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14 September 2017
Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Strangle GirlfriendRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Prince George man pleaded guilty today to attempting to strangle his girlfriend at military housing on Fort Lee.
According to court documents, Antonio Cain, 30, was staying with his girlfriend in residential housing on Fort Lee on July 29 when he physically assaulted her. During that assault, Cain repeatedly attempted to strangle his girlfriend, choking her to the point of unconsciousness on two separate occasions.
Cain pleaded guilty to assault on a spouse or intimate partner by strangling or suffocation, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison when sentenced on December 12. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Capt. Brian Bishop, Fort Lee Police Operations Officer, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney, Jr. accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas A. Garnett is prosecuting 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. 3:17-cr-110.
Louisville Man Sentenced to 36 Months for Defrauding the Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program of $789,657.06Read the Press Release
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A Louisville man was recently sentenced in United States District Court by Senior Judge Charles R. Simpson III to serve 36 months in prison, for defrauding the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) of $789,657.06, announced United States Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr.
Andrew Saas, 40, was charged in a single count criminal information and pleaded guilty to defrauding SNAP, also known as the Food Stamp Program, on April 21, 2017. He was sentenced on August 24, 2017, to serve 36 months in prison followed by a three-year period of supervised release and ordered to pay $789,657.06 restitution to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
According to the plea agreement, SNAP is administered by the USDA to provide food-purchasing assistance to low-income individuals through the issue of electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards to recipients. Saas defrauded SNAP by providing SNAP EBT cardholders with cash in exchange for SNAP benefits, in violation of SNAP policies and regulations. SNAP benefits may only be redeemed for eligible food items. Saas provided cardholders cash in amounts substantially less than the debited amount on the cardholders’ EBT card. He fraudulently redeemed EBT cards and in doing so caused a loss to SNAP and the USDA.
If convicted at trial, Saas could have been sentenced to no more than five years in prison and fined no more than $10,000.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda Gregory and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the USDA.
Louisville Felon Sentenced to 188 Months in Prison for Possession of Multiple Drugs and A FirearmRead the Press Release
Possessed approximately 23 pounds of cocaine, heroin, meth and $170,000
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A Louisville felon was sentenced this week in United States District Court, by District Judge David J. Hale, to 188 months in prison for possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine and for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced
United States Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr.
Ambrocio Jennings, 42, was sentenced on September 12, 2017, after pleading guilty to all counts of a federal criminal complaint. At the time of his arrest Jennings possessed a stolen Glock 21 handgun, approximately $170,030 U.S. Currency, approximately 3 lbs. 4.2 ounces of heroin, approximately 6 pounds of meth, and 23 pounds 5.9 ounces of cocaine.
According to the Affidavit attached to the criminal complaint, on February 8, 2017, a U.S. Postal Inspector identified two packages being shipped from a Los Angeles California address to separate Louisville addresses, including one to defendant A. Jennings at Helck Avenue. The intercepted parcels contained 4 pounds of meth and two pounds of meth. With assistance from Louisville Metro Police and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, controlled deliveries of the two packages were made. Jennings was observed entering and exiting the residence on Helck Avenue. When law enforcement attempted to stop Jennings, he began driving erratically and at high speeds, away from the officers. in the direction of Preston Highway near Gilmore Lane. LMPD Air Patrol followed Jennings and witnessed him throw three bags from his truck near Davies Avenue. Further, LMPD Air Patrol directed police to locate and arrest Jennings, then landed their helicopter in a field adjacent to the Davies Avenue location. The three bags were recovered and contained the U.S. currency, handgun, heroin, meth, and cocaine.
Assistant United States Attorney Scott Davis prosecuted this case. The United States Postal Inspection Service with Louisville Metro Police and the Jefferson County Sherriff’s Department investigated.
Long Island Man Sentenced to 10 Years’ Imprisonment for Committing 40 Knife-Point RobberiesRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, New York, Khalif House was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment and three years’ supervised release by United States District Judge Joan M. Azrack, based on his guilty plea last December to conspiracy to commit armed robberies in Nassau, Suffolk and Queens Counties.
The sentence was announced by Bridget M. Rohde, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), Patrick J. Ryder, Acting Commissioner, Nassau County Police Department (NCPD), Timothy D. Sini, Commissioner, Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD), and James P. O’Neill, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD).
According to court filings and statements made in court, beginning in February 2015, the defendant and co-conspirators committed or attempted to commit 40 separate armed robberies throughout Nassau, Queens and Suffolk Counties. The defendants exclusively targeted commercial locations, including Carvel, Dunkin Donuts, Subway and 7-Eleven stores. On almost every occasion, House robbed commercial stores wearing mismatched gloves, with his face covered, while brandishing a knife. During the April 26, 2016 robbery of a Carvel located in Commack, House chased down a fleeing employee, dragging her back into the store to prevent her escape. On February 24, 2015, House cut an employee of Evans Corner Store, located in Valley Stream, who attempted to disarm House during the robbery. House was ultimately apprehended hiding in a van on June 8, 2016 in Floral Park following a manhunt conducted by hundreds of members of law enforcement.
House’s arrest and conviction were the result of a joint investigation conducted by the FBI’s Long Island Gang Task Force, the NCPD, SCPD and the NYPD. Ms. Rohde extended her grateful appreciation to all of the participating law enforcement agencies, including the Floral Park Police Department.
“The defendant Khalif House stole from dozens of businesses in a number of our communities, terrorizing hard-working employees by threatening their lives during his crime spree,” stated Acting United States Attorney Rohde. “Thanks to the tireless work and collaboration of our federal and local law enforcement partners, House has been held accountable for his crimes,” stated Acting United States Attorney Rohde.
“The suspect in this case not only terrified business owners fearing they’d be robbed next, but assaulted and terrorized employees during the crimes,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney. “He believed hiding his face, and covering his hands would protect his identity. But after dogged investigation by agents and detectives, his disguise didn’t prevent his getting caught. This case is a great example of law enforcement working together to stop a criminal and bring him to justice.”
“The investigation, arrest and conviction of defendant House is a testament to exceptional police and detective investigative techniques by all of the collaborating agencies and their members,” stated NCPD Acting Commissioner Ryder. “This robbery spree placed residents at risk, became one of our highest priorities and thus, this type of criminal conduct can never be accepted. A great job by all involved and I would like to thank all of the professionals who assisted with this extensive investigation.”
“Yet another dangerous criminal has been taken off our streets because of the collaboration and partnership between the Suffolk County Police Department and our fellow law enforcement agencies,” SCPD Commissioner Sini said. “I thank the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York for successfully prosecuting this individual and continuing to keep our residents, our businesses and our communities safe.”
The government’s case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorney Mark Misorek is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
Name: KHALIF HOUSE
Age: 24
Residence: Hempstead, New York
E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 16-CR-370 (JMA)
Kirbyville Man Sentenced for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tom Larson, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Kirbyville, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for receiving and distributing child pornography over the Internet.
Thomas R. Keller, 37, of Kirbyville, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to seven years in federal prison without parole, followed by a 10-year term of supervised release.
On May 4, 2017, Keller pleaded guilty to receiving and distributing child pornography.
According to court documents, Keller downloaded seven videos and 371 images of child pornography onto his computer. Keller admitted that he had been downloading child pornography onto his computer for two to three years, and his age of preference was 14- or 15-year-old children.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crime Task Force and the FBI.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Justice Department Obtains $70,000 Settlement of Fair Housing Lawsuit against Indiana Housing AuthorityRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has reached a settlement with the Housing Authority of the City of Anderson, Indiana, which owns and operates 143 public housing units in the city, to resolve allegations that the Housing Authority had discriminated against residents of these units on the basis of sex and disability.
Under the settlement agreement, the Housing Authority will pay $70,000 to compensate the seven victims of discrimination identified by the Justice Department. As part of the agreement, the Housing Authority of the City of Anderson will implement nondiscrimination policies and procedures, provide fair housing training for its employees, refrain from engaging in any prohibited conduct in the future, and make periodic reports to the department confirming compliance.
The lawsuit against the Housing Authority of the City of Anderson alleged that employees of the Housing Authority subjected female tenants to unlawful sexual harassment and discriminated against tenants with disabilities. The disability discrimination included repeatedly denying requests for reasonable accommodations, including requests to be transferred to first floor units and requests for a designated accessible parking space.
“Sexual harassment of women and discrimination against persons with disabilities are unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John M. Gore of the Civil Rights Division. “We will continue to vigorously combat such discrimination, including in public housing.”
“Enjoying a safe place to live, free of discrimination and sexual harassment is a fundamental right we all are entitled to,” said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana Josh Minkler. “My office remains committed to aggressively pursuing the enforcement of civil rights and fighting discrimination in Indiana.”
