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5 June 2017
Man Sentenced to Two Years and One Month for Marijuana Cultivation at Native American Archaeological Site in the Sequoia National ForestRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Carlos Piedra-Murillo (Piedra), 30, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced today to two years and one month in prison for conspiring to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana in connection with a large-scale cultivation operation that impacted a prehistoric site, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. Piedra was also ordered to pay $5,233 to the U.S. Forest Service to cover the cost to repair damage to the land and natural resources.
According to court documents, between May 1, 2016, and August 26, 2016, Piedra conspired with Juan Carlos Lopez, 32, of Lake Elsinore; Rafael Torres-Armenta (Torres), 30, and Javier Garcia-Castaneda (Garcia), 38, both citizens of Mexico, to cultivate marijuana in the Domeland Wilderness in the Sequoia National Forest. The Domeland Wilderness is a federally designated wilderness area about 55 miles northeast of Bakersfield and is known for its many granite domes and unique geologic formations. Law enforcement officers located over 8,000 marijuana plants at that location and seized 15 pounds of processed marijuana, a .22‑caliber rifle, a pellet rifle, and numerous rounds of .22‑caliber ammunition.
The marijuana cultivation operation caused extensive environmental damage. It covered about 10 acres and was within the burned area of the 2000 Manter Fire. Some of the new vegetation and trees that sprouted after the fire had been cut and trimmed to make room for the marijuana plants. Water was diverted from a tributary stream of Trout Creek, a major tributary to the Kern River. Fertilizer and pesticides, including illegal carbofuran and zinc phosphide, highly toxic pesticides from Mexico, were found at the site. Large piles of trash were found near the campsite. The moving of soil to accommodate a basin around each marijuana plant caused extensive damage to a large prehistoric Tűbatulabal archaeological site. Holes were dug in the middle of the archaeological site and artifacts were found scattered on the surface among the marijuana plants.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar is prosecuting the case.
Torres, Lopez, and Garcia have also pleaded guilty and are scheduled for sentencing on June 26, 2017. They face a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The actual sentence, however, will 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.
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Louisville Physician Sentenced to 48 Months in Prison for Unlawful Distribution of Controlled Substances and Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – United States Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr., today announced the 48 month sentence of a Louisville physician, in United States District Court, by Chief District Judge Joseph H. McKinley, Jr., for unlawful distribution of controlled substances and health care fraud. Restitution will be determined at a later date by Chief Judge McKinley.
“Despite his physician’s oath to do no harm, Dr. George Kudmani recklessly prescribed opioids, for no legitimate medical purpose, to patients suffering from substance use disorders,” stated U.S. Attorney John Kuhn. “I hope today’s sentence will bring some measure of closure to those patients and families harmed by Dr. Kudmani. I hope, too, this sentence will send a message to physicians that prescribing opioids outside the scope of legitimate medical care will be punished.”
George Kudmani, 71, was convicted of nineteen counts of unlawfully distributing controlled substances and eight counts of health care fraud, following a seven-day jury trial, in Louisville, on January 26, 2017.
After trial, Kudmani was convicted of unlawfully distributing and dispensing controlled substances, not for a legitimate medical purpose and beyond the bounds of a professional medical practice, between July 2009 and September 2012. The controlled substances prescribed were Oxycodone, a schedule II controlled substance, and Hydrocodone, a schedule III controlled substance.
Kudmani was also convicted of health care fraud for falsely and fraudulently billing Kentucky Medicaid (Passport) by submitting claims for medically unnecessary Transvaginal Ultrasounds (TVS), TVSs not performed, and billing for TVS reports that were never prepared for patients, between January 2009 and September 2012.
Kudmani operated an obstetrical and gynecological medical practice located at 9702 Stonestreet Road, in Louisville, Kentucky from December of 1980 until 2012. The practice did not employ any other individual with medical training. Evidence developed at trial demonstrated that between 2009 and 2012, a typical first-time patient would pay $75 for a gynecological exam, then typically pay $35 in cash during later visits to receive a Schedule II-V controlled substance prescription without a physical examination. Multiple patients testified to paying cash and being prescribed controlled substances for years.
In addition to the 48 month sentence, Kudmani owes $2,600 in special penalties and will serve three years of supervised release. The amount of money he will be required to forfeit and to pay victims as restitution will be determined by the Court in a later order.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph Ansari and Lettricea Jefferson-Webb, assisted by paralegal Lori Cracknell and was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Kentucky Medical Fraud Control Unit and Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD).
Louisville Felon to Serve A Life Sentence Without the Possibility of Parole for Engaging in Sexually Explicit Conduct with A Minor and Producing ImagesRead the Press Release
Defendant is currently serving a 210-month sentence for distribution and possession of child pornography
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A Louisville felon was sentenced to serve a life sentence without the possibility of parole, by Chief District Judge Joseph H. McKinley Jr, in United States District Court today, for coercing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction announced United States Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr. Arthur Wayne Kniffley is currently serving a
210-month sentence for distribution and possession of child pornography.
“Kniffley is a predator who abused innocent children repeatedly over the course of many years, children who will struggle with the effects of his unspeakable conduct for the rest of their lives,” stated U.S. Attorney John Kuhn. “We hope these victims, their families and our community may find some solace in knowing that others are finally safe from this man, who will spend the remainder of his life in prison, with no hope of parole or early release.”
Kniffley, 43, was convicted by a federal jury, on all charges, on February 8, 2017, following a three-day trial. The jury deliberated under one hour before reaching its unanimous verdict.
According to information and testimony presented at trial, on or about October 12, 2003, July 31, 2007, and August 1, 2007, in Louisville, Kniffley, molested and photographed a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct with his Polaroid digital camera.
Kniffley was previously convicted in the Western District of Kentucky of distribution and
possession of child pornography in Criminal Action Number 3:08-CR-134-S on January 25, 2010.
For the prior case, Kniffley was sentenced to a period of 210 month’s incarceration.
During an interview with law enforcement in the previous case, Kniffley admitted to law enforcement that he viewed images of child pornography so he would not again harm children.
After the conclusion of the former prosecution the FBI and United States were contacted by a previously unidentified victim whose images had been discovered in forensic review of Kniffley’ s digital camera seized during a search warrant.
The victim explained that he/she had been sexually abused and photographed by Kniffley via digital camera when he/she was between 11 to 15 years old. The victim was interviewed by the FBI and confirmed the photographs contained his/her image. The victim said Kniffley would take pictures of him/her engaging in sexual activity with Kniffley’s digital camera.
Kniffley also sexually abused three minors in state criminal action number 95-CR-2158.
Kniffley provided a statement to a Detective that he used the children to perform sexual acts.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Judd, and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Lewiston Man Sentenced to Six Years for Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Nicholas Coy, 32, of Lewiston, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge George Z. Singal to six years in prison for illegally possessing a firearm.
According to court records, on December 12, 2016, Lewiston police officers responding to a 911 call at an apartment on Knox Street encountered Coy behaving irrationally and appearing to be under the influence of a controlled substance. While inside the apartment, the police recovered a handgun belonging to Coy. Coy was prohibited from possessing firearms based on prior felony convictions for robbery, aggravated assault and theft.
The case was investigated by the Lewiston Police Department; the U.S. Marshals Service; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Lawrenceville man sentenced to 28 years in prison for attempting to arrange sex with a childRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Leonard Nathaniel Peragine, Jr., has been sentenced to over 28 years in federal prison for using the Internet to entice a child for sexual activity, and for distributing and possessing child pornography as part of that enticement.
“Peragine intentionally searched online for sexual opportunities with children, and fortunately his efforts connected him to an undercover FBI agent instead,” said U.S. Attorney John Horn. “Such conduct is as dehumanizing as it is dangerous. Sexual predators may feel the anonymity of the internet keeps them safe from detection, but this case shows that these predators will be found and prosecuted.”
“The federal investigation into Mr. Peragine Jr. clearly identified his predatory intentions and the resulting lengthy prison sentence handed down reflects the threat he posed to the community. The FBI will continue to work hard toward protecting our nation’s children from such individuals that are so clearly focused on doing them harm,” said David J. LeValley, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office.
According to U.S. Attorney Horn, the charges, and other information presented in court: Peragine responded to a classified advertisement that purported to offer sexual access to a child. While arranging to have sex with the child, Peragine sent child pornography videos to the undercover agent that depicted adult men committing sex acts on prepubescent children.
Peragine later spoke with who he thought was the child and asked the child whether she had seen the videos, and whether she wanted to try those activities with him. After the child said she might be interested, Peragine arranged to meet on September 29, 2015, at a location in Suwanee, Georgia. When Peragine showed up for the meeting, he was arrested and searched by the FBI. Condoms were found in his car, and additional child pornography was located on his cell phone.
Later investigation revealed other instances where Peragine sexually abused girls aged one, six, and eight, and a 14-year-old boy.
Leonard Nathaniel Peragine, Jr., 34, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, was indicted on October 27, 2015. He pleaded guilty, without a plea agreement, on October 25, 2016. He was sentenced to 28 years, four months in prison, to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release on May 31, 2017, by U.S. District Court Judge William S. Duffey, Jr. Peragine still faces outstanding state charges, in Lumpkin County, Georgia, of aggravated child molestation and other related offenses.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Ghose.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Lake County Woman Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison for Defrauding the State of Illinois out of $6.8 Million in Unemployment BenefitsRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A Lake County woman was sentenced today to four years in federal prison for defrauding the State of Illinois out of nearly $7 million in unemployment benefits.
LETICIA GARCIA assisted hundreds of individuals, mostly undocumented immigrants, in preparing and filing unemployment insurance claims that Garcia knew contained false information, such as invalid Social Security numbers, false assertions of U.S. citizenship, and phony dependents. As a result of the fraudulent claims, the Illinois Department of Employment Security paid out approximately $6.8 million in unemployment benefits to hundreds of ineligible claimants.
Garcia, 54, of Round Lake Beach, pleaded guilty earlier this year to three counts of mail fraud. U.S. District Judge Edmond E. Chang imposed the sentence in federal court in Chicago.
The sentence was announced by Joel R. Levin, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and James Vanderberg, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General in Chicago. The Illinois Department of Employment Security and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations provided valuable assistance.
“Defendant committed wholesale fraud against a state program designed to help some of the most vulnerable state residents get back on their feet after an unexpected job loss,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Eichenseer argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “Her crime diminished the resources available to eligible UI claimants who played by the rules.”
“Garcia defrauded taxpayers of millions of dollars by assisting hundreds of ineligible workers in their efforts to receive unemployment insurance benefits intended for Americans who were out of work,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Vanderberg. “The Office of Inspector General will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate those who attempt to fraudulently obtain money from Department of Labor Programs.”
Many of Garcia’s clients were Mexican-born immigrants without lawful immigration status or U.S. work permits, making them ineligible for unemployment insurance benefits. From 2006 through May 2012, Garcia operated an office out of a converted garage in her home, where she and her employees saw as many as 15 clients per day. It was understood that Garcia would not ask clients for immigration papers.
