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Thursday 8 June 2017
Toledo man indicted for selling six kilograms of heroinRead the Press Release
A Toledo man was indicted for distributing six kilograms of heroin, said David A. Sierleja, Acting U.S. States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and DEA Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. Plancon.
Ricardo Rivera, 40, was indicted on one count distribution of approximately six kilograms of heroin. He was arrested last month after DEA agents observed him take a black duffel bag from 1443 Western Avenue in Toledo and place it in the trunk of a vehicle. That car was stopped in North Baltimore, Ohio, and found to have six kilograms of heroin, according to court documents.
“We will continue to aggressively prosecute those who traffic the heroin and opioids that have killed so many of our neighbors and relatives,” Sierleja said. “Only through enforcement, combined with education and prevention efforts, can we hope to turn the tide on this epidemic.”
“This investigation demonstrates that the disruption of heroin trafficking and putting the brakes on the current opioid epidemic is DEA’s top priority,” Plancon said. “The seizure of six kilograms of heroin in Toledo is significant, and not only puts a dent into heroin trafficking in the community, but also illustrates that DEA and our partners in law enforcement are working hard to slow the supply of this deadly drug into the region.”
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The investigating agency in this case is the Drug Enforcement Administration, in Toledo. case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Freeman.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Three Canadian Men Plead Guilty to $17 Million Scheme to Traffic Contraband CigarettesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tom Larson, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that three Canadian men pleaded guilty in federal court today to their roles in a $17 million scheme to transport hundreds of thousands of cartons of contraband cigarettes from the Kansas City, Mo., area to the state of New York, where they were sold primarily on Indian reservations.
Mark Bishop, 42, and Piotr Hoffmann, 43, both of Montréal, Quebec, Canada, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to aiding and abetting contraband cigarette trafficking. Co-defendant David Bishop, 46 (the brother of Mark Bishop), of Montréal, pleaded guilty on Wednesday, June 7, 2017, to participating in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud and contraband cigarette trafficking.
David Bishop owned and operated DKB Trade Concepts, a Canadian corporation located in Montréal. David Bishop admitted that he aided and abetted in the sale, possession, transportation, and reception of contraband cigarettes from July 2010 to January 2012. Mark Bishop and Hoffman admitted to transporting contraband cigarettes. They are among 18 co-defendants who have pleaded guilty to participating in a scheme to purchase premium-brand cigarettes in Kansas City and transport them to retailers on Indian reservations in New York, without the appropriate $4.35 per pack excise tax being paid or the appropriate tax stamps being applied to the cigarettes.
Conspirators purchased more than $17 million worth of contraband cigarettes from ATF agents during an undercover operation. Approximately 620,600 cartons of cigarettes – containing 10 packs per carton – were transported to New York without paying the required $4.35 per pack excise tax. The untaxed cigarettes were sold by New York retailers and smoke shops on the reservations in the state of New York. The benefit to those smoke shops was that they did not pay New York state cigarette taxes; thus, they could undercut the prices charged by off-reservation cigarette retailers by over $40 per carton. The total state excise tax lost to the state of New York was more than $8 million, which has been paid in restitution to the state by the perpetrators of the scheme.
David Bishop admitted that he received commissions or “brokerage fees” for coordinating contraband cigarette orders between co-defendant Craig Sheffler of Independence, Mo., the owner of Cheap Tobacco Wholesale, and Gholamreza Tadaiyon of Weston, Fla.
Mark Bishop and Hoffman each admitted that he transported a load of contraband cigarettes from the ATF undercover warehouse in Kansas City. Hoffman was paid $11,000, which he must forfeit to the government. Mark Bishop did not receive any substantial financial benefit or payments for his participation in the conspiracy.
Under federal statutes, David and Mark Bishop and Hoffman are each subject to a sentence of up to five years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the 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. Attorneys Paul S. Becker and Justin G. Davids. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, IRS – Criminal Investigation, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department with substantial assistance provided by the Department of Justice Office of International Affairs.
Thirty-three charged with oxycodone distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Thirty-three individuals have been charged in a 129-count federal indictment as a result of an investigation spanning two states and four North Central West Virginia counties, according to Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen.
Indictments were unsealed today alleging that a group of individuals from Michigan and West Virginia conspired with one another to operate an oxycodone distribution operation in the region.
Many of the defendants were taken into custody today during a coordinated, multi-agency arrest operation led by the Mon Metro Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative. Those individuals facing federal drug charges include:
- Terry Thomas, a.k.a. “Top,” 44, of Detroit, Michigan;
- Michael Wesley, a.k.a. “Black”, a.k.a. “Big Flea,” 45, of Detroit, Michigan;
- Michael James Anthony, a.k.a. “Spook,” 42, of Detroit, Michigan;
- Christopher Lloyd, a.k.a. “Red,” 31, of Detroit, Michigan;
- Darmatrice Love, 32, of Detroit, Michigan;
- Robert Brown, Jr., a.k.a. “Pooh,” 23, of Detroit, Michigan;
- Andrew Thomas, a.k.a. “Bud,” 26, of Detroit, Michigan;
- Sean Miller Phillips, Jr., 24, of Eastpointe, Michigan;
- Devante Maddox, 25, of Detroit, Michigan;
- Konshawntas Boyd, 37, of Detroit, Michigan;
- Brianna Blackman, a.k.a. “BB,” 21, of Morgantown, West Virginia;
- Tiffany Edwards, 35, of Westover, West Virginia;
- Codey Bonnette, 25, of Morgantown, West Virginia;
- Leon Jamar Maddox, 34, of Fairmont, West Virginia;
- Amanda Gifford, a.k.a. “Mandi,” 25, of Morgantown, West Virginia;
- Floyd Pancoast, 24, of Pursglove, West Virginia;
- Jason Pancoast, 23, of Pursglove, West Virginia;
- Christopher Moriarty, 24, of Buckhannon, West Virginia;
- Carlee Cuppet, 25, of Kingwood, West Virginia;
- Brittany Brown, 31, of Stonewood, West Virginia;
- Ariel Blosser, 27, of Morgantown, West Virginia;
- Amanda Maddox, 32, of Morgantown, West Virginia;
- Brandy Miller, 28, of Salem, West Virginia;
- Anna May Martin, 31, of Westover, West Virginia;
- Kimberley Mozie, 36, of Morgantown, West Virginia;
- Jason Perry, 35, of Morgantown, West Virginia;
- Holly Jo Exline, 22, of Dellslow, West Virginia;
- McKenna Kansco, 22, Crawford, West Virginia;
- Marjorie Sue Webster, 23, Maidsville, West Virginia;
- Thomas Keener, II, 22, of Fairmont, West Virginia;
- Jayla Shade, 20, of Morgantown, West Virginia;
- Jesse Tichenor, 25, of Morgantown, West Virginia; and
- Bobbie Jo Phillips, 30, of Morgantown, West Virginia.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is handling the cases on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug and Violent Crime Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, led the investigation, which was initiated as an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. The Task Force consists of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office, Morgantown Police Department, the Star City Police Department, the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia University Police Department, the Granville Police Department, and the Monongalia County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The US Marshals Service, the Internal Revenue Service, the Monongalia County Processing and Transport Personnel, the Greater Harrison County Drug Task Force MHIT Group, the Mountain State Drug Task Force, the Three Rivers Drug Task Force-Fairmont, and the Fairmont Police Department assisted in the arrest operation today. In addition, West Virginia State Police and the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office allowed the use of their spaces to coordinate these efforts.
Acting United States Attorney Steinfeld Jividen commended the work of all the agencies involved in the investigation.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Tennessee Contractor Sentenced for Giving Kickbacks Tied to Construction of Fulton County Detention CenterRead the Press Release
Sentenced to 35 months imprisonment; Ordered to pay $100,000 restitution
PADUCAH, Ky. – a Dresden, Tennessee, business owner and contract supplier was sentenced to 35 months in prison and ordered to pay $100,000 restitution today in United States District Court by Senior Judge Thomas B. Russell for his role in a conspiracy to defraud Fulton County citizens, through kickbacks and concealment of costs associated with work performed on the 2015 Fulton County Detention Center expansion, announced United States Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr.
“Public corruption, in any form, cannot be tolerated," stated U.S. Attorney John Kuhn. "When contractors pay kickbacks to public officials, they effectively steal from taxpayers and facilitate the corruption. Public office must never be used for unlawful self-enrichment, whether by our elected officials or those having business with government agencies. The Department of Justice will work to prevent this corruption and maintain the public's trust in government integrity."
Ronald D. Armstrong, 60, pled guilty to four charges including Honest Services Wire Fraud and Wire Fraud for his role in a conspiracy that involved then Fulton County Jailer Ricky D. Parnell and others between April 2015 and August 2016. Judge Russell sentenced Armstrong to 35 months of confinement and ordered that he pay $100,000 in restitution to Fulton County.
Armstrong is the owner of Armstrong Construction, located in Dresden, Tennessee, whose company often performed contracting work for Fulton County both as part of the Fulton County Detention Center expansion (Project) and for work done prior to the Project. Armstrong has been doing business with Parnell and Fulton County for approximately twenty years.
Armstrong was awarded a $210,000 general contractor contract by the Fulton County Fiscal Court as part of the Project. Parnell influenced the Fulton County Fiscal Court to award Armstrong with this contract with the understanding that Armstrong would pay Parnell $100,000 of his fees to Parnell as a kickback for being awarded the contract. In following through with this agreement, Armstrong so far has paid Parnell $80,000 in cash.
Armstrong knowingly and voluntarily agreed and conspired with Parnell to give Parnell cash kickbacks due to Parnell influencing the Fulton County Fiscal Court to award Armstrong with the general contractor contract for the Project, which Parnell could do because he was the Fulton County Jailer. Armstrong’s contractor fees were paid by Fulton County. As part of their kickback scheme, the Fiscal Court paid Armstrong by check in amounts of $50,000, $60,000, and $50,000, which were drawn on the Fulton County account with Republic Bank in Louisville, Kentucky, and those checks triggered interstate wire transfers.
Armstrong and Parnell both profited from their arrangement and neither the Fulton County Fiscal Court nor the citizens of Fulton County were ever made aware of the arrangement. In doing so, Armstrong had the intent to defraud the citizens of Fulton County through the kickback scheme he entered into with Parnell.
Armstrong was charged by grand jury indictment, with co-defendants Ricky D. Parnell of Hickman, Kentucky; Michael Homra of Fulton, Kentucky; Jimmy Boyd of South Fulton, Tennessee; and Daniel C. Larcom, of Union City, Tennessee, on November 15, 2016 and were arraigned in United States District Court in Paducah, before Magistrate Judge Lanny King that same day. Larcom will be sentenced on June 15th and Parnell will be sentenced on July 24th. Charges against Boyd were dismissed on motion of the United States.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nute Bonner and is being investigated by the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Syracuse Area Physician Agrees to Pay a Financial Penalty to Resolve Allegations that She Violated Federal Drug LawsRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – A federal District Court Judge in the Northern District of New York signed a Stipulated Judgment today resolving the government’s allegations that Dr. Nancy C. Blake violated her obligations under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and its regulations by accepting payment for medical services in marijuana and by failing to create medical records sufficient to justify certain prescriptions to a patient receiving Suboxone, a controlled substance used to treat opioid addiction, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian.
The government alleged that, over an approximately year and a half time period, Dr. Blake issued twenty-three Suboxone prescriptions to a patient and was paid by the patient in small quantities of marijuana for at least twelve of the corresponding medical appointments. Dr. Blake admitted to being paid in marijuana but asserted that it was fewer than twelve times. The government also alleged that Dr. Blake created a medical record in only four of the twenty-three visits. The CSA and its implementing regulations make it unlawful for a physician registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to dispense a controlled substance unless the prescription is issued for a legitimate medical purpose by a practitioner acting in the usual course of her professional practice. Violations of this requirement create civil penalty exposure of up to $25,000 per violation.
United States Attorney Hartunian said: “Our office is committed to using all of the tools at our disposal to ensure that controlled substances are prescribed and dispensed appropriately, an issue of special importance when the prescriptions concern opioids. This settlement reflects our willingness to use the civil penalty provisions of the CSA against providers that fail to fulfill their obligations under applicable regulations and to their patients.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge James Hunt stated, “This case brings to light how a substance abuse counselor, like Nancy Blake, used someone’s battle with addiction to feed her own. It is also a reminder how easily drug addiction can overpower one’s life and have damaging consequences.”
The investigation and settlement were the result of a coordinated effort among the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Gadarian.
Southern California Man Indicted for Trafficking FentanylRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment today against Eduardo Zavala Lopez, 26, of Sylmar, charging him with possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, an undercover officer negotiated with Lopez and a source in Mexico to purchase China white heroin for $34,000 per kilogram. Lopez said the heroin was “synthesized.” Lopez traveled to Kingsburg where he met with the undercover officer. Ultimately, two kilograms were found hidden in the left rear passenger door and law enforcement later determined that the substance was a mixture of fentanyl and ketamine.
Fentanyl is a potent and highly toxic synthetic opioid that poses a significant health risks including death.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Fresno Methamphetamine Task Force and the Fresno Area Surveillance Team, made up of officers from the Fresno Police Department, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the California Highway Patrol, and the Kings County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Laurel J. Montoya is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Lopez faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 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.
South Jersey Man Admits to Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Camden man today admitted distributing heroin in Camden, Acting U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick announced.
Jose Correa, a/k/a “Ciego,” 45, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Renee M. Bumb in Camden federal court to an information charging him with one count of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute heroin.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Correa admitted selling at least 410 grams of heroin to two cooperating witnesses on five separate dates. The sales took place in Camden County and occurred between October 2015 and February 2016. He also admitted to possessing with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin on the day that he was arrested. Correa was initially charged by complaint on Feb. 25, 2016, and is currently released on bond.
The drug distribution charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Correa’s sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 15, 2017.
This investigation and prosecution is the result of a collaborative law enforcement initiative by the Philadelphia-Camden High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (PCHIDTA), which comprises federal, state and local law enforcement agencies using a coordinated approach to combat drug trafficking and other crimes. PCHIDTA initiatives prioritize violent crimes and emphasize disruption of drug trafficking organizations and criminal activity.
Acting U.S. Attorney Fitzpatrick credited special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Carl J. Kotowski; Delaware River Port Authority, under the direction of Chief John L. Stief; the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Mary Eva Colalillo; the Camden County Metro Police Department, under the direction of Chief J. Scott Thomson; and the N.J. State Police, under the direction of Col. Rick Fuentes, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked the Camden County Sheriff’s Department for its assistance.
The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin M. Fay of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.
South Charleston woman sentenced to federal prison for role in large-scale methamphetamine conspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A South Charleston woman was sentenced today to four years in federal prison for her role in a large-scale drug trafficking organization, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Morgan Light, 25, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
As part of a comprehensive investigation, agents from the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, and Homeland Security Investigations intercepted several mail packages that contained methamphetamine, other drugs, or drug proceeds. Since January 2014, several pounds of methamphetamine were transported from California and Nevada into the Southern District of West Virginia via the United States mail or through individuals driving packages of drugs into the area. Light, as well as codefendants Mark Cobb and Shayne Shamblen, each admitted that they worked with Joseph Cooper, another codefendant, to arrange for the shipment and transport of methamphetamine to West Virginia.
Light’s handwriting was found on at least one package that contained over 100 grams of crystal methamphetamine. Shamblen admitted that he arranged for the shipment of that same package and intended to distribute the methamphetamine contained in the package. Cobb lived with Light and Cooper in Nevada for a short time, and also helped with the packaging and distribution of methamphetamine. Cobb’s fingerprint was found on a package containing approximately three grams of crystal methamphetamine that was sent to an individual in St. Albans. The methamphetamine from both of the packages was laboratory tested and found to be over 90% pure.
Multiple defendants have been sentenced to federal prison as a result of this large-scale methamphetamine trafficking investigation. Cooper was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Benjamin Childers was sentenced to 10 years and a month in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Cobb and Shamblen were both sentenced to seven years in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Mark Bays was sentenced to five years in prison for maintaining a residence for the purpose of distributing methamphetamine. Harold Parsons was sentenced to four years in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Several other individuals involved in the drug trafficking organization have entered guilty pleas and are awaiting sentencing. Jon Bowman previously pleaded guilty to using the mail to facilitate a drug crime and faces up to five years in prison when he is sentenced on June 14, 2017. David Huffman pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and faces at least five and up to 40 years in prison when he is sentenced on June 21, 2017.
Gregory Crum and Diana Salazar Gamboa both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Crum faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison. Gamboa faces at least five and up to 40 years in federal prison. Beth Hammonds pleaded guilty to using the mail to facilitate a drug crime and faces up to five years in federal prison for her role in the conspiracy. Crum, Gamboa, and Hammonds are all scheduled to be sentenced on August 3, 2017.
Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is responsible for these prosecutions. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., is presiding over these cases.
These prosecutions are part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Six Defendants Indicted on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the return of an 11-count Indictment charging six defendants with drug and gun charges ranging from heroin conspiracy to possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. Indicted were CHRIS WELLS, 33, and ASHLI MARTIN, 33, both residents of Chalmette; along with JUSTIN CRAFT, 28; ELTON WELLS, 39; LLOYD BOLEWARE, 34; and ANGELMICA AUGUSTINE, 27, all of New Orleans.
According to the Indictment, beginning on a date unknown and continuing to on or about April 18, 2017, CHRIS WELLS, CRAFT, ELTON WELLS, and BOLEWARE did knowingly and intentionally combine, conspire, confederate and agree with other persons known and unknown to the Grand Jury, to possess with the intent to distribute one hundred grams or more of heroin.
Additionally, CHRIS WELLS, CRAFT, ELTON WELLS, and BOLWARE are each charged with distribution of a quantity of heroin and BOLWARE is charged with possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin.
CHRIS WELLS, MARTIN, CRAFT and AUGUSTINE are also charged with possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes.
For the drug counts, CHRIS WELLS, CRAFT, ELTON WELLS, and BOLEWARE face a minimum of five years imprisonment and up to a maximum term of forty years imprisonment and a fine of $5,000,000. For the gun counts, CHRIS WELLS, CRAFT, ELTON WELLS, BOLEWARE, MARTIN and AUGUSTINE face a minimum term of five years imprisonment to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed.
Acting U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the Indictment is merely an allegation and that the guilt of each defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the New Orleans Police Department, and the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Andre’ Jones is in charge of the prosecution.
Sentencings for June 5 - June 7, 2017Read the Press Release
Elijah Alon Algiene, 24, of Aurora, Colorado, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson, on June 7, 2017, for being a felon in possession of firearms. Algiene was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received 37 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and a $300.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Casper Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Sherman George Quiver, 33, of Ethete, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal, on June 6, 2017, for sexual abuse in Indian Country. Quiver was arrested in Ethete, Wyoming. He received 120 months of imprisonment, to be followed by seven years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and $1,709.65 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services
James Sandfer, 54, of Riverton, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson, on June 5, 2017, for possession of child pornography. Sandfer was arrested in Riverton, Wyoming. He received 46 months of imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and a $400.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Casey Ray Woolsey, 31, of Denver, Colorado, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal, on June 5, 2017, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Woolsey was arrested in Sundance, Wyoming. He received 100 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and a $500.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Moorcroft Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Jason Robert Slowik, 41, of Rawlins, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal, on June 5, 2017, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Slowik was arrested in Rawlins, 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 $400.00 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Rawlins Police Department, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
David Castillo-Gonzalez, 23, of Denver, Colorado, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal, on June 5, 2017, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Castillo-Gonzalez was arrested in Cheyenne, 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 $900.00 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.
Sells Man Sentenced to 37 Months in Prison for Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On June 7, 2017, Marvin Richie Lewis, Jr., 34, of Sells, Ariz., a member of the Tohono O’odham Nation, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Frank R. Zapata to 37 months in prison. Lewis had previously pleaded guilty to one count of sexual abuse of a minor, who is also a member of the Tohono O’odham Nation. Lewis will be placed on lifetime federal supervision and be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
The investigation in this case was conducted by both the Tohono O’odham Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Micah Schmit, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBER: CR-16-0637-TUC-FRZ-BPV
RELEASE NUMBER: 2017-052_Lewis
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Rowlett Woman Sentenced to 51 Months in Federal Prison for Her Role in a Heroin Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
DALLAS — Brittany Anders, 32, of Rowlett, Texas, was sentenced today before U.S. District Judge Jane J. Boyle for her role in a heroin distribution conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Anders was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison following her guilty plea in October 2016 to one count of possession with intent to distribute and the distribution of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin. Anders has been in custody since his arrest in June 2016.
Anders was charged along with six others with various offenses related to a heroin distribution conspiracy. Of the seven charged, all have pleaded guilty, five have been sentenced.
According to documents filed in the case, on April 27, 2016, Anders met an individual in a McDonalds restaurant bathroom in Garland, Texas and exchanged one-half ounce of heroin for $820.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Allen Police Department and Rockwall Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanna Etessam prosecuted.
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Randolph County Man Indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
On June 6, 2017, a federal grand jury indicted a Randolph County man for a methamphetamine offense. The indictment was announced today by Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois.
Jason M. Stoker, 34, of Chester, was charged in a one-count indictment for conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that the offense occurred between June 2016 and October 31, 2016, in Randolph County.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The methamphetamine offense carries a maximum penalty of 5-40 years of imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and a $5,000,000 fine.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the Chester Police Department, the Illinois State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Marshals Service. The Randolph County State’s Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorneys Adam E. Hanna and Amanda A. Robertson for prosecution.
Pittsburgh Man Indicted on Drug and Gun Charges following Seizures of Fentanyl, Cash and Assault RifleRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A Pittsburgh resident 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 three-count indictment, returned on June 7, named Robert Allen, age 38, as the sole defendant.
On May 11, 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Western Pennsylvania Opioid Task Force assisted by the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police executed a series of search warrants in Allegheny County. Agents recovered over two kilograms of pure fentanyl, an AK-47 assault rifle, and more than $100,000 in cash.
As a result, according to the indictment, Allen is charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl, possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. As a convicted felon, Allen is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years nor more than life in prison, a fine of up to $20,000,000, or both. The United States is also seeking the forfeiture of $116,054 in United States Currency, a black Infinity QX56 SUV, a Romarm Assault Rifle, and numerous items consistent with drug packaging and distribution. 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, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Port Authority Police Department, Munhall Township Police Department and West Mifflin 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.
Pittsburgh Felon Facing Federal Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident 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 three-count indictment, returned on June 7, named Richard Ruby, age 29, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, on April 25, 2017, Ruby possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin. Ruby, a convicted felon, was also in possession of two firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. As a convicted felon, Ruby is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years nor more than life in prison, a fine of up to $2,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses 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.
Philadelphia Man Charged with Illegal Reentry After DeportationRead the Press Release
Miguel Domingo Barbosa, of Philadelphia, 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 May 2, 2017, Barbosa, an alien, and native and citizen of Brazil, was found in the United States after having been deported from the United States on or about March 31, 2008, June 14, 2009, October 21, 2009, and April 7, 2011.
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 Anita Eve.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Philadelphia Man Charged with Defrauding Social SecurityRead the Press Release
William Robertson, 65, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was charged by Indictment, unsealed today, with five counts of wire fraud, one count of theft of government funds, one count of social security fraud, and one count of making false statements announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. According to the Indictment[1], the defendant received retirement benefits intended for a deceased relative after his relative’s death in June 2005. The defendant’s alleged actions resulted in a loss to the government of approximately $148,938.
If convicted, defendant William Robertson faces a sentence of incarceration, a period of supervised release, full restitution to the government of $148,938, a fine, and a special assessment.
The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Christopher E. Parisi.
[1] An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pennsylvania Woman Charged with Smuggling Drugs into U.S. on Commercial FlightRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Pennsylvania woman appeared in federal court in Boston today for a detention hearing after having been charged with smuggling drugs, concealed in her underwear, into the United States on a commercial flight from the Dominican Republic.
Natalia Alexander Duran, 21, of Pennsylvania, was arrested on May 30, 2017, at Boston’s Logan International Airport, and charged with smuggling drugs into the United States. U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge M. Page Kelley took the matter of detention under advisement. Duran remains in the custody of U.S. Marshals.
According to court documents, Duran arrived at Logan Airport on a JetBlue flight from the Dominican Republic on May 30, 2017. Upon arrival, Duran, a U.S. citizen, was referred for a secondary baggage examination. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers searched her bags and did not find any contraband. Duran then stated that she needed to use the restroom. Two female CBP officers escorted Duran to a private bathroom inside a pat down room and told her that prior to using the restroom, she needed to be searched.
It is alleged that during the pat down, one of the CBP officers felt an abnormality in Duran’s groin area. When questioned, Duran said she was wearing three maxi pads. As the pat down continued, Duran explained that she was going to urinate herself and asked the CBP officers to leave so that she could use the restroom. When the CBP officers informed Duran that they would not leave the room, Duran told them she no longer needed to use the restroom; that she was wearing a body suit and could not urinate with it on and did not want to remove it. Duran then confessed to concealing drugs inside her body suit, saying that someone gave her drugs to carry. Duran subsequently reached into her underwear and emptied 41 pellets of cocaine, approximately 445 grams, onto the floor.
CBP officers had reason to believe Duran had ingested additional pellets, so she was transported to a medical facility where an additional 68 pellets were discovered inside her body, which also tested positive for cocaine and heroin.
In total, the 109 concealed pellets yielded approximately 2.6 pounds of illicit narcotics, 1075 grams of cocaine and 120 grams of heroin.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and William A. Ferrara, Director of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of Weinreb’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Norridgewock Man Sentenced to Four Years for Distributing OxycodoneRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Brandon Lancaster, 21, of Norridgewock, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to four years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for distributing oxycodone. Lancaster pleaded guilty on February 22, 2017.
According to court records, on August 31, 2016, Lancaster sold eleven 30 mg oxycodone pills to an individual working with law enforcement for $500.
In imposing the sentence, Judge John Woodcock noted that illegal drug distribution has an “insidious impact on the fabric of a community” and that individuals who get involved in the drug trade begin “dancing with the devil.” Judge Woodcock admonished Lancaster for being a “traitor to the community.”
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and investigated and prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Strategy to Combat the Opioid Epidemic.
Nine Members of Rockland County Drug Trafficking Organization Charged in Manhattan Federal Court with Distribution of Cocaine, Crack, Heroin, and FentanylRead the Press Release
Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Thomas Zugibe, the Rockland County District Attorney, and James J. Hunt, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), today announced the unsealing of an indictment charging nine defendants with participating in a drug trafficking organization that distributed a variety of narcotics, including heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine, in and around Rockland County, New York, and obtained those narcotics for resale from the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens, New York. The indictment alleges that the use of heroin distributed by defendant ROBERT DIAZ, a/k/a “Facey,” a/k/a “Face,” resulted in serious bodily injury to a particular victim (“Victim-1”) on or about December 15, 2016, in Queens, New York.
All but one of the defendants were arrested last night and today. RENE SANCHEZ, PABLO PEREZ, CHRISTIAN CARDENAS, DAVID ALMONTE, and RONALD BOLANOS were presented in federal court in Manhattan before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gabriel W. Gorenstein this afternoon. ROBERT DIAZ, THERESA KEEFE, and NICOLE MUNDERVILLE will be presented tomorrow before Judge Gorenstein. ROLANDO PAULINO remains at large.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim stated: “As alleged, the defendants conspired to sell deadly drugs, including heroin and fentanyl, even though some of them knew that users were overdosing on their drugs. The opioid epidemic, and in particular, overdoses on fentanyl, is on the rise in too many of our communities, including Rockland County. Together with our partners at the DEA and the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office, we are working to combat this deadly epidemic.”
Rockland County District Attorney Thomas Zugibe stated: “Sadly, we're seeing high numbers of fentanyl and heroin related overdoses in Rockland County. Dealers selling heroin-laced fentanyl or replacing the heroin entirely with fentanyl are a major threat to our community. Often times, users never know that the substance they purchased has been cut with this opioid, which is 50 times more powerful than regular heroin. Today’s arrests help to stem the flow of heroin and fentanyl into our neighborhoods. Along with our law enforcement partners, the Rockland County District Attorney's Office is committed to holding dealers accountable with the full force of the law.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt stated: “The after effects of this Rockland County drug crew added casualties to the number of opioid overdoses nationwide, as they callously discussed doing the ‘fentanyl dance.’ In addition to dismantling drug trafficking organizations, law enforcement and our community partners are collaborating to alert the public on the dangers of drug dealers pushing heroin and fentanyl into our neighborhoods.”
According to the Indictment[1] unsealed in Manhattan federal court:
ROBERT DIAZ, a/k/a “Facey,” a/k/a “Face,” RENE SANCHEZ, a/k/a “Renny,” PABLO PEREZ, a/k/a “Menor,” CHRISTIAN CARDENAS, a/k/a “Chris,” a/k/a “Spoonie,” DAVID ALMONTE, a/k/a “Elli,” RONALD BOLANOS, a/k/a “Ronny,” a/k/a “ET,” ROLANDO PAULINO, a/k/a “Santana Paulino,” THERESA KEEFE, a/k/a “Terry,” and NICOLE MUNDERVILLE, a/k/a “Nicki,” conspired to distribute significant amounts of narcotics, including heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl, in and around Rockland County, New York, from 2012 to May 2017 as members of a drug trafficking organization (the “Rockland DTO”). CARDENAS, ALMONTE, PEREZ, PAULINO, and BOLANOS acted as suppliers for the Rockland DTO, while DIAZ, SANCHEZ, KEEFE, and MUNDERVILLE distributed and assisted in distributing the narcotics to customers in and around Rockland County. The Rockland DTO distributed narcotics on a daily basis, and obtained narcotics for resale from the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens.
Some members of the Rockland DTO were aware of the potency and danger of the narcotics they were distributing. For example, from December 2016 to May 2017, DIAZ indicated to certain other members of the Rockland DTO that the narcotics he, KEEFE, and MUNDERVILLE were selling, and that CARDENAS was supplying, contained fentanyl, were particularly dangerous, and had caused adverse reactions in multiple customers, including at least one overdose that had required the administration of naloxone to Victim-1 on or about December 15, 2016. Also, as described in the Indictment, on January 5, 2017, DIAZ told CARDENAS that “three people fell out” from the drugs DIAZ had provided. DIAZ subsequently informed KEEFE and MUNDERVILLE that the drugs they were selling, thought by customers to be heroin, actually contained fentanyl. In addition, on March 20, 2017, DIAZ, in a conversation with PEREZ, laughed as he discussed doing the “fentanyl dance,” telling PEREZ that he had a “new connect” for “straight up fentanyl” and that customers “love it.”
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Each defendant is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute narcotics, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. DIAZ also faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison for having distributed heroin resulting in serious bodily injury to a victim. The statutory maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge. A chart with the defendants’ ages and residences is below.
Mr. Kim thanked the DEA’s Westchester Tactical Diversion Squad, the Rockland County Drug Task Force, the Rockland County REACT Team, and the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office for their work on the investigation. The DEA’s Westchester TDS comprises agents and officers of the DEA, Westchester County Police Department, Town of Orangetown Police Department, Rockland County Sheriff’s Office, Rockland County District Attorney’s Office, Yonkers Police Department, New Windsor Police Department, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Health and Human Services.
This matter is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Jane Kim, Jason Richman, and Elizabeth Hanft are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
DEFENDANT
AGE
RESIDENCE
ROBERT DIAZ, a/k/a “Facey,” a/k/a “Face”
49
Haverstraw, New York
RENE SANCHEZ, a/k/a “Renny”
52
Haverstraw, New York
PABLO PEREZ, a/k/a “Menor”
37
Bronx, New York
CHRISTIAN CARDENAS, a/k/a “Chris,” a/k/a “Spoonie”
41
Queens, New York
DAVID ALMONTE, a/k/a “Elli”
36
Bronx, New York
RONALD BOLANOS, a/k/a “Ronny,” a/k/a “ET”
47
Queens, New York
ROLANDO PAULINO, a/k/a “Santana Paulino”
46
Manhattan, New York
THERESA KEEFE, a/k/a “Terry”
55
Haverstraw, New York
NICOLE MUNDERVILLE, a/k/a “Nicki”
34
Haverstraw, New York
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Neopit Woman Indicted for Drug Trafficking, Firearm Offense on Menominee Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 6, 2017, a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against a woman allegedly involved in drug trafficking and firearms offenses on the Menominee Indian Reservation. The indictment named Sheila R. Madosh (age: 52) of Neopit, which is located on the Menominee Indian Reservation. Count One of the indictment charges Madosh with Possession with Intent to Distribute a Schedule I Controlled Substance in violation of 21 United States Code, Section 841. Count Two charged Madosh with Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense in violation of 18 United States Code, Section 924(c). On Count One, Madosh faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years’ imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and between 3 years and a lifetime of supervised release. On Count Two, Madosh faces a mandatory 5-year consecutive sentence and up to life in prison.
According to the indictment, on April 21, 2017, investigators discovered 298 grams of a substance containing a Schedule I analogue called FUB-AMB, which is a synthetic cannabinoid known locally as “Ish.” Investigators seized the synthetic drugs, along with a 9mm semiautomatic handgun, during the execution of a search warrant at Madosh’s Neopit residence.
The Menominee Tribal Police Department, Wisconsin Department of Justice – Division of Criminal Investigation (Native American Drug and Gang Initiative), Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory, and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier.
An indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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For additional information contact:
Public Information Officer Dean Puschnig at 414 297-1700
Neopit Man Indicted for Assault and Firearm Offense on Menominee Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 6, 2017, a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against a man allegedly involved in an assault and firearms offense on the Menominee Indian Reservation. The indictment named Dillon J. Peters, Sr. (age: 30) of Neopit, which is located on the Menominee Indian Reservation. Count One of the indictment charges Peters with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in violation of 18 United States Code, Section 113(a)(3). Count Two charged Peters with Use of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Violent Crime in violation of 18 United States Code, Section 924(c). On Count One, Peters faces a maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release. On Count Two, Peters faces a mandatory 10-year consecutive sentence and up to life in prison.
According to the indictment, between about May 5 and May 7, 2017, Peters discharged a firearm in furtherance of an assault committed against another person. The incident occurred at Peters’ residence in Neopit.
The Menominee Tribal Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier.
An indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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For additional information contact:
Public Information Officer Dean Puschnig at 414 297-1700
Mexican National Sentenced to Ten Years for Conviction on Federal Firearms and Drug Trafficking Charges in New MexicoRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Victor Hernandez-Pena, 24, a Mexican national illegally in the United States, was sentenced today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to 120 months in prison for violating federal firearms and drug trafficking laws. Hernandez-Pena will be deported after completing his prison sentence.
Hernandez-Pena was arrested on April 2, 2015, on a criminal complaint charging him with distribution of methamphetamine in Bernalillo County, N.M. According to the complaint, on March 24, 2015, Hernandez-Pena sold approximately 55 grams of methamphetamine to an individual working with law enforcement officers.
Hernandez-Pena was indicted on a methamphetamine distribution charge on April 28, 2015, and charged with distributing methamphetamine. The indictment was superseded twice, most recently on Oct. 25, 2016. The five-count second superseding indictment charged Hernandez-Pena with distributing methamphetamine on March 4, 2015 and March 24, 2015; possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute on April 2, 2015; and being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition on April 2, 2015 and Nov. 10, 2014. According to court documents, the Nov. 10, 2014, charge arose out of an incident during which Hernandez-Pena hit a woman with a firearm, which caused the firearm to discharge and injure the victim when the bullet grazed her head. According to the second superseding indictment, Hernandez-Pena committed the crimes in Bernalillo County.
On Nov. 11, 2016, Hernandez-Pena pled guilty to the second superseding indictment. In entering the guilty plea, Hernandez-Pena admitted selling methamphetamine to an individual he later learned was working with law enforcement authorities on two occasions in March 2015. More specifically, he admitted selling 2.65 grams of methamphetamine on March 4, 2015, and 51.7 grams of methamphetamine on March 24, 2015. Hernandez-Pena also admitted that on April 2, 2015, he possessed 208.2 grams of methamphetamine, which he intended to distribute to others. He also admitted that on April 2, 2015, he possessed a firearm and ammunition at that same residence. According to the plea agreement, on Nov. 10, 2014, Hernandez-Pena also possessed a handgun and ammunition while sitting in the parking lot of an Albuquerque-area restaurant.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of Homeland Security Investigations and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristopher N. Houghton and Peter J. Eicker prosecuted the case.
Member of Mexican Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced for Conviction on Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Yolanda Rodriguez, 50, a U.S. citizen who formerly resided in Mexico, was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to 15 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for her conviction on drug trafficking and money laundering charges.
Rodriguez was convicted on multiple charges contained in a 45-count indictment that was filed in Oct. 2015. The indictment charged Rodriguez and 19 others with participating in a major drug trafficking organization (DTO) that imported large amounts of cocaine, marijuana and heroin from Mexico into the United States. The indictment alleged that members of the DTO distributed the cocaine, marijuana and heroin in Albuquerque and other places in the United States, and smuggled drug proceeds from the United States to Mexico. According to the indictment, the conspiracy operated in Doña Ana, Luna and Bernalillo Counties from Oct. 2014 through Oct. 2015.
The indictment was the result of an investigation by the DEA, FBI, IRS and U.S. Border Patrol that was designated as part of the Justice Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, which combines the resources and unique expertise of federal agencies and their local counterparts in a coordinated effort to disrupt and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations. During the investigation, federal agents seized and purchased 6.2 kilograms of cocaine, 2.9 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1039.9 kilograms of marijuana, and 351 grams of heroin. They also seized $267,030.00 in drug proceeds and other assets valued at approximately $153,000.00.
On Oct. 6, 2016, a federal jury returned a verdict finding Rodriguez and co-defendant Amado Acevedo-Gonzalez, 36, a Mexican national, guilty on drug trafficking offenses and money laundering charges after a four-day trial. The evidence at trial established that Rodriguez and Acevedo-Gonzalez were part of a Mexican DTO that imported cocaine and marijuana into the United States, and exported the drug proceeds back to Mexico. More specifically, the evidence established that Acevedo-Gonzalez, distributed marijuana for the DTO, and that Rodriguez was a courier who transported drugs and drug proceeds from Albuquerque to Mexico for the DTO.
During the trial, the jury learned about the ten-month investigation into the DTO during which court-authorized wiretaps were used to gather evidence that permitted federal agents to learn about shipments of cocaine and marijuana that were transported in tractor-trailers from Mexico to an auto body shop in Albuquerque. From the auto body shop, a member of the DTO coordinated with bosses in Mexico to distribute the drugs, and to collect drug proceeds and transport them back to Mexico. Federal agents testified about this pattern – drugs going north in tractor-trailers and drug proceeds going south – occurred numerous times. Based on their knowledge of this pattern, federal agents were able to seize more than $250,000 in drug proceeds from couriers and a tractor-trailer containing marijuana.
Of the 20 defendants charged in the indictment, 13 have been arrested, 11 have entered guilty pleas, two were convicted at trial and the remaining seven are fugitives. The following defendants have entered guilty pleas in this case:
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Rene Amaya-Rivas, 28, a Mexican national who was residing in Odessa, Texas, pled guilty on April 27, 2016, to conspiracy, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and money laundering charges.
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Pablo Alberto Arana-Delgado, 35, a Mexican national who was residing in El Paso, Texas, pled guilty on June 8, 2016, to conspiracy and possession of cocaine and marijuana with intent to distribute charges, and was sentenced on Dec. 14, 2016, to 36 months in prison. He will be deported after completing his prison sentence.
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Elier Gabriel Jaime-Castillo, 35, a Mexican national illegally present in the United States, pled guilty on Aug. 30, 2016, to conspiracy, money laundering, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and use of a communication device to facilitate a drug trafficking crime charges, and was sentenced on June 2, 2017, to 46 months in prison. He will be deported after completing his prison sentence.
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Acevedo-Gonzalez, was found guilty at trial on Oct. 6, 2016, of participating in the drug trafficking conspiracy, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and using a communication device to facilitate drug trafficking crimes, and was sentenced on June 2, 2017, to time served and will be deported.
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Mauricio Ledezma, 23, of Albuquerque, N.M., pled guilty on Dec. 8, 2015, to misprision of a felony, and was sentenced on April 6, 2016, to 24 months of probation.
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Cerbando Carbajal, 20, of Columbus, N.M., pled guilty on March 29, 2016, to conspiracy and money laundering charges, and was sentenced on Nov. 3, 2016, to time served.
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Emilia Quezada, 31, a U.S. citizen who was residing in Chihuahua, Mexico, pled guilty on April 1, 2016, to conspiracy and money laundering charges, and was sentenced on Feb. 9, 2017, to 18 months in prison.
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George A. Taylor, 55, of Deming, N.M., pled guilty on April 20, 2016, to conspiracy, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and money laundering charges, and was sentenced on March 17, 2017, to 24 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
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Grisel H. Majalca, 32 of Columbus, N.M., pled guilty on Aug. 3, 2016, to conspiracy, use of a communication device to facilitate a drug trafficking crime and money laundering charges, and was sentenced on Feb. 9, 2017, to 12 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
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Leonardo Martinez-Olivas, 49, a Mexican national, pled guilty on May 11, 2016, to conspiracy and money laundering charges, and was sentenced on Nov. 1, 2016, to 12 months in prison. He will be deported after completing his prison sentenced.
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Neftali Garcia-Torres, 20, a Mexican national, pled guilty on Sept. 14, 2016, to misprision of a felony, and was sentenced on June 1, 2017, to two years of probation.
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Carlos Adrian Ortega-Acevedes, 25, a Mexican national pled guilty on March 3, 2017, to conspiracy and international money laundering charges.
The following defendants, all Mexican nationals, have yet to be arrested and are considered fugitives: Edgar Estopellan-Torres, Ignacio Villalobos-Salinas, 30, Angel Daniel Silva-Silva, 31, Rigoberto Estopellan-Torres, 35, Jesus Muñoz-Lechuga, 36, Emilio Delgado-Olivas, 43, and Jesus Gilberto Varela-Sanchez, 28. Charges in indictments are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the Las Cruces offices of the DEA, FBI, IRS and the U.S. Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Selesia L. Winston and Renee L. Camacho of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office are prosecuting the case.
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McKeesport Residents Sentenced to Prison for Distributing CocaineRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - Two residents of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, were each sentenced in federal court to 36 months imprisonment and five years supervised release on their convictions of violating federal narcotics and money laundering laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentences on Jeffrey Turner, age 35, and April Racan, age 37, both of McKeesport, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, between 2011 and 2015, a cocaine source of supply in Brownsville, Texas, Dante Lozano, mailed dozens of packages of cocaine to Turner and Racan in Elizabeth and McKeesport, in Allegheny County. Approximately 8 kilograms (about 18 pounds) of cocaine were sent in this fashion.
Turner and Racan then sold the cocaine to others. Although drug proceeds in the form of cash were generally sent back to Lozano in Texas, during a six-month period of time in 2012, $116,700 in postal money orders were purchased and sent by Turner and Racan from Pittsburgh back to Texas.
Five other defendants were previously convicted and sentenced. Dante Lozano is scheduled to be sentenced on June 22, 2017.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory J. Nescott prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Song commended the United States Postal Service in Pittsburgh and the Drug Enforcement Administration in Brownsville, Texas for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Jeffrey Turner and April Racan.
Man Sentenced to Prison for Sexual Activity with a MinorRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A man who picked up a 13-year old girl at her school bus stop to have sex with her was sentenced today to 10 years in prison and 20 years of supervised release.
Manuel Delgado, 26, of Hyattsville, Maryland, pleaded guilty to transportation of a minor across state lines for criminal sexual activity on March 16. According to court documents, Delgado met the minor victim through family when she was 11 years old and began a romantic relationship with the victim that lasted over a year. In June 2016, Delgado, pretending to be the minor victim’s father, called the minor victim’s middle school claiming she was ill, resulting in an excused absence. Delgado then used a car service to travel from Maryland to Virginia to pick up the minor victim at her school bus stop. He then took her back to his house in Maryland and had sex with her. After the minor victim disclosed the sexual exploitation to her mother and law enforcement became involved, Delgado continued to communicate with the victim and encouraged her not to disclose the abuse to law enforcement.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Andrew W. Vale, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office; Henry P. Stawinski III, Chief of Prince George’s County Police; and Colonel Edwin C. Roessler Jr., Fairfax County Chief of Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge James C. Cacheris. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen Cain prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:17-cr-11.
Man Sentenced to 292 Months in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Illegal Reentry ChargesRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA - On June 7, 2017, Jacinto Loza Gil a/k/a Sergio Alfaro Rojasheather Jean Reekr, 46, of Urbandale, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger to 242 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and 50 months in prison for illegal reentry into the United States, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. A total sentence of 292 months in prison was ordered.
On February 8, 2017, Loza Gil pleaded guilty to these charges, admitting he was engaged in the distribution of methamphetamine between June and September 2016, and had unlawfully reentered the United States following his deportation in March 2014. The conspiracy charges stemmed from a several-month investigation of Loza Gil, in which numerous controlled purchases of methamphetamine were made from him and others operating at his direction. A search warrant at Loza Gil’s residence in September of 2016 yielded approximately five pounds of methamphetamine.
This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, with significant assistance of other federal, state, and local agencies. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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Learn more about this release by calling Rachel J. Scherle at 515-473-9300, or by emailing her at [email protected].
Los Angeles Strike Force Indictment Targets Traffickers that Allegedly Shipped Hundreds of Pounds of Narcotics to U.S.Read the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – The first major narcotics trafficking indictment resulting from an investigation by the Los Angeles Strike Force was unsealed today as authorities arrested seven defendants charged with drug trafficking, money laundering and weapons offenses.
The indictment charges a total of 22 defendants who allegedly were members of a drug trafficking organization linked to the Sinaloa Cartel. The charged defendants allegedly were responsible for the importation of hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin from Mexico into the United States. The narcotics were distributed throughout the country via a network of cartel associates, and the proceeds from the domestic narcotics sales were then funneled back to Mexico, according to the indictment.
In addition to the seven defendants arrested this morning, one of the defendants was already in a California prison on unrelated charges. The remaining 14 defendants, including four whose true names are not yet known, are fugitives, most of whom are believed to be in Mexico.
During the two-year wiretap investigation, members of the Strike Force seized narcotics with an approximate street value in Los Angeles of more than $6 million, including approximately 290 pounds of methamphetamine, 280 pounds of cocaine, 30 pounds of heroin and 81 pounds of marijuana. During the investigation, authorities also seized 33 firearms, three vehicles with hidden compartments and $1.3 million in cash.
The indictment specifically details 14 significant seizures, one of which involved more than 15 kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as over 28 firearms. Another seizure involved more than 70 pounds of methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin as well as two vacuum-sealed bundles of cash.
The Los Angeles Strike Force investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Marshals Service and the Azusa Police Department. These Strike Force members uncovered a sophisticated international drug trafficking network that regularly transported narcotics across the U.S.-Mexico border and at times stored drugs in “stash houses” across the San Gabriel Valley. The narcotics then were distributed throughout the United States.
“The Strike Force has become a leader in using innovative investigative techniques to target Mexico-based drug trafficking organizations,” said Acting United States Attorney Sandra R. Brown. “We are committed to stemming the illegal flow of narcotics into our country, and law enforcement initiatives like the Strike Force will continue to have a significant impact in protecting Americans from dangerous drugs and the violence that often accompanies illegal drug trafficking.”
“The stream of narcotics coming into the United States fuels violence in local neighborhoods and contributes to the current drug epidemic in the United States,” said Deirdre Fike, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “Today’s multi-agency operation is the result of a lengthy investigation targeting cartel members for their roles in an international drug importation network that enriched Mexico-based cartel members while American communities were being adversely affected. The FBI will continue to address this crime problem by working with our law enforcement partners, and by engaging with leaders of communities affected by narcotics trafficking.”
“The indictment and today’s arrests demonstrate the Strike Force’s ability to reach both sides of the border, impacting the Sinaloa Cartel by disrupting their drug supply chain and neutralizing key players in the organization,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge David J. Downing. “We’ve sent a message to the cartels – they won’t be allowed to operate freely in Los Angeles or conduct business as usual.”
The 19-count indictment specifically charges the defendants with being members of a conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. The indictment contains 14 counts alleging possession with the intent to distribute narcotics. One defendant also is charged with illegally possessing seven handguns while engaged in drug trafficking activities.
The seven defendants arrested today are:
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Julian Rocha, also known as “JRoc,” 33, of Azusa, who is charged with being a Los Angeles-based purchaser of Mexican narcotics;
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Froilan Villarreal, also known as aka “DeL MoNtE,” of Azusa, who allegedly illegally possessed seven firearms when authorities seized large quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine from his El Monte residence;
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Oscar Arredondo, 53, of Bakersfield, an alleged drug transporter who was arrested in the Eastern District of California;
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Maria Ernestina Limon Elenes, 64, of Azusa, an alleged facilitator and the mother of lead defendant/fugitive Jeuri Limon Elenes;
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Antonio Orozco, also known as “El Sr.,” 45, of Long Beach, who allegedly transported narcotics across the international border;
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Martin Ruiz Saldana, of Santa Ana, who allegedly received narcotics from Villarreal; and
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Audrey Rose Urrea, of Chula Vista, who allegedly attempted to transport narcotics across the international border and who was arrested this morning in the Southern District of California.
The five defendants arrested today in the Central District of California are being arraigned this afternoon in United States District Court in Los Angeles.
One additional defendant – Fernando Madueno Sanchez – was already in state prison. Prosecutors will seek to transfer him to federal custody to face the charges in the indictment unsealed today.
The Los Angeles Strike Force was formed in 2014 to target Mexican drug cartels that utilize the Los Angeles metropolitan region as a primary hub for the distribution of narcotics across the United States. The goals of the Strike Force are to target high-level narcotics traffickers, disrupt and dismantle the cartels’ narcotics trafficking and related money laundering activities, and arrest and prosecute the cartels’ leaders and operatives.
The lead defendant in the indictment – Jeuri Limon Elenes (also known as “Prude,” “Rzr,” “Fox,” and “Royal Nuevo”) – is charged with acquiring narcotics in Mexico and arranging for the transportation of the drugs into the United States. Limon is a fugitive at this time.
In addition to the narcotics and weapons offenses, the indictment includes a charge of conspiracy to launder money that alleges the drug trafficking organization used the United States banking system to launder drug proceeds by making multiple cash deposits into purportedly legitimate accounts to disguise the origin of thousands of dollars of illicit funds.
“When drug traffickers amass large quantities of cash from narcotics sales, they often attempt to legitimize these ill-gotten profits through the use of banks and financial institutions,” said R. Damon Rowe, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation. “This joint investigation demonstrates our efforts to ensure that the banking industry will not be abused by large-scale narcotics traffickers, but will be operated in a fair and honest manner to promote the public interest.”
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If they are convicted in this case, all of the defendants would be subject to potential sentences of life without parole in federal prison.
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Logan businessman sentenced to federal prison for tax crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Logan man was sentenced today to a year and a day in federal prison for a tax crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Timothy Moore, 54, previously pleaded guilty to making a false statement on a tax return. Moore was also ordered to pay a $25,000 fine and over $127,000 in restitution.
Moore admitted that from 2010 through at least 2013, he diverted checks intended for his business, Auto Body Specialists, LLC, an auto body and collision company located in Logan. Moore also admitted that the checks were payment for auto body or other work, and that he diverted the checks by depositing them directly into his personal bank accounts rather than into his company accounts. Moore additionally admitted that he hired an outside bookkeeper to prepare his personal and business taxes and to organize the books and records of the business. He admitted that he did not tell his bookkeeper about the diverted checks, nor did he provide the bookkeeper access to his personal bank accounts. When the bookkeeper filed joint income tax returns for Moore and his wife, Moore admitted that he knew that his tax returns understated his income from his company, as the returns did not take into account those diverted funds. Moore further admitted that he authorized the bookkeeper to file the false returns.
In tax years 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013, Moore diverted $414,273.58 into his personal accounts that was not reported on his tax returns. Moore also admitted that the total tax loss for his criminal conduct is $127,926.26, and that he owes that same amount to the IRS as restitution.
This case was investigated by agents of the IRS – Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith George Thomas is handling the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence.
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Keshena Man and Woman Indicted for Drug Trafficking, Firearm Offenses on Menominee Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 6, 2017, a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against a man and woman allegedly involved in drug trafficking and firearms offenses on the Menominee Indian Reservation. The indictment named Leroy F. Sanapaw, Sr. (age: 42), and Kerry L. Nacotee (age: 42) of Keshena, which is located on the Menominee Indian Reservation. Count One charges Sanapaw with Possession with Intent to Deliver Marijuana in violation of 21 United States Code, Section 841(a)(1). Count Two charges Sanapaw and Nacotee with Felon in Possession of a Firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g). On Count One, Sanapaw faces a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment, up to a $1 million fine, and from 3 years to a lifetime of supervised release. On Count Two, Sanapaw and Nacotee each face a maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release.
According to the indictment, on May 8, 2014, investigators discovered over 250 grams of marijuana and five rifles of various calibers during the execution of a search warrant at the couple’s Keshena residence. Both Sanapaw and Nacotee are prohibited from possessing firearms.
The Menominee Tribal Police Department, Wisconsin Department of Justice – Division of Criminal Investigation (Native American Drug and Gang Initiative), and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier.
An indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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For additional information contact:
Public Information Officer Dean Puschnig at 414 297-1700
Keshena Man Indicted for Sexual Assault on Menominee Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 6, 2017, a federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment against a man allegedly involved in a sexual assault on the Menominee Indian Reservation. The indictment named Justin A. Schneider (age: 18) of Keshena, which is located on the Menominee Indian Reservation. The indictment charges Schneider with Aggravated Sexual Abuse in violation of 18 United States Code, Section 2241(a)(1). Schneider faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and between 5 years and a lifetime of Supervised Release.
According to the indictment, on May 15, 2017, while at the defendant’s Keshena residence, the defendant engaged in a sexual act with an adult female by the use of force. According to the indictment, the defendant held down the victim’s arms and placed his hand on her chest during the sex act.
The Menominee Tribal Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier.
An indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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For additional information contact:
Public Information Officer Dean Puschnig at 414 297-1700
Jefferson County man admits to illegally possessing firearmsRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Ranson, West Virginia man was convicted today of illegal possession of a firearm, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.
Jeremiah David Wallace, age 29, pled guilty to one count of “Felon in Possession of Firearm.”
Wallace admitted to possession of multiple firearms in Berkeley County in November 2015. Wallace, having been convicted of a felony in Frederick County, Virginia, is prohibited from possessing firearms.
Wallace faces up to ten years incarceration and a fine up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Ranson Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Jefferson County man admits to illegally possessing a firearmRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Ranson, West Virginia man was convicted today of illegal possession of a firearm, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.
Chad Aric Berry, age 29, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Berry, having previously been convicted of a felony in the Circuit Court of Jefferson County, admitted to possessing a .380 caliber pistol in Jefferson County September 2015.
Berry faces up to ten years incarceration and a $250,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Illegal Alien Convicted of Illegal Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
BATON ROUGE, LA – Acting United States Attorney Corey Amundson announced today that OCTAVIO BRINGAS-POSADAS, age 50, an illegal alien from Mexico, pled guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Shelly D. Dick to being an illegal alien in possession of several firearms and illegal re-entry into the United States by a removed alien. BRINGAS-POSADAS faces imprisonment, fines, restitution orders, forfeiture, and a term of supervised release as well as deportation following imprisonment. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
BRINGAS-POSADAS acknowledged during his guilty plea hearing that he illegally possessed three (3) firearms, two (2) revolvers, and one (1) pistol, as well as three (3) different types of ammunition. BRINGAS-POSADAS further acknowledged that he was illegally in the United States and had been previously deported from the United States in 2012.
This matter was investigated by the U. S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement; the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Louisiana State Police; and the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office. This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin R. Sanchez and Jessica M.P. Thornhill.
Houston, Texas Man convicted of Smuggling Korean Human Growth Hormone Drugs to Local Patients and Professional WrestlersRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – George Patino, 57, of Houston, Texas, was convicted by a jury on Wednesday after a three-day trial of conspiracy, distributing Human Growth Hormone (“HGH”) for unauthorized medical purposes, and smuggling.
According to Court documents, under federal law, doctors can lawfully prescribe HGH for several narrow medical uses, for example to patients with wasting diseases associated with AIDS or Prader-Willi syndrome. HGH cannot be prescribed to help patients with body-building, anti-aging, or weight loss treatments. From April 2014 through June 2015, the evidence showed at trial that Mr. Patino sent numerous packages of HGH to a local St. Louis, Missouri doctor and many local patients. The local patients receiving the HGH hoped to increase their energy, strength, endurance, and athletic ability. The HGH smuggled here to Missouri by Mr. Patino was misbranded in that the drugs’ dosage and use instructions were in Spanish not English, and the drugs came from a Korean drug manufacturer that has not been approved by the U.S. Government to sell this drug in the United States.
A local doctor, Dr. Michael “Ted” Mimlitz, previously pled guilty in this same investigation to providing misbranded HGH drugs to numerous local patients who were experiencing a lack of energy, decreases in strength or endurance, or decreased athletic ability.
Mr. Patino now faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for his conspiracy conviction, ten years in prison for his HGH distribution conviction, and twenty years in prison for the smuggling conviction, and/or fines up to $250,000 for each count. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
“For drugs that enter the U.S. from outside the FDA-regulated distribution system, there is no guarantee that the drugs are safe and effective for patients to use,” said Special Agent in Charge, Spencer Morrison, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations’ Kansas City Field Office. “We will continue to work to protect the health of patients who rely on prescription drugs and to ensure the safety and effectiveness of those drugs.”
This case was investigated by the Office of Criminal Investigation for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations.
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Honduran Sentenced for Immigration OffenseRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that OSCAR OMAR CAMPOS-ROJAS, age 32, a native of Honduras, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Indictment charging him with illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
United States District Court Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced CAMPOS-ROJAS to 14 months of imprisonment, 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee.
According to court documents, CAMPOS-ROJAS, was previously removed from the United States on April 4, 2011. He was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on August 17, 2015, and had not received permission from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter.
Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri was in charge of the prosecution.
Helena-West Helena Men Sentenced Following SNAP Benefits Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Patrick C. Harris, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, Diane Upchurch, Special Agent in Charge of the Little Rock Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Dax Roberson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Inspector General Southwest Region of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announced today the sentencings of the two lead defendants in a scheme to defraud USDA and the SNAP food benefit program.
Thursday, United States District Judge Kristine G. Baker sentenced Khalid Alkarsh, 40, of Helena-West Helena, to 16 months in federal prison, and Bakil Mohamed Alqirsh, 27, also of Helena-West Helena, to three years’ probation, with the first 10 months spent in home confinement. In addition, the two are jointly responsible for repaying the USDA $107,486.36 in restitution.
Alkarsh and Alqirsh each pleaded guilty on January 24, 2017, to conspiracy to defraud the USDA of money from the SNAP benefit program. SNAP benefits provide economic assistance for low-income individuals to purchase food. Alkarsh, who owned the Stop and Shop convenience store in Helena-West Helena, and Alqirsh, who was a cashier and manager at the store, allowed SNAP recipients to trade their SNAP benefits for ineligible items such as beer and cigarettes, and for cash. When a SNAP recipient redeemed their benefits for cash, Alkarsh and Alqirsh paid the recipient approximately 60% of the transaction amount, and the Stop and Shop kept 40%.
Alkarsh and Alqirsh were two of 24 individuals initially indicted in the scheme, with the other 22 alleged to be SNAP recipients who improperly redeemed their benefits at the Stop and Shop. Two defendants were later dismissed, and all others have pleaded guilty and either been sentenced or are awaiting sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and USDA, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Peters.
Health Care Worker Charged with Defrauding MedicareRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of health care fraud, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
The one-count indictment, returned on June 7, named Rong Zhang, 55, of Pittsburgh, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, Zhang and others submitted billings to Medicare for services knowing that those services were outside the course of professional practice and not for legitimate medical purposes. The indictment further alleges that Zhang and others submitted billings to Medicare for medical procedures based on falsely diagnosed conditions. Zhang was an employee who provided various services to patients of B.E.C., a physician known to the grand jury, including drawing blood and conducting ultrasounds and electrocardiograms.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Cindy Chung and Brendan T. Conway are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Office of the Inspector General for Health and Human Services and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office 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.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Federal Prison for Distributing CrackRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JIMMIE SMITH, also known as “Prime,” 44, of Hartford, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Alfred V. Covello in Hartford to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from joint law enforcement investigation headed by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department that targeted a drug trafficking organization operating in Hartford’s North End that was distributing crack and powder cocaine. The investigation revealed that David Gil-Grande, of Manchester, received shipments of cocaine, secreted in sealed coffee cans, from Puerto Rico. He then supplied the cocaine to Anthony Shelton, also known as “Pretty,” Gerard Brown, also known as “Goldie,” and others, who converted much of the cocaine into crack and distributed both forms of the drug in the area of Barbour Street in Hartford. Brown supplied both crack and cocaine to SMITH, and SMITH also converted cocaine into crack. He then sold the drugs to his own customers.
Twenty individuals were charged as a result of the investigation.
SMITH has been detained since his arrest on February 9, 2016. On February 14, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
SMITH has a criminal history that began in 1993 and includes eight felony convictions, including a conviction for first degree assault on which he was sentenced to 54 months of imprisonment. He also was on state probation while he engaged in the criminal conduct that resulted in this federal prosecution.
Gil-Grande, Shelton and Brown have pleaded guilty to related charges. On January 31, 2017, Gil-Grande was sentenced to 70 months of imprisonment. Shelton and Brown await sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force, which includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division and the Drug Enforcement Administration have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
Harrisburg Woman Sentenced for Bankruptcy FraudRead the Press Release
Yesterday, Rietta M. Miller, 52, of Harrisburg, IL, was sentenced in federal court in Benton, Illinois, on her federal bankruptcy fraud conviction, United States Attorney Donald S. Boyce announced. The court ordered Miller to serve three years of probation, with the first six months of that time being spent under home confinement. The court also ordered Miller to pay a $100 fine and an additional $100 Special Assessment. Charges were filed against Miller on January 30, 2017, as part of the U.S. Attorney’s effort to crackdown on those who commit fraud in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Illinois.
Miller was charged with concealing assets in her bankruptcy case. When she pled guilty to that charge on February 16, 2017, Miller admitted that she concealed from the Bankruptcy Court a $47,736.12 worker’s compensation settlement she received approximately one month before she filed bankruptcy. Miller acknowledged that she attempted to conceal this money from the Bankruptcy Court by moving the funds in and out of her bank accounts. Miller also admitted that she lied on the bankruptcy petition and schedules she filed with the Bankruptcy Court, and again when she was asked questions under oath at a Meeting of Creditors held in her bankruptcy case. Miller’s chapter 7 bankruptcy case was filed and litigated in the United States Bankruptcy Court in Benton, Illinois.
"Concealment of assets in a Bankruptcy case is a serious crime," Mr. Boyce explained. "In essence, these criminals attempt to use the federal court system to defraud their creditors. Our office will continue to prosecute those who engage in this type of conduct."
"Together with U.S. Attorney Boyce and our law enforcement partners, we will continue to pursue fraud and abuse in bankruptcy cases," stated Nancy J. Gargula, U.S. Trustee for Southern Illinois, Central Illinois, and Indiana (Region 10). The U.S. Trustee Program is the component of the Justice Department that protects the integrity of the bankruptcy system by overseeing case administration and litigating to enforce the bankruptcy laws. Region 10 is headquartered in Indianapolis, with additional offices in South Bend, IN, and Peoria, IL.
The charges resulted from a referral by the U.S. Trustee and the investigation was conducted by agents from the Springfield Division, Fairview Heights Resident Agency, of the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI") with assistance from members of the Southern District of Illinois Bankruptcy Fraud Working Group coordinated by the U.S. Trustee. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott A. Verseman.
Hampton Man Sentenced for Heroin Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Hampton man was sentenced to 20 years in prison today for his role in distributing heroin to a person who overdosed and died.
Robert Alan Durkee, 58, pleaded guilty on March 10. According to court documents, in November 201, Durkee sold heroin that contained fentanyl to co-defendant Julie Rae Rock, who then gave the heroin to the victim, identified in court documents as E.H., at a hotel in Newport News. The victim almost immediately fell to the ground. Rock left E.H., and his body was recovered later that day by hotel staff. E.H.’s cause of death was determined to be acute combined heroin and fentanyl intoxication.
Durkee was arrested by the Newport News Police Department on June 29, 2016, and admitted to purchasing over 700 grams of heroin from June 2015 until the time of his arrest.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Karl C. Colder, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division; and Richard W. Myers, Chief of Newport News Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan M. Cowles and Lisa R. McKeel prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:16-cr-84.
Georgia Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that William Curtis Oliver, 53, of Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, and formerly of Dougherty County, Georgia, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to possessing child pornography.
Court records reveal that in January 2016, a detective with the Rosenberg, Texas police department, who was affiliated with the Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, was monitoring certain internet sites. The detective was working in an undercover capacity and posing as a 14-year-old female child (“UC”). On January 27, 2016, the defendant wrote to the UC about traveling from Maine to see the UC and have sex. Over the next few weeks, the defendant sent several text messages to the UC. On about February 2, 2016, the defendant, using his cellular telephone, sent several images of prepubescent girls engaged in sexually explicit conduct to the UC.
defendant has been in custody since his arrest on September 15, 2016 following a related investigation by federal and state authorities that revealed that, in 2012, the defendant had been convicted of child molestation in Georgia and had moved to Maine in December 2015 without complying with federal sex offender registry requirements. On December 13, 2016, Oliver pleaded guilty to having failed to register as a sex offender.
Oliver faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the child pornography charge. Because of his child molestation conviction, he may face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. The defendant will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The investigation was conducted by the Rosenberg, Texas Police Department; Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshal’s Service and the Dover-Foxcroft Police Department.
General Manager of South Jersey Car Dealership Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Bank Fraud Conspiracy, Tax ChargesRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Vineland, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 60 months in prison for his role in a scheme to defraud a bank and for filing a fraudulent tax return, Acting U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick announced.
Richard T. Pepe, 70, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Jerome B. Simandle to a superseding information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of fraud and false statements on his 2008 U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. Judge Simandle imposed the sentence today in Camden federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From 2004 through October 2008, Pepe was the general manager of Chevrolet 73. The object of the conspiracy was for Pepe and others acting on his behalf to fraudulently obtain money from M&T Bank, intended as floor plan financing for Chevrolet 73, by providing phony information to the bank, including false liabilities and profits on Chevrolet 73’s monthly financial statements. Pepe then used that money – over $2.95 million – for personal expenses.
Pepe also admitted falsely claiming that his income was $36,628 on his 2008 individual tax return when he knew his actual income exceeded that amount.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Simandle sentenced Pepe to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay forfeiture in the amount of $2,950,270.57.
Acting U.S. Attorney Fitzpatrick credited special agents of the FBI Philadelphia Division’s Cherry Hill Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Harpster, and special agents of the IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan D. Larsen, with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacqueline M. Carle of the U.S. Attorney's Office Criminal Division in Camden.
Defense counsel: Thomas Young Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Camden
Former Silicon Valley CEO Indicted for Allegedly Defrauding Employees of Tech Company Start-UpRead the Press Release
The founder and chief executive officer of a now-defunct Silicon Valley technology start-up company was charged in an indictment unsealed yesterday in Orange County, California with allegedly defrauding several of his company’s former employees by luring them to join his company based on false and misleading statements about his educational, professional and financial background, and by allegedly enticing them to continue working for his company by providing them with forged documents purportedly reflecting payments for unpaid salaries.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Brian J. Stretch of the Northern District of California and Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett of the FBI’s San Francisco Field Office made the announcement.
Isaac Choi, aka Yi Suk Choi, aka Yisuk Choi, aka Yi Suk Chae, aka Isaac Chae, (Choi), 36, most recently of Orange County and previously of Santa Clara, California, was charged with five counts of wire fraud.The indictment alleges that Choi, while working at his company, known publicly as WrkRiot, falsely claimed that he received a degree from a prestigious New York business school, worked as an analyst at a major financial instution, had access to significant personal wealth, and was investing significant amounts of that money into the company. The indictment further alleges that after certain WrkRiot employees came to learn that WrkRiot’s bank accounts did not contain the capital that Choi claimed to have invested, Choi falsely claimed that a significant portion of the money he pledged to invest was tied up overseas and elsewhere.
The indictment further alleges that in August 2016, Choi sent a series of individualized emails to WrkRiot’s employees stating that salary payments were forthcoming, and attaching documents purporting to confirm wire transfers from a U.S.-based bank to the bank accounts of the recipient WrkRiot employees. In reality, as alleged in the indictment, Choi sent forged wire transfer confirmations in order to induce WrkRiot employees to continue working for the company without being paid.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The FBI investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Cory E. Jacobs and L. Rush Atkinson of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey B. Schenk of the Northern District of California are prosecuting the case.
Former Orange County Income Tax Return Preparer Sentenced to One Year in Federal Prison for Falsifying Deductions on Clients’ ReturnsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – The former owner of a Tustin income tax preparation business called First Quality Tax Services was sentenced today to one year and one day in federal prison for preparing and filing fraudulent federal income tax returns claiming false deductions for his clients.
Thomas P. Butcher, 62, of Rancho Santa Margarita, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge John A. Kronstadt.
In addition to the prison term, which he will begin serving by July 25, Butcher was ordered to pay $197,549 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.
Butcher pleaded guilty in January to two counts of aiding and abetting in the preparation of a false income tax return.
According to court documents Butcher prepared and filed tax returns for tax years 2009 through 2011 that claimed false credits and deductions that his clients were not entitled to receive.
Butcher “inflated or completely fabricated various itemized deductions on his clients’ Schedules A, particularly those involving gifts to charity and alleged job expenses,” prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum filed with the court.
The fraudulent deductions and credits lowered the taxpayers’ income tax liability. During the course of the scheme, Butcher prepared and filed with the IRS hundreds of false federal income tax returns that resulted in tax losses to the United States of at least $1,045,956. The IRS was able to recoup much of that money through audits of Butcher’s clients. These clients “are victims of his scheme, as many of them underwent lengthy and costly IRS audits to not only pay back the refund to which they were not entitled, but interest and additional penalties,” according to the sentencing memo.
The investigation into Butcher was conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation’s Los Angeles Field Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Valerie L Makarewicz of the Tax Division.
Former Las Vegas Strip Club Owner Pleads Guilty to Evading More than $1.7 Million in Employment TaxesRead the Press Release
The former owner of a Las Vegas, Nevada strip club pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in the District of Nevada to evading employment taxes, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada.
According to documents filed with the court, Frederick John Rizzolo, 58, of Las Vegas, the former owner of The Crazy Horse Too, evaded paying more than $1.7 million in employment taxes that he owed for 2000 through 2002. Rizzolo paid The Crazy Horse Too’s floormen, bouncers, bartenders and shift managers in cash, but failed to provide accurate records of these payments to the Club’s bookkeepers. As a result, Rizzolo caused false employment tax returns to be filed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which underreported wages paid and thus the taxes due. In 2006, Rizzolo admitted this conduct and pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States. Following his plea, however, Rizzolo took affirmative steps to conceal his assets and income to thwart the IRS from collecting the delinquent taxes that he owed. For example, Rizzolo directed $900,000 that he received from the sale of the Crazy Horse Too to an offshore bank account in the Cook Islands. He also withdrew $50,000 from a bank account, writing a check to a third party, who in turn provided the money back to Rizzolo, thereby avoiding an IRS levy and seizure of the funds. Additionally, Rizzolo lied to an IRS collections attorney, falsely stating that he had no income or assets and no ability to pay the taxes owed.
Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 15. If the court accepts the parties’ agreement, Rizzolo will be sentenced to a period of 24 months in prison and will be ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,637,290 to the IRS.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and Acting U.S. Attorney Myhre thanked special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip N. Smith Jr. and Trial Attorney Rebecca J. Sable of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Former Las Vegas Strip Club Owner Pleads Guilty to Evading More Than $1.7 Million in Employment TaxesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The former owner of a Las Vegas, Nevada strip club pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in the District of Nevada to evading employment taxes, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Steven W. Myhre for the District of Nevada.
According to documents filed with the court, Frederick John Rizzolo, 58, of Las Vegas, the former owner of The Crazy Horse Too, evaded paying more than $1.7 million in employment taxes that he owed for 2000 through 2002. Rizzolo paid The Crazy Horse Too’s floormen, bouncers, bartenders and shift managers in cash, but failed to provide accurate records of these payments to the Club’s bookkeepers. As a result, Rizzolo caused false employment tax returns to be filed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which underreported wages paid and thus the taxes due. In 2006, Rizzolo admitted this conduct and pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States. Following his plea, however, Rizzolo took affirmative steps to conceal his assets and income to thwart the IRS from collecting the delinquent taxes that he owed. For example, Rizzolo directed $900,000 that he received from the sale of the Crazy Horse Too to an offshore bank account in the Cook Islands. He also withdrew $50,000 from a bank account, writing a check to a third party, who in turn provided the money back to Rizzolo, thereby avoiding an IRS levy and seizure of the funds. Additionally, Rizzolo lied to an IRS collections attorney, falsely stating that he had no income or assets and no ability to pay the taxes owed.
Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 15, 2017. If the court accepts the parties’ agreement, Rizzolo will be sentenced to a period of 24 months in prison and will be ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,637,290 to the IRS.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and Acting U.S. Attorney Myhre thanked special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip N. Smith Jr. and Trial Attorney Rebecca J. Sable of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
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Former Employee with Non-Profit Group in Dallas Sentenced to Nine Months in Federal Prison for Embezzlement SchemeRead the Press Release
DALLAS — Evetta Galloway Griffin, 49, of Grand Prairie was sentenced this afternoon by U.S. District Judge Jane J. Boyle to nine months in federal prison. U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas made today’s announcement.
Griffin pleaded guilty in December 2016 to one count of theft or bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds. Judge Boyle ordered Griffin to pay $129,196.48 in restitution. Griffin was ordered to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on September 6, 2017.
According to documents filed in the case, Griffin, a/k/a Evette Griffin, was the Director of Facilities and Administration for the Child Care Group (CCG) until late March 2015. The CCG is a non-profit corporation that receives federal grant funding to provide, among other things, Head Start services to promote the school readiness of young children from low-income families in the Dallas area. Together, Head Start and Early Head Start programs support the comprehensive development of children from birth to age five, in centers, child care partner locations and in their own homes.
Griffin had many duties at CCG that were related to the operation of their child care centers, as well as other responsibilities related to the administration of the corporate office and the procurement process related to federal grants.
As part of the scheme, Griffin created and executed an embezzlement, theft and fraud scheme in which she fraudulently billed CCG for fictitious printing services allegedly provided by A-1 Express Co or A-1 Express Inc. In fact, between April 25, 2011 and January 30, 2015, Griffin submitted approximately 100 fraudulent invoices to CCG that they paid. Griffin usually converted the checks that were made payable to A-1 Express Co or A-1 Express Inc. to cash, ultimately receiving approximately $115,000 from her embezzlement scheme.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG). First Assistant U.S. Attorney Chad Meacham prosecuted.
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Former Clemency Grantee Ordered Back to PrisonRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A Texas City woman who was granted clemency by the former presidential administration has been ordered back to federal prison for violating the terms of her supervised release, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.
A federal jury convicted Carol Denise Richardson, 49, of Texas City, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base as well as two counts of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base. On June 16, 2006, U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison noted her extensive criminal history and ordered her to federal prison for the rest of her life.
However, former U.S. President Barack Obama granted Richardson clemency in early 2016. On July 28, 2016, she was released from the U.S. Bureau of Prisons and placed on supervised release for a term of 10 years. During that time, she is required to abide be several conditions or face a return to prison for up to the remainder of that term. Less than a year after her release, Richardson has committed five separate violations of those terms.
On April 13, 2017, she was arrested by the Pasadena Police Department for theft. Not only was that a commission of a law violation, but she is also required to report any law enforcement contact to her probation officer within 72 hours, which she failed to do. She has also failed to maintain regular contact with the U.S. Probation Office and failed to report that she had been terminated from her employment with Home Health Providers for abandoning her position. She also failed to report a change in her residence. In fact, as of May 15, 2017, attempts to reach her were unsuccessful, and her whereabouts were unknown.
Richardson was later located and arrested May 31, 2017, for violating the terms of her federal supervised release. At the hearing today, the government presented evidence in support of her return to prison. “This defendant was literally given a second chance to become a productive member of society and has wasted it,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Ted Imperato. “She has clearly shown a willful disregard for the law and must face the consequences for her crimes and actions.”
Judge Ellison expressed his disappointment with the defendant, noting that she had wasted the extremely rare opportunity she was given. He then ordered her back to federal prison for 14 months. After serving her sentence, she will again be placed on similar terms of supervised release for five years.
Former Auto Body Repair Shop Owner Sentenced for Role in Odometer and Title Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A Lawrenceville, Georgia man was sentenced in Norfolk, Virginia for his role in an odometer tampering and title fraud scheme, the Justice Department announced today.
Paul Robinson, 38, was sentenced to serve 37 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release by Judge Robert G. Doumar in the Eastern District of Virginia. Judge Doumar also ordered Robinson to pay $320,797.82 in restitution to victims who purchased vehicles with rolled back odometers.
In February, Robinson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit odometer tamping and securities fraud. Robinson, who formerly owned Affordable Auto Body Repair in Chesapeake, Virginia, admitted that he purchased high mileage vehicles, and that he, or someone acting at his direction, altered the vehicles’ odometers to reflect a fraudulent low mileage reading. Robinson and his co-conspirators then acquired Virginia motor vehicle titles with false, low mileage odometer readings. Those titles were used to sell the vehicles to unsuspecting purchasers.
“Not only does odometer fraud result in consumers paying more for their vehicles and having higher repair costs, there are significant safety risks in unknowingly driving high mileage vehicles,” said Acting Assistant Attorney Chad A. Readler of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We are committed to protecting consumers by prosecuting individuals who engage in these schemes.”
From 2012 to 2014, Robinson and his co-conspirators tampered with odometers and secured fraudulent motor vehicle titles for more than 100 vehicles. At times, the mileage readings on the altered odometers and fraudulent titles were 150,000 miles less than the vehicles’ actual mileage.
One of Robinson’s co-conspirators, Steven Bazemore, a former title clerk who assisted Robinson with securing fraudulent motor vehicles, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud. On Sept. 22, 2016, Bazemore was sentenced to five years of probation, with the first year as home detention, and ordered to pay $219,552.82 in restitution to the victims.
This case was prosecuted by Trial Attorneys John W. Burke and Jacqueline Blaesi-Freed of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Salsbury of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. The investigation was handled by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Office of Odometer Fraud Investigation (NHTSA).
NHTSA estimates that odometer fraud in the United States results in consumer losses of more than $1 billion annually and has established a special hotline to handle odometer fraud complaints. Individuals having information relating to odometer tampering should call (800) 424-9393 or (202) 366-4761.
More information on odometer fraud is available on the NHTSA website https://one.nhtsa.gov/Vehicle-Safety/Odometer-Fraud and tips on detecting and avoiding odometer fraud are available at this page: www.nhtsa.gov/staticfiles/nvs/pdf/811284.pdf
For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch.
For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-edva.