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23 June 2017
Texas Man Found Guilty of Credit Card Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Acting United States Attorney John J. Farley announced today that Francisco Tamayo Noguera, 36, of Austin, Texas, was found guilty by a jury of conspiracy to commit credit and debit card fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with a credit card fraud scheme.
According to the testimony given during the trial, Noguera traveled from Austin, Texas, to New Hampshire on January 8, 2016 with Dairon Jimenez Roja and Elvis Barban Chavez. The three stayed at a motel in Nashua, New Hampshire and between January 9, 2016 and January 12, 2016, they visited Sam’s Club stores in Manchester, Hudson, Seekonk, Massachusetts and Worcester Massachusetts. While at the stores the conspirators purchased gift cards, usually in the amount of $200, with credit and debit card information of other individuals. The conspirators acquired the other individuals’ information from a skimming device that had been placed in a gas pump in Londonderry, New Hampshire. Once they obtained the information, the conspirators made clone cards that contained the debit and credit card information and used those clone cards to purchase the gift cards. The total estimated loss is approximately $29,000.
The conspirators were captured after they fled the Hudson Sam’s Club on January 12, 2016. Store employees had noticed the fraudulent activity and called the Hudson Police Department. The individuals were arrested by the Tyngsborough Police Department on January 12, 2016 after a pursuit was initiated by the Hudson Police Department. At the time of the arrest, numerous cards and a skimming device were found in the vehicle.
A sentencing hearing for the defendant is scheduled for October 3, 2017.
Dairon Jimenez Roja and Elvis Barban Chavez previously pleaded guilty and were each sentenced to 24 months in prison.
The case was investigated by the Hudson Police Department, the Londonderry Police Department, the Manchester Police Department, the Tyngsborough Police Department, and the New Hampshire State Police Forensic Laboratory. Numerous other departments and the staffs at various Sam’s Club stores assisted in the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald Feith.
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Texas Cocaine Source of Supply Sentenced to 17 ½ Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A resident of Brownsville, Texas, has been sentenced in federal court to 210 months imprisonment and 5 years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics and money laundering laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Dante Ivan Lozano, age 42, of Brownsville, Texas.
According to information presented to the court, between 2011 and 2015, Lozano mailed dozens of packages of cocaine to Jeffrey Turner and April Racan in Elizabeth and McKeesport, in Allegheny County. Approximately eight kilograms (about 18 pounds) of cocaine were sent in this fashion.
Turner and Racan then sold the cocaine to others. Although drug proceeds in the form of cash were generally sent back to Lozano in Texas, during just a six-month period of time in 2012, as an experiment, $116,700 in postal money orders were purchased and sent by Turner and Racan from Pittsburgh back to Texas.
Seven other co-defendants were previously convicted and sentenced, including Turner and Racan, and former U.S. Postmaster Joseph Borrelli.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory J. Nescott prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Song commended the United States Postal Service in Pittsburgh, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, and the Drug Enforcement Administration in Brownsville, Texas for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Dante Lozano.
St. Louis Woman Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement of Money from a Disabled VeteranRead the Press Release
Tamara Jones, St. Louis, MO, pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $30,000 from a disabled veteran between 2014 and 2015. According to the plea agreement, Jones stole the money from a financial account of A.W., a disabled veteran for whom she had been appointed fiduciary through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Jones was to spend A.W.’s money only for his benefit, and Jones was to be compensated by the VA.
Jones pleaded guilty to one felony count of embezzlement by a Veteran’s fiduciary and faces a sentence of up to 5 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000 or both. Restitution of the embezzled funds is also mandatory. Chief Judge Rodney W. Sippel accepted Jones’ plea and set her sentencing for September 22, 2017.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of the Inspector General.
St. Francis Man Charged with Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a St. Francis, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.
Anthony Zotti, age 21, was indicted on June 14, 2017. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on June 20, 2017, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about May 25, 2017, Zotti assaulted a federal law enforcement officer, and that the assault involved bodily injury.
The charge is merely an accusation and Zotti is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Zotti was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
St. Francis Man Charged with Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a St. Francis, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.
Christopher Little Elk, age 34, was indicted on June 14, 2017. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on June 20, 2017, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 8 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about May 12, 2017, Little Elk assaulted a federal law enforcement officer.
The charge is merely an accusation and Little Elk is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Little Elk was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
South Abington Man Charged in Fraud, Extortion and Identity Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Hiteshkumar Patel, age 51, a resident of South Abington Township, Pennsylvania, was indicted on June 20, 2017, by a federal grand jury with multiple counts of mail and wire fraud, extortion and aggravated identity theft charges. Patel’s initial appearance is scheduled for June 29, 2017, before United States Magistrate Judge Joseph F. Saporito, Jr., in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that beginning in or about August 2015 through May 2016, Patel executed a scheme whereby individuals falsely represented themselves as Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agents, as well as individuals associated with an illegitimate online loan business. The victims were told that they had to immediately make a monetary payment in order to satisfy outstanding IRS tax debt and/or IRS penalty fees. Victims were told that there would be severe consequences if they did not immediately comply, such as federal agents knocking on their door, notification to employers, garnishment of wages, and even arrest.
Victims of the online loan fraud scheme were instructed that in order to receive the proceeds of their on-line loan application, they had to first make monetary payments associated with the processing of the application, such as fees for expediting the loan and insurance. Some victims of the loan fraud scheme were also told that outstanding IRS debt had to be satisfied before their loan application could be processed.
All of the victims were instructed to remit monetary payments to a number of different individuals via the U.S. Mail, Western Union, MoneyGram, and/or RIA (Walmart to Walmart). It is alleged that monetary payments were received by Patel, or by members of the unlawful telemarketing organization and unindicted co-conspirators. It is estimated that Patel and his coconspirators received hundreds of thousands of dollars from victims of the scheme.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation and remains an ongoing investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski is prosecuting the case.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses are 20 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Slidell Woman Sentenced for Possessing Precursor Chemicals Used to Manufacture MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CRYSTAL LANGDON, age 35, of Slidell, was sentenced yesterday after previously pled guilty to buying cold medications with the knowledge that they would be used to manufacture methamphetamine.
U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced LANGDON to 36 months imprisonment, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
According to court documents, LANGDON was engaged in “smurfing,” which involves various individuals going to the same or nearby stores and each making individual purchases of cold medication, which are then grouped together in order to make a batch of methamphetamine. This “smurfing” activity is in response to laws that have been passed in order to combat the domestic production of methamphetamine by restricting the sale of over-the-counter cold medications. These medications often contain pseudoephedrine, which is a precursor chemical that can be processed to create methamphetamine. LANGDON admitted to participating in this “smurfing” activity from May through June of 2015, and to buying over the counter cold medication that she gave to another individual so that he could use it to produce methamphetamine at a house on Swan Street in Slidell.
Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney David Haller was in charge of the prosecution.
Shrewsbury Man Charged with Steroid DistributionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Shrewsbury man was charged today in federal court in Boston for his role in a steroid-distribution ring in Worcester County.
Daniel Frederickson, 29, was charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute steroids and one count of possession of a tableting machine to manufacture a controlled substance.
According to the charging documents, Frederickson was part of a steroid distribution conspiracy with four others in and around Worcester and Shrewsbury, Mass. Frederickson worked with co-conspirators to obtain, process and traffic steroids.
The charge of conspiracy provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, a mandatory minimum of two years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $500,000. The charge of possession of a tableting machine provides for a sentence of no greater than four years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Ferguson of Weinreb’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Seaford Man Indicted for Gun, Heroin ChargesRead the Press Release
Wilmington, Del. – David C. Weiss, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Tromar Mapp, age 28, of Seaford, Delaware, was charged by Indictment earlier this month with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, three counts of distribution of heroin, and one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin.
For the possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking charge, Mapp faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years imprisonment and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. For the possession of a firearm by a prohibited person charge, Mapp faces a maximum penalty of ten years imprisonment. The maximum penalty for each heroin charge is twenty years imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Delaware State Police and the Seaford Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer K. Welsh.
The charges in the Indictment are only allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
School Owner and Ceo Convicted of Federal Financial Aid Fraud Offenses and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
BATON ROUGE, LA – Acting United States Attorney Corey R. Amundson announced today that a federal jury has convicted ALDEN HALL, age 58, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, of numerous federal offenses in connection with her multi-year scheme to defraud the United States Department of Education and steal Pell Grant funds. Earlier this afternoon, after a four-day trial, the jury unanimously returned guilty verdicts on all five counts presented at trial, including three counts of theft of government funds, one count of fraudulently obtaining financial assistance funds, and one count of money laundering. HALL is scheduled to be sentenced on November 30, 2017.
