphetamine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. Manual Alfredo Mancillas, of Seattle, Washington, pleaded guilty April 4, 2017, to conspiracy to import, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, possession with intent to distribute and importing methamphetamine.
Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo handed Mancillas a total sentence of 84 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release.
In January 2017, Mancillas travelled from his home in Seattle to San Antonio. He then boarded a bus bound for Mexico, where he took possession of a small pick-up truck that had crystal methamphetamine hidden in the vehicle’s oil pan.
On Jan. 19, 2017, Mancillas applied for entry into the United States from Mexico at the Lincoln Juarez International Bridge in Laredo. At that time, Customs and Border Protection officers discovered the crystal methamphetamine, which had a weight of four kilograms.
Mancillas has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Giselle S. Guerra prosecuted the case.
Council Bluffs Man Sentenced to 42 Months in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA - On July 28, 2017, Francisco Javier Ledesma Santa Cruz, 27, from Council Bluffs, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger to 42 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Ledesma Santa Cruz will serve one year of supervised release following his imprisonment.
On February 24, 2017, Ledesma Santa Cruz pleaded guilty and admitted he aided and abetted the possession of over one kilogram of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute in Council Bluffs during August of 2016. Co-defendant Ramon Cisneros Aguilera was sentenced to 135 months imprisonment in April of 2017. The charge was the result of a drug trafficking investigation conducted by law enforcement in both Sioux City and Council Bluffs.
The Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force, Sioux City Police Department, Council Bluffs Police Department, Omaha Police Department in Nebraska, Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office, and United States Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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Learn more about this release by calling Rachel J. Scherle at 515-473-9300, or by emailing her at [email protected].
Chinle Woman Sentenced to 20 Years for Killing Her Infant Daughter on the Navajo ReservationRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Yesterday, Ashley Attson, 23, of Chinle, Ariz., an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge David C. Campbell to 20 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for killing her 17-month-old daughter.
Attson previously pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. The facts showed that she put her child in a stroller, pushed her into the desert, and left the child for four days and nights. Over the next few days, she met friends for ice cream and posted pictures of herself on Facebook. When she returned, the child was dead. Two days after finding her deceased child, Attson returned for the body, put it into a trash bag, and buried it in an animal hole. The child was born with methamphetamine in her system and had been in the custody of tribal social services throughout most of her life. Attson regained custody of her child approximately two months before the homicide.
When announcing the 20-year sentence, Judge Campbell said that this was an “intentional, cold-hearted, horrendous killing of an innocent child.”
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Navajo Nation Department of Law Enforcement. The prosecution was handled by Sharon K. Sexton and Christine Keller, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-16-08234-DGC-PCT
RELEASE NUMBER: 2017-069_Attson
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
California Resident Sentenced to Prison in Fraudulent Refund and Stolen Treasury Check SchemeRead the Press Release
A Los Angeles, California woman was sentenced to 65 months in prison for her role in a conspiracy to cash stolen and fraudulently obtained U.S. Treasury checks, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Brian J. Stretch for the Northern District of California.
Janel McDonald, 38, was convicted in March of conspiring to commit theft of public money, theft of public money and aggravated identity theft. McDonald was charged, along with 10 co-defendants, in November 2015. According to the indictment and evidence presented at trial, from August 2013 through April 2015, McDonald’s co-conspirators stole deceased individuals’ personal identifying information from California death records and used it to file federal tax returns seeking refunds. They also obtained social security and refund checks that were stolen from the U.S. mail system. McDonald provided fake California IDs to her co-conspirators who used them to cash the stolen and fraudulently obtained U.S. Treasury checks. McDonald caused a tax loss of approximately $471,000.
In addition to the term of prison imposed, U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey White ordered McDonald to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $471,961 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and U.S. Attorney Stretch thanked special agents of the IRS Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Newman and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose Olivera and Trial Attorney Gregory Bernstein of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division’s enforcement efforts can be found on the division’s website.
California Resident Sentenced to Prison in Fraudulent Refund and Stolen Treasury Check SchemeRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – A Los Angeles woman was sentenced to 65 months in prison for her role in a conspiracy to cash stolen and fraudulently obtained U.S. Treasury checks, announced U.S. Attorney Brian J. Stretch and Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division. The sentence was handed down by Jeffrey S. White, U.S. District Judge, following McDonald’s conviction after a jury trial.
Janel McDonald, 38, was convicted in March of conspiring to commit theft of public money, theft of public money, and aggravated identity theft. McDonald was charged, along with 10 co-defendants, in November 2015. According to the indictment and evidence presented at trial, from August 2013 through April 2015, McDonald’s co-conspirators stole deceased individuals’ personal identifying information from California death records and used it to file federal tax returns seeking refunds. They also obtained social security and refund checks that were stolen from the U.S. mail system. McDonald provided fake California IDs to her co-conspirators who used them to cash the stolen and fraudulently obtained U.S. Treasury checks. McDonald caused a tax loss of approximately $471,000.
In addition to the term of prison imposed, Judge White ordered McDonald to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $471,961 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
U.S. Attorney Stretch and Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg thanked the attorneys prosecuting the case, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Newman and Jose Olivera, and Trial Attorney Gregory Bernstein of the Tax Division, as well as the special agents of the IRS Criminal Investigation who conducted the investigation.
California Man Arrested for Alleged Scheme to Smuggle Export-Controlled Rifle Scopes and Tactical Equipment to SyriaRead the Press Release
Rasheed Al Jijakli, 56, the chief executive officer of an Orange County, California check cashing business, was arrested this morning on federal charges that accuse him of procuring and illegally exporting rifle scopes, laser boresighters and other tactical equipment from the U.S. to Syria, in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Jijakli is expected to be arraigned this afternoon in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, on a three-count indictment that was returned by a federal grand jury on July 14. The indictment was unsealed this morning after Jijakli was taken into custody without incident by law enforcement authorities.
Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Dana J. Boente and Acting U.S. Attorney Sandra R. Brown for the Central District of California made the announcement.
The indictment accuses Jijakli, a naturalized U.S. citizen, of violating IEEPA, which authorizes the President of the U.S. to impose economic sanctions on a foreign country in response to an unusual or extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy or economy of the U.S. In accordance with that authority, the President issued an executive order that included broad restrictions on exports to Syria. The U.S. Department of Commerce subsequently issued corresponding regulations restricting exports to Syria of items subject to the Export Administration Regulations. Jijakli also faces charges of conspiring to violate IEEPA and smuggling.
From January 2012 through March 2013, Jijakli and three other individuals purchased and smuggled export-controlled items to Syria without obtaining licenses from the Department of Commerce. Jijakli and others allegedly hand-carried the items through Istanbul, Turkey and provided them to fighters in Syria. Those items allegedly included day-and night-vision rifle scopes, laser boresighters (tools used to adjust sights on firearms for accuracy when firing), flashlights, radios, a bulletproof vest and other tactical equipment.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court. If convicted of all three charges in the indictment, Jijakli would face a statutory maximum penalty of 50 years in prison. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. If convicted of any offense, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after considering the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is the result of an ongoing investigation being conducted by the FBI, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement and IRS Criminal Investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Takla of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section of the Central District of California, and Trial Attorney Christian Ford of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
Bushkill Man Sentenced to Prison for Violations at Delaware Water GapRead the Press Release
WILKES-BARRE- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Joseph Marcoux, age 25, of Bushkill, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on July 31, 2017, by United States Magistrate Court Judge Joseph F. Saporito, Jr. to a three-month prison term, followed by three months of home confinement and one year of supervised release for possession of drug paraphernalia. The charges stem from a traffic stop in December 2016, at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area in Bushkill.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Marcoux pleaded guilty on February 16, 2017, to misdemeanor charges of possession of drug paraphernalia, fictitious plates, and driving while operating privileges are suspended. Several other violations were dismissed pursuant to the plea agreement. Magistrate Judge Saporito also ordered Marcoux to pay fines, assessments, fees, and restitution for a door Marcoux damaged while in a holding cell, totaling $1,516.
The case was investigated by the National Park Service and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni.
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Bucks County Public Officials Face Additional ChargesRead the Press Release
John I. Waltman, 59, of Trevose, Pennsylvania, Robert P. Hoopes, 70, of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, and Bernard T. Rafferty, 62, of Langhorne, Pennsylvania were charged in a Superseding Indictment[1] with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, three counts of money laundering, one count of honest services wire fraud, three counts of honest services mail fraud, and Hobbs Act extortion under color of official right, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen.
Hoopes was also charged with one count of witness tampering. In addition, the Superseding Indictment added Kevin M. Biederman, 34, who is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, three counts of money laundering, and one count of bank bribery.
From 2011 to December 2016, Waltman was a Magisterial District Judge in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. From February 2016 to December 2016, Hoopes was the Director of Public Safety in Lower Southampton, Pennsylvania. In this position, Hoopes had authority over all police, fire, and emergency operations in the township. Hoopes previously operated a legal practice in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. From 1998 to December 2016, Rafferty was a Deputy Constable in Bucks County. Rafferty controlled Raff’s Consulting LLC, a corporation registered with the Pennsylvania Department of State on May 30, 2011.