The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on disability, race, color, religion, national origin, sex and familial status. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of housing discrimination can call the Justice Department at 1-800-896-7743, e-mail the Justice Department at [email protected], or contact the Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-669-9777 or through its website at http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp.
Joplin Day Care Operator Charged with Attempting to Kidnap Client's BabyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tom Larson, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Joplin, Mo., day care operator was charged in federal court today with attempting to kidnap the infant daughter of a client and take the infant to Arkansas to be adopted by another couple.
Lasonya Poindexter, 30, of Joplin, was charged in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Springfield, Mo. Poindexter, who was arrested on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017, remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017.
According to an affidavit filed in support of today’s criminal complaint, Poindexter began taking care of a Joplin couple’s two children at her home day care in April 2017. Poindexter allegedly contacted a couple in Lincoln, Ark., and began making arrangements for the couple to adopt one of those children, a five-month-old daughter identified in court documents as Jane Doe 1. The infant’s parents had never put Jane Doe 1 up for adoption, nor had they ever told anyone that Jane Doe 1 was available to be adopted.
Poindexter made at least four trips to Lincoln so that the Arkansas couple could spend time with Jane Doe 1, the affidavit says, with each visit lasting two to three hours. Jane Doe 1’s parents had never given Poindexter permission to take their daughter across state lines to Arkansas and were unaware that any of the trips occurred. The Arkansas couple usually met with Poindexter at the home of Poindexter’s aunt, but one visit was at the couple’s own home (where they had prepared a nursery room for Jane Doe 1).
Poindexter falsely told the Arkansas couple that the infant’s mother had left her baby at Poindexter’s house and wanted her to find a good family for Jane Doe 1, the affidavit says, because she was the product of a rape. Poindexter told the Arkansas couple that Jane Doe 1’s mother wanted a closed adoption. Poindexter had sent the Arkansas couple a photo (screen shot), via Facebook Messenger, of a legal document purported to be from an attorney regarding the adoption. The attorney later told investigators he had never represented Poindexter, had any communication with her and was not involved with any adoption proceeding with Jane Doe 1.
According to the affidavit, the Arkansas couple became suspicious that the adoption was not valid, the affidavit says, but Poindexter continued to reassure them.
On July 20, 2017, after being contacted by the Arkansas couple, Jane Doe 1’s parents contacted law enforcement.
Larson cautioned that the charge contained in this complaint is simply an accusation, and not evidence of guilt.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the Joplin, Mo., Police Department, the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, the FBI and the Missouri Division of Family Services.
Jefferson City Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Firearms Stolen During Home BurglariesRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Tom Larson, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Jefferson City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally possessing several firearms that he stole during a series of home burglaries.
Stephan Alben Whelan, 22, of Jefferson City, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps to being an illegal drug user in possession of firearms.
Whelan was arrested on Dec. 8, 2016, when a Cole County, Mo., sheriff’s deputy stopped a black Toyota with temporary tags in which Whelan was a passenger. Numerous burglaries had been reported in several counties in the mid-Missouri area from approximately September 2016 to December 2016, and the deputy recalled that a black Toyota with temporary tags had been referenced in reports of local burglaries. As the deputy overtook the Toyota, he observed numerous items in it that appeared to be items reported stolen in the local burglaries. The deputy then initiated a traffic stop. The deputy checked the serial number of one of the items in the vehicle and learned it had been reported stolen from Miller County, Mo. Whelan was then placed under arrest.
Whelan told officers that he and other individuals were involved in multiple burglaries in the mid-Missouri area. He stated he was involved in so many burglaries that he could not remember where specific items were taken from and when they were taken. He traded the stolen items for methamphetamine. Law enforcement officers executed search warrants and recovered numerous stolen items, including several firearms that had been reported stolen.
Whelan admitted that he stole a Browning 12-gauge shotgun and a Henry Repeating Arms 30-30 caliber rifle from a residence in Lohman, Mo. Whelan traded the firearms, which were eventually recovered by law enforcement, for a quarter-ounce of methamphetamine.
Whelan also admitted that he stole a Marlin 30-30 caliber rifle from a residence in Moniteau County, Mo. Whelan told investigators that he was on methamphetamine during the burglary, and after the burglary threw the rifle out the window of a car. The firearm was later recovered.
Under federal statutes, Whelan is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing hearings will be scheduled after the completion of presentence investigations by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lawrence E. Miller. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Cole County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the Eldon, Mo., Police Department.
Jamaican National Residing in New York Sentenced for Passport FraudRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LENWORTH STYLE, 44, a citizen of Jamaica last residing in the Bronx, New York, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to approximately 16 months of imprisonment, time already served, for making a false statement in a U.S. passport application. A jury convicted STYLE of the offense on September 12, 2017.
According to the evidence at trial, on June 19, 2012, STYLE submitted an application for a U.S. passport, in the name of a legitimate U.S. citizen, at a U.S. Post Office in Bridgeport. Claiming to be this individual, STYLE presented a New York birth certificate and a fraudulent Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles identity card in the name of the U.S. citizen, but bearing STYLE’s photograph. STYLE then signed the passport application under oath claiming to be the U.S. citizen.
Passport authorities flagged the application as possibly fraudulent and did not issue the passport. The U.S. citizen whose identity that STYLE used subsequently told law enforcement that he had never applied for a passport, and latent fingerprints on the fraudulent passport application matched STYLE’s fingerprints.
STYLE has been in federal custody since his arrest on April 25, 2016. He is subject to an immigration detainer and a detainer from the State of Rhode Island for unrelated criminal charges.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hal Chen and Nancy Gifford.
Holland man indicted for selling fentanyl, heroin and cocaineRead the Press Release
A nine-count indictment was filed charging a Holland man with trafficking heroin, fentanyl and cocaine, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.
Terrance Lewis, 27, distributed more than 290 grams of fentanyl, 87 grams of heroin and three grams of cocaine between November 2015 and April 2017, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The investigating agency in this case is the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Toledo. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Freeman.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 51 Months in Prison for Gun, Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that FELIPE RODRIGUEZ, also known as “Flip,” 36, of Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 51 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for gun and drug offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 10, 2015, members of the Hartford Police Department and other investigators were conducting an investigation into narcotics trafficking in the area of Park and Hungerford Streets. While conducting surveillance, they observed a vehicle pull over on Park Street and the driver of the vehicle hand a package to a person who investigators suspected was distributing narcotics in the area. Officers conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle after it drove away. RODRIGUEZ was in the rear passenger seat of the car. A search of his person revealed 49 bags of marijuana packaged for street sale, and a search of the vehicle revealed a .32 caliber handgun. RODRIGUEZ admitted that the gun was his.
Prior to March 2015, RODRIGUEZ had been convicted of felony offenses, including larceny and robbery.
On June 29, 2016, RODRIGUEZ pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
In December 2016, while RODRIGUEZ was released on bond and participating in Support Court, investigators conducted two controlled purchases of heroin from RODRIGUEZ. RODRIGUEZ was arrested on December 15, 2016. On that date, a search of his residence revealed a loaded .22 caliber firearm, additional rounds of ammunition, and a Los Solidos gang “contract.” He has been detained since his arrest.
This case was investigated by the Hartford Police Department and the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, which includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.
Georgetown woman sentenced to 2 years in prison for manufacturing counterfeit moneyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that a Georgetown woman was sentenced Wednesday to 24 months in prison for making fake U.S. $20 bills.
Gena Armstrong, 20, of Georgetown, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell on one count of manufacturing counterfeit U.S. securities. She was also sentenced to two years of supervised release. According to the June 16, 2017 guilty plea, Armstrong bought a copy machine and paper on March 29, 2016 from an Alexandria office supply business. While a friend drover her around the city, Armstrong copied a genuine $20 bill and began printing counterfeit money. In total, she printed a two-sided cut $20 bill, 30 two-sided uncut $20 bills and nine one-sided uncut $20 bills. While driving through the city, the friend stopped at a convenience store, and Armstrong gave the friend the counterfeit $20 bill to make a purchase.
The U.S. Secret Service and the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath is prosecuting the case.
Fremont, Ohio Man Sentenced to 145 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, Clifford D. Johnson, announces that, Uryan Frymire, age 37, of Fremont Ohio, was sentenced, before United States District Court Judge Theresa Springmann for possession with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine.
Frymire was sentenced to 145 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, there was a traffic stop conducted in Texas on January 17, 2017, of a semi-tractor where 62 packages, containing approximately 70 kilograms of a white powdery substance, were found. The substance field tested positive for cocaine. The driver of the semi-tractor, who was the only occupant, said he was destined for Fort Wayne. On January 19, 2017, the driver made a controlled delivery of the cocaine to Frymire who was arrested by Homeland Security Agents.
This investigation was conducted by the United States Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of the Allen County, Indiana Sheriff’s Department, Greenville, Indiana Police Department, Indiana State Police, and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.