Garcia charged each client $300 to $400 to prepare and file a claim online, with half of the fee due upfront and the balance owed when the client received the benefits. Through her fraud, Garcia made tens of thousands of dollars, which she hid in bank accounts in her daughter’s name.
The government is represented by Mr. Eichenseer.
Juvenile Corrections Officer Arrested for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – An Ocean County, New Jersey, man was arrested and charged today for allegedly distributing images and videos of child sexual abuse, Acting U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick announced.
Michael A. Ruggiero, 35, of Forked River, New Jersey, a corrections officer at a juvenile detention facility, was arrested at work this morning by agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), on a complaint charging him with one count of distribution of child pornography. Ruggiero is expected to appear later today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni in Trenton federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From April 16, 2016, to April 19, 2016, Ruggiero used a mobile chat application to distribute and share over the internet images and videos of children engaged in sexual acts. Anyone with information regarding possible victims of this activity is urged to contact HSI in Newark: (973)-776-5500.
The charge of distributing child pornography carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.
Acting U.S. Attorney Fitzpatrick credited special agents HSI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Brian A. Michael; inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Postal Inspector in Charge Daniel Brubaker, Philadelphia Division; and members of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, with the investigation leading to today’s charge.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Veronica Allende of the U.S. Attorney’s Criminal Division.
The charges and allegations in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defense counsel: Brian P. Reilly Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Trenton
Heroin Trafficker Sentenced to 245 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
DALLAS — Rolando Benitez, aka “San Luis,” 35, arrested in July 2015 following a law enforcement operation that was led by the FBI, the Dallas Police Department and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, has been sentenced, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Last week, Benitez was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jane J. Boyle to 245 months in federal prison. Benitez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute a schedule I controlled substance in October 2016.
According to documents filed in the case, beginning on October 29, 2014 and continuing through February 2, 2015, Benitez and others possessed with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin.
The FBI, Dallas Police Department, and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation led the investigation with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety; the DFW Department of Public Safety; the U.S. Department of State; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Transportation Security Administration; the U.S. Secret Service; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations; and the Fort Worth, McKinney, Mesquite, and Plano Police Departments.
Assistant U.S. Attorney George Leal prosecuted.
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Heroin Dealer Who Delivered Fatal Dose Sentenced to 42 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
A member of the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe who sold a fatal dose of heroin to a young Quileute Tribal member was sentenced today to 42 months in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. CASEY MARIE WARD, 28, and two co-defendants sold heroin to 28-year-old Felisha Jackson on September 5, 2015. Moments after that sale, Jackson was found unresponsive by her 9-year-old daughter. Paramedics tried to save Jackson, but she died a few days later at a hospital. Social media records reveal that WARD had reached out to Jackson, asking if she knew anyone interested in buying drugs -- it was that contact that led to WARD delivering the fatal dose. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle said, “it is important that the message go out that if you are going to engage in this type of activity and someone dies as a result, you will receive a significant prison term…. A person lost their life…. Those who are addicted and using are playing a game of Russian roulette. There will be a bullet in the chamber and somebody is going to die.”
“The heroin epidemic is taking a particularly heavy toll in Tribal communities so we are working closely with our Tribal partners to do our part to combat opioid abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. “Cases involving small amounts of heroin are not routinely charged in federal court, but in appropriate cases where dealing on Tribal lands leads to death, we are committed to seeking just punishment. As Tribes work to provide treatment and wellness resources, law enforcement must do its part to deter those who target Tribal communities and cause tragedies like those in this case.”
According to records filed in the case, Felisha Jackson had struggled to stay clean for her three small children. Another drug user said the heroin sold by WARD and her co-defendants proved particularly powerful. After Jackson’s daughter found her mother unresponsive, she got her grandfather, and he performed CPR in an ultimately futile effort to save his daughter.
WARD too has a history of substance abuse. Judge Settle recommended that she receive drug treatment both in prison and as part of her supervised release following incarceration.
Members of the Quileute Tribal Council submitted a statement to the Court and attended the sentencing hearing. “Our community was devastated by the death of Felisha Jackson, a 28 year old mother of three,” the Tribal Council wrote. It further explained that “[t]he Quileute Tribe is attempting to stem the tide of substance abuse in several ways, including coordinating with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies . . ., providing chemical dependency treatment, and working on several initiatives to promote wellness and prevent addiction.”
Co-defendants Hugh Brown and Edward Foster are scheduled for sentencing later this month.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Quileute Tribal Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Manheim.
If you, or someone you know, would like information about resources for those suffering from a heroin or other substance abuse addiction, you can call the 24 hour Washington Recovery Helpline at 1 866-789-1511, or go to the University of Washington Alcohol and Drug Institute website (link is external). If you are between 13 and 20 years old you can also call Teen Link at 1866TEENLINK (1 866 833 6546) to talk to a teen volunteer.
Harrison County man convicted of illegal possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Clarksburg, West Virginia man was convicted today in federal court of illegally possessing a firearm, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.
Casey Love, age 28, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Love, having previously been convicted of second degree robbery in Harrison County Circuit Court and being a known user and addict of controlled substances, admitted to having in his possession a 9mm pistol in Harrison County in November 2016.
Love faces up to ten years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Traci M. Cook is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Bridgeport Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Guatemalan National Pleads Guilty to Illegal Reentry After DeportationRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Guatemalan national pleaded guilty and was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for a federal immigration crime.
Hirain Dermin Robles-Gomez, 44, a Guatemalan national residing in Lynn, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock, who sentenced Robles-Gomez to time served of approximately three months. Robles-Gomez will be subject to deportation.
In June 1996, Robles-Gomez was deported from the United States. Federal authorities encountered Robles-Gomez in Middleton, Mass., in December 2016, and determined him to be unlawfully present in the U.S.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Matthew J. Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of Weinreb’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Four Fort Worth Bank Robbers SentencedRead the Press Release
FORT WORTH — Four Fort Worth bank robbers were sentenced Friday by U.S. District Judge John McBryde for their roles in the November 3, 2016 robbery of a Woodhaven National Bank. The announcement was made today by U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Judge McBryde sentenced Tony Kalumba Tshiansi, 22, to 180 months in federal prison, Justin Corie Murry, 20, to 70 months in federal prison, Tremain Keyon Smith, 22, to 37 months in federal prison, and Nykesciah Danielle Williams, 25, to 37 months in federal prison.
According to documents filed in the case, on November 3, 2016, Williams drove the four defendants to the Woodhaven National Bank located at 6301 North Beach Street, Fort Worth, Texas. Tshiansi advised of the best parking location to avoid detection and entered the bank with Murray. Murray presented a bank robbery note to a bank teller while the others waited. After the bank teller provided money the defendants fled the bank. As they fled the bank, a dye pack contained in the money exploded, rendering most of the money unusable.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fort Worth Police Department investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Cole prosecuted.
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Former Bakersfield Marijuana Store Owner Sentenced to Five Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Raymond Arthur Gentile, 56, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced to five years in prison by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd for conspiring to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana, manufacturing marijuana, possessing marijuana with intent to distribute, and two counts of making false statements during firearms transactions, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to evidence presented at trial in July 2016, from 2009 to 2012, Gentile was the owner and operator of ANP, a marijuana storefront, in Bakersfield. When agents executed a federal search warrant, they seized 170 marijuana plants, over 24 pounds of processed marijuana, over $68,000 in cash, and a loaded shotgun. The testimony at trial established that Gentile made $25,000 to $30,000 a month in gross proceeds. Agents found the marijuana plants growing in two separate grow rooms within the store and sales receipts indicated 40 to 50 sales to customers each day. In addition, the evidence showed that Gentile made false statements on a Firearms Transaction Record, ATF Form 4473, in order to purchase two Glock firearms. One of the firearms was seized from ANP during the investigation of this case.
Under federal law, marijuana is a controlled substance without any legitimate medical purpose. The city of Bakersfield, where Gentile’s marijuana store was located, has prohibited the operation of marijuana dispensaries within its limits. Prior to sentencing, Judge Drozd found that even under California law, Gentile was not in compliance.
The case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the California Highway Patrol and the Bakersfield Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Karen A. Escobar and Melanie L. Alsworth prosecuted the case.
Former Bakersfield Marijuana Store Owner Sentenced to Five YearsRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Raymond Arthur Gentile, 56, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced to five years in prison by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd for conspiring to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana, manufacturing marijuana, possessing marijuana with intent to distribute, and two counts of making false statements during firearms transactions, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to evidence presented at trial in July 2016, from 2009 to 2012, Gentile was the owner and operator of ANP, a marijuana storefront, in Bakersfield. When agents executed a federal search warrant, they seized 170 marijuana plants, over 24 pounds of processed marijuana, over $68,000 in cash, and a loaded shotgun. The testimony at trial established that Gentile made $25,000 to $30,000 a month in gross proceeds. Agents found the marijuana plants growing in two separate grow rooms within the store and sales receipts indicated 40 to 50 sales to customers each day. In addition, the evidence showed that Gentile made false statements on a Firearms Transaction Record, ATF Form 4473, in order to purchase two Glock firearms. One of the firearms was seized from ANP during the investigation of this case.
Under federal law, marijuana is a controlled substance without any legitimate medical purpose. The city of Bakersfield, where Gentile’s marijuana store was located, has prohibited the operation of marijuana dispensaries within its limits. Prior to sentencing, Judge Drozd found that even under California law Gentile was not in compliance.
The case was initiated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) following a report to Bakersfield Police Department regarding an assault that allegedly occurred at Gentile’s business. In sentencing the defendant, the judge found that the defendant used threats of violence in connection with the sale of marijuana.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), California Highway Patrol and Bakersfield Police Department assisted in the DEA investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Karen A. Escobar and Melanie L. Alsworth prosecuted the case.
Five More Defendants Plead Guilty for Their Roles in Multimillion Dollar India-Based Call Center Scam Targeting U.S. VictimsRead the Press Release
Five men, including two individuals who formerly worked at scam call centers in India, each pleaded guilty within the past two weeks for their respective roles in a massive telephone impersonation fraud and money laundering scheme perpetrated by India-based call centers.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez of the Southern District of Texas, Executive Associate Director Peter T. Edge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Inspector General J. Russell George of the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) and Inspector General John Roth of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (DHS-OIG) made the announcement.
From May 26 to June 6, Rajubhai Patel, 32, an Indian national most recently residing in Willowbrook, Illinois; Viraj Patel, 33, an Indian national most recently residing in Anaheim, California; Dilipkumar Ambal Patel, 53, an Indian national most recently residing in Corona, California; and Fahad Ali, 25, a Pakistani national and permanent U.S. resident most recently residing in Dyer, Indiana, each pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy before U.S. District Court Judge David Hittner of the Southern District of Texas. Hardik Patel, 31, an Indian national most recently residing in Arlington Heights, Illinois, pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy before the same court on June 2. Sentencing dates are pending for all five defendants.