According to the Superseding Indictment, in November 2016, Waltman, Hoopes, and Rafferty accepted a bribe of $1,000, as well as the promise of other fees, in exchange for Waltman, Hoopes, and Rafferty to use their positions as public officials to “fix” a traffic case before Waltman in Bucks County Magisterial District Court. In January 2017, Hoopes allegedly tried to influence a witness to falsely testify before the federal grand jury regarding the disposition of this $1,000 bribe.
In addition, according to the Superseding Indictment, from June 2015 to November 2016, Waltman, Hoopes, Rafferty, and Biedmeran conspired to launder funds represented to be proceeds from health care fraud, illegal drug trafficking, and bank fraud. Moreover, from June 2016 to August 2016, Waltman, Hoopes, Rafferty, and Biederman laundered $400,000 in cash, represented to be proceeds from health care fraud and illegal drug trafficking, and took money laundering fees totaling $80,000 in cash.
Further, according to the superseding indictment, in June 2015, Biederman, who was then an employee of Philadelphia Federal Credit Union (“PFCU”), solicited and accepted a bribe of $1,600 in exchange for agreeing to influence PFCU’s approval of a loan.
“As alleged in today’s superseding indictment, we have uncovered another instance of public officials -- who should be serving the public good -- subverting justice in order to serve themselves,” said Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. “Our office is committed to investigating and prosecuting public corruption cases at every level. In addition, we will continue to hold accountable anyone who attempts to improperly influence the federal grand jury process or the testimony of witnesses.”
"They must've thought they had a pretty good thing going," said Michael Harpster, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Philadelphia Division. "As alleged in the indictments, these three public officials padded their income with ease, turning a tidy profit as part-time money-launderers. Ostensibly in the service of drug dealers and other crooks, they took steps to conceal the origins of piles of 'dirty money.' Add the allegations of bribery, extortion, witness-tampering -- and you've practically got a playbook of the varied ways to violate the public trust. The FBI is committed to investigating public corruption cases, and bringing corrupt officials to justice."
“The laws of the land apply to everyone, even public and banking officials. The public place a great deal of trust in these officials, and that trust is broken when they commit crimes,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge Gregory Floyd. "Today's superseding indictment again emphasizes IRS, Criminal Investigation, FBI, HSI and the U.S. Attorney’s office will continue their aggressive pursuit of public and banking officials who use fraudulent methods in an attempt to corrupt our nation."
"Homeland Security Investigations is pleased to have teamed with our federal and local law enforcement partners to hold accountable public officials who betray the trust of the community they are sworn to serve by engaging in criminal behavior. The public places an enormous amount of trust in public officials and activities like those allegedly committed by the defendants in this case erodes the fabric of public trust," said Marlon V. Miller, special agent in charge of HSI Philadelphia. "HSI special agents will continue to vigorously pursue those who think the law does not apply to their criminal acts."
If convicted, Waltman and Rafferty each face a maximum possible sentence of 180 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $2.25 million fine, and a $900 special assessment.
If convicted, Hoopes faces a maximum possible sentence of 200 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $2.5 million fine, and a $1,000 special assessment.
If convicted, Biederman faces a maximum possible sentence of 110 years in prison, five years of supervised release, a $2 million fine, and a $500 special assessment
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Pennsylvania State Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Vineet Gauri.
[1] An Indictment, Information, or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed
innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions Announces General Mark S. Inch as New Federal Bureau of Prisons DirectorRead the Press Release
Today Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the selection of General Mark S. Inch as the director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP).
"General Mark Inch has served this country at home and abroad for 35 years," Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. "As a military policeman for nearly a quarter of a century and as the head of Army Corrections for the last two years, General Inch is uniquely qualified to lead our federal prison system. My confidence that he will be a highly effective leader of the Federal Bureau of Prisons is second only to my gratitude for his willingness to continue his service to this great country in this critical role."
General Inch most recently served as the Provost Marshal General and Commanding General of the Criminal Investigation Command and Army Corrections at Headquarters for the Department of the Army. In that position General Inch was the principal military advisor to the Secretary of the Army and Chief of Staff of the Army on all policing matters. In that role he was also responsible for developing and executing strategy, policies, plans and programs for the Army’s policing organizations.
General Inch previously held the role of Commanding General of the Combined Joint Interagency Task Force 435 in Kabul, Afghanistan where he was responsible for Detainee Operations and Rule of Law Development within the Army’s Security Sector.
Allentown Man Guilty of Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jesus Santos, age 37, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin before Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Santos admitted to conspiring with others to obtain and distribute between 400 and 700 grams of heroin (which equals approximately between 16,000 and 28,000 retail bags of heroin) in the Schuylkill-Luzerne County areas of Pennsylvania, during 2012 through 2016. Santos admitted to being a sub-distributor of heroin for Rhashean Strange, a/k/a “Chicago,” who headed-up the conspiracy. Strange previously pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing. Eleven people have been charged in the case. Eight have entered guilty pleas.
Judge Munley scheduled sentencing for September 5, 2017.
Santos was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2016, as a result of an investigation by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, investigators from the Pennsylvania State Police, and Shenandoah Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa 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.
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 40 years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. There is also a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison. 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.
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Albuquerque Real Estate Broker Sentenced to 27 Months for Federal Bank Fraud ConvictionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Yesterday afternoon, Robert O. Moore, 68, of Albuquerque, N.M., was sentenced in federal court for his bank fraud conviction. Moore was sentenced to a 27-month term of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release. Moore also was ordered to pay $150,535.10 in restitution to the victim of his criminal conduct.
On April 26, 2016, a federal grand jury filed an indictment charging Moore, a licensed real estate broker, with bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. According to the indictment, between April 2014 and Sept. 2014, Moore perpetuated a scheme to defraud a loan and finance business that was involved in real estate closings and settlement out of more than $150,000, and facilitated the scheme by using the identification of another person.
On Nov. 10, 2016, Moore entered a guilty plea to a felony information charging him with bank fraud. In entering the guilty plea, Moore admitted fraudulently transferring the ownership of a house that he was leasing to himself by presenting fraudulent documents to a financial institution so that he could obtain a mortgage against the house. Moore admitted that he used the name of an actual person as the notary public on the warranty deed without authorization.
The case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the FBI and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Jon Ganjei.
Akron man indicted for firearms crimeRead the Press Release
An Akron man was indicted on federal firearms charges.
Quincey T. Smith, 26, was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The indictment alleges that on or about June 28, 2017, Smith did knowingly possess in and affecting interstate and foreign commerce, a 9mm pistol, along with ammunition.
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 records, if any, the 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 investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Akron Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Linda H. Barr.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Monday 31 July 2017
Two Men Sentenced for Separate Credit and Debit Card Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
BOISE – Juwuan Demilo Gordon, 27, of Westland, Michigan, and Yulian Cruz Santa Cruz, 23, of Las Vegas, Nevada, were sentenced on July 27 and July 28, respectively, by Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill in the United States District Court in Boise on charges arising from credit and debit card fraud, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael Gonzalez announced.
Gordon was sentenced to 27 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Judge Winmill also ordered Gordon to pay $7,299.33 in restitution. Gordon pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud on April 24, 2017.
According to the plea agreement, Gordon and co-defendant Devin Searcy agreed to travel to Idaho, Colorado, Utah, and Oklahoma to make fraudulent purchases of gift cards and prepaid debit cards from retail stores. Gordon and Searcy used stolen credit card numbers embossed onto counterfeit credit and debit cards that they obtained in Michigan. Law enforcement recovered at least twelve counterfeit credit cards and 105 gift cards and prepaid debit cards from Gordon and Searcy. Searcy also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He will be sentenced in August.
Santa Cruz was sentenced to four months in prison, in addition to two months already served, followed by three years of supervised release for wire fraud. Judge Winmill also ordered Santa Cruz to pay $15,277.89 in restitution. Santa Cruz pleaded guilty to the charge on April 27, 2017.
According to the plea agreement, co-defendants Santa Cruz and Yaniel Villafana Febles traveled from Nevada to Idaho and used stolen debit card numbers to buy merchandise and gift cards from Walmart stores in the Treasure Valley. When Santa Cruz and Febles were apprehended, they had in their possession 74 pre-paid debit cards that had been re-encoded with stolen account numbers. Santa-Cruz admitted to perpetrating this fraud scheme in Idaho on at least one prior occasion. Febles pled guilty to wire fraud and was sentenced in June to six months in prison and three years of supervised release.
Both cases were investigated by the Boise Police Department and the United States Secret Service.
Tampa Investment Scheme Mastermind Sentenced to More Than Nine Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge James D. Whittemore today sentenced Anthony J. Klatch II (36, previously of Tampa) to nine years and seven months in federal prison for wire fraud. The Court also ordered that he serve this sentence consecutive to a 39-month sentenced imposed in December 2016, in the Southern District of Florida for access device fraud and identity theft. Klatch also must pay $516,754.94 in restitution to the victims of his investment scheme.
According to court documents, in or around 2011, Klatch pleaded guilty to federal charges of conspiracy, securities fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering in the Southern District of Alabama. In December 2014, after his release from federal prison, he began serving a term of supervised release in Tampa.