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Four U.S. Attorneys' Offices in Districts Affected by Hurricane Irma Establish Task Forces in Combating Disaster Fraud and Urge the Public to Be Vigilant in Reporting Suspected FraudRead the Press Release
The National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) along with U.S. Attorneys' Offices in the District of Puerto Rico, Southern District of Florida, Middle District of Florida and Northern District of Florida announced the formation of task forces comprised of local, state and federal agencies in their respective areas to combat Hurricane Irma related illegal activity. The NCDF and U.S. Attorneys in those districts urge residents and businesses to immediately report suspected fraudulent activity relating to recovery and cleanup operations, fake charities claiming to be providing relief for victims, individuals submitting false claims for disaster relief and any other disaster fraud related activity.
The U.S. Department of Justice established the National Center for Disaster Fraud to investigate, prosecute, and deter fraud in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, when billions of dollars in federal disaster relief poured into the Gulf Coast region. Its mission has expanded to include suspected fraud from any natural or manmade disaster. More than 30 federal, state, and local agencies participate in the National Center for Disaster Fraud, which allows the center to act as a centralized clearinghouse of information related to disaster relief fraud.
While compassion, assistance, and solidarity are generally prevalent in the aftermath of natural disasters, unscrupulous individuals and organizations also use these tragic events to take advantage of those in need. In the wake of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, the NCDF has already received more than 400 complaints. Examples of illegal activity being reported to the NCDF and law enforcement include:
- Impersonation of federal law enforcement officials;
- Identity theft;
- Fraudulent submission of claims to insurance companies and the federal government;
- Fraudulent activity related to solicitations for donations and charitable giving;
- Fraudulent activity related to individuals and organizations promising high investment returns from profits from recovery and cleanup efforts;
- Price gouging;
- Theft, looting, and other violent crime
“Unfortunately, criminals can exploit disasters, such as Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, for their own gain by sending fraudulent communications through email or social media and by creating phony websites designed to solicit contributions,” said Acting Executive Director Corey R. Amundson of the National Center for Disaster Fraud. “Once the NCDF receives a complaint, it routes the complaints to the appropriate federal, state, or local law enforcement agency in the appropriate jurisdiction. In the process, we are able to de-conflict and identify trends, national schemes, and offenders operating in multi-jurisdictions. The Justice Department will aggressively pursue those who commit disaster fraud.”
“Our efforts are directed at enforcing a zero tolerance policy,” said U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez for the District of Puerto Rico. “In the midst of the distress and losses caused by Hurricane Irma and the attending need for recovery and rebuilding, there can be no place for fraud and abuse.”
“As our South Florida community recovers from Hurricane Irma, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida and our law enforcement partners stand ready to investigate and prosecute in federal court anyone who seeks to re-victimize, defraud or exploit the individuals and businesses in need,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Benjamin G. Greenberg for the Southern District of Florida. “Our united enforcement front will work hard to combat criminal activity, including fraud schemes associated with the hurricane’s devastation. Our mission is to ensure that federal, state and local programs, as well as reputable public and charitable assistance initiatives reach those struck by the impact of our recent natural disaster and are not fraudulently diverted to the criminals’ pockets.”
“We will aggressively investigate and prosecute anyone who seeks to defraud or exploit the federal assistance programs established to help individuals, families, or businesses that have lost so much as a result of Hurricane Irma,” said Acting U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the Middle District of Florida. “Our Office will continue to protect the rights of our honest citizens affected by this disaster and ensure that they receive the necessary public and charitable assistance they deserve. If you suspect any fraud, we urge you to call the NCDF Hotline. Our efforts to combat fraud associated with Hurricane Irma will supplement the outstanding and ongoing efforts by the State of Florida and Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi.”
“We do not tolerate fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Christopher P. Canova for the Northern District of Florida. “Individuals, families, and businesses have suffered, and will continue to suffer, tremendous losses. Emergency funds are needed to help them get back on their feet. Dozens of agencies, investigators, and prosecutors are ready to respond to credible allegations of fraud and abuse. If you are aware of fraud, we urge you to call the National Disaster Fraud Hotline.”
Members of the public who suspect fraud, waste, abuse, or allegations of mismanagement involving disaster relief operations, or believe they have been the victim of fraud from a person or organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of disaster victims, should contact the National Disaster Fraud Hotline toll free at (866) 720-5721. The telephone line is staffed by a live operator 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also fax information to the Center at (225) 334-4707, or email it to [email protected].
Members of the public are reminded to apply a critical eye and do their due diligence before giving contributions to anyone soliciting donations on behalf of disaster victims. Solicitations can originate from e-mails, websites, door-to-door collections, mailings and telephone calls, and similar methods. Learn more about the NCDF at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud. Tips for the public on how to avoid being victimized of fraud are at https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/tips-avoiding-fraudulent-charitable-contribution-schemes.
Former Trenton Marine Manager Indicted for Scheme to Defraud Boat OwnersRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen today announced an indictment charging Denis Kelliher, 47, of Toms River, NJ, with wire fraud. According to the indictment, between 2013 and 2016, Kelliher was the manager of Trenton Marine’s Toms River, NJ marina and acted as a broker for the sale of boats. During that time, he sold approximately 13 boats without the knowledge of the owners and converted the proceeds from the sale to his personal use, including to pay off debts he owed to his business associates. It is alleged that Kelliher robbed the boat owners of their property valued at more than $2 million.
If convicted, Kelliher faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment, three years’ supervised release, $250,000 fine, and $100 special assessment. Additionally, Kelliher will be subject to restitution and/or forfeiture of money and substitute assets totaling $2,163,000.00.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Toms River (NJ) Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anita Eve.
Former Lincoln-Way School Superintendent Indicted on Fraud Charges for Allegedly Misappropriating School Funds for His Own BenefitRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — The former superintendent of Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 has been indicted on federal fraud charges for allegedly misappropriating school funds for his own benefit and concealing the district’s true financial deficit from the public.
LAWRENCE WYLLIE fraudulently used at least $50,000 in school district funds to build and operate Superdog, a dog obedience training school that provided no benefit to the four high schools in the southwest suburban district, according to the indictment. Wyllie also misappropriated at least $16,500 of school district funds by paying himself a retirement stipend that was not in his employment contract, the indictment states. Wyllie fraudulently pocketed another $14,000 of school district funds by falsely describing it as compensation for unused vacation days – another benefit that was not in his contract, the charges state.
Wyllie also fraudulently inflated the district’s financial health by using bond funds to pay the district’s general operating expenses, causing the district to assume at least $7 million in additional debt.
The indictment was returned Wednesday in federal court in Chicago. It charges Wyllie, 79, of Naperville, with five counts of wire fraud and one count of embezzlement. Arraignment in U.S. District Court has not yet been scheduled.
The indictment was announced by Joel R. Levin, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Michael J. Anderson, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Kathleen S. Tighe, Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Education.
District 210 operated four high schools that drew students from New Lenox, Frankfort, Mokena, Manhattan, Tinley Park and Orland Park. According to the indictment, one of the factors the district’s seven-member school board considered in renewing Wyllie’s employment contract was the financial performance of the district. In 2009, at the request of Wyllie and with approval of the school board, the district issued $29 million in bonds. Wyllie represented to the school board and bond purchasers that $10 million of the bond proceeds would be used for capital expenditures, including construction or renovation of the high schools, when in fact Wyllie knew that he would spend the money on the district’s general operating expenses and payroll, the charges allege. Wyllie transferred millions of dollars from a bank account where the district maintained its bond funds to a separate account that the district used for paying general operating expenses.
As a result, the district’s net operating expenditures and cost-per-pupil calculation appeared lower than they actually were, thus fraudulently inflating the district’s financial health, the charges state. Wyllie’s fraud scheme caused the district to assume at least $7 million in additional debt from the bond issuance, on which Lincoln-Way continues to pay interest, the indictment states.
Wyllie retired as district superintendent in June 2013.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Each count of wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, while embezzlement carries a maximum sentence of ten years. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sunil Harjani.
Former Jacksonville Chief Financial Officer Resolves Healthcare Fraud Allegations for $100,000Read the Press Release
Jacksonville, FL – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces today that Scott Quinn, the former Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer for Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, a Jacksonville-based orthopedic medical group, has agreed to pay the government $100,000 to resolve allegations that he violated the False Claims Act.
According to the settlement agreement, while Quinn was employed at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, he was responsible for overseeing operations and the financial performance of the practice. The United States contends that it has certain civil claims against Quinn arising from his role in billing, or causing to be billed to federal healthcare programs, certain services that Quinn knew or should have known were not medically necessary and reasonable. Specifically, between May 2013 and September 29, 2016, Quinn routinely sought, or caused to be submitted for reimbursement, certain claims for ultrasound-guided injections even in the absence of medical necessity. These claims were not appropriately billable to the Medicare program. As part of today’s settlement, Quinn is agreeing to pay the United States $100,000 for his conduct.
