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16 June 2017
Deputy Attorney General Recognizes Federal ProsecutorRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Steven R. Kaufman, Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of North Carolina (WDNC), was one of 179 members of the Department of Justice recognized by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director Monty Wilkinson at the 33rd Director’s Awards Ceremony today in Washington D.C.
The Western District of North Carolina was one of 35 districts represented at the ceremony, which was held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.
In his prepared remarks, Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein told the awardees, “These 179 award recipients embody the best of the Department of Justice.… Today’s honorees have earned the esteem of their colleagues. But most importantly, you have earned the gratitude of your fellow citizens — whose communities you have made safer, whose lives you have improved, and whose trust you have rewarded. ”
AUSA Kaufman was recognized for his “Superior Performance as Criminal Assistant United States Attorney.” AUSA Kaufman is responsible for prosecuting some of the largest, most significant and most sophisticated Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) cases in the country. OCDETF is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets. During his tenure, AUSA Kaufman has demonstrated his ability to identify large-scale drug traffickers, locate their international sources of supply, and cripple those organizations by seizing their money and property and obtaining convictions against their members for both drug trafficking and money laundering.
Among his accomplishments, in 2015, AUSA Kaufman secured the extradition from Mexico, and subsequent guilty plea and sentence, of Consolidated Priority Organizational Target (CPOT) and black tar heroin kingpin Carlos Ramon “Cuate” Castro-Rocha. AUSA Kaufman also recently completed a seven-year prosecution of 67 members of a cross-country drug trafficking organization that utilized commercial aircraft and insiders with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to transport large amounts of narcotics and drug proceeds cross-country. AUSA Kaufman also disrupted a complex methamphetamine drug trafficking network operating throughout the Western District, by securing prison sentences for more than 165 traffickers thus far.
As WDNC’s environmental crimes coordinator, AUSA Kaufman has successfully prosecuted numerous cases involving federal violations of the Clean Water and the Clean Air Acts. AUSA Kaufman also took part in the landmark criminal prosecution of Duke Energy, for the company’s illegal discharge of coal ash. AUSA Kaufman and his multi-district team continue to work with the court-appointed monitor to ensure the company’s environmental compliance.
AUSA Kaufman received his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 1990 from Tufts University, and his Juris Doctor in 1995 from Vanderbilt University School of Law. He is a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force, and performs his Reserve duty as the Staff Judge Advocate for the 94th Airlift Wing at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia. AUSA Kaufman is originally from Westchester County in New York.
“Steven Kaufman is a deserving recipient of this prestigious award, in recognition of his exemplary work and outstanding achievements as a criminal prosecutor. Mr. Kaufman is a talented Assistant United States Attorney and a committed public servant. He is dedicated to furthering the mission of the Department of Justice in enforcing the laws of our nation, protecting the rights of our citizens, and bringing justice to victims of crimes,” said Jill Westmoreland Rose, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.
Deputy Attorney General Recognizes Eastern District of N.Y. Assistant U.S. Attorneys at Director’s Awards CeremonyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Assistant United States Attorneys James D. Gatta, Nathan D. Reilly, Richard M. Tucker and Una A. Dean of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York were four of 179 members of the Department of Justice recognized by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director Monty Wilkinson at the 33rd Director’s Awards Ceremony today in Washington D.C.
The Eastern District of New York was one of 35 districts represented at the ceremony which was held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.
In his prepared remarks, Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein told the awardees, “These 179 award recipients embody the best of the Department of Justice. Today’s honorees have earned the esteem of their colleagues. But most importantly, you have earned the gratitude of your fellow citizens — whose communities you have made safer, whose lives you have improved, and whose trust you have rewarded.”
Criminal Division Chief James D. Gatta and Public Integrity Section Deputy Chief Nathan D. Reilly received the award for Superior Performance as an AUSA-Criminal for their outstanding accomplishments in securing the conviction of former United States Congressman Michael Grimm for tax fraud. Grimm was brought to justice for his schemes to underreport nearly $1 million in sales from his Manhattan restaurant and deprive federal and state authorities of hundreds of thousands of dollars, as well as his obstruction of justice while a member of Congress. One week after he pleaded guilty, Grimm resigned his Congressional seat representing New York’s 11th Congressional District. Grimm was sentenced to eight months in prison and required to pay $148,907 in restitution to federal and state tax authorities.
National Security & Cybercrime Section Deputy Chief Richard M. Tucker and Assistant United States Attorney Una A. Dean received the award for Superior Performance as an AUSA-Criminal for their outstanding achievement in securing convictions against eight defendants charged with exporting more than $30 million worth of microelectronics to Russia for use by the Russian military in advanced weapon systems and next-generation fighter aircraft. The defendants were employees of ARC Electronics in Houston, Texas, that operated an extensive proliferation network that provided controlled U.S. technology to the Russian government, including military and intelligence agencies, yet ARC never obtained the requisite license and covered up its illegal activity by using front companies, shell entities, fake end users and other tradecraft to send the technology to Russia. Five defendants pleaded guilty, including the lead defendant, Alexander Fishenko who pleaded guilty to the entire indictment, and was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment. The three remaining defendants were convicted after trial.
"In the great tradition of our Office, these four Assistant United States Attorneys successfully carried out complex investigations in the prosecution of a then-sitting congressman, and the protection of our homeland by holding accountable those who illegally exported sensitive military technology,” stated Acting United States Attorney Rohde. “Their achievements are deserving of the Director’s Award and our gratitude for their public service.”
EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.
Deputy Attorney General Recognizes District EmployeesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jenny Parker, Victim Assistance Specialist, Kyle Edelen, Public Information Officer, and Todd Bradbury, Assistant United States Attorney, all of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Kentucky, were three of 179 members of the Department of Justice recognized by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director Monty Wilkinson at the 33rd Director’s Awards Ceremony today in Washington D.C.
The Eastern District of Kentucky was one of 35 districts represented at the ceremony which was held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.
In his prepared remarks, Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein told the awardees: “These 179 award recipients embody the best of the Department of Justice.… Today’s honorees have earned the esteem of their colleagues. But most importantly, you have earned the gratitude of your fellow citizens — whose communities you have made safer, whose lives you have improved, and whose trust you have rewarded. ”
The three recipients received the Director’s Award for Superior Performance in Prevention and Reentry Activities for their work to establish, develop, implement and administer the U.S. Attorney’s Heroin Education Action Team (USA HEAT) initiative.
USA HEAT is a critical component of the comprehensive approach of the U.S. Attorney's Office in its continuing efforts to combat the opioid epidemic. The program is a partnership between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and families that have lost loved ones to an opioid overdose. These courageous parents, siblings, and children of overdose victims share their personal stories, providing a stark warning to others and educating communities about the far-reaching and enduring effects of this epidemic. USA HEAT is designed to support the overall effort against the opioid epidemic by educating and increasing community awareness. In conjunction with staff from the U.S. Attorney's Office, these surviving family members deliver a compelling message and are selflessly committed to helping others avoid similar tragedies in their lives. For more information on USA HEAT visit our website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-edky/heat.
“The Eastern District of Kentucky's USA HEAT program has been a critical piece to our efforts to fight opioid abuse, has made compelling presentations to thousands of Kentuckians and beyond, and has even been duplicated by other U.S. Attorney's Offices around the country,” said Acting United States Attorney Carlton S. Shier, IV. “By any measure, USA HEAT has been a genuine success and real benefit to our community. This prestigious, national recognition of our program is a true credit to the hard work and dedication of these recipients. Without their tireless efforts, our USA HEAT program would not be what it is.”
EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.
Deputy Attorney General Recognizes District EmployeeRead the Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Elizabeth Morse
Friday, June 16, 2017 410-209-4885
www.justice.gov/usao-md
WASHINGTON – Sujit Raman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Maryland was one of 179 members of the Department of Justice recognized by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director Monty Wilkinson at the 33rd Director’s Awards Ceremony today in Washington D.C.
The District of Maryland was one of 35 districts represented at the ceremony which was held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.
In his prepared remarks, Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein told the awardees, “These 179 award recipients embody the best of the Department of Justice.… Today’s honorees have earned the esteem of their colleagues. But most importantly, you have earned the gratitude of your fellow citizens — whose communities you have made safer, whose lives you have improved, and whose trust you have rewarded. ”
Sujit Raman was recognized for his exceptional contributions to the briefing and argument of appellate cases and for his outstanding leadership in managing the appellate practice of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. Mr. Raman has played a pivotal role in developing and persuasively advocating the government’s positions on cutting-edge Fourth Amendment issues at the intersection of privacy, technology, and national security.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning noted “As a counselor to his colleagues and as an advocate in court, Mr. Raman is trusted for the quality of his advice, the integrity of his positions, and the exceptional and understated manner in which he represents the interests of the United States.”
EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.
Deputy Attorney General Recognizes District EmployeeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Michelle Martinez, administrative officer for the Camden office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of New Jersey, was one of 179 members of the Department of Justice recognized by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director Monty Wilkinson at the 33rd Director’s Awards Ceremony today in Washington, D.C.
The District of New Jersey was one of 35 districts represented at the ceremony, which was held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.
In his prepared remarks, Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein told the awardees: “These 179 award recipients embody the best of the Department of Justice. Today’s honorees have earned the esteem of their colleagues. But most importantly, you have earned the gratitude of your fellow citizens – whose communities you have made safer, whose lives you have improved, and whose trust you have rewarded.”
Ms. Martinez’s nomination recognizes her exceptional commitment to the Department’s mission and her sustained excellence as an Administrative Support Specialist. She has effectively and efficiently managed the Camden Office for more than a decade and is respected by everyone in the office for her professionalism, dedication and commitment to the Department’s mission.
“Without Michelle’s able assistance, the Camden office simply would not function with the level of efficiency and productivity for which it has come to be known by the judges in the District and by our law enforcement partners,” Acting U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick said. “She is the engine that keeps the office running.”
Ms. Martinez effectively functions as the Administrative Officer for the Camden Office, supervising all of the day-to-day operations and working closely with the General Services Administration (GSA), the EOUSA, the District Court, outside contractors and vendors, and the Office’s budget and human resource officers.
Ms. Martinez oversaw a major renovation of the Camden Office, which is located in a historic federal courthouse. She coordinated on a regular basis with Office leadership, the GSA, EOUSA, and the District Court, reviewing architectural plans, discussing the renovation, and dealing with issues as they arose. She also conceived of and developed the idea to convert unused space in the Office's reception area into three new offices. By carefully managing the office’s overall expenses and minimizing other costs and working with Office leadership, Ms. Martinez was able to find enough room in the budget to permit this construction at substantial cost savings and accommodate the Office’s growing needs.
Ms. Martinez also serves as the legal assistant to the First Assistant U.S. Attorney, Attorney-in Charge, and Deputy Attorney-in-Charge, in addition to other line attorneys. She manages all of the personnel who make up the Camden Office’s administrative and support staff, trains new support staff when they enter on duty and supervises the legal assistants in Camden, providing guidance on a daily basis with regard to questions and issues that arise. Ms. Martinez is frequently asked to take on additional special projects, at the request of the U.S. Attorney, the Attorney-in-Charge in Camden, and the Department, and always does so graciously and with great enthusiasm.
EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.
Deputy Attorney General Recognizes AUSA from East TennesseeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Debra Breneman, Chief of the Appellate Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Tennessee, was one of 179 members of the Department of Justice recognized by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director Monty Wilkinson at the 33rd Director’s Awards Ceremony today in Washington D.C.
The Eastern District of Tennessee was one of 35 districts represented at the ceremony, which was held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.
In his prepared remarks, Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein told the awardees, “These 179 award recipients embody the best of the Department of Justice.… Today’s honorees have earned the esteem of their colleagues. But most importantly, you have earned the gratitude of your fellow citizens — whose communities you have made safer, whose lives you have improved, and whose trust you have rewarded. ”
Breneman is a graduate of Harvard Law School and has served in the Appellate Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee for eight years, three as Appellate Chief. Prior to that, she served four years as an appellate attorney in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office.
During her tenure with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, she has consistently served at a level that can only be described as extraordinary. As evidence of her work ethic, in fiscal year (FY) 2016 Appellate Chief Breneman worked over 1000 hours of uncompensated overtime and was exceptionally productive. Under her leadership, in FYs 2014, 2015, and 2016, the appellate section handled 146, 118, and 101 defendant appeals respectively. During these years, Breneman either wrote or edited practically every brief filed by the district. Despite this volume, she unfailingly maintained the highest standards.
“The extraordinary volume and quality of the work done by Appellate Chief Brenneman has earned her the great and uniform admiration of her fellow Assistant U.S. Attorneys. Last year, she was recognized by her coworkers as AUSA of the Year, an award that has only been given once in the district,” said U.S. Attorney Nancy Stallard Harr.
EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.
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Deputy Attorney General Honors Budget Officer for Service to the Western District of Oklahoma U.S. Attorney’s OfficeRead the Press Release
Oklahoma City, OK – Denise E. Gibson, Budget Officer of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Oklahoma, was one of 179 members of the Department of Justice recognized by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director Monty Wilkinson at the 33rd Director’s Awards Ceremony Friday in Washington D.C., announced Mark A. Yancey, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.
The Western District of Oklahoma was one of 35 districts represented at the ceremony, which was held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.
In his prepared remarks, Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein told the awardees: "These 179 award recipients embody the best of the Department of Justice. Today’s honorees have earned the esteem of their colleagues. But most importantly, you have earned the gratitude of your fellow citizens, whose communities you have made safer, whose lives you have improved, and whose trust you have rewarded."
The Department of Justice recognized Ms. Gibson for providing financial excellence to her district. She began her service to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 1988 as a legal assistant. She has also served as a debt collection agent and an administrative services specialist. The district promoted her to budget officer in 2006.
"Denise has shown throughout her 29 years of exemplary government service her dedication to the mission of the U.S. Attorney’s Office," said U.S. Attorney Yancey. "She richly deserves this recognition from senior leadership in the Department."
EOUSA provides oversight and general executive assistance to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.
Department of Justice Recognizes District of Massachusetts Employees for Superior PerformanceRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office were recognized today by the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) at the 33nd Annual Director’s Awards Ceremony in Washington D.C.
Strategic Engagement and Law Enforcement Coordinator Brandy Donini-Melanson and Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Siegmann were among the 179 members of the Department of Justice recognized during a ceremony at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.
In his prepared remarks, Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein told the awardees: “These 179 award recipients embody the best of the Department of Justice.… Today’s honorees have earned the esteem of their colleagues. But most importantly, you have earned the gratitude of your fellow citizens — whose communities you have made safer, whose lives you have improved, and whose trust you have rewarded. ”
“Each and every day, the employees of the U.S. Attorney’s Office demonstrate exceptional dedication to serving the communities of Massachusetts,” said Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb. “Their work is focused on preventing crime and developing strong stakeholder groups to address pertinent law enforcement issues. I am honored to work alongside these committed public servants whose collective accomplishments are nothing short of exceptional.”
Brandy Donini-Melanson received the award for Superior Performance in Administration for her ongoing coordination and engagement in violent extremism prevention. Ms. Donini-Melanson spent months coordinating perspectives from over 40 stakeholders in Massachusetts in order to draft a multi-disciplinary framework to address prevention and intervention of violent extremism. The Framework, a consensus document, provides collective insight on what it means to counter violent extremism and the types of activities that may reduce incidents. Ms. Donini-Melanson has spoken to numerous local and national audiences about prevention approaches and the Framework, which is one of very few in the United States. She has worked tirelessly to advocate the message of the multi-disciplinary collaborative and to promote the involvement of public health and behavioral health perspectives in the process. Ms. Donini-Melanson has not allowed obstacles to discourage her from increasing awareness about violent extremism and the ways in which a range of stakeholders can engage to prevent it.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Siegmann received the Award for Superior Performance for her nationally recognized success in the area of counterproliferation. As the Export Control Coordinator for the District of Massachusetts, Ms. Siegmann has been singularly effective in coordinating the efforts of law enforcement, regulatory, and intelligence agencies in combatting the illegal export of controlled technologies and munitions. The Massachusetts Counter-Proliferation Working Group, which she chairs and was instrumental in founding, has become a national model for inter-agency cooperation in the counterproliferation arena and an important factor in the development of a series of important export control prosecutions. In her thirteen years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, Ms. Siegmann has become a nationally recognized leader in the Department’s counterproliferation efforts and a frequent lecturer on export control and related issues.
EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.
Daryl Campbell, A/K/A “Taxstone,” Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing A Semiautomatic Handgun at Irving PlazaRead the Press Release
Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that DARYL CAMPBELL, a/k/a “Taxstone,” pled guilty yesterday to two federal weapons charges in connection with his possession of a semiautomatic handgun at Irving Plaza on May 25, 2016, the night a man was shot and killed there and three others were wounded.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said: “As he has now admitted, Daryl Campbell illegally carried a semiautomatic handgun into the Irving Plaza music venue. That night Ronald McPhatter was shot and killed there, and three others were wounded. We will continue to work with the NYPD, the FBI, and all our partners in law enforcement to protect New Yorkers from gun violence.”
According to the Indictment, Complaint, other documents filed in the case, and statements made during the plea proceedings:
Sometime between October 2015 and May 25, 2016, CAMPBELL unlawfully received a Keltec 9mm semiautomatic handgun from outside the State of New York. Although his prior felony conviction made it a federal crime for CAMPBELL to possess firearms, CAMPBELL nonetheless carried that gun to the Irving Plaza music venue on May 25, 2016. At Irving Plaza, CAMPBELL confronted a rap music artist with whom CAMPBELL had been engaged in a long-running feud. After that confrontation, the rap artist’s bodyguard and friend, Ronald McPhatter, was shot and killed, and the rap artist and two innocent bystanders were wounded.
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CAMPBELL, 31, of Brooklyn, New York, was arrested on January 17, 2017, in Brooklyn, and has been in federal custody since. CAMPBELL pled guilty today to both counts of the Indictment, which charged him with receiving a firearm in interstate commerce with the intent to commit another felony, and possessing a firearm after having previously been convicted of a felony. The maximum sentence for each count is 10 years in prison. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court.
Mr. Kim praised the outstanding work of the NYPD’s Manhattan South Homicide Squad and the 13th Precinct Detective Squad, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit and the White Plains Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Hagan Scotten, Andrew Adams, and Christopher Clore are in charge of the prosecution.
Credit Unions in the Eastern District of California Among Clients Defrauded by Debt Collection CompanyRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Charles V. Stanley Jr., 63, of Southern California, was arrested on Wednesday in Los Angeles on a 15-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Sacramento charging him with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, mail fraud and wire fraud, as well as separate counts of bank fraud, wire fraud and mail fraud, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Stanley was the owner and operator of a debt collection company called Creditor Specialty Service, Inc. (CSS) located in Acton, California and with agents throughout California and elsewhere. Various financial institutions and other companies contracted with CSS to collect debts. At Stanley’s direction, CSS employees collected money from the debtors but underreported the amounts they actually collected. Stanley diverted some of the unreported proceeds for his own personal spending and to pay other clients to whom CSS owed money. Stanley also continued to collect money from debtors of one financial institution even after that institution terminated its contract with CSS. Stanley also caused CSS to file lawsuits or settle with debtors without client authorization. It is alleged that because of Stanley’s conspiracies and schemes, CSS’s clients and debtors lost several millions of dollars.
Credit Unions based in Folsom, Sacramento and Bakersfield contracted with CSS to collect debts from some of its customers.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd A. Pickles is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Stanley faces a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to Ten Years for Narcotics Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven has sentenced DaQuan Brooks (23, St. Petersburg) to 10 years in federal prison for possessing crack cocaine, with the intent to distribute it, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking activity. He pleaded guilty on February 24, 2017.
According to court documents, on August 8, 2016, Pasco County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Brooks on an outstanding arrest warrant for charges of domestic battery by strangulation. Within plain view inside Brooks’s car, deputies observed a firearm. A further search of the car revealed approximately 45 grams of cocaine base in a plastic bag, along with a razor blade, which is commonly used to carve up chunks of cocaine base for distribution. As a previously convicted felon, Brooks is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael M. Gordon and Michael V. Leeman.
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.
Company Owner Sentenced to Lengthy Prison Sentence in Federal Bank Fraud ScamRead the Press Release
BATON ROUGE, LA – Acting United States Attorney Corey Amundson announced today that CARL D. WRIGHT, age 48, of Central, Louisiana, was sentenced yesterday by Senior U.S. District Judge James J. Brady to a term of imprisonment of 72 months, following WRIGHT’S convictions for bank fraud and making false statements to financial institutions. Following his release from imprisonment, WRIGHT will be required to serve a three-year term of supervised release. WRIGHT was also ordered to pay restitution of $2,857,999, a special assessment of $500, and forfeit all property traceable to the proceeds of the scheme.
WRIGHT operated a company called Nevada Systems, Inc., which was in the business of renovating residential properties. From approximately August 2004 until November 2010, fraudulently obtained millions of dollars from numerous Baton Rouge-area financial institutions. His scheme included providing the financial institutions with a false social security number, concealing his prior felony convictions, fraudulently underreporting his liabilities by $2 million, and other materially false and fraudulent misrepresentations. As a result of his scheme, 12 financial institutions sustained losses totaling more than $2.8 million.
Acting U.S. Attorney Amundson stated: “Major financial fraud, such as the scheme in this case, must be and will be aggressively pursued by our office, along with our federal, state, and local partners. These schemes cause tremendous losses to businesses in our community and make it harder for honest businesspeople to succeed. I greatly appreciate the tremendous effort of the FBI and the prosecutors in bringing the defendant to justice.”
FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Jeffrey S. Sallet stated: “Motivated by greed, the defendant orchestrated a sophisticated scheme which left his victims holding the bag on $2.8 million in losses. I want to commend the efforts of the assigned prosecutors and agents who worked tirelessly on this case to unravel the defendant’s web of deceit. The New Orleans Division of the FBI will continue to work together with its local, state and federal partners to hold accountable those fraudsters who attempt to fraudulently game our nation’s banking system for their own financial gain.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys J. Brady Casey and Peter Smyczek.
Chelsea Gang Member Pleads Guilty to RICO Conspiracy Involving Attempted Murder and Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An East Side Money gang member, known as “Superbad,” pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to racketeering and drug trafficking charges.
Josue Rodriguez, a/k/a “SB,” a/k/a “Superbad,” 20, of Chelsea, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, commonly known as RICO, and one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for Sept. 13, 2017.
Rodriguez is a member of the East Side Money Gang (ESMG), a Chelsea-based street gang, which uses violence to further its criminal activities and enforce its internal rules. Specifically, ESMG uses violence to protect its members/associates, target rival gang members/associates and intimidate potential witnesses.
On July 5, 2015, Rodriguez ambushed a rival gang member walking down the street, shooting at him with a semi-automatic pistol, but did not hit him. On March 29, 2016, Rodriguez and another ESMG member agreed to provide a .22 caliber revolver to a third ESMG member so he could “spank” with it – meaning that he could use it against rivals of ESMG. On April 3, 2016, the third gang member used the revolver to attempt to murder two men believed to be members/associates of a rival gang. One of the targets was shot in the head.
On May 26, 2016, Rodriguez attempted to hide a .38 caliber Smith and Wesson revolver used in a shooting, as well as spent and live shells after another ESMG member/associate attempted to shoot a rival gang member.
The East Side Money gang was also involved in drug trafficking, including cocaine, cocaine base (“crack”) and heroin. Rodriguez conspired with other gang members and associates to distribute at least a kilo of cocaine and cocaine base. Rodriguez further admitted that he stored drugs at and distributed drugs from his home on Tudor Street in Chelsea, and that the gang maintained at least one firearm at the location.
Rodriguez is the 11th defendant of 66 alleged gang members/associates from the Greater Boston area who were charged in June 2016 with federal firearm and drug offenses to plead guilty.
According to court documents, the defendants, who are leaders, members, and associates of the 18th Street Gang, East Side Money Gang and the Boylston Gang, were responsible for fueling a gun and drug pipeline across a number of cities and towns in eastern Massachusetts. Specifically, the gangs created alliances in order to traffic weapons and drugs, including cocaine, crack, and heroin supplied though a Brockton-based drug network. During the course of the investigation, over 70 firearms were seized.
The charge of RICO conspiracy provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to a lifetime in prison, a minimum of five years and up to life of supervised release, and a fine of $10 million. According to the terms of the plea agreement, the parties have agreed that the appropriate sentence should be between 120 months to 190 months, with the United States recommending 14 years in prison. 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; Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Matthew Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; John Gibbons, U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; Maura Healey, Attorney General of Massachusetts; Colonel Richard D. McKeon, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Boston Police Commissioner William Evans; Chelsea Police Chief Brian Kyes; and Brockton Police Chief John Crowley, made the announcement today. The U.S. Attorney’s Office also acknowledges the assistance of the Suffolk and Middlesex County Sheriff Departments and the Malden, Revere and Everett Police Departments. Weinreb’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
California Man Convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that on Thursday, June 15, 2017, Robert L. Mayfield, originally of Sacramento, California, was convicted by a federal jury of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine after a three-day trial. Sentencing is scheduled for September 29, 2017.
Evidence presented at trial showed that in 2014 and early 2015, Mayfield and other persons, including his brother, Anthony Harris, were involved in selling methamphetamine in the Lincoln area which was transported from California on Amtrak trains. In February of 2015, Lincoln Police Department officers served a search warrant at an apartment where Harris was staying. They found over 160 grams of methamphetamine, cash, two firearms, and items commonly used in drug distribution in the apartment. Harris was arrested and made a number of recorded calls from the Lancaster County Jail to Mayfield during which Mayfield told Harris not to talk to law enforcement.
Harris was indicted in a separate case and pled guilty to charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. He was sentenced to a total of 97 months in prison in September of 2015. Tiara Blanco-Liggins, who was also in the apartment at the time of the search pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana and was sentenced to 51 months in prison in January of 2016.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Burlington Man Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison for Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that, on June 15, 2017, Phillip Wilson, 37, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison after his guilty plea to the charges of distribution of heroin, possession with intent to distribute heroin, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Christina Reiss also ordered that Wilson serve three years of supervised release after his prison term.
According to court records, between February and June of 2016, Wilson sold heroin to an informant on five separate occasions. When a search warrant was executed at Wilson’s residence, law enforcement located 160 bags of heroin and a revolver. A second search warrant was executed at a residence frequented by Wilson and law enforcement located an additional 160 bags of heroin, $3,333 of U.S. currency, and two handguns. Wilson has been in federal custody since the time of his arrest.
For his crimes, Wilson faced a 5-year mandatory minimum sentence and a statutory maximum term of life in prison. The government and the defense agreed that an 84-month prison sentence was appropriate. In imposing that sentence, Judge Reiss considered the severity of the offense; the harm heroin has caused the Vermont community, and Wilson’s criminal record, among other factors.
Acting United States Attorney Eugenia Cowles commended the efforts of the Vermont State Police Drug Task Force and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration for their work in this investigation. Acting United States Attorney Cowles noted that this case is part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Vermont Heroin Initiative, which is a coordinated effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to combat heroin distribution in Vermont.
The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nate Burris and Kunal Pasricha. Wilson was represented by Mark Oettinger of the Burlington law firm Montroll, Backus & Oettinger, P.C.
Broward Chronic Pain Doctor and Office Staff Charged with Unlawfully Conspiring to Dispense Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
Dr. Willem Ouw, 84, of Broward County, is charged in a ten-count indictment with conspiracy to dispense oxycodone, attempting to dispense oxycodone, morphine and amphetamine, and dispensing a controlled substance without authorization by law. Sarah Shoopman, 36, Orange County, and Donna Licata, 62, and Belafonte Byard, a/k/a “Quincy,” 50, of Broward County, were each charged with one count of conspiracy to dispense a controlled substance, oxycodone, without authorization by law. If convicted, each of the defendants face a maximum statutory sentence of twenty years’ imprisonment on each count.
Benjamin G. Greenberg, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida; Adolphus P. Wright, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Miami Field Division; and Scott Israel, Sheriff, Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO), made the announcement.
According to allegations made in court and in the indictment, between December 16, 2015 and June 13, 2017, defendants Dr. Ouw, Shoopman, Licata and Byard conspired to dispense controlled substances without authorization by law. On nine separate dates, Dr. Ouw is alleged to have provided a prescription for controlled substances, including oxycodone, morphine and amphetamine without having conducted a proper medical examination. On one of the nine dates, Dr. Ouw allegedly dispensed oxycodone without authorization. Shoopman, Licata and Byard conspired with Dr. Ouw to unlawfully dispense the controlled substances by, among other things, taking cash payments, handling files and obtaining samples.
The indictment also includes allegations seeking criminal forfeiture of property derived from or used in furtherance of the charged offenses, including various real properties owned by Dr. Ouw valued in excess of $2.8 million.
Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of DEA, BSO and the Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Tamen and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eloisa Fernandez is handling forfeiture matters.
An indictment is a formal charging document containing allegations. All persons charged by indictment are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Bradenton Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm and Drug Trafficking Related OffensesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that Travis Marcel Hickman (31, Bradenton) has pleaded guilty to possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon, and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
Hickman was indicted on January 25, 2017.
According to court documents, on November 17, 2016, deputies from the Manatee County Sherriff’s Office initiated a traffic stop on Hickman’s car. He fled, leading the deputies on a chase that resulted in him colliding violently with another vehicle. Hickman emerged from his car with a backpack containing various narcotics, including crack cocaine. Law enforcement officers recovered a loaded .40 caliber pistol from the disabled vehicle and a subsequent search of Hickman’s motel room revealed a loaded 9mm pistol, ammunition, and various other narcotics, including cocaine and crack cocaine. At the time, Hickman was a convicted felon and therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Murray.
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.
Box Elder Man Sentenced for Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Box ElderRapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet was sentenced on June 13, 2017, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Christopher Michael Fox, age 43, was sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Fox was charged on June 14, 2016, and pleaded guilty on March 10, 2017. The conviction stems from Fox enticing two minor females, ages 11 and 16, 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.
Fox was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Birmingham CPA Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison, Must Repay $11 Million EmbezzledRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM – A federal judge today sentenced a Birmingham man to eight years in prison and ordered him to repay $10.9 million he embezzled from the Shelby County scrap metal brokerage where he was chief financial officer, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Robert O. Posey and FBI Special Agent in Charge Roger Stanton.
U.S. District Court Judge Abdul K. Kallon sentenced THOMAS L HINSON JR., 70, on five counts of wire fraud for depositing checks stolen from Strickland Trading Inc. into the account of Strickland Trading Company, LLC, a company Hinson formed to carry out his embezzlement. Hinson pleaded guilty to the charges in March. He must report to prison July 31.
Along with the millions in restitution that Hinson must pay, he also must forfeit his interest in properties in Huntsville, Birmingham, Virginia Beach, Va., Lutz, Fla., and Sevierville, Tenn.
Hinson “abused his position as Chief Financial Officer of Strickland Trading, Inc., and violated his long-running friendships with Strickland Trading’s principals, to perpetuate a nine years long scheme to defraud,” the government states in its sentencing memorandum.
The company’s principals and employees suffered substantial financial hardship because of Hinson’s long-term crime, the memorandum says.
The five wire fraud counts Hinson pleaded guilty to represent five of the more than 225 checks totaling more than $11.2 million that were intended for Strickland Trading Inc., but which Hinson deposited into his Strickland Trading Company, LLC, account, between April 2007 and April 2016. He used the money he embezzled over the years to pay expenses and purchase real estate, automobiles, and other assets for himself, his family, and friends.
According to the court documents, Hinson conducted his scheme as follows:
Hinson was a certified public accountant in private practice who worked for Strickland Trading Inc. from 1991 to April 2016. In 2000, he began working as Strickland Trading Inc.’s CFO. In April 2007, Hinson filed documents with the State of Alabama creating Strickland Trading Company, LLC, and provided the name and address of a friend in Madison County as its organizer so he could conceal his own association with the new company.
Using the similarity in the names of the two companies, Hinson took checks mailed to Strickland Trading Inc. by its customers and deposited the checks into his Strickland Trading Company, LLC, account for his personal use. He made false entries in the financial records of Strickland Trading Inc., prepared false financial statements and made other false representations to Strickland Trading Inc. corporate officers to conceal his embezzlement.
The FBI investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney George Martin prosecuted.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Collyer and Chelsea Rice honored at Director's Awards ceremonyRead the Press Release
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael L. Collyer and Chelsea Rice were one of 179 members of the Department of Justice recognized by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director Monty Wilkinson at the 33rd Director’s Awards Ceremony today in Washington D.C.
The Northern District of Ohio was one of 35 districts represented at the ceremony which was held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.
In his prepared remarks, Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein told the awardees: “These 179 award recipients embody the best of the Department of Justice…Today’s honorees have earned the esteem of their colleagues. But most importantly, you have earned the gratitude of your fellow citizens — whose communities you have made safer, whose lives you have improved, and whose trust you have rewarded. ”
Collyer and Rice were honored for their prosecution of Dr. Harold Persaud, a Westlake cardiologist currently serving 20 years in prison. Persaud was convicted following a jury trial of health care fraud for performing unnecessary catheterizations, tests, stent insertions and causing unnecessary coronary artery bypass surgeries as part of a scheme to overbill Medicare and other insurers by $29 million.
“Mike and Chelsea’s work in this case exemplifies the best of our office,” Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja said. “They worked tirelessly to not only to hold Dr. Persaud accountable for his crimes, but also to bring justice to his victims.”
EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.
Anderson Man Sentenced to 40 Months for Mail Theft ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Cornelius N. Mattress., age 43, of Anderson, was sentenced in federal court in Greenville for his leadership in a conspiracy to commit mail theft, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks of Charleston sentenced Mattress to 40 months in the Bureau of Prisons, ordered that he pay $10,544.41 in restitution, and imposed a three-year term of supervised release.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Mattress and his co-conspirators stole mail in and around Anderson County in an effort to obtain blank checks that are often sent to bank customers along with their statements. Once in possession of the checks, Mattress or a co-conspirator would open bank accounts, forge the checks, and deposit the checks into the accounts. Mattress would withdraw money from the accounts before the fraud was discovered. Mattress also recruited juveniles to cash checks and open accounts.
The case was investigated by agents of the Anderson Police Department and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office handled the case.
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Anchorage Man Sentenced to Five Years for Conspiring to Traffic Methamphetamine to Utqiaġvik (Formerly Barrow)Read the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that an Anchorage man was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison for conspiring to traffic methamphetamine from California to Alaska by mail, for further distribution in Utqiaġvik (formerly Barrow), Anchorage, and elsewhere within the State of Alaska.
Maurice Abad Malabed, aka “Moe,” 48, of Anchorage, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Gleason, to 5 years in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release. On
March 7, 2017, Malabed pled guilty to one count of drug conspiracy.
According to court documents filed in this case, on Nov. 29, 2016, Malabed contacted an individual about trafficking drugs to Utqiaġvik, who, unbeknownst to Malabed, was a North Slope Borough Police Department confidential source (CS). Thereafter, per Malabed’s request, the CS provided Malabed with $3,000 to obtain approximately four ounces of methamphetamine from Malabed’s supplier in California. On Dec. 7, 2016, Malabed gave the CS a United Parcel Service (UPS) tracking number for the package containing the drugs. Using the tracking number that Malabed provided, law enforcement agents seized the package at a UPS facility in Anchorage. The mailing label on the package indicated that it was shipped from California to co-defendant David Christensen’s address in Anchorage. Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for the package, which contained approximately 163.7 grams of methamphetamine, which is equivalent to roughly 1,637 hits or doses. The investigation revealed that Malabed recruited co-defendant David Christensen to receive and then help distribute the drugs.
At sentencing, Judge Gleason noted the seriousness of the offense, specifically that Malabed’s offense was “targeted” at smuggling methamphetamine to the small community of Utqiaġvik (formerly Barrow), where the impact of 163 grams of methamphetamine “is so much greater than [the same quantity] in a community the size of [Anchorage].”
Christensen is scheduled to be sentenced on July 26, 2017, at 1:30 P.M.
Acting U.S. Attorney Schroder commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Alaska State Troopers Statewide Drug Enforcement Unit, and the North Slope Borough Police Department who conducted the investigation, which led to the successful prosecution of this case.
15 June 2017
Williamsport Man Sentenced to 17 Years for Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Troy Brown, age 40, was sentenced on June 12, 2017 by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann to serve 17 years’ imprisonment for his leadership role in a large-scale heroin distribution network operating between Williamsport and Bloomsburg.
According to United States Attorney, Bruce D. Brandler, Brown was responsible for the distribution of between 700 and 1,000 grams of heroin, or between 28,000 and 40,000 individual doses of heroin. In sentencing Brown, Judge Brann considered his multiple prior convictions for drug distribution felonies, his possession of firearms during the commission of the offense, and his position as a manager of criminal activity involving five or more participants. Brown and 26 co-conspirators have been charged in connection with this drug trafficking organization.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is assigned to AUSA George Rocktashel for prosecution.
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Virginia Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Not Paying More Than $600,000 in Employment TaxesRead the Press Release
A former Hampton, Virginia business owner pleaded guilty today to failing to pay over employment taxes, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
According to documents filed with the court, John E. Manley, 71, owned and operated Manley’s Service Co. Inc. (MSC), a heating, ventilation and cooling maintenance business in the Hampton, Virginia area since 1971. As president of MSC, Manley exercised significant control over the firm’s financial affairs and had final decision-making authority regarding its business activities. Between 2010 and 2014, Manley failed to pay over to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) $611,564.83 in payroll taxes and, beginning in March 2012, he caused MSC to stop filing employment tax returns. Manley also filed personal income tax returns for 2010 through 2014 on which he falsely reported that MSC had withheld payroll taxes from his wages and paid the withholdings to the IRS. He caused MSC to stop timely filing corporate tax returns after 2010. Manley has admitted to causing a tax loss of more than $929,491.
Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 22. Manley faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison, a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg commended special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Robert J. Boudreau and David Zisserson of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
United States Seeks to Recover Approximately $540 Million Obtained from Corruption Involving Malaysian Sovereign Wealth FundRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – The Justice Department today filed civil forfeiture complaints seeking the forfeiture and recovery of approximately $540 million in assets associated with an international conspiracy to launder funds misappropriated from a Malaysian sovereign wealth fund.
Combined with civil forfeiture complaints filed in July 2016 that seek more than $1 billion, and civil forfeiture complaints filed last week that seek approximately $100 million in assets, this case represents the largest action brought under the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative. Assets now subject to forfeiture in this case total almost $1.7 billion.
The complaints filed today seek the forfeiture of Red Granite Pictures' interest in the movies “Dumb and Dumber To” and “Daddy’s Home,” a condominium in New York City worth nearly $5 million, diamond jewelry, artworks by Picasso and Basquiat, and a $260 million megayacht called The Equanimity.
According to the complaints, from 2009 through 2015, more than $4.5 billion in funds belonging to 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) was allegedly misappropriated by high-level officials of 1MDB and their associates. 1MDB was created by the government of Malaysia to promote economic development in Malaysia through global partnerships and foreign direct investment, and its funds were intended to be used for improving the well-being of the Malaysian people.
“These cases involve billions of dollars that should have been used to help the people of Malaysia, but instead was used by a small number of individuals to fuel their astonishing greed,” said Acting United States Attorney Sandra R. Brown. “The misappropriation of 1MDB funds was accomplished with an extravagant web of lies and bogus transactions that were brought to light by the dedicated attorneys and law enforcement agents who continue to work on this matter. We simply will not allow the United States to be a place where corrupt individuals can expect to hide assets and lavishly spend money that should be used for the benefit of citizens of other nations.”
“The Criminal Division is steadfast in our efforts to protect the security, safety, and integrity of the American financial system from all manner of abuse, including by kleptocrats seeking to hide their ill-gotten or stolen wealth,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco. “Today’s complaints reveal another chapter of this multi-year, multi-billion-dollar fraud scheme, bringing the total identified stolen proceeds to $4.5 billion. This money financed the lavish lifestyles of the alleged co-conspirators at the expense and detriment of the Malaysian people. We are unwavering in our commitment to ensure the United States is not a safe haven for corrupt individuals and kleptocrats to hide their ill-gotten wealth or money, and that recovered assets be returned to the victims from which they were taken.”
As alleged in the complaints, the members of the conspiracy – which included officials at 1MDB, their relatives and other associates – diverted more than $4.5 billion in 1MDB funds. Using fraudulent documents and representations, the co-conspirators allegedly laundered the funds through a series of complex transactions and shell companies with bank accounts located in the United States and abroad. These transactions allegedly served to conceal the origin, source and ownership of the funds, and ultimately passed through U.S. financial institutions to then be used to acquire and invest in assets located in the United States and overseas.
The complaints filed today allege that in 2014, the co-conspirators misappropriated approximately $850 million in 1MDB funds under the guise of repurchasing certain options that had been given in connection with a guarantee of 2012 bonds. As the complaints allege, 1MDB had borrowed a total of $1.225 billion from a syndicate of banks to fund the buy-back of the options. The complaints allege that approximately $850 million was instead diverted to several offshore shell entities. From there, the complaints allege, the funds stolen in 2014, in addition to money stolen in prior years, were used, among other things, to purchase the 300-foot luxury yacht valued at over $260 million, certain movie rights, high-end properties, tens of millions of dollars of jewelry and artwork. A portion of the diverted loan proceeds were also allegedly used in an elaborate, Ponzi-like scheme to create the false appearance that an earlier 1MDB investment had been profitable.
“Today’s filing serves as a reminder of the important role that the FBI plays in rooting out international corruption. When corrupt foreign officials launder funds through the United States in furtherance of their criminal activity, the FBI works tirelessly to help hold those officials accountable, and recover the misappropriated funds,” said Assistant Director Stephen E. Richardson of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “I applaud all my colleagues and our international partners who have worked to help recover an immense amount of funds taken from the Malaysian people, who are the victims of this abhorrent case of kleptocracy.”
“Today’s announcement is the result of untangling a global labyrinth of multi-layered financial transactions allegedly used to divert billions of dollars from the people of Malaysia and fund the co-conspirators’ lavish lifestyles,” said Deputy Chief Don Fort of IRS Criminal Investigation. “The IRS is proud to partner with other law enforcement agencies and share its world-renowned financial investigative expertise in this complex financial investigation. It’s important for the world to see, that when people use the American financial system for corruption, the IRS will take notice.”
As alleged in the earlier complaints, in 2009, 1MDB officials and their associates embezzled approximately $1 billion that was supposed to be invested to exploit energy concessions purportedly owned by a foreign partner. Instead, the funds allegedly were transferred through shell companies and were used to acquire a number of assets. The complaints also allege that the co-conspirators misappropriated close to $1.4 billion in funds raised through the bond offerings in 2012, and more than $1.2 billion following another bond offering in 2013.
The FBI’s International Corruption Squads in New York City and Los Angeles, and IRS Criminal Investigation are investigating the case.
Assistant United States Attorneys John Kucera and Christen Sproule of the Asset Forfeiture Section, along with Deputy Chief Woo S. Lee and Trial Attorneys Kyle R. Freeny and Jonathan Baum of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, are prosecuting the case. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs is providing substantial assistance.
The Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative is led by a team of dedicated prosecutors in the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, in partnership with federal law enforcement agencies and U.S. Attorney’s Offices, to forfeit the proceeds of foreign official corruption and, where appropriate, to use those recovered asset to benefit the people harmed by these acts of corruption and abuse of office. In 2015, the FBI formed International Corruption Squads across the country to address national and international implications of foreign corruption. Individuals with information about possible proceeds of foreign corruption located in or laundered through the United States should contact federal law enforcement or send an email to [email protected] or https://tips.fbi.gov/.
A civil forfeiture complaint is merely an allegation that money or property was involved in or represents the proceeds of a crime. These allegations are not proven until a court awards judgment in favor of the United States.
United States Files Complaint to Forfeit More Than $1.9 Million from China-Based Company Accused of Acting as a Front for Sanctioned North Korean BankRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - The United States has filed a complaint to civilly forfeit $1,902,976 from Mingzheng International Trading Limited (Mingzheng), a company based in Shenyang, China. The complaint alleges that Mingzheng is a front company that was created to launder United States dollars on behalf of sanctioned North Korean entities.
According to the complaint, Mingzheng conspired to evade U.S. economic sanctions by facilitating prohibited U.S. dollar transactions through the United States on behalf of the Foreign Trade Bank, a sanctioned entity in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) and to launder the proceeds of that conduct through U.S. financial institutions.
The forfeiture action was announced today by U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips and Michael DeLeon, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office.
The action represents one of the largest seizures of North Korean funds by the Department of Justice.
“This complaint alleges that parties in China established and used a front company to surreptitiously move North Korean money through the United States and violated the sanctions imposed by our government on North Korea,” said U.S. Attorney Phillips. “Sanctions laws are critical to our national security and foreign policy interests, and this case demonstrates that we will seek significant remedies for those companies that violate them.”
“The FBI has dedicated substantial resources to investigate complex illegal monetary transactions involving foreign adversaries. This specific case has significant national security implications,” said Special Agent in Charge DeLeon. “The men and women of the FBI's Phoenix Field Division worked diligently to identify the illegal transactions. We hope this sends a strong message to those who utilize US banking systems for illegal activities.”
The complaint was filed on June 14, 2017, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. According to the complaint, Mingzheng is owned by a Chinese national and is based in Shenyang, China. Mingzheng allegedly operated as a front company for a foreign-based branch of the North Korea-based Foreign Trade Bank (FTB). In March 2013, the U.S. Treasury Department designated the Foreign Trade Bank as a sanctioned entity pursuant to the Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferators Sanctions Regulations. The designation noted that the Foreign Trade Bank is a state-owned bank, and “acts as North Korea’s primary foreign exchange bank.” The designation further noted that North Korea uses the Foreign Trade Bank to facilitate millions of dollars in transactions on behalf of actors linked to its proliferation network.
The United Nations Panel of Experts reported in 2017 as to how North Korean banks have been able to evade sanctions and continue to access the international banking system. Specifically, despite strengthened financial sanctions, North Korean networks are adapting by using greater ingenuity in accessing formal banking channels. This includes maintaining correspondent bank accounts and representative offices abroad, which are staffed by foreign nationals making use of front companies. These broad interwoven networks allow the North Korean banks to conduct illicit procurement and banking activity.
An FBI investigation revealed that Mingzheng’s alleged activities mirror this money laundering paradigm. Specifically, Mingzheng acts a front company for a covert Chinese branch of the Foreign Trade Bank. This branch is operated by a Chinese national who has historically been tied to the Foreign Trade Bank.
The government is seeking to forfeit $1,902,976 that was transacted in October and November of 2015 by Mingzheng, via wire transfers, using their Chinese bank accounts. These U.S. dollar payments, which cleared through the United States, are alleged to violate U.S. law, because Mingzheng was surreptitiously making them on behalf of the Foreign Trade Bank, whose designation precluded such U.S. dollar transactions.
The claims made in the complaint are only allegations and do not constitute a determination of liability.
The FBI’s Phoenix Field Office is investigating the case. Assistant U.S Attorneys Arvind K. Lal, Zia M. Faruqui, Christopher B. Brown, Deborah Curtis and Brian P. Hudak are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Toni Anne Donato.
Undocumented Alien Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison for Assaulting a Federal Deportation OfficerRead the Press Release
In Austin today, a federal judge sentenced 23-year-old Mexican National Hugo Baltazar-Ramirez to 18 months in federal prison for assault on a federal deportation officer in Austin in February announced United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr., and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division.
On March 29, 2017, Baltazar-Ramirez pleaded guilty to the charge. By pleading guilty, Baltazar-Ramirez admitted that on February 10, 2017, he forcibly assaulted a federal officer and employee of the United States who was engaged in the performance of his official duties. As a result of the intentional assault by the defendant, the federal deportation officer suffered bodily injury.
Baltazar-Ramirez has remained in federal custody since his arrest on February 10, 2017.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted this investigation.
U.S. Seeks to Recover Approximately $540 Million Obtained from Corruption Involving Malaysian Sovereign Wealth FundRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today the filing of civil forfeiture complaints seeking the forfeiture and recovery of approximately $540 million in assets associated with an international conspiracy to launder funds misappropriated from a Malaysian sovereign wealth fund. Combined with civil forfeiture complaints filed in July 2016, seeking more than $1 billion, and civil forfeiture complaints filed last week seeking approximately $100 million in assets, this case represents the largest action brought under the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative. Assets now subject to forfeiture in this case total almost $1.7 billion.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco, Acting U.S. Attorney Sandra R. Brown of the Central District of California, Assistant Director Stephen E. Richardson of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, and Deputy Chief Don Fort of the IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) made the announcement.
According to the complaints, from 2009 through 2015, more than $4.5 billion in funds belonging to 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) was allegedly misappropriated by high-level officials of 1MDB and their associates. 1MDB was created by the government of Malaysia to promote economic development in Malaysia through global partnerships and foreign direct investment, and its funds were intended to be used for improving the well-being of the Malaysian people.
“The Criminal Division is steadfast in our efforts to protect the security, safety, and integrity of the American financial system from all manner of abuse, including by kleptocrats seeking to hide their ill-gotten or stolen wealth,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Blanco. “Today’s complaints reveal another chapter of this multi-year, multi-billion-dollar fraud scheme, bringing the total identified stolen proceeds to $4.5 billion. This money financed the lavish lifestyles of the alleged co-conspirators at the expense and detriment of the Malaysian people. We are unwavering in our commitment to ensure the United States is not a safe haven for corrupt individuals and kleptocrats to hide their ill-gotten wealth or money, and that recovered assets be returned to the victims from which they were taken.”
“These cases involve billions of dollars that should have been used to help the people of Malaysia, but instead was used by a small number of individuals to fuel their astonishing greed,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brown. “The misappropriation of 1MDB funds was accomplished with an extravagant web of lies and bogus transactions that were brought to light by the dedicated attorneys and law enforcement agents who continue to work on this matter. We simply will not allow the United States to be a place where corrupt individuals can expect to hide assets and lavishly spend money that should be used for the benefit of citizens of other nations.”
“Today’s filing serves as a reminder of the important role that the FBI plays in rooting out international corruption. When corrupt foreign officials launder funds through the United States in furtherance of their criminal activity, the FBI works tirelessly to help hold those officials accountable, and recover the misappropriated funds,” said Assistant Director Richardson. “I applaud all my colleagues and our international partners who have worked to help recover an immense amount of funds taken from the Malaysian people, who are the victims of this abhorrent case of kleptocracy.”
“Today’s announcement is the result of untangling a global labyrinth of multi-layered financial transactions allegedly used to divert billions of dollars from the people of Malaysia and fund the co-conspirators’ lavish lifestyles,” said Deputy Chief Fort. “The IRS is proud to partner with other law enforcement agencies and share its world-renowned financial investigative expertise in this complex financial investigation. It’s important for the world to see, that when people use the American financial system for corruption, the IRS will take notice.”
As alleged in the complaints, the members of the conspiracy – which included officials at 1MDB, their relatives and other associates – diverted more than $4.5 billion in 1MDB funds. Using fraudulent documents and representations, the co-conspirators allegedly laundered the funds through a series of complex transactions and shell companies with bank accounts located in the U.S. and abroad. These transactions allegedly served to conceal the origin, source and ownership of the funds, and ultimately passed through U.S. financial institutions to then be used to acquire and invest in assets located in the U.S. and overseas.
The complaints filed today allege that in 2014, the co-conspirators misappropriated approximately $850 million in 1MDB funds under the guise of repurchasing certain options that had been given in connection with a guarantee of 2012 bonds. As the complaints allege, 1MDB had borrowed a total of $1.225 billion from a syndicate of banks to fund the buy-back of the options. The complaints allege that approximately $850 million was instead diverted to several offshore shell entities. From there, the complaints allege, the funds stolen in 2014, in addition to money stolen in prior years, were used, among other things, to purchase a 300 foot luxury yacht valued at over $260 million, certain movie rights, high-end properties, tens of millions of dollars of jewelry, and artwork. A portion of the diverted loan proceeds were also allegedly used in an elaborate, Ponzi-like scheme to create the false appearance that an earlier 1MDB investment had been profitable.
As alleged in the earlier complaints, in 2009, 1MDB officials and their associates embezzled approximately $1 billion that was supposed to be invested to exploit energy concessions purportedly owned by a foreign partner. Instead, the funds were transferred through shell companies and were used to acquire a number of assets, as set forth in the complaints. The complaints also allege that the co-conspirators misappropriated close to $1.4 billion in funds raised through the bond offerings in 2012, and more than $1.2 billion following another bond offering in 2013.
The FBI’s International Corruption Squads in New York City and Los Angeles, and the IRS-CI are investigating the case. Deputy Chief Woo S. Lee and Trial Attorneys Kyle R. Freeny and Jonathan Baum of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Kucera and Christen Sproule of the Central District of California are prosecuting the case. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs is providing substantial assistance.
The Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative is led by a team of dedicated prosecutors in the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, in partnership with federal law enforcement agencies, and often with U.S. Attorney’s Offices, to forfeit the proceeds of foreign official corruption and, where appropriate, to use those recovered asset to benefit the people harmed by these acts of corruption and abuse of office. In 2015, the FBI formed International Corruption Squads across the country to address national and international implications of foreign corruption. Individuals with information about possible proceeds of foreign corruption located in or laundered through the U.S. should contact federal law enforcement or send an email to [email protected] (link sends e-mail) or https://tips.fbi.gov/.
A civil forfeiture complaint is merely an allegation that money or property was involved in or represents the proceeds of a crime. These allegations are not proven until a court awards judgment in favor of the U.S.
Two Men Convicted of Staging Car Accidents in Eastern Connecticut as Part of Insurance Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a federal jury in New Haven has found MACKENZY NOZE, 32, and JONAS JOSEPH, 33, also known as “James,” both residents of Norwich, guilty of fraud and conspiracy offenses related to their staging of car accidents for the purpose of defrauding automobile insurance companies. The trial before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer began on June 5 and the jury returned verdicts of guilty on all counts on the indictment this afternoon.
According to the evidence presented during the trial, between April 2011 and February 2014, NOZE, JOSEPH, and others conspired to stage approximately 50 car crashes in eastern Connecticut for the purpose of defrauding automobile insurance companies and enriching themselves. A high percentage of these planned crashes were single-vehicle accidents on remote roads where there were no witnesses other than the occupants of the crashed vehicle. After each staged accident, the defendants filed fraudulent property damage and bodily injury claims with various automobile insurance companies. They then collected payouts on the fraudulent claims from the victim insurance companies. These payouts typically ranged from approximately $10,000 to $30,000 per accident.
The jury found NOZE and JOSEPH guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, NOZE guilty of eight counts of mail or wire fraud, and JOSEPH guilty of five counts of mail or wire fraud. The charges carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count. NOZE is scheduled to be sentenced on September 1 and JOSEPH is scheduled to be sentenced on September 5.
After the verdict, Judge Meyer ordered NOZE, who is a citizen of Haiti and lawful permanent residence of the U.S., detained pending sentencing.
JOSEPH is released on a $10,000 bond.
Five other individuals charged as a result of this investigation have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Norwich Police Department, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Avi Perry and Michael J. Gustafson.
Two Houston Residents Arrested in Identity Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A Houston man and woman have been charged in connection with a scheme that used stolen identifying information to file false tax returns and unemployment insurance claims, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.
A grand jury returned a sealed indictment against Trenecia Moore, 33, and Michael Muniz, 27, yesterday. They were taken into custody this morning, at which time the indictment was unsealed. They are expected to make their initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy Johnson at 2:00 p.m. today.
The indictment alleges Moore and another individual filed false tax claims and unemployment insurance claims with identifying information of others. They then allegedly loaded the funds from those false claims onto debit cards and had them delivered to false addresses. According to the indictment, Muniz assisted them in retrieving the cards and withdrawing the funds.
Moore and Muniz are both charged with conspiracy to commit access device fraud and face up to five years in federal prison. Moore is also charged with two additional counts of aggravated identity theft which carries a mandatory and consecutive 24-month prison sentence. The charges also carry the possibility of up to a $250,000 fine.
The Department of Labor – Office of the Inspector General, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations and Texas Workforce Commission conducted the investigation with the assistance of the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Leuchtmann is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Two Albuquerque Women Plead Guilty to Aggravated Identity Theft ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Amelia Cordova, 34, and Bridget Jessica Sanchez, 35, both of Albuquerque, N.M., pled guilty today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to aggravated identity theft charges.
Cordova, Sanchez and their co-defendant Kenneth Webb, 50, also of Albuquerque, were charged in a five-count indictment filed on Oct. 25, 2016, with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and receipt of stolen mail. The indictment was superseded on April 26, 2017, and charged the three defendants with participating in a conspiracy to commit bank fraud from Jan. 2015 through Feb. 2016. The superseding indictment also charged each of the three defendants with committing aggravated identity theft on the following dates: Cordova on Feb. 13, 2016; Sanchez on Jan. 19, 2015; and Webb on June 2, 2015. It also charged Cordova and Sanchez with theft or receipt of stolen mail on July 20, 2015. According to the superseding indictment, the defendants committed the crimes in Bernalillo County, N.M.
During today’s proceedings, Cordova and Sanchez each pled guilty to an aggravated identity theft charge under plea agreements with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. In their plea agreements, Cordova and Sanchez admitted that they conspired to defraud financial institutions, including First Financial Credit Union, Kirtland Federal Credit Union, Sandia Laboratory Federal Credit Union, Bank of America and Bank of the West. They also admitted that in furtherance of that conspiracy, they possessed mail and other information, including bank account, debit card and credit card numbers belonging to others, that had been stolen from a post office, mail receptacle, or mail carrier. Cordova and Sanchez admitted using the numbers for the bank accounts, credit cards and debit cards to make purchases, and forging signatures of others in making those purchases. Cordova and Sanchez also admitted using bank account numbers and bank routing numbers contained in the stolen mail to make counterfeit personal checks, which they used to make purchases.
In entering her guilty plea, Cordova admitted that between Feb. 13 and 21, 2016, she used credit card number information from two different people to commit bank fraud.
In entering her guilty plea, Sanchez admitted that on Jan. 19, 2015 and between June 15 and 24, 2015, she used bank account information belonging to another person to commit bank fraud. Sanchez also admitted using credit card number information of another person on Feb. 10, 20, and 21, 2016.
At sentencing, Cordova and Sanchez each face a mandatory penalty of two years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 each. Sentencing hearings have yet to be scheduled.
Webb has entered a not guilty plea to the charges against him. Charges in indictments are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated the U.S. Postal Service and the Albuquerque Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney George C. Kraehe.
Twelve Charged with Selling Drugs in and Around Orchard Gardens Housing Development in BostonRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Twelve men, eleven of whom are alleged members or associates of the Orchard Park Trailblazers and Vine/Forest Street gangs, were charged with selling crack cocaine in and around Roxbury’s Orchard Gardens Housing Development.
This morning, federal, state and local law enforcement arrested eight of the 12 defendants charged with distribution of cocaine base, a/k/a crack cocaine, within 1,000 feet of a school. The following individuals were charged today:
1. Dominique Dozier, 31, of Boston;
2. Tyree Draughn, a/k/a “Ty,” 25, of Boston, alleged member of Orchard Park Trailblazers;
3. Daiquan Lucas, a/k/a “Sav Montana,” 24, of Boston, alleged member of Vine/Forest Street;
4. Jeremiah Mines, a/k/a “Germ Gee,” “Jerm,” 24, of Boston, alleged member of Orchard Park Trailblazers;
5. Andre Parham-Rankin, a/k/a “Chuck,” 21, of Boston, alleged member of Orchard Park Trailblazers;
6. Lyndon Scott, a/k/a “L-Dot,” “L-Scott,” “Skizzy,” 27, of Brockton, alleged member of Orchard Park Trailblazers;
7. Keon Smith, 38, of Boston, alleged member of Orchard Park Trailblazers; and
8. Kevin Woods, 26, of Boston, alleged member of Vine/Forest Street.The following charged individuals are fugitives:
1. Raymond Gaines, a/k/a “Hops,” 38, of Brockton, alleged member of Orchard Park Trailblazers;
2. Jaylin Hawkins, a/k/a “Rocko,” “Jay-Roc,” “Lil Bro,” 23, of Boston, alleged member of Orchard Park Trailblazers.
In addition, Raul Williams, a/k/a “Boobie,” 26, of Boston, an alleged member of Orchard Park Trailblazers, was previously charged by the state.
Jose Quinones, a/k/a “Julio,” 24, also an alleged member of Orchard Park Trailblazers, was previously charged with being an alien in possession of a firearm and distribution of cocaine base and has been deported to the Dominican Republic.
During an earlier phase of the investigation, Diamond Brito was charged with gun and drug offenses and sentenced to eight years in prison. Brito, an identified member of the Orchard Park Trailblazers, sold investigators 12 guns and over 35 grams of crack cocaine in 13 separate transactions.
The charges are the result of a nearly two-year investigation into the high concentration of crime in and around the Orchard Park Development, the largest publically funded development in Roxbury which is also adjacent to Orchard Gardens K-8 Pilot School. The crime stems, in part, from the illegal activities of the members and associates of the Orchard Park Trailblazers who allegedly have active feuds with rival gangs throughout the city, contributing to the area’s violence. Eleven of the 12 defendants are alleged members or associates of the Orchard Park Trailblazers or Vine/Forest Street, another area gang. Between October 2015 and May 2017, three cooperating witnesses made 34 controlled drug purchases from the defendants in or around the Development.
According to Boston Police records, 10 of the defendants have been shot or stabbed, some more than once. It is alleged in court documents that the residents of the Development often express concerns to law enforcement about the violence in the area and the gang members who contribute to an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.
The charge of distribution of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school provides for a sentence of no greater than 40 years in prison, a minimum of six years and no more than a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of $2 million. 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; Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner William Evans made the announcement today. Assistance with today’s arrests was also provided by the Massachusetts State Police.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Statement by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein on Anonymous AllegationsRead the Press Release
Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein today issued the following statement:
“Americans should exercise caution before accepting as true any stories attributed to anonymous ‘officials,’ particularly when they do not identify the country – let alone the branch or agency of government – with which the alleged sources supposedly are affiliated. Americans should be skeptical about anonymous allegations. The Department of Justice has a long-established policy to neither confirm nor deny such allegations.”
St. Louis Man Indicted on Wire Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – David E. Schultz, 50, of Saint Louis County, Missouri, was indicted on two counts of wire fraud. According to the Indictment, Schultz induced victims into giving him or his son money or merchandise in exchange for services he claimed capable of providing or on the promise that he would repay the money to individuals after he received a financial settlement or was able to access money in off shore accounts. According to the Indictment, it was part of Schultz’s scheme to defraud that Schultz found victims that had criminal histories and made false promises and false representations to them about his connections with area law firms, judges, attorneys, companies, etc. to lure victims into providing him money for his assistance with their precarious situations.
An example, according to the Indictment, was that David Schultz developed a relationship with victim R.R. Victim R.R. was a St. Louis pharmacist whose pharmacology license was suspended for two years. David Schultz falsely represented to Victim R.R. that he was a non-practicing attorney who worked closely with a Saint Louis area attorney. Schultz told R.R. that in exchange for payments, he would be able to obtain a “Letter of Exoneration” from the Missouri Board of Pharmacy and broker a lucrative lab-testing contract with the Missouri Department of Corrections. Victim R.R. paid David Schultz for services which were never provided.
Another example, according to the Indictment, was that David Schultz developed a relationship with Victim D.G. Victim D.G. was convicted of health care fraud in the Eastern District of Missouri. David Schultz represented to Victim D.G. that he would have his conviction “expunged” and falsely represented that he was in close contact with the Federal District Court Judge who sentenced Victim D.G. Victim D.G. paid David Schultz for services which were never provided.
Another example, according to the Indictment, was that David Schultz developed a relationship with Victim R.J.. Victim R.J. was a former cardiologist convicted of health care fraud in the Eastern District of Missouri. David Schultz falsely represented to Victim R.J. that he was working with attorneys to reinstate Victim R.J.’s medical license. David Schultz falsely represented to Victim R.J. that in exchange for payments, he would pay his personal attorney to secure “immunity” for Victim R.J. Additionally, David Schultz represented that he would pay attorneys to testify for R.J. during the medical license reinstate process; hire private investigators; make court-ordered restitution payments on R.J.’s behalf. Victim R.J. paid David Schultz for services which were never provided.
If convicted, Schultz faces up to 20 years imprisonment on each of two counts of wire fraud, a $250,000 fine or both. Restitution for the victims will also be sought.
The case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Dianna Collins is prosecuting the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office
As is always the case, charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Spring Hill Woman Pleads Guilty to Embezzling from EmployerRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that Rebecca Smith (46, Spring Hill) today pleaded guilty to mail fraud. She faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, Smith worked as a purchasing agent in the Pasco County office of Waste Management, Inc., a Houston-based company that provides waste disposal and environmental services across the country. Between October 2015 and September 2016, Smith placed dozens of unauthorized purchase orders with corporate vendors for a wide array of products, ranging from industrial equipment to big-screen televisions. When the vendors sent invoices for these purchases, Smith intercepted them, forged her supervisor's initials to mark their approval, and submitted them for payment. Smith had the items shipped to either her residence or her office, in which case she would take them home. Although the company was ultimately able to recoup some of its losses by returning of some of the merchandise, it ultimately lost over $91,000 as a result of Smith's scheme.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Pasco County Sheriff's Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric K. Gerard.
Sentencings for June 8 - June 13, 2017Read the Press Release
Russell Leroy Tanner, 65, of Rock Springs, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal, on June 13, 2017, for possession of child pornography. Tanner was arrested in Sweetwater County, Wyoming. He received 97 months of imprisonment, to be followed by ten years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $5,000.00 Justice for Victims of Trafficking Crimes assessment, $15,000.00 in restitution, a $100.00 special assessment and a $400.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations.
Jonathan Peter Roybal, 36, of Rock Springs, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal, on June 13, 2017, for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Roybal received 84 months of imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and $250.00 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Zachary Richard Fuhrer, 33, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal, on June 13, 2017, for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Fuhrer received 46 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Kenneth Eugene Spraker, 49, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal, on June 13, 2017, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Spraker received 60 months of imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $200.00 special assessment and $250.00 in restitution. This case results from an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) joint investigation conducted by the Laramie Police Department, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Colton Gerald Musgrave, 26, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on June 8, 2017, for carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime and for possession with intent to distribute over 50 grams of pure methamphetamine. Musgrave was arrested in Sweetwater County, Wyoming. He received 120 months of imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $200.00 special assessment and $400.00 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Rock Springs Police Department/Street Crimes Unit, the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Schenectady Man Pleads Guilty to Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Dujuan Pleasant, age 35, of Schenectady, New York, pled guilty today to distributing crack cocaine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, New York Division, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
As part of his plea, Pleasant admitted that he distributed more than 100 grams of crack cocaine to another person in 2016. While executing a search warrant at Pleasant’s home, DEA found an Arminius .22. caliber revolver, a Kel-Tec .32 caliber semi-automatic handgun, 33 rounds of ammunition, several digital scales, as well as cocaine and MDMA (commonly marketed as ecstasy). Pleasant admitted that he kept both firearms in his residence to protect his drugs and drug money.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 13, 2017 in Albany, before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino. Pleasant faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 4 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case was investigated by the DEA and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne A. Myers.
Schenectady Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Preston James, age 39, of Schenectady, New York, pled guilty today to distributing crack cocaine.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, New York Division, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
As part of his guilty plea, James admitted that in April 2015, he sold crack cocaine four times in the Schenectady area. During one sale he sold over 28 grams. James was previously convicted of felony drug offenses in Rockland County (2009) and Kings County (2006).
James, who is in custody, faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison, as well as a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 8 years and up to life, when he is sentenced on October 13, 2017 by United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case was investigated by the DEA and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Solomon B. Shinerock.
San Diego Man Pleads Guilty to Sending Methamphetamine Through the MailRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A San Diego man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to distributing more than 30 packages of methamphetamine through the mail.
Leonard Leseman, 58, pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Court Judge Leo S. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for Sept. 14, 2017.
From approximately 2011 through October 2013, Leseman supplied methamphetamine to co-defendant Robert Annette, sending packages from San Diego to Annette’s residences in Somerville and Provincetown. In 2012, a Postal Inspector, conducting a routine drug interdiction, located a suspicious package sent by Leseman addressed to a fictitious name at Annette’s Somerville residence. When the Inspector attempted to deliver the package, Annette refused receipt. From then on, Annette arranged for a network of friends to receive the packages. In total, Leseman mailed more than 30 packages containing methamphetamine to various addresses provided by Annette. During the investigation, packages containing methamphetamine that Leseman sent to customers in Washington, D.C., and Carnegie, Penn., were seized.
Leseman and Annette communicated via text message to discuss the logistics for orders, shipments and payments. For example, regarding a package that Leseman sent Annette, Leseman advised him: “You’ll see 3 blind mice eating ice cream.” After Leseman mailed the package from San Diego, Postal Inspectors in Massachusetts seized the package and opened it pursuant to a search warrant. Inside the package were three toy mice and an ice cream maker with four ounces of methamphetamine hidden inside.
Annette and three other individuals, Steven Marszalkowski of Provincetown; Lawrence Ligocki, of Chelsea; and Scott Hill, of Somerville, previously pleaded guilty to various charges in connection with this investigation. Scott Hill was sentenced on April 12, 2017, to 42 months in prison.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Shelly Binkowski, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Field Division; and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James E. Arnold and Craig E. Estes of Weinreb’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case.
Sacramento Man Sentenced to over 7 Years in Prison for Mortgage Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley sentenced Sergey Shchirskiy, 41, of Sacramento, to seven years and 10 months in prison for his participation in two mortgage fraud schemes and one tax fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, Shchirskiy pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud in each of the two mortgage fraud cases, as well as one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and one count of aggravated identity theft in the third tax fraud case.
According to the plea agreement, Shchirskiy was a loan processor in one mortgage fraud scheme (2:11-cr-514). Between April 2007 and November 2007, the co-conspirators used straw buyers to buy properties and then take out Home Equity Lines of Credit on the houses using fraudulent documents and statements. Shchirskiy helped to create the fraudulent supporting documents. All of the properties were foreclosed on, resulting in at least $1.5 million in losses to lenders.
According to the plea agreement in the second mortgage fraud scheme (2:12-cr-060), in April 2007, Shchirskiy recruited straw buyers to purchase a houses based on fraudulent loan applications. The applications gave false information about the buyer’s employment, income, assets, and intention to occupy the properties. The properties were foreclosed upon and resulted in a loss of more than $1.2 million to lenders.
According to the plea agreement in the tax fraud scheme (2:14-cr-198), between March 2011 and April 2011, Shchirskiy conspired with others to obtain false tax refunds by submitting fraudulent claims using the identities of various individuals, at least eight of which were stolen. Shchirskiy claimed Earned Income Tax Credit based on false claims of employment from California’s In-Home Supportive Services program. Shchirskiy and his co-conspirators made approximately 80 attempts to file fraudulent tax returns, attempting to receive $661,286 in fraudulent returns from the Internal Revenue Service. The IRS ultimately issued approximately $88,728 in fraudulent refunds.
These cases were the product of investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heiko Coppola and Michele Beckwith prosecuted the cases.
Registered Nurse Formerly Employed by Hospice Care Provider Pleads Guilty to Federal Prescription Opioid Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Desiree Ulibarri, 31, of Albuquerque, N.M., pled guilty today in federal court to federal prescription opioid conspiracy charges under a plea agreement that recommends that she be sentenced to a term of imprisonment not to exceed 57 months followed by a term of supervised release to be determined by the court. At the time Ulibarri committed the crimes to which she pleaded guilty, she was a registered nurse employed by an Albuquerque-area hospice care provider. The guilty plea was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney James D. Tierney and Special Agent in Charge Will R. Glaspy of DEA’s El Paso Division.
In announcing the guilty plea, Acting U.S. Attorney Tierney said, “New Mexicans deserve competent health care from medical professionals whose sole focus is the best interest of their patients, not from drug traffickers who abuse their medical licenses to capitalize on their patients’ healthcare needs. Today’s guilty plea sends a message of deterrence to healthcare providers seeking to abuse their medical licenses for anything other than providing competent and professional medical care to their patients.”
“This investigation has shown the unfortunate reality that anyone – even those in well-paying, professional positions – can become involved in criminal activity,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Glaspy. “And this guilty plea demonstrates that those who take that step will be held accountable.”
Ulibarri and co-defendant Annabel Debari, 36, also of Albuquerque, were charged in August 2016, in a two-count indictment with conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, and conspiracy to acquire and obtain oxycodone by fraud and deceit. According to the indictment, the two women committed the crimes in Bernalillo County, N.M., between April 2016 and July 2016.
The investigation of this case began on July 21, 2016, after Ulibarri’s employer, a hospice care provider, contacted DEA to report suspicions that Ulibarri was engaged in prescription pill diversion. The employer became suspicious because Ulibarri was documenting patients’ prescriptions in a way that made it difficult to reconcile the medications and because Ulibarri was picking up patients’ prescription pills at Federal Express instead of having the medication delivered to the patients.
On July 22, 2016, DEA agents seized 80 10-mg oxycodone pills from Ulibarri, which she obtained from packages she retrieved from Federal Express. When DEA agents conducted a consensual search of Ulibarri’s cellular phone, they allegedly found evidence that Ulibarri had been conspiring with a co-worker, who is also a registered nurse, to illegally distribute prescription pills since April 2016. Additionally, a review of records of missing packages revealed that at least 3,870 pills, an aggregate of 42,150 mgs of oxycodone, had been diverted during the course of the conspiracy.
During today’s proceedings, Ulibarri pled guilty to the indictment. In her plea agreement, Ulibarri admitted that she was a registered nurse in March 2016, when she was hired by a hospice care provider, and in April 2016, she began to abuse her position to divert prescription medications from their intended recipients. She acknowledged that she recommended oxycodone prescriptions for patients who did not need oxycodone with the intention of selling the pills to others. Ulibarri admitted arranging for a courier service to hold packages of oxycodone intended for patients for pickup instead of delivering the medication to the patients, and picking up the medication herself so she could divert the oxycodone for distribution and her own personal use. Ulibarri also admitted recommending that her employer hire Debari, who was also a registered nurse, so that Debari could assist her in diverting and distributing oxycodone pills in New Mexico.
Debari entered a guilty plea to similar charges on Dec. 9, 2016. In entering her guilty plea, Debari admitted that she personally diverted at least 750 10-milligram oxycodone pills in furtherance of Ulibarri’s diversion scheme. As part of that scheme, on June 7, 2016, Ulibarri called the courier service and pretended to be the intended recipient of the oxycodone pills, and requested that the courier service release the medication to Debari. Debari also admitted that on July 18, 2016, she helped Ulibarri conceal their diversion scheme from their employer by arranging for another person to call their employer and falsely claim to be an employee of the courier service who was reporting that the oxycodone pills had gone missing.
Debari faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Sentencing hearings for Debari and Ulibarri have yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Tactical Diversion Squad of the DEA in Albuquerque. DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squads combine DEA resources with those of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in an innovative effort to investigate, disrupt and dismantle those suspected of violating the Controlled Substances Act or other appropriate federal, state or local statutes pertaining to the diversion of licit pharmaceutical controlled substances or listed chemicals.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander M. Uballez and Kristopher N. Houghton are prosecuting the case pursuant to the New Mexico Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Education (HOPE) Initiative. The HOPE Initiative was launched in January 2015 by the UNM Health Sciences Center and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in response to the national opioid epidemic, which has had a disproportionately devastating impact on New Mexico. Opioid addiction has taken a toll on public safety, public health and the economic viability of our communities. Working in partnership with the DEA, the Bernalillo County Opioid Accountability Initiative, Healing Addiction in our Community (HAC), the Albuquerque Public Schools and other community stakeholders, HOPE’s principal goals are to protect our communities from the dangers associated with heroin and opioid painkillers and reducing the number of opioid-related deaths in New Mexico.
The HOPE Initiative is comprised of five components: (1) prevention and education; (2) treatment; (3) law enforcement; (4) reentry; and (5) strategic planning. HOPE’s law enforcement component is led by the Organized Crime Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the DEA in conjunction with their federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners. Targeting members of major heroin and opioid trafficking organizations for investigation and prosecution is a priority of the HOPE Initiative. Learn more about the New Mexico HOPE Initiative at http://www.HopeInitiativeNM.org.
Polk County Woman Pleads Guilty for Role in Murder CaseRead the Press Release
FARGO - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on June 15, 2017, Lorie Ortiz, 32, Crookston, Minn., pled guilty before US District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to a Superseding Indictment charging her with Accessory After the Fact to Murder.
This case came to the attention of law enforcement following the shooting death of Austin Forsman at the Flying J truck stop located in Grand Forks, ND, on March 11, 2016. The murder investigation quickly resulted in the unravelling of a large methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy operating in the Red River Valley, and resulted in thirteen (13) individuals being charged in Federal Court. At the plea hearing, Ortiz admitted that, following the murder, she was involved in destroying or attempting to destroy evidence, namely cell phones, in an effort to assist the participants in the murder from being caught by authorities.
Judge Erickson has set sentencing for Sept. 8, 2017, at the US District Court, Fargo.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security - Homeland
Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Grand Forks Narcotics
Task Force.
US Attorney Christopher C. Myers is prosecuting this case.
Police and Prosecutors Join Students for a Day of LearningRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and AMIkids Tallahassee and Gadsden, will present a BLAST Program event on Friday to approximately 40 students.
Event: BLAST Program
Location:
AMIkids Tallahassee
2514 W. Tharpe St.
Tallahassee, FL 32303
Date: Friday, June 16, 2017
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. EDT
Press: Please RSVP to Amy Alexander at [email protected] if you plan to attend.
United States Attorney Christopher P. Canova said: “The BLAST initiative was created by the U.S. Attorney’s Office to provide a forum to exchange information about officer risks and citizen viewpoints. Sharing these perspectives encourages safe interactions between citizens and officers to improve our community.”
Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil said, “We are excited and proud to be a partner in this event to engage our young people and work with our community members.”
AMIkids Inc. representatives said: “This is an important priority for AMIkids and our partners in law enforcement as it is critical to our service of building and maintaining healthy, safe communities.”
The BLAST Program offers students an opportunity to meet representatives of the criminal justice community and ask them questions, share their perceptions of law enforcement, and interact with officers in a familiar setting. Officers also provide students with their perspective on responding to dangerous or uncertain circumstances and the importance of remaining calm and following the officers’ directions in these situations.
The schedule will include the following discussion sessions, during which students will have a chance to participate in role play with law enforcement officers.
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Criminal Justice Overview: Students will learn about each phase of a federal criminal case, including investigation, prosecution, and sentencing.
This session is open to the media and public, and videography and photography is permitted.
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Domestic Violence: Students will participate in a scenario in which police respond to a domestic disturbance. Discussion includes the challenges officers face, rights of witnesses and suspects, and benefits of providing information to the police.
This session is open to the media and public, and videography and photography is permitted.
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Traffic Stop Simulation: Participants and officers alternate playing the roles of civilians and officers in a traffic stop. Discussion includes de-escalation and the uncertainty officers and vehicle occupants face during a traffic stop.
This session is open to the media and public, and videography and photography is permitted.
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Use of Force: Facilitators and students will discuss when law enforcement officers may use force and an officer’s reaction time when confronted with a life-threatening situation.
This session is closed to the media and public. Reporters may try the simulator equipment after the event ends.
Participating agencies include:
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United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida
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Leon County Sheriff’s Office
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AMIkids Tallahassee
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AMIkids Gadsden
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Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
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IRS-Criminal Investigation
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U.S. Postal Inspection Service
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Florida Highway Patrol
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FAMU Police Department
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
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Philadelphia Man Charged with Illegal Reentry After DeportationRead the Press Release
Procoro Abel Alcaide-Bringas, a/k/a “Abel Alcaide-Bringas,” of Philadelphia, PA was charged today by Indictment with illegal reentry after deportation, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. The indictment alleges that on or about May 17, 2017, Alcaide-Bringas, an alien, and native and citizen of Mexico, was found in the United States after having been deported from the United States on or about March 31, 1998, December 21, 2005, and February 26, 2006.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of two years.
The case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations (“ERO”), and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randall P. Hsia.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Peoria County Man Ordered to Serve 20 Years in Prison for Receiving, Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – Richard L. Sills, 61, of Mapleton, Ill., has been sentenced to 20 years (240 months) in federal prison for receiving and possessing child pornography. At the hearing on June 13, U.S. District Judge Michael M. Mihm also ordered that Sills remain on supervised release for 10 years following his release from incarceration. Sills will be required to register as a sex offender. Sills has remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since his arrest on Oct. 5, 2016.
Sills pleaded guilty to the offenses on Jan. 27, 2017. According to court documents, Sills was identified after investigators with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations learned that a computer located within his residence was using a peer-to-peer file sharing program to download files containing child pornography. Based on this information, HSI special agents obtained and executed a search warrant for Sills’ residence in Oct. 5, 2016. During the search, Sills agreed to be interviewed and admitted that he accessed child pornography with the computer in his home using a peer-to-peer file sharing program and had been doing so since the 1990s.
At the conclusion of the search, HSI special agents seized numerous items of computer equipment. A forensic examination of the seized items revealed the presence of 1,322 images and 73 videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ronald L. Hanna and Katherine G. Legge prosecuted the case, which was investigated by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations task force which includes officers on temporary detail from various local departments including the Washington Police Department.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Pennsylvania man sentenced in federal court for having sex with a 14-year-old girlRead the Press Release
Drove from Pennsylvania to Zionsville to have sex with a minor
PRESS RELEASE
INDIANAPOLIS –United States Attorney Josh Minkler announced today the sentencing of a Pennsylvania man for having sex with a 14-year-old girl in Zionsville. Sean A. Donnelly 22, Ephrata, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 235 months imprisonment (19.5 years) by U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt after pleading guilty to enticing a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity and possession of child pornography.
“Mr. Donnelly will spend the next 19 years of his life inside the walls of a federal prison as a sex offender,” said Minkler. “One of the top priorities of this office is to protect those who cannot protect themselves.”
According to court documents, Donnelly and a 14-year-old girl from Zionsville, Indiana, met in a chat room on the Internet in February 2015. They conversed regularly by text messages and telephone calls. The conversations became more intimate and Donnelly asked the victim to send naked pictures of herself of which she complied. He would send favorable responses to the victim and asked for more.
On July 2, 2015, Donnelly drove from Pennsylvania to Zionsville and had sexual relations with the victim. He returned on July 9, 2015, for the purpose of having a sexual relationship and was discovered with the victim in a local park by the Zionsville Police Department and taken into custody.
The Zionsville Police Department and the FBI investigated this case.
“The Zionsville Police Department wishes to thank our federal partners at the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Attorney’s Office for their assistance in bringing this individual to justice,” said Zionsville Police Chief Robert Knox. “This was a solid group effort in combating the scourge of those preying on the young people of our communities.”
According to Trial Counsel Kaylynn Shoop of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), and Senior Litigation Counsel Steven D. DeBrota of the Southern District of Indiana, who prosecuted this case for the government, Donnelly must serve 20 years of supervised release after his term of imprisonment and pay a $5,000 fine.
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Pekin Sex Offender Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Receiving, Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – Chief U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid today ordered David C. Turner, 43, of Pekin, Ill., to serve 20 years (240 months) in federal prison for child pornography crimes. Turner pled guilty to receiving and possessing child pornography in December 2016 and January 2017, six months after serving 21 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for offenses including child pornography, aggravated kidnapping and solicitation for murder.
Turner has remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since he was arrested on Jan. 11, 2017, when he was charged in a criminal complaint. On Feb. 16, Turner pled guilty to the offenses. Upon his release from incarceration, Turner was ordered to remain on supervised release for 20 years and to register as a sex offender.
According to court documents, in December 2016, law enforcement agents identified two IP addresses from a computer, subsequently identified as Turner’s, which were using a peer-to-peer file sharing program to download and share files containing child pornography. Based on this information, U.S. Secret Service agents obtained and executed a search warrant for a residence in the 2100 block of Court St., in Pekin, on Jan. 11, 2017. At the residence, agents identified Turner and seized numerous items of computer equipment belonging to Turner. A forensic examination of the seized items showed they contained 481 images and 84 videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald L. Hanna prosecuted the case. The charges were the result of an investigation by the U.S. Secret Service, Springfield Electronic Crimes Unit, which includes the Peoria County Sheriff’s Department.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Northern California Real Estate Investor Pleads Guilty to Bid Rigging at Public Foreclosure AuctionsRead the Press Release
A Northern California real estate investor pleaded guilty yesterday for his role in a conspiracy to rig bids at public real estate foreclosure auctions in Northern California, the Department of Justice announced.
California real estate investor Ramin Rad “Ray” Yeganeh pleaded guilty to one count of bid rigging in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in Oakland. He was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Northern District of California on June 25, 2015.
According to court documents, as early as September 2008 and continuing until in or about January 2011, Yeganeh conspired with others not to bid against one another, instead designating a winning bidder to obtain selected properties at public real estate foreclosure auctions in Alameda County. The selected properties were then awarded to the conspirators who submitted the highest bids in second, private auctions. The private auctions often took place at or near the courthouse steps where the public auctions were held.
The Department determined that the primary purpose of the conspiracies was to suppress and eliminate competition in order to obtain selected real estate offered at Alameda County public foreclosure auctions at noncompetitive prices. When real estate properties are sold at these auctions, the proceeds are used to pay off the mortgage and other debt attached to the property, with remaining proceeds, if any, paid to the homeowner.
The guilty plea entered yesterday was the result of the Department’s ongoing investigation into bid rigging at public real estate foreclosure auctions in San Francisco, San Mateo, Contra Costa and Alameda counties, California. To date, 60 individuals have agreed to plead or have pleaded guilty.
These investigations are being conducted by the Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Office and the FBI’s San Francisco Office. Anyone with information concerning bid rigging or fraud related to real-estate foreclosure auctions should contact the Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Office at (415) 934-5300 or call the FBI tip line at (415) 553-7400.
North Tonawanda Man Sentenced for Unlawfully Possessing Firearm as Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.-Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Abimael Mercado, 36, of North Tonawanda, NY, who was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, was sentenced to 24 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Wei Xiang, who handled the case, stated that on May 11, 2016, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Mercado’s home and found a shotgun and 11 shells in his bedroom. The defendant was previously convicted of a federal drug felony, and is prohibited from legally possessing firearms and ammunition.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ashan Benedict, New York Field Division, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Timothy Howard, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Adam S. Cohen.
Norristown Man Charged with Illegal Reentry After DeportationRead the Press Release
Luis Tellez, a/k/a “Jorge Luiz Hernandez-Tellez,” a/k/a “Efren Serrano,” of Norristown, PA was charged today by Indictment with illegal reentry after deportation, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. The indictment alleges that on or about May 17, 2017, Tellez, an alien, and native and citizen of Mexico, was found in the United States after having been deported from the United States on or about February 18, 2013, September 9, 2013, April 9, 2015.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of two years.
The case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations (“ERO”), and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly A.L. Fallenstein.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.