While on supervised release, Klatch directed the establishment of and controlled a company called Assurance Capital Management, LLC (“ACM”) and maintained a bank account opened in that name. Between June 2015 and September 2015, Klatch used ACM to represent to investors and potential investors that ACM was a company with over $18 million in client assets under management and that ACM and those working for ACM engaged in profitable online stock trading on behalf of its investors. In truth, ACM was a shell company used by Klatch to induce and defraud investors.
In executing his scheme, Klatch would often disguise his true identity and tell investors that his name was “Larry Heim,” ACM’s fund manager. Klatch, often posting as “Larry Heim,” provided investors and potential investors false and fraudulent financial statements and other investment materials showing that ACM was profitable and had more than $18 million in online trading accounts and that its funds were profitably traded. In reality, ACM had few if any funds “under management,” and the funds ACM did have were either lost by Klatch during trading or used by him for personal expenditures. In total, Klatch defrauded investors out of more than $516,000.
In early 2016, while serving a nine-month sentence for violating his supervised release in the Alabama case, but before being charged in this case, Klatch absconded from a halfway house. He was rearrested approximately six months later in Miami. At the time of his arrest, he had approximately eight stolen identities in his possession that he had used to generate counterfeit credit cards to purchase such things as luxury automobiles and resort memberships.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Commodities Futures Trading Commission. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mandy Riedel.
Tahlequah Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of Children, Possession of MaterialRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that BILLY HERSHELL SMITH II, age 48, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, pled guilty to SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2251(a), punishable by up to 30 years imprisonment, and up to a $250,000.00 fine or both; and to POSSESSION OF CERTAIN MATERIAL INVOLVING THE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF MINORS, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(4)(B) and 2252(b)(2), punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment, and up to a $250,000.00 fine or both.
The Indictment alleged that, from between a date uncertain in 2014 to on or about August 15, 2016, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendant, BILLY HERSHELL SMITH II, employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced V.C., a person under the age of eighteen years, to engage in sexually explicit conduct, as that term is defined in Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2256(2)(A)-(B), for the purpose of producing any visual depiction of such conduct, and the defendant, BILLY HERSHELL SMITH II knew and had reason to know such visual depiction would be transported in interstate commerce, and any such visual depiction was produced using materials that have been mailed, shipped, and transported in interstate and foreign commerce, and any such visual depiction had actually been transported in interstate commerce.
The Indictment further alleged that from on or about July 23, 2015, to on or about August 15, 2016, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendant, BILLY HERSHELL SMITH II, did knowingly possess, attempt to possess and access with intent to view matters which contained visual depictions, as that term is defined in Title 18, United States Code, Section 2256(5), the production of said visual depictions involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, as that term is defined in Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2256(2)(A)-(B), and said visual depictions were of such sexually explicit conduct and had been transported in interstate commerce by computer.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Edward Snow represented the United States.
South-Central Kentucky Men Sentenced for Their Roles in A Conspiracy to Distribute More Than 50 Grams of Crystal MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Illegal activity transpired in Simpson County, involved three co-defendants, and approximately
one and a half pounds of crystal methamphetamine
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Three South-Central Kentucky men have been sentenced to prison terms, in United States District Court, by District Judge Greg N. Stivers, for conspiring to knowingly and intentionally possess with the intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr. There is no parole in the federal prison system.
Howell Dean O’Bryan, 42, of Allensville, located in Todd County, Kentucky, was sentenced today to serve 90 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Jordan Dale Wallace, 30, of Morgantown, was sentenced on July 20, 2017, to 120 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release and Danny Neal Stokes, 62, of Russellville, was sentenced on July 24, 2017, to 180 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release, for their roles in the drug conspiracy. All three defendants remain in federal custody.
According to court records, law enforcement officials learned of the criminal activity on May 15, 2015, during a drug-interdiction effort in Franklin, Kentucky. The Kentucky State Police located Howell Dean O’Bryan, who at the time was suspected to be involved in a meth trafficking organization. Once the law enforcement officials realized O’Bryan was at a local motel, they set up surveillance. When O’Bryan left the motel, law enforcement officials followed him to a local shopping center and made contact. They used a state police K-9 that alerted on O’Bryan’s vehicle for the presence of narcotics. When law enforcement officials searched O’Bryan’s vehicle, they found one pound of suspected methamphetamine, two AR-15 semi-automatic rifles, and one semi-automatic handgun under the driver's seat.
O’Bryan admitted he was selling the one pound of crystal methamphetamine to Wallace for $14,500.00. Wallace owed O’Bryan for an additional ounce of crystal methamphetamine that he had previously given to him. According to O’Bryan, Wallace should have had approximately $16,000.00 for the pound and previous ounce of crystal methamphetamine. O’Bryan and Wallace had just talked by phone when Wallace stated he was on his way with the money. During a monitored phone call to Wallace, Wallace confirmed that he was on his way to meet O’Bryan and had what he was supposed to bring. The two talked about having to weigh it out once Wallace arrived and agreed on a meeting location.
That same day, May 15, 2015, Wallace travelled to Simpson County, Kentucky, to pay for approximately one pound of crystal methamphetamine. The actual amount of methamphetamine, according to laboratory analysis was 459.3 grams of pure methamphetamine.
During a traffic stop of Wallace’s vehicle, Kentucky State Police Troopers identified Wallace as the driver. The Troopers asked for consent to search the vehicle, which Wallace declined. The Troopers asked Wallace if he had any drugs, weapons or large sums of money in the vehicle and Wallace stated no. Trooper Wesley and his K-9 partner conducted an open air search of the vehicle and the K-9 gave a positive indication on the vehicle. Troopers searched the vehicle and recovered $16,194.00 in United States currency. Wallace initially stated that he intended to use the money to purchase a car, but could provide no details. After his arrest several months later, Wallace admitted that the money was to be used to pay the co-conspirator for methamphetamine.
On July 25, 2015, in Simpson County, Kentucky, Stokes knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine. The actual amount of methamphetamine, according to laboratory analysis was 162.5 grams of pure methamphetamine (roughly six ounces). Law enforcement officials found the methamphetamine in a bag with $184,597.00 in United States currency following a traffic stop of the vehicle Stokes was driving.
Assistant United States Attorney Jo E. Lawless prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Kentucky State Police (including its Vehicle Enforcement Division), conducted the investigation.
Richmond Man Sentenced to 33 Months for EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Richmond, Ky., man, who previously admitted to embezzling money from several related commercial real estate companies in Lexington, has been sentenced to 33 months in federal prison.
Today, U.S. District Court Judge Joseph M. Hood sentenced 65-year-old Robert K. Chaffins for four counts of mail fraud. Chaffins was Vice President of the Asset Management Division of a conglomerate of related entities, namely Lex/108, LLC, Leestown Distribution, LLC, Melbourne Distribution Center, LLC, and 801 Realty, LLC. In this role, Chaffins was responsible for collecting various payments from tenants renting business space from these entities. Knowing some of the fees provided for in the leases were not being collected, he set up bank accounts in the name of these entities, billed the tenants for particular fees through the U.S. Mail, and deposited payments into the bank accounts for his personal use.
In total, from February of 2007 until January 28, 2016, Chaffins deposited $1,064,522.36 in checks intended for Lex/108, LLC, Leestown Distribution, LLC, Melbourne Distribution Center, LLC, and 801 Realty, LLC, into bank accounts he controlled. He used this money to make payments on a second home, a Mercedes Benz, investment and retirement accounts, and dozens of other personal expenses.
Chaffins pleaded guilty to the mail fraud charges in March 2017. Under federal law, he must serve 85% of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for three years following his term of incarceration.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jon Oldham, Resident Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service, Lexington Resident Office; and Chief Mark Barnard, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.
The United States Secret Service and the Lexington Police Department conducted the investigation and Assistant United States Attorney Kathryn Anderson represented the United States.
Rapid City Man Indicted for Assault and Child Abuse ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation and Child Abuse.
Gary Hacker, III, age 27, was indicted on July 11, 2017. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on July 24, 2017, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction for Assault is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, and 3 years supervised release, the maximum penalty upon conviction for Child Abuse is 15 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, and 3 years supervised release. Both charges could result in a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and restitution.
The Indictment alleges that on June 12, 2017, Hacker assaulted an individual with the intent to do bodily harm. The Indictment further alleges that Hacker abused, exposed, tortured, tormented, and cruelly punished a child on that date.The charges are merely accusations and Hacker is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Hacker was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.Queens Resident Sentenced to 14 Months in Prison for Trafficking EcstasyRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PHILLIP STEWART, 46, a citizen of Jamaica last residing in Queens, N.Y., was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 14 months of imprisonment for distributing ecstasy.
According to court documents and statements made in court, STEWART conspired with Collin Fletcher and others to sell ecstasy to customers in Connecticut, New York and elsewhere. On October 27, 2016, and again on November 1, 2016, investigators made two controlled purchases of ecstasy from Fletcher.
STEWART and Fletcher were arrested on November 18, 2016, after they attempted to sell approximately 10,000 capsules of ecstasy to an undercover officer. The capsules had a combined weight of approximately 923 grams of MDA.
MDA (Methylenedioxyamphetamine) is an analogue of MDMA (Methylenedioxymethamphetamine), and they are both commonly known as “ecstasy.”
On March 29, 2017, STEWART pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, MDA and MDMA.
STEWART faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.
Fletcher, a citizen of Jamaica last residing in Bridgeport, pleaded guilty to the same charge and, on May 12, 2017, was sentenced to 20 months of imprisonment. He also faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, which includes officers from the Bristol, Greenwich, Hamden, Milford, New Haven, Shelton, Vernon and Wilton Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi Perry.
Pub Owner Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud in Scheme Defrauding PatronsRead the Press Release
Michael Hoffner, Sr., 52, of Voorhees, New Jersey, entered a guilty plea today before the Honorable Mitchell S. Goldberg to 40 counts of wire fraud, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen.
According to the superseding indictment, Hoffner owned the Brown Street Pub in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Hoffner admitted that on 40 occasions between September and December 2012, Hoffner used a stolen credit number to make charges at the pub to credit and debit cards issued by American Express, Navy Federal Credit Union, USAA, ACNB, and the State Employees Credit Union of Maryland. The average fraudulent charge was more than $2,000. The cardholders were not aware of and did not authorize these transactions. The proceeds of these transactions, more than $87,000, and went into an account that Hoffner controlled.
The defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 800 years in prison, a $10,000,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. The Court has not yet set a sentencing date.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David J. Ignall and Christopher J. Mannion.Orlando Men Plead Guilty to Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that Julis Denson (Orlando, 30), Marquis Denson (Orlando, 31), Capree Patterson (Orlando, 26), Alvin Kendrick (Orlando, 42), and Isaac Tolbert (Orlando, 38) have pleaded guilty to robbery and brandishing a firearm in relation to the robbery of a Cash America Pawn store in Orlando. In addition to the armed robbery, Marquis Denson has also pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Each faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. The sentencing dates have not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, on December 7, 2016, Kendrick drove Marquis Denson, Julis Denson, Patterson, and Tolbert to the Cash America Pawn store in the Pine Hills area of Orlando. Marquis Denson took a .45 caliber pistol into the store, brandished it, and demanded that the employees empty the cash registers. Meanwhile, Patterson used a sledgehammer to break the glass display cases so that he, Julis Denson, and Tolbert could take the jewelry. Shortly after, Marquis Denson, Julis Denson, Patterson, and Tolbert exited the store with 99 pieces of jewelry, worth nearly $35,000, and $949 cash. They then jumped into the car that Kendrick had waiting and fled to a home several miles away. Law enforcement officers arrived at the home shortly after and arrested Patterson and Marquis Denson as they fled on foot. The remaining individuals were arrested several days later.
This case was investigated by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn P. Napier.
Orlando Man Charged with Two Counts of Enticement of A MinorRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Andy William Bosch (42, Orlando) with two counts of enticement of a minor. If convicted, he faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison.
According to the indictment, between March 10 and March 16, 2016, Bosch enticed a minor to travel from the Philippines to the United States to engage in sexual activity. Then, from October 20, 2016, to February 15, 2017, he used a cellphone to coerce the same minor into engaging in sexual activity. Bosch also has pending state charges for interference of custody and providing false information to a law enforcement officer, stemming from the same alleged incident.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service and the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Christina R. Downes, on assignment from the Office of Principal Legal Advisor, ICE.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Ohio Man Sentenced to Thirty-Five Years for Bombing of Oneida County, New York Victim in May of 2016Read the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Keith Seppi, 59, of Conneaut, Ohio, was sentenced today in United States District Court to serve thirty-five (35) years in prison, following his guilty plea to using a destructive device in relation to a crime of violence, and possessing a destructive device in furtherance of a crime of violence, announced Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Ashan M. Benedict. In imposing sentence, the Hon. Brenda K. Sannes also ordered the defendant to serve a term of five (5) years of supervised release following his term of incarceration.
As part of his guilty plea, Seppi admitted that he built a bomb at his Ohio home that was to be activated by motion and disguised to look like a standard parcel package. Seppi transported the bomb from Ohio to Floyd, New York, where he put it in the victim’s (Alan Dobransky) driveway near midnight on May 28, 2016, intending that it would explode when it was moved. The next morning, the victim attempted to pick up the bomb causing it to detonate, resulting in his sustaining severe injuries and burns. Alan Dobransky survived the explosion but was hospitalized for several weeks.
As part of his plea agreement, the defendant also admitted that in May of 2016 he learned that the bomb victim (Alan Dobransky) had accused Seppi’s sister-in-law of stealing money from Dobransky’s mother and had threatened to report the alleged thefts to law enforcement authorities in Ohio. Alan Dobransky’s mother had been living with and cared for by Seppi’s sister-in-law in her Conneaut, Ohio residence. Shortly after learning of the theft accusations against his sister-in-law, and the threat to report the alleged thefts to local law enforcement authorities in Ohio, Seppi constructed the bomb and later planted it in Alan Dobransky’s driveway in New York.
“Keith Seppi’s cold, calculating, and cowardly crime earned a sentence that will put him in prison for the next thirty-five years. The coordination and dedication of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies from New York to Ohio pinpointed the perpetrator of this abominable attack and his accomplices and resulted in their convictions in county and federal court. We wish the victim strength and improvement in his recovery, and hope this measure of justice affords some solace,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Grant C. Jaquith.
Special Agent in Charge Ashan M. Benedict said, “Today’s sentence is effectively a life sentence for Keith Seppi. It is an appropriate punishment for his brazen, cowardly, and violent attack on Mr. Dobransky. Though Seppi was able to strike at his intended target, he ignored the extreme danger in the device’s transportation, and the indiscriminate nature of the explosive device once it was left in Mr. Dobranky’s driveway. The package bomb could have easily been picked up by an unintended victim, or others could have been near the device when it initiated. These possibilities were entirely outside the control of Seppi once the device was planted. The plot to silence Mr. Dobrasnky failed, but the disguised bomb left Mr. Dobransky with serious injuries requiring weeks of hospitalization. We continue to wish Mr. Dobransky a full recovery, and would like to extend our gratitude to the criminal investigators and prosecutors for their superb efforts in speedily bringing Seppi to justice.”
Oneida County District Attorney Scott McNamara said, “I would first like to recognize the victim, Alan Dobransky, as we all continue to wish him a full and speedy recovery from the injuries sustained as a result of this bombing.
I would like to thank all of the members of local, state and federal law enforcement who spent countless hours to identify the perpetrators of this heinous attack and bring them to justice. In particular I would like to thank the Oneida County Sheriff's Office, New York State Police, New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Office of Special Investigations, City of Utica Police Department, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, FBI, Ashtabula Sheriff and Prosecutor (OH), Conneaut Police (OH).
I would also like to thank former U.S. Attorney Rick Hartunian, Acting U.S. Attorney Grant Jaquith, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, particularly Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steve Green and Nico Commandeur for taking the lead on the investigation of federal charges against Keith Seppi and sending the strong and clear message that persons involved in the production and deployment of improvised explosive devices will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of our laws.
I would also like to recognize First Assistant District Attorney Dawn Lupi and Bureau Chief Assistant District Attorney, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, Grant Garramone for all of the hard work that went into securing convictions for Keith Seppi, Cindy Shields and Donna Seppi in Oneida County Court for violations of New York State law. The success of this investigation is the direct result of the cooperation that occurred between all of the law enforcement agencies involved.”
Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol said, “Although the incident was extremely concerning on many levels, all those involved in the response and investigation, leading to the apprehension of the suspect, worked together flawlessly. This case truly displayed the effectiveness of collaboration between law-enforcement agencies at its best. The members of law-enforcement directly involved in this incident should be given all the credit for the precision and the expedience that brought closure to this matter. We are thankful the victim of this attack is recovering and that he will receive justice through the works of everyone involved.”
New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II said, “This case should send a strong message that we will not tolerate these kinds of pre-meditated, violent acts, and they will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. This defendant admitted to carrying out the plot that left a state correction officer with serious injuries. I am proud of the outstanding work done by our members and law enforcement partners in bringing this case to justice.”
This case was investigated by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Police and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen C. Green and Nicolas Commandeur.
Mission Man Charged with Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.
Roger Watts, age 34, was indicted on February 15, 2017. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on July 20, 2017, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 8 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about January 20, 2017, Watts assaulted a federal law enforcement officer.
The charge is merely an accusation and Watts is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.Watts was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Importing Cocaine and MethRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A Mexican man has pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge for his role in importing cocaine and methamphetamine into the United States, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.
Rafael Hernandez-Arrioja admitted during his re-arraignment hearing today that he knowingly imported 2.09 kilograms of cocaine and 2.34 kilograms of methamphetamine within the plastic engine manifold cover of his Volkswagen Golf. At the time of his arrest, he claimed to have no knowledge of the drugs. He initially stated he was driving to the outlet malls in San Marcos for the purpose of buying clothes.
Sentencing will be set at a later date before U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana. At that time, Hernandez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million fine. He will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher A. dos Santos is prosecuting the case.
Local Man Heads to Prison for Armed Drug Trafficking of Synthetic NarcoticsRead the Press Release
VICTORIA, Texas - A 21-year-old Victoria man has been ordered to federal prison for possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking offense, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. Terry Ray White Jr. pleaded guilty May 1, 2017 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a synthetic cannabinoid and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Today, Senior U.S. District Judge John Rainey sentenced White to 36 months for the drug offense followed by a consecutive 60 months for possessing the firearm. The total 96-month sentence will be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court acknowledged the significant danger of synthetic narcotics and remarked that repeated possession of firearms with drugs was an aggravating factor.
During the conspiracy, law enforcement had stopped White for traffic violations and found him in possession of large quantities of synthetic cannabinoid packages as well as several handguns. The investigation revealed White was connected to the distribution of the synthetic cannabinoids between Houston and Victoria. Laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of a scheduled substance, AB-CHMINACA, and 5F-MDMB-PINACA and FUB-AMB, controlled under the Controlled Substance Analog Act.
Synthetic cannabinoids aka “Spice” or “K2” pose a nationwide health concern that is on the rise and posing a serious threat to public health and safety. The effects of these drugs have been described as unpredictable, with wide-ranging physiological effects to include possible kidney damage and gastrointestinal distress to possible seizures and even psychosis. The drugs are often made in unsafe and dirty environments in which they are created, to include inconsistent batches blended in cement mixers and similar equipment. This can result in “hot spots” in which one sample could have a significantly greater amount of harmful chemical than another. They are often packaged attractively to appeal to teenagers and young adults.
White has been in federal custody since his arrest March 21, 2017. He will remain there pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be designated in the near future.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Texas Department of Public Safety and Port Lavaca Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lance Watt is prosecuting the case.
Leader of Cocaine Trafficking Ring Sentenced to 19 ½ YearsRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Today, Chief U.S. District Judge Frank D. Whitney sentenced the leader of a cocaine trafficking ring to 235 months in prison, announced Jill Westmoreland Rose, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. In addition to the prison term imposed, Florencio Apreza-Guerrero, 38, of Mexico, was also sentenced to five years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Rose is joined in making today’s announcement by John A. Strong, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division and Eddie Cathey of the Union County Sheriff’s Office.
According to filed documents and court proceedings, from 2013 to 2016, Apreza-Guerrero was the leader of a drug conspiracy responsible for trafficking large amounts of cocaine into Union and Mecklenburg Counties. Court records indicate that, over the course of the investigation, law enforcement seized approximately 35 kilograms of cocaine, seven firearms, and $138,000 in cash. Court records also show that Apreza-Guerrero’s drug network was responsible for trafficking 40 to 50 kilograms of cocaine per month. In March 2017, Apreza-Guerrero pleaded guilty to one count of drug trafficking conspiracy and one count of money laundering conspiracy.
Apreza-Guerrero’s co-conspirators have already been sentenced as follows:
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Pedro Valle-Barrera, 38, of Mexico, was sentenced to 135 months, followed by five years of supervised release.
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Ivan Ortiz Lezama, also known as Tomas Barajas-Rodriguez, 30, of Mexico, was sentenced to 120 months, followed by five years of supervised release.
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Juan Cesar Valle-Barrera, 33, of Mexico, was sentenced to 78 months, followed by one year of supervised release.
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Alberto Manuel Arreola, 38, of Mexico, was sentenced to 66 months, followed by two years of supervised release.
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Hever Garcia-Delgado, 33, of Monroe, NC, was sentenced to 45 months, followed by three years of supervised release.
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Alfonso Guevera-Garcia, 23, of Monroe, NC, was sentenced to 24 months, followed by two years of supervised release.
Apreza-Guerrero is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. All federal sentences are served without the possibility of parole. Apreza-Guerrero and his co-conspirators will also be subject to deportation proceedings upon the completion of their federal sentences.
This case is the result of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorney Rose thanked the FBI and UCSO which led the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven R. Kaufman, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, prosecuted the case.
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Lab Technician Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Stealing Patient's Parent's Information and Using It to Apply for Credit CardsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas woman who worked as a laboratory technician at a local pediatric medical practice was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for unlawfully obtaining the personal identifying information of a patient’s parent and using it to apply for personal credit cards, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada. United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey also sentenced her to one year of supervised release.
Sherice Joan Williams, 42, pleaded guilty on Feb. 21, 2017, to aggravated identity theft. During the time the crime occurred, she was employed as a laboratory technician at Children’s Heart Center, a large pediatric cardiology practice in Las Vegas.
According to admissions made in the plea agreement, between about Dec. 1, 2014 and Jan. 27, 2015, Williams accessed the personal identifying information of a patient’s parent, then using this information, she applied for personal credit cards without authorization. She submitted a credit card application online from an IP address registered to her employer.
The case was investigated by the FBI and Henderson Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Burns.
If you are a victim of identity theft, visit www.IdentityTheft.gov or call 1-877-438-4338 to report and recover from identity theft.
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Justice Department and EPA Enter into Settlement with Harcros Chemicals to Improve its Accident Prevention and Fire Protection MeasuresRead the Press Release
The U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced that Harcros Chemicals Inc. has entered into a proposed agreement to settle claims that Harcros violated provisions of the Clean Air Act aimed at preventing accidental releases of chemicals that can have serious consequences for public health, safety and the environment. Under the proposed agreement, Harcros will assure that its accident prevention program complies with all applicable requirements.
Headquartered in Kansas City, Kan., Harcros maintains and operates 31 facilities in 19 states that manufacture, blend, repackage, and distribute a wide variety of commercial chemicals, including extremely hazardous substances.
“This resolution ensures that Harcros complies with important Clean Air Act requirements that seek to prevent catastrophic releases of hazardous chemicals to the environment,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey H. Wood of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Today’s action shows that DOJ and EPA are serious about enforcing compliance with the Clean Air Act and protecting American workers and their communities from risks associated with accidental releases of hazardous substances. We also appreciate the positive cooperation that we received from Harcros during the resolution of this matter.”
“This important agreement will improve chemical safety and minimize the risk of accidental releases at Harcros’ facilities nationwide,” said Acting Assistant Administrator Larry Starfield of the EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “It is a priority for EPA to ensure that companies properly manage risks posed by chemicals in a way that protects communities from accidental releases.”
Under the proposed settlement, Harcros will audit 28 of its facilities to identify and correct any potential violations of its risk management program and comply with Clean Air Act requirements that facilities adequately assess hazards, undertake measures to prevent accidents, and be prepared to effectively address such accidents when they do occur. Harcros will correct any violations identified in the audits according to a schedule set forth in the agreement. The settlement agreement also requires Harcros to pay a $950,000 penalty.
Also, as part of today’s agreement, Harcros will install foam-based sprinkler systems at eight of its facilities. The enhanced fire suppression system is expected to minimize the impacts of an accident by enhancing the speed and effectiveness of the facilities’ ability to extinguish the flames and prevent spread of chemicals.
The proposed settlement reflects the fact that Harcros Chemicals initially brought these violations to the attention of the EPA. In addition, Harcros cooperated fully with the Justice Department and the EPA during the negotiation of the consent decree.
The proposed consent decree was lodged with the United States District Court for the District of Kansas and will be subject to a 30-day public comment period following its publication in the Federal Register. A copy of the consent decree lodged today is available on the Department of Justice website at: http://www.justice.gov/enrd/Consent_Decrees.html.
For more information about today’s agreement, visit: https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/harcros-chemicals-inc-clean-air-act-settlement.
Judge Sentences U.K. Citizen and City of Austin Employee in Marriage Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
In Waco last week, a federal judge sentenced Nancy Chan, a 39-year-old citizen of the United Kingdom and City of Austin employee, for perpetrating a marriage fraud scheme announced United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr., and Special Agent in Charge Javier Enriquez, Customs and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility, El Paso Division.
On January 19, 2017, a federal jury convicted Chan of one count of conspiracy to commit marriage fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. On July 27, 2017, United States District Judge Alia Moses sentenced Chan to 12 months imprisonment on each count. Both sentences are to run concurrent. In addition, Chan also was sentenced to a 3-year supervised release term after she completes her prison sentence.
During Chan’s two-day trial, two co-defendants entered guilty pleas for their roles in the scheme. Isabel Metzler, a 46-year-old former Customs and Border Protection officer at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit marriage fraud. Metzler’s husband, Luis Morales, a 37-year-old former Customs and Border Protection officer at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry, pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement to a federal agent.
Testimony during trial revealed that after discussing her immigration status with her friend, Isabel Metzler, Nancy Chan entered into a fraudulent marriage agreement with a person known to Metzler and Morales for the purpose of becoming a lawfully permanent resident. On March 2, 2011, in Maverick County, Chan married the U.S. citizen. In 2014, Chan and her legal spouse submitted false documentation to obtain Lawfully Admitted Permanent Resident (LAPR) status for Chan and to seek naturalization. Chan and her spouse were subsequently interviewed separately by an officer of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to determine the validity of their marriage. Their answers to questions posed by the officer contained numerous inconsistencies, which revealed that the marriage was a sham.
By pleading guilty, Metzler admitted to her role in setting up and attempting to conceal the fraudulent marriage scheme. Morales admitted that on February 9, 2016, he lied to Customs and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility investigators about his knowledge of the marriage fraud scheme and for convincing the spouse to maintain the marriage charade to authorities.
Metzler faces up to five years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit marriage fraud. Morales faces up to five years in federal prison for making a false statement to authorities. Metzler and Morales remain on bond pending sentencing scheduled for October 17, 2017.
This case was investigated by the Customs and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility together with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Austin Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Patrick Burke, Todd Keagle, and Chris Blanton are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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Jicarilla Apache Woman Sentenced for Federal Child Abuse ConvictionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Audrina Veneno, 23, an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Nation who resides in Dulce, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to fourteen-months of imprisonment prison followed by one year of supervised release for her conviction on a child abuse charge.
Veneno was arrested in March 2015, on an indictment charging her with assaulting the victim, a child under the age of 16 years. The indictment alleged that Veneno committed the crime on Nov. 6, 2014, on the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation in Rio Arriba County, N.M.
On July 27, 2017, Veneno pled guilty to an information charging her with child abuse. In entering the guilty plea, Veneno admitted that on Nov. 6, 2014, she recklessly permitted the victim, an eight-month old infant, to be placed in a situation that endangered the victim’s life or health. Veneno further admitted that the victim suffered swelling and bruising to the victim’s face.
This case was investigated by the Farmington office of the FBI and the Jicarilla Apache Tribal Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Raquel Ruiz-Velez prosecuted the case.
Former Union Vice-President/Treasurer Sentenced toRead the Press Release
A man who embezzled labor union assets, was sentenced July 26, 2017, to twelve months’ in federal prison.
Curtis Lang, 53, from Le Mars, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 8, 2017, guilty plea to one count of embezzlement and theft of labor union assets.
At the plea hearing, Lang admitted that from approximately 2005 to 2009 he was the vice president/treasurer of the United Dairy Workers of Le Mars, Iowa, and later, from 2011 through 2014, Lang was the president/treasurer of said union.
Over a period of approximately ten years, Lang embezzled over $98,000 in funds from union bank accounts. Lang acted alone in the embezzlement, and made efforts to hide the crime from other Union officials.
Lang was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett. Lang was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed, and he was ordered to make $95,223.49 in restitution to the United Dairy Workers of Le Mars. Lang must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term, including a term of six months of home confinement with electronic monitoring. There is no parole in the federal system. At sentencing, Judge Bennett commented that, “Curtis Lang inflicted irreparable harm on the union.”
Lang was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal on a date yet to be set.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Bowers and investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-4016. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Former U.S. Postal Employee Convicted of Mail Theft, Bank Fraud, and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK – Melissa Elliott of Binghamton, a 27 year old former U.S. Postal Employee, was convicted on Friday by a federal jury in Binghamton, New York of 14 counts relating to Bank Fraud, Aggravated Identity Theft, and Theft and Destruction of Mail. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Special Agent-in-Charge Eileen Neff, Northeast Area Field Office, U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General.
The jury convicted Elliott of Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft, finding that between July 2014 and April 2015 she opened several bank credit card accounts, and obtained credit cards from financial institutions, by stealing and using the identity, including the social security number and date of birth, of a woman Elliott knew. Elliott then used the cards to fraudulently make purchases and pay personal debts amounting to over $57,000.
The jury also found Elliott guilty of Theft of Mail and Destruction of Mail for destroying and stealing mail while she worked as a postal clerk at the Cortland postal facility in December 2015 and January of 2016. Elliott destroyed some of the mail entrusted to her, and stole the contents of some of that mail, including gift cards and cash.
Elliott will be sentenced by Hon. Thomas J. McAvoy on November 20, 2017. She faces a maximum sentence of 30 years imprisonment and a $1,000,000 fine for Bank Fraud, with a mandatory 2-year consecutive imprisonment term for Aggravated Identity Theft, and a maximum term of 5 years imprisonment for the Theft and Destruction of U.S. Mail. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case was investigated by U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Miroslav Lovric.
Former Casey County, Kentucky, Teacher Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Attempting to Engage in Sexually Explicit Conduct with A MinorRead the Press Release
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A Russell County, Kentucky, resident and former Casey County, Kentucky, teacher was sentenced in United States District Court by United States District Judge Greg N. Stivers on July 26, 2017, to 60 months in prison followed by a ten year period of supervised release and required to register as a sex offender announced United States Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr. There is no parole in the federal prison system.
“This is a horrific crime that can shake an entire community, especially when the perpetrator is a trusted teacher,” stated U.S. Attorney Kuhn. “Safeguarding our most vulnerable citizens is among the most significant priorities of my Office and the Department of Justice.”
According to the factual basis presented in the case, Timothy Ellis, 48, of Russell Springs, Kentucky, admitted to attempting to obtain child pornography between 2010 and April 7, 2013. Ellis used a cellular telephone and various social media applications to attempt to receive pornographic materials from a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Ellis engaged in this conduct while in Russell County, Kentucky and other places.
Assistant United States Jo E. Lawless prosecuted the case. The Russell Springs Police Department conducted the investigation.
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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."
Final Two Ordered to Prison in 10-Defendant Marijuana ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The remaining defendants charged in a 10-defendant marijuana conspiracy have all been ordered to federal prison, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. The 10 were charged in a multi-state drug trafficking conspiracy that had been trafficking narcotics since 2010.
Jose Angel Marichalar, 36, of Mission, had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and possession with intent to distribute more than 1000 kilograms of marijuana while Jesus Gonzales, 46, of Hidalgo, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than 1000 kilograms of marijuana
Today, U.S. District Judge Hilda Tagle sentenced Marichalar to 156 months in federal prison. Gonzales received a 112-month-term of imprisonment. Marichalar’s sentence includes upward adjustments or increases in his calculated sentencing guideline range because he was found to be a leader within the conspiracy and found to have maintained premises to facilitate the offloading, processing and distribution of illicit narcotics.
Marichalar and Gonzalez have also forfeited their interests in several pieces of real estate and numerous personal items, including cars, tractors, trailers, guns and jewelry, valued at more than $1.5 million. They have also agreed to a $10 million money judgment against them. Marichalar was also ordered to pay a $50,000, while Gonzalez was ordered to pay a $25,000 fine.
The other eight charged and convicted in the case were previously sentenced to terms ranging from 38 – 189 months in federal prison.
All were part of a multi-state drug trafficking and money laundering organization that had existed since 2010. The drug trafficking organization, based out of the Rio Grande Valley, would hire out-of- state truck drivers to haul loads of produce with ton quantities of marijuana hidden in false compartments. Drug proceeds would then be transported back to the Rio Grande Valley. The conspiracy extended to Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, North Carolina and Tennessee.
The case was the result of a nearly three-year Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; FBI; Sheriff’s Offices in Cameron and Zapata Counties; Hidalgo County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force; Border Patrol and the Brownsville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel Castro is prosecuting the case.
Detroit woman sentenced to federal prison for heroin chargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit woman who was caught in Huntington with heroin in December 2016 was sentenced today to four years and three months in federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Ebony Inez-Latee Johnson, 43, previously pleaded guilty to a single-count indictment charging her with possession with intent to distribute heroin.
On December 4, 2016, an officer with the Huntington Police Department conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle Johnson was driving at the intersection of 9th Avenue and 10th Street in Huntington. During the stop, the officer located a bag containing approximately 23 grams of heroin that was concealed in Johnson’s jacket pocket. The heroin was packaged in 43 individually wrapped bags, and Johnson admitted at her plea hearing that the heroin was intended for distribution.
Johnson further admitted at the hearing that, on April 14, 2016, a trooper with the Michigan State Police conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Johnson in Taylor, Michigan. The trooper seized approximately 124 grams of heroin and 135 thirty mg oxycodone tablets from the vehicle.
The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation, with assistance from the Michigan State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
This case was prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Detroit man sentenced to over six years in federal prison for heroin crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man who was among a group arrested for distributing heroin in Huntington in 2015 was sentenced today to six years and four months in federal prison for a drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Damond Idress Robinson-King, 23, previously pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
On October 5, 2015, members of the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted a search at 1826 Old 16th Street Road in Huntington after an investigation revealed multiple individuals from Detroit were using the residence to store and distribute heroin. During the search, agents located Robinson-King and two other individuals inside the residence. Agents also seized approximately 306 grams of heroin and $51,479 in United States currency. Robinson-King admitted that he and the other individuals intended to sell the heroin. As part of the plea agreement, Robinson-King further admitted to all of the other conduct charged in the indictment.
The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
This prosecution is part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Darries Leon Jackson Sentenced to Life in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
GREENEVILLE, Tenn.– Darries Leon Jackson, a.k.a.“Darryl Jackson,” 58, of Morristown, Tennessee, was sentenced on July 31, 2017, by the Honorable J. Ronnie Greer, U.S. District Court Judge, to serve life in federal prison for his conviction of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. There is no parole in the federal system.
Jackson was convicted, following a three-day jury trial in April 2017. He was subject to the provisions of the Armed Career Criminal Act, whereby a person convicted of possessing a firearm or ammunition after a felony conviction is subject to a minimum mandatory 15-year sentence up to life in prison if that person has three or more prior violent felony or drug felony convictions.
Jackson is awaiting trial in state court for the murder of one individual in Hawkins County and attempted murder of another individual in Hamblen County in October 2014. The ammunition that was the subject of his federal charges is believed to be the same ammunition used in the commission of these crimes.
Agencies involved in this investigation included the Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office, Hamblen County Sheriff’s Office, and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Gregory Bowman and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey W. Lane represented the United States.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a comprehensive national strategy that creates local partnerships with law enforcement agencies to effectively enforce existing gun laws. It provides more options to prosecutors, allowing them to utilize local, state, and federal laws to ensure that criminals who commit gun crime face tough sentences. PSN gives each federal district the flexibility it needs to focus on individual challenges that a specific community faces.
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Cottage Grove Youth Pastor Sentenced for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Gregory G. Brooker today announced the sentencing of WILLIAM LEONARD HELKER, 47, for distribution of child pornography. HELKER pleaded guilty on March 3, 2017, to one count of distribution of child pornography. On July 27, 2017, United States District Judge Patrick J. Schiltz sentenced HELKER to 150 months in federal prison and 15 years of supervised release.
“Helker is a dangerous child predator who disguised himself as a youth pastor. Instead of providing guidance to young people, he used his position as a trusted leader to prey upon them,” said Assistant United States Attorney Katharine Buzicky. “This sentence recognizes the disturbing nature of Helker’s actions and his appalling betrayal of community trust.”
“This child sexual exploitation case originated in Finland with the arrest there of another child predator,” said J. Alex Khu, special agent in charge of HSI St. Paul. “In addition to our nationwide offices, Homeland Security Investigations operates 62 offices in 46 countries to work with our international law enforcement partners to identify and investigate cases like this. There is no anonymity on the internet, and there’s no place on the planet where child predators can hide.”
“The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension will not tolerate those who betray the trust of a child through abhorrent crimes like those committed by Mr. Helker,” said BCA Superintendent Drew Evans. “Holding him accountable for his actions in no way undoes he harm he’s done, but will prevent him from hurting even more children.”
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, on October 22, 2016, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) received a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) indicating that a Minnesota man exchanged child pornography with and individual in Finland. The cybertip was listed as “Priority 1” because NCMEC assessed that children were currently in danger. Through a joint investigation, BCA and HSI agents were able to identify the Minnesota man as WILLIAM HELKER, a youth pastor in Cottage Grove, Minn.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, HELKER admitted to sending sexually explicit images of prepubescent children to individuals using social media. HELKER also admitted to engaging in sexually explicit online chat conversations with someone who described herself as a 14-year-old as well as possessing thousands of image and video files containing child pornography. Additionally, HELKER admitted to creating sexually explicit collages using ordinary snapshots of real minors and superimposing the photographs onto pornographic images.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Katharine T. Buzicky
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Homeland Security Investigations-St. Paul, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and originated with a cybertip from the European Police Office and the National Center to Missing and Exploited Children.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identify and rescue victims. For more information about PSC, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/ For more information about internet safety education, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/resources.html and click on the tab “resources.”
Defendant Information:
WILLIAM LEONARD HELKER, 47
Pine City, MN
Convicted:
- Distribution of Child Pornography, 1 count
Sentenced:
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150 months in prison
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15 years supervised release
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Colorado Man Sentenced for Sexual Contact with a MinorRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Denver, Colorado, man convicted of Sexual Contact with a Minor was sentenced on July 31, 2017, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Isaac Padilla, age 24, was sentenced to 10 months in custody, 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Padilla was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 7, 2017. He pled guilty on April 25, 2017.
The conviction stems from an incident on February 25, 2017, when Padilla, who was intoxicated, intentionally touched the breast of a 15-year old girl through her clothing.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Padilla was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.Collin County Man Guilty of Child Enticement ViolationsRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas — A 43-year-old Richardson, Texas man has been found guilty of child enticement charges in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston.
Jason Craig Montgomery was found guilty by a jury of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. The verdict was reached late in the evening of July 27, 2017, following a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone.
According to information presented in court, in March 2017, Montgomery placed an ad on an online classified advertising website that raised law enforcement concerns as to whether Montgomery was seeking to engage in sexual activity with a child. Accordingly, an undercover FBI agent responded to the ad as an individual with access to a minor child. Between March 30, 2017 and April 18, 2017, Montgomery engaged in an ongoing and repeated exchange of messages with the undercover agent, in an attempt to coerce and entice the minor child to whom the agent purportedly had access. In those messages, Montgomery expressed his interest in enticing the child, indicated his willingness to engage in sexual activity with the child, his concerns about law enforcement detection, and asked to meet with the child. On April 18, 2017, Montgomery arrived at a designated residence in Plano, Texas, at which time he was arrested by members of the Plano Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. A search of Montgomery’s vehicle revealed a number of items brought for the child, including alcohol and prophylactics. Montgomery was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 10, 2017.
Under federal statutes, Montgomery faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Plano Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marisa Miller and Bradley Visosky.
Barstow Man Charged with Killing a California CondorRead the Press Release
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — A two-count criminal complaint was filed against Matthew Paul Gumz, 39, of Barstow, charging him with taking a California condor in violation of both the Endangered Species Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. Gumz made his initial appearance Monday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jennifer L. Thurston and pleaded not guilty to both charges.
According to court documents, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife received an anonymous tip about the death of a male juvenile California condor. A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist located the dead condor, designated as Condor 780, on federal land in Kern County. Condor 780 had a large distinctive green tag on its left wing with “80” printed on it in large white numbers. On September 30, 2016, Gumz was deer hunting in the Bean Canyon area, which is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Gumz field dressed a deer and hung it in a tree, and left. When he returned to the area, Gumz saw condors and other birds near his deer and allegedly shot and killed Condor 780 with a rifle.
The California condor is protected by the Endangered Species Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Condor 780 came from an egg laid at the World Center Birds of Prey in Boise, Idaho and was fostered in the wild by condors in a monitored nest in Southern California. The nest was managed by the Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge as part of the California Condor Recovery Program.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laurel J. Montoya is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Gumz faces a maximum statutory penalty of up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine for the Endangered Species Act violation and up to six months in prison and a $15,000 fine for the Migratory Bird Treaty Act violation. Additionally, the court can order restitution and order the forfeiture of the firearm used in the offense. 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 defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Friday 28 July 2017
Woodbridge Man Sentenced for Drug and Firearms CrimesRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A man who dealt drugs and possessed a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activity was sentenced today to 10 years in prison.
Jerrell Chisholm, 32, pleaded guilty on April 7. According to court documents, Chisholm knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base. Chisholm also carried a firearm while dealing drugs, as a means of protecting his drug supply, drug proceeds, and personal security. On January 24, Chisholm’s attempted to flee from arrest and in the process he struck two vehicles, including a vehicle belonging to the U.S. Marshals, and crashed into a building.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Michael B. Boxler, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Liam O’Grady. Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen E. García prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:17-cr-71.
Wood County man pleads guilty to federal drug crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Wood County man pleaded guilty yesterday to a federal methamphetamine crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Joseph Daniel Mills, 39, of Walker, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Mills admitted that on May 12, 2017, members of the Parkersburg Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force, along with FBI agents, executed a search warrant at his residence in Walker. Among other items, law enforcement seized approximately 10 ounces of methamphetamine, 21 firearms, body armor, and scales. Mills further admitted that he stored and distributed methamphetamine in his residence and possessed the firearms, in part, to protect his drugs and drug proceeds.
Mills faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on October 30, 2017.
The Parkersburg Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force and the FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Thomas E. Johnston.
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. This case is also part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Westerly Resident to Plead Guilty to Trafficking Steroids, Money Laundering ChargesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – According to signed documents filed today in U.S. District Court in Providence, Evan Speck, 34, of Charlestown, has agreed to plead guilty to an information charging him with possession with the intent to distribute steroids, distribution of a misbranded drug, and money laundering.
According to a plea agreement filed in this matter, in addition to pleading guilty to possession with the intent to distribute steroids, distribution of a misbranded drug, and money laundering, Speck will forfeit to the government 3 firearms and a total of $17,954 in cash seized during a court authorized search executed on March 20, 2017, during the investigation into this matter; and will, based on his narcotics trafficking, as charged in the information, forfeit a sum of money equal to the total value of forfeitable assets, in the amount of $536,000.
According to court documents, the government and Speck have agreed that for the purpose of calculating the appropriate sentencing guideline range, the amount of steroids relevant to count one of the information is the equivalent of 79.99 kilograms of marijuana; the defendant possessed a dangerous weapon in connection with drug trafficking; and the defendant distributed an anabolic steroid to an athlete.
An information is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Today’s court filings are announced by Acting United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch; Jeffrey Ebersole, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Office of Criminal Investigations; Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation; Shelly A. Binkowski, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; and Matthew J. Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for New England.
Possession with the intent to distribute steroids is punishable by statutory penalties up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of $500,000, and a term of supervised release of 3 years. Distribution of a misbranded drug is punishable by statutory penalties up to 3 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of 1 year. Money laundering is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment, a fine of $500,00, and a term of supervised release of 3 years.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dulce Donovan and Mary E. Rogers.
The matter was investigated by the Rhode Island FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Task Force, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations.
The Rhode Island FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Task Force is comprised of agents and officers from the FDA, IRS, DEA, HSI, Rhode Island State Police and the East Providence, North Providence and Westerly Police Departments.
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Two More Albuquerque Residents Plead Guilty to Federal Charges Arising Out of ATF-Led Operation Targeting Drug Trafficking and Firearms Crime in Bernalillo CountyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – In Aug. 2016, a multi-agency investigation led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) concluded with the filing of 59 federal indictments and a federal criminal complaint charging 104 Bernalillo County residents with federal firearms and narcotics trafficking offenses. To date, 68 of the 104 defendants charged as the result of this investigation have entered guilty pleas and 30 of them have been sentenced.
Juan Jose Rivas, 33, and Guajira Maya Lovato, 44, both pled guilty yesterday in federal court to methamphetamine trafficking charges. Lovato, who was charged in three indictments filed as the result of the investigation, pled guilty under a plea agreement requiring a five-year prison sentence.
The investigation was undertaken in support of a federal anti-violence initiative that targets “the worst of the worst” offenders for federal prosecution. Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies collaborate with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders for federal prosecution primarily based on their prior criminal convictions with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible.
One indictment charged Rivas, Lovato and their co-defendants Janet Bowman, 40, and Anthony Barela, 34, with a methamphetamine trafficking offense. The indictment was superseded to add a fifth defendant, Maria Citlaly Beltran-Ahumada, 37, and another methamphetamine trafficking charge. The superseding indictment charged the five defendants with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from June 21, 2016 through Aug. 9, 2016, and with distributing methamphetamine on June 22, 2016.
A second indictment charged Lovato and co-defendant Desiree Otero, 24, with conspiracy to distribute heroin from July 20, 2016 through Aug. 9, 2016 and with distributing heroin on July 20, 2016. A third indictment charged Lovato and co-defendants Daniel Loya, 31, and Richard Cortez, 37, with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from July 21, 2016 through Aug. 9, 2016, and with distributing methamphetamine on July 21, 2016.
During yesterday’s proceedings, Rivas pled guilty to an information charging him with distributing methamphetamine, and admitted that on June 22, 2016, he participated in the sale of two ounces of methamphetamine to another individual. At sentencing, Rivas faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled.
Lovato entered a guilty plea in the same case to a methamphetamine distribution charge, and admitted that on June 22, 2016, she communicated with a drug purchaser regarding the price for two ounces of methamphetamine and later helped to complete the transaction. Her sentencing hearing also has yet to be scheduled.
The remaining defendants have entered not guilty pleas. Charges in indictments are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty in a court of law.
These cases were investigated by the Albuquerque office of ATF and are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Presiliano Torrez.
Top of the Chain Heroin Trafficker Sentenced to Life in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Kenneth Kennedy Shannon, 52 age, from Vance, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court in Charleston by United States District Court Judge David Norton to life in prison without parole. Shannon was sentenced as a result of his conviction for his leadership as the source of supply in a conspiracy to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin.
United States Attorney Drake recognized the work of the Charleston Drug Enforcement Task Force, which is comprised of federal agents and task force officers from local Charleston area agencies, including the City of Charleston Police Department. “We are working with our state and local law enforcement partners to address the uptick in heroin distribution and opiate abuse. It is a public health crisis that has our full attention and deserves the full array of our enforcement tools including life sentences like that handed down by the court.”
Ms. Drake said that there is an effort underway to address heroin trafficking in the Charleston community. She advised that Assistant United States Attorney Sean Kittrell prosecuted the case for sentencing and was the trial attorney along with Assistant United States Attorney Matt Austin.
The sentence was a result of two factors. First, the jury found beyond a reasonable doubt that Shannon was guilty and had distributed more than a kilogram of heroin during the life of the conspiracy. Second, Shannon was a recidivist drug trafficker and had numerous previous drug convictions. Under federal law, the Court was required to sentence Shannon to life in prison.
Shannon’s distribution network spread heroin from 2012 until his arrest on February 28, 2014. According to Kittrell, a kilogram was a conservative estimate of the amount of heroin Shannon actually sold. On the streets, a kilo can be equated to 33,000 bags or doses of heroin. Bags of heroin often sell for $20 to $25 which means that the street value in this case was between $666,666 and $833,333.
This particular investigation began after a series of overdoses affected the Charleston community. Over time, undercover buys were made and sources provided information. Surveillance was conducted. Agents eventually secured two wiretaps and Shannon was identified as the major source of supply. Investigators also learned that Shannon was bringing a load of heroin down by train from New York on February 27, 2014. He got off the Amtrak in Kingstree, South Carolina and went to his stash house in Vance, South Carolina. The next day, Shannon, drove to meet with one of his retail distributors. The DEA Task Force, working with the North Charleston Police Department, made a traffic stop on the Tahoe in which he was riding. Shannon, the passenger, was being driven by a close relative who had his 8-month-old grandchild in a car seat in the back of the SUV. After the driver got out of the vehicle to speak with police, Shannon jumped over the console into the driver’s seat. He took off and led police on a high speed chase. That chase was called off as soon as police realized that there was a child in the car. While Shannon was fleeing from police, a citizen saw the driver of the Chevrolet Tahoe throw a baseball-sized bag out of the window near Tony Way. That citizen flagged down an alert North Charleston police officer involved in the chase. Assistant United States Attorney Sean Kittrell said that although the bag was run over by another vehicle, the officer was able to recover approximately two (2) grams of heroin (approximately 67 bags or doses of heroin). Shannon also threw another package out on the ramp at Montague Avenue that was later recovered by DEA agents. The box held 500 blues bags of heroin. This was a marketing tool as customers regarded the heroin in the blue bags as a great product.The task force learned where Shannon was and arrested him in the Tahoe later that same afternoon. The Tahoe had residue powder on the driver’s side door, which Agents concluded came from throwing the baseball-sized bag of heroin out of the SUV. Because the baby was not in the car, the task force immediately began to attempt to ascertain the child’s location. Once they learned the baby was safe, agents executed a search warrant on Shannon’s stash house in Vance, South Carolina. Inside, agents recovered about 130 grams of heroin (enough for about 4,334 bags or doses of heroin, according to Kittrell), a Krupp’s coffee grinder with heroin residue along with two (2) metal strainers, a digital scale, and a glass pestle (all used to chop up compressed blocks of heroin ); twelve (11) small cardboard brown boxes, each holding about 600 unused individual "bindle" bags (all packaging for individual drug sales); a green grocery bag with many more "bindle" bags; two digital scales; a traffic citation issued to Kenneth Kennedy Shannon; and seven (7) bars of Mannite "Cicogna" which is used as a cutting agent by heroin traffickers to increase the weight of drugs to create more product.
Shannon was indicted on federal charges and went to trial on July 27, 2016. During the trial, Shannon jumped up and started screaming at the court and the jury. He had to be subdued by deputy United States Marshals and removed from the courtroom. After 3 days of trial, Shannon was convicted of conspiracy to distribute heroin, in violation of Title 21 of the United States Code.
Jason Sandoval, Resident Agent in Charge of the local DEA office commented, “The Charleston community is deeply affected by the heroin problem. It is a devastating drug. Shannon was a major trafficker and a life sentence sends a message to other traffickers who bring this drug into our community. The DEA task force is dedicated to being a full partner of local and federal agencies, citizen advocacy groups, and all others who wish to stem the scourge of heroin in our community.”
Evidence Seized During the Investigation:
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Three Defendants Plead Guilty to Firearms Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Earlier today, Kevin Todd, Kenneth Todd and Keycia Bynum pled guilty at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, New York, to conspiracy to engage in the business of firearms dealing without a license.
The pleas were announced by Bridget M. Rohde, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and James P. O’Neill, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD).
According to court filings, Bynum acted as a straw purchaser, purchasing approximately 18 firearms at gun shops and shows in Virginia between May 2014 and November 2014. In May 2014, the New York City Police Department recovered three of the firearms purchased by Bynum in Queens, New York. Kevin Todd had sold those three firearms to an individual in Queens, and the sales of those firearms were facilitated by his brother Kenneth Todd.
The pleas were entered before Magistrate Judge Cheryl L. Pollak. At sentencing, the defendants face a maximum of five years’ imprisonment.
The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alicia N. Washington and Hiral D. Mehta.
The Defendants:
KEVIN TODD
Age: 39
Portsmouth, VA
KENNETH TODD
Age: 43
Queens, NY
KEYCIA BYNUM
Age: 40
Chesapeake, VA
E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 16-CR-497 (S-3) (FB)
Taunton Man Sentenced for Heroin and Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Taunton man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his role in a heroin and fentanyl trafficking operation in southeastern Massachusetts.
Philip Malaguti, 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. to 51 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In March 2017, Malaguti pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin and fentanyl.
After a 15-month investigation, Malaguti and 24 others were arrested and charged in October 2015 in connection with a heroin trafficking ring led by Dedwin Cruz-Rivera operating primarily in southeastern Massachusetts. An April 2016 superseding indictment brought the total number of defendants charged to 26.
Malaguti purchased heroin from co-defendant Will Rodriguez for personal use, and at times, Malaguti shared the heroin he purchased with other users.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas E. Kanwit and Karen Beausey of Weinreb’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the cases.