According to admissions made in connection with the plea agreements, the five men and their co-conspirators perpetrated a complex scheme in which individuals from call centers located in Ahmedabad, India, impersonated officials from the IRS and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and engaged in other telephone call scams, in a ruse designed to defraud victims in the U.S. Using information obtained from data brokers and other sources, call center operators targeted U.S. victims, who were threatened with arrest, imprisonment, fines or deportation if they did not pay alleged monies owed to the government. Victims who agreed to pay the scammers were instructed how to provide payment, including by purchasing stored value cards or wiring money. Upon payment, the call centers would immediately turn to a network of “runners” based in the U.S. to liquidate and launder the fraudulently obtained funds.
Based on the statements in his June 2 guilty plea, beginning in August 2012, Hardik Patel owned and managed the day-to-day operations of an India-based scam call center before later leaving for the U.S. While in India, in his capacity as a manager, Hardik Patel communicated extensively via email, text, and other means with various India-based co-defendants to operate the scheme and exchange scripts used in the scheme, coordinate the processing of payments from scammed victims, obtain and exchange lead lists used by callers to target U.S. victims, and exchange spreadsheets containing the personal identifying information (PII) of U.S. persons misappropriated by the scammers to register reloadable cards used in the scheme. Hardik Patel also managed worker payroll and kept detailed records of profits and expenses for various associated scam call centers. Hardik Patel continued to communicate with India-based co-defendants about the scheme and assist with the conspiracy after he moved to the U.S.
According to his June 6 guilty plea, Rajubhai Patel operated as a runner and assisted a co-defendant in managing the activities of a crew of other runners, based primarily out of Illinois, who liquidated victim funds in various locales in the U.S. for conspirators from India-based call centers. Rajubhai Patel communicated about the liquidation of scam funds via electronic WhatsApp communications with domestic and India-based co-defendants, purchased reloadable cards registered using the misappropriated PII of U.S. citizens that were later used to receive victims’ funds, and used those cards to purchase money orders and deposit them into various bank accounts of co-defendants and others as directed. Rajubhai Patel also admitted to creating and maintaining spreadsheets that detailed deposits, payments to co-conspirators, expenses and profits from the scheme.
According to admissions made in his June 2 guilty plea, Viraj Patel first became involved in the conspiracy between April and September 2013, prior to entering the U.S., when he worked at and assisted with overseeing the operations of a call center in India engaging in scam activity at the behest of a co-defendant. After entering the U.S., beginning in December 2014 Viraj Patel engaged in additional activities in support of the scheme in exchange for a cut of the profits, including serving as a processor of scam victim payments and as a runner engaging in the purchase and liquidation of cards loaded with victim scam funds. Viraj Patel communicated with various India-and U.S.-based co-defendants in furtherance of the conspiracy, and also obtained and circulated lead lists to his co-conspirators containing the PII of U.S. citizens for use by the call centers in targeting victims of the various fraud schemes and to register reloadable cards used to launder the proceeds of the schemes.
Based on the admissions made in his May 26 guilty plea, since late 2013, Dilipkumar A. Patel operated as a runner in and around Southern California, along with other co-defendants based in the region. At the direction of India-based co-conspirators, often via electronic WhatsApp communications, Patel admitted to participating in the purchase of reloadable cards registered with the PII of U.S. citizens, and the subsequent liquidation of victim scam funds loaded to those cards by co-conspirators, while keeping a percentage of the victim funds on the cards for himself.
According to his guilty plea, also on May 26, beginning in or around 2013, Fahad Ali worked as a member of a crew of runners operating in the Chicago, Illinois area, the Southern District of Texas and elsewhere throughout the country. Ali admitted that he first served as a driver for an Illinois-based co-defendant engaging in activities in furtherance of the conspiracy. Ali later operated at the direction of that co-defendant and others, via various means of communication, including text messages, to purchase reloadable cards, and then liquidate victim scam proceeds placed on those cards by India-based co-conspirators, in exchange for recurring payments. Ali also admitted to using false identification documents to receive wire transfers from victims of the fraud.
To date, Hardik Patel, Rajubhai Patel, Viraj Patel, Dilipkumar A. Patel, Fahad Ali, 51 other individuals and five India-based call centers have been charged for their roles in the fraud and money laundering scheme in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Southern District of Texas on Oct. 19, 2016. Including the most recent pleas, a total of nine defendants have pleaded guilty thus far in this case. Co-defendants Bharatkumar Patel, Ashvinbhai Chaudhari, Harsh Patel and Nilam Parikh previously pleaded guilty on April 13; April 26; May 11; and May 18, respectively.
The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
HSI, DHS-OIG and TIGTA led the investigation of this case. Also providing significant support were: the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs; Ft. Bend County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; police departments in Hoffman Estates and Naperville, Illinois, and in Leonia, New Jersey; San Diego County District Attorney’s Office Family Protection and Elder Abuse Unit; U.S. Secret Service; U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General; IOC-2; INTERPOL Washington; USCIS; U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service; and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in Northern District of Alabama, District of Arizona, Central District of California, Northern District of California, District of Colorado, Northern District of Florida, Middle District of Florida, Northern District of Illinois, Northern District of Indiana, District of Nevada and District of New Jersey. The Federal Communications Commission’s Enforcement Bureau also provided assistance in TIGTA’s investigation.
Senior Trial Attorney Michael Sheckels and Trial Attorney Mona Sahaf of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, Trial Attorney Robert Stapleton of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Mark McIntyre and Craig M. Feazel of the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.
A Department of Justice website has been established to provide information about the case to already identified and potential victims and the public. Anyone who believes they may be a victim of fraud or identity theft in relation to this investigation or other telefraud scam phone calls may contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) via this website.
Anyone who wants additional information about telefraud scams generally, or preventing identity theft or fraudulent use of their identity information, may obtain helpful information on the IRS tax scams website, the FTC phone scam website and the FTC identity theft website.
Federal Jury Finds Jacksonville Human Trafficking Customer Guilty of Using Underage “Models” to Produce Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that a federal jury has found Thomas Leslie Carr (49, Jacksonville) guilty of using underage “models” to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing pornographic images and videos. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, up to 30 years, in federal prison on each of the two charges. Carr has been in custody since his arrest and a sentencing hearing is set for September 21, 2017.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, in 2012, law enforcement officers began a human trafficking investigation involving the prostitution of minor and adult females throughout the state of Florida, by an individual named Michael Gallon (52, Lakeland). The investigation revealed that Gallon had recruited his victims to travel and work at “parties” and “VIP rooms” as “models,” where customers paid to have sex with them. During the investigation, agents identified and interviewed several female victims who had been prostituted by Gallon; Carr was identified as one of his regular customers.
On October 28, 2013, Gallon was arrested and charged with sex trafficking of minors and production of child pornography. Two weeks later, a federal search warrant was executed at Carr’s residence. During an interview, Carr admitted that he had hired about 15 girls from Gallon over a three-year period. He stated that Gallon called him when he had girls available in Jacksonville and that the two would meet so that Carr could pay Gallon to select girls to take back to his residence. At his home, Carr paid the females for photos session that usually consisted of photographing the female wearing an outfit, stripping nude, and then wearing a costume. He stated that he usually tried to get the female to masturbate for him on video, then he would attempt to have sex with her. If the female was reluctant, Carr would offer her more money.
During the search of Carr’s residence, agents recovered computer media that contained images and videos of at least two minors, ages 15 and 17, engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Car admitted to doing “photo shoots” with each of these girls, and videos depicted him engaging in sexual intercourse with one of them.
In 2014, Gallon pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 33 years and 9 months in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the Lakeland Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement‘s Homeland Security Investigations in Tampa and Jacksonville. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys D. Rodney Brown, Beatriz Gonzalez, and Stacie Harris.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Federal Government Contractor in Georgia Charged with Removing and Mailing Classified Materials to a News OutletRead the Press Release
A criminal complaint was filed in the Southern District of Georgia today charging Reality Leigh Winner, 25, a federal contractor from Augusta, Georgia, with removing classified material from a government facility and mailing it to a news outlet, in violation of 18 U.S.C. Section 793(e).
Winner was arrested by the FBI at her home on Saturday, June 3, and appeared in federal court in Augusta this afternoon.
“Exceptional law enforcement efforts allowed us quickly to identify and arrest the defendant,” said Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein. “Releasing classified material without authorization threatens our nation’s security and undermines public faith in government. People who are trusted with classified information and pledge to protect it must be held accountable when they violate that obligation.”
According to the allegations contained in the criminal complaint:
Winner is a contractor with Pluribus International Corporation assigned to a U.S. government agency facility in Georgia. She has been employed at the facility since on or about February 13, and has held a Top Secret clearance during that time. On or about May 9, Winner printed and improperly removed classified intelligence reporting, which contained classified national defense information from an intelligence community agency, and unlawfully retained it. Approximately a few days later, Winner unlawfully transmitted by mail the intelligence reporting to an online news outlet.
Once investigative efforts identified Winner as a suspect, the FBI obtained and executed a search warrant at her residence. According to the complaint, Winner agreed to talk with agents during the execution of the warrant. During that conversation, Winner admitted intentionally identifying and printing the classified intelligence reporting at issue despite not having a "need to know," and with knowledge that the intelligence reporting was classified. Winner further admitted removing the classified intelligence reporting from her office space, retaining it, and mailing it from Augusta, Georgia, to the news outlet, which she knew was not authorized to receive or possess the documents.
An individual charged by criminal complaint is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
The prosecution is being handled by Trial Attorney Julie A. Edelstein of the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Solari of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia. The investigation is being conducted by the FBI.
2017 06 05 Winner Criminal Complaint Form 2017 06 05 Winner Criminal Complaint AffidavitDistrict Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Attacking Man in Downtown IntersectionRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – George Joyner, 50, of Washington, D.C., has been sentenced to an 11-year prison term on a charge of voluntary manslaughter in the slaying of a man last summer in downtown Washington, U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips announced today.
Joyner pled guilty in March 2017, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The plea, which was contingent upon the Court’s approval, called for a sentence of 11 years in prison. The Honorable Hiram E. Puig-Lugo accepted the plea on June 2, 2017, and sentenced Joyner accordingly. Following his prison term, Joyner will be placed on three years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, on Aug. 8, 2016, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Joyner became involved in a physical altercation with Keon Parker, 28, who was walking in the area of the intersection of Second and E Streets NW. At some point during the altercation, Joyner began to assault Mr. Parker with a sharp object. Mr. Parker fell to the ground, and Joyner continued to attack him. Onlookers rushed to the aid of Mr. Parker, as did the District of Columbia Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services. Mr. Parker was declared dead at approximately 8:10 p.m. He had been stabbed in the neck and torso.
Joyner was apprehended in the area soon after the attack by officers with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). He made several statements to police indicating that he was involved in an altercation with Mr. Parker at the intersection.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Phillips commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). He also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialists Zekiah Wright and Kelly Blakeney, Victim/Witness Advocate Marcia Rinker, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Willoughby, Jr., who investigated and prosecuted the matter.
Detroit man sentenced to five years in federal prison for gun crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man was sentenced today to five years in federal prison for a drug-related gun charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Thomas Lee Nelson, 48, previously pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
On March 10, 2016, the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted a search of Nelson’s residence located at 1830 10th Avenue in Huntington. During the search, agents located and seized a loaded Cobray Model DD .410/.45 caliber handgun from a room later identified as Nelson’s bedroom. Agents also located and seized heroin from the same room. Nelson admitted that he possessed the handgun as protection for himself and for the heroin.
The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney R. Gregory McVey is responsible for the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by working with existing local programs that target gun crime. This case was also brought as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Delaware County Trio Charged with Drug Conspiracy,and Murdered Drug RivalRead the Press Release
A six-count second superseding indictment was unsealed today, charging three people with conspiring to distribute oxycodone in the Philadelphia area, and charging two of those defendants with committing murder with firearms during the course of that drug conspiracy. Mitesh Patel 36, Anthony Vetri, 31, and Michael Vandergrift, 29, all of Delaware County, were charged in the second superseding indictment[1] with one count of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone from 2008 until June 4, 2013. The indictment alleges that defendant Patel, a pharmacist, diverted oxycodone from pharmacies he owned in Delaware County and Philadelphia, to co-defendants Vetri and Vandergrift and others, including the pharmacies’ co-owner, Gbolahan Olabode. Defendants Vetri and Vandergrift are charged with murdering Olabode on January 4, 2012, outside his Lansdowne home, in order to eliminate Olabode as a drug rival, and to increase their illegal supplies of oxycodone from Patel. They are charged with committing this murder with Michael Mangold, who was charged separately. Patel is also charged with one count of money laundering conspiracy, and three counts of tax evasion. The government is also seeking forfeiture of more than $2.7 million in drug proceeds, and more than $1 million in laundered drug money. The unsealing of the indictment was announced by cting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen.
If convicted, the defendants face lengthy prison sentences.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division, the Philadelphia Police Department, the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Lansdowne Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan B. Ortiz and David. E. Troyer.
[1]An Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Dallas Man Guilty in Drug Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A 29-year-old Dallas man has pleaded guilty to federal drug conspiracy charges in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston today.
Sharjeel Jeff Ali pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute Schedule I controlled substances, conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute controlled substance analogues, and engaging in monetary transactions. Ali entered his guilty plea today before U.S. Magistrate Judge K. Nicole Mitchell.
On Aug. 4, 2016, a combined task force of federal, state and local law enforcement executed federal arrest and search warrants in Plano, Carrollton, Dallas and Tyler, Texas as a result of a joint investigation by the U.S. Drug Administration, Plano Police Department, Internal Revenue Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Smith County Sheriff’s Office.
According to information presented in court, from at least April 2013, Ali and his co-defendants, conspired to distribute synthetic drugs at two retail establishments in the Eastern District of Texas: Minute Stop/Valero Gas Station located at 11874 Hwy 64 West in Tyler, Texas and Ashes Smokes and Tattoos located at 1428 Avenue K in Plano, Texas. Ali and four others were indicted by a federal grand jury on Aug. 3, 2016
Under federal statutes, Ali faces up to 20 years in federal prison at sentencing. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case is being investigated by DEA, Plano Police Department, IRS, ATF, and the Smith County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Ann Cozby.
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Chicago Trader Sentenced to a Year in Federal Prison for Stealing Proprietary Trading Secrets from His EmployerRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A Chicago trader has been sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison for stealing his employer’s proprietary trading code.
Over a five-month period in late 2013 and early 2014, DAVID J. NEWMAN downloaded and stole all of the proprietary computer code and trading software belonging to his employer, Chicago-based WH Trading LLC. Newman downloaded more than 400,000 electronic files to multiple USB thumb drives. He resigned from the company in March 2014 after establishing his own trading firm – NTF LLC – through which he intended to use the stolen trade secrets to compete directly with WH Trading.
Newman, 34, pleaded guilty last year to one count of theft of trade secrets. U.S. District Judge Manish S. Shah imposed the sentence on Thursday in federal court in Chicago. Judge Shah also fined Newman $100,000 and entered an order prohibiting him from using or disclosing the stolen trade secrets.
The sentence was announced by Joel R. Levin, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Michael J. Anderson, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
WH Trading is a proprietary securities trading firm that acts as a market maker and engages in both open outcry and electronic trading of futures contracts and options on exchanges in Chicago, New York, London, Frankfurt, and Singapore. The intellectual property stolen by Newman had taken WH Trading’s mathematicians, statisticians, software developers and traders more than 15 years to develop, at a cost of more than $20 million. WH Trading’s proprietary codes are used for, among other things, pricing futures and options contracts, executing trades on various exchanges, analyzing the risk of trades, and interpreting exchange market data.
Newman had worked for the company since 2004 prior to his resignation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney William R. Hogan Jr. of the Securities and Commodities Fraud Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago.
Chesapeake City Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander sentenced Edward Tillinghast, age 47, of Chesapeake City, Maryland, today for production of child pornography.
The sentencing was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning; Special Agent in Charge Andre R. Watson of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Colonel William M. Pallozzi, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; and Cecil County State’s Attorney Steven Trostle.
According to his plea agreement, on May 17, 2016 Maryland State Police, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Elkton Police Department, executed a search warrant for the Defendant’s residence. The agents recovered several electronic devices. Tillinghast admitted he had viewed child pornography using his computers and had used peer-to-peer file sharing programs to obtain the child pornography. The total number of relevant images recovered is at least 600. The defendant also admitted to sexually abusing a minor victim over the past year. Images recovered from at least one of the defendant’s electronic devices showed that he had abused the minor victim starting when the minor victim was eleven years old.
As part of his plea agreement, Tillinghast must register as a sex offender in the place where he resides, where he is an employee, and where he is a student, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "resources" tab on the left of the page.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning commended Homeland Security Investigations, the Maryland State Police and the Cecil County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Ayn Ducao, who prosecuted the federal case.
Channelview Woman Sentenced in Opioid Prescription Drug Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
DALLAS — Bertha Alicia Garcia, 50, of Channelview, Texas, who pleaded guilty to her role in a pill mill operation that operated during parts of 2013-2015, has been sentenced, announced United States Attorney John R. Parker.
Garcia was sentenced last week to 37 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sidney A. Fitzwater, following her guilty plea in October 2016 to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, namely Oxycodone. Judge Fitzwater ordered Garcia to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on July 18, 2017.
In March 2015, a federal grand jury in Dallas indicted 23 individuals, including Garcia, on offenses related to their participation in a prescription drug distribution conspiracy. In 2016, an additional 7 individuals were charged in superseding indictments. That indictment alleged that from at least May 2013 through July 2014, the defendants participated in a scheme to illicitly obtain prescriptions for pain medications, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, and then distribute those controlled substances for profit. As part of the conspiracy, individuals, often homeless or of limited means, were recruited and paid to pose as patients at medical clinics, including the McAllen Medical Clinic in Dallas, to obtain prescriptions to fill those prescriptions at designated pharmacies.
According to documents filed in the case, on August 8, 2013, Garcia and another co-conspirator met with a law enforcement officer acting in an undercover capacity at ABS Medical and Chiropractic clinic on Avenue C in Channelview, Texas. The undercover officer indicated that he wanted to obtain 30mg oxycodone pills and paid the clinic $420 in cash but never met with a medical practitioner and did not have a medical examination. Later the same day, Garcia met the officer at a gas station in Jacinto City, Texas, and delivered a prescription for 90 10mg oxycodone pills. Garcia has never been a licensed medical practitioner, has never held a DEA registration number, and has never been authorized to distribute or dispense oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Internal Revenue Service, Texas Department of Public Safety, the Louisiana State Police, the Grand Prairie Police Department, the Dallas Police Department, the Houston Police Department, the Arlington Police Department, the Greenville Police Department, the Parker County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshal’s Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Diplomatic Security Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Walters prosecuted.
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California Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Money Launder and Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart announced that on Monday, June 5, 2017, Sergio Valencia, Sr., 41, of Moreno Valley, California, was sentenced to two concurrent terms of 13 years and four months (160 months) in prison for conspiracy to money launder and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Following the prison term, Valencia will serve three years on supervised release.
Valencia was convicted by a federal jury in Lincoln in July of 2016. Evidence presented at trial showed Valencia was involved in a scheme to transport methamphetamine from California to Lincoln, Nebraska for resale. Proceeds of drug sales in Nebraska were deposited into bank accounts belonging to Valencia’s landscaping business, his wife, and other family members along with accounts belonging to family members of one of Valencia’s co-conspirators. The approximate time-frame was between April and September of 2011 for the money laundering conspiracy and between January of 2010 and June of 2013 for the drug conspiracy.
Valencia’s wife and co-defendant, Marisela Pescador, pled guilty to conspiracy to money launder and is scheduled for sentencing on June 8, 2017.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Cabell County man charged in connection to W.Va. Division of Highways pay-to-play schemeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Lesage, West Virginia man is facing a federal tax charge, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.
Andrew P. Nichols is named in a one count information, charging him with “Conspiracy to Impede the Internal Revenue Service.” Nichols is accused of conspiring with others to impede tax collection by the IRS. The criminal conduct in this matter occurred from 2009 until at least 2011.
Nichols was previously named in an indictment in November 2016, accused of being a part of a scheme which caused approximately $1.5 million worth of West Virginia Division of Highways work to be routed to the Dennis Corporation, a Columbia, South Carolina engineering consulting firm.
Nichols, age 38, formerly served as the manager of the West Virginia Division of the Dennis Corporation while also working as an engineering professor. According to the initial indictment, he was alleged to have managed the financial relationships between Dennis Corporation and a Division of Highways employee, and to have ensured that elicit payments were mad e to the WVDOH employee.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod J. Douglas is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The case is being investigated by the U.S. Attorney’s Public Corruption Unit, which includes the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the West Virginia Commission on Special Investigations, IRS-Criminal Investigation, and the West Virginia State Police.An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Berwick Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Adam Brake, 29, of Berwick, Maine pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to illegally possessing firearms.
According to court records, in May 2016, Brake committed eight burglaries in the Berwick area. He traded some of the stolen items for heroin in Lawrence, Massachusetts and hid other items in a wooded area in Berwick. Law enforcement agents recovered items stolen during six of the burglaries, including nine firearms. Brake was prohibited from possessing firearms because of a prior drug felony conviction.
Brake faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The case was investigated by the North Berwick, South Berwick, Berwick, Wells and Eliot Police Departments; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Belizean Man Ordered to Prison After Attempting to Illegally Enter the CountryRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 46-year-old Belizean man claiming to be a U.S. citizen has been ordered to federal prison after being found guilty of attempting to illegally re-enter the United States after deportation, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. A federal jury sitting in Laredo convicted Jerome Aristedes Martinez, of Belize City, Belize, Feb. 15, 2017, following a two-day trial.
Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo, who presided over the trial, handed Martinez a 33-month sentence. At the hearing, the court considered Martinez’s lengthy criminal history as well as the evidence previously presented at trial. Martinez stated to the court that he would not be returning to the United States again.
The court also heard a motion to revoke Martinez’s supervised release for a prior illegal re-entry case. Martinez entered a plea of “no contest” to allegations he had again re-entered the country illegally. However, Judge Marmolejo found the allegations to be true based on the evidence presented at trial. Martinez’s supervised release was revoked and he was sentenced to 21 months imprisonment to be served concurrently with the other sentence imposed.
As an illegal alien, Martinez is expected to face deportation proceedings following his release from prison.
On Aug. 18, 2015, Martinez attempted to enter the United States at the Lincoln Juarez Bridge, claiming to be a U.S. citizen. At that time, he presented an Illinois Identification card and a Department of Homeland Security/Social Security Administration web-site print-out as proof of his citizenship. However, upon questioning, authorities discovered Martinez was actually a native and citizen of Belize who had been removed from the United States twice before. The jury heard that Martinez had never obtained the proper permission to return to the United States after his last removal.
Martinez admitted to having been previously convicted of illegal re-entry after making false claims to U.S. citizenship. However, he testified that after his most recent removal to Belize, he “became aware” that he had been born in the U.S. Virgin Islands and was, therefore, a U.S. Citizens.
The jury heard that there is no record of Martinez having been born in the U.S. Virgin Islands and that the only birth record in existence is from Belize. The government also produced documents showing his prior statements acknowledging his Belizean citizenship.
Martinez will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah M. Ellison and Giselle S. Guerra prosecuted the case.
Amarillo Methamphetamine Traffickers SentencedRead the Press Release
AMARILLO, Texas — Three defendants in two separate cases were sentenced today before U.S. District Judge Sidney Fitzwater for various methamphetamine distribution offenses. U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas made the announcement.
Judge Fitzwater sentenced Colleen Mossberger, 48, of Joliet, Illinois, to 120 months in federal prison following her guilty plea in February 2017 to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Mossberger has been in custody since the time of her arrest in September 2016.
According to documents filed in Mossberger’s case, on September 13, 2016, two Potter County deputies were working routine patrol on Interstate 40, in Potter County, Texas. The deputies stopped a vehicle for driving in the left lane not passing. The vehicle was occupied by Mossberger and a passenger. Mossberger and the passenger provided conflicting stories about their travels. A search of the vehicle revealed 1,316.7 grams of methamphetamine.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Potter County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Oscar Martin Cota, 25, of San Diego, California, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison following his guilty plea in February 2017 to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Co-defendant Edgar Isaac Castaneda Cota, 25, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison following his guilty plea also in February 2017 to the same offense. Both defendants have been in custody since their arrests in December 2016. Castaneda will be deported after serving his sentence.
According to documents filed in the case, on December 10, 2016, a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) trooper was working routine patrol on Interstate 40 in Carson County, Texas. The DPS trooper stopped a vehicle for speeding over the limit and the passenger not wearing a seatbelt. The vehicle was occupied by Cota and Castaneda. While speaking with Castaneda and Cota, the trooper noticed several indicators of possible criminal activity. A search of the vehicle revealed 6,698.9 grams of methamphetamine in the passenger side quarter panel. Cota and Castaneda were transporting the methamphetamine from California to Oklahoma in exchange for $1,500 each.
The Texas Department of Public Safety and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Frausto prosecuted the cases.
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Amarillo Man Sentenced to 97 Months in Federal Prison for Possessing Prepubescent Child PornographyRead the Press Release
AMARILLO, Texas — James Kenny Crawley, 60, of Amarillo, Texas, was sentenced today before U.S. District Judge Sidney A. Fitzwater to 97 months in federal prison following his guilty plea in February 2017 to one count of possession of prepubescent child pornography, announced John Parker, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas.
Crawley was ordered to surrender to the Bureau of Prison on July 18, 2017.
According to documents filed in the case, Crawley used a laptop computer at his residence to search the Internet for images and videos of child pornography. In the course of searching for this material, Crawley located, downloaded and viewed approximately 5,000 images and over 100 videos constituting child pornography, and some of those images involved prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative, which was launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/. For more information about internet safety education, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/ and click on the tab “resources.”
The Ochiltree County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Rangers and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Frausto prosecuted.
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Albuquerque Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Methamphetamine Trafficking ChargeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Elias Sanchez, 36, of Albuquerque, N.M., pled guilty today in federal court to a methamphetamine trafficking charge under a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office
Sanchez was charged as the result of an ATF-led investigation that resulted in the filing of 59 federal indictments and a federal criminal complaint charging 104 Bernalillo County residents with federal firearms and narcotics trafficking offenses. The investigation began in mid-April 2016, when ATF personnel from throughout the country joined forces with federal, state, county and local law enforcement agencies in New Mexico to combat the high rate of violent crime in the Albuquerque metropolitan area. The investigators utilized a number of investigative techniques, including undercover operations, historical investigation and targeting of multi-convicted felons in possession of firearms.
The investigation was undertaken in support of a federal anti-violence initiative that targets “the worst of the worst” offenders for federal prosecution. Under this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies collaborate with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders for federal prosecution primarily based on their prior criminal convictions with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible.
Sanchez was charged in an indictment filed on June 30, 2016, with distributing methamphetamine on May 25, 2016 and June 3, 2016, in Bernalillo County, N.M. During today’s proceedings, Sanchez pled guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine and admitted that on May 25, 2016, he sold methamphetamine to another person. At sentencing, Sanchez faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled.
To date, 53 of the 104 defendants have entered guilty pleas and 18 have been sentenced. The remaining defendants have entered not guilty pleas. Charges in indictments are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty in a court of law.
These cases were investigated by the Albuquerque office of ATF. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Han.
Aggravated Felon Sentenced for Reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.- Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Horace Garfield Tajah, 35, of Kingston, Jamaica, who was convicted of reentering the United States after a conviction for an aggravated felony, was sentenced to time served (four years) by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Lamarque who handled the case, stated that on January 23, 2013, the defendant attempted to enter the United States from Canada at the Peace Bridge port of entry. Tajah was in possession of a valid United States passport belonging to another individual and claimed to be an American citizen. Standard database checks revealed that the defendant was an aggravated felon following a 2010 conviction in the Southern District of New York on multiple offenses including drug, gun, and conspiracy to commit murder charges. After serving a 72 month prison sentence, Tajah, in 2012, was deported to Jamaica and banned from the United States for life.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy.
2 June 2017
Winchester Man Sentenced on Heroin Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
Harrisonburg, VIRGINIA – A Winchester man, who routinely traveled to Baltimore and brought back large quantities of heroin to Winchester for distribution, was sentenced yesterday in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Harrisonburg, Acting United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle announced.
Joshua Dillon Burkhart, 27, of Winchester, Va., was sentenced yesterday to 108 months in federal prison. Burkhart previously pled guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin.
According to evidence presented by Assistant United States Attorney Erin M. Kulpa, should this matter have gone to trial, the United States would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt, that from approximately June 2014 and October 2014, Burkhart, and others, participated in a conspiracy to traffic large amounts of heroin from Baltimore to Winchester. Burkhart distributed at least 1,000 grams of heroin in the Winchester area during this time, using the previously convicted Christopher Giles, and others, as his Baltimore sources of supply.
Throughout the life of the conspiracy, Burkhart traveled to Baltimore one or two times per month to purchase heroin. He paid $100 per gram of heroin and the most he ever purchased per trip was 110 grams of heroin.
Burkhart sold heroin to customers in and around Winchester in quantities ranging from one-half gram to one gram per sale. He sold the heroin for $240 per gram. Burkhart knew that some of his customers were sub-distributors.
The investigation of the case was conducted by Drug Enforcement Administration and the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force, which is comprised of the Virginia State Police, the Winchester Police Department, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office, the Front Royal Police Department, the Strasburg Police Department, the Page County Sheriff’s Office, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, and the Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Erin M. Kulpa prosecuted the case for the United States.
West Monroe man pleads guilty to receiving child pornographyRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that a West Monroe man pleaded guilty Thursday to receiving child pornography.
John D. Owen, 30, of West Monroe, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to one count of receiving child pornography. According to the guilty plea, law enforcement agents identified the defendant as possessing child pornography. Agents conducted a search of his residence on September 22, 2016 and found five videos of child pornography on his cell phone and 38 images of child pornography on a computer.
Owen faces five to 20 years in prison, five years to life of supervised release, mandatory registration as a sex offender and a $250,000 fine. The court set the sentencing date for September 27, 2017.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Those concerned may leave tips with the FBI at tips.fbi.gov. Tips may be submitted anonymously. The Monroe FBI office number is (318) 387-0773.
The FBI, Swiss Cybercrime Coordination Unit and the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath is prosecuting the case.
Union City Borough Secretary Sentenced to Prison for $200K Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Union City, Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months in jail, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, and was ordered to make restitution in the amount of $203,174.25 on her conviction of mail fraud, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Cheryl R. Capela 60.
According to information presented to the court, from July 2013 through July 2016, while employed as the Borough Secretary for the Borough of Union City, Capela took advantage of her access to the Borough’s checks to write Borough checks to pay her ballooning personal credit card bills. She also used the Borough credit card for numerous unauthorized personal expenses and cash withdrawals. Capela manipulated internal Borough of Union City paperwork to hide her unauthorized personal expenditures that she made with Borough of Union City funds. As a result of Capela’s scheme, the Borough of Union City suffered an overall total loss of $203,174.25
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Song commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Capela.
Two Trumbull County men indicted for stealing Army HumveeRead the Press Release
Two Trumbull County men were indicted for stealing an Army Humvee, said David A. Sierleja, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.
Austin Bollinger, 22, of Brookfield, was indicted on one count each of theft of government property and receiving stolen government property. Daniel Thompson, 22, of Girard, was indicted on one count of receiving stolen government property.
Bollinger stole a High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), Model M1165A1, from government property on March 18, according to the indictment.
From March 19 to March 24, 2017, Bollinger and Thompson retained and concealed the stolen HMMWV, with the intent to convert the vehicle for Bollinger’s own use, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Ohio State Highway Patrol. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David M. Toepfer.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Two New York men and a Washington, D.C. woman are named in a 17-count indictmentRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two New York men and a woman from Washington, D.C. are named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Clarksburg, West Virginia on May 2, 2017, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.
Named in the indictment are Derrick Sutton, of New York, New York, age 30; James Latrell Roach, of Bronx, New York, age 48; and Britney Robinson, of Washington, D.C., age 27. All three were indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine Base,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Oxycodone,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin,” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride.”
Sutton was also indicted on six counts of “Distribution of Cocaine Base,” one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base in Proximity of Protected Location,” two counts of “Distribution of Heroin,” and one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Heroin.”
Roach was additionally indicted one count of “Distribution of Heroin,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Heroin.”
Robinson was also indicted on one count of one count of “Maintaining a Drug Involved Premises.”
The crimes are alleged to have occurred from the spring of 2016 to March 7, 2017 in Monongalia County and elsewhere in the Northern District of West Virginia.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, is investigating.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two New Defendants Charged in Racketeering Conspiracy Related to Involvement in “Murdaland Mafia Piru” Bloods GangRead the Press Release
Gang Members Allegedly Committed Five Murders, Six Attempted Murders, Assaults, Abduction, Witness Tampering, And Drug Distribution Resulting in Overdoses
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury returned a second superseding indictment on June 1, 2017, charging two additional defendants with conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise known as Murdaland Mafia Piru (MMP) and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. The indictment also adds new charges against six of the defendants charged in the previous indictment, including murder charges against the gang’s alleged leader, Dante Bailey, a/k/a Gutta, and Dontray Johnson, a/k/a Gambino.
One of the defendants newly charged in the case is Sydni Frazier, a/k/a “Sid,” a/k/a “Perry,” age 25, of Baltimore, Maryland. The name of the second defendant remains under seal while law enforcement officers work on bringing the defendant into custody.
This brings to 26 the total number of alleged MMP gang members and associates charged in the case. Ten of the 24 defendants in the previous indictment have pleaded guilty to their participation in the racketeering conspiracy. Fourteen of the 24 remain in the second superseding indictment.
The second superseding indictment was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning; Special Agent in Charge Daniel L. Board, Jr. of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives—Baltimore Field Division; Commissioner Kevin Davis of the Baltimore Police Department; Chief Terrence B. Sheridan of the Baltimore County Police Department; Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby; and Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger.
According to the indictment, MMP, also known as the “Mob” or “Mobsters,” is a violent subset of the Bloods gang that for many years controlled the drug trade in large swaths of Northwest Baltimore City and neighboring Baltimore County. MMP was modeled after the Italian Mafia. Members and associates of MMP operated street-level drug distribution “shops” in various locations in Baltimore City and distributed heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana, among other controlled substances. The gang’s drug shop in the 5200 block of Windsor Mill Road was particularly lucrative due to its close proximity to Interstate 70, and it frequently attracted drug customers driving from western Maryland and neighboring states. MMP members were required to pay dues to the gang consisting of a portion of the proceeds of their criminal activities, and they were subject to reprisal—and sometimes murder—for failing to do so. Non-members who wished to sell drugs in MMP’s territories were forced to pay a “tax” or were targeted for violence by MMP members. MMP members enhance their status within the gang by carrying out acts of violence against rivals; for instance, members can earn a “lightning bolt” tattoo for “killing for the Mob.”
The 32 count indictment alleges that from at least 2011 through 2017, the defendants were members and associates of MMP who engaged in criminal activities in furtherance of the gang, including five murders, six attempted murders, assaults, abduction, witness tampering, and drug distribution resulting in nonfatal overdoses.
For instance, the indictment alleges that on May 30, 2015, Shakeen Davis attempted to murder two victims in the gang’s territory in Northwest Baltimore by firing at least nine rounds at them with a 5.56x45mm caliber rifle. One victim suffered two graze wounds to his back, and both victims suffered cuts to their arms and hands from broken glass.
The indictment further alleges that on September 29, 2015, Dontray Johnson murdered an MMP member because he refused to pay gang dues Johnson was attempting to collect for Dante Bailey and his wife Tiffany Bailey. Dante Bailey approved the murder afterward in a recorded conversation, telling Johnson to continue enforcing the dues system even if it meant killing more people.
According to the indictment, on April 28, 2016, Dante Bailey and Jamal Lockley armed themselves and went looking to retaliate against members of a rival drug organization they believed were responsible for killing an MMP member. Bailey and Lockley drove to the rival drug organization’s territory, where they observed a victim who they suspected—wrongly—had been involved in the MMP member’s murder. Bailey shot the victim in the head, killing him. Lockley was the getaway driver.
The indictment further alleges that in August 2016, Dante Bailey directed the murder of a victim based on a belief that he was cooperating with law enforcement. On August 10, 2016, Sydni Frazier and one or more co-conspirators abducted, bound, and murdered the victim, and then attempted to set his body on fire. Later that day, Frazier fled from police and discarded the two murder weapons.
In addition, the indictment alleges that on January 8, 2017, Delante Lee attempted to murder a victim because he lingered on MMP’s drug turf after being asked to leave. Lee chased the victim into oncoming traffic, firing multiple shots at him and striking him once in the arm. Shortly afterward, Lee shot himself as he was attempting to put away the gun.
The two new defendants face a maximum sentence of life in prison for the racketeering conspiracy, as well as a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison for the drug conspiracy. Dante Bailey and Dontray Johnson face a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison and the possibility of the death penalty for new charges of murder in aid of racketeering. Dante Bailey, Dontray Johnson, Corloyd Anderson, Shakeen Davis, Delante Lee, and Sydni Frazier also face new gun charges. Ayinde Deleon, Shakeen Davis, and Sydni Frazier also face new drug distribution charges.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
The following 14 defendants were charged in the superseding indictment unsealed on September 27, 2016, and charges remain pending against them in the second superseding indictment:
Dante Bailey, a/k/a “Gutta,” “Almighty,” and “Wolf,” age 37, of Windsor Mill, Maryland; Dontray Johnson, a/k/a “Gambino,” “Bino,” and “Tray,” age 31, of Windsor Mill; Adrian Jamal Spence, a/k/a “Spittle,” “SP,” and “AJ,” age 29, of Baltimore; Randy Banks, a/k/a “Dirt,” age 38, of Baltimore; Ayinde Deleon, a/k/a “Murda,” and “Yin,” age 31, of Baltimore; Jamal Lockley, a/k/a “T-Roy,” and “Droid,” age 37, of Baltimore; Jacob Bowling, a/k/a “Jakey,” “Ghost,” and “Fred,” age 30, of Gwynn Oak, Maryland; Corloyd Anderson, a/k/a “Bo,” age 33, of Owings Mills, Maryland; Devon Dent, a/k/a “Tech,” age 26, of Gwynn Oak; Tiffany Bailey, a/k/a “Tiff,” age 31, of Windsor Mill; Takuma Tate, a/k/a “Oop,” and “Ook,” age 37, of Baltimore; Maurice Pollock, a/k/a “Reese,” age 22, of Baltimore; Shakeen Davis, a/k/a “Creams,” age 22, of Baltimore; Delante Lee, a/k/a “Tay Tay,” age 21, of Baltimore; and
The following 10 defendants were charged in the previous indictment and have pleaded guilty to their participation in the racketeering conspiracy:
William Banks, a/k/a “Trouble,” age 27, of Baltimore; Dominick Wedlock, a/k/a “Rage,” and “Nick,” age 29, of Baltimore; Dwight Jenkins, a/k/a “Huggie,” and “Unc,” age 48, of Baltimore; Melvin Lashley, a/k/a “Menace,” age 26, of Baltimore; William Jones, a/k/a “Bill,” and “Smalls,” age 27, of Baltimore; Jarmal Harrid, a/k/a “J-Rock,” and “PJ,” age 27, of Gwynn Oak; Jamal Smith, a/k/a “Mal,” and “Lil Mal,” age 25, of Gwynn Oak; Charles Blackwell, a/k/a “Ci-Bo,” and “Lil Charlie,” age 21, of Woodlawn, Maryland; Kenneth Torry, a/k/a “Kenny,” age 39, of Owings Mills; Jay Greer, a/k/a “Champagne,” “Montana Gold,” and “Slick,” age 24, of Baltimore.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning commended the ATF, Baltimore City and Baltimore County Police Departments, and the Baltimore City and Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Offices for their work in the investigation and prosecution. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Christina A. Hoffman, Lauren E. Perry, and Jason D. Medinger, who are prosecuting the case.
Two Berkeley County residents are indicted on fentanyl and heroin distribution chargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Berkeley County residents are named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Martinsburg, West Virginia on May 16, 2017, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.
Faith Wilson, age 26, and Karlo “Jake” Sinclair, age 28, both of Bunker Hill, West Virginia were each indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance,” one count of “Distribution of a Controlled Substance,” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substance.”
Wilson was also indicted on one count of “Distribution of Controlled Substance in Proximity of a Protected Location.”
The crimes are alleged to have occurred from the September 2015 to October 2016 in Berkeley County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, is investigating.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two Army National Guardsmen Convicted in Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Used Cards Re-encoded with Stolen Credit/Debit Card Numbers to Buy Merchandise at Army and Air Force Exchange Service Stores and Elsewhere
Greenbelt, Maryland – On June 1, 2017, a federal jury found James Stewart, age 27, of District Heights, Maryland guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. The jury also found Vincent Grant, age 28, of Laurel, Maryland guilty of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.
The convictions were announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning; Special Agent in Charge Robert Craig of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service - Mid-Atlantic Field Office (DCIS); and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Thorpe of the DCIS - Cyber Field Office.
According to evidence presented to the jury, from July 2014 to May 2015 the defendants used Bitcoin, a form of digital currency, to purchase stolen credit and debit card numbers of individuals and businesses from foreign internet websites. The defendants selected and purchased stolen credit and debit card numbers of individuals and businesses holding federal credit union accounts, and those with billing addresses in or near Maryland. They bought magnetic strip card-encoding devices and software to re-encode credit, debit, and other cards with the stolen credit and debit card numbers. The defendants then used the cards they fraudulently re-encoded to buy merchandise, including gift cards, electronic items, and luxury goods, from Army and Air Force Exchange Service stores on U.S. military bases, also known as PX stores, and other locations in Maryland and elsewhere. They used the merchandise themselves or resold the merchandise to individuals they knew.
Coconspirators Derrick Shelton and Quentin Stewart previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Coconspirator Jamal Moody pled guilty to conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Moody, Shelton, James Stewart, and Grant were specialists, and Quentin Stewart was a former sergeant, all in the District of Columbia Army National Guard.
Shelton, James Stewart, and Quentin Stewart face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for conspiring to commit wire fraud, and wire fraud. Grant and Moody face a maximum sentence of seven and half years in prison for conspiring to commit access device fraud. All five defendants also face a mandatory minimum of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft, consecutive to any other sentence imposed.
The Maryland Identity Theft Working Group has been working since 2006 to foster cooperation among local, state, federal, and institutional fraud investigators and to promote effective prosecution of identity theft schemes by both state and federal prosecutors. This case, as well as other cases brought by members of the Working Group, demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to work with financial institutions and businesses to address identity fraud, identify those who compromise personal identity information, and protect citizens from identity theft.
Today’s announcement is part of the efforts undertaken in connection with the President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. The task force was established to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices, and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets; and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations. Since fiscal year 2009, the Justice Department has filed over 18,000 financial fraud cases against more than 25,000 defendants. For more information on the task force, please visit www.StopFraud.gov.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning commended the DCIS for its work in the investigation. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bryan E. Foreman and Thomas P. Windom; Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Gustav William Eyler, of the U.S. Justice Department, Criminal Division - Fraud Section; and Trial Attorney Jessee Alexander-Hoeppner, of the U.S. Justice Department, Criminal Division - Fraud Section, who prosecuted the case.
Three from Lima sentenced to prison for sex trafficking of a 14-year-oldRead the Press Release
Three people from Lima were sentenced to prison this week for their roles in a sex trafficking conspiracy involving a 14-year-old girl, said Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja, FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony and Lima Police Chief Kevin Martin.
Randy Thompson, 26, was sentenced to 24 years in federal prison. Shemeric Cook, 30, was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Precious Russell, 20, was sentenced to nine years in prison.
All three defendants frequented the 4th Street apartment complex in Lima and played a role in the sex trafficking of a 14-year old girl from that location in November 2015, according to court documents and testimony.
Thompson forced the victim to engage in commercial sex acts from his apartment, from a nearby gas station and caused the victim to be transported to Fort Wayne, Indiana where she was prostituted as well. He also lied to investigators during the case.
Thompson pled guilty to two counts of conspiracy to engage in the sex trafficking of a minor, one count of transportation of a minor with the intent to engage in prostitution, two counts of sex trafficking of a minor and one count of obstruction of a sex trafficking investigation.
Cook pled guilty to obstruction of a sex trafficking investigation for his role in lying to investigators, attempting to distance himself from the crimes and trying to protect others who were involved in the sex trafficking of the victim.
Russell pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in the sex trafficking of a minor and one count of sex trafficking of a minor. She assisted Thompson in his prostitution of the victim out of the 4th Street apartment complex, including creating on-line advertisements offering the sexual services of the minor, according to court documents and testimony.
Megan Hitt and Jacqueline Young are scheduled to be sentenced on June 27th for their roles in the conspiracy. Lorenzo Young and Aundre Davis, who were convicted at trial this year, are scheduled to be sentenced on September 7th.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alissa M. Sterling and Daniel Hurley following an investigation by the Lima Police Department, the FBI and the Northwest Ohio Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Three Northern California Real Estate Investors Convicted of Rigging Bids at Public Foreclosure AuctionsRead the Press Release
A federal jury today convicted three real estate investors for their roles in a conspiracy to rig bids at public real estate foreclosure auctions held in Northern California, the Department of Justice announced.
After a three-week trial, the jury convicted Michael Marr, Javier Sanchez, and Gregory Casorso, on all counts. Marr, Sanchez, and Casorso were convicted for conspiring to rig bids at foreclosure auctions in Alameda County, California, between June 2008 and January 2011. Marr and Sanchez were also convicted on charges of conspiring to rig bids at foreclosure auctions in Contra Costa County, California between July 2008 and January 2011. The three defendants were charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Northern District of California on Nov. 19, 2014.
The evidence at trial showed that the defendants conspired with others to rig bids to obtain hundreds of properties sold at foreclosure auctions. The conspirators designated the winning bidders to obtain selected properties at the public auctions, and negotiated payoffs among themselves in return for not competing. They then held second, private auctions at or near the courthouse steps where the public auctions were held, awarding the properties to conspirators who submitted the highest bids.
Including today’s convictions, 68 individuals have pleaded guilty or been convicted after trial as a result of the department’s ongoing antitrust investigations into bid rigging at public foreclosure auctions in Northern California. Indictments are pending against other real estate investors who participated in the conspiracy.
The investigation is being conducted by the Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Office and the FBI’s San Francisco Office. Anyone with information concerning bid rigging at real estate foreclosure auctions should contact the Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Office at 415-934-5300 or call the FBI tip line at 415-553-7400.
Three Members or Associates of Wildboys Gang in South Carolina Sentenced for Violent Crimes in Aid of RacketeeringRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – One member and two associates of the Wildboys gang were sentenced today in federal court in Charleston, South Carolina, after each pleaded guilty to attempted murder in aid of racketeering for their roles in retaliation attacks against a rival gang.
The announcement was made by Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge C.J. Hyman of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Charlotte, North Carolina Field Division; Solicitor Duffie Stone of the 14th Judicial Circuit; Solicitor David Pascoe of the First Circuit; Sheriff R.A. Strickland of the Colleton County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office; Chief Wade Marvin of the Walterboro, South Carolina Police Department; Sheriff Al Cannon, Jr. of the Charleston County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office; Sheriff L. C. Knight of the Dorchester County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office; Chief Jon Rogers of the Summerville, South Carolina Police Department; Director Jerry B. Adger of the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services; and Chief Mark Keel of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
U.S. District Court Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Brian Manigo, aka “B-Nasty,” of Green Pond, South Carolina, to 10 years in prison; Damien Robinson, aka “Sacked Up,” also of Green Pond, South Carolina, to 10 years in prison; and Kelvin Mitchell, aka “Kevy Boy,”of Ruffin, South Carolina, to 39 months in prison, after each pleaded guilty to attempted murder in aid of racketeering.
According to court documents, all three defendants were members or associates of the Wildboys gang, a violent street gang that originated in the Green Pond area of Walterboro, South Carolina. From 2009 to 2015, Wildboys gang members used Facebook and YouTube to communicate with each other; threaten rival gang members and the police; flaunt gang colors, tattoos, and hand signs; and post photographs and videos depicting firearms, large amounts of cash, and what purported to be controlled substances. Gang members also engaged in violent criminal activities, including robberies of convenience stores, attempted murders of rival gang members, and narcotics trafficking. The Wildboys gang was also, for a time, aligned with another violent street gang called the “Cowboys” that originated out of the Brittlebank, or Eastside, area of Walterboro, South Carolina. In addition to sharing a common interest in posting threats and photographs depicting firearms, large amounts of cash, and what purported to be narcotics on Facebook and YouTube, the Wildboys and the Cowboys gangs shared common enemies. These shared interests resulted in shootings aimed at rival gang members, which left innocent by-standers seriously injured.
Manigo and Mitchell were sentenced for their roles in a May 14, 2011, retaliation shooting aimed at a rival gang member. While Mitchell drove the vehicle, Manigo retrieved an AK-47 rifle from the trunk of the car and fired multiple shots at the gang member who was standing in a crowd of individuals. An innocent by-stander sustained serious bodily injury as a result of the shooting.
Robinson was sentenced for his role in the April 7, 2015, retaliation drive-by shooting aimed at members of a rival gang. Robinson was the driver of the vehicle containing two other members of the Wildboys gang. As Robinson drove past the residence of the known rival gang members, the two passengers fired multiple shots at the home using an AR-15 and an SKS rifle. Robinson gave the AR-15, which belonged to him, to his fellow gang member to use during the shooting. The shooting resulted in serious bodily injury to an innocent victim inside the residence.
As part of the sentence, Manigo, Mitchell and Robinson were ordered to serve a term of three years of supervised release and to pay the costs of medical care for the victims.
A fourth member of the Wildboys, Joshua Manigault, who pleaded guilty to the April 7, 2015, shooting, has yet to be sentenced.
Devin Brown, who was also charged in the indictment, is scheduled for a jury trial to begin on June 26. The charges against Brown contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case was investigated by the ATF in Charleston, South Carolina, in partnership with the Walterboro Police Department; Colleton County Sheriff’s Office; Charleston County Sheriff’s Office; Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office; Summerville Police Department; Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office; First Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office; South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services; and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Leshia Lee-Dixon of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Tameaka A. Legette, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney from the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Bluffton, South Carolina.
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Three Members or Associates of Wildboys Gang in South Carolina Sentenced for Violent Crimes in Aid of RacketeeringRead the Press Release
One member and two associates of the Wildboys gang were sentenced today in federal court in Charleston, South Carolina, after each pleaded guilty to attempted murder in aid of racketeering for their roles in retaliation attacks against a rival gang.
The announcement was made by Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge C.J. Hyman of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Charlotte, North Carolina Field Division; Solicitor Duffie Stone of the 14th Judicial Circuit; Solicitor David Pascoe of the First Circuit; Sheriff R.A. Strickland of the Colleton County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office; Chief Wade Marvin of the Walterboro, South Carolina Police Department; Sheriff Al Cannon, Jr. of the Charleston County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office; Sheriff L. C. Knight of the Dorchester County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Office; Chief Jon Rogers of the Summerville, South Carolina Police Department; Director Jerry B. Adger of the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services; and Chief Mark Keel of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
U.S. District Court Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Brian Manigo, aka “B-Nasty,” of Green Pond, South Carolina, to 10 years in prison; Damien Robinson, aka “Sacked Up,” also of Green Pond, South Carolina, to 10 years in prison; and Kelvin Mitchell, aka “Kevy Boy,”of Ruffin, South Carolina, to 39 months in prison, after each pleaded guilty to attempted murder in aid of racketeering.
According to court documents, all three defendants were members or associates of the Wildboys gang, a violent street gang that originated in the Green Pond area of Walterboro, South Carolina. From 2009 to 2015, Wildboys gang members used Facebook and YouTube to communicate with each other; threaten rival gang members and the police; flaunt gang colors, tattoos, and hand signs; and post photographs and videos depicting firearms, large amounts of cash, and what purported to be controlled substances. Gang members also engaged in violent criminal activities, including robberies of convenience stores, attempted murders of rival gang members, and narcotics trafficking. The Wildboys gang was also, for a time, aligned with another violent street gang called the “Cowboys” that originated out of the Brittlebank, or Eastside, area of Walterboro, South Carolina. In addition to sharing a common interest in posting threats and photographs depicting firearms, large amounts of cash, and what purported to be narcotics on Facebook and YouTube, the Wildboys and the Cowboys gangs shared common enemies. These shared interests resulted in shootings aimed at rival gang members, which left innocent by-standers seriously injured.
Manigo and Mitchell were sentenced for their roles in a May 14, 2011, retaliation shooting aimed at a rival gang member. While Mitchell drove the vehicle, Manigo retrieved an AK-47 rifle from the trunk of the car and fired multiple shots at the gang member who was standing in a crowd of individuals. An innocent by-stander sustained serious bodily injury as a result of the shooting.
Robinson was sentenced for his role in the April 7, 2015, retaliation drive-by shooting aimed at members of a rival gang. Robinson was the driver of the vehicle containing two other members of the Wildboys gang. As Robinson drove past the residence of the known rival gang members, the two passengers fired multiple shots at the home using an AR-15 and an SKS rifle. Robinson gave the AR-15, which belonged to him, to his fellow gang member to use during the shooting. The shooting resulted in serious bodily injury to an innocent victim inside the residence.
As part of the sentence, Manigo, Mitchell and Robinson were ordered to serve a term of three years of supervised release and to pay the costs of medical care for the victims.
A fourth member of the Wildboys, Joshua Manigault, who pleaded guilty to the April 7, 2015, shooting, has yet to be sentenced.
Devin Brown, who was also charged in the indictment, is scheduled for a jury trial to begin on June 26. The charges against Brown contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case was investigated by the ATF in Charleston, South Carolina, in partnership with the Walterboro Police Department; Colleton County Sheriff’s Office; Charleston County Sheriff’s Office; Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office; Summerville Police Department; Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office; First Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office; South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services; and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Leshia Lee-Dixon of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Tameaka A. Legette, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney from the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Bluffton, South Carolina.
Three Facing Federal Charges for Drug Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
41 kilograms of suspected heroin seized
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal criminal complaint was filed on June 1, 2017 charging three defendants with intent to distribute narcotics and conspiracy to distribute narcotics.
The criminal complaint was announced by Acting United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Stephen M. Schenning and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Don A. Hibbert of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office.
The criminal complaint charges the following defendants:
Perry Brown, age 53, of Baltimore, Maryland;
Juan Olvera Morales, age 34, of St. Anthony, Idaho; and
Alfredo Manuel Nevares, age 41, of West Valley, Utah
According to the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, beginning in October 2015, federal and state law enforcement began investigating drug trafficking activities of various persons. On May 30, 2017, investigators received confidential information concerning a possible drug transaction. Based on that intelligence, law enforcement began monitoring Brown. On May 31, 2017, at a truck stop in Jessup, law enforcement observed Brown, Morales, and Nevares, transfer multiple bags from a truck to a van. On the same day, 41 kilograms of suspected heroin was seized, and the three defendants were taken into custody.
If convicted of either conspiracy to distribute or possession with the intent to distribute narcotics, Brown, Morales, and Nevares faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
A criminal complaint is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by criminal complaint is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
Acting United States Attorney Stephen M. Schenning commended the DEA for its work in the investigation. Mr. Schenning thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Hanlon, who is prosecuting the case. Mr. Schenning would also like to thank the following agencies for their cooperation and dedication to this investigation: Baltimore City Police Department, Baltimore City Sheriff's Office, Baltimore County Police Department, Immigration Custom Enforcement (ICE-ERO), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and Maryland Transportation Authority Police (MTAP).
South Portland Woman Pleads Guilty to Mail TheftRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Norma J. Duhamel, 71, of South Portland, Maine pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to stealing mail.
According to court documents, between August and October of 2016, Duhamel stole mail containing bank checks and a credit card from mailboxes of residents of Cumberland, Maine. She cashed about $1,125 worth of stolen checks and charged about $105 on the credit card.
The defendant faces up to 5 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. She will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
South Florida Man Sentenced in Connection with Lottery Fraud Scheme Based in JamaicaRead the Press Release
A South Florida man was sentenced to prison in connection with the operation of a Jamaican-based fraudulent lottery scheme, the Department of Justice announced today.
Claude Shaw, 49, of Miramar, Florida, was sentenced to serve 36 months in prison and three years supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge William P. Dimitrouleas in Fort Lauderdale. Shaw was also ordered to pay $128,440 in restitution.
Shaw pleaded guilty on March 22, to one count of mail fraud in the Southern District of Florida. As part of his guilty plea, Shaw acknowledged that, from in or around September 2013, through in or around August 20l5, he participated in a scheme to defraud victims in the United States and unlawfully enrich himself.
“Today’s sentencing demonstrates the Justice Department’s commitment to combatting foreign-based lottery fraud schemes targeting individuals in the United States,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad A. Readler of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Financial schemes designed to defraud unsuspecting victims will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
As part of the scheme, victims throughout the United States received telephone calls in which they were falsely informed that they had won over $1 million in a lottery and needed to pay money in advance to claim their winnings. The victims were instructed on how, and to whom, to send their money, including being instructed to send their money to Shaw. Victims sent over $100,000 to Shaw, who then forwarded a portion of the money to Jamaica. Victims never received any lottery winnings.
“The Postal Inspection Service will continue to actively investigate fraudulent lottery schemes based in Jamaica directed at ripping off victims in the United States,” said Inspector in Charge Antonio J. Gomez of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Miami, Florida Division. “Lottery scams tied to Jamaica are targeting victims in the United States, and we will not allow fraudsters to use the U.S. mail to commit their crime.”
This prosecution is part of the Department of Justice’s effort working with federal and local law enforcement to combat fraudulent lottery schemes preying on American citizens.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Readler commended the investigative efforts of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Arturo DeCastro of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch.
For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl.
Sisseton Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing from Tribal OrganizationRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced today that Ann German, age 58, of Peever, South Dakota, pled guilty to one count of an Indictment charging her with Conspiracy to Commit Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization.
Indictment was filed October 6, 2015, charging German, along with Carrie Godfrey, a/k/a Carrie His Gun, a/k/a Carrie Kampeska, age 50, of Sisseton; Gerald German, Jr., age 46, of Peever; Calvin Max, Sr., age 50, of Sisseton; Gerald Heminger, Jr., age 58, of Sisseton; and Colette White, age 57, of Peever, with a conspiracy that began in June 2010, and continued through March 2013, to embezzle funds from the Big Coulee District of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribe. German was also charged with one count of Embezzlement and Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization, and the other defendants were charged with two counts of that offense.
All of the defendants except Calvin Max, Sr. have pled guilty to at least one count of the Indictment.
German was the District Coordinator of the Big Coulee District, and the other defendants were executive board members of the District.
The District has several types of assistance that District members can apply for and receive, including home repair and emergency repair. The Indictment alleges that German, and the others, stole money from the District by writing themselves checks and/or receiving checks for false home repair and emergency repair assistance payments. In this manner, German and her co-defendants stole over $80,000 from the District. German received at least $3,000 of the stolen funds.
Each count of the Indictment carries a maximum possible sentence of 5 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, a $100 payment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and restitution.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman is prosecuting the case.
German is scheduled to be sentenced on September 1, 2017.
The case was brought pursuant to The Guardians Project, a federal law enforcement initiative to coordinate efforts between participating agencies to promote citizen disclosure of public corruption, fraud, and embezzlement involving federal program funds, contracts, and grants, and to hold accountable those who are responsible for adversely affecting those living in South Dakota’s Indian country communities. The Guardians Project is another step of federal law enforcement’s ongoing efforts to increase engagement, coordination, and positive action on behalf of tribal communities. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the participating agencies include: Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Offices of Inspector General for the Departments of Interior, Health and Human Services, Social Security Administration, Agriculture, Transportation, Education, Justice, and Housing and Urban Development; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division; U.S. Postal Inspector Service; U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General.
For additional information about The Guardians Project, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (605) 330-4400. To report a suspected crime, please contact law enforcement at the federal agency’s locally listed telephone number.
Sioux Falls Man Charged with Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of Firearms by a Prohibited Person.
Ehab Abdulmutta Jaber, age 46, was indicted on May 9, 2017. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on May 19, 2017, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The Indictment charges Jaber with unlawfully possessing five firearms between April 9, 2017, and April 21, 2017. It is alleged that Jaber cannot legally possess firearms because he is an unlawful user of, and addicted to, a controlled substance.
The charge is merely an accusation and Jaber is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Sioux Falls Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Criminal Chief Dennis R. Holmes is prosecuting the case.
Jaber was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial, which has been set for July 25, 2017.
Sentencings for May 26 - June 2, 2017Read the Press Release
Daniel R. Gerken, 35, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on June 2, 2017, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and for use and carry of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Gerken was arrested in Gillette, Wyoming. He received 120 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $200.00 special assessment and $250.00 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Heather Dayle Gould, 29, of Lander, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on June 1, 2017, on one count of Medicaid fraud and one count of Food Stamp fraud. Gould was arrested in Lander, Wyoming. She received three years of probation and was ordered to pay $20,807.65 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Fraud and Recovery Unit of the Department of Family Services.
William David Larson, 19, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on June 1, 2017, for transportation of child pornography. Larson was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received 168 months of imprisonment, to be followed by ten years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and $3,000.00 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations.
Kennith Joseph Cassady, 41, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on May 30, 2017, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Cassady self-surrendered in Casper, Wyoming. He received 110 months of imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and $250.00 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Laramie Police Department, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Diego Armando Medrano-Lopez, 23, of Chihuahua, Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on May 26, 2017, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Medrano-Lopez was arrested in Gillette, Wyoming. He received time served, plus ten days, was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment, and is subject to deportation upon release from custody. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Rosalio Solis-Solorio, 30, of Michoacán, Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on May 26, 2017, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Solis-Solorio was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received time served, plus ten days, was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment, and is subject to deportation upon release from custody. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Ricardo Vazquez-Martinez, 41, of Michoacán, Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on May 26, 2017, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Vazquez-Martinez was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received time served, plus ten days, was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment, and is subject to deportation upon release from custody. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Orin Loos, 69, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on May 26, 2017, for possession of child pornography. Loos received five years of probation and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and $15,080.00 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations.
Daniel R. Gerken, 35, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on June 2, 2017, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and for use and carry of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Gerken was arrested in Gillette, Wyoming. He received 120 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $200.00 special assessment and $250.00 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Heather Dayle Gould, 29, of Lander, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on June 1, 2017, on one count of Medicaid fraud and one count of Food Stamp fraud. Gould was arrested in Lander, Wyoming. She received three years of probation and was ordered to pay $20,807.65 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services.
William David Larson, 19, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on June 1, 2017, for transportation of child pornography. Larson was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received 168 months of imprisonment, to be followed by ten years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and $3,000.00 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations.
Kennith Joseph Cassady, 41, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on May 30, 2017, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Cassady self-surrendered in Casper, Wyoming. He received 110 months of imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and $250.00 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Laramie Police Department, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Diego Armando Medrano-Lopez, 23, of Chihuahua, Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on May 26, 2017, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Medrano-Lopez was arrested in Gillette, Wyoming. He received time served, plus ten days, was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment, and is subject to deportation upon release from custody. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Rosalio Solis-Solorio, 30, of Michoacán, Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on May 26, 2017, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Solis-Solorio was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received time served, plus ten days, was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment, and is subject to deportation upon release from custody. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Ricardo Vazquez-Martinez, 41, of Michoacán, Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on May 26, 2017, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Vazquez-Martinez was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received time served, plus ten days, was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment, and is subject to deportation upon release from custody. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Orin Loos, 69, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on May 26, 2017, for possession of child pornography. Loos received five years of probation and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and $15,080.00 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations.