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10 August 2017
Tyler County man indicted on meth distribution and illegal firearm chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Middlebourne, West Virginia man was indicted by a federal grand jury on drug distribution charges, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.
William “Jack” Parr, age 51, was indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine,” two counts of “Distribution of methamphetamine,” and one count of “Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.”
The crimes are alleged to have taken place from 2015 to August 2017 in Tyler County, West Virginia.Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr., is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office are investigating.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two St. Francis Men Indicted on Assault ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that two St. Francis, South Dakota, men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault With a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.
George Scott, age 32, and Kyle Swift Hawk, age 24, were indicted on July 11, 2017. Scott appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on July 20, 2017, and Swift Hawk appeared on August 9, 2017. Both pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about June 12, 2017, Scott and Swift Hawk assaulted an individual with shod feet and a knife with the intent to do bodily harm, and that the assault resulted in serious bodily injury.
The charges are merely accusations and Scott and Swift Hawk are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Scott and Swift Hawk were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial, which has been set for September 19, 2017.
Two Ohio men admit to deriving unlawful profits from federal grantsRead the Press Release
HEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Steubenville, Ohio men pled guilty today in federal court for their roles in manipulating business development programs facilitated by the United States Small Business Administration and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to derive unlawful profits of approximately twenty-four million dollars, Criminal Chief Assistant United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Michael J. Marshall, 66, and Brandt Stover, 63, each pled guilty to one count of “Attempt and Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud.” Marshall and Stover admitted to being involved in a scheme to defraud the United States Government where they violated regulations to enter in to and remain in programs for disadvantaged individuals and disabled veterans. They were awarded disadvantaged contracts worth more than $140,000,000 from February 2003 to October 2014.
The Small Business Administration operates programs to assist socially or economically disadvantaged business operators, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs assists disabled veterans in competing for government contracts. The businesses must be unconditionally owned and controlled by the qualifying individuals in order to comply with federal law.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert H. McWilliams, Jr., and Andrew Cogar prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government. The U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided.
Two More Members of ATM Skimming Conspiracy Targeting Multiple New Jersey Bank Locations Plead GuiltyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Two members of a scheme that used secret card-reading devices and pinhole cameras on PNC and Bank of America ATMs to steal at least $428,581 pleaded guilty today in Newark federal court, Acting U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick announced.
Florin Mares, 49, and his brother, Gabriel Mares, 44, both of College Point, New York, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas to separate informations charging them each with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Florin Mares, Gabriel Mares, and others sought to defraud financial institutions and their customers by illegally obtaining customer account information, including account numbers and personal identification numbers. Florin Mares and Gabriel Mares both admitted that between March 2015 and July 2016, they made unauthorized cash withdrawals using the counterfeit ATM cards.
The conspiracy to commit bank fraud charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Sentencing for both defendents is set for Nov. 20, 2017.
Joel Abel Garcia, Victor A. Hanganu, Radu Bogdan Marin, Marcel Peckham, Catalin Mihai Dragomir, Eduard Vasilica Ticu, Silvester Florentin Papp, Stefan Dumitru, and Florian Calin Crainic also pleaded guilty to their roles in the scheme. To date, 11 of the 13 defendants charged in this matter have been convicted.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) Newark Division, under the direction Acting Special Agent in Charge Debra Parker, along with the U.S. Secret Service’s Boston Field Office; Longmeadow, Massachusetts, Police Department; Cambridge, Massachusetts, Police Department; and Medford, Massachusetts, Police Department investigated the case with assistance from Bank of America Security and Fraud Section and PNC Bank Security Division. The Middlesex County, Massachusetts, District Attorney’s Office; U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of New York and U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of Massachusetts Springfield Division assisted in the investigation and prosecution.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Graves of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark and Trial Attorney Marianne Shelvey of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division Organized Crime and Gang Section.
Defense counsel:
Florin Mares: David Glazer Esq., Livingston, New Jersey
Gabriel Mares: Laurie Fierro Esq., Kinnelon, New Jersey
Two Men Convicted of Sex Trafficking 15-Year Old GirlRead the Press Release
Two men from Triangle, Virginia, have been convicted of multiple sex trafficking and child exploitation offenses.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente of the Eastern District of Virginia and Assistant Director in Charge Andrew W. Vale of the FBI’s Washington Field Office (WFO) made the announcement.
Christian Don’Tae Hood, 25, was convicted by a federal jury today before the Honorable Anthony J. Trenga following a three-day trial. Co-defendant Abdul Bangura, 20, pleaded guilty on the first day of trial on Tuesday.
According to the evidence presented at trial and other court documents, Hood and Bangura met the minor victim while she was living with her aunt at the Econolodge in Dumfries, Virginia. The defendants, working together, recruited the minor into their prostitution scheme and began to advertise her on Backpage.com. The minor victim was transported to multiple motels throughout Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Maryland for commercial sex acts. After customers paid money to sexually exploit the minor victim, the defendants collected a portion of the money. Defendant Bangura also produced a video of child pornography involving the minor victim.
The FBI WFO's Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, Prince William County Police and Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen Cain of the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Kyle Reynolds of the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
Two Men Charged with Growing Marijuana in Stanislaus National ForestRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment today against Fresno residents Alfonso Arreguin Alvarado, 20, and Victor Barragan Gonzalez, 33, charging them with cultivating marijuana and conspiring to cultivate marijuana, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, the clandestine marijuana grow in the Stanislaus National Forest was seen by the air in June 2017. When law enforcement officers entered the grow site on August 1, 2017, the defendants were found processing harvested marijuana. The officers eradicated over 3,000 marijuana plants in two connected plots.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Forest Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laurel J. Montoya is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, both defendants face a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, with a maximum of up to life in prison, and a $10 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Twelve Charged in Takedown of Capital Region Drug Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Twelve people have been charged for their involvement in a drug trafficking ring that operated in Schenectady and Albany.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Vadim D. Thomas, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The charges are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The following defendants are charged in a cocaine and crack cocaine distribution conspiracy:
Name
Age
Residence
Minimum and Maximum Penalties
Darren Clay Robinson, aka “Mountain”
53
Schenectady and Teaneck, New Jersey
10 years (min.); life (max.)
Jose Gilberto Harris
57
Manhattan
5 years (min.); 40 years (max.)
Lashaunda Tarver
38
Schenectady
5 years (min.); 40 years (max.)
Yusef Boothman, aka “Rocket”
38
Schenectady
5 years (min.); 40 years (max.)
Bobby R. Graham
50
Albany
20 years (max.)
Shenika D. Boyd, aka “Misses”
37
Albany
30 years (max.)
Marty Humphrey
65
Schenectady
30 years (max.)
Jalessa Scott
26
Schenectady
20 years (max.)
Willie C. Hayes, aka “Man”
45
Schenectady
20 years (max.)
Kimberly Petties, aka “Shorty”
48
Schenectady
30 years (max.)
Manuel Clemente
61
Manhattan
20 years (max.)
Additionally, Robinson and Corey White, Jr., aka “Stacks,” age 34, of Schenectady, are charged by separate indictment with conspiring to distribute heroin, and possession of heroin, for which each faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted.
A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and its Capital District Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which includes FBI Special Agents and members of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, including the Schenectady Police Department, Schenectady County District Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Albany County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, and the New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.
Tribal District Vice-Chair Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Embezzlement ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Lacreek District Vice-Chair has pleaded guilty in federal court to Embezzlement and Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization.
Charles Leo Cummings, 57, of Martin, South Dakota, entered his guilty plea on August 4, 2017, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann.
The maximum term of imprisonment upon conviction is up to 1 year and/or a $100,000 fine, a period of 1 year of supervised release, and a special assessment of $25 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution will also be ordered.