Last year, the United States announced a False Claims Act settlement against Southeast Orthopedic Specialists. At that time, the company agreed to repay the United States $4.48 million to resolve allegations that it had violated the False Claims Act.
“The Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General will relentlessly seek to hold corporate officers who defraud the Medicare program personally accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Shimon Richmond. “Obtaining tax dollars which Medicare providers are not entitled to impacts our entire healthcare system and the OIG will pursue company executives who misrepresent services to boost profits.”
This settlement is part of the Department of Justice’s focus on identifying specific individuals who participate or further financial fraud. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida has prioritized holding individuals accountable for corporate malfeasance.
The government’s action in this matter illustrates the emphasis on combating health care fraud, and one of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason Mehta.
The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Former Dublin High School Teacher Pleads Guilty to Making Child Porn via Photos, Videos of Former StudentsRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Gregory R. Lee, 52, of Columbus, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court today to production of child pornography.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Angela L. Byers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien, Westerville Police Chief Joseph Morbitzer, Dublin Police Chief Heinz von Eckartsberg and other members of the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force announced the plea entered into before U.S. District Judge Michael H. Watson.
According to the Statement of Facts in this case, the parents of a teenage female contacted Dublin Police in May 2017 after discovering information in the teenager’s personal journal regarding sexual activity with Lee, who had been her high school teacher at Dublin Scioto High School.
While being interviewed by law enforcement, the victim told authorities that she and Lee engaged in oral sex on numerous occasions in Lee’s classroom and in his vehicle. She said Lee also instructed her to create and exchange nude photographs through her phone.
A forensic examination of Lee’s electronic devices uncovered approximately 234 images of the victim, at least 49 of which depicted the minor in various stages of nudity. The victim confirmed that Lee had taken some of the nude pictures of her that were found on his devices.
The forensic examination also revealed nude images of another female that was believed to be a former student of Lee’s. The former student confirmed that she took the photographs with her cell phone when she was 17 years old and sent them to Lee.
Production of child pornography in this case carries a potential term of imprisonment of 15 to 30 years, as well as at least five years of supervised release. The federal plea agreement takes into account Lee’s sexual contact with the victim, for which an indictment is pending in Franklin County Common Pleas Court, and requires Lee to plead guilty to that indictment as well.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the FBI, Dublin Police and Task Force Officers, as well as Assistant United States Attorney Heather A. Hill and Special Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer M. Rausch, Director, Franklin County Special Victim’s Unit, who are representing the United States in this case.
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Florida National Guardsman Sentenced to More Than 24 Years for Attempting to Entice A Minor for SexRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza has sentenced John David Stahlman (35, Longwood) to 24 years and 4 months in federal prison for attempting to persuade, induce, and entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. A federal jury found him guilty on May 24, 2017.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, on November 10, 2016, Stahlman posted an advertisement on Craigslist seeking a “young ‘looking’ girl” for possible “physical pleasure.” An FBI agent acting in an undercover capacity responded to the advertisement and introduced himself as the single father of an 11-year-old child. During a two-and-a-half-month period, Stahlman made plans to meet and have sex with the “child,” and he eventually traveled to meet with the minor. Stahlman was subsequently arrested.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alejandro J. Salicrup and Karen Gable.
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 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 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.
Financial Consultant Pleads Guilty to Fraud, Theft of Pension FundsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – John M. Hairabet, Jr., 45, a former business associate and office manager of New England Anesthesiologists, Inc., and president of Anesthesia Management Consultants, LLC, pleaded guilty in federal court in Providence today to charges that he embezzled more than $700,000 dollars from bank accounts belonging to the medical firm and to an employee 401(k) pension fund.
Hairabet’s guilty plea to six counts of wire fraud, one count of pension fund theft and two counts of money laundering is announced by Acting United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch; Brian Deck, Resident Agent in Charge of the Providence Office of the U.S. Secret Service; Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation; and Susan A. Hensley, Regional Director, U.S. Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration.
Appearing before U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., Hairabet admitted to the court that between October 2007 and August 12, 2013, in his capacity as an independent contractor bookkeeper and office manager of New England Anesthesiologists, and through his management consulting firm, Anesthesia Management Consultants, he embezzled $587,218.36 from bank accounts belonging to New England Anesthesiologists. Hairabet also admitted that he embezzled $120,313 in employee elective deferrals that were to be deposited into an employee 401 (k) pension fund.
Hairabet is scheduled to be sentenced on November 30, 2017. Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000; money laundering is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the amount of criminally deprived property; pension theft is punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ronald R. Gendron and Richard W. Rose.
The matter was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration.
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Felon Who Threatened to Kill a Woman Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
A man who threatened to kill a Cedar Rapids woman was sentenced September 13, 2017, to ten years in federal prison.
Darrell Junior Sims, age 29, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after an April 21, 2017 jury verdict finding him guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The evidence at trial showed that during a phone call on January 27, 2017, Sims threatened to kill a female companion. When the woman asked what he planned to kill her with, Sims told her to look under her mattress. The woman looked under the mattress and found a loaded revolver and a loaded pistol. The woman contacted the United States Marshals Service, and two Deputy Marshals arrived and collected the firearms. While the deputies were collecting the firearms, Sims called the woman again. A deputy recorded the conversations, during which Sims accused the woman of allowing his guns to be stolen.
Sims was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by Chief United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. At the sentencing hearing, the judge found Sims obstructed justice during the case by sending a letter from jail to the woman’s father before trial. In the letter, Sims offered to compensate the woman’s father if the woman did not show up for trial. Sims was sentenced to the maximum sentence of imprisonment, 120 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed. He must also serve a 2-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Sims is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-CR-5-LTS.
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Federal Jury Convicts U.S. Customs Agent of Stealing Cash from Overseas Passenger at O’Hare Airport Screening StationRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal jury has convicted a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent of pocketing $5,000 in cash from an overseas passenger at a screening station of O’Hare International Airport.
SALVATORE PICARDI took the cash on Feb. 22, 2016, after the female passenger had arrived at O’Hare on a flight from China. The woman noticed her money was missing when the customs inspection ended and she was allowed to leave. As other officers began searching for the money, Picardi tried to avoid detection by stuffing the cash into a jacket belonging to the woman and claiming he had discovered it.
The jacket, however, had been searched multiple times before Picardi’s purported discovery.
Picardi, 38, of Park Ridge, was convicted of one count of embezzlement by a federal officer under color of law. The jury returned its verdict on Wednesday after a three-day trial in the Chicago courtroom of U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Durkin.
The conviction was announced by Joel R. Levin, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Armando Lopez, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Office of Inspector General (DHS-OIG) Chicago Field Office; and Aaron Poyer, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection - Office of Professional Responsibility (CBP-OPR).
The conviction is punishable by up to ten years in prison. Judge Durkin scheduled a sentencing hearing for Dec. 12, 2017, at 12:00 p.m.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laurie J. Barsella and Lindsay C. Jenkins.
Fairhaven Man Re-Sentenced for Federal Drug Crime as a Result of State Crime Lab ScandalRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Fairhaven man was re-sentenced today in federal court in Boston as a result of a prior vacated conviction stemming from the state crime lab scandal.
David Simmons, 42, was re-sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 33 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In March 2016, Simmons was sentenced to 51 months in prison and three years of supervised release after a federal jury convicted him in October 2015 of one count of conspiracy to distribute marijuana.
From approximately 2010 until 2014, Simmons was involved in an eight-person marijuana trafficking conspiracy led by Edward Boyer that shipped high-grade marijuana from Mendocino County California to Fall River, Mass., where it was sold through a network of distributors. Simmons received some of the shipments of marijuana in Fair Haven and delivered them to Boyer. Simmons, along with co-defendant Paul Pedreira, also established a marijuana growing operation at Simmons’ residence, and Boyer helped to coordinate the distribution of the crop.
The sentence of 51 months that Simmons received in March 2016 was based on his prior criminal history, which identified him as a career offender. However, a prior criminal conviction for distribution of a Class B substance was vacated by the Fall River District Court in May 2016, as it was one of the tens of thousands of cases tainted by the revelation that former state crime chemist Annie Dookhan tampered with evidence and fabricated test results. As a result of that vacated conviction, Simmons no longer qualifies as a career offender; therefore, the current sentence he is serving for marijuana conspiracy was reduced based on an updated prior criminal history – one that does not include a conviction for distributing a Class B substance.
In February 2016, Boyer was sentenced to 108 months in prison and four years of supervised release. Pedreira was sentenced to time served (53 days) and three years of supervised release.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Office, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Theodore Heinrich of Weinreb’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Edmonson County, Kentucky, Resident Charged with Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – An Edmonson County, Kentucky, resident was charged this week by grand jury indictment with sexual exploitation of children announced United States Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr.