At all relevant times, HALL was the owner and Chief Executive Officer of Alden’s School of Cosmetology and Alden’s School of Barbering in Baker, Louisiana. As the evidence demonstrated, HALL engaged in a scheme to steal government funds by causing misrepresentations to be submitted to the Department of Education. For instance, HALL represented to the Department that certain students were enrolled in Pell Grant-approved programs of instruction when HALL knew that they were actually in programs of instruction that did not qualify for Pell Grants. HALL caused false and forged documents to be submitted as part of certain students’ financial aid packages, and caused misrepresentations to the Department about the number of hours that certain students had attended class and their standing at the school, when in fact the individuals had never attended class. Through the scheme, HALL and her businesses fraudulently received more than $100,000 in federal funds. Finally, in December of 2011, as proceeds were being generated from HALL’s fraudulent scheme, she engaged in money laundering by transferring criminally derived property of a value greater than $10,000 from a bank account to a check issued to herself.
Acting U.S. Attorney Corey Amundson stated, “This defendant, and others who would steal from government programs intended to help those in need, must be held accountable for their crimes. Today’s verdict does just that. I greatly appreciate the hard work of the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations Division, the Louisiana Office of Inspector General, and the prosecutors in this office in uncovering this defendant’s fraudulent scheme and securing the defendant’s conviction today.”
Louisiana State Inspector General Stephen Street commented, “We have zero tolerance for those who defraud government programs, and will continue to make pursuing these criminal cases a top priority."
This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana and the U.S. Department of Education – Office of the Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Louisiana Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan Crosswell and Jessica M.P. Thornhill.
Sarasota Felon Sentenced to Seven Years’ Imprisonment for Possessing A Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL –U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew today sentenced Timothy Tallmadge (27, Sarasota) to seven years in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The Court also ordered him to forfeit the firearm and ammunition seized during his arrest. Tallmadge pleaded guilty on March 17, 2017.
According to court documents, on August 26, 2016, law enforcement officers responded to a call reporting a burglary in progress. The officer who arrived on the scene observed four individuals matching the caller’s description, including Tallmadge, and detained them for questioning. During this time, Tallmadge continued walking away from the officer, refused to comply with commands, and kept reaching for his waistband. When the officer conducted a pat down of Tallmadge’s waistband area, he uncovered a loaded firearm. At the time of the incident, Tallmadge had multiple prior felony convictions and was therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Sarasota Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kaitlin R. O’Donnell.
This is another case prosecuted as a part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program - a nationwide, gun-violence reduction strategy. Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow, along with Daryl R. McCrary, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, is coordinating the Project Safe Neighborhoods effort here in the Middle District of Florida in cooperation with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
San Antonio Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
In San Antonio this morning, 37-year-old Mark Grimes was sentenced to 185 months in federal prison for distribution of child pornography announced United States Attorney Richard Durbin, Jr. and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio.
In addition to the prison term, Senior United States District Judge David A. Ezra ordered that Grimes pay $26,500 restitution to the victims and be placed on supervised release for a period of ten years after completing his prison term. Following the sentencing hearing, Judge Ezra remanded Grimes into federal custody.
On June 2, 2016, Grimes pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography. By pleading guilty, Grimes admitted that in December 2013, he used his computer to distribute child pornography to others using a peer-to-peer file-sharing program. Agents from the FBI’s San Antonio Division executed a search warrant for the defendant’s residence on August 5, 2014, where they seized the defendant’s computer. A subsequent forensics evaluation of the computer revealed the presence of approximately 3,800 images of child pornography.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted this investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Tracy Thompson prosecuted this case on behalf of the Government.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Rapid CityRapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet was sentenced on June 21, 2017, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Nathaniel Johnross Weibel, age 32, was sentenced to 25 years of imprisonment, followed by a lifetime supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Weibel was charged on February 23, 2016, and pleaded guilty on March 3, 2017. The conviction stems from Weibel enticing several minor females to engage in illegal sexual activity using the internet.
This case was investigated by the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.
Weibel was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
Don Williams, age 45, was indicted on June 14, 2017. Williams appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on June 16, 2017, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, a lifetime of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge relates to Williams failing to register and update his registration as a convicted sex offender between October 13, 2016, and April 24, 2017.
The charge is merely an accusation and Williams is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman is prosecuting the case.
Williams was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been not been set.
Rapid City Man Indicted for Commercial Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Commercial Sex Trafficking.
Kevin D. Jenkins, age 41, was indicted on June 14, 2017. Jenkins appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on June 16, 2017, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine, a mandatory minimum term of 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge relates to Jenkins obtaining a child between the ages of 14 and 18, to engage in a commercial sex act between January and August of 2016.
The charge is merely an accusation and Jenkins is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen is prosecuting the case.
Jenkins was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Pleasants County man sentenced for methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Johnny Silvester Edgell, of St. Marys, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 30 months incarceration for methamphetamine distribution, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.
Edgell, age 54, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine” and one count of “Possession of a Firearm by an Unlawful Drug User” in September 2016. Edgell admitted to selling methamphetamine in July 2015 in Pleasants County and possessing a .22 caliber pistol and a .22 caliber revolver in August 2015 in Pleasants County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, West Virginia State Police, and the Pleasants County Sheriff’s Department investigated.
U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Pasadena Man Indicted in Bank Robbery Spree Attributed to the ‘Dual Valley Bandit’Read the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Pasadena man was named today in a seven-count indictment that charges him with committing a series of bank robberies culminating in an armed robbery in which he allegedly used a loaded shotgun.
Shownee Shon Smith, 41, was charged robbing a Wells Fargo Bank branch in East Pasadena on June 10 while armed with a loaded shotgun.
The Pasadena Police Department responded to alarms and a 911 call from inside the Wells Fargo branch and arrested Smith immediately after he exited the bank.
The indictment alleges that Smith committed six bank robberies between May 15 and June 10. In addition to the Wells Fargo robbery, Smith is charged with robbing branches of US Bank in Burbank on May 15, Wells Fargo in South Pasadena on the same day, Chase Bank in East Pasadena on May 20, Chase in North Hollywood on May 27, and Citibank in Tarzana on the same day. Prior to the Wells Fargo robbery on June 10, Smith had allegedly used notes to demand money from bank employees.
Smith is additionally charged with brandishing a firearm during the June 10 robbery.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
Smith, who is being held in custody without bond, is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment on July 5 in United States District Court.
The five bank robbery charges in the indictment carry a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, and the armed bank robbery count carries a maximum sentence of 25 years. If convicted of the count alleging brandishing of a firearm, Smith would face a mandatory seven-year sentence that would run consecutively to any other sentence imposed in the case.
The case against Smith is the result of an investigation by the FBI, which received substantial assistance from the Pasadena Police Department, the South Pasadena Police Department, the Burbank Police Department, the Los Angeles Police Department and the Santa Monica Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney A. Carley Palmer of the General Crimes Section.
Panamanian Drug Trafficker Sentenced for International Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – The leader of a Panamanian drug trafficking organization who imported 62 kilograms of cocaine into the United States using commercial shipping vessels was sentenced today to 16 years in prison.
Javier King-Ariano, 48, of Colon, Panama, pleaded guilty on March 21. According to court documents, starting in August 2015, King-Ariano set up a smuggling operation at the Port of Charleston, South Carolina, to import two large shipments of cocaine into the United States. Both cocaine shipments were secreted into shipping containers in Panama and transported by unwitting commercial shipping vessels to the Port of Charleston. In his role as leader of the conspiracy, King-Ariano organized the operation by sending a co-conspirator to inspect the Port of Charleston to assess the viability of smuggling activities, arranged for suppliers to provide the cocaine, managed the offload of cocaine in the United States, and arranged payment for smugglers.
On the first shipment, in February 2016, King-Ariano sent 20 kilograms of cocaine from Panama to the Port Charleston. On February 12, 2016, law enforcement intercepted the 20 kilograms of cocaine sent by King-Ariano. On or about February 13, 2016, King-Ariano’s co-conspirators obtained a bag containing 15 kilograms of cocaine from undercover law enforcement officials. Upon taking possession of the cocaine, the co-conspirators boarded a commercial bus line and traveled to the Eastern District of Virginia. On or about February 14, 2016, law enforcement executed a drug interdiction operation in Sussex County, Virginia, on the commercial bus on which the co-conspirator was traveling. Shortly thereafter, law enforcement officers seized the bag containing the 15 kilograms of cocaine.
On the second shipment, in March 2016, King-Ariano sent 42 kilograms of cocaine from Panama to the Port Charleston. On March 11, 2016, law enforcement intercepted the 42 kilograms of cocaine sent by King-Ariano. On or about March 13, 2016, King-Ariano’s co-conspirator obtained a bag containing 22 kilograms of cocaine from undercover law enforcement officials. Upon taking possession of the cocaine, the co-conspirator traveled to Spartanburg, South Carolina. Later that day, law enforcement executed a traffic stop on the vehicle driven by the co-conspirator. During the traffic stop, law enforcement seized the bag containing the 22 kilograms of cocaine.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), Brothers Grimm and Holy City Shipping. The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Daniel Salter, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Atlanta Division; Nick Annan, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Charleston; Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Superintendent of Virginia State Police; Humberto I. Cardounel, Jr., Chief of Henrico County Police Division, made the announcement after the plea was accepted by U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erik S. Siebert and Peter S. Duffey are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:16-cr-59.
Owners of New York Flower Business Plead Guilty to Obstructing the IRSRead the Press Release
The co-owners of a Great Neck, New York flower business, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York to corruptly endeavoring to obstruct and impede the internal revenue laws, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
According to documents filed with the court, Adrian Benitez, 39, and Jose Ramirez, 44, co-owned and operated Metro Floral Decorators. Between 2007 and 2012, they obstructed the internal revenue laws by diverting more than $1 million in sales to their personal bank accounts instead of depositing the funds into the business bank account. They directed customers to pay in cash, checks payable to cash or checks payable to them personally. Benitez and Ramirez concealed these funds from their return preparer and filed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) false individual income tax returns that did not report the money they diverted. They also did not report the full gross receipts on the firm’s corporate tax returns. Benitez admitted to causing a tax loss of approximately $227,729 and Ramirez admitted to causing a tax loss of approximately $235,805.
A sentencing date has not been scheduled before U.S. District Judge Eric N. Vitaliano. Benitez and Ramirez each face a statutory maximum sentence of three years in prison, a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg thanked special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Jeffrey Bender and Brittney Campbell of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Orleans Woman Charged with Stealing Deceased Spouse’s Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Orleans woman was arrested today for stealing her deceased husband’s Social Security benefits.
Susan Condon, 64, was charged with one count of theft of public funds and one count of making false statements.
According to the indictment, Condon served as the representative payee for her husband in his receipt of Social Security benefits. Her husband passed away in April 2004, but she continued to receive his Social Security benefits each month. In January 2015, Condon falsely reported to the Social Security Administration (SSA) that she used all of the funds she received as her husband’s representative payee for her husband’s benefit. She did not inform the SSA that her husband had died more than 10 years earlier. From the time of her husband’s death in April 2004 through February 2017, Condon received approximately $198,511 in Social Security benefits.
The charge of theft of public funds provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of making false statements provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Adam Schneider, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Weinreb’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Orland Woman Sentenced to 16 Months for Embezzling $142,000Read the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Carolyn J. Saunders, 57, of Orland, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to 16 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for embezzlement from a health care practice. She was also ordered to pay full restitution to the victims of her crime. She pleaded guilty on September 16, 2016.
According to court records, from November 2011 until April 2015, Saunders, while employed as a financial administrator for Coastal Eye Care, PA and Coastal Eye Surgery Center, LLC, embezzled over $142,000 by stealing cash from the practices’ bank deposits.
At sentencing, Judge Woodcock noted that her criminal actions were aggravated by her spreading of falsehoods about her former employer after being fired for the thefts. Judge Woodcock found these defamatory actions to be “deplorable and egregious,” and concluded that the defendant stole money because she was “fundamentally dishonest.”
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General and the Ellsworth Police Department.
New York City Man Sentenced to Seven Years for Heroin and Cocaine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Dorsey Hunt, 25, of the Bronx, was sentenced Thursday in United States District Court in Rutland to 84 months of imprisonment following his guilty plea to a charge of conspiracy to distribute heroin and crack cocaine. U.S. District Judge Geoffrey Crawford also ordered that Hunt serve four years of supervised release following completion of his prison term. The court ordered Hunt to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on August 1 to begin serving his sentence.
Hunt, who was known as “Jah,” pleaded to an indictment charging him with conspiring with Michael Brockenbaugh (also known as “JD”), Felicia Livingston (also known as “Snoop”), Maurice Nix (also known as “Mo”), Michael Villanueva (also known as “Unc”), and others, to distribute heroin and crack cocaine from 2013 to September 2015. Court records indicate this conspiracy focused much of its activity in and around Malletts Bay Avenue, in Winooski.
Villanueva has pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing. The prosecution is still pending against Brockenbaugh, Livingston, and Nix, all of whom remain presumed innocent unless and until they are convicted following a trial or a plea.
This was Hunt’s first criminal conviction.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Vermont State Police, the Burlington Police Department, the South Burlington Police Department, and the Winooski Police Department.
Hunt is represented by Brooks McArthur, of Burlington. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Drescher.
New London Man Sentenced to More Than 16 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking, Role in 2012 HomicideRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that OSCAR VALENTIN, also known as “Tato,” 43, of New London, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 201 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for trafficking narcotics, and for his role in the September 2012 homicide of Javier Reyes of New London.
According to court documents and statements made in court, VALENTIN operated and managed a narcotics distribution enterprise at the “Green Garages,” a series of garage bays located as 12/14 Walker Street in New London. In the summer of 2011, VALENTIN was the intended victim of a murder-for-hire plot orchestrated by former members of his enterprise in an attempt to take over narcotics distribution at the Green Garages. In September 2012, VALENTIN hired Nestor Pagan, also known as “Ernie” and “Naeem Medina,” to assault Javier Reyes. Pagan then hired Jose Rosado, Jr., also known as “Gugie,” and Andrew Aviles, also known as “P.A.” and “Papo,” to carry out the assault of Reyes in exchange for cash.
On the evening of September 12, 2012, Reyes, 36, was stabbed multiple times outside of his apartment at 187 Huntington Street in New London, and died a short time later. He also had blunt force trauma to the back of his head.
Video surveillance at the time of the attack showed Rosado, carrying a baseball bat, and another individual, creeping toward Reyes and then running away from him about 15 seconds later.
The investigation revealed that Rosado hit Reyes with the bat, knocking him to the ground. Aviles then stabbed Reyes multiple times.
On May 2, 2016, a federal jury found Valentin guilty of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, but could not reach a verdict on charges against Valentin and Pagan related to the assault of Javier Reyes. As part of a commitment by the government not to seek a sentence of more than 235 months of imprisonment, VALENTIN subsequently agreed that the government could prove that the murder of Javier Reyes was related to VALENTIN’s drug trafficking enterprise.
On August 11, 2016, Pagan pleaded guilty in state court to one count of conspiracy to commit assault first degree-aided by others. On August 23, 2016, he was sentenced to 17 years of incarceration. On that same date, the federal charges against him related to the assault of Reyes were dismissed. On March 7, 2017, as part of an unrelated case, Pagan pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. When he is sentenced on the firearm charge, as a result of a binding plea agreement, he will be sentenced to a 10-year concurrent sentence.
On July 22, 2014, Rosado pleaded guilty to one count of committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering, and aiding and abetting the same. On February 15, 2017, he was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment.
On January 22, 2015, Aviles pleaded guilty to violating the Travel Act by using a facility in interstate commerce, namely a cellular telephone, with the intent to commit a crime of violence in furtherance of an unlawful activity, and thereafter committed the crime of violence. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 29, 2017.
This matter has been investigated by the New London Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police’s Eastern District Major Crime Squad, the Connecticut Department of Correction, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Secret Service and the New London State’s Attorney’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony Kaplan and Sarah Karwan, and Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Paul Narducci.
Ms-13 Member Sentenced to 160 Months in Prison for Racketeering-Related ChargesRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Elizabeth Morse
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4877
Greenbelt, Maryland – On June 22, 2017, an MS-13 gang member was sentenced to 160 months in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiring and attempting to murder on behalf of the gang.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Stephen Schenning of the District of Maryland, Special Agent in Charge Andre R. Watson of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Chief James Tom Kemp of the Greenbelt Police Department; Chief Hank Stawinski of the Prince George’s County Police Department; and Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Angela D. Alsobrooks made the announcement.
“Transnational criminal organizations like MS-13 cannot continue to devastate our communities and our children. They must be stopped. Today’s sentencing sends a warning to all gang and cartel members: we are coming for you,” said Attorney General Sessions. “This outcome shows how strong cooperation between federal, state and local law enforcement can help us win the fight against violent gangs. I applaud the efforts of the fine Assistant U.S. Attorneys and all the dedicated men and women who brought this violent criminal to justice.”
Celvin Eulice Ramos-Meija, aka “Cadejo,” 21, of Columbia, Maryland, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Peter J. Messitte of the District of Maryland. Ramos-Mejia previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering and attempted murder in aid of racketeering.
MS-13 is an international gang composed primarily of immigrants or descendants of immigrants from El Salvador. Branches or “cliques” of MS-13, one of the largest street gangs in the U.S., operate throughout the U.S., including in Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and Frederick County, Maryland. Members engage in racketeering activity including murder, extortion, robberies, obstruction of justice and other crimes. MS-13 members are required to commit acts of violence within the gang and against rival gangs. One of the principal rules of MS-13 is that its members must attack and kill rivals, known as “chavalas,” whenever possible.
According to his plea agreement, Ramos-Mejia admitted that for the purpose of maintaining and increasing his position in MS-13, he conspired with other MS-13 members to murder a victim that he and his co-conspirators had identified as a “chavala.”
Specifically, the Ramos-Mejia admitted that on June 6, 2016, he and other members and associates of MS-13 approached the victim in Greenbelt, Maryland. Ramos-Mejia admitted that he made an MS-13 sign in the face of the victim, and that he and his co-conspirators then began to attack the victim. According to the plea agreement, the victim survived the attack, but sustained multiple stab wounds and injuries, including lacerations to his abdomen, liver and diaphragm. The victim was hospitalized for 10 days as a result of the attack.
HSI Baltimore, the Greenbelt Police Department, the Prince George’s County Police Department, and the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office investigated the case. Trial Attorney Francesca Liquori of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys William D. Moomau and Lindsay Eyler Kaplan of the District of Maryland are prosecuting the case.
Monterey Park Woman Arrested on Federal Charges after Allegedly Injecting Foreign Substance into Woman for Buttocks EnhancementRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – Law enforcement authorities have arrested a Monterey Park woman on federal charges of injecting a currently unknown substance – possibly silicone – into a woman’s buttocks during cosmetic procedures that caused so much damage the woman needed a major operation to correct the problem.
Ana Bertha Diaz Hernandez, 47, was taken into custody late yesterday afternoon by special agents with the United States Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations and investigators with the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Division of Investigation, Health Quality Investigation Unit, Operation Safe Medicine Unit (formerly known as the California Medical Board).
The arrest followed the filing yesterday of a criminal complaint charging Diaz with three felony offenses – receipt of an adulterated and misbranded medical device, smuggling, and misbranding prescription drugs.
According to the affidavit in support of the complaint, a victim identified as “I.T.”, filed a complaint with the California Medical Board after seeking treatments from Diaz to enhance her buttocks. I.T. stated that the product Diaz had injected into her buttocks had migrated to her “back, hips and legs,” the affidavit states. I.T. explained that she had to have surgery and was ultimately hospitalized due to the injections administered by Diaz.
During a series of treatments that cost thousands of dollars, Diaz explained to I.T. that she was injecting a “natural product,” at points claiming the injections were “lamb’s fat.”
However, after a series of treatments, I.T. began to suffer pain and sought the assistance of a doctor in Colombia who specialized in reversing cosmetic procedures. The victim underwent a major surgery to remove the substance injected into her buttocks, and she will need further medical procedures, according to the affidavit.
According to the complaint, the FDA has never approved the use of silicone for the purpose of body contouring, even when administered by a medical doctor.
“Injections of silicone for body contouring purposes, especially deep tissue injections into the buttocks of the large amounts of silicone that would be required to achieve visible buttocks augmentation and enhancement, present serious risks and dangers,” the affidavit states. “Included among the risks of such injections are the potential of injection into a blood vessel resulting in embolism, migration of injected silicone to other bodily regions and resultant interference with organs and bodily systems, serious sepsis infection and infection-related disorders, silicone-filled scar tissue formations (“granulomas”), necrosis, skin discoloration, immune system hyperactivity and related adverse systemic conditions, disfigurement, discomfort, and pain.”
Diaz is expected to make her first court appearance this afternoon in United States District Court.
A criminal complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If she is convicted of the three charges in the complaint, Diaz would face a statutory maximum sentence of 26 years in federal prison.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph O. Johns, Chief of the Environmental and Community Safety Crimes Section, and Assistant United States Attorney Amanda M. Bettinelli of the Environmental and Community Safety Crimes Section.
Mexican Citizen Arrested with Fraudulent immigration DocumentsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Victorico Catarino Ramirez, a citizen of Mexico, was charged today with possessing fraudulent immigration documents.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and James C. Spero, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Ramirez appeared today in Albany before United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel, who ordered him detained pending further proceedings.
If convicted of possessing fraudulent immigration documents, Ramirez faces up to 10 years in prison, a maximum $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release.
The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by HSI, Immigration Customs and Enforcement-Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the United States Postal Inspection Service, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmet O’Hanlon.
McKeesport Man Pleads Guilty in FBI Investigation into Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to charges of fraud conspiracy; mail fraud; wire fraud; trafficking or using unauthorized access devices aggregating $1,000 or more (attempt); and possession of 15 or more access devices, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
Daniel K. Miller, 53, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty to five counts before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around June 2010, to on or about September 17, 2010, co-conspirators falsely represented to be employees of companies in order to arrange and cause the unauthorized purchases of merchandise, and thereafter directing its shipment to individuals (re-shippers), like Miller, who would re-ship the merchandise to co-conspirators overseas or would sell the products online and transfer the proceeds to co-conspirators overseas. On or about September 10, 2010, Miller attempted to traffic in and use an unauthorized credit card in the amount of $2,213.44. On or about September 17, 2010, Miller possessed 15 or more unauthorized credit cards.
Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for October 20, 2017 at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Shardul S. Desai is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Miller.
Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – An armed drug dealer who was convicted of drug and firearm offenses was sentenced today to 10 years and 10 months in prison.
Trenton R. Birchette, 34, of Surry County, was convicted by a federal jury on March 24. According to the evidence presented at trial, Birchette was arrested on an outstanding warrant during a traffic stop on Dec. 28, 2015. At the time of his arrest, detectives found a handgun, ammunition, and digital scale in the area immediately accessible to Birchette. A search of Birchette’s person following his arrest led detectives to believe that Birchette had something concealed between his buttocks. In recorded jail calls made later that evening, Birchette told a woman that he had drugs concealed in his rectum. Birchette said he planned to have another inmate bring the drugs to her and directed her to give them to her son for distribution on his behalf. Detectives discovered these calls and obtained a search warrant for Birchette’s person. On the way to the hospital, Birchette removed from his buttocks a plastic bag containing over six grams of individually packaged rocks of crack cocaine. Birchette hid the bag in between the seat cushions of the vehicle in which he was transported. Detectives discovered the bag one day later on the floorboard immediately behind where Birchette had been seated. In a jail call made that same day, Birchette told the same woman that authorities had taken him to the hospital and recovered everything the two had previously discussed. Before Dec. 28, 2015, Birchette had been convicted of four felony offenses, including two prior cocaine offenses. Birchette was convicted of possessing with intent to distribute crack cocaine, using a telephone in furtherance of drug distribution, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Michael B. Boxler, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division; and Richard W. Myers, Chief of Newport News Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kaitlin C. Gratton and Brian J. Samuels prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:16-cr-57.
MS-13 Clique Leader Agrees to Plead Guilty to Rico Conspiracy, Drug Trafficking and Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The leader of MS-13’s East Boston Loco Salvatrucha clique agreed to plead guilty today in federal court in Boston to RICO conspiracy involving an aggravated assault, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Santos Portillo Andrade, a/k/a “Flaco,” 33, of Revere, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy, and admitted responsibility for an aggravated assault on an individual he believed was a rival gang member in Malden in December 2008. Portillo also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and 500 grams or more of cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV deferred accepting the defendant’s plea agreement until sentencing, which is scheduled for Sept. 26, 2017. If the court accepts the plea agreement, Portillo will be sentenced to 10 years in prison and four years of supervised release.
After a three-year investigation, Portillo was one of 61 defendants named in a January 2016 superseding indictment targeting the criminal activities of alleged leaders, members, and associates of MS-13 in Massachusetts. He is the 15th defendant to plead guilty in the case.
Portillo was the leader of the East Boston Loco Salvatrucha clique of MS-13. According to court documents, MS-13 is a violent transnational criminal organization whose branches or “cliques” operate throughout the United States, including Massachusetts. MS-13 members are required to commit acts of violence against rival gang members to gain promotions and maintain membership and discipline within the group. Specifically, MS-13 members are required to attack and murder rival gang members whenever possible.
The RICO conspiracy charge provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. The drug trafficking conspiracy charge provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, a minimum of four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of $5 million. The possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking charge provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison to be served consecutively to any sentence imposed on counts two (RICO conspiracy) and five (conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine), three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Matthew Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Colonel Richard D. McKeon, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Commissioner Thomas Truco of the Massachusetts Department of Corrections; Essex County Sheriff Kevin F. Coppinger; Suffolk County Sheriff Steven W. Thompkins; Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley; Middlesex County District Attorney Marian T. Ryan; Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett; Boston Police Commissioner William Evans; Chelsea Police Chief Brian A. Kyes; Everett Police Chief Steven A. Mazzie; Lynn Police Chief Michael Mageary; Revere Police Chief Joseph Cafarelli; and Somerville Police Chief David Fallon made the announcement.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Leader of Fraudulent Credit Card Scheme Sentenced to Five Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
June 23, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
www.justice.gov/usao/md
Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
(410) 209-4885
Greenbelt, Maryland – On June 23, 2017, U.S. District Judge George J. Hazel sentenced Hussain Abdullah, age 39 of Forestville, Maryland, to 60 months in prison, followed by 3 years supervised release, for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, related to a scheme to use victims’ stolen identity information to obtain credit. The conspirators used the fraudulent credit cards to obtain money and merchandise. In addition, Abdullah was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $225,588.
The sentence was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning; Special Agent in Charge Brian J. Ebert of the United States Secret Service, Washington, D.C. Field Office; Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department; and Chief Hank Stawinski of the Prince George’s County Police Department.
According to his plea agreement, Abdullah obtained and helped obtain the personal identifying information (PII) of others, without their knowledge or consent. From October 2014 through July 2016, Abdullah used the victim’s stolen personal information to create fake driver’s licenses in the names of the victims. As part of the conspiracy, Abdullah provided over 30 fake driver’s licenses to co-defendants Shazad Khan, Patricia Lynn Hiter, James Edward Foster, and others, and directed them to use the victims’ personal information to open instant credit cards in the victims’ names. Khan, Hiter, Foster, Shivers, and others used the fraudulent driver’s licenses to apply for credit at retail stores, and used the credit cards they obtained to purchase merchandise, including electronics and jewelry, and gift cards.
On September 30, 2016, Abdullah was arrested in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and law enforcement seized a backpack and suitcase belonging to Abdullah. Inside the suitcase law enforcement recovered a .45/.410 caliber handgun, which Abdullah had transported to Pennsylvania from Maryland a few days earlier. Abdullah was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to a previous felony conviction.
Investigation showed that the handgun had previously been reported stolen during a residential robbery in Virginia. On October 1, 2016, law enforcement executed a search at Abdullah’s residence in Baltimore. During the search, law enforcement recovered a thumb drive containing approximately 799 documents bearing suspected victim names, including credit reporting information relating to those victims, and approximately 187 identification card templates bearing the photographs of 36 different suspects. A search of Abdullah’s suitcase recovered blank identification card stocks containing Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. holograms. Abdullah’s fingerprints were found on the card stock. Finally, law enforcement also recovered a phone with additional victim names, and a laptop computer containing the names of 32 victims.
The total loss to the card issuers was over $225,000, and the names of at least 65 victims – most of them Maryland residents - were used at retail stores without their permission. In addition, law enforcement has identified approximately 1,000 suspected victims based on their investigation of this scheme.
James Edward Foster, age 61, of Woodbridge, Virginia, previously plead guilty to the wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft and was sentenced to 16 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $100,180.44. Patricia Lynn Hiter, age 51, of Lawrenceville, Georgia also plead guilty to the wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft and was sentenced to 16 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $51,454.44.
Bland Shivers, age 50, of New Bern, North Carolina, previously plead guilty to the wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft and was sentenced to 16 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $18, 984.92.
Shazad Khan, age 56, of Baltimore, Maryland also has plead guilty and will be sentenced July 31, 2017. He faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison for wire fraud conspiracy, and a mandatory two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence imposed, for aggravated identity theft.
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 sentencing is part of the efforts undertaken in connection with the 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 U.S. Secret Service National Capitol Region Multi-Agency Task Force, the Montgomery County Police Department and Prince George’s County Police Department for their investigation. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Arun G. Rao who prosecuted the case.
Lake County Resident Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Manufacture Marijuana in Rockford WarehouseRead the Press Release
ROCKFORD — A Lake County man was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Frederick J. Kapala for his role in a conspiracy to manufacture and distribute marijuana.
JUSTIN T. PAGLUSCH, 35, of Ingleside, was sentenced to ten years in federal prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release.
On Oct. 6, 2015, a federal grand jury in Rockford charged Paglusch and six other individuals with conspiring to manufacture, possess and distribute 1,000 or more marijuana plants. The indictment alleged that between Jan. 2, 2013, and Jan. 6, 2015, the defendants conspired to illegally grow and store marijuana in a warehouse at 1916 11th Street in Rockford. The warehouse was destroyed by fire on Jan. 6, 2015.
Paglusch pleaded guilty to the charge on March 3, 2017. He stated in a plea agreement that in November 2014, Paglusch’s cousin, Jeremiah N. Clement, 39, formerly of Des Plaines, asked Paglusch to work with others in a marijuana growing operation at the warehouse. Paglusch agreed, and during the time of the conspiracy he lived at the warehouse. When Paglusch arrived at the warehouse in November 2014, over 1,000 marijuana plants growing on the fourth floor in the warehouse were almost ready to be harvested. There was also a smaller room on the fourth floor of the warehouse that housed the baby or "clone" marijuana plants.
As stated in the plea agreement, Paglusch and Clement, along with three other co-defendants, started harvesting the crop of finished marijuana plants in December 2014. The harvested marijuana was weighed and packaged into one pound amounts and vacuum sealed. The processed marijuana was stored in a vault at the warehouse, which had a combination lock. Paglusch admitted that during the period of the conspiracy, he was aware that Clement kept a .357 Ruger revolver at the warehouse.
The sentencing was announced by Joel R. Levin, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Celinez Nunez, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; Derek Bergsten, Chief of the Rockford Fire Department; and Anthony Scarpelli, Chief of the Skokie Police Department. The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Unit and the Rockford Police Department Narcotics Unit assisted in the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Pedersen.
Kalamazoo Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Possessing A Firearm as A FelonRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — Forty-one-year-old Lamont Duane Dixon, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, was sentenced to 180 months in prison, following his conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm as a felon. Under the federal Armed Career Criminal Act, Dixon was subject to a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence due to three prior felony convictions under Michigan law for manufacture/delivery of less than 50 grams of a narcotic drug.
In announcing the sentence, the Honorable Janet T. Neff, United States District Judge for the Western District of Michigan, stated that "all gun offenses are serious, to one extent or another." The Court continued that the defendant’s personal history of addiction, drug dealing, and violent behavior compounded the seriousness of his offense. The Court underscored the need for the sentence to adequately punish the defendant and to promote respect for the law.
Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge commented that "Federal law provides a 15-year mandatory-minimum sentence for felons in possession of firearms specifically for defendants like Mr. Dixon—chronic, ‘career’ criminals who continue, time and again, to commit serious drug offenses or violent felonies and then pick up a firearm. The many sentences such defendants have received in the past for their multiple felony convictions simply have not done enough to deter them from committing more crimes and picking up firearms. These types of prosecutions are integral to our Office’s mission to pursue justice and ensure public safety."
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) work closely with the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety to identify priority offenders, like Dixon, whose prior convictions, history of violence, or involvement in group violence, warrant federal prosecution. "Instead of becoming a productive member of society, Mr. Dixon continued to put innocent lives in danger by engaging in illegal activity," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Robin Shoemaker. "ATF will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to get violent criminals off the streets and behind bars."
The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety and ATF investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Zell prosecuted the case.
END
June Grand JuryRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 38 indictments charging 43 defendants. Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
* Breck C. Beck, Jr., age 21, of Omaha, is charged with felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition on or about December 15, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* James Burrus, age 26, is charged with distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine on or about May 12, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Erlin Francisco Carrazco-Mendoza, age 35, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following a felony conviction on or about November 3, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Kortney Cunegin, age 31, of Omaha, is charged with felon in possession of a firearm on or about January 7, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Eugene Michael Frazier, Sr., a/k/a Eugene Frazier-Green, a/k/a Cubby, age 26, of Winnebago, is charged with Domestic Assault by an Habitual Offender on or about January 29, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Nathan Jandreau, age 32, and Korina Freemont, age 40, of Omaha, are charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendants with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine beginning on or about November 1, 2015, and continuing to on or about April 26, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a 4 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Jandreau with felon in possession of a firearm on or about April 21, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III of the Indictment charges Freemont with felon in possession of a firearm on or about April 21, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* David Garcia-Colimote, age 35, of Lexington, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about May 29, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jhovani Gomez-Garcia, age 32, of Columbus, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following an aggravated felony conviction on or about June 13, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Trevon Green, age 19, of Omaha, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with distribution of less than 50 kilograms of marijuana on or about January 7, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 2 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Green with use of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Curtis Holmes, Jr., age 25, of Omaha, is charged with distribution of a mixture containing crack cocaine on or about October 27, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Gerardo Infante Aranda, age 27, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about March 10, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Sidney Jackson, age 26, of Omaha, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with distribution of less than 50 kilograms of marijuana or about November 10, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 2 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Jackson with use of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III of the Indictment the defendant with felon in possession of a firearm on or about December 6, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Creighton Jones, age 24, of Omaha, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with distribution of a mixture containing crack cocaine or about March 14, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Jones with use of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III of the Indictment charges the defendant with felon in possession of a firearm on or about March 14, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Loren Williams, age 26, is charged with transferring a firearm to a prohibited person on or about May 16, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Rodney Lillard, age 32, of Omaha, is charged with felon in possession of a firearm on or about May 30, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Luis Lorenzo-Urbina, age 30, of Omaha, is charged with illegal alien in possession of a firearm on or about May 23, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Francisca Lugo, age 58, of Kearney, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following a felony conviction on or about June 9, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Daniel Martinez Brito, age 47, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following an aggravated felony conviction on or about May 15, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jose Martinez Roman, age 28, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about June 15, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Cary McCarty, age 27, of Lincoln, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Counts I, II and III of the Indictment charge the defendant with felon in possession of a firearm on or about November 8, 2016, May 18, 2011, on or about November 29, 2016, and on or about January 18, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment for each count.
* Londy Montepeque, age 37, of Omaha, is charged in a four-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with illegal reentry after deportation on or about May 23, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Montepeque with false representation of a social security number on or about April 6, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III of the Indictment charges Montepeque with false representation of U.S. Citizenship on or about April 6, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Count IV of the Indictment charges the defendant with misuse of a Social Security Card knowing that the document was not issued lawfully for his use on or about April 6, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jose De Jesus Nava-Leanos, a/k/a Jose Blanco-Campos, a/k/a Jose Alvarez-Gutierres, age 58, of Mullen, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following an aggravated felony conviction on or about May 16, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Lynell Noble, Jr., age 24, is charged with transferring a firearm to a prohibited person on or about December 8, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Pedro Orozco-Montes, age 35, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about June 25, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Desiderio Pablo-Pablo, age 32, of Lexington, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about June 14, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Michael Perez-Barrios, age 26, of Grand Island, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following a felony conviction on or about May 19, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Otto Rene Pojoy-Garcia, age 38, of Crete, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about May 13, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jaime Ramos, age 33, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine beginning on or about July, 2016, and continuing to on or about November 4, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Ramos with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about November 6, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Andres Ramos Ramos, age 29, of Omaha, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about May 31, The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Terrance Robinson, age 20, of Omaha, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with distribution of less than 50 kilograms of marijuana on or about November 17, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 2 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Robinson with use of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Diana Rodriguez-Lopez, age 23, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Counts I and II of the Indictment charge the defendant with distribution of a mixture containing cocaine on or about October 25, 2016 and on or about November 8, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment for each count
* Wilson Secadia-Garcia, age 33, of Lincoln, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with illegal reentry after deportation following an aggravated felony conviction on or about May 22, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges Secadia-Garcia with failure to register as a sex offender beginning on or about December 30, 2015, and continuing to on or about May 22, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Traynell D. Toney, age 24, of Omaha, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Counts I and II of the Indictment charge the defendant with bank robbery on or about June 2, 2017 and on or about June 9, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment for each count.
* Blanca Avila De Vega, age 43, of Phoenix; Melissa Vega, age 19, of Phoenix; Alejandro Buendia-Ramirez, age 33, of Omaha; Carlos Alberto Valquier, age 19, of Omaha; and Alfredo Valquier, age 21, of Omaha, are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine beginning on or about March 1, 2016, and continuing to on or about June 7, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a 5 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
The indictment also alleges any and all property constituting or derived from any proceeds obtained directly or indirectly as a result of the violation alleged in the indictment and any property used to commit the offense should be forfeited to the United States.
* Domingo Velasquez-Domingo, age 36, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about June 6, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Kendall Williams, age 22, is charged with transferring a firearm to a prohibited person on or about April 12, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Irene E. Worman, age 62, of Red Cloud, Nebraska, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with theft of government funds beginning in or around November, 2010, and continuing until in or around April, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Counts II-IV of the Indictment charge Worman with allegedly making false statements for use in determining Supplemental Security Income Payments on or about December 2, 2014, on or about September 10, 2015, and on or about November 30, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment for each count.
* Domingo Velasquez-Domingo, age 36, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about June 6, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.* Kendall Williams, age 22, is charged with transferring a firearm to a prohibited person on or about April 12, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Irene E. Worman, age 62, of Red Cloud, Nebraska, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with theft of government funds beginning in or around November, 2010, and continuing until in or around April, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Counts II-IV of the Indictment charge Worman with allegedly making false statements for use in determining Supplemental Security Income Payments on or about December 2, 2014, on or about September 10, 2015, and on or about November 30, 2015. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3 year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment for each count.
Jason Loera Sentenced to 97 Months for Conviction on Federal Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Acting U.S. Attorney James D. Tierney and Special Agent in Charge Terry Wade of the FBI’s Albuquerque Division announced that Jason Loera was sentenced this afternoon in federal court for his conviction on a child pornography charge. Loera, 48, a former political consultant and resident of Albuquerque, N.M., who recently resided in Los Angeles, Calif., until his remand into federal custody in Oct. 2016, was sentenced to 97 months in prison followed by ten years of supervised release for receiving a visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Loera will be required to register as a sex offender after he completes his prison sentence.
The FBI arrested Loera in Los Angeles in June 2013, on an indictment filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico. The indictment charged Loera with two counts of receiving child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography. According to the indictment, Loera committed these offenses in in Bernalillo County, N.M.
The indictment against Loera subsequently was superseded twice, most recently on March 8, 2016. The six-count second superseding indictment charged Loera with three counts of receiving child pornography and three counts of possessing child pornography. It alleged that Loera received child pornography on three occasions between March 31, 2010 and April 15, 2010, and that he possessed child pornography on a laptop computer and two CDs on Nov. 20, 2012.
“This case is another example of the law enforcement community’s commitment to identifying, locating and prosecuting predators who exploit children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney James D. Tierney. “Prosecuting those who possess child pornography is crucial to destabilizing this black market and undermining the normalization of child sexual abuse.”
“The FBI is committed to fighting the sexual exploitation of children,” said Special Agent in Charge Terry Wade of the FBI’s Albuquerque Division. “A key part of that effort is the New Mexico Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory, which brings together highly trained FBI and task force officers to track down digital clues. We will continue to work with our partners to uncover those who engage in child pornography and make sure they are no longer able to victimize innocent children.”
On April 22, 2016, Loera entered a guilty plea to Count 3 of the second superseding indictment charging him with receiving child pornography on April 15, 2010. In his plea agreement, Loera admitted using his laptop computer to download from the internet an electronic file that he knew contained child pornography. The file contained 45 images of a prepubescent girl, many of which showed the girl engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Loera also admitted that when the FBI searched his residence on Nov. 20, 2012, he knowingly possessed child pornography on his laptop computer and two CDs. Loera admitted that he had more than 600 images of child pornography, some of which depicted violence.
The case was investigated by the Albuquerque Division of the FBI and the New Mexico Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristopher N. Houghton prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s 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 exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
Hyattsville, Maryland Woman Convicted of Mail and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Elizabeth Morse www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4885
Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal jury convicted Ana Maritza Gomez, age 44, of Hyattsville, Maryland, today on one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and five counts of mail fraud arising from a scheme to defraud victims through a foreclosure rescue fraud scam.
Two co-defendants, Rene De Jesus De Leon, age 48, and Pedrina Rodriguez Bonilla, age 38, both of Silver Spring, Maryland, have also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud for their involvement in the same scheme.
The conviction was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning, Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Rene Febles of the Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General (FHFA-OIG); Special Agent in Charge Cary A. Rubenstein of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General (HUD-OIG); Chief Henry P. Stawinski of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Postal Inspector in Charge Robert B. Wemyss of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division; and Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department.
According to evidence presented at the six-day trial, from at least late 2011 to August 2015, Gomez and her co-conspirators claimed that they could help homeowners who wanted to modify their mortgage loans and prevent foreclosure of their homes. The conspirators sold the victims on a “principal reduction” program that included an upfront fee, typically between $3,000 and monthly payments for 10 to 15 years. Gomez and her co-conspirators told the victims to make monthly payments to the conspirators and to companies they controlled, in lieu of to the homeowners’ lenders, as part of the conspirators program. The companies controlled by Gomez’s co-conspirators were named Marketing Multiservices LLC and Innovative Solutions Services LLC.
According to the indictment and court documents, the conspirators mailed monthly invoices to the homeowner victims that falsely indicated that the “principal balance” was being paid down. Some of the victims paid Gomez in person each month at her residence; or some of the victims deposited their payments directly into bank accounts controlled by Gomez’s co-conspirators. The conspirators told the victims not to open any mail from their lenders and instead provide it to the conspirators. The conspirators did not, however, negotiate with lenders of behalf of the homeowners. Many of the victims lost their homes.
Sentencing for Ana Maritza Gomez is scheduled for October 12, 2017 , at 10:00 a.m. Sentencing for Rene De Leon is scheduled for September 7, 2017, at 1:00 p.m., and Pedrina Bonilla is scheduled for sentencing on September 7, 2017, at 10:00 a.m.
Each defendant faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine for each count.
The Maryland Mortgage Fraud Task Force was established to unify the agencies that regulate and investigate mortgage fraud and promote the early detection, identification, prevention and prosecution of mortgage fraud schemes. This case, as well as other cases brought by members of the Task Force, demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to protect consumers from fraud and promote the integrity of the credit markets. Information about mortgage fraud prosecutions is available http://www.justice.gov/usao-md/financial-fraud-and-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 FHFA-OIG, HUD-OIG, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County Police Departments, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant United States Attorney Kristi N. O’Malley and Special Assistant United States Attorney Jolie F. Zimmerman, who are prosecuted the case.
Head of Nonprofit Mental Health Clinic Found Guilty of Fraud Against ClinicRead the Press Release
Philadelphia – Today, a federal jury found Renee Tartaglione, 61, of Philadelphia, PA, guilty on all counts of conspiracy, fraud, and theft from a nonprofit clinic that provided mental health services to persons eligible under Medicaid. Tartaglione defrauded the Juniata Community Mental Health Clinic (JCMHC) by misappropriating funds of the clinic. Tartaglione was also convicted of falsifying her federal income tax returns by underreporting her income for tax years 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2012.
According to the evidence presented at trial, between 2007 and 2015, Tartaglione, as President of JCMHC’s Board of Directors, defrauded and stole money from JCMHC through a series of actions designed to benefit her personally at the expense of the clinic. Tartaglione purchased the building on 3rd Street in Philadelphia that housed the clinic and then raised the rent repeatedly; causing the clinic’s rent for the 3rd Street building to increase from $4,500 per month to $25,000 per month.
Additionally, as of 2010, Tartaglione’s company, Norris Hancock LLC, acquired an interest in a building on 5th Street, and Tartaglione began to cause the clinic to spend money to fix up that building. Then, in December 2012, Tartaglione leased that building to JCMHC under a lease that called for rent of $35,000 per month for the first two years, and $75,000 per month for the next three years. The rent Tartaglione charged the nonprofit clinic at both buildings was substantially in excess of the market rent.
None of the JCMHC rent increases or the lease agreements were approved by JCMHC’s Board of Directors. Tartaglione and her co-conspirators created false and fictitious documents in an attempt to make the transactions appear legitimate.
Tartaglione’s crimes against the Juniata Mental Health Clinic are unfortunate examples of how those in control of non-profits can abuse them for their personal enrichment,” said Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. “Her fraudulent scheme did serious damage to the community she was supposed to serve -- denying mental health services to economically disadvantaged people.”
“Nonprofit work is generally understood to be personally fulfilling – not financially enriching,” said Harpster. “The defendant disagreed. She brazenly diverted, for her own use, money meant to improve mental health care for the underprivileged and underserved. While doing so, she shortchanged her community, and stole from U.S. taxpayers. The FBI will continue to investigate and hold accountable those misappropriating federal government funds.”
"IRS Criminal Investigation provides financial investigative expertise in our work with our law enforcement partners. Today's verdict demonstrates our collective efforts to enforce the law and ensure public trust," said IRS-CI Acting Special Agent In Charge Gregory Floyd. "Renee Tartaglione made a conscious decision to deceive and benefit personally at the expense of others, and she is now a convicted felon as a result. Today's guilty verdict should send a clear message to those contemplating a similar crime."
“Non-profit entities are supposed to protect our truly disadvantaged. When members of our City are in their most trying times, they turn to organizations like Juniata Community Mental Health, and other contractors of the City’s Community Behavioral Health, for honest and compassionate assistance,” said Amy Kurland, Philadelphia Inspector General. “Theft within our City’s non-profit sector is profoundly harmful because it victimizes those who have already been victimized. That is why my office will forever be committed to protecting the integrity of charitable services within Philadelphia – and we are very grateful to have partners like the USAO and FBI who are equally committed to that mission.”
This case was investigated by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the Philadelphia Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Bea Witzleben and Trial Attorney Peter N. Halpern of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section are prosecuting the case.
Former St. Louis County Deputy Sheriff Pleads Guilty to Federal Theft ChargeRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Alvin Wilson, St. Louis, MO, admitted to stealing from an organization that receives federal funds.
According to his plea agreement, from 2012 through December 31, 2016, Wilson was employed as a security officer for the St. Louis Public Library. The Library received funds from the federal government through a grant program. At the same time, Wilson was employed as a Deputy Sheriff for the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. Wilson’s duty hours at the Library were typically from 6:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 8:00 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Saturday. Wilson falsely reported hours worked at the Library and received payment from the Library based on the falsely reported work hours. He repeatedly and regularly left his duty post at the Library for significant intervals of time in the middle of his duty hours to handle work assignments for the Sheriff’s Office. Wilson falsely reported his work hours at the Library in that he claimed entitlement to pay for hours when he well knew that he was not working at the Library, but instead was working at the Sheriff’s Office or was at home. With his plea, Wilson agreed that the loss to the Library exceeds $95,000.00.
Judge Rodney Sippel, who accepted Wilson’s guilty plea, set a sentencing date of September 22, 2017.
Theft from an organization that receives federal funds carries a maximum penalty of not more than 10 years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000 or both. Restitution is also mandatory. In determining the actual sentence, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Reginald Harris is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Florida Sex Offender Sentenced for Failing to Register in VirginiaRead the Press Release
Abingdon, VIRGINIA – A Florida man, who previously pled guilty to failing to register as a sex offender in Virginia, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison yesterday, Acting United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle and Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring announced.
Christopher Matthew Marsh, 40, of Wytheville, VA, formerly of Tallahassee, FL, pled guilty earlier this year in District Court to failing to register as a sex offender, in violation of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). Marsh was sentenced yesterday to serve 30 months in federal prison, to run consecutively to a 30 month sentence imposed in state court in Florida for failing to comply with sexual predator reporting requirements in that state.
According to evidence presented by Virginia Assistant Attorney General and Special Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Kerney-Quillen when Marsh pled guilty, Marsh had been previously convicted of an attempted capital sexual offense in Florida in 1997, which required him to register as a sex offender for life under SORNA. Marsh complied, to some extent, with provisions of SORNA following his release from prison until June 2016 when probation officers in Florida received notification that his GPS monitor strap had been cut off, resulting in the issuance of a warrant for his arrest. Marsh was subsequently located at a motel in Wytheville, VA, where he had resided in August 2016. A review of the Virginia Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act revealed that Marsh had not registered as a sex offender in Virginia.
The United States Marshal’s Service conducted the investigation of the case. Special Assistant United States Attorney M. Suzanne Kerney-Quillen, a Virginia Assistant Attorney General assigned to the Attorney General’s Major Crimes and Emerging Threats Section, prosecuted the case for the United States.
Five Individuals Convicted in $23 Million Boiler Room Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Yesterday, a federal jury in Miami convicted Charles K. Topping, 40, of North Bay Village, Anita Sgarro, 54, of Marina Del Ray, Charles David Smigrod, 69, of Coconut Grove, Matthew William Wheeler, 33, of Miami, and James Wayne Long, 60, of Miramar, for their roles in two telephone sales room (“boiler room”) fraud schemes that targeted investors throughout the nation and defrauded over 700 victims out of $23 million. The fraud schemes operated out of Miami Lakes, Florida, and Marina Del Ray, California. Eight other co-conspirators who were involved in the fraud schemes previously pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
Benjamin Greenberg, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.
Following a two-month trial before U.S. District Judge Marcia G. Cooke, a jury convicted Topping, Sgarro, Smigrod, Wheeler, and Long of multiple counts of mail and wire fraud and conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud in a conspiracy that operated from as early as 2009 until about August 2015.
According to the court record, from April 2009 to August 2015, Topping, Sgarro, Smigrod and Wheeler, along with their co-conspirators Craig Sizer, Keith Houlihan, Miguel (“Mike”) Mesa, Jack Willard Sini, Juan M. Perez Ortega, Martin Miller, Jason David Hershberger, and Shawna Leigh Lynch used false and fraudulent claims to solicit investors throughout the United States to buy shares of stock in Sanomedics International Holdings, Inc. (“Sanomedics”), a company that sold non-contact infrared thermometers for home healthcare and for dogs.
The evidence at trial showed that the sales agents used sales pitches that included several materially false statements, including that: stock sales did not include commissions or fees; sales agents were compensated with stock or paid by the hour; the stock could be sold after six months; the sales agents worked directly for Sanomedics; stock purchases were safe and secure; and famous and wealthy individuals, such as former CEOs of Apple Inc., PepsiCo, and IVAX Corp., and the “Dog Whisperer,” were either heavily invested in the company or were company representatives. In truth, the co-conspirator sales agents worked for Mesa and Sgarro in two boiler rooms, not for Sanomedics. Investors were never able to sell their stock. Approximately 90% of investor proceeds were misappropriated by the co-conspirators to cover commissions and fees. The co-conspirator sales agents were not paid by the hour and did not receive stock options, but were in fact paid hefty commissions. Additionally, there were no actual endorsements by celebrities or wealthy individuals. The investors relied on the fraudulent statements. As a result of the scheme, the co-conspirators defrauded over 700 people out of approximately $21 million.
Also, from approximately August 2014 to August 2105, Topping, Smigrod, Wheeler and Long, along with Sizer, Mesa, Sini, Perez, and Miller used a fraud scheme, similar to the one described above, to sell shares of stock in Fun Cool Free (“FCF”), a company that claimed to own a smartphone gaming portfolio with over 500 gaming applications. Mesa oversaw the boiler room that was utilized to facilitate the fraudulent scheme. The co-conspirators used false claims, including assertions that they worked directly for the company and that FCF was partners with Apple Computers, to defraud over 70 other investors out of $1.5 million.
Mr. Greenberg commends the investigative efforts of the FBI in this matter. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger Cruz, and Trial Attorneys Ryan D. Tansey and Kevin B. Hart from the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice.
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.
Five Baltimore Men Plead Guilty Under Federal Gun StatutesRead the Press Release
June 23, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
www.justice.gov/usao/md
Contact ELIZABETH MORSE
at (410) 209-4885
Baltimore, Maryland – Five men pleaded guilty this week, 4 on Baltimore City gun cases and one Anne Arundel County gun case. The guilty pleas were announced today by Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning.
The United States Attorney’s Office continues in its efforts to address the gun violence plaguing Baltimore area by using Federal Statutes prohibiting felons from possessing firearms.
Five defendants, listed below, pleaded guilty in 5 separate cases in United States District Court this week.
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Robert Butler, age 43, of Baltimore, Maryland
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Ryan King, age 25, of Baltimore, Maryland
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Demonte T. Jones, age 25, of Brooklyn, Maryland
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Calvin Thompson, age 38, of Baltimore, Maryland
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Craig Tucker, age 30, of Baltimore, Maryland
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning said that the United States Attorney’s Office, through its Exile Program, will continue to pursue felons with guns who constitute a clear and present danger to the safety and welfare of the citizens of Baltimore. These guilty pleas reflect the ongoing commitment of the United States Attorney’s Office to address violent crime in the City of Baltimore and the District of Maryland.
Sentence proceedings for the five are pending. All five defendants continue to be detained.
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Fernandina Beach Repeat Offender Pleads Guilty to Cocaine DistributionRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that Wesley Eugene Parker (25, Fernandina Beach) today pleaded guilty to distribution of cocaine. Due to his multiple prior felony convictions for drug offenses, he faces an enhanced maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, on December 28, 2016, and again less than two weeks later, Parker sold powder cocaine to a confidential informant. When law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the home where Parker was living, they recovered firearms, ammunition, and illegal drugs, including marijuana and cocaine.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican.
Fairfield Man Sentenced to over 15 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking a MinorRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — U.S. District Judge Garland E. Burrell Jr. sentenced Michael Anthony Holmes, 25, of Fairfield, today to 15 years and eight months in prison for sex trafficking a minor, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, from July 16, 2014, until September 4, 2015, Holmes recruited a 15-year-old runaway girl to engage in commercial sex acts with men for his financial benefit. Holmes transported her to multiple locations and collected the money that she earned. In July 2014, police officers found the girl and returned her to her mother. Nonetheless, Holmes continued to pressure the victim work for him, even while he was incarcerated on other charges. He wrote to her from jail and threatened that “there would be consequences” if she did not continue to make money for him.
This case was the product of an investigation by the FBI Solano County Violent Crime Task Force composed of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the California Highway Patrol, the Solano County Sheriff's Office, the Fairfield Police Department and the Vallejo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith prosecuted the case.
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 those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet safety education.
Eagle Butte Woman Charged with AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.
Brianna High Elk, age 23, was indicted on June 14, 2017. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on June 16, 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 April 16, 2017, High Elk unlawfully assaulted a female victim with shod feed, causing serious bodily injury.
The charges are merely accusations and High Elk 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.
High Elk was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Eagle Butte Men Charged with Multiple CountsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that two Eagle Butte, South Dakota, men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for First Degree Burglary, Assault with Intent to Commit Murder, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Robbery.
Bevan Bordeaux, age 30, was indicted on June 14, 2017. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on June 19, 2017, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
Payton Bartlett, age 18, was indicted on June 14, 2017. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on June 20, 2017, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and up to $400 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on April 18, 2017, Bordeaux and Bartlett broke into someone’s home and stole money, as well as assaulted the owner of the home with shod feet and a knife. The assault resulted in serious bodily injury.
The charges are merely accusations and Bordeaux and Bartlett are 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.
Bordeaux and Bartlett were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Eagle Butte Man Indicted on Methamphetamine ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Elliot Robert Blue Coat, age 40, was indicted on June 14, 2017. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on June 15, 2017, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in custody and/or a $1,000,000 fine, a lifetime of supervised release, and $400 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between April 1, 2014, and June 14, 2017, Blue Coat knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in South Dakota.
The charges are merely accusations and Blue Coat is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services Narcotics Division and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney SaraBeth Donovan is prosecuting the case.
Blue Coat was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Eagle Butte Man Charged with AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting, Resisting, Opposing, and Impeding a Federal Officer.
Pete Knight, age 54, was indicted on June 14, 2017. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on June 16, 2017, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 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 May 8, 2017, Knight forcibly assaulted, resisted, opposed, impeded, and interfered with the Ziebach County Sheriff, as well as officers from the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, while they were engaged in the performance of their official duties and said conduct involved physical contact with the Sheriff.
The charges are merely accusations and Knight 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.
Knight was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Eagle Butte Man Charged with AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting, Resisting, Opposing, and Impeding a Federal Officer.
Matthew Dupris, age 29, was indicted on June 14, 2017. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on June 16, 2017, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 8 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and up to $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on May 25, 2017, Dupris forcibly assaulted, resisted, opposed, impeded, and interfered with an officer with the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, while the officer was engaged in the performance of his official duties.
The charge is merely an accusation and Dupris 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.
Dupris was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Department of Justice Files Statement of Interest Siding with Texas in SB4 LitigationRead the Press Release
Today the Department of Justice filed a Statement of Interest in City of El Cenizo, Texas, et. al vs. Texas, et. al, commonly known as the SB4 litigation.
The lawsuit was filed by several cities trying to block Texas’s SB4 law, which prohibits localities in Texas from implementing or maintaining policies that prevent local officials from sharing immigration-related information with the federal government. Additionally, SB4 directs local officials in Texas to cooperate with immigration detainer requests issued by the federal government under federal law.
The Department primarily argues that SB4 is not preempted by the Supremacy Clause, it is not inconsistent with the Tenth Amendment, and it does not violate the Fourth Amendment.
In filing the Statement of Interest, Attorney General Sessions provided the following statement:
“President Trump has made a commitment to keep America safe and to ensure cooperation with federal immigration laws. Texas has admirably followed his lead by mandating state-wide cooperation with federal immigration laws that require the removal of illegal aliens who have committed crimes.
“The Department of Justice fully supports Texas’s effort and is participating in this lawsuit because of the strong federal interest in facilitating the state and local cooperation that is critical in enforcing our nation’s immigration laws.”
Dallas man sentenced to 95 months in prison for methamphetamine distribution conspiracyRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that a man from Dallas was sentenced Thursday to 95 months in prison for conspiring with two other Dallas residents to distribute methamphetamine in the Shreveport/Bossier City area.
Robert Marcus Montes, 38, of Dallas, Texas, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote on one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He was also sentenced to four years of supervised release. According to the February 22, 2017 guilty plea, law enforcement agents identified co-defendants Humberto Vega, 37, and Dawn Nicole Martinez, 34, both of Dallas, planning to distribute methamphetamine in the Shreveport-Bossier City area. Agents observed the defendants visiting a Shreveport Casino on September 11, 2016 with Montes. They were later arrested, and Montes’ car was searched. Agents found approximately 331 grams of methamphetamine inside a shoe box in the car’s trunk.
Vega and Martinez were sentenced on the conspiracy charge on April 26, 2017 to 87 months and 70 months in prison respectively. They were also sentenced to three years of supervised release.
The DEA and the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case.
Covington Man Indicted for Possessing and Making SilencersRead the Press Release
Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ROBERT LYONS, age 32, of Covington, was charged with federal firearms violations in a recently unsealed two-count Indictment.
According to the Indictment, LYONS possessed firearm silencers in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 5861(d) on March 3, 2017. On a date unknown but prior to March 3, 2017, Lyons knowingly made firearm silencers in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 5861(f).
Acting U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, LYONS faces, as to each count, a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a fine of $10,000, three years supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment.
Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Maria M. Carboni is in charge of the prosecution.