According to his plea agreement, between December 28, 2015, and January 18, 2016, Cummings did willfully and knowingly embezzle, steal, misapply, and convert to his own use monies, funds, credits, goods, assets, and other property belonging to the Oglala Sioux Tribe. Cummings pleaded guilty to a federal misdemeanor and has agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $2,500.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Interior, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting the case.
The case was brought pursuant to The Guardians Project, a federal law enforcement initiative to coordinate efforts between participating agencies, to promote citizen disclosure of public corruption, fraud, and embezzlement involving federal program funds, contracts, and grants, and to hold accountable those who are responsible for adversely affecting those living in South Dakota’s Indian country communities. The Guardians Project is another step of federal law enforcement’s on-going efforts to increase engagement, coordination, and positive action on behalf of tribal communities. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the participating agencies include: Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Offices of Inspector General for the Departments of Interior, Health and Human Services, Social Security Administration, Agriculture, Transportation, Education, Justice, and Housing and Urban Development; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division; U.S. Postal Inspector Service; U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General.
For additional information about The Guardians Project, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (605)330-4400. To report a suspected crime, please contact law enforcement at the federal agency’s locally listed telephone number.
Three Gadsden Men Arrested for Heroin, Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
GADSDEN – Three Gadsden men were arrested today on federal charges of distributing heroin or fentanyl, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Robert O. Posey and FBI Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp.
A federal grand jury in July returned separate indictments charging each man with multiple counts of distributing the opioid drugs. A four-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges MICHAEL ANTONIO FIKES, 29, with three counts of unlawfully distributing fentanyl and one count of unlawfully distributing heroin in January 2017. The indictment against DEQUAVIOUS MARKELL JONES, 26, charges him with three counts of unlawfully distributing heroin in March and April 2016. The indictment against DEVON SHONDALE RUSSELL, 29, charges him with three counts of unlawfully distributing heroin in September 2016.
“Heroin and opioid use in the Northern District of Alabama has reached epidemic proportions and the results from abusing these drugs are devastating and often deadly,” Posey said. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners are committed to prosecuting those who put these highly addictive substances on our streets and into the hands of addicts and abusers,” he said.
“The availability of heroin and other deadly drugs are a threat to our communities and today's arrests are only the beginning,” Sharp said. “I want the citizens of north Alabama to know that the FBI and our partners on the North Alabama Safe Streets Task Force will continue to bring those who poison our communities with illegal drugs to the bar of justice."
“The opioid crisis is an epidemic that is daily taking lives in Etowah County,” said Etowah County Sheriff Todd Entrekin. “We are committed to the aggressive enforcement of state laws in an effort to keep dangerous drugs off the street. I appreciate the cooperation between multiple agencies to find those responsible for heroin distribution, which is so quickly endangering our communities.”
The maximum penalty for the distribution of a mixture and substance containing detectable amounts of heroin and fentanyl is 10 years in prison and $1 million fine for each count.
The FBI and North Alabama Safe Streets Task Force investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura D. Hodge is prosecuting.
An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Three Erie Men and a Car Dealership Charged in Scheme to Defraud Auto Loan ProvidersRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A business located in Erie, Pennsylvania and three residents of Erie County, Pennsylvania, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
The thirteen-count superseding indictment named Rick Weaver Buick GMC, Inc., of Erie, Pennsylvania; Adam James Weaver, 41, of Fairview, Pennsylvania; Douglas Alan Grooms, 46, of Edinboro, Pennsylvania; and Adam Brayton Coover, 35, of Erie, Pennsylvania, as defendants.
According to the superseding indictment presented to the court, from in and around May 2015, to in and around March 2016, Coover, Grooms and Weaver engaged in a scheme to defraud auto loans providers by utilizing two straw purchasers to buy vehicles in their own names from Rick Weaver Buick GMC. The vehicles would then actually remain in Coover’s possession. The three facilitated the scheme by falsifying the loan applications to make the straw purchasers appear more credit worthy and by not revealing that the straw purchasers were buying multiple vehicles at the same time. The value of many of the vehicles was also inflated to increase the funds received by the co-conspirators.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 340 years in prison, a fine of $8,500,000, or both for each defendant. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Erie Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Tallassee Woman Faces Federal Charges for Defrauding Online ShoppersRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama- On Tuesday, August 8, 2017, 42 year old Tanya Lee English (a/k/a Tonya Roberts), from Tallassee, Alabama, was arrested on federal charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, announced A. Clark Morris, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama.
According to court documents, it is alleged that English orchestrated a scheme to defraud numerous individuals and businesses using the popular online marketplaces Craigslist and eBay. She carried out the scheme by posting ads on those two websites that listed high-end baby strollers such as “Uppababy Vista” and “Bugaboo Donkey” for sale at prices far below their retail value. English would include her contact information and a brief description of the items, but unknown to the buyers, she did not actually have the strollers to sell.
Buyers were required to pay for the strollers using PayPal accounts that were either created in her name, or accounts she created using the stolen identities of unsuspecting individuals. After a buyer deposited money into one of English’s PayPal accounts for the purchase of a stroller, nothing was shipped and she would have no further contact with the buyer. According to the indictment, payments received by English from her victims ranged from $300 - $725. PayPal would eventually refund the purchaser’s money because they were the victim of a fraudulent transaction. It is further alleged that English used the money deposited in the accounts she controlled by transferring the funds onto prepaid credit cards and then making ATM withdrawals or purchasing other merchandise.
The charges alleged are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
If found guilty, the defendant faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud and a minimum of 2 years for each of the two aggravated identity theft counts. She will also be subject to a fine of up to $250,000 and the payment of restitution to the victims.
The United States Postal Inspection Service, the Tallassee Police Department, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) investigated this case, with assistance from PayPal’s Global Asset Protection Team investigators. Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise O. Simpson is prosecuting this case.
Syracuse Woman Sentenced for Sexually Exploiting 10-Year-Old ChildRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - Kerry Smith, 42, of Syracuse was sentenced today following her earlier plea of guilty to sexual exploitation of a child, announced Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and FBI Special Agent in Charge Vadim Thomas.
Chief U.S. District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby sentenced Smith to serve 180 months (15 years) in federal prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. Smith will also be required to register as a sex offender.
In her earlier guilty plea, Smith admitted that in 2014 she engaged in sexually explicit conduct with a 10-year-old child, produced images of the abuse, and distributed the images to an individual known to her by using a texting application on her cellular telephone. Smith was arrested for this activity in April of 2016 when the images were recovered from a computer belonging to that individual, Jason Kopp, who told police he had received them from a woman he knew as “Kerry.” Kopp is currently serving a 235-year sentence for the exploitation of other children.
Smith’s case was investigated by the Albany Division of the FBI - Syracuse Resident Agency, and the New York State Police, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa Fletcher, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator for the Northern District of New York.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Suspected Guadalajara Drug Kingpin Indicted in San Diego; U.S. Assets are Frozen by U.S. Treasury DepartmentRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Josh Jones (619) 546-9744
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – August 9, 2017
SAN DIEGO – A federal grand jury has indicted Raul Flores Hernandez, the suspected leader of a Guadalajara-based drug trafficking organization, for moving large quantities of cocaine from South America to Mexico for distribution and further transportation into the United States.
In a related move, the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today designated Flores Hernandez, plus 21 of his alleged criminal associates and 42 businesses and other entities affiliated with the trafficking organization as Significant Foreign Narcotics traffickers under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act. As a result of today’s action, all assets of the individuals and entities designated that are under U.S. jurisdiction or are in the control of U.S. persons are frozen.
The Flores Hernandez indictment, returned by a grand jury sitting in the Southern District of California on March 17, 2017, and unsealed July 20, 2017, resulted from an extensive investigation into the Flores organization conducted jointly by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in San Diego, Homeland Security Investigations in San Diego and the DEA country office in Guadalajara, Mexico.
In support of the Kingpin Act designation of Flores Hernandez, which was the result of its own concurrent investigation into the trafficking organization, OFAC has said that Flores Hernandez “has trafficked significant quantities of drugs, primarily cocaine, to the United States and has been engaged in these activities since the late 1970s.” OFAC emphasized Flores Hernandez’s cooperative relationship with the Sinaloa Cartel and the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion, which has led to Flores Hernandez amassing “great wealth, which he has invested into an extensive network of businesses and real estate located primarily in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.”
This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.
DEFENDANT Case Number 17CR680-JAH
Raul Flores Hernandez, also known as “Tio” and “Senior” Age: 64 Guadalajara, Mexico
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
International Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances – Title 21, U.S.C., Sections 959, 960 and 963
Maximum penalty: Life in prison; 10 year mandatory minimum; and $10 million fine
AGENCIES
Drug Enforcement Administration in San Diego and Guadalajara
Homeland Security Investigations in San Diego
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Statement by Attorney General Jeff Sessions on President Trump Directing the Administration to Use All Appropriate Authority to Respond to the Opioid EmergencyRead the Press Release
Attorney General Jeff Sessions today issued the following statement on President Trump directing the administration to use all appropriate authority to respond to the opioid emergency:
“I applaud President Trump for his leadership in taking this drastic and necessary measure to confront an opioid crisis that is devastating communities around the country and ripping families apart. The death toll of this horrific epidemic reached 60,000 people in 2016, but as horrible as it is to think of that number, it is worse when we look past the staggering statistic and see our children, our moms and dads, sisters and brothers, friends and co-workers. This nation has never seen overdose deaths anywhere close to these numbers, and for each death, many more suffer debilitating addictions.
“Just last week the Department of Justice announced its new Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit and we continue to follow the President’s lead and use every tool we have to combat this deadly crisis.”
Springfield Woman Pleads Guilty to $718,000 Tax FraudRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tom Larson, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Springfield, Mo., woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to her role in a $718,000 tax fraud conspiracy.
Nancy Lorine Walker, 55, of Springfield, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to one count of conspiracy, one count of presenting a false claim, one count of theft of government property and one count of aggravated identity theft.
By pleading guilty today, Walker admitted that she participated in a conspiracy from January 2010 to April 23, 2013, to submit false federal income tax returns and make false claims for federal income tax refunds for the 2009-2012 tax years.
Walker and other conspirators used the means of identification of individuals, including their names and social security numbers, and Turbo Tax to prepare and electronically file federal income tax returns. Those returns were false and fraudulent in that they included fictitious IRS Form W-2 information, listing employers who did not employ the individual listed on the return and reporting wages not earned and employment taxes not withheld from the individual.
Conspirators fraudulently claimed $718,927 in federal income tax refunds. Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Walker must pay $317,498 in restitution, the amount of refund actually received.
Under federal statutes, Walker is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole, plus a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years in federal prison for aggravated identity theft. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Clark. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation.
Spokane Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Federal Prison for Possessing Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Spokane – Joseph H. Harrington, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Cody P. Kiehn, age 35, of Spokane, Washington, was sentenced today for being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. United States District Judge Rosanna Malouf Petersen sentenced Kiehn to a 60-month term of imprisonment and a three-year term of court supervision following release from Federal prison.
According to information disclosed during court proceedings, a Spokane Police Department Officer initiated a traffic stop on Kiehn for negligent driving and failure to yield. During the stop, the officer noticed a loose round of .45 caliber ammunition near Kiehn’s left foot, and Kiehn admitted possessing a firearm and being a previously convicted felon. Kiehn told the officer that he was a “Sureno” gang member and he possessed the firearm for protection from rival gang members because he had spray-painted over a rival gang’s markings. After obtaining Kiehn’s consent to search his vehicle, the officer found an unloaded .45 caliber Sig Sauer, model P220, semi-automatic pistol and magazine containing six rounds of .45 caliber ammunition. Kiehn was charged with being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and he pleaded guilty to that crime on May 9, 2017.
Joseph H. Harrington said, “Prosecuting firearms-related crimes continues to be a priority for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington. Previously convicted felons should be aware that there are serious criminal penalties connected with possessing a firearm and ammunition and that this Office is committed to prosecuting aggressively firearm-related cases in the Eastern District of Washington.”
This case was investigated by the Spokane Police Department PACT and the Spokane Resident Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by George J.C. Jacobs, III and Patrick J. Cashman, Assistant United States Attorneys for the Eastern District of Washington.
Sioux Falls Meth Dealer Sentenced to over 15 Years in Federal Prison for ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on July 31, 2017, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Anthony Wayne Ponca, age 39, was sentenced to 188 months in custody, followed by five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Ponca was indicted for Conspiracy with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, methamphetamine, and for a firearm offense by a federal grand jury. He pled guilty to the Conspiracy charge on April 24, 2017.
Beginning on or about June 2015, and continuing until on or about August 16, 2016, Ponca, along with others, conspired to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine in and around the area of Sioux Falls. Ponca also possessed firearms at this time.
This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, which includes Drug Enforcement Administration, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Department, and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.
Ponca was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sentencings for August 1 - August 10, 2017Read the Press Release
Michelle Lisa Stout, 33, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on August 10, 2017, for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and theft of mail. Stout was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She received 41 months of imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $200.00 special assessment and $17,247.29 in restitution. This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Anibal Ulloa-Martinez, 35, of Saba, Colon, Honduras, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on August 10, 2017, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Ulloa-Martinez was arrested in Jackson, Wyoming. He received time served, plus ten days, was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment, and is subject to deportation upon release from custody. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Isidoro Arizandi Sosa-Garcia, 27, of Apizaco, Tlaxcala, Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on August 9, 2017, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Sosa-Garcia was arrested in Jackson, Wyoming. He received time served, plus ten days, was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment, and is subject to deportation upon release from custody. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Mariano Velasco-Perez, 44, of Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on August 9, 2017, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Velasco-Perez was arrested in Jackson, Wyoming. He received time served, plus ten days, was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment, and is subject to deportation upon release from custody. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Amie Marie Lindauer, 46, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on August 8, 2017, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Lindauer was arrested in Sheridan, Wyoming. She received 63 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and $500.00 in restitution. This case results from an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) joint investigation conducted by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Aaron James Blake, 41, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on August 3, 2017, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Blake was arrested in Gillette, Wyoming. He received 120 months of imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and $500.00 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Evanston Police Department.
Jude James Jenkins, 26, of Arapahoe, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on August 1, 2017, for assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Jenkins was arrested in Fort Washakie, Wyoming. He received 38 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and $39,724.21 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Matthew Wade Howard, 32, of Riverton, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl on August 1, 2017, for possession of firearm by a person subject to a domestic violence protective order, possession of stolen firearm, and possession of an unregistered firearm. Howard was arrested in Lander, Wyoming. He received 54 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $300.00 special assessment and a $300.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office.
Scranton Man Indicted on Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Jeffrey John Olson, age 56, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was indicted on August 8, 2017, by a federal grand jury for wire fraud and bank fraud.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that between August 2016 and April 2017, Olson devised a fraudulent scheme to obtain money from an individual who believed he was investing in an auto parts business. The money provided to Olson, however, was used for Olson’ personal expenses. The indictment further alleges that Olson provided the victim with a fraudulent cashier’s check drawn on JP Morgan Chase Bank, resulting in a risk of loss to the financial institution of $200,000.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The total maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 50 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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San Juan County Man Sentenced for Federal Methamphetamine Trafficking ConvictionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Kirk Castor, 37, of Kirtland, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to 37 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for his conviction on a methamphetamine trafficking charge.
Castor was one of eight San Juan County residents charged with federal narcotics trafficking offenses as the result of a multi-agency investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the HIDTA Region II Narcotics Task Force into methamphetamine trafficking on the Navajo Indian Reservation in northwestern New Mexico. The investigation was designated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, which combines the resources and unique expertise of federal agencies, along with their local counterparts, in a coordinated effort to disrupt and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations.
The investigation leading to the federal charges was initiated in response to an increase in methamphetamine trafficking on the Navajo Indian Reservation in the Shiprock area. The investigation identified eight defendants, who are charged in five indictments, through a series of methamphetamine purchases by undercover law enforcement officers. Law enforcement authorities seized more than two and a half pounds of methamphetamine, ten firearms, approximately $1,600 in cash and a vehicle during an arrest operation on May 11, 2016.
Castor was arrested on an indictment charging him with distributing methamphetamine on April 1, 2015 and April 3, 2015, in San Juan County, N.M. On Oct. 14, 2016, Castor pled guilty to the indictment and admitted that on April 1, 2015, he sold .7 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover officer, and on April 3, 2015, he sold 42 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover officer.
Six of the other seven defendants have entered guilty pleas and have been sentenced. The remaining defendant has entered a not guilty plea and is awaiting trial. Charges in indictments and complaints are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless convicted in a court of law.
These cases were investigated by HSI’s Albuquerque office and the HIDTA Region II Narcotics Task Force with assistance from the Farmington office of the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, and BIA’s Division of Drug Enforcement, Shiprock office of the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety, New Mexico State Police, San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, Farmington Police Department, and New Mexico National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elaine Y. Ramirez is prosecuting the cases.
The HIDTA Region II Narcotics Task Force is comprised of officers and investigators from the Farmington Police Department, San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, Bloomfield Police Department, Aztec Police Department and HSI Albuquerque, and is part of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program was created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. HIDTA is a program of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) which provides assistance to federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States and seeks to reduce drug trafficking and production by facilitating coordinated law enforcement activities and information sharing.
Registered Nurse Who Owned Two Houston Home Health Companies Convicted in $20 Million Medicare Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal jury today convicted a registered nurse who was the owner of two home health companies in Houston for her role in a $20 million Medicare fraud scheme involving fraudulent claims for home health services.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez of the Southern District of Texas, Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner of the FBI’s Houston Field Office and Special Agent in Charge C.J. Porter of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Dallas Region made the announcement.
After a four-day trial, Evelyn Mokwuah, 52, of Pearland, Texas, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and four counts of health care fraud for her conduct at Beechwood Home Health (Beechwood) and Criseven Health Management Corporation (Criseven). Sentencing has been scheduled for October 6, before U.S. District Judge Gray H. Miller of the Southern District of Texas, who presided over the trial.
According to evidence presented at trial, from 2008 to 2016, Mokwuah and others engaged in a scheme to defraud Medicare of approximately $20 million in fraudulent claims for home health services at Beechwood and Criseven that were not provided or not medically necessary. According to the trial evidence, Mokwuah billed for patients who were not homebound or did not qualify for home health services; Mokwuah and others falsified patient records to show patients were homebound when they were not; Mokwuah paid patient recruiters to recruit Medicare beneficiaries to Beechwood and Criseven; and Mokwuah paid doctors to sign off on falsified plans of care for the recruited beneficiaries so that Beechwood and Criseven could bill Medicare for those services.
Co-defendant Amara Oparanozie, 47, of Richmond, Texas, pleaded guilty on May 24, to conspiring with Mokwuah and others to commit health care fraud and is awaiting sentencing.
The case was investigated by the FBI and HHS-OIG, and was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, under the supervision of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Scott Armstrong and Kevin Lowell of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.
The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which is part of a joint initiative between the department and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country. The Medicare Fraud Strike Force operates in nine locations nationwide. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force has charged over 3,500 defendants who collectively have falsely billed the Medicare program for over $12.5 billion.
Port Charlotte Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Brian Author Thomas (27, Port Charlotte) to 30 years in federal prison for production of child pornography. The Court also ordered him to forfeit his laptop computer and cellphone, which were used to commit the offense.
Thomas was found guilty on February 23, 2017.
According to court documents, FBI agents were able to download approximately 14 images and 2 videos depicting child pornography from Thomas’s computer between January 18, 2016, and March 2, 2016, using a peer-to-peer file sharing program. Agents executed a search warrant at Thomas’s residence on March 30, 2016, and seized his laptop computer and cellphone.
During an interview with agents, Thomas admitted that he had been downloading images and videos of child pornography for a few years. Thomas stated that he lived in the residence with a minor and her parents and that he had taken numerous videos of the minor while she was sleeping in her bed at night. He also admitted that he had started video recording the minor when she was nine years old.
A subsequent forensic analysis of Thomas’s laptop computer and cellphone revealed that from at least July 18, 2012, through March 30, 2016, he had collected in excess of 6,000 images and 35 videos depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Thomas’s cellphone contained approximately 11 videos that he had produced between May 1, 2014, through June 12, 2014, depicting the identified minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.
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.
Pittsburgh Man Indicted for Violating Federal Drug and Gun LawsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - One resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
The two-count indictment, returned on August 8, named Laquan Sims, age 38, of Pittsburgh, PA.
According to the indictment, on May 1, 2017, Sims possessed with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and possessed a firearm as a convicted felon. Federal law prohibits a convicted felon from possessing a firearm.
The law provides for a total combined sentence of not less than 10 years in prison up to a maximum of life in prison and a fine of not more than $8,500,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pittsburgh Felon Charged with Illegally Possessing Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a violation of the federal firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
The one-count indictment, returned on August 8, named Nicky Evans, age 37, of Pittsburgh, PA as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, on July 23, 2017, Evans illegally possessed a firearm and ammunition. Evans has previously been convicted of three felonies and is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
For possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, the law provides for a maximum sentence of up to ten (10) years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
This case is being prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crime. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Owner of Saga Restaurants Sentenced for Harboring Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A resident of McKees Rocks, PA, has been sentenced in federal court on his conviction of harboring illegal aliens, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today. The court imposed a term of imprisonment of one day, a term of supervised release of three years, with 24 weeks of intermittent confinement and home detention, followed by an additional three months of home confinement and a fine of $30,000. During the period of intermittent confinement, the defendant shall serve two days a week at a jail or a community confinement center designated by the Bureau of Prisons.
Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Xing Zheng Lin, aka Steve Lin, age 44, of McKees Rocks, PA.
According to information presented to the court, from in and around 2009, until on or about January 10, 2014, Lin harbored illegal aliens who were employed at Saga Restaurant in Monroeville, Robinson, and Bethel Park, all of which were owned by Lin.
Assistant United States Attorney Shardul S. Desai prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Song commended the Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Lin.
Owings Mills Man Sentenced to Four Years in Federal Prison for Laundering Money from Victims of Internet Dating ScamRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm sentenced Olufemi Wilfred Williams, of Owings Mills, Maryland, to four years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit money laundering arising from a scheme to defraud vulnerable victims of millions of dollars. Judge Grimm also ordered Williams to forfeit and pay restitution of more than $375,000. Williams previously pleaded guilty to the charge on February 21, 2017.