Baird, 56, of Brownsville, Kentucky, was charged in a five-count Indictment with four counts of using a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of the conduct and one count of possessing child pornography that had been transported in interstate commerce by any means, including by computer. According to the Indictment, the activity took place between May of 2009 and May of 2015, in Edmonson County.
If convicted at trial, Baird faces a sentence of no less than 15 years and no more than 30 years for each of counts one through four, and no more than ten years in prison for count five. Further, the penalties include up to a life term of supervised release and a fine of up to $1,250,000.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jo E. Lawless, and the investigation is being handled by the Department of Homeland Security and Edmonson County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Bowling Green Police Department.
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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."
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The indictment of a person by a Grand Jury is an accusation only and that person is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty
baird_howard_charged_9-14-17.pdfEast Boston Man Sentenced for Illegal Firearm DealingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An East Boston man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for illegal firearms dealing in the Orient Heights public housing projects in East Boston.
James Warner, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In April 2017, Warner pleaded guilty to engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Warner, who is prohibited from buying, selling and using firearms due to a prior criminal conviction, conspired with other individuals to sell a Hungary, .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol and a Davis Industries, Model D-32 caliber derringer in the Orient Heights Housing Development in East Boston.
The case arose from a federal investigation into a network of street gangs that created alliances to traffic weapons and drugs throughout Massachusetts and generate violence against rival gang members. As a result of the investigation, 53 defendants were indicted in June 2016 on federal firearms and drug charges, including defendants who are allegedly leaders, members, and associates of the 18th Street Gang, the East Side Money Gang and the Boylston Street Gang. se gangs operated primarily in the East Boston, Boston, Chelsea, Brockton, Malden, Revere and Everett areas. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement seized cocaine, cocaine base (crack), heroin, fentanyl, and over 70 firearms.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Matthew Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; John Gibbons, U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey; Colonel Richard D. McKeon, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Boston Police Commissioner William Evans; Chelsea Police Chief Brian Kyes; and Brockton Police Chief John Crowley made the announcement today. The U.S. Attorney’s Office also acknowledges the assistance of the Suffolk and Middlesex County Sheriff Departments and the Malden, Revere and Everett Police Departments.
Dubuque Man Sentenced to Six Years’ Imprisonment for Unlawfully Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
A man who was trafficking marijuana while unlawfully possessing a firearm was sentenced today to six years in federal prison.
Hombra Lavail Williams, age 40, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 29, 2017, guilty plea to possessing a firearm as a felon, unlawful drug user, and domestic violence misdemeanant.
At the sentencing hearing, the judge found that Williams’s possession of the .45-caliber handgun facilitated his marijuana trafficking. Williams had numerous previous criminal convictions, including domestic violence abuse, operating a vehicle while intoxicated, and possessing heroin with intent to distribute.
Williams was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Williams was sentenced to 72 months’ imprisonment and a special assessment of $100 was imposed. He must also serve a two-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Williams is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Drew O. Inman and investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-CR-1006-LTS.
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Dubuque Man Convicted of Selling Drugs That Killed One and Injured Two Others Sentenced to over 20 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who distributed heroin and a fentanyl analogue that caused an overdose death and two serious injuries was sentenced today to over 20 years in federal prison.
Antrell Desharron Lewis, age 24, of Chicago, Illinois, received the prison term after a four-day bench trial in February 2017. The Court returned a verdict on April 19, 2017, finding Lewis guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin and furanylfentanyl resulting in death and serious bodily injury, and one count of distributing heroin and furanylfentanyl resulting in death and serious bodily injury.
The evidence at trial showed that Lewis sold heroin to multiple customers in the Dubuque, Iowa, area in 2015 and 2016. His customers knew him as “Lucky” or “Five Star.” In early March 2016, four men from Maquoketa, Iowa, drove to Dubuque to purchase heroin from Lewis. Lewis and another man met with one of the Maquoketa men, and Lewis sold him a substance Lewis represented to be heroin. The Maquoketa men then drove to an apartment in Dubuque, where two of them met with another man and distributed some of the purported heroin to him. The two men who did not enter the apartment simultaneously used and overdosed on the purported heroin while sitting in the car. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and saved their lives using Narcan, an opiate reversal agent. The man inside the apartment used the purported heroin after emergency responders left the area. He was found deceased of a drug overdose approximately 18 hours later.
Drugs seized from the car and from the apartment tested positive for heroin and a substance called furanylfentanyl. Furanylfentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, and is an analogue of fentanyl. Under federal law, drugs that are similar to substances listed in the controlled substance schedules are considered “controlled substance analogues,” and it is illegal to distribute them just as it is to distribute substances such as cocaine, heroin, and marijuana.
Lewis was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by Chief United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Lewis was sentenced to 252 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $200 was imposed. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Lewis is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force consisting of the DEA; the Cedar Rapids Police Department; the Linn County Sheriff's Office; the Marion Police Department; the Iowa City Police Department; and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and was being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham and Special Assistant United States Attorney Drew Inman.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 16-CR-1045-LTS.
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Dallas Woman and Others Sentenced on Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
DALLAS — Nineteen defendants who were convicted on federal felony offenses stemming from their roles in a drug distribution conspiracy have been sentenced, announced John Parker, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas.
Rebecca Grimes, 32, of Dallas, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Barbara M.G. Lynn to 108 months in federal prison. Others were previously sentenced as follows:
Josue Tijerina, aka “J,” 31, of Dallas – 240 months
Joshua Diaz, 28, of Dallas -240 months
Guadalupe Segovia, aka “Sleepy,” 44, of Mesquite – 240 months
Tina Connolly, aka “Tina Connolly,” 56, of Dallas – 240 months
Christina Bruffy, aka “Christine Bruffy,” 48, of Mesquite – 188 monthsEdgar Fallad-Martinez, aka “Edgar Fallas-Martinez,” 29, of Dallas – 168 months
Stephanie Laza, 45, of Mesquite – 135 months
Stephanie Hernandez, aka “Stephanie Kinney,” 28, of Dallas – 120 monthsTiffany Gundermann, 27, of Waco – 87 months
Leo Najera-Padilla, 30, of Dallas – 87 months
Oralia Acosta, aka “Oralia Morris,” 52, of Dallas – 84 months
Shelby Wiggins, 25 of Greenville – 72 months
Michael Ramos, 21, of Mesquite – 72 months
Luan Vo, 41, of Irving – 54 monthsDeborah Uribe, aka “Deberah Uribe,” 46, of Kaufman – 48 months
Carson Baker, 24, of Mesquite – 48 months
Katy Anderson, aka “Kay Scott,” 36, of Garland – 33 months
Earvin Gibson, 46, of Dallas – 24 months“Drug dealers like these bring nothing but misery to the communities they plague,” said U.S. Attorney Parker. “With the help of our law enforcement partners, we will bring them down.”
The investigation into this drug trafficking organization, which operated out of the Pleasant Grove, Seagoville and Balch Springs areas of the DFW metroplex, began in early January 2016. During the investigation, law enforcement has seized more than 6700 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 13.2 kilograms of methamphetamine oil, 62 grams of marijuana, 2.5 grams of heroin, and 20 ml of gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), as well as 12 firearms and $12,379 in cash.
The Department of Public Safety and the Dallas Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Wirmani prosecuted.
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Couple Sentenced for More Than $1 Million in Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Riyad Altallaa, 52, and Muna Alnoubani, 50, both of Hilliard, were each sentenced in U.S. District Court today for conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Altallaa was sentenced to 48 months in prison and Alnoubani was sentenced to 36 months of probation.
The case was charged in 2016 as part of an unprecedented nationwide sweep led by the Medicare Fraud Strike Force in 36 federal districts, resulting in criminal and civil charges against 300 individuals, including 61 doctors, nurses and other medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud schemes involving approximately $900 million in false billings.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Lamont Pugh, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Angela L. Byers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and Ryan L. Korner, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation, announced the sentences handed down today by Chief U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr.
According to court documents, Altallaa and Alnoubani were owners of Columbus Home Health Care Services, LLC. The couple executed a fraud scheme in order to minimize expenses and maximize profits by fabricating aide training records to avoid the time and expense of training and to give the appearance that aides had completed the required training and were prepared to provide home health services to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.
The defendants also had aides and nurses submit blank time sheets and nursing notes that the defendants completed with falsely inflated hours of service.
Finally, they had aides and nurses “split” their shifts on their timesheets and nursing notes to make it appear that services were provided in multiple shifts rather than one shift. Under Medicaid’s reimbursement policy, the initial hour of each shift is reimbursed at a rate that is approximately double the rate of subsequent hours.
The couple used the fraud money to build a luxurious, $1 million home in Hilliard. As part of their plea agreements, they will forfeit that home. Each of the defendants pleaded guilty in June 2016 to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the FBI, HHS-OIG Ohio Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and IRS Criminal Investigation, as well as Assistant United States Attorney Kenneth Affeldt and Special Assistant United States Attorney Maritsa Flaherty, who are representing the United States in this case.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing 30 FirearmsRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A convicted felon was sentenced today to eight years in federal prison for illegally possessing 30 guns that had been stolen from a shipment of firearms at a railyard on the South Side of Chicago.
NATHAN DRIGGERS possessed the guns on April 12, 2015, at his store in the 12700 block of South Halsted Street in Chicago’s West Pullman neighborhood. Driggers had previously been convicted of a felony and was not legally allowed to possess a firearm.
All 30 of the guns were among approximately 111 firearms stolen from a railroad car in Chicago earlier that day. The firearms were aboard a cargo train en route from a Ruger factory in New Hampshire to Spokane, Wash. The train was parked overnight on the South Side of Chicago when thieves broke locks on a train car and walked off with the guns.
A jury in April convicted Driggers, 44, of Richton Park, on one count of illegal possession of a firearm by a felon. U.S. District Judge John J. Tharp Jr. imposed the 96-month sentence in federal court in Chicago.
The sentencing was announced by Joel R. Levin, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Celinez Nunez, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Chicago Police Department and the Norfolk Southern Railroad Police Department provided valuable assistance.
A co-defendant, WARREN GATES of Chicago, was sentenced in January to five years and three months in prison for illegally possessing 24 firearms, 17 of which had been stolen from the train. Gates admitted purchasing the 17 stolen firearms for purposes of reselling them for a profit, and he sold eleven of them prior to his arrest.
To date, law enforcement has recovered 19 of the 111 stolen firearms at various locations and crime scenes in the Chicago area.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher V. Parente and Eric Pruitt.
Convicted Felon Sentenced on Federal Charges for Possession AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Steve Butler of the Southern District of Alabama announces that Senior United States District Court Judge Callie V.S. Granade sentenced Domonic Marshall to 15 months in prison on September 13, 2017. Marshall pled guilty on June 14, 2017 to the charge of Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person, violating 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(1).
Domonic Marshall is prohibited from possessing ammunition by virtue of being convicted of the felony offense of Burglary 3rd Degree in Mobile County Circuit Court, in December of 2011.On July 5, 2016, City of Saraland police officers responded to a domestic violence call at the residence of Domonic Marshall. A pregnant female who said she was fleeing the residence met officers. She told the police officers that Marshall kept a .45 caliber pistol, and a large rifle, inside the residence.
Other officers, who were responding to the domestic violence call, were able to get a description of Marshall and the vehicle he was traveling in. They pursued Marshall, who attempted to flee from them. Marshall was ultimately apprehended and arrested for the domestic violence.
Law enforcement officers interviewed the female victim. She told officers that when Marshall found out she had called the police, he moved the .45 caliber pistol and the rifle out of the residence so he would not be caught with them.
Saraland Police Department obtained a search warrant for the residence of Domonic Marshall to look for the .45 caliber pistol and the rifle. The police executed the search warrant on July 13, 2017. During the search, officers did not find either firearm, but did recover sixteen .22 caliber rounds of ammunition and one 12-gauge shotgun round. They also located, and seized, eighty-five .22 caliber rounds of ammunition in a separate part of Marshall’s residence.
When officers informed Marshall that they had located live ammunition in his residence, Marshall stated that the .22 rounds had been in there forever, and that he had had the ammunition for approximately 4 years. Marshall also admitted being a convicted felon.Senior United States District Court Judge Callie V.S. Granade also sentenced Marshall to serve three years of supervised release at the conclusion of his prison sentence.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Mobile, Alabama Field Office, and Saraland Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Baugh prosecuted the case for the Southern District of Alabama.
Concord Woman Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Distribution ChargesRead the Press Release
CONCORD, N.H. - Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced that Felicia Jordan, 27, of Concord, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to statements in court and court documents, in March 2016, law enforcement officers conducted several controlled drug purchases from Jordan at locations around Concord, including at her residence. In May 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Jordan’s residence, seizing 98 grams of fentanyl.
The defendant’s plea agreement includes a binding stipulated sentence of 70 months’ imprisonment. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 19, 2017.
“The United States Attorney’s Office works each day with our law enforcement partners to stop the distribution of fentanyl,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Farley. “I commend the hard work of the Concord Police Department and its officers’ ongoing efforts to identify those who are responsible for distributing this deadly drug. Fentanyl is causing grave damage in our community, but cases such as this are making a difference by getting this drug off the streets and saving lives.”
The investigation was conducted by the Concord Police Department, and the case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Shane B. Kelbley and Georgiana L. Konesky.
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Cleveland man with carfentanil, heroin, crack cocaine and a gun indictedRead the Press Release
A Cleveland man was indicted on drug and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said.
Alonzo Hill, 52, was indicted on one count each of being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute heroin and carfentanil, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Hill had three grams of heroin and carfentanil, six grams of crack cocaine, a Glock .45-caliber pistol and ammunition on June 27, 2017, despite convictions for attempted robbery and assault on a police officer, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ranya Elzein following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Cleveland Division of Police.
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.
Cleveland man indicted on heroin and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
A Cleveland man was indicted on heroin and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said.
Brandon Parker, 31, was indicted on two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and two counts of possession with intent to distribute heroin.
Parker had more than four grams of heroin on July 15, 2017, and a Harrington & Richardson 20-gauge shotgun, a .357-caliber revolver and ammunition, despite prior convictions for drug trafficking and having a weapon under disability. He also had a Ruger .38-caliber pistol and ammunition on Nov. 29, 2016, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ranya Elzein following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Cleveland Division of Police.
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.
Cleveland man indicted for selling furanyl fentanyl that resulted in fatal overdoseRead the Press Release
A Cleveland man was indicted for selling furanyl fentanyl that resulted in the fatal overdose of a Cleveland man last year, law enforcement officials said.
Derek Hamilton, 24, was charged in a 10-count indictment with distribution of furanyl fentanyl that resulted in a death, distribution of furanyl fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, firearms offenses and other crimes.
Hamilton sold furanyl fentanyl on Aug. 2, 2016, that resulted in the overdose death of a Cleveland man one day later, according to the indictment.
Hamilton possessed heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and a mix of cocaine and fentanyl on Aug. 9, 2017.
“Opioids have caused a staggering amount of pain and death across our state, particularly in Cuyahoga County,” said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman. “We will continue to seek long prison sentences for people who sell heroin and profit off this epidemic.”
“Arresting drug dealers will not ease the pain of those left behind in the wake of a fatal overdose, but it does send a clear message that those dealers will face consequences for their illegal and deadly activities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Timothy Plancon. “DEA’s top priority is to work with our partners in law enforcement and stop the trafficking of heroin and other opioids in our communities.”
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marisa T. Darden and Justin Seabury Gould following an investigation by the DEA and Cleveland Division of Police.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
An 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.
Chicago Man Sentenced to Federal Charges in Connection with Plaza Frontenac RobberyRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Dejuan Wingard, 22, of Chicago, Illinois was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment for his role in a “smash and grab” theft of Chanel handbags at the Saks Fifth Avenue in Plaza Frontenac on November 26, 2016. Wingard is the seventh of thirteen individuals to have pleaded guilty in connection with the offense.
In addition to the November 26th theft, Wingard acknowledged participating in a similar theft at the same Saks Fifth Avenue on August 2, 2016.
After his prison sentence, Wingard was ordered to serve three years supervised release and pay more than $200,000 in restitution to the store. Wingard appeared before Judge Audrey G. Fleissig in U.S. District Court in St. Louis this afternoon.
The case was investigated by the St. Louis FBI and the Frontenac Police Department.
Cape Girardeau Resident Charged with Southern Illinois Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
Carlos L. Hemphill, a/k/a "Los," 34, of Cape Girardeau, was indicted on September 6, 2017, in a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois Donald S. Boyce announced today.
The indictment alleges that the offense occurred between November 2016, and August 2017, in Williamson and Jackson Counties. Hemphill made his initial appearance in federal court on September 11, 2017. At his September 14, 2017, detention hearing, Hemphill was ordered held without bond pending a November 13, 2017, jury trial.
The methamphetamine offense carries a maximum penalty of 5-40 years’ imprisonment, to be followed by 4 years’ supervised release, and a $5,000,000 fine.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group. The SEMO Drug Task Force, Herrin Police Department, Carbondale Police Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration also assisted in the investigation.
Canadian man indicted for sexual exploitation of a minorRead the Press Release
A Canadian man indicted on one count of sexual exploitation of a minor, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and Steve Francis, Special Agent in Charge of HSI’s Detroit Office.
Joseph B. Haggerty, 49, of New Brunswick, is accused of coercing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of that conduct. This took place between May 14 and July 15, 2017, according to the indictment.
Haggerty was arrested last month at a park in Rocky River. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents in Austin, Texas, received a tip that Haggerty had been soliciting nude images from children. Haggerty was scheduled to fly to Cleveland from Toronto on Thursday. HSI agents in Cleveland followed him upon his arrival in Ohio to Linden Park in Rocky River, where he met a minor female, according to a court documents.
The minor he met in Rocky River told agents she met Haggerty on Kik in December 2016 and they subsequently communicated via Skype. She said the calls would last hours and Haggerty would direct her to strip naked and engage in sexually explicit conduct, according to the affidavit.
The girl told her relatives she was going on a camping trip for the weekend but actually planned to go a hotel with Haggerty, according to the affidavit.
HSI agents contacted the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s Internet Child Exploitation Unit, which executed search warrants at Haggerty’s home. They found nude images of the Ohio minor, contact information for the child in Texas, as well as evidence of an estimated five other potential victims.
The investigation is ongoing.
“This defendant preyed upon children,” Herdman said. “This case is another stark reminder to parents that they need to know who their children are communicating with on social media and in real life.”
“Through our partnerships with state, local, federal and international law enforcement agencies, HSI will continue to vigorously investigate child exploitation cases like this one to ensure that special agents continue to serve as a powerful barrier between predators and children," said Steve Francis, Special Agent in Charge of HSI’s Detroit Office, which includes Ohio.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
This case was investigated by HSI’s Cleveland and Austin offices, the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Rocky River Police Department and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Sullivan.
An indictment is a charge is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Canadian Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine ChargeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.-Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy announced today that John Lambert, 65, of Canada, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 500 grams or more of cocaine before Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. the charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a fine of $5,000,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Astorga, who is handling the case, stated that in 2013, co-defendant Harvey Peake recruited Lambert to assist in the transporting of illegal narcotics for distribution. On October 3, 2016, Peake and Lambert traveled to the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino in downtown Buffalo to hand off 10 kilograms of cocaine. The two men met briefly with a third individual in the casino and then walked towards the parking garage where Peake’s vehicle was parked. Lambert got into the driver’s seat and tapped the brake lights to signal their location to the third individual. Peake then opened the trunk of and removed a suitcase. The third individual pulled up next to the vehicle and Peake attempted to give the suitcase to the individual. Peake and Lambert were then arrested. Law enforcement officers seized the suitcase, which contained approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine.
Charges are pending against Harvey Peake. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division.Sentencing is scheduled for December 14, 2017 before Judge Geraci.
Brazilian National Sentenced for Illegal Reentry After DeportationRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Brazilian national charged with an immigration crime pleaded guilty and was sentenced today in federal court in Boston.
Daybson Pereira, 34, a Brazilian national residing in Boston, pleaded guilty to one count of illegal reentry of a deported alien. Upon acceptance of his plea, U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya Zobel sentenced Pereira to time served and one year of supervised release. Pereira will be placed into removal proceedings and deported to Brazil.
Pereira was previously deported in March 2009 after being found unlawfully present in the United States. In May 2017, federal agents determined Pereira to be again in the country illegally while he was awaiting trial at Essex County House of Corrections on multiple counts of witness intimidation and restraining order violations.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Matthew J. Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Weinreb’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Bardstown, Kentucky, Resident Sentenced to 120 Months in Prison for Violating Federal Drug Trafficking LawsRead the Press Release
LOUISVILLE, KY – A Nelson County, Kentucky, man was sentenced in United States District Court this week by District Judge David J. Hale, to 10 years in prison followed by a five year period of supervised release for violating federal drug trafficking laws, announced United States Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records, Timothy Lee Yonts, 47, of Bardstown, knowingly conspired with other persons between May and September of 2016, to intentionally possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
On September 22, 2016, the Greater Hardin County Narcotics Task Force (GHCNTF) executed a search warrant at Yonts’ residence in Bardstown. The search resulted in the seizure of drug trafficking evidence, including approximately 10 ounces of crystal methamphetamine, one pound of marijuana, cash, and drug paraphernalia. Also recovered at the time, was a home security system with digital footage of numerous drug transactions and drug usage with the last three months of the date of the search.
Assistant United States Attorney Mac Shannon prosecuted this case. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and GHCNTF investigated.
Alleged Marijuana Growers in Siskiyou County Indicted for Conspiring to Bribe SheriffRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment today against Chi Meng Yang, 31, of Montague, and his sister Gaosheng Laitinen, 36, of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, charging them with conspiring to commit bribery, bribery of a public official, conspiracy to manufacture marijuana, and manufacturing marijuana, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
Yang and Laitinen will be arraigned on the indictment on Friday, September 15, 2017, in Sacramento at 2:00 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Deborah Barnes. Future court dates will be set at that hearing.
According to court documents, on May 17, 2017, Yang met with Siskiyou County Sheriff Jon Lopey in Yreka. During the meeting, Yang offered $1 million to the Sheriff in exchange for his assistance with an interstate marijuana distribution business that Yang and others were in the process of organizing in Siskiyou County. Immediately after the meeting, the Sheriff reported it to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Federal agents asked the Sheriff to continue meeting with Yang.
The subsequent meetings were audio and video recorded by the FBI and Laitinen attended some of those meetings. Because Yang’s offer of $1 million depended on Yang securing and profiting from certain out-of-state marijuana licenses, Yang and Laitinen promised to pay the Sheriff a total of $80,000 if he would exempt eight properties from the Siskiyou County ban against outdoor marijuana grows. Yang and Laitinen gave the Sheriff several initial payments, totaling $10,500 in cash. These funds were immediately seized by the FBI as evidence.
This case is a product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Forest Service (USFS), North State Marijuana Investigations Team (NSMIT), Tehama Inter-agency Drug Enforcement (TIDE), Shasta Inter-agency Narcotics Task Force (SINTF), Siskiyou Unified Major Investigations Team (SUMIT), and California Highway Patrol (CHP). Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael M. Beckwith is prosecuting the case.
If convicted of the charges in the indictment, Yang and Laitinen face the following maximum penalties: (1) five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the conspiracy charge; (2) 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the bribery charge; and (3) a minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine for each of the drug charges. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
The charges against Yang and Laitinen are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Albuquerque Man Sentenced for Aiding and Abetting Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Christian Herrera 21, of Albuquerque, N.M., was sentenced this morning in federal court to 37 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release for aiding and abetting the armed robbery of an Albuquerque-area bank.
Herrera was arrested in March 2016, on a criminal complaint charging him and four co-defendants, Greg Miera, 51, Martin Huertta, 43, Christian Herrera, 21, Christopher Gallegos, 33, and Isaiah Gallegos, 22, all of Albuquerque, with robbing the US Bank branch located at 5620 Wyoming Blvd. NE in Albuquerque, on March 30, 2016. According to the complaint, Albuquerque Police Department (APD) officers conducted surveillance as a vehicle with four men pulled up to the US Bank on the afternoon of March 30, 2016. Three of the men remained in the vehicle while the fourth entered the bank, threatened to shoot the bank employees, and demanded that two bank tellers place cash into a plastic bag.
Herrera, Huertta, Miera, Christopher Gallegos and Isaiah Gallegos were indicted on April 27, 2016, and were charged with bank robbery.
On Feb. 24, 2017, Herrera entered a guilty plea to the indictment. In entering the guilty plea, Herrera admitted aiding and abetting the armed robbery of the U.S. Bank branch on March 30, 2016, by acting as a lookout during the robbery.
Herrera’s four co-defendants have all entered guilty pleas and have been sentenced. Huertta pled guilty on Sept. 9, 2016 and was sentenced on March 14, 2017 to 108 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Miera pled guilty on Oct. 11, 2016, and was sentenced on June 8, 2017, to 78 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Isaiah Gallegos entered a guilty plea on April 25, 2017, and was sentenced on Aug. 15, 2017, to 37 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Christopher Gallegos pled guilty on Feb. 13, 2017, and was sentenced on Aug. 29, 2017, to 57 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the FBI and the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Letitia C. Simms prosecuted the case.
Albion Man Pleads Guilty to Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Christopher Ridder, 46, of Albion, NY, pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography, before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Lamarque, who is handling the case, stated that in January 2017, the defendant was found in possession of over 600 images of child pornography, some depicting prepubescent minors and some depicting sadistic or masochistic conduct.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Adam S. Cohen and the Medina Police Department, under the direction of Chief Chad Kenward.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 8, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Vilardo.
Administrative manager made over $35,000 in personal charges on Covington Housing Authority credit cardRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – Erica D. Morris has been charged with making more than $35,000 in personal purchases on a merchant credit card that the Covington Housing Authority issued her for work-related purchases.
“Morris abused her position with Covington Housing Authority by ringing up more than $35,000 in personal charges,” said U.S. Attorney John A. Horn. “In effect, Morris diverted money earmarked for the low-income families for which the Covington Housing Authority provides housing into her own pocket.”
“The actions taken today should serve as a strong notice of our continuing commitment to root out all forms of fraud, especially as it relates to federal housing resources directed to assist less fortunate American families,” said Nadine E. Gurley, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General. “We remain steadfast in working with the U.S. Department of Justice to pursue any unscrupulous individuals that may seek to use their position in order to gain an illegal personal benefit.”
According to U.S. Attorney Horn, the charges, and other information presented in court: The Covington Housing Authority (“CHA”) was established in 1965 and, according to its website, seeks to “provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing, in good repair, to low-income families at an affordable rent.”
From January 2006 to September 30, 2016, Morris worked for the CHA, ultimately serving as its Administrative Manager. In that position, Morris managed CHA’s accounting, bookkeeping, human resources, payroll accounts, payable and receivable accounts, service contracts, and maintained the office’s business records. As the Administrative Manager, the CHA issued Morris a merchant credit card to make work-related purchases.
From approximately June 2015 to May 2016, Morris made more than 60 unauthorized personal purchases on her merchant credit card, including buying thousands of dollars’ worth of Visa gift cards. In addition, Morris used her access to the CHA’s telephone account to purchase an iPhone 6 cellular telephone for a family member. Subsequently, Morris used the Visa gift cards to pay various personal living expenses, including paying her husband’s child support costs. In total, Morris unlawfully charged more than $35,000 to her CHA merchant credit card.
Erica D. Morris, 34, of Covington, Georgia, has been charged in a criminal information with one count of Federal Program Theft. Morris is expected to plead guilty to the charge shortly after arraignment.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development - Office of the Inspector General is investigating this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey W. Davis is prosecuting the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Additional Charges Filed Against Jefferson City Man Who Shot at Police OfficersRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Tom Larson, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Jefferson City, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today after he shot at police officers who were executing a search warrant at his residence.
Ardaris Webb Cheatham, 33, of Jefferson City, was charged in a four-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Jefferson City. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Cheatham on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017, and contains additional charges.
Today’s indictment charges Cheatham with one count of possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute, one count of discharging a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime and one count of assaulting a federal law enforcement task force officer. The indictment also contains the original charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. All of the charges relate to an incident that occurred on Monday, Sept. 11, 2017.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, the Jefferson City Police Department SWAT Team executed a search warrant for narcotics at Cheatham’s residence at approximately 12:35 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2017. When officers entered the residence, the affidavit says, Cheatham fired a Beretta .40-caliber pistol at the officers as he retreated into the residence. Cheatham attempted to escape by exiting the basement, but was apprehended by other officers who were stationed outside.
Officers found approximately 27 pounds of marijuana hidden in various locations within
Cheatham’s residence. A methamphetamine pipe with residue was also found in a bedroom.A witness later told investigators that she purchased the firearm two years ago. She said Cheatham had fired the gun in the past, and sometimes handled the firearm in the residence.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Cheatham has a prior felony conviction for possession of a controlled substance.
Larson cautioned that the charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt.
This case is being prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. Oliver. It was investigated by the Jefferson City, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Acting U.S. Attorney Establishes Southern District of Florida Disaster Fraud Task Force and Urges Residents and Visitors to Report Suspected FraudRead the Press Release
Miami, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Benjamin G. Greenberg has established a Disaster Fraud Task Force within the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida (SDFL) to help combat fraud schemes that develop following Hurricane Irma. The U.S. Attorney’s Office protects and serves the residents and visitors of Miami-Dade, Broward, Monroe, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Okeechobee and Highlands counties by enforcing federal laws. Acting U.S. Attorney Greenberg urges all Florida residents and businesses to immediately report suspected fraudulent activity related to recovery and cleanup operations, fraudulent charities that falsely claim to provide relief for victims, and individuals submitting false claims for disaster relief.
The newly created Task Force will be staffed by experienced prosecutors throughout the SDFL and will work closely with our federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners to protect the benefits destined for citizens who are victims of this disaster.
The Task Force will also work closely with the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF), which was established to investigate, prosecute, and deter fraud in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, when billions of dollars in federal disaster relief poured into the Gulf Coast region. The NCDF mission has expanded to include suspected fraud from any natural or manmade disaster. More than 30 federal, state, and local agencies have partnered with NCDF, which allows the center to act as a centralized clearinghouse of information related to disaster relief fraud.
“As our South Florida community recovers from Hurricane Irma, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida and our law enforcement partners stand ready to investigate and prosecute in federal court anyone who seeks to re-victimize, defraud or exploit the individuals and businesses in need,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Benjamin G. Greenberg. “Our united enforcement front will work hard to combat criminal activity, including fraud schemes associated with the hurricane’s devastation. Our mission is to ensure that federal, state and local programs, as well as reputable public and charitable assistance initiatives reach those struck by the impact of our recent natural disaster and are not fraudulently diverted to the criminals’ pockets.”
The public is reminded to be extremely cautious before providing personal identifying information or account data to anyone, especially those who may contact you. Residents should also remember to perform due diligence before giving contributions to anyone soliciting donations or individuals offering to provide assistance to those affected by the hurricane.
Members of the public who suspect fraud, waste, abuse, or allegations of mismanagement involving disaster relief operations, or believe they have been the victim of fraud from a person or organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of disaster victims, should contact the National Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline toll free at (866) 720-5721. The telephone line is staffed by a live operator 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also fax information to the Center at (225) 334-4707, or email it to [email protected].
For more information regarding the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, the Disaster Fraud Task Force and NCDF, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl.
13 September 2017
Worcester Man Sentenced for Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Worcester man who was residing in New York was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester for failing to register as a sex offender.
George Moriarty, 55, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 21 months in prison and five years of supervised release. In May 2017, Moriarty pleaded guilty to one count of failing to register as a sex offender.
In October 1994, Moriarty was convicted of indecent assault and battery on a child under the age of 14. The Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board classified Moriarty as a Level 2 sex offender. Sometime after April 2013, Moriarty moved to New York without notifying authorities of his change in residency, as required by law. In November 2016, Moriarty was arrested in New York on state charges for failing to register as a sex offender. New York authorities then reached out to federal law enforcement in Massachusetts, resulting in Moriarty’s indictment in federal court in Boston and subsequent return to Massachusetts.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and John Gibbons, United States Marshal for the District of Massachusetts, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Weinreb’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
Union Financial Secretary Charged with Embezzling FundsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A resident of Washington County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of embezzlement and theft of labor union assets, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
The one-count indictment, returned yesterday, named Marianne Rodacy, 64, of Charleroi, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.
Rodacy was the Financial/Recording Secretary of United Steelworkers, AFL-CIO, Local 10-53-G. According to the indictment, from October 1, 2012 to June 24, 2015, Rodacy embezzled approximately $21,539 of union funds for her personal use.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will depend upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards, conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Marianne Rodacy.
Union County’s Judge/Executive Charged with Scheming to Defraud the Citizens of Union County of Their Right to Honest ServicesRead the Press Release
Joseph “Jody” Jenkins allegedly used his elected office to take kick-backs for arranging purchases with taxpayer funds
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The current Union County Judge/Executive was charged today by grand jury indictment with scheming to defraud the citizens of Union County of their right to honest services announced United States Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr.
Joseph L. Jenkins a/k/a Jody Jenkins, 44 of Union County, Kentucky, is charged with secretly using his official position to enrich himself by soliciting and accepting gifts, payments, and other things of value from J.H., a person known to the grand jury, in exchange for favorable official action, and for J.H. to enrich himself by secretly obtaining favorable official action for himself and his clients through corrupt means.
According to the indictment, between March and July of 2014, Jenkins, in his official position as Union County Judge/Executive, solicited and accepted cash payments of approximately $20,000 from J.H., and in return, Jenkins provided favorable official action on behalf of J.H., including arranging for the purchase of various items of heavy equipment, at below market value, to be paid for by the Union County Fiscal Court, using taxpayer funds.
Further, Jenkins allegedly took steps to hide, conceal, and cover up his activity and the nature and scope of his dealings with J.H., including directing that false and fraudulent invoices, in amounts under $20,000, be submitted by J.H. for payment by the Union County Fiscal Court for the purchase of the equipment.
If convicted at trial, Jenkins could be sentenced to no less than 20 years in prison for each count, fined $1,000,000 and serve a three-year period of supervised release.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Marisa Ford and is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) with assistance from the Evansville, Indiana, Police Department.
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The indictment of a person by a Grand Jury is an accusation only and that person is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty