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Monday 5 June 2017
Detroit man sentenced to five years in federal prison for gun crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man was sentenced today to five years in federal prison for a drug-related gun charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Thomas Lee Nelson, 48, previously pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
On March 10, 2016, the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted a search of Nelson’s residence located at 1830 10th Avenue in Huntington. During the search, agents located and seized a loaded Cobray Model DD .410/.45 caliber handgun from a room later identified as Nelson’s bedroom. Agents also located and seized heroin from the same room. Nelson admitted that he possessed the handgun as protection for himself and for the heroin.
The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney R. Gregory McVey is responsible for the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by working with existing local programs that target gun crime. This case was also brought as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Delaware County Trio Charged with Drug Conspiracy,and Murdered Drug RivalRead the Press Release
A six-count second superseding indictment was unsealed today, charging three people with conspiring to distribute oxycodone in the Philadelphia area, and charging two of those defendants with committing murder with firearms during the course of that drug conspiracy. Mitesh Patel 36, Anthony Vetri, 31, and Michael Vandergrift, 29, all of Delaware County, were charged in the second superseding indictment[1] with one count of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone from 2008 until June 4, 2013. The indictment alleges that defendant Patel, a pharmacist, diverted oxycodone from pharmacies he owned in Delaware County and Philadelphia, to co-defendants Vetri and Vandergrift and others, including the pharmacies’ co-owner, Gbolahan Olabode. Defendants Vetri and Vandergrift are charged with murdering Olabode on January 4, 2012, outside his Lansdowne home, in order to eliminate Olabode as a drug rival, and to increase their illegal supplies of oxycodone from Patel. They are charged with committing this murder with Michael Mangold, who was charged separately. Patel is also charged with one count of money laundering conspiracy, and three counts of tax evasion. The government is also seeking forfeiture of more than $2.7 million in drug proceeds, and more than $1 million in laundered drug money. The unsealing of the indictment was announced by cting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen.
If convicted, the defendants face lengthy prison sentences.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division, the Philadelphia Police Department, the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Lansdowne Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan B. Ortiz and David. E. Troyer.
[1]An Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Dallas Man Guilty in Drug Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A 29-year-old Dallas man has pleaded guilty to federal drug conspiracy charges in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston today.
Sharjeel Jeff Ali pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute Schedule I controlled substances, conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute controlled substance analogues, and engaging in monetary transactions. Ali entered his guilty plea today before U.S. Magistrate Judge K. Nicole Mitchell.
On Aug. 4, 2016, a combined task force of federal, state and local law enforcement executed federal arrest and search warrants in Plano, Carrollton, Dallas and Tyler, Texas as a result of a joint investigation by the U.S. Drug Administration, Plano Police Department, Internal Revenue Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Smith County Sheriff’s Office.
According to information presented in court, from at least April 2013, Ali and his co-defendants, conspired to distribute synthetic drugs at two retail establishments in the Eastern District of Texas: Minute Stop/Valero Gas Station located at 11874 Hwy 64 West in Tyler, Texas and Ashes Smokes and Tattoos located at 1428 Avenue K in Plano, Texas. Ali and four others were indicted by a federal grand jury on Aug. 3, 2016
Under federal statutes, Ali faces up to 20 years in federal prison at sentencing. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case is being investigated by DEA, Plano Police Department, IRS, ATF, and the Smith County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Ann Cozby.
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Chicago Trader Sentenced to a Year in Federal Prison for Stealing Proprietary Trading Secrets from His EmployerRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A Chicago trader has been sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison for stealing his employer’s proprietary trading code.
Over a five-month period in late 2013 and early 2014, DAVID J. NEWMAN downloaded and stole all of the proprietary computer code and trading software belonging to his employer, Chicago-based WH Trading LLC. Newman downloaded more than 400,000 electronic files to multiple USB thumb drives. He resigned from the company in March 2014 after establishing his own trading firm – NTF LLC – through which he intended to use the stolen trade secrets to compete directly with WH Trading.
Newman, 34, pleaded guilty last year to one count of theft of trade secrets. U.S. District Judge Manish S. Shah imposed the sentence on Thursday in federal court in Chicago. Judge Shah also fined Newman $100,000 and entered an order prohibiting him from using or disclosing the stolen trade secrets.
The sentence was announced by Joel R. Levin, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Michael J. Anderson, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
WH Trading is a proprietary securities trading firm that acts as a market maker and engages in both open outcry and electronic trading of futures contracts and options on exchanges in Chicago, New York, London, Frankfurt, and Singapore. The intellectual property stolen by Newman had taken WH Trading’s mathematicians, statisticians, software developers and traders more than 15 years to develop, at a cost of more than $20 million. WH Trading’s proprietary codes are used for, among other things, pricing futures and options contracts, executing trades on various exchanges, analyzing the risk of trades, and interpreting exchange market data.
Newman had worked for the company since 2004 prior to his resignation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney William R. Hogan Jr. of the Securities and Commodities Fraud Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago.
Chesapeake City Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander sentenced Edward Tillinghast, age 47, of Chesapeake City, Maryland, today for production of child pornography.
The sentencing was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning; Special Agent in Charge Andre R. Watson of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Colonel William M. Pallozzi, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; and Cecil County State’s Attorney Steven Trostle.
According to his plea agreement, on May 17, 2016 Maryland State Police, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Elkton Police Department, executed a search warrant for the Defendant’s residence. The agents recovered several electronic devices. Tillinghast admitted he had viewed child pornography using his computers and had used peer-to-peer file sharing programs to obtain the child pornography. The total number of relevant images recovered is at least 600. The defendant also admitted to sexually abusing a minor victim over the past year. Images recovered from at least one of the defendant’s electronic devices showed that he had abused the minor victim starting when the minor victim was eleven years old.
As part of his plea agreement, Tillinghast must register as a sex offender in the place where he resides, where he is an employee, and where he is a student, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "resources" tab on the left of the page.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning commended Homeland Security Investigations, the Maryland State Police and the Cecil County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Ayn Ducao, who prosecuted the federal case.
Channelview Woman Sentenced in Opioid Prescription Drug Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
DALLAS — Bertha Alicia Garcia, 50, of Channelview, Texas, who pleaded guilty to her role in a pill mill operation that operated during parts of 2013-2015, has been sentenced, announced United States Attorney John R. Parker.
Garcia was sentenced last week to 37 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sidney A. Fitzwater, following her guilty plea in October 2016 to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, namely Oxycodone. Judge Fitzwater ordered Garcia to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on July 18, 2017.
In March 2015, a federal grand jury in Dallas indicted 23 individuals, including Garcia, on offenses related to their participation in a prescription drug distribution conspiracy. In 2016, an additional 7 individuals were charged in superseding indictments. That indictment alleged that from at least May 2013 through July 2014, the defendants participated in a scheme to illicitly obtain prescriptions for pain medications, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, and then distribute those controlled substances for profit. As part of the conspiracy, individuals, often homeless or of limited means, were recruited and paid to pose as patients at medical clinics, including the McAllen Medical Clinic in Dallas, to obtain prescriptions to fill those prescriptions at designated pharmacies.
According to documents filed in the case, on August 8, 2013, Garcia and another co-conspirator met with a law enforcement officer acting in an undercover capacity at ABS Medical and Chiropractic clinic on Avenue C in Channelview, Texas. The undercover officer indicated that he wanted to obtain 30mg oxycodone pills and paid the clinic $420 in cash but never met with a medical practitioner and did not have a medical examination. Later the same day, Garcia met the officer at a gas station in Jacinto City, Texas, and delivered a prescription for 90 10mg oxycodone pills. Garcia has never been a licensed medical practitioner, has never held a DEA registration number, and has never been authorized to distribute or dispense oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Internal Revenue Service, Texas Department of Public Safety, the Louisiana State Police, the Grand Prairie Police Department, the Dallas Police Department, the Houston Police Department, the Arlington Police Department, the Greenville Police Department, the Parker County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshal’s Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Diplomatic Security Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Walters prosecuted.
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California Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Money Launder and Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that on Monday, June 5, 2017, Sergio Valencia, Sr., 41, of Moreno Valley, California, was sentenced to two concurrent terms of 13 years and four months (160 months) in prison for conspiracy to money launder and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Following the prison term, Valencia will serve three years on supervised release.
Valencia was convicted by a federal jury in Lincoln in July of 2016. Evidence presented at trial showed Valencia was involved in a scheme to transport methamphetamine from California to Lincoln, Nebraska for resale. Proceeds of drug sales in Nebraska were deposited into bank accounts belonging to Valencia’s landscaping business, his wife, and other family members along with accounts belonging to family members of one of Valencia’s co-conspirators. The approximate time-frame was between April and September of 2011 for the money laundering conspiracy and between January of 2010 and June of 2013 for the drug conspiracy.
Valencia’s wife and co-defendant, Marisela Pescador, pled guilty to conspiracy to money launder and is scheduled for sentencing on June 8, 2017.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Cabell County man charged in connection to W.Va. Division of Highways pay-to-play schemeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Lesage, West Virginia man is facing a federal tax charge, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.
Andrew P. Nichols is named in a one count information, charging him with “Conspiracy to Impede the Internal Revenue Service.” Nichols is accused of conspiring with others to impede tax collection by the IRS. The criminal conduct in this matter occurred from 2009 until at least 2011.
Nichols was previously named in an indictment in November 2016, accused of being a part of a scheme which caused approximately $1.5 million worth of West Virginia Division of Highways work to be routed to the Dennis Corporation, a Columbia, South Carolina engineering consulting firm.
Nichols, age 38, formerly served as the manager of the West Virginia Division of the Dennis Corporation while also working as an engineering professor. According to the initial indictment, he was alleged to have managed the financial relationships between Dennis Corporation and a Division of Highways employee, and to have ensured that elicit payments were mad e to the WVDOH employee.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod J. Douglas is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The case is being investigated by the U.S. Attorney’s Public Corruption Unit, which includes the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the West Virginia Commission on Special Investigations, IRS-Criminal Investigation, and the West Virginia State Police.An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Berwick Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Adam Brake, 29, of Berwick, Maine pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to illegally possessing firearms.
According to court records, in May 2016, Brake committed eight burglaries in the Berwick area. He traded some of the stolen items for heroin in Lawrence, Massachusetts and hid other items in a wooded area in Berwick. Law enforcement agents recovered items stolen during six of the burglaries, including nine firearms. Brake was prohibited from possessing firearms because of a prior drug felony conviction.
Brake faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The case was investigated by the North Berwick, South Berwick, Berwick, Wells and Eliot Police Departments; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Belizean Man Ordered to Prison After Attempting to Illegally Enter the CountryRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 46-year-old Belizean man claiming to be a U.S. citizen has been ordered to federal prison after being found guilty of attempting to illegally re-enter the United States after deportation, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. A federal jury sitting in Laredo convicted Jerome Aristedes Martinez, of Belize City, Belize, Feb. 15, 2017, following a two-day trial.
Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo, who presided over the trial, handed Martinez a 33-month sentence. At the hearing, the court considered Martinez’s lengthy criminal history as well as the evidence previously presented at trial. Martinez stated to the court that he would not be returning to the United States again.
The court also heard a motion to revoke Martinez’s supervised release for a prior illegal re-entry case. Martinez entered a plea of “no contest” to allegations he had again re-entered the country illegally. However, Judge Marmolejo found the allegations to be true based on the evidence presented at trial. Martinez’s supervised release was revoked and he was sentenced to 21 months imprisonment to be served concurrently with the other sentence imposed.
As an illegal alien, Martinez is expected to face deportation proceedings following his release from prison.
On Aug. 18, 2015, Martinez attempted to enter the United States at the Lincoln Juarez Bridge, claiming to be a U.S. citizen. At that time, he presented an Illinois Identification card and a Department of Homeland Security/Social Security Administration web-site print-out as proof of his citizenship. However, upon questioning, authorities discovered Martinez was actually a native and citizen of Belize who had been removed from the United States twice before. The jury heard that Martinez had never obtained the proper permission to return to the United States after his last removal.
Martinez admitted to having been previously convicted of illegal re-entry after making false claims to U.S. citizenship. However, he testified that after his most recent removal to Belize, he “became aware” that he had been born in the U.S. Virgin Islands and was, therefore, a U.S. Citizens.
The jury heard that there is no record of Martinez having been born in the U.S. Virgin Islands and that the only birth record in existence is from Belize. The government also produced documents showing his prior statements acknowledging his Belizean citizenship.
Martinez will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah M. Ellison and Giselle S. Guerra prosecuted the case.
Amarillo Methamphetamine Traffickers SentencedRead the Press Release
AMARILLO, Texas — Three defendants in two separate cases were sentenced today before U.S. District Judge Sidney Fitzwater for various methamphetamine distribution offenses. U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas made the announcement.
Judge Fitzwater sentenced Colleen Mossberger, 48, of Joliet, Illinois, to 120 months in federal prison following her guilty plea in February 2017 to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Mossberger has been in custody since the time of her arrest in September 2016.
According to documents filed in Mossberger’s case, on September 13, 2016, two Potter County deputies were working routine patrol on Interstate 40, in Potter County, Texas. The deputies stopped a vehicle for driving in the left lane not passing. The vehicle was occupied by Mossberger and a passenger. Mossberger and the passenger provided conflicting stories about their travels. A search of the vehicle revealed 1,316.7 grams of methamphetamine.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Potter County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Oscar Martin Cota, 25, of San Diego, California, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison following his guilty plea in February 2017 to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Co-defendant Edgar Isaac Castaneda Cota, 25, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison following his guilty plea also in February 2017 to the same offense. Both defendants have been in custody since their arrests in December 2016. Castaneda will be deported after serving his sentence.
According to documents filed in the case, on December 10, 2016, a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) trooper was working routine patrol on Interstate 40 in Carson County, Texas. The DPS trooper stopped a vehicle for speeding over the limit and the passenger not wearing a seatbelt. The vehicle was occupied by Cota and Castaneda. While speaking with Castaneda and Cota, the trooper noticed several indicators of possible criminal activity. A search of the vehicle revealed 6,698.9 grams of methamphetamine in the passenger side quarter panel. Cota and Castaneda were transporting the methamphetamine from California to Oklahoma in exchange for $1,500 each.
The Texas Department of Public Safety and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Frausto prosecuted the cases.
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Amarillo Man Sentenced to 97 Months in Federal Prison for Possessing Prepubescent Child PornographyRead the Press Release
AMARILLO, Texas — James Kenny Crawley, 60, of Amarillo, Texas, was sentenced today before U.S. District Judge Sidney A. Fitzwater to 97 months in federal prison following his guilty plea in February 2017 to one count of possession of prepubescent child pornography, announced John Parker, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas.
Crawley was ordered to surrender to the Bureau of Prison on July 18, 2017.
According to documents filed in the case, Crawley used a laptop computer at his residence to search the Internet for images and videos of child pornography. In the course of searching for this material, Crawley located, downloaded and viewed approximately 5,000 images and over 100 videos constituting child pornography, and some of those images involved prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative, which was launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/. For more information about internet safety education, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/ and click on the tab “resources.”
The Ochiltree County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Rangers and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Frausto prosecuted.
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Albuquerque Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Methamphetamine Trafficking ChargeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Elias Sanchez, 36, of Albuquerque, N.M., pled guilty today in federal court to a methamphetamine trafficking charge under a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office
Sanchez was charged as the result of an ATF-led investigation that resulted in the filing of 59 federal indictments and a federal criminal complaint charging 104 Bernalillo County residents with federal firearms and narcotics trafficking offenses. The investigation began in mid-April 2016, when ATF personnel from throughout the country joined forces with federal, state, county and local law enforcement agencies in New Mexico to combat the high rate of violent crime in the Albuquerque metropolitan area. The investigators utilized a number of investigative techniques, including undercover operations, historical investigation and targeting of multi-convicted felons in possession of firearms.
The investigation was undertaken in support of a federal anti-violence initiative that targets “the worst of the worst” offenders for federal prosecution. Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies collaborate with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders for federal prosecution primarily based on their prior criminal convictions with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible.
Sanchez was charged in an indictment filed on June 30, 2016, with distributing methamphetamine on May 25, 2016 and June 3, 2016, in Bernalillo County, N.M. During today’s proceedings, Sanchez pled guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine and admitted that on May 25, 2016, he sold methamphetamine to another person. At sentencing, Sanchez faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled.
To date, 53 of the 104 defendants have entered guilty pleas and 18 have been sentenced. The remaining defendants have entered not guilty pleas. Charges in indictments are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty in a court of law.
These cases were investigated by the Albuquerque office of ATF. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Han.
Aggravated Felon Sentenced for Reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.- Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Horace Garfield Tajah, 35, of Kingston, Jamaica, who was convicted of reentering the United States after a conviction for an aggravated felony, was sentenced to time served (four years) by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Lamarque who handled the case, stated that on January 23, 2013, the defendant attempted to enter the United States from Canada at the Peace Bridge port of entry. Tajah was in possession of a valid United States passport belonging to another individual and claimed to be an American citizen. Standard database checks revealed that the defendant was an aggravated felon following a 2010 conviction in the Southern District of New York on multiple offenses including drug, gun, and conspiracy to commit murder charges. After serving a 72 month prison sentence, Tajah, in 2012, was deported to Jamaica and banned from the United States for life.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy.
Friday 2 June 2017
Winchester Man Sentenced on Heroin Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
Harrisonburg, VIRGINIA – A Winchester man, who routinely traveled to Baltimore and brought back large quantities of heroin to Winchester for distribution, was sentenced yesterday in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Harrisonburg, Acting United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle announced.
Joshua Dillon Burkhart, 27, of Winchester, Va., was sentenced yesterday to 108 months in federal prison. Burkhart previously pled guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin.
According to evidence presented by Assistant United States Attorney Erin M. Kulpa, should this matter have gone to trial, the United States would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt, that from approximately June 2014 and October 2014, Burkhart, and others, participated in a conspiracy to traffic large amounts of heroin from Baltimore to Winchester. Burkhart distributed at least 1,000 grams of heroin in the Winchester area during this time, using the previously convicted Christopher Giles, and others, as his Baltimore sources of supply.
Throughout the life of the conspiracy, Burkhart traveled to Baltimore one or two times per month to purchase heroin. He paid $100 per gram of heroin and the most he ever purchased per trip was 110 grams of heroin.
Burkhart sold heroin to customers in and around Winchester in quantities ranging from one-half gram to one gram per sale. He sold the heroin for $240 per gram. Burkhart knew that some of his customers were sub-distributors.
The investigation of the case was conducted by Drug Enforcement Administration and the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force, which is comprised of the Virginia State Police, the Winchester Police Department, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office, the Front Royal Police Department, the Strasburg Police Department, the Page County Sheriff’s Office, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, and the Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Erin M. Kulpa prosecuted the case for the United States.
West Monroe man pleads guilty to receiving child pornographyRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that a West Monroe man pleaded guilty Thursday to receiving child pornography.
John D. Owen, 30, of West Monroe, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to one count of receiving child pornography. According to the guilty plea, law enforcement agents identified the defendant as possessing child pornography. Agents conducted a search of his residence on September 22, 2016 and found five videos of child pornography on his cell phone and 38 images of child pornography on a computer.
Owen faces five to 20 years in prison, five years to life of supervised release, mandatory registration as a sex offender and a $250,000 fine. The court set the sentencing date for September 27, 2017.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Those concerned may leave tips with the FBI at tips.fbi.gov. Tips may be submitted anonymously. The Monroe FBI office number is (318) 387-0773.
The FBI, Swiss Cybercrime Coordination Unit and the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath is prosecuting the case.
Union City Borough Secretary Sentenced to Prison for $200K Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Union City, Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months in jail, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, and was ordered to make restitution in the amount of $203,174.25 on her conviction of mail fraud, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Cheryl R. Capela 60.
According to information presented to the court, from July 2013 through July 2016, while employed as the Borough Secretary for the Borough of Union City, Capela took advantage of her access to the Borough’s checks to write Borough checks to pay her ballooning personal credit card
bills. She also used the Borough credit card for numerous unauthorized personal expenses and cash withdrawals. Capela manipulated internal Borough of Union City paperwork to hide her unauthorized personal expenditures that she made with Borough of Union City funds. As a result of Capela’s scheme, the Borough of Union City suffered an overall total loss of $203,174.25Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Song commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Capela.
Two Trumbull County men indicted for stealing Army HumveeRead the Press Release
Two Trumbull County men were indicted for stealing an Army Humvee, said David A. Sierleja, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.
Austin Bollinger, 22, of Brookfield, was indicted on one count each of theft of government property and receiving stolen government property. Daniel Thompson, 22, of Girard, was indicted on one count of receiving stolen government property.
Bollinger stole a High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), Model M1165A1, from government property on March 18, according to the indictment.
From March 19 to March 24, 2017, Bollinger and Thompson retained and concealed the stolen HMMWV, with the intent to convert the vehicle for Bollinger’s own use, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Ohio State Highway Patrol. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David M. Toepfer.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Two New York men and a Washington, D.C. woman are named in a 17-count indictmentRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two New York men and a woman from Washington, D.C. are named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Clarksburg, West Virginia on May 2, 2017, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.
Named in the indictment are Derrick Sutton, of New York, New York, age 30; James Latrell Roach, of Bronx, New York, age 48; and Britney Robinson, of Washington, D.C., age 27. All three were indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine Base,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Oxycodone,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin,” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride.”
Sutton was also indicted on six counts of “Distribution of Cocaine Base,” one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base in Proximity of Protected Location,” two counts of “Distribution of Heroin,” and one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Heroin.”
Roach was additionally indicted one count of “Distribution of Heroin,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Heroin.”
Robinson was also indicted on one count of one count of “Maintaining a Drug Involved Premises.”
The crimes are alleged to have occurred from the spring of 2016 to March 7, 2017 in Monongalia County and elsewhere in the Northern District of West Virginia.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, is investigating.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two New Defendants Charged in Racketeering Conspiracy Related to Involvement in “Murdaland Mafia Piru” Bloods GangRead the Press Release
Gang Members Allegedly Committed Five Murders, Six Attempted Murders, Assaults, Abduction, Witness Tampering, And Drug Distribution Resulting in Overdoses
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury returned a second superseding indictment on June 1, 2017, charging two additional defendants with conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise known as Murdaland Mafia Piru (MMP) and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. The indictment also adds new charges against six of the defendants charged in the previous indictment, including murder charges against the gang’s alleged leader, Dante Bailey, a/k/a Gutta, and Dontray Johnson, a/k/a Gambino.
One of the defendants newly charged in the case is Sydni Frazier, a/k/a “Sid,” a/k/a “Perry,” age 25, of Baltimore, Maryland. The name of the second defendant remains under seal while law enforcement officers work on bringing the defendant into custody.
This brings to 26 the total number of alleged MMP gang members and associates charged in the case. Ten of the 24 defendants in the previous indictment have pleaded guilty to their participation in the racketeering conspiracy. Fourteen of the 24 remain in the second superseding indictment.
The second superseding indictment was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning; Special Agent in Charge Daniel L. Board, Jr. of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives—Baltimore Field Division; Commissioner Kevin Davis of the Baltimore Police Department; Chief Terrence B. Sheridan of the Baltimore County Police Department; Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby; and Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger.
According to the indictment, MMP, also known as the “Mob” or “Mobsters,” is a violent subset of the Bloods gang that for many years controlled the drug trade in large swaths of Northwest Baltimore City and neighboring Baltimore County. MMP was modeled after the Italian Mafia. Members and associates of MMP operated street-level drug distribution “shops” in various locations in Baltimore City and distributed heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana, among other controlled substances. The gang’s drug shop in the 5200 block of Windsor Mill Road was particularly lucrative due to its close proximity to Interstate 70, and it frequently attracted drug customers driving from western Maryland and neighboring states. MMP members were required to pay dues to the gang consisting of a portion of the proceeds of their criminal activities, and they were subject to reprisal—and sometimes murder—for failing to do so. Non-members who wished to sell drugs in MMP’s territories were forced to pay a “tax” or were targeted for violence by MMP members. MMP members enhance their status within the gang by carrying out acts of violence against rivals; for instance, members can earn a “lightning bolt” tattoo for “killing for the Mob.”
The 32 count indictment alleges that from at least 2011 through 2017, the defendants were members and associates of MMP who engaged in criminal activities in furtherance of the gang, including five murders, six attempted murders, assaults, abduction, witness tampering, and drug distribution resulting in nonfatal overdoses.
For instance, the indictment alleges that on May 30, 2015, Shakeen Davis attempted to murder two victims in the gang’s territory in Northwest Baltimore by firing at least nine rounds at them with a 5.56x45mm caliber rifle. One victim suffered two graze wounds to his back, and both victims suffered cuts to their arms and hands from broken glass.
The indictment further alleges that on September 29, 2015, Dontray Johnson murdered an MMP member because he refused to pay gang dues Johnson was attempting to collect for Dante Bailey and his wife Tiffany Bailey. Dante Bailey approved the murder afterward in a recorded conversation, telling Johnson to continue enforcing the dues system even if it meant killing more people.
According to the indictment, on April 28, 2016, Dante Bailey and Jamal Lockley armed themselves and went looking to retaliate against members of a rival drug organization they believed were responsible for killing an MMP member. Bailey and Lockley drove to the rival drug organization’s territory, where they observed a victim who they suspected—wrongly—had been involved in the MMP member’s murder. Bailey shot the victim in the head, killing him. Lockley was the getaway driver.
The indictment further alleges that in August 2016, Dante Bailey directed the murder of a victim based on a belief that he was cooperating with law enforcement. On August 10, 2016, Sydni Frazier and one or more co-conspirators abducted, bound, and murdered the victim, and then attempted to set his body on fire. Later that day, Frazier fled from police and discarded the two murder weapons.
In addition, the indictment alleges that on January 8, 2017, Delante Lee attempted to murder a victim because he lingered on MMP’s drug turf after being asked to leave. Lee chased the victim into oncoming traffic, firing multiple shots at him and striking him once in the arm. Shortly afterward, Lee shot himself as he was attempting to put away the gun.
The two new defendants face a maximum sentence of life in prison for the racketeering conspiracy, as well as a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison for the drug conspiracy. Dante Bailey and Dontray Johnson face a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison and the possibility of the death penalty for new charges of murder in aid of racketeering. Dante Bailey, Dontray Johnson, Corloyd Anderson, Shakeen Davis, Delante Lee, and Sydni Frazier also face new gun charges. Ayinde Deleon, Shakeen Davis, and Sydni Frazier also face new drug distribution charges.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
The following 14 defendants were charged in the superseding indictment unsealed on September 27, 2016, and charges remain pending against them in the second superseding indictment:
Dante Bailey, a/k/a “Gutta,” “Almighty,” and “Wolf,” age 37, of Windsor Mill, Maryland;
Dontray Johnson, a/k/a “Gambino,” “Bino,” and “Tray,” age 31, of Windsor Mill;
Adrian Jamal Spence, a/k/a “Spittle,” “SP,” and “AJ,” age 29, of Baltimore;
Randy Banks, a/k/a “Dirt,” age 38, of Baltimore;
Ayinde Deleon, a/k/a “Murda,” and “Yin,” age 31, of Baltimore;
Jamal Lockley, a/k/a “T-Roy,” and “Droid,” age 37, of Baltimore;
Jacob Bowling, a/k/a “Jakey,” “Ghost,” and “Fred,” age 30, of Gwynn Oak, Maryland;
Corloyd Anderson, a/k/a “Bo,” age 33, of Owings Mills, Maryland;
Devon Dent, a/k/a “Tech,” age 26, of Gwynn Oak;
Tiffany Bailey, a/k/a “Tiff,” age 31, of Windsor Mill;
Takuma Tate, a/k/a “Oop,” and “Ook,” age 37, of Baltimore;
Maurice Pollock, a/k/a “Reese,” age 22, of Baltimore;
Shakeen Davis, a/k/a “Creams,” age 22, of Baltimore;
Delante Lee, a/k/a “Tay Tay,” age 21, of Baltimore; andThe following 10 defendants were charged in the previous indictment and have pleaded guilty to their participation in the racketeering conspiracy:
William Banks, a/k/a “Trouble,” age 27, of Baltimore;
Dominick Wedlock, a/k/a “Rage,” and “Nick,” age 29, of Baltimore;
Dwight Jenkins, a/k/a “Huggie,” and “Unc,” age 48, of Baltimore;
Melvin Lashley, a/k/a “Menace,” age 26, of Baltimore;
William Jones, a/k/a “Bill,” and “Smalls,” age 27, of Baltimore;
Jarmal Harrid, a/k/a “J-Rock,” and “PJ,” age 27, of Gwynn Oak;
Jamal Smith, a/k/a “Mal,” and “Lil Mal,” age 25, of Gwynn Oak;
Charles Blackwell, a/k/a “Ci-Bo,” and “Lil Charlie,” age 21, of Woodlawn, Maryland;
Kenneth Torry, a/k/a “Kenny,” age 39, of Owings Mills;
Jay Greer, a/k/a “Champagne,” “Montana Gold,” and “Slick,” age 24, of Baltimore.Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning commended the ATF, Baltimore City and Baltimore County Police Departments, and the Baltimore City and Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Offices for their work in the investigation and prosecution. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Christina A. Hoffman, Lauren E. Perry, and Jason D. Medinger, who are prosecuting the case.
Two Berkeley County residents are indicted on fentanyl and heroin distribution chargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Berkeley County residents are named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Martinsburg, West Virginia on May 16, 2017, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.
Faith Wilson, age 26, and Karlo “Jake” Sinclair, age 28, both of Bunker Hill, West Virginia were each indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance,” one count of “Distribution of a Controlled Substance,” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substance.”
Wilson was also indicted on one count of “Distribution of Controlled Substance in Proximity of a Protected Location.”
The crimes are alleged to have occurred from the September 2015 to October 2016 in Berkeley County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, is investigating.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two Army National Guardsmen Convicted in Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Used Cards Re-encoded with Stolen Credit/Debit Card Numbers to Buy Merchandise at Army and Air Force Exchange Service Stores and Elsewhere
Greenbelt, Maryland – On June 1, 2017, a federal jury found James Stewart, age 27, of District Heights, Maryland guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. The jury also found Vincent Grant, age 28, of Laurel, Maryland guilty of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.
The convictions were announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning; Special Agent in Charge Robert Craig of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service - Mid-Atlantic Field Office (DCIS); and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Thorpe of the DCIS - Cyber Field Office.
According to evidence presented to the jury, from July 2014 to May 2015 the defendants used Bitcoin, a form of digital currency, to purchase stolen credit and debit card numbers of individuals and businesses from foreign internet websites. The defendants selected and purchased stolen credit and debit card numbers of individuals and businesses holding federal credit union accounts, and those with billing addresses in or near Maryland. They bought magnetic strip card-encoding devices and software to re-encode credit, debit, and other cards with the stolen credit and debit card numbers. The defendants then used the cards they fraudulently re-encoded to buy merchandise, including gift cards, electronic items, and luxury goods, from Army and Air Force Exchange Service stores on U.S. military bases, also known as PX stores, and other locations in Maryland and elsewhere. They used the merchandise themselves or resold the merchandise to individuals they knew.
Coconspirators Derrick Shelton and Quentin Stewart previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Coconspirator Jamal Moody pled guilty to conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Moody, Shelton, James Stewart, and Grant were specialists, and Quentin Stewart was a former sergeant, all in the District of Columbia Army National Guard.
Shelton, James Stewart, and Quentin Stewart face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for conspiring to commit wire fraud, and wire fraud. Grant and Moody face a maximum sentence of seven and half years in prison for conspiring to commit access device fraud. All five defendants also face a mandatory minimum of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft, consecutive to any other sentence imposed.
The Maryland Identity Theft Working Group has been working since 2006 to foster cooperation among local, state, federal, and institutional fraud investigators and to promote effective prosecution of identity theft schemes by both state and federal prosecutors. This case, as well as other cases brought by members of the Working Group, demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to work with financial institutions and businesses to address identity fraud, identify those who compromise personal identity information, and protect citizens from identity theft.
Today’s announcement is part of the efforts undertaken in connection with the President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. The task force was established to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices, and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets; and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations. Since fiscal year 2009, the Justice Department has filed over 18,000 financial fraud cases against more than 25,000 defendants. For more information on the task force, please visit www.StopFraud.gov.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning commended the DCIS for its work in the investigation. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bryan E. Foreman and Thomas P. Windom; Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Gustav William Eyler, of the U.S. Justice Department, Criminal Division - Fraud Section; and Trial Attorney Jessee Alexander-Hoeppner, of the U.S. Justice Department, Criminal Division - Fraud Section, who prosecuted the case.
Three from Lima sentenced to prison for sex trafficking of a 14-year-oldRead the Press Release
Three people from Lima were sentenced to prison this week for their roles in a sex trafficking conspiracy involving a 14-year-old girl, said Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja, FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony and Lima Police Chief Kevin Martin.
Randy Thompson, 26, was sentenced to 24 years in federal prison. Shemeric Cook, 30, was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Precious Russell, 20, was sentenced to nine years in prison.
All three defendants frequented the 4th Street apartment complex in Lima and played a role in the sex trafficking of a 14-year old girl from that location in November 2015, according to court documents and testimony.
Thompson forced the victim to engage in commercial sex acts from his apartment, from a nearby gas station and caused the victim to be transported to Fort Wayne, Indiana where she was prostituted as well. He also lied to investigators during the case.
Thompson pled guilty to two counts of conspiracy to engage in the sex trafficking of a minor, one count of transportation of a minor with the intent to engage in prostitution, two counts of sex trafficking of a minor and one count of obstruction of a sex trafficking investigation.
Cook pled guilty to obstruction of a sex trafficking investigation for his role in lying to investigators, attempting to distance himself from the crimes and trying to protect others who were involved in the sex trafficking of the victim.
Russell pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in the sex trafficking of a minor and one count of sex trafficking of a minor. She assisted Thompson in his prostitution of the victim out of the 4th Street apartment complex, including creating on-line advertisements offering the sexual services of the minor, according to court documents and testimony.
Megan Hitt and Jacqueline Young are scheduled to be sentenced on June 27th for their roles in the conspiracy. Lorenzo Young and Aundre Davis, who were convicted at trial this year, are scheduled to be sentenced on September 7th.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alissa M. Sterling and Daniel Hurley following an investigation by the Lima Police Department, the FBI and the Northwest Ohio Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Three Northern California Real Estate Investors Convicted of Rigging Bids at Public Foreclosure AuctionsRead the Press Release
A federal jury today convicted three real estate investors for their roles in a conspiracy to rig bids at public real estate foreclosure auctions held in Northern California, the Department of Justice announced.
After a three-week trial, the jury convicted Michael Marr, Javier Sanchez, and Gregory Casorso, on all counts. Marr, Sanchez, and Casorso were convicted for conspiring to rig bids at foreclosure auctions in Alameda County, California, between June 2008 and January 2011. Marr and Sanchez were also convicted on charges of conspiring to rig bids at foreclosure auctions in Contra Costa County, California between July 2008 and January 2011. The three defendants were charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Northern District of California on Nov. 19, 2014.
The evidence at trial showed that the defendants conspired with others to rig bids to obtain hundreds of properties sold at foreclosure auctions. The conspirators designated the winning bidders to obtain selected properties at the public auctions, and negotiated payoffs among themselves in return for not competing. They then held second, private auctions at or near the courthouse steps where the public auctions were held, awarding the properties to conspirators who submitted the highest bids.
Including today’s convictions, 68 individuals have pleaded guilty or been convicted after trial as a result of the department’s ongoing antitrust investigations into bid rigging at public foreclosure auctions in Northern California. Indictments are pending against other real estate investors who participated in the conspiracy.
The investigation is being conducted by the Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Office and the FBI’s San Francisco Office. Anyone with information concerning bid rigging at real estate foreclosure auctions should contact the Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Office at 415-934-5300 or call the FBI tip line at 415-553-7400.
Three Members or Associates of Wildboys Gang in South Carolina Sentenced for Violent Crimes in Aid of RacketeeringRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – One member and two associates of the Wildboys gang were sentenced today in federal court in Charleston, South Carolina, after each pleaded guilty to attempted murder in aid of racketeering for their roles in retaliation attacks against a rival gang.
The announcement was made by Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge C.J. Hyman of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Charlotte, North Carolina Field Division; Solicitor Duffie Stone of the 14th Judicial Circuit; Solicitor David Pascoe of the First Circuit; Sheriff R.A. Strickland of the Colleton County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office; Chief Wade Marvin of the Walterboro, South Carolina Police Department; Sheriff Al Cannon, Jr. of the Charleston County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office; Sheriff L. C. Knight of the Dorchester County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office; Chief Jon Rogers of the Summerville, South Carolina Police Department; Director Jerry B. Adger of the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services; and Chief Mark Keel of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
U.S. District Court Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Brian Manigo, aka “B-Nasty,” of Green Pond, South Carolina, to 10 years in prison; Damien Robinson, aka “Sacked Up,” also of Green Pond, South Carolina, to 10 years in prison; and Kelvin Mitchell, aka “Kevy Boy,”of Ruffin, South Carolina, to 39 months in prison, after each pleaded guilty to attempted murder in aid of racketeering.
According to court documents, all three defendants were members or associates of the Wildboys gang, a violent street gang that originated in the Green Pond area of Walterboro, South Carolina. From 2009 to 2015, Wildboys gang members used Facebook and YouTube to communicate with each other; threaten rival gang members and the police; flaunt gang colors, tattoos, and hand signs; and post photographs and videos depicting firearms, large amounts of cash, and what purported to be controlled substances. Gang members also engaged in violent criminal activities, including robberies of convenience stores, attempted murders of rival gang members, and narcotics trafficking. The Wildboys gang was also, for a time, aligned with another violent street gang called the “Cowboys” that originated out of the Brittlebank, or Eastside, area of Walterboro, South Carolina. In addition to sharing a common interest in posting threats and photographs depicting firearms, large amounts of cash, and what purported to be narcotics on Facebook and YouTube, the Wildboys and the Cowboys gangs shared common enemies. These shared interests resulted in shootings aimed at rival gang members, which left innocent by-standers seriously injured.
Manigo and Mitchell were sentenced for their roles in a May 14, 2011, retaliation shooting aimed at a rival gang member. While Mitchell drove the vehicle, Manigo retrieved an AK-47 rifle from the trunk of the car and fired multiple shots at the gang member who was standing in a crowd of individuals. An innocent by-stander sustained serious bodily injury as a result of the shooting.
Robinson was sentenced for his role in the April 7, 2015, retaliation drive-by shooting aimed at members of a rival gang. Robinson was the driver of the vehicle containing two other members of the Wildboys gang. As Robinson drove past the residence of the known rival gang members, the two passengers fired multiple shots at the home using an AR-15 and an SKS rifle. Robinson gave the AR-15, which belonged to him, to his fellow gang member to use during the shooting. The shooting resulted in serious bodily injury to an innocent victim inside the residence.
As part of the sentence, Manigo, Mitchell and Robinson were ordered to serve a term of three years of supervised release and to pay the costs of medical care for the victims.
A fourth member of the Wildboys, Joshua Manigault, who pleaded guilty to the April 7, 2015, shooting, has yet to be sentenced.
Devin Brown, who was also charged in the indictment, is scheduled for a jury trial to begin on June 26. The charges against Brown contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case was investigated by the ATF in Charleston, South Carolina, in partnership with the Walterboro Police Department; Colleton County Sheriff’s Office; Charleston County Sheriff’s Office; Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office; Summerville Police Department; Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office; First Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office; South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services; and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Leshia Lee-Dixon of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Tameaka A. Legette, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney from the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Bluffton, South Carolina.
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Three Members or Associates of Wildboys Gang in South Carolina Sentenced for Violent Crimes in Aid of RacketeeringRead the Press Release
One member and two associates of the Wildboys gang were sentenced today in federal court in Charleston, South Carolina, after each pleaded guilty to attempted murder in aid of racketeering for their roles in retaliation attacks against a rival gang.
The announcement was made by Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge C.J. Hyman of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Charlotte, North Carolina Field Division; Solicitor Duffie Stone of the 14th Judicial Circuit; Solicitor David Pascoe of the First Circuit; Sheriff R.A. Strickland of the Colleton County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office; Chief Wade Marvin of the Walterboro, South Carolina Police Department; Sheriff Al Cannon, Jr. of the Charleston County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office; Sheriff L. C. Knight of the Dorchester County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office; Chief Jon Rogers of the Summerville, South Carolina Police Department; Director Jerry B. Adger of the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services; and Chief Mark Keel of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
U.S. District Court Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Brian Manigo, aka “B-Nasty,” of Green Pond, South Carolina, to 10 years in prison; Damien Robinson, aka “Sacked Up,” also of Green Pond, South Carolina, to 10 years in prison; and Kelvin Mitchell, aka “Kevy Boy,”of Ruffin, South Carolina, to 39 months in prison, after each pleaded guilty to attempted murder in aid of racketeering.
According to court documents, all three defendants were members or associates of the Wildboys gang, a violent street gang that originated in the Green Pond area of Walterboro, South Carolina. From 2009 to 2015, Wildboys gang members used Facebook and YouTube to communicate with each other; threaten rival gang members and the police; flaunt gang colors, tattoos, and hand signs; and post photographs and videos depicting firearms, large amounts of cash, and what purported to be controlled substances. Gang members also engaged in violent criminal activities, including robberies of convenience stores, attempted murders of rival gang members, and narcotics trafficking. The Wildboys gang was also, for a time, aligned with another violent street gang called the “Cowboys” that originated out of the Brittlebank, or Eastside, area of Walterboro, South Carolina. In addition to sharing a common interest in posting threats and photographs depicting firearms, large amounts of cash, and what purported to be narcotics on Facebook and YouTube, the Wildboys and the Cowboys gangs shared common enemies. These shared interests resulted in shootings aimed at rival gang members, which left innocent by-standers seriously injured.
Manigo and Mitchell were sentenced for their roles in a May 14, 2011, retaliation shooting aimed at a rival gang member. While Mitchell drove the vehicle, Manigo retrieved an AK-47 rifle from the trunk of the car and fired multiple shots at the gang member who was standing in a crowd of individuals. An innocent by-stander sustained serious bodily injury as a result of the shooting.
Robinson was sentenced for his role in the April 7, 2015, retaliation drive-by shooting aimed at members of a rival gang. Robinson was the driver of the vehicle containing two other members of the Wildboys gang. As Robinson drove past the residence of the known rival gang members, the two passengers fired multiple shots at the home using an AR-15 and an SKS rifle. Robinson gave the AR-15, which belonged to him, to his fellow gang member to use during the shooting. The shooting resulted in serious bodily injury to an innocent victim inside the residence.
As part of the sentence, Manigo, Mitchell and Robinson were ordered to serve a term of three years of supervised release and to pay the costs of medical care for the victims.
A fourth member of the Wildboys, Joshua Manigault, who pleaded guilty to the April 7, 2015, shooting, has yet to be sentenced.
Devin Brown, who was also charged in the indictment, is scheduled for a jury trial to begin on June 26. The charges against Brown contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case was investigated by the ATF in Charleston, South Carolina, in partnership with the Walterboro Police Department; Colleton County Sheriff’s Office; Charleston County Sheriff’s Office; Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office; Summerville Police Department; Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office; First Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office; South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services; and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Leshia Lee-Dixon of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Tameaka A. Legette, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney from the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Bluffton, South Carolina.
Three Facing Federal Charges for Drug Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
41 kilograms of suspected heroin seized
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal criminal complaint was filed on June 1, 2017 charging three defendants with intent to distribute narcotics and conspiracy to distribute narcotics.
The criminal complaint was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Don A. Hibbert of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office.
The criminal complaint charges the following defendants:
Perry Brown, age 53, of Baltimore, Maryland;
Juan Olvera Morales, age 34, of St. Anthony, Idaho; and
Alfredo Manuel Nevares, age 41, of West Valley, Utah
According to the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, beginning in October 2015, federal and state law enforcement began investigating drug trafficking activities of various persons. On May 30, 2017, investigators received confidential information concerning a possible drug transaction. Based on that intelligence, law enforcement began monitoring Brown. On May 31, 2017, at a truck stop in Jessup, law enforcement observed Brown, Morales, and Nevares, transfer multiple bags from a truck to a van. On the same day, 41 kilograms of suspected heroin was seized, and the three defendants were taken into custody.
If convicted of either conspiracy to distribute or possession with the intent to distribute narcotics, Brown, Morales, and Nevares faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
A criminal complaint is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by criminal complaint is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning commended the DEA for its work in the investigation. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Hanlon, who is prosecuting the case. Mr. Schenning would also like to thank the following agencies for their cooperation and dedication to this investigation: Baltimore City Police Department, Baltimore City Sheriff's Office, Baltimore County Police Department, Immigration Custom Enforcement (ICE-ERO), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and Maryland Transportation Authority Police (MTAP).
South Portland Woman Pleads Guilty to Mail TheftRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Norma J. Duhamel, 71, of South Portland, Maine pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to stealing mail.
According to court documents, between August and October of 2016, Duhamel stole mail containing bank checks and a credit card from mailboxes of residents of Cumberland, Maine. She cashed about $1,125 worth of stolen checks and charged about $105 on the credit card.
The defendant faces up to 5 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. She will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
South Florida Man Sentenced in Connection with Lottery Fraud Scheme Based in JamaicaRead the Press Release
A South Florida man was sentenced to prison in connection with the operation of a Jamaican-based fraudulent lottery scheme, the Department of Justice announced today.
Claude Shaw, 49, of Miramar, Florida, was sentenced to serve 36 months in prison and three years supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge William P. Dimitrouleas in Fort Lauderdale. Shaw was also ordered to pay $128,440 in restitution.
Shaw pleaded guilty on March 22, to one count of mail fraud in the Southern District of Florida. As part of his guilty plea, Shaw acknowledged that, from in or around September 2013, through in or around August 20l5, he participated in a scheme to defraud victims in the United States and unlawfully enrich himself.
“Today’s sentencing demonstrates the Justice Department’s commitment to combatting foreign-based lottery fraud schemes targeting individuals in the United States,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad A. Readler of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Financial schemes designed to defraud unsuspecting victims will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
As part of the scheme, victims throughout the United States received telephone calls in which they were falsely informed that they had won over $1 million in a lottery and needed to pay money in advance to claim their winnings. The victims were instructed on how, and to whom, to send their money, including being instructed to send their money to Shaw. Victims sent over $100,000 to Shaw, who then forwarded a portion of the money to Jamaica. Victims never received any lottery winnings.
“The Postal Inspection Service will continue to actively investigate fraudulent lottery schemes based in Jamaica directed at ripping off victims in the United States,” said Inspector in Charge Antonio J. Gomez of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Miami, Florida Division. “Lottery scams tied to Jamaica are targeting victims in the United States, and we will not allow fraudsters to use the U.S. mail to commit their crime.”
This prosecution is part of the Department of Justice’s effort working with federal and local law enforcement to combat fraudulent lottery schemes preying on American citizens.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Readler commended the investigative efforts of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Arturo DeCastro of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch.
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 Southern District of Florida, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl.
Sisseton Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing from Tribal OrganizationRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced today that Ann German, age 58, of Peever, South Dakota, pled guilty to one count of an Indictment charging her with Conspiracy to Commit Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization.
Indictment was filed October 6, 2015, charging German, along with Carrie Godfrey, a/k/a Carrie His Gun, a/k/a Carrie Kampeska, age 50, of Sisseton; Gerald German, Jr., age 46, of Peever; Calvin Max, Sr., age 50, of Sisseton; Gerald Heminger, Jr., age 58, of Sisseton; and Colette White, age 57, of Peever, with a conspiracy that began in June 2010, and continued through March 2013, to embezzle funds from the Big Coulee District of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribe. German was also charged with one count of Embezzlement and Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization, and the other defendants were charged with two counts of that offense.
All of the defendants except Calvin Max, Sr. have pled guilty to at least one count of the Indictment.
German was the District Coordinator of the Big Coulee District, and the other defendants were executive board members of the District.
The District has several types of assistance that District members can apply for and receive, including home repair and emergency repair. The Indictment alleges that German, and the others, stole money from the District by writing themselves checks and/or receiving checks for false home repair and emergency repair assistance payments. In this manner, German and her co-defendants stole over $80,000 from the District. German received at least $3,000 of the stolen funds.
Each count of the Indictment carries a maximum possible sentence of 5 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, a $100 payment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and restitution.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman is prosecuting the case.
German is scheduled to be sentenced on September 1, 2017.
The case was brought pursuant to The Guardians Project, a federal law enforcement initiative to coordinate efforts between participating agencies to promote citizen disclosure of public corruption, fraud, and embezzlement involving federal program funds, contracts, and grants, and to hold accountable those who are responsible for adversely affecting those living in South Dakota’s Indian country communities. The Guardians Project is another step of federal law enforcement’s ongoing efforts to increase engagement, coordination, and positive action on behalf of tribal communities. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the participating agencies include: Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Offices of Inspector General for the Departments of Interior, Health and Human Services, Social Security Administration, Agriculture, Transportation, Education, Justice, and Housing and Urban Development; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division; U.S. Postal Inspector Service; U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General.
For additional information about The Guardians Project, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (605) 330-4400. To report a suspected crime, please contact law enforcement at the federal agency’s locally listed telephone number.
Sioux Falls Man Charged with Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of Firearms by a Prohibited Person.
Ehab Abdulmutta Jaber, age 46, was indicted on May 9, 2017. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on May 19, 2017, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The Indictment charges Jaber with unlawfully possessing five firearms between April 9, 2017, and April 21, 2017. It is alleged that Jaber cannot legally possess firearms because he is an unlawful user of, and addicted to, a controlled substance.
The charge is merely an accusation and Jaber is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Sioux Falls Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Criminal Chief Dennis R. Holmes is prosecuting the case.
Jaber was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial, which has been set for July 25, 2017.
Sentencings for May 26 - June 2, 2017Read the Press Release
Daniel R. Gerken, 35, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on June 2, 2017, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and for use and carry of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Gerken was arrested in Gillette, Wyoming. He received 120 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $200.00 special assessment and $250.00 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Heather Dayle Gould, 29, of Lander, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on June 1, 2017, on one count of Medicaid fraud and one count of Food Stamp fraud. Gould was arrested in Lander, Wyoming. She received three years of probation and was ordered to pay $20,807.65 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Fraud and Recovery Unit of the Department of Family Services.
William David Larson, 19, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on June 1, 2017, for transportation of child pornography. Larson was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received 168 months of imprisonment, to be followed by ten years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and $3,000.00 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations.
Kennith Joseph Cassady, 41, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on May 30, 2017, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Cassady self-surrendered in Casper, Wyoming. He received 110 months of imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and $250.00 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Laramie Police Department, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Diego Armando Medrano-Lopez, 23, of Chihuahua, Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on May 26, 2017, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Medrano-Lopez was arrested in Gillette, Wyoming. He received time served, plus ten days, was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment, and is subject to deportation upon release from custody. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Rosalio Solis-Solorio, 30, of Michoacán, Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on May 26, 2017, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Solis-Solorio was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received time served, plus ten days, was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment, and is subject to deportation upon release from custody. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Ricardo Vazquez-Martinez, 41, of Michoacán, Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on May 26, 2017, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Vazquez-Martinez was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received time served, plus ten days, was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment, and is subject to deportation upon release from custody. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Orin Loos, 69, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on May 26, 2017, for possession of child pornography. Loos received five years of probation and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and $15,080.00 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations.
Daniel R. Gerken, 35, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on June 2, 2017, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and for use and carry of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Gerken was arrested in Gillette, Wyoming. He received 120 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $200.00 special assessment and $250.00 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Heather Dayle Gould, 29, of Lander, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on June 1, 2017, on one count of Medicaid fraud and one count of Food Stamp fraud. Gould was arrested in Lander, Wyoming. She received three years of probation and was ordered to pay $20,807.65 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services.
William David Larson, 19, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on June 1, 2017, for transportation of child pornography. Larson was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received 168 months of imprisonment, to be followed by ten years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and $3,000.00 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations.
Kennith Joseph Cassady, 41, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on May 30, 2017, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Cassady self-surrendered in Casper, Wyoming. He received 110 months of imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and $250.00 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Laramie Police Department, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Diego Armando Medrano-Lopez, 23, of Chihuahua, Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on May 26, 2017, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Medrano-Lopez was arrested in Gillette, Wyoming. He received time served, plus ten days, was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment, and is subject to deportation upon release from custody. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Rosalio Solis-Solorio, 30, of Michoacán, Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on May 26, 2017, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Solis-Solorio was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received time served, plus ten days, was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment, and is subject to deportation upon release from custody. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Ricardo Vazquez-Martinez, 41, of Michoacán, Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on May 26, 2017, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Vazquez-Martinez was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received time served, plus ten days, was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment, and is subject to deportation upon release from custody. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Orin Loos, 69, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on May 26, 2017, for possession of child pornography. Loos received five years of probation and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and $15,080.00 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations.
Rio Grande Valley Area DME Company Owner Sentenced in Health Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas ‐ The owner of a Rio Grande Valley area durable medical equipment (DME) company has been ordered to federal prison following her conviction in a scheme to defraud Texas Medicaid through fraudulent billings, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. Elva Acevedo Santos, 37, of McAllen, pleaded guilty April 8, 2016, admitting she submitted false and fraudulent claims to Texas Medicaid for DME that was not authorized and/or not provided.
Today, U.S. District Judge Randy Crane handed Santos a 21-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. She was further ordered to pay $581,743.39 in restitution to the Texas Medicaid program as a result of the fraudulent claims she submitted.
Santos was the owner of Hope & Miracle DME in Mission. As part of her plea, Santos admitted she forged and/or caused others to forge the signatures of physicians on the required DME prescription forms also known as Title XIX forms. Santos subsequently used the fraudulent forms as the basis to submit claims to Texas Medicaid and Medicare in order to receive reimbursements.
Santos further admitted she submitted or caused others to submit false or fraudulent claims with Medicare for a patient who was deceased on dates that Santos claimed to have provided diabetic supplies to the patient. The delivery tickets maintained by Hope & Miracle DME contained forged signatures of the deceased beneficiary after the date of her death.
Previously released on bond, Santos was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Texas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services‐Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Day and Andrew Swartz are prosecuting the case.
Ridgeview Man Charged with AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Ridgeview, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.
Sterlyn Bartlett, age 19, was indicted on May 16, 2017. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on June 2, 2017, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on January 10, 2017, Bartlett assaulted his dating partner, causing serious bodily injury.
The charge is merely an accusation and Bartlett is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller is prosecuting the case.
Bartlett was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Prisoner-Transport Officer Arrested for Sexual AssaultRead the Press Release
Eric Scott Kindley, 49, a prisoner-transport officer, was arrested yesterday in Stockton, California on charges related to sexually assaulting females in his custody, and threatening them with a firearm while doing so. During his initial appearance today, a federal judge in Sacramento, California ordered that Kindley be detained over the weekend, pending potential transport to Phoenix, Arizona, from where the complaint was issued.
According to the complaint and probable cause affidavit, Kindley operates Special Operations Group 6, a company that contracts with local jails throughout the country to transport individuals who have been arrested on out-of-state warrants. The probable cause affidavit alleges that from January through May of this year, Kindley engaged in sexual misconduct in his Dodge Caravan with three different female prisoners during three different transports. The transports were from California to Arizona, Alabama to Arizona, and Mississippi to New Mexico. In each instance, the victim was handcuffed and restrained, and taken to secluded locations where Kindley sexually assaulted her. All the while, Kindley threatened each victim with his firearm and warned them that he will get away with his conduct because no one will believe them.
The probable cause affidavit further alleges that during the transports, Kindley bragged to the victims about sexually assaulting other female prisoners during prior transports.
A complaint is only an allegation, and Kindley is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
This investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to call the Phoenix Division of the FBI at (623) 466-1999, or can email the Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice at [email protected].
This case is being investigated by the Phoenix Division of the Federal Bureau Investigation and is being prosecuted by Special Litigation Counsel Fara Gold and Trial Attorney Maura White of the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice and Assistant United States Attorney Abbie Broughton Marsh of District of Arizona.
Pennsylvania Man Sentenced for AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Greensburg, Pennsylvania, man charged with Assault by Striking, Beating, and Wounding pled guilty and was sentenced on June 1, 2017, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno.
Marwan Sadekni, age 67, was sentenced to a $5,000 fine and $25 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Sadekni also needs to report this judgment to his current employer and the medical board.
The conviction stems from an incident that took place on February 25, 2015, when Sadekni, who worked as a doctor for several weeks at the Rosebud Indian Health Service Hospital in Rosebud, South Dakota, became upset with the victim, a nurse at the facility. He began swearing at the victim, pounded on the desk and then slammed his hand down, over the victim’s hand. The victim pushed Sadekni away with her elbow and ran out of the office.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley.
Oglala Man Convicted of AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that Samuel Kills Crow Indian, a/k/a Samuel High Hawk, 29, of Oglala, South Dakota, was found guilty of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury at the conclusion of a two-day federal jury trial in Rapid City. The jury returned their verdict on June 1, 2017.
The maximum penalty is ten years of imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and restitution.
The conviction stems from Kills Crow Indian stabbing and cutting a man multiple times with a knife, causing serious injuries.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Patterson prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date will be scheduled. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
North Dakota Man Sentenced for AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Bismarck, North Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to a Spouse or Intimate Partner was sentenced on May 31, 2017, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.
Christopher Plenty Chief, age 31, was sentenced to 24 months in custody, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Plenty Chief was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 12, 2016. He pled guilty on January 6, 2017.
The conviction stems from an incident on January 10, 2014, when Bureau of Indian Affairs Law Enforcement was summoned to a residence in Wakpala, South Dakota, upon receiving a report of a domestic violence situation involving Christopher Plenty Chief and his intimate partner. Upon arrival, officers determined that the victim was in need of medical care and summoned an ambulance.
The victim told law enforcement that she and Plenty Chief got into an argument. Plenty Chief began to strike the victim with a closed fist to her face. Someone attempted to stop the assault, but was unsuccessful. Plenty Chief then drug the victim back to his family’s residence and continued to assault her by kicking her several times to the head and body. Plenty Chief’s brother attempted to intervene, which gave an opportunity for the victim to escape the residence and go to her aunt’s house, where law enforcement was summoned. As a result of the assault, the victim suffered multiple facial fractures.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Standing Rock Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.
Plenty Chief was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
New York Resident Charged with $3.5 Million Theft from City of Miami BeachRead the Press Release
A resident of Syracuse, New York was charged with stealing over $3.5 million from the City of Miami Beach’s bank account through unauthorized electronic transfers.
Benjamin G. Greenberg, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, and Daniel J. Oates, Chief, City of Miami Beach Police Department, made the announcement.
David J. Miller, 44, of Syracuse, New York, was charged by criminal complaint with bank fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1344; and aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A(a)(1). The bank fraud offense carries a maximum penalty of twenty years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. The aggravated identity theft offense carries a mandatory, consecutive two-year term of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
According to the complaint, Miller was responsible for the theft of approximately $3.5 million from the City of Miami Beach’s general depository account at SunTrust Bank. The complaint alleges that Miller caused the electronic transfer of these stolen funds to an account opened in the name of “Company A.” According to the complaint, Company A provides a service that allows customers to purchase, sell, and transfer seat licenses and seat location rights at sporting venues around the United States, including National Football League (NFL) stadiums.
The complaint alleges that between July 2016 and October 2016, Miller used the identity of victim “R.W.” in connection with the bank fraud scheme. Specifically, Miller used R.W.’s identity to create an online profile on Company A’s website. Miller also supplied Company A with the bank account number and routing number for one of the City of Miami Beach’s SunTrust Bank accounts.
Using funds from the City of Miami Beach’s account, Miller purchased approximately 157 seat licenses at NFL stadiums around the country. Miller also used stolen funds to purchase season and individual game tickets at NFL games and other sporting events. According to the complaint, Miller further used the City of Miami Beach’s money to pay his utilities bills. In one instance, Miller caused a counterfeit check, purportedly issued by the City of Miami Beach, to be deposited into a family member’s bank account.
According to court records, Miller is currently in custody in Onondaga County, New York, on state identity theft charges.
Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of the FBI and the City of Miami Beach Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher B. Browne, Harold E. Schimkat, and Nalina Sombuntham.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov
New York Man Charged After Greenwich Overdose Sentenced to 16 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ISAIAH HART, 22, of Brooklyn, N.Y., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 16 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin. Judge Shea also ordered HART to perform 96 hours of community service while he is on supervised release.
This matter stems from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the early morning of December 8, 2015, Greenwich Police officers and emergency medical personnel responded to a Greenwich residence on the report of an unresponsive man. The man, who was 26, was pronounced dead. Within the residence, officers located and found opened and unopened wax folds (“bags”) with a green colored label “Emerald City” stamped on them.
The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Scientific Services later analyzed the unopened bags and determined the powder contained heroin, and according to the Connecticut Chief Medical Examiner’s Office, the victim’s death was caused by acute heroin toxicity.
Investigators determined that, shortly before his death, the victim had contacted “Tony” to order heroin in response to a Craig’s List advertisement for “dog food.” The victim then drove from Greenwich to Brooklyn and purchased two bundles (20 bags) of heroin from HART for $185.
HART was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on April 14, 2016. On February 22, 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin.
HART has related drug charges pending in Brooklyn stemming from his selling heroin, in bags stamped “Emerald City,” to an undercover law enforcement officer on December 8, 2015. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 5 in King’s Country Supreme Court in Brooklyn and is expected to receive a two-year sentence.
HART, who had been released on bond, was remanded at the conclusion of today’s court proceeding.
This matter was investigated by the DEA’s New Haven Task Force and the Greenwich Police Department. The Task Force includes DEA agents and task force officers from the North Haven, East Haven, West Haven, New Haven, Hamden, Branford, Ansonia, Derby and Meriden Police Departments. U.S. Attorney Daly also acknowledged the significant assistance of the New York Police Department in this investigation.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed.
Monroe woman sentenced to 12 months in connection with scheme to defraud insurance companyRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that a Monroe woman was sentenced Thursday to 12 months and one day in prison for mail fraud for a scheme wherein she lied on U.S. Bankruptcy Court filings and insurance documents.
Lasandra Laverne Edwards, 54, of Monroe, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. on one count of mail fraud. She was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and must pay $9,126.70 in restitution. According to the February 13, 2017 guilty plea, Edwards filed for bankruptcy in October 2013 and valued her furniture and clothing at $1,000. In November of 2013, Edwards purchased a renters’ policy that valued her assets at $100,000. Edwards’ house caught fire and burned on December 1, 2013. The defendant attended a creditors’ hearing associated with her bankruptcy case on December 10, 2013. She reaffirmed the information in the previous filings that her furniture and clothing were valued at $1,000. However, the next day on December 11, 2013, Edwards filed a claim under her insurance policy with State Farm falsely stating that her personal property was valued at $116,063.
The U.S. Trustee’s Office – Region V, Louisiana State Police and Monroe Fire Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cytheria D. Jernigan and Tennille M. Gilreath prosecuted the case.
Mississippi Corrections Officers Sentenced for Inmate Assault and Cover-UpRead the Press Release
Deonte Pate, 24, was sentenced to 5 years of probation with 12 weeks of weekend confinement for conspiring to cover up the beating of an inmate identified by his initials, K.H. Pate acknowledged that he submitted false reports and lied to the FBI in order to prevent knowledge of the beating from reaching outside authorities. Romander Nelson, 44, was sentenced to 5 years of probation, 14 weeks of weekend confinement, and a $500 fine for failing to protect the victim during the beating.
The victim, was temporarily blinded by the attack and suffered severe blood loss, a broken orbital bone, and permanent partial vision loss.
Pate and Nelson were charged in 2016 along with two other officers: Lawardrick Marsher, 28, and Robert Sturdivant, 47. All four were officers at Mississippi State Penitentiary, in Parchman, Mississippi.
Marsher has pleaded guilty to carrying out the assault; Sturdivant, a supervisor, has pleaded guilty to conspiring to cover the assault up. Marsher and Sturdivant are scheduled to be sentenced on June 15 for their roles in the crime.
“Every corrections officer owes a duty of honesty and integrity to the individuals under his or her protection,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Tom Wheeler. “The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring the rights of all citizens, including those in our nation’s jails and prisons.”
"The FBI's mission is to protect the American people and uphold the constitution of the United States," said Christopher Freeze, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Mississippi. "This protection extends to those serving time for various offenses in jails and prisons throughout the United States. The constitution provides no protection to those hiding behind a correctional officer uniform and abusing the authority given to them. The FBI will continue to aggressively investigate any allegations of civil rights violations."
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Jackson Division, with the cooperation of the Mississippi Department of Corrections. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Coleman of the Northern District of Mississippi and Trial Attorney Dana Mulhauser of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
Metairie Man Charged with Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that BRIAN LISTER, age 41, of Metairie, was charged in a one-count Indictment with receipt of images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children.
If convicted, LISTER faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, followed by up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. LISTER can also be required to register as a sex offender.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Acting U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg is in charge of the prosecution.
Member of Bronx Gang Sentenced to 42 Years in Prison for Murder, Racketeering, and Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that JAMES CAPERS, a/k/a “Mitch,” was sentenced to 42 years in prison for the murder of Allen McQueen and participating in racketeering and narcotics conspiracies, all in connection with a violent street gang known as the “Leland Avenue Crew,” which is based primarily in and around the New York City’s 43rd Precinct in the Bronx, New York. The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge William H. Pauley III, after CAPERS was convicted following a jury trial in December 2016.
Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said: “Gangs do enormous damage to our communities through drug dealing and the violence that often accompanies it. Today, James Capers, a gang member who sold drugs and participated in that violence, was sentenced to 42 years in prison for the horrific murder of a rival gang member, whom Capers shot and killed while the victim was holding his one-year-old daughter. Our Office remains committed to eradicating senseless violence from our city streets.”
According to the Indictment and other documents filed in the case, as well as evidence presented at trial and statements made during the sentencing proceedings:
CAPERS was a member of the Leland Avenue Crew, which controlled the distribution of crack cocaine in and around Leland Avenue in the Bronx, New York. As a member of the Crew, CAPERS sold crack cocaine and marijuana, carried weapons, and committed robberies of unsuspecting members of the public. To protect its drug-selling turf, the Leland Avenue Crew engaged in a long-running dispute with members of a rival gang based two streets over on Taylor Avenue. This dispute resulted in multiple shootings, some of which were fatal. On or about July 7, 2015, in connection with the ongoing dispute between Leland and Taylor, CAPERS went looking for Allen McQueen, a rival gang member on Taylor Avenue. After finding McQueen, who was walking down the street holding his one-year-old daughter, CAPERS ran up behind McQueen and fired several shots, striking McQueen once and killing him.
* * *
Mr. Kim praised the extraordinary investigative work of the New York City Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Homeland Security Investigations. He also thanked the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office for their participation and support in this case.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Scott Hartman, Jessica Lonergan, and Jason Swergold are in charge of the prosecution.
Medical Office Manager Charged with Healthcare Fraud, and in Conspiracy with Thirteen Defendants to Distribute OxycodoneRead the Press Release
An indictment was unsealed today, charging defendant Michael Milchin, 37, of Philadelphia, PA, with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and five counts of health care fraud, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. In addition, the indictment charges Milchin and the 13 defendants listed below with one count of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone:
NAME
ADDRESS
YEAR OF BIRTH
Augustine Lee
Philadelphia PA
1975
Nikita Latychev
Feasterville-Trevose PA
1988
Yaroslav Stadniychuk
Philadelphia PA
1989
Bryant Bishop
Philadelphia PA
1969
Ning Jian Du
Philadelphia PA
1984
Taras Trushchenko
Jamison PA
1978
Armen Khimoian
Warwick PA
1978
Linda Flamer
Philadelphia PA
1955
Igor Khavulya
Philadelphia PA
1981
Nik Palatnik
Feasterville-Trevose PA
1994
Vannarat Xayavongsithideth
Philadelphia PA
1982
Thearack Tham Kith
Philadelphia PA
1985
Sebastian Moeung
Philadelphia PA
1980
Each of the 13 defendants listed above is also charged with one count of distribution of oxycodone. In addition, Milchin is charged with fifteen counts of possession of oxycodone with the intent to distribute.
According to the indictment, Milchin became involved in two criminal agreements: first, from approximately June 2010 until approximately July 2012, a conspiracy to commit health care fraud with a chiropractor, John Vira, who is charged elsewhere; and second, from approximately May 2012 until approximately March 2015, a separate conspiracy with the other 13 charged defendants listed above, to distribute oxycodone.
Concerning the health care fraud conspiracy and substantive health care fraud charges, the indictment alleges that Milchin, who is not a medical professional, was the business manager at Vira’s office, Central Bucks Health Associates, located in Southampton PA. The indictment charges that Milchin and Vira worked together to defraud private insurance companies, Independence Blue Cross and Aetna, Inc., by billing those insurers more than $700,000 for chiropractic services that were never provided.
Concerning the drug distribution charges, the indictment alleges that Milchin conspired with the 13 defendants listed above to fill hundreds of fraudulent prescriptions for oxycodone at various pharmacies in and around Philadelphia. Milchin then sold the fraudulently obtained pills to others. The indictment charges that while the fraudulent prescriptions purported to be written by a physician with Central Bucks Health Associates, the physician in question had no affiliation with Central Bucks Health Associates and never authorized any of the prescriptions.
"The exploitation of the healthcare system through fraudulent claims for personal gain affects all of us who rely on that system,” said Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. “The trafficking of oxycodone completely devastates individuals, their families and all of our communities. We remain dedicated to prosecuting those who illegally exploit the healthcare system and fuel the opioid epidemic.”
If convicted, defendant Michael Milchin faces a maximum possible sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment for conspiracy to commit health care fraud and 10 years’ imprisonment for each count of health care fraud. In addition, each defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and 20 years’ imprisonment for each count of distributing oxycodone or possessing oxycodone with the intent to distribute. Milchin also faces full restitution on the health care fraud charges.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mary Kay Costello.
An Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
McLaughlin Man Sentenced for AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man convicted of Domestic Assault by an Habitual Offender was sentenced on May 31, 2017, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.
Kyle White Bull, age 30, was sentenced to 27 months in custody, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
White Bull was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 19, 2017. He pled guilty on March 9, 2017.
The conviction stems from an incident on December 21, 2016, when White Bull and his wife were involved in an argument at their home in McLaughlin. The victim awoke that day to White Bull asking her questions, calling her names, and accusing her of sleeping with other men to which the victim denied the allegations. The victim told White Bull that she was going to leave the marital home, but White Bull told her that if she left, he was going to kill her. The couple then continued arguing and proceeded to shove each other, causing the victim to end up on the ground. White Bull grabbed the victim by the neck and held her down, while she continued struggling, attempting to get away. When she would attempt to get up, White Bull would push her back down, causing her to repeatedly hit her head on the floor.
Eventually the victim was able to escape the residence and reported the matter to the Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement. Law enforcement documented various injuries to the victim, including a large lump on the left front of her forehead, a scratch on her toe, a bruised ankle, and bruises to both knees.
At the time of this incident, White Bull had at least two final convictions in Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Court for offenses that would have been, if subject to federal jurisdiction, an offense against a spouse or intimate partner.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Standing Rock Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.
White Bull was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
McLaughlin Man Charged with AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to an Intimate Partner.
Johnathan Guggolz, age 41, was indicted on May 16, 2017. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on May 30, 2017, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and up to $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on March 22, 2017, Guggolz knowingly assaulted his significant other with shod feet, with the assault resulting in substantial injury.
The charges are merely accusations and Guggolz is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Standing Rock Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case.
Guggolz was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
McAllen Man Convicted of Receiving Child Pornography VideosRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 29-year old resident of McAllen has entered a guilty plea to one count of receipt of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.
Rodrigo Garcia-Fuentes came to the attention of law enforcement following an investigation which began Feb. 12, 2016, into persons using the Internet to traffic in child pornography. A special agent with Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) was able to locate and identify a computer as offering to participate in the receipt of child pornography videos through a peer-to-peer network on the Internet. Through the investigation, it was determined that the computer was located at a residence in McAllen.
On July 29, 2016, HSI agents executed a federal search warrant at the McAllen residence, during which time they seized a computer. A forensic examination on the computer revealed 218 videos and 730 images of child pornography involving minor children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. These videos included children under the age of 12 involved in sadistic conduct and other depictions of violence. Some of the videos are of known victims as identified through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Garcia-Fuentes admitted he downloaded and viewed child pornography from the Internet, thereby receiving the child pornography found on his computer. He admitted he had been downloading child pornography for approximately four years.
U.S. District Judge Randy Crane accepted the guilty plea and set sentencing for Aug. 15, 2017. At that time, Garcia-Fuentes faces a minimum of five and up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine. He will remain in custody pending that hearing.
HSI conducted the investigation.
This case, prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Paxton, was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Manchester Man Convicted of Threatening Federal Probation OfficerRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal jury in Hartford has found PETER J. SANTOS, 41, of Manchester, guilty of one count of threatening a federal official. The trial before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson began on May 30 and the jury returned the verdict this afternoon.
According to the evidence at trial, in January 2014, SANTOS was sentenced in the Southern District of New York to 25 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiring to transport stolen goods, conspiring to receive stolen goods and conspiring to commit wire fraud. On December 31, 2015, after completing his period of incarceration, he began serving his three-year period of supervised release, which was transferred to the U.S. Probation Office in the District the Connecticut.
While on supervised release, SANTOS tested positive for controlled substances on multiple occasions. On August 31, 2016, SANTOS appeared before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven for a supervised release violation hearing. Judge Arterton revoked SANTOS’ supervised release and imposed a penalty of six months of imprisonment to be followed by 24 months of additional supervised release. As the U.S. Marshals were walking SANTOS out of the courtroom, SANTOS looked at his supervising U.S. Probation Officer and stated “When I get out, I’m coming for you.” The Probation Officer responded, “Excuse me?” SANTOS responded, “You heard me.”
After they left the courtroom, a Deputy U.S. Marshal said to SANTOS, “That’s not smart.” SANTOS responded by stating that he did not care and he was tired of it, adding that, “Everyone has to meet their maker whether it is by me or some other way.”
The investigation revealed that SANTOS made additional threats while he was incarcerated on the supervised release violation.
Judge Thompson scheduled sentencing for August 29, 2017, at which time SANTOS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of six years.
This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John H. Durham.
Lower Brule Man Acquitted of Several ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Lower Brule, South Dakota, man was acquitted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Brandishing of a Firearm During a Crime of violence as a result of a federal jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota, on June 1, 2017.
Philip Anthony Battese, age 36, was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 19, 2017, for resisting a law enforcement officer with a pistol.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Lower Brule agency. The U.S. Attorney's Office prosecuted the case.