The sentence was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning and Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
According to court documents, from January 2011 to May 18, 2015, Williams searched online dating websites to initiate romantic relationships with vulnerable male and female individuals. He phoned, emailed, texted, and used internet chat messenger services to form romantic relationships with the victims, who lived in Maryland and around the country. Williams then used false stories and promises to convince the victims to provide money to the conspirators, including fake hospital bills, plane trips to visit the victims, problems with overseas businesses, and foreign taxes.
Williams and other conspirators opened bank accounts, called “drop accounts,” in order to receive millions of dollars from the victims. The victims provided money to Williams and others as a result of the false stories and promises, either depositing money directly into drop accounts controlled by the defendant, or by wire transfers sent to the conspirators. Williams and his co-conspirators dispersed money received from the victims by transferring funds to other accounts controlled by the conspirators, by obtaining cashier’s checks, and by writing checks to individuals or entities, in order to conceal the nature, source, and control of those assets.
The following co-defendants were previously convicted at trial or pleaded guilty:
Gbenga Benson Ogundele, a/k/a “Benson Ogundele,” age 58, of Laurel, Maryland;
Victor Oyewumi Oloyede, age 42, of Laurel;
Olusegun Charles Ogunseye, a/k/a “Charles O. Ogunseye,” age 58, of Laurel;
Babtunde Emmanuel Popoola, a/k/a “Emmanuel Popoola” and his sister, “Tunde Popoola, age 34, of Bowie, Maryland;
Mojisola Tinuola Popoola, a/k/a “Mojisola Oluwakemi Tin Popoola” and “Moji T. Popoola,” age 42, of Laurel;
Adeyinka Olubunmi Awolaja, Jr., a/k/a “Yinka O. Awolaja, Jr.,” age 34, formerly of New Carrolltown, Maryland; and
Olusola Olla, age 50, of Greensboro, North Carolina.
The Maryland Identity Theft Working Group has been working since 2006 to foster cooperation among local, state, federal, and institutional fraud investigators and to promote effective prosecution of identity theft schemes by both state and federal prosecutors. This case, as well as other cases brought by members of the Working Group, demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to work with financial institutions and businesses to address identity fraud, identify those who compromise personal identity information, and protect citizens from identity theft.
Today’s announcement is part of the efforts undertaken in connection with the President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. The task force was established to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices, and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets; and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations. Since fiscal year 2009, the Justice Department has filed over 18,000 financial fraud cases against more than 25,000 defendants. For more information on the task force, please visit www.StopFraud.gov.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning commended the FBI for its work in the investigation and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas P. Windom, Ray D. McKenzie, and Leah Jo Bressack, who are prosecuting the case.
Opelousas man sentenced to 57 years in prison for robbing three businesses at gunpointRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced today that an Opelousas man was sentenced to 684 months and one day in prison for robbing three local businesses at gunpoint.
Carey Wardell Reed, 29, of Opelousas, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Rebecca F. Doherty on three counts of interference with commerce by robbery; two counts of using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during a violent crime; and one count of using, carrying and discharging a firearm during a violent crime. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised released and ordered to pay $3,098.77 restitution.
Reed was found guilty by a jury on March 7, 2017. According to the evidence presented at trial, Reed robbed three commercial establishments in Opelousas in 2014. On May 2, 2014, Reed robbed the Tiger Stop #7 gas station. He fired a shot, and told everyone inside to “get down.” He then had the employees empty the cash register of $704 and fled the scene. One May 10, 2014, Reed robbed the Chicken King restaurant. He entered the restaurant with a gun, which he pointed at the cashier. He demanded money and threatened to harm those present. The cashier turned over $985, and Reed fled. On September 22, 2014, Reed robbed a Family Dollar store. He entered the store with a handgun and demanded money. Before leaving, he also threatened the employees’ lives and took $1,400. The defendant was arrested on September 30, 2014 after police conducted a traffic stop. Extensive ballistic and digital forensic evidence were key in proving Reed to be the perpetrator in all three robberies.
The FBI and the Opelousas Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jamilla A. Bynog and Joseph T. Mickel prosecuted the case.
Oklahoma Man Sentenced for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – JESSE MICHAEL O’DAY, 23, of Norman, Oklahoma, was sentenced today to 42 months in prison for bank robbery, announced Mark A. Yancey, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.
On January 18, 2017, a federal grand jury charged O’Day with robbing a BancFirst branch in Norman, Oklahoma, on October 24, 2016, and a MidFirst Bank in Oklahoma City on November 15, 2016. A bank surveillance photo from the BancFirst robbery revealed that O’Day was wearing a black t-shirt featuring a cat posing for a jail booking photograph.
On March 8, 2017, O’Day entered a plea of guilty to robbing the BancFirst branch.
Today U.S. District Judge Stephen P. Friot sentenced O’Day to 42 months in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. After his prison term, O’Day will serve three years on supervised release. O’Day was also ordered to pay $8,000 in restitution to BancFirst and $1,158.50 to MidFirst Bank.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Oklahoma City Police Department, and the Norman Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Patterson prosecuted the case.
Ohio woman pleads guilty to firearm chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA - A Dennison, Ohio woman admitted to an illegal firearm charge, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.
Erin Marie Rudolph, age 24, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Rudolph, having previously being convicted of a felony in the Circuit Court of Ohio County, was in possession of .22 caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number. The crime occurred May 10, 2017 in Ohio County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the West Virginia State investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided.
Nurse-Practitioner Found Guilty of Federal Charges for Illegally Distributing Oxycodone and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Ivan Lamont Robinson, a licensed nurse practitioner who was based in Southeast Washington, was found guilty by a jury today of 42 federal charges that he distributed oxycodone outside the legitimate scope of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose, and two counts of money laundering.
The guilty verdicts were announced by U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips; Karl C. Colder, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Division Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Nicholas DiGiulio, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), for the region that includes Washington, D.C.; Robert E. Craig, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Mid-Atlantic Field Office of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), and Peter Newsham, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
The trial began July 10, 2017, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, in the courtroom of the Honorable Colleen Kollar-Kotelly. Following today’s verdict, Robinson, 46, of Washington, D.C., was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. His sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.
According to the government’s evidence, Robinson conducted a pain management practice from 2011 until 2013 in the 2000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE. His practice received numerous complaints from pharmacists who suspected that he was operating a “pill mill” rather than a medical pain management practice. “Pill mill” is a shorthand terminology for a medical practice which begins selling prescriptions to customers, usually for cash.
Through his position as a nurse practitioner, under District of Columbia law, Robinson had authority to prescribe oxycodone to patients. Robinson sold prescriptions to customers in exchange for $370 in blank money orders. Customers came from outside the District of Columbia to purchase identical prescriptions, 60 tablets of 30 milligrams of oxycodone. Law enforcement executed numerous search warrants involving his practice on June 19, 2013. After a meeting with officials of the DEA, Robinson voluntarily relinquished his DEA license, which had authorized him to write prescriptions for controlled substances.
During the trial, the government presented testimony from a medical expert who stated that Robinson provided no real medical treatment, and there was no medical basis to prescribe oxycodone. Further, the government’s evidence showed that Robinson deposited over $100,000 in money orders from customers during a four-month period in 2013. With these illegal proceeds, the government showed that Robinson purchased a brand new Volvo automobile and, during the execution of the search warrants, that he withdrew $108,000. After returning the guilty verdicts, the jury also voted to forfeit Robinson’s $108,000 and the Volvo automobile that he had gained from his illegal pill mill practice.
The case was investigated by the U.S Drug Enforcement Administration, Metropolitan Police Department, the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John P. Dominguez and Dineen A. Baker. Assistance was provided by Paralegal Specialists Jeannette Litz and Rommel Pachoca and Legal Assistants Kate Abrey and Holly Crouse. Trial assistance was also provided by Arvind K. Lal, Chief of the Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section; Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony Scarpelli, Nancy Jackson, Kara Traster, Zia M. Faruqui, and Christopher B. Brown; Victim/ Witness Assistance Unit Specialist Tonya Jones, and Interns Cloyd Smith, Jennifer Newman, Maria Thompson and Leila Bartholet.
Norristown Man Charged with Illegal Reentry After DeportationRead the Press Release
Rigoberto Roque-Vazquez, of Norristown, PA, was charged today by Indictment with illegal reentry after deportation, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. The indictment alleges that on or about July 13, 2017, Roque-Vazquez, an alien, and native and citizen of Guatemala, was found in the United States after having been deported from the United States on or about June 11, 2013, March 21, 2014, and October 2, 2015.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of two years.
The case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations (“ERO”), and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sean P. McDonnell.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
New York Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Southeastern Connecticut Drug RingRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHN KING, also known as “Soy,” 33, of Queens, N.Y., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin and crack cocaine.
This matter stems from a long-term investigation headed by the Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force East and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration into the large-scale distribution of narcotics in southeastern Connecticut. The investigation revealed that KING, Sydney “Fatz” Jackson and others regularly acquired kilogram quantities of cocaine and heroin from sources in New York and transported the drugs to southeastern Connecticut. Much of the cocaine was converted to crack cocaine and the drugs were distributed through a network of dealers in Groton, Norwich, New London, Stonington, Westerly, R.I. and the surrounding area.
KING used an apartment on East Main Street in Norwich to store, process and package narcotics for street sale. On April 28, 2015, law enforcement officers made entry into the apartment and seized approximately 150 grams of crack cocaine and approximately 80 grams of heroin. Officers subsequently searched a vehicle that was registered to KING and was parked outside of the stash house and seized a kilogram of cocaine.
At the time of the drug seizure, KING was incarcerated and awaiting sentencing in New York after having pleaded guilty to assault in the second degree with intent to cause serious physical injury. The conviction stemmed from an incident in which KING shot another individual. Recorded prison calls revealed that KING continued to run his narcotics trafficking enterprise while he was incarcerated.
On November 24, 2015, a federal grand jury in Hartford returned a 35-count superseding indictment charging KING, Jackson and 11 other defendants with various narcotics trafficking and firearm offenses. In addition, approximately 20 individuals were prosecuted on related state charges.
On March 8, 2017, KING pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”).
Jackson previously pleaded guilty to the same charge and, on February 16, 2017, was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment.
This matter has been investigated by the Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force East, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshals Service, Connecticut Department of Correction and Groton City, Groton Town, New London, Norwich and Waterford Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dave Vatti and Joseph Vizcarrondo, with the assistance of Senior Assistant State’s Attorneys Paul Narducci and David Smith of the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of New London.
New Orleans Woman Pleads Guilty to Healthcare FraudRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SAQUENA GRIFFIN, a/k/a “QUEENIE,” age 34, of New Orleans, pled guilty today to conspiracy to pay and receive illegal Medicare kickbacks which resulted in Medicare paying $378,274 to a local home health agency.
According to court records, GRIFFIN was a recruiter and marketer for Comprehensive Nursing and Home Health Service, Inc. (Comprehensive) on Earhart Boulevard in New Orleans. GRIFFIN is charged with receiving illegal kickbacks to bring Medicare beneficiaries to Comprehensive.
GRIFFIN faces a possible maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo set sentencing on October 19, 2017.
Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrice Harris Sullivan is in charge of the prosecution.
Navy Contractor Admits Accepting Funds from Port Engineer Administering Contracts Involving his CompanyRead the Press Release
Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip L.B. Halpern (619) 546-6964
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – August 9, 2017
SAN DIEGO – Alfonso Liburd, the President and Chief Executive Officer of San Diego-based defense contractor NEVWEST, Inc. (“NevWest”), pleaded guilty today to improperly aiding and abetting Navy Port Engineer, John Nasshan (charged elsewhere), who improperly administered projects in which he (Nasshan) had a financial interest.
According to documents filed in Court, Nasshan had been employed at Southwest Regional Maintenance Center as a Combat Systems Port Engineer since March of 2009. As a Combat Systems Port Engineer, Nasshan drafted technical direction letters, recommended which contractors were qualified for jobs and verified and certified work performed on Navy ships by contractors. to federal law, Nasshan was prohibited from working on projects in which he had a personal financial interest. Despite this prohibition, Nasshan administered projects at the Navy’s Southwest Regional Maintenance Center involving work performed by Liburd and NevWest.
Nasshan made decisions and recommendations affecting Navy contracts with NevWest, Inc. even though he made personal loans to Liburd and NevWest, which is a conflict of interest. As detailed in government pleadings, between May 2011 and September 2015, Nasshan had a financial interest in the business affairs of NevWest. In particular, Nasshan loaned Liburd and NevWest more than $30,000 at the same time that NevWest was engaged in numerous subcontracts with Southwest Regional Maintenance Center. Liburd accepted these loans despite recognizing that Nasshan’s job required that he administer NevWest subcontracts.
In order to hide and conceal their illegal activity, Liburd and Nasshan agreed to keep their financial arrangement secret; to deal in cash when exchanging amounts over $10,000; and to structure the cash they were exchanging by dividing it up into amounts of $10,000 or less.
Liburd also lied to Defense Criminal Investigative Service agents regarding his relationship with Nasshan. In particular, on November 13, 2015, he falsely told a DCIS agent that he never: (i) received any money from Nasshan, including cash; (ii) paid Nasshan any money; or (iii) obtained any loans from Nasshan.
“As in all phases of the Government contracting process, it is essential that the work performed by contractors be done free of undue influence, bias, or favoritism,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Alana W. Robinson. “Accordingly, government officials and employees are prohibited from working on any and all matters that would affect their personal financial position.”
“The successful prosecution of this case was the direct result of collaborative teamwork between the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, our federal law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney's Office,” said Gunnar Newquist, Special Agent in Charge of the NCIS Southwest Field Office. “Convictions like this should be a warning to those who would attempt to take advantage of the U.S. Navy, for personal gain. We are unified in our efforts to catch criminals who not only defraud the U.S. Navy, but specifically are stealing money from the American taxpayers at the direct loss to our warfighters.”
Chris Hendrickson, Special Agent in Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service's Western Field Office said: “DCIS and its partner agencies will aggressively investigate Department of Defense personnel who abuse their positions of trust and corruptly advance their own interests. This behavior tarnishes the integrity of the Department's procurement processes and erodes the public's faith in government.”
“The FBI seeks truth and justice in our investigations,” commented FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric S. Birnbaum. “Today’s conviction shows that the FBI, along with our investigative partners, will ultimately uncover the truth despite roadblocks created by those who stand to personally benefit from their lies.”
DEFENDANT: Case Number 17cr2189-JLS_
Alfonso Liburd Age: 67 Chula Vista, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Aiding and Abetting a Conflict of Interest – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 208 and 2
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and $250,000 fine
AGENCIES
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Defense Criminal Investigative Service
Naval Criminal Investigative Service
Related Case:
DEFENDANT: Case Number 17cr1167_
John Nasshan Age: 55 Jamul, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conflict of Interest – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 208
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and $250,000 fine
AGENCIES
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Defense Criminal Investigative Service
Naval Criminal Investigative Service
Navajo Man from Arizona Sentenced for Federal Firearms and Burglary Conviction in New MexicoRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Loren Lloyd Wauneka, 37, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation from Window Rock, Ariz., was sentenced today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to 37 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for his conviction on federal firearms and burglary charges.
Wauneka and his co-defendant Lisa Benally, 37, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation from Fort Defiance, Ariz., were arrested on Jan. 29, 2016, on a criminal complaint charging them with being felons in possession of firearms and burglary on the Navajo Indian Reservation in McKinley County, N.M. According to the criminal complaint, a law enforcement officer encountered Wauneka, Benally and others as they were attempting to burglarize the officer’s residence on the Navajo Indian Reservation. Court documents indicate that pursuant to a search warrant, a television, jewelry, bags, computer laptops and two firearms allegedly belonging to the officer, were seized from inside Wauneka and Benally’s vehicle.
Wauneka and Benally were subsequently indicted on Feb. 24, 2016, and charged with being felons in possession of firearms and ammunition, possession of stolen firearms and aggravated burglary on Dec. 1, 2015, in McKinley County. According to the indictment, Wauneka was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because he previously was convicted of unlawful discharge of a firearm and aggravated driving while intoxicated. Benally was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because she previously had been convicted of escape, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of dangerous drugs.
On March 23, 2017, Wauneka pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and aggravated burglary. In entering the guilty plea, Wauneka admitted that on Dec. 1, 2015, he entered a residence with the intent to commit theft and stole two firearms and ammunition which he placed into his vehicle, thus making Wauneka armed during the burglary. Wauneka further admitted that he was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of his status as a convicted felon.
On March 27, 2017, Benally pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and aggravated burglary. In entering the guilty plea, Benally admitted that on Dec. 1, 2015, she and others drove to and unlawfully entered a residence with the intent to commit theft and stole two firearms and ammunition, which Benally placed into her vehicle, thus making Benally armed during the burglary. Benally further admitted that she was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of her status as a convicted felon. At sentencing, Benally faces a maximum penalty of ten years in federal prison. A sentencing hearing is currently scheduled for Aug. 31, 2017.
This case was investigated by the Crownpoint office of the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety, the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Murphy is prosecuting the case.
Nampa Woman Indicted for Mail TheftRead the Press Release
BOISE – Laura Alicia Cox, 56, of Nampa, Idaho, was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 8, 2017, for two counts of mail theft by a postal employee, Acting U.S. Attorney Rafael Gonzalez announced.
The indictment alleges that Ms. Cox, then a Postal Service employee, stole mail that was for delivery by the U.S. Post Office in Melba, Idaho. The indictment is not evidence, and Ms. Cox is innocent of the charges until proven guilty.
Mail theft by a postal employee is a felony punishable by up to 5 years of imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General.
Mission Man Sentenced for BurglaryRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Second Degree Burglary was sentenced on August 9, 2017, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Bryan Herman, age 52, was sentenced to 4 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, restitution was ordered in the amount of $11,793.79, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Herman was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 18, 2016. He pled guilty on May 15, 2017.
The conviction stemmed from multiple incidents that occurred between June 15, 2016, and July 20, 2016. Around June 15, 2016, Herman broke into the home of a friend in Todd County, South Dakota, and stole multiple blank checks. Between June 20, 2016, and July 20, 2016, Herman forged the account holder’s signature on multiple checks and cashed them at various locations in and around Mission.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Herman was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Michigan Man Sentenced to 145 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND - Acting United States Attorney Clifford D. Johnson announced that Johnny Jones, 39, of Benton Harbor, Michigan was sentenced before District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Jones was sentenced to 145 months of imprisonment and 8 years of supervised release. The sentence is to be served consecutive to a sentence imposed by a federal district court in Nevada.
According to documents in this case, Jones was convicted by a jury of conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine mixture and of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. One of his co-defendants (Stephine Smith) has already been sentenced to 41 months in prison. The other co-defendant (Jen-nai Rowland) is still awaiting sentencing.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force with the assistance of the St. Joseph Count Drug Investigations Unit and Michigan Southwest Enforcement Team. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Gabrielse.
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Mexican Citizen Charged with Being an Alien in Possession of Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Francisco Garcia-Puentes, age 23, of Mexico, was indicted on August 9, 2017, by a federal grand jury with being an alien in possession of firearms and ammunition.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Garcia-Puentes, a Mexican citizen with no legal status in the United States, was apprehended in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania while in possession of a SAR-1 semiautomatic firearm and 20 rounds of 30.06 caliber ammunition. According to state court records, on June 25, 2017, the Pennsylvania State Police conducted a traffic stop on U.S. Route 15 in Cumberland County of the vehicle Garcia-Puentes was traveling in. During the vehicle stop the Pennsylvania State Police located Garcia-Puentes’ firearm in the trunk.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Homeland Security Investigations, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian G. McDonnell is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes with firearms.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Under federal law, Garcia-Puentes faces a maximum penalty of ten years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Mask-Wearing Robber Sentenced to 87 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Charles Sampson, 61, of Chester, PA, was sentenced today to 87 months in prison attempting to rob a postal employee with a dangerous weapon at the Chester Post Office post offices. Sampson pleaded guilty on March 6, 2017. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Mitchell S. Goldberg ordered three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
On November 30, 2016, Sampson entered the United States Post office in Chester, PA, wearing a mask and carrying a long golf style umbrella which was open to conceal his identity. Sampson was carrying a silver firearm or a facsimile firearm which he pointed at the postal clerk and demanded cash. Surveillance video in the area captured Sampson leaving the scene, without the mask and carrying the umbrella. Based on the video, Postal Inspectors created a reward flyer which was distributed to local media and local area residents. In response, law enforcement received several tips which led Postal Inspectors to Sampson.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Chester Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Natali.
Marshall County men indicted on drug distribution chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Moundsville, West Virginia man and a McMechen, West Virginia man were indicted by a federal grand jury on drug distribution charges, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.
Rhett D. Gump, age 24, of Moundsville, was indicted on one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine in Proximity to a Protected Location,” one count of “Distribution of Fentanyl in Proximity to a Protected Location,” and one count of “Distribution of Heroin.”
William A. Novick, age 35, of McMechen, was indicted on four counts of “Distribution of Heroin” and one count of “Distribution of Fentanyl in Proximity to a Protected Location.”The crimes are alleged to have taken place in January and February 2017 in Ohio and Marshall Counties, West Virginia.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr., is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, is investigating.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Marshall County man indicted on drug distribution chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Moundsville, West Virginia man was indicted by a federal grand jury on drug distribution charges, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.
Ronald Lee Shaw, also known as “Fuzz,” age 45, was indicted on five counts of “Distribution of Cocaine within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine.”
The crimes are alleged to have taken place from April to June 2017 in Ohio County, West Virginia.Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, is investigating.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Louisiana Company Pays More Than $100,000 to U.S. Workers to Resolve Discrimination ClaimsRead the Press Release
Justice Department announced today that Barrios Street Realty LLC, a company based in Lockport, Louisiana, has paid approximately $108,000 to 12 U.S. workers pursuant to a settlement with the department. The payments are part of a March 2016 settlement that resolved claims that Barrios discriminated against U.S. workers in violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
In its investigation leading up to the settlement, the department determined that from 2014 through 2015, the company and its agent, Jorge Arturo Guerrero Rodriguez, failed to consider or improperly rejected U.S. workers who applied for positions as sheet metal roofers or laborers, and then sought to fill the vacancies with foreign workers under the H-2B visa program. According to the department, the company’s petition for foreign workers falsely claimed that it could not find qualified U.S. workers. Refusing to consider or hire qualified U.S. workers because of their citizenship violates the anti-discrimination provision of the INA.
The settlement required Barrios to pay $30,000 in civil penalties and up to $115,000 in back pay to compensate U.S. workers who were denied employment because of the company’s reliance on H-2B visa workers. After entering the settlement, the department determined that 12 U.S. workers were entitled to receive back pay totaling approximately $108,000, and the company made the final payments to the workers last week.
“The Department of Justice will not tolerate employers misusing visa programs to discriminate against U.S. workers,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division. “We will vigorously prosecute claims against companies that place U.S. workers in a disfavored status.”
Civil Rights Division’s Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER), formerly known as the Office of Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices, is responsible for enforcing the anti-discrimination provision of the INA. The statute prohibits, among other things, citizenship and national origin discrimination in hiring, firing, or recruitment or referral for a fee; unfair documentary practices; retaliation; and intimidation.
For more information about protections against employment discrimination under immigration laws, call IER’s worker hotline at 1-800-255-7688 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); call IER’s employer hotline at 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); sign up for a free webinar; email [email protected]; or visit IER’s English and Spanish websites.
Applicants or employees who believe they were subjected to different documentary requirements based on their citizenship, immigration status, or national origin; or discrimination based on their citizenship, immigration status or national origin in hiring, firing, or recruitment or referral, should contact IER’s worker hotline for assistance.
Leesville man pleads guilty to counterfeiting $100 billRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced today that a Leesville man pleaded guilty to taking part in counterfeiting $100 bills in order to purchase prepaid cards.
Deldrick Shykil Fowler, 24, of Leesville, La., previously of DeQuincy, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen Kay to one count of counterfeiting obligations to the United States. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Fowler helped another unnamed conspirator on December 27, 2016 to use a genuine $100 bill to make 58 counterfeit copies. The conspirator then passed $1,500 worth of counterfeit bills at a DeRidder, La., department store in exchange for three prepaid debit cards. The conspirator discarded the unused counterfeit bills in a trashcan at a park. The counterfeit bills were later found and provided to law enforcement officers. The officers located Fowler the next day and discovered him with two of the three prepaid cards. He had already spent the third card.
Fowler faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The court set a sentencing date of November 3, 2017.
The U.S. Secret Service, Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office and the DeRidder Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Abendroth is prosecuting the case.
Jury Finds Former Midland Bookkeeper Guilty of Embezzlement and Tax Evasion SchemeRead the Press Release
In Midland today, a federal jury convicted a former bookkeeper on federal charges in connection with a scheme to steal over $2 Million from a local businessman announced United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr., Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Emmerson Buie, Jr., El Paso Division; and, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge William Cotter.
Jurors found 52–year-old Kimberley Dale Boyce of Midland guilty of three counts of mail fraud; three counts of wire fraud; three counts of engaging in monetary transactions with criminally derived funds; and, three counts of tax evasion.
Evidence presented at trial revealed that over a two-year period beginning in February 2012, Boyce implemented a scheme involving mailed documentation and wire transfers to syphon money from a Midland County business owner’s bank accounts and place it into bank accounts which she controlled. Boyce also failed to accurately report to the Internal Revenue Service her actual taxable income—totaling more than $2.5 million--for tax years 2012, 2013, and 2014.
Following today’s verdict, United States District Judge Robert A. Junell remanded the defendant into the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. Boyce faces up to 20 years imprisonment for each wire and mail fraud count; up to ten years imprisonment for each money laundering count; and up to five years imprisonment for each tax evasion count. Sentencing is scheduled for 9:00am on October 11, 2017, before Judge Junell in Midland.
This case was investigated by the FBI and IRS-Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys William F. Lewis, Jr., and Daniel Castillo are prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
Jury Convicts McLean Man for Credit Union RobberyRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A jury deliberated for approximately one hour yesterday, before returning a verdict of guilty against Scott Books, 34, of McLean, Ill., for the July 2016 robbery of the Land of Lincoln Credit Union in Normal, Ill.
During the trial, which began on Aug. 7, the government presented evidence that Books had cashed bad checks at the credit union in the months preceding the robbery. On July 28, 2016, Books, wearing gloves and a partial mask and wielding what appeared to be a firearm, robbed two tellers before fleeing in a grey Buick SUV. A teller immediately recognized the robber as Scott Books. A matching vehicle was spotted at Books’ residence and a search warrant was executed at the residence where matching shoes and gloves were recovered. Follow-up investigation conducted by the FBI and the Normal Police Department revealed that Books had text messaged a friend the day of the robbery, “What bank should I rob today?”
The case is being prosecuted in federal court by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam C. Korn and Paul B. Morris. The Normal Police Department and FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Village of McLean Police Department.
Sentencing has been scheduled on Dec. 6, 2017. Books faces a statutory maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison. Books remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Jury Convicts Local Man on Multiple Drug and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 45-year-old Corpus Man has been found guilty for trafficking more than a kilogram of cocaine as well as being a felon in possession of both a firearm and ammunition, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. The federal jury deliberated for approximately 40 minutes following a one-day trial before convicting Elias Gonzalez Alvarez on all counts as charged.
Authorities had learned that Alvarez had been engaged in trafficking cocaine and, on May 12, 2015, conducted surveillance on his apartment in Corpus Christi. Authorities stopped him for a traffic violation as he left his residence. His license was found to be suspended and Alavarez was arrested. At that time, they conducted a search of his vehicle and discovered a box with a bag inside that contained 1.01 kilograms of cocaine.
A search warrant was also executed on his residence, where authorities found a .38 caliber handgun and ammunition. Alvarez is a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition per federal law.
Alavarez attempted to convince the jury the drugs found in his vehicle and the gun and ammunition discovered in his apartment did not belong to him. They did not believe his claims and found him guilty as charged.
Senior U.S. District Judge John D. Rainey presided over the trial and has set sentencing for Nov. 21, 2017. At that time, Alvarez faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison as well as a possible $5 million maximum fine.
The Texas Department of Public Safety investigated the case with the assistance of the Corpus Christi Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Jackson Woman Sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Shonda Williams, 38, of Jackson, was sentenced on August 8, 2017, to 15 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiracy to defraud the United States, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Harold Brittain and IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Jerome McDuffie.
As part of the conspiracy, Williams stole patients’ personal identifying information from current and former patients at Jackson-Hinds Comprehensive Health Center while employed at the facility. She sold the social security numbers to other co-conspirators for cash. Those co-conspirators later submitted false claims to the IRS by preparing and submitting false U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns, Forms 1040 for tax year 2010 through 2013, using stolen identities. Fraudulent tax refunds were then deposited into the bank accounts of other co-conspirators involved in the scheme. The 865 false claims totaled over $1,000,000 in fraud. Williams was ordered to pay $35,975.00 in restitution for her part in the scheme.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service- Criminal Investigations and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Helen Wall.
Jackson Man Sentenced to 50 Months in Federal Prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – William Jason Moore, 38, of Jackson, was sentenced on August 8, 2017, by U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves, to serve 50 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Harold Brittain. Moore was also ordered to pay a $1500 fine.
Moore previously pled guilty to possession of a firearm at a time when he was already a convicted felon. He was arrested on May 16, 2016, during a traffic stop in Rankin County, after Pearl Police officers found two firearms in the stolen vehicle he was driving. Moore’s previous convictions are for grand larceny and burglary.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives along with the Pearl Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Helen Wall.
Jackson County Man Indicted for Federal Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Ralph Herman Fox Jr., 60, of Graceville, Florida, was arraigned today in the U.S. District Court in Panama City after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging him with production and possession of child pornography. The indictment was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
The indictment alleges that, between June 2015, and September 2016, Fox enticed a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct to produce a visual depiction. The indictment further alleges that, in September 2016, Fox possessed child pornography. The defendant is in custody. The trial is scheduled for October 16, 2017, at 8:15 a.m.
The case is being investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Thielemann.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.