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20 April 2017
Charleston felon pleads guilty to assault and gun crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man pleaded guilty today to a federal gun charge and assaulting a federal officer, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Taurean Amadeus Johnson, 30, entered his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm and assaulting a federal officer after a court appearance.
Johnson admitted that on January 16, 2017, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Johnson’s residence and on a vehicle parked in front of the residence. Officers found a Lorcin L380 semiautomatic pistol in the vehicle. Johnson admitted that the gun belonged to him. Johnson also admitted in a statement to law enforcement that he acquired at least two other handguns, which were also recovered. Johnson was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of 2009 convictions in Cabell County Circuit Court for first degree robbery, transporting a controlled substance into the state, and delivery of crack.
Johnson further admitted to assaulting a federal officer. On January 17, 2017, Johnson appeared before the United States Magistrate Judge in Charleston for an initial appearance. When the hearing ended, Johnson became combative leaving the courtroom. Johnson admitted that while being placed in a holding cell, he began choking a deputy of the United States Marshals Service by pulling on his neck tie. The Marshals Service regained control of Johnson through physical restraint.
Johnson faces up to 18 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on July 13, 2017.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
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Canadian Man Charge with Enticement of A MinorRead the Press Release
Robert James Tyndall, 45, of Canada, was charged today by indictment with coercion and enticement of a minor, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. According to the indictment, from on or about August 13, 2012, to on or about July 12, 2013, Tyndall, using the internet, knowingly persuaded, induced and enticed a minor under the age of 18 to engage in sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense.
If convicted, Tyndall faces a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment, which includes a mandatory minimum 10 year term of imprisonment, a mandatory minimum 5 years up to a lifetime of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and a $100 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Henrico County Virginia Police Department, and the Calgary Police Service in Calgary, Alberta Canada, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffery W. Whitt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division=s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Canadian Couple Pleads Guilty in Case Involving Synthetic Drugs from ChinaRead 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 Karl Morrison, 59, of Kitchener, Ontario, pleaded guilty to attempting to export pentylone and furanyl fentanyl, before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. Co-defendant Sorina Morrison, 60, also of Kitchener, pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony and faces three years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Wei Xiang, who is handling the case, stated that on August 29, 2016, American law enforcement officers intercepted a package that was mailed from China and addressed to Karl Morrison at a location in Niagara Falls, NY. The package contained four sample-sized packets of powder, two of which were determined to contain 4-methoxy butyryl fentanyl and para-fluoro butyryl fentanyl. If intended for human consumption, these synthetic substances are analogues of the Schedule II controlled substance fentanyl.
On October 15, 2016, Morrison and his wife Sorina entered the United States from Canada at the Lewiston Bridge Port of Entry. The couple retrieved four packages, bought shipping supplies, and repackaged the contents into new envelopes that they paid to ship back to Canada, including one to their home address. Sorina Morrison falsely declared that the contents of one of the repackaged parcels contained cinnamon butter. Other than packaging materials, that parcel contained more than 500 grams of powder containing pentylone. Another of the repackaged parcels contained approximately 6 1/2 grams of powder containing furanyl fentanyl. All three repackaged parcels were intercepted by American law enforcement officials before shipment to Canada.
The couple discarded the Chinese shipping labels of the original packages in various garbage cans around Niagara County to cover their tracks. They also obtained the name and address of an unsuspecting citizen in Niagara Falls to use as the return address on the packages they shipped to Canada, to further disguise the origin of the illegal contents. The Morrison’s were arrested as they drove back across the Lewiston Bridge toward Canada.
Several days later, law enforcement officials recovered yet another Chinese parcel that had been delivered for Karl Morrison, which contained nearly 500 grams of powder containing pentylone.
Pentylone is a synthetic cathinone that is commonly used as a designer drug for its stimulant effect and is comparable to MDMA. Furanyl fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is far more potent than heroin.
The pleas are the result of an investigation by Customs and Border protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division; Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James C. Spero; and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Shelly Binkowski.
Sentencing for both defendants is scheduled for July 25, 2017, before Judge Vilardo.
Camp Verde Man Sentenced to 46 Months for Assault with a Dangerous WeaponRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On April 19, 2017, Emilio Chato Haddo, 27, of Camp Verde, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Paul G. Rosenblatt to 46 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Haddo had previously pleaded guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon.
On Dec. 10, 2015, Haddo and his co-defendant, both members of the Yavapai-Apache Nation, assaulted the victim, also a member of the Yavapai-Apache Nation, by striking him on the head with the butt of a handgun, causing it to discharge. The victim suffered serious bodily injury. In February 2017, Haddo’s co-defendant was killed in a single car accident.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Yavapai-Apache Nation Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Christina Covault, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-16-8012-002-PCT-PGR
RELEASE NUMBER: 2017-036_Haddo
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
California Man Charged with Illegal Reentry After DeportationRead the Press Release
Ernesto Perez Martinez-Macias, a/k/a “Ernesto Perez Macias,” of Sunnyville, CA, was charged today by Indictment with illegal reentry after deportation, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. The indictment alleges that on or about March 8, 2017, Martinez-Macias, an alien, and native and citizen of Mexico, was found in the United States after having been deported from the United States on or about September 15, 2004, July 9, 2015, and October 22, 2015.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of ten years.
The case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations (“ERO”), and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James Petkun.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Buffalo Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Role as Getaway Driver in Tonawanda Bank RobberyRead 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 Nicholas Graham, 46, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of aiding and abetting a bank robbery by use of a dangerous weapon, was sentenced to 84 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Joseph P. Geraci, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Adler, who handled the case, stated that on January 8, 2016, the defendant assisted two other individuals in a bank robbery at the Evans Bank located at 2800 Niagara Falls Boulevard in Tonawanda, New York. Graham drove the individuals to the bank in a 2007 Infiniti around 5:45 p.m. The defendant remained in the vehicle and acted as both the lookout and the getaway driver.
During the robbery, the two masked individuals wore nearly identical uniforms including dark tan jackets with hoods, dark colored baseball caps, dark colored masks, and tan pants. Once inside the bank, the masked robbers aimed BB guns, that appeared to be real pistols, at customers and employees and ordered them to get down so that nobody would get hurt.
Following the robbery, law enforcement officers tracked the defendant and the two individuals to the Scottish Inn Motel on Niagara Falls Boulevard. Graham was detained at the motel, while the robbers fled and remain fugitives. Officers found items at the motel including cash, clothing worn by the robbers, the BB guns, receipts for the purchase of the guns, and several identification cards.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Adam S. Cohen and the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief Jerome C. Uschold.
Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to Theft of Government MoneyRead 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 Dwayne Brice, 37, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty to theft of government money, before Senior U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott S. Allen, Jr., and Stephanie O. Lamarque, who are handling the case, stated that the Department of Veterans Affairs appointed Brice as a fiduciary for his elderly father-in-law, who received veteran’s benefits. As fiduciary, the defendant had a duty to manage those funds and pay for his father-in-law’s living expenses. Between August 2013 and September 2015, Brice stole approximately $38,904 in veteran’s benefits, gambling some of the money at local casinos.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigations Division, under the direction of Donna L. Neves.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 20, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. before Judge Geraci.
Broken Bow Man Sentenced to 96 Months for Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that RICHARD DALE HENRY, age 63, of Broken Bow, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 96 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release for FELON IN POSSESSION OF FIREARM, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(a)(2) and 924(e)(1).
Evidence at trial proved that from on or about December 23, 2013, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm, which had been shipped and transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
The charge arose from an investigation by the McCurtain County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Honorable James H. Payne, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the nonparoleable sentence will be served.
Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States.
Black P-Stones Gangster Sentenced to 30 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A gang member who pleaded guilty to a racketeering conspiracy and use of a firearm resulting in death was sentenced today to 30 years in prison.
Desmond Finnell, 30, of Newport News, pleaded guilty on Nov. 15, 2016. According to court documents and trial testimony, Finnell was a lieutenant in the Black P-Stones gang headed by Michael Hopson between 2007 and 2010. Finnell was responsible for multiple shootings in Newport News and Hampton as part of his P-Stones gang activity. On Nov. 28, 2010, Finnell lured Ernest “Critter” Crudup to a location in Newport News where he shot him to death, as he believed Crudup robbed him of between 15 and 20 pounds of marijuana.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Martin Culbreth, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric M. Hurt and Trial Attorney Marianne Shelvey of the Organized Crime and Gang Section of the Department of Justice prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:13-cr-96.
Antonia Bautista Sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit Visa FraudRead the Press Release
SHAWN ANDERSON, Acting United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that defendant ANTONIA BAUTISTA (age 60) was sentenced today in the U.S. District Court by Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood to two years probation and a $100 special assessment fee, for Conspiracy to Commit Visa Fraud.
BAUTISTA was part of a conspiracy involving Guam Construction Company (GCC), its president and vice-president, Byong H. Kang and Choon H. Kang, respectively. On April 4, 2014, an Information was filed against BAUTISTA charging Conspiracy to Commit Visa Fraud by intentionally misrepresenting occupations of H-2B workers in an effort to facilitate fraudulently obtaining H-2B visas. After the H-2B workers arrived in Guam, BAUTISTA, GCC’s office manager and corporate secretary, assisted the Kangs and caused GCC to employ the H-2B workers in skilled occupations not authorized on their H-2B visas, as electricians, engineers, heavy equipment operators and others.
BAUTISTA pled guilty on April 4, 2014.
This investigation was a joint effort between both local and federal law enforcement, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Homeland Security Investigations, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations Section, U.S. Department of Labor, Wage & Hour Division working together with Guam Department of Labor and Guam Customs & Quarantine Agency task force officers. Jointly, they investigated not only visa fraud and a sophisticated money laundering scheme, but those who fraudulently obtain federal contracts, and do not pay fair wages.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen F. Leon Guerrero.
Another Drug Smuggler Heads to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 32-year-old Laredo man has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of conspiracy with intent to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 15.7 kilograms of methamphetamine, announced Acting United States Attorney Abe Martinez. Tim McCoy Barton pleaded guilty July 29, 2016.
Today, Visiting U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison sentenced Barton to 108 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.
On May 3, 2016, Barton took part in a conspiracy to smuggle 15.7 kilograms of methamphetamine through the Interstate Highway 35 checkpoint located at mile-marker 29. Barton was driving a green 2009 Dodge Journey with Texas plates in which 16 PVC pipes containing 15.7 kilograms of methamphetamine were found in a compartment inside the gas tank.
He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Border Patrol, Customs and Border Protection and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney José Angel Flores Jr. prosecuted the case.
Anchorage Man Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that Scott Hartvig McDowell, 49, of Anchorage, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Gleason to serve four years in prison for his conviction for bank robbery, followed by three years of supervised release. McDowell was also ordered to pay $2,700 in restitution.
On Aug. 2, 2016, McDowell walked into Alaska USA Federal Credit Union located at 777 Juneau Street in Anchorage and presented a note to the teller asking her to empty the cash drawer. McDowell asked for $50 and $100 bills. The teller gave him approximately $2,700 in U.S. currency. McDowell was apprehended several days later by law enforcement.
Judge Gleason reflected on McDowell's history of thefts and robberies, and noted, "As a society, this type of conduct is something that we cannot have." She also observed that bank robberies are terrifying experiences for the tellers and customers who are only there to work and conduct legitimate transactions.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Cavanaugh prosecuted this case for the United States.
Acting U.S. Attorney Schroder commends the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Anchorage Police Department for the successful investigation and prosecution of this case.
Anchorage Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking After Shoplifting from Natural PantryRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that Jason Paul Bryant-Wilde, 44, of Anchorage, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Gleason to serve five years in prison for his conviction for possession of heroin with intent to distribute, followed by four years of supervised release.
On Aug. 25, 2016, Bryant-Wilde was confronted in the parking lot of Natural Pantry by a loss prevention officer. Bryant-Wilde had walked out with over $200 of grocery items that he did not pay for, and after a brief altercation in the parking lot, he was detained by the loss prevention officer. The loss prevention officer searched Bryant-Wilde while waiting for the Anchorage Police to arrive. Bryant-Wilde had over 100 grams of heroin in his possession that he intended to distribute. This amount of heroin has a street value of approximately $30,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Cavanaugh prosecuted this case for the United States.
Acting U.S. Attorney Schroder commends the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Anchorage Police Department, and the loss prevention team at Natural Pantry for the successful investigation and prosecution of this case.
Albuquerque Man Sentenced to Seven Years for Federal Meth Trafficking ConvictionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Rumaldo Olivas, 27, of Albuquerque, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court to an 84-month prison term followed by four years of supervised release for his methamphetamine trafficking conviction.
Olivas was arrested during 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.
Olivas was arrested in Aug. 2016, on an indictment charging him with distribution of methamphetamine on July 27, 2016, in Bernalillo County, N.M. The indictment included forfeiture provisions requiring Olivas to forfeit $1,000. On Jan. 18, 2017, Olivas entered a guilty plea to the indictment under a plea agreement with the United States.
To date, 43 of the 104 defendants have entered guilty pleas, and 16 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.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of ATF and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Letitia C. Simms.
Alamogordo Man Sentenced to 78 Months for Federal Child Pornography ConvictionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE –William Allen Patterson, 34, of Alamogordo, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to 78 months in prison followed by 15 years of supervised release for his child pornography conviction. Patterson will be required to register as a sex offender when he completes his prison sentence.
Patterson was arrested on August 10, 2016, on a criminal complaint charging him with possessing and receiving visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit activity from 2002 to 2012 and Aug. 10, 2016, in Otero County, N.M. The investigation into Patterson began in Aug. 2016, after Patterson admitted to a polygraph examiner that he was addicted to child pornography while undergoing a polygraph examination as part of the application process to be a Border Patrol Agent. On Aug. 9, 2016, law enforcement searched Patterson’s residence and found a hard drive containing at least 10,000 images of child pornography.
On Jan. 5, 2017, Patterson pled guilty to a felony information charging him with receiving child pornography. In entering the guilty plea, Patterson admitted that on Aug. 9, 2016, he possessed a hard drive that contained numerous images and videos of child pornography which he had downloaded from the internet.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of Homeland Security Investigations and the Las Cruces Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa A. Ong of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
The case also was brought as a part of the New Mexico Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force’s mission, which is to locate, track, and capture Internet child sexual predators and Internet child pornographers in New Mexico. There are 82 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies associated with the New Mexico ICAC Task Force, which is funded by a grant administered by the New Mexico Office of the Attorney General. Anyone with information relating to suspected child predators and suspected child abuse is encouraged to contact federal or local law enforcement.
19 April 2017
Wood County woman pleads guilty to bank robberies in three statesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Davisville, West Virginia woman was convicted today of bank robberies spanning three states, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.
Christine Joy Martin, 31, was charged in a six-count information filed April 5, 2017. Martin pled guilty to three counts of “Unarmed Bank Robbery.”
Martin admitted to robbing Huntington Bank in Marion County of $2,000 on November 4, 2016. She also admitted to robbing WesBanco Bank in Washington County, Pennsylvania, of $350.00 on December 23, 2016 and admitted to robbing the People’s Bank in Athens County, Ohio of $2,150 on December 27, 2016. Martin has waived venue on the charges in Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Martin faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. 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 Sarah W. Montoro prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Morgantown Police Department and the Fairmont Police Department investigated the bank robbery in West Virginia. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the South Strabane Township Police Department investigated the Pennsylvania robbery. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Athens City Police Department investigated the Ohio robbery.
U. S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Wichita Man Sentenced in Jewelry Store Robbery and Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A Wichita man who held a jewelry store owner at gunpoint was sentenced Wednesday to 12 years in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Terence L. Thomas, 25, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of brandishing a firearm during a jewelry store robbery and one count of bank robbery in a separate incident
In the jewelry store robbery, Thomas admitted he had a knife when he approached the owner of Kim Chee Jewelry at 2038 N. Broadway as the owner and his wife arrived for work. The owner drew a handgun in self-defense. The two men wrestled and shots were fired before Thomas got the gun. He forced the owner to open the door to the business. When Thomas tried to drag the owner’s wife into the business, she fell to the ground, feigning a heart attack. Thomas fled the scene after the owner locked him out of the business. A witness took photos of Thomas’ car as he fled, which helped police to identify Thomas and arrest him.
In a separate incident a month earlier, Thomas robbed the Fidelity Bank at 3525 E. Harry. He told the teller, “This is a robbery,” and counted down from twenty while the teller put cash in his bag. He fled the bank with the money.
Beall commended the Wichita Police Department, FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
Wallingford Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DANIEL GUILLEN, 28, of Wallingford, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin. The charge stems from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 31, 2016, the Wallingford Police Department and medical personnel responded to a residence after a report of an untimely death of a 30-year-old male. At the scene, officers seized 12 wax paper folds, eight of which contained a powdery substance. The State of Connecticut Forensics Laboratory subsequently reported that the substance tested positive for the presence of fentanyl and heroin. The investigation revealed that GUILLEN had provided the drugs to the victim shortly before the victim’s death.
GUILLEN is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford on July 12, 2017, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
GUILLEN has been detained since his arrest on January 19, 2017.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad, Wallingford Police Department, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and State of Connecticut Department of Parole and Community Services. The Task Force includes participants from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe, Fairfield and Manchester Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.
Virginia man guilty of heroin distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Wilbur Reid, Jr., of Roanoke, Virginia, was convicted today of possessing heroin, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.
Reid, age 42, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.” Reid admitted to committing the crime in September 2016 in Berkeley County.
Reid faces up to twenty years and a $1,000,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
U.S. Attorney's Office joins crime victim advocates for Walk/Run for Justice and community fairRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of West Virginia, along with federal, state and local advocates of crime victims’ rights, will join for the Walk/Run for Justice 5K and Crime Victims’ Rights Fair. The free event takes place rain or shine on Friday, April 21, 2017, from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. at Haddad Riverfront Park in Charleston. Every April since 2001, the Walk/Run for Justice and community fair serve to raise awareness about crime victims’ issues and rights, while also highlighting the important resources and services available to victims of crime in our area.
Registration for walkers and runners is free and begins at 11:00 A.M. The Walk/Run for Justice will begin at noon. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in both men’s and women’s divisions. The Spirit Award will also be presented to the team with the most participants. There will be free lunch while supplies last and a free t-shirt for the first 100 participants. For more information, please contact Marla Willcox Eddy at 304-340-3676.
WHO:
- United States Attorney Carol Casto
- Operation Reach Out committee members
- Other federal, state and local officials
- Staff representing the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of West Virginia and other offices and organizations involved in working with crime victims
WHAT:
- Walk/Run for Justice 5K and Crime Victims' Rights Fair
WHERE:
- Haddad Riverfront Park - 600 Kanawaha Boulevard, East, in Charleston
WHEN:
- Friday, April 21, 20217, from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. The Walk/Run for Justice begins at noon and free registration starts at 11:00 A.M.
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Two More Loiza Boys Gang Associates Sentenced on Drug ChargesRead 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 Raul Ramirez Vargas, 43, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a kilogram or more of heroin, was sentenced to 130 months in prison by Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny. In addition, Judge Skretny sentenced Angel Sanchez, 49, also of Buffalo, to 60 months in prison for his conviction of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Wei Xiang, who handled the sentencings, stated that the defendants were associates of a gang known as the Loiza Boys, which has been distributing heroin and cocaine on Buffalo’s West Side since at least 2006.
The defendants were charged in 2013 along with eight co-conspirators following a long-term investigation that involved the interception of telephone calls of various defendants and the use of undercover drug purchases from some of those charged. During the investigation, law enforcement officers seized over 450 grams of heroin, three firearms, and over $70,000 in U.S. currency.
Nine of the 10 defendants have been convicted. Charges are pending against Josbel Garcia. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The sentencings are the culmination of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Adam S. Cohen.
Tuba City Man Sentenced to 37 Months Imprisonment for Domestic ViolenceRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, Arlin Hatathlie, 35, of Tuba City, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Paul G. Rosenblatt to 37 months’ imprisonment. Hatathlie had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
On March 26, 2013 and Nov. 18, 2015, on the Navajo Nation, Hatathlie, a member of the Navajo Indian Tribe, assaulted the victim at the time, also a member of the Navajo Indian Tribe, resulting in serious bodily injury.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety. The prosecution was handled by Dimitra H. Sampson, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-16-8086-PCT-PGR
RELEASE NUMBER: 2017-035_Hatathlie
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Tonelea Man Sentenced to 4 Years Imprisonment for Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – This week, Jason David Grisham, 39, of Tonelea, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven P. Logan to four years imprisonment. Grisham had previously pleaded guilty to assault on a federal officer.
The investigation revealed that on June 16, 2016, Grisham, a member of the Navajo Nation, assaulted a Navajo Nation Police Officer, delegated to enforce federal law by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, in Kayenta, Ariz., on the Navajo Nation.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety. The prosecution was handled by Dimitra H. Sampson, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-16-8175-PCT-SPL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2017-033_Grisham
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Three Men Charged with 2009 Newport News MurderRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Two local men and a third from Massachusetts have been indicted by a federal grand jury for a 2009 robbery and murder in Newport News.
According to the indictment that was unsealed today, Bryan Brown, 30, of Newport News, Mark Wallace, 36, of Williamsburg, and Joseph Benson, 35, of Dorchester, Mass., shot and killed Louis Joseph on March 13, 2009, in Newport News.
Each defendant faces a maximum penalty of life in prison, if convicted. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Kenneth A. Blanco, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, made the announcement after the indictment was unsealed. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Howard J. Zlotnick and Lisa R. McKeel, and Trial Attorney Joseph K. Wheatley from the Organized Crime and Gang Section of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:17-cr-45.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
Three Indicted in Florida for Using Stolen Ids to File Tax Returns Claiming More Than $6.8 Million in Fraudulent RefundsRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned an indictment on Feb. 9, which was unsealed today, charging three men in Florida, with conspiracy, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Benjamin G. Greenberg for the Southern District of Florida and Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
According to the indictment, from approximately 2008 through January 2015, in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, Florida, Israel Tassy, Evens Julien, and Jean Leroy Destine, used stolen IDs, including the personal identifying information of deceased individuals, to file over 2,000 tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) claiming more than $6.8 million in fraudulent refunds. The indictment alleges that Tassy, Julien and Destine recruited and paid others to obtain Electronic Filing Identification Numbers (EFINs) from the IRS, in their names and the names of businesses, and used these EFINs to file the fraudulent returns. The indictment also charges that in approximately February 2011, Julien registered A Tax Financial Services Inc., as a for-profit corporation with the state of Florida, and used it to file fraudulent returns as well.
Julien and Destine were arrested earlier today and Tassy is still being sought.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. It merely alleges that crimes have been committed. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, Tassy, Julien and Destine face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison on the conspiracy charge, a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud and a mandatory sentence of two years in prison for each count of aggravated identity theft. In addition, all three defendants face a term of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.
Acting U.S. Attorney Greenberg and Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg thanked special agents of the IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Karadbil and Assistant Chief Greg Tortella of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Syracuse Woman Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Emily Oberst, 24, of Syracuse, New York pled guilty today in federal court to one count of conspiracy to sexually exploit children and 11 counts of child exploitation, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and FBI Special Agent in Charge Vadim Thomas of the FBI Albany Division. The proposed plea agreement calls for her to serve a jail term of 60 years, followed by a life term of supervised release after her release from custody. The agreement includes a provision giving up her right to appeal the case. The guilty plea today will also require her to register as a sex offender.
The investigation leading to the guilty plea today began on March 4, 2016 when a Task Force Officer assigned to the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department-Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Task Force (Washington Field Office), acting in an undercover capacity, began texting with Oberst’s Co-defendant Jason Kopp. In texts between the two, Kopp told the undercover officer that he had pictures of a female infant that were sent to him by a woman acquaintance, later identified as Emily Oberst, and distributed images of the infant to the officer. FBI Special Agents, assisted by the New York State Police, arrested Jason Kopp in Liverpool, New York on March 18, 2016. Subsequent investigation led to the arrest of Emily Oberst and established that she took sexually explicit visual images of two children that she later sent to Jason Kopp. One of the children was an infant female, and the other a four-year old girl.
Kopp previously pled guilty to a 28 count indictment charging conspiracy to sexually exploit children, child sexual exploitation, and other child pornography offenses. On September 13, 2016, he was sentenced to serve 235 years in prison. Emily Oberst is scheduled to be sentenced on August 18, 2017.
This case was investigated by the Albany Division of the FBI (Syracuse Resident Agency), the New York State Police and the Metropolitan Police Department-Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Task Force (Washington Field Office), and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa Fletcher and Robert Levine.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
St. Petersburg Man Sentenced to More Than Six Years for Selling CocaineRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge James D. Whittemore has sentenced Marquell Romell Brown, a/k/a “Fat” (33, St. Petersburg) to six years and six months in federal prison for selling cocaine. He pleaded guilty on January 5, 2017.
According to court documents, Brown sold cocaine and hydromorphone, a prescription opiate, to a confidential informant and an undercover officer on multiple occasions. During the execution of a search warrant at Brown’s home, law enforcement officers recovered significant quantities of crack cocaine, powder cocaine, and hydromorphone. At sentencing, Brown was held accountable for distributing or possessing with the intent to distribute the following drugs: 43 grams of crack cocaine, 281.3 grams of cocaine, and 167 hydromorphone pills.
This case was investigated by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gregory T. Nolan.
St. Clair County Woman Sentenced for Methamphetamine OffensesRead the Press Release
On April 19, 2017, Misty D. Calvert, 28, of Marissa, Illinois, was sentenced to federal prison for methamphetamine offenses, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Calvert, who had previously pled guilty to an indictment charging her with one count of conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of pseudoephedrine knowing that it would be used to manufacture methamphetamine, was sentenced to 88 months of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and was fined $400.00. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Calvert was involved with co-defendant Ricky M. Carle and numerous other persons in the manufacture of methamphetamine and the distribution of ice and heroin in Williamson, Franklin, and Randolph Counties. Ice is methamphetamine which has a purity level of at least 80%. At sentencing, the District Court found that Calvert was responsible for the possession of 98.24 grams of pseudoephedrine and the distribution of 10.62 grams of ice and 1.3 kilograms of heroin. Co-defendant Carle was previously sentenced to 121 months of imprisonment for his role in the drug offenses.
The investigation was conducted by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and Marissa Police Department.
Springfield Man Sentenced to 16 Years for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tom Larson, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that a Springfield, Mo., man has been sentenced in federal court for his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
John P. Morris, 44, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool on Tuesday, April 18, 2017, to 16 years and eight months in federal prison without parole.
On June 29, 2016, Morris pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Greene County, Mo., from Jan. 9, 2013, to Jan. 15, 2015.
According to court documents, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Morris’s residence on Jan. 9, 2013. They found Morris in the detached garage. During a search of the garage, officers found a plastic sandwich bag that contained 23.96 grams of methamphetamine. Inside a yellow tool box, officers found $2,851. Officers also found a loaded Remington 12-gauge pistol grip shotgun in the bedroom of the house and three baggies that contained a total of 4.45 grams of methamphetamine. Officers found several empty baggies and a digital scale on top of a stool in the bedroom.
On Jan. 15, 2015, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Morris’s residence and detained Morris inside a shed on the property. Inside the shed, officers found 275.6 grams of pure methamphetamine in an ammunition case next to the bed. Officers also seized $8,664 from Morris plus $125 that was found underneath the ammunition case. Officers also found a digital scale covered in residue on a wooden stool by the bed.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nhan D. Nguyen. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Southern Illinois Man Indicted on Methamphetamine and Firearm Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Ryan A. Jacklin, 25, of Centralia, Illinois, was indicted on April 19, 2017, on methamphetamine and firearm related charges in a four count indictment returned by a federal grand jury, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Count One charges that on September 12, 2016, in Richland County, Jacklin knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. The total amount of mixture and substance containing methamphetamine possessed by the defendant was 50 grams or more. Count Two charges that on September 12, 2016, in Richland County, Jacklin knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute heroin. Count Three charges that on September 12, 2016, in Richland County, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, Jacklin did knowingly possess a firearm, to wit: a Taurus .357 Magnum revolver. Count Four charges that from 2014, until on or about September 12, 2016, in Marion and Washington Counties, Jacklin conspired to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine in violation of federal law. The total amount of methamphetamine involved in the conspiracy was 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.
With respect to Count One, Jacklin faces 5-40 years of imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and supervised release of not less than four years. With respect to Count Two, Jacklin faces up to 20 years of imprisonment, up to $1,000,000 fine, and supervised release not less than three years. With respect to Count Three, Jacklin faces five years to life imprisonment (which must run consecutive to any other count), up to $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. With respect to Count Four, Jacklin faces a minimum of ten years up to life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, and supervised release of not less than five years.
An Indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Illinois State Police, and other local law enforcement agencies.
SoCal Man Sentenced to 8½ Years in Federal Prison for Tax Evasion and Fleeing from Prosecution on Eve of TrialRead the Press Release
SANTA ANA, California – A former resident of Orange County who now lives in northern San Diego County has been sentenced to 102 months in federal prison for tax evasion and charges related to his attempt to flee in 2013 on the eve of a trial on the tax charge.
Louis Joseph Vadino, 75, a Ramona resident who formerly lived in Lake Forest, was sentenced Monday afternoon by United States District Judge Andrew J. Guilford.
The sentencing follows a five-day jury trial in October that resulted in Vadino being convicted of tax evasion and making false statements to criminal investigators with the Internal Revenue Service. Prior to the trial, Vadino pleaded guilty to additional charges of failing to appear for court, conspiracy, two counts of passport fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft.
The tax charge resulted from an audit of Vadino’s 1999 tax return, which was completed in 2006 and led the IRS to demand $1.2 million in additional taxes.
Between 1999 and 2002, Vadino used the name of a shell company to purchase five residential properties in Lake Forest where Vadino, his three adult daughters and his mother resided. In the fall of 2006, after the IRS demanded payment of taxes related to the 1999 return, Vadino directed his daughter to obtain refinance loans on three of the Lake Forest properties and he sold a fourth Lake Forest property. These actions generated $2.1 million in loan and sale proceeds that were wire transferred to a Greek bank account that Vadino controlled.
From 2006 to 2011, Vadino took steps to evade paying the $1.2 million tax liability that included concealing the nature and extent of his assets, lying to IRS special agents and using offshore accounts to place funds and property beyond the reach of the IRS.
Vadino was initially indicted on tax evasion charges in 2012. On the eve of a trial scheduled to begin in 2013 and while he was free on bond, Vadino cut off his ankle bracelet and absconded. In October 2014, he applied for a United States passport with a stolen identity. Vadino was captured in December 2014 and has been in custody since then.
When Vadino was captured, “he was found with fake IDs, fake birth certificates, fraudulent passport applications, and a slew of other documents that made clear that he had planned to live as a fugitive in a foreign country,” prosecutors wrote in sentencing documents filed with the court.
In 2015, a federal grand jury named Vadino in a superseding indictment that added charges stemming from his flight from prosecution and efforts to assume a fake identity. He pleaded guilty to those post-flight charges, leaving for trial the tax evasion and false statement counts.
“This lengthy sentence brings to a close the prosecution of a defendant who went to extraordinary lengths to hide income from the IRS and then attempted to escape justice,” said Acting United States Attorney Sandra R. Brown. “While repeatedly telling the IRS that he had no money to pay his outstanding tax liability, he was buying cars, expensive model airplanes, and a nearly million-dollar home. While pending trial on the tax charges, he engaged in a series of calculated acts designed to avoid justice, which included obtaining a birth certificate, military discharge papers and a Veteran Affairs identification card to conceal his true identity. This conduct warrants the lengthy sentence imposed by the court.”
“Mr. Vadino hid assets from the IRS, was a fugitive from justice, and is now a convicted felon,” observed IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge R. Damon Rowe. “The court’s 102-month sentence demonstrates that lying to the IRS, tax evasion, and identity theft are crimes that impact all and come with serious consequences.”
At sentencing this week, Judge Guilford found that Vadino owes the IRS a total of $4.7 million, which includes taxes due in relation to his 1999 tax return, plus penalties and interest.
A second man – Steven Ness, 45, of Long Beach – was also charged, convicted and sentenced to over four months in prison for assisting Vadino in his attempt to obtain the passport with the stolen identity of Ness’s father.
The investigation into Vadino and Ness was conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel Ahn and Greg Staples of the Santa Ana Branch Office.
Sioux City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug ConvictionRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine in Sioux City was sentenced April 13, 2017, to more than 10 years in federal prison.
Ivan Avila, age 21, from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 13, 2017, guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and two counts of distributing methamphetamine.
At the plea hearing, Avila admitted he and others conspired to distribute methamphetamine in the Sioux City area from 2015 to January of 2016. In January of 2016, law enforcement, through a confidential source, made two controlled buys of methamphetamine from Avila.
Avila was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Avila was sentenced to 121 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $300 was imposed. He must also serve a 4-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Avila is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Ajay Alexander and investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is CR16-4064.
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Shreveport man pleads guilty to receiving child pornographyRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that a Shreveport man pleaded guilty Tuesday to receiving child pornography.
James Vail, 52, of Shreveport, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to one count of receipt of child pornography. According to the guilty plea, Vail received images of pornography on his computer from October 3, 2015 to June 4, 2015 at his home in Shreveport via an internet enabled electronic device. A forensic examination of his computer revealed numerous images of child pornography.
Vail faces five to 20 years in prison, five years to life of supervised release, mandatory registration as a sex offender, forfeiture of property seized during the investigation and a $250,000 fine. The court set the sentencing date for July 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.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) also encourage the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at (866) 347-2423. Investigators are available at all hours to answer hotline calls. Tips or other information can also be submitted to ICE online by visiting their website at www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp or through the Operation Predator smartphone application www.ice.gov/predator/smartphone-app. Tips may be submitted anonymously.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell is prosecuting the case.
Serial Bank Robber Pleads Guilty to Robbing Treasure Coast, Space Coast and Daytona Beach BanksRead the Press Release
A Daytona Beach resident pleaded guilty yesterday before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Frank J. Lynch, Jr in Fort Pierce, Florida to committing four bank robberies.
Benjamin G. Greenberg, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, W. Stephen Muldrow, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, and William D. Snyder, Sheriff, Martin County Sheriff’s Office.
Anthony William Carpino, 45, pled guilty to four counts of bank robbery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 2113(a). For each count of conviction, Carpino faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment, to be followed by a term of supervised release. Sentencing is scheduled for June 27, 2017 before U.S. District Court Judge Robin L. Rosenberg.
According to the court record, including an agreed upon factual proffer, on March 5, 2016, Carpino robbed a Daytona Beach Wells Fargo Bank. Carpino handed the teller a bank deposit slip that read, “Give me money I have a gun”. Carpino also directed the teller to "Take the money out of the drawer, put it in a bag.” The teller then turned over the money. Carpino was arrested the next day and while out on bond committed three additional robberies.
On October 11, 2016, Carpino robbed a second Daytona Beach Wells Fargo Bank. The defendant approached the teller holding a note and demanded money. The teller complied and handed over the money. On October 14, 2016, Carpino robbed the Palm Bay TD Bank by demanding money from the teller, while holding his hand in his right front pants’ pocket. Believing the defendant had a weapon, the teller handed over the money. On October 17, 2016, Carpino robbed the Palm City Wells Fargo Bank. He demanded money from the teller, while holding his arm behind his back. Believing that the defendant was armed, the teller gave Carpino the money.
Mr. Greenberg thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida for their assistance with this matter. Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of the FBI, Martin County Sheriff’s Office, Palm Bay Police Department, and the Daytona Beach Police Department for their work on this case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carmen Lineberger.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Sallisaw Man Pleads Guilty to Oxycodone DistributionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that KEVIN WAYNE SANDERS JR, age 28, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, pled guilty to DISTRIBUTION OF OXYCODONE, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C), punishable by not more than 20 years imprisonment, and up to a $1,000,000.00 fine or both.
The Indictment alleged that on or about January 14, 2016, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant did knowingly and intentionally distribute Oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Hammer represented the United States.
Rutland/Bennington Man Sentenced to 48 Months in Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute HeroinRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Louis Tobin, 30, formerly of Rutland and Bennington, Vermont, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Geoffrey Crawford on Tobin’s previously entered guilty plea to conspiring to distribute heroin to 48 months imprisonment and three years of supervised release. As part of his plea agreement with the government, Tobin agreed to the forfeiture of the $1,735 that was seized from him at the time of his arrest.
According to Court records, on April 14, 2016, Louis Tobin and Megan Harpp were stopped by the Vermont State Police on Route 103 in Rutland County. Tobin had a bag in the car which contained approximately 2,050 bags of heroin. He also possessed about 37 bags of heroin on his person along with $1,735 in cash. Both Tobin and Harpp were indicted for conspiracy to distribute heroin by the federal grand jury sitting in Rutland.
Harpp was released on conditions pending trial but failed to appear at a subsequent proceeding. She is now a fugitive. If anyone has information regarding her whereabouts, please call the United States Marshals Service at (802) 951-6271.
This case was investigated by the Vermont State Police Drug Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The United States is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Perella. Tobin is represented by Michael Shklar, Esq., of Newport, Vermont. Megan Harpp is represented by Steven Barth of the Federal Public Defenders Office.
Rugby Native Sentenced in Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
BISMARCK - U.S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on April 18, 2017, Rondal Franklin Heitsch, 52, of Rugby, ND, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Daniel L. Hovland on a charge of Bank Robbery; Heitsch pled guilty to the charge on January 20, 2017.
Judge Hovland sentenced Heitsch to five years and three months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Heitsch was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
On September 21, 2016, at approximately 2:20 p.m., Heitsch entered Bremer Bank, located at 710 South Washington Street, Bismarck, North Dakota, handed one of the bank teller’s a note in which he demanded money and, after receiving the money, left the bank. No weapon was possessed or used. Police canvassed the area and quickly located Heitsch, who was found to be in possession of the stolen money.
The case was investigated by the Bismarck Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Hagler prosecuted the case.
Rosenberg Man Convicted of Multiple Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 23-year-old man from Rosenberg has entered a guilty plea to sexual exploitation of a child, distribution and possession of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.
Ryan Glen Colburn first came to the attention of law enforcement after he had sent images of child pornography to another individual who had been arrested for child pornography. Federal agents executed a search warrant at Colburn’s residence and performed a forensic examination on his computer. This exam showed Colburn was in possession of more than 1,100 images and 200 videos of young children engaged in sexually explicit conduct which included children under the age of 12, bondage and acts of violence. Some of the images are of known victims as identified through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Further, Colburn produced 25 images and six videos of a two-year-old minor which would constitute child pornography.
Agents also executed a search warrant on Colburn’s Dropbox account which contained more than 600 images and 400 videos of child pornography.
During the plea today, Colburn admitted to taking sexually explicit photographs and videos of a two-year-old minor. Colburn further admitted he traded these images with other individuals online.
U.S. District Judge Nancy F. Atlas accepted the plea and set sentencing for July 5, 2017. At that time, Colburn faces a minimum of 15 and up to 30 years in federal prison for production of child pornography, up to 20 years imprisonment for distribution as well as a maximum of 10 years for the possession of child pornography. All charges also carry a possible penalty of a $250,000 maximum fine.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the Investigation.
This case, prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Ann Leo, was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Richland County Man Indicted on Methamphetamine Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Michael J. Murphy, 36, of Olney, Illinois, was indicted on April 19, 2017, on methamphetamine related charges in a two count indictment returned by a federal grand jury, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Count One of the indictment charges that from December 2016, until on or about March 25, 2017, in Richland County, and elsewhere, Murphy conspired to distribute methamphetamine in violation of federal law. The total amount of methamphetamine involved in the conspiracy was 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (ice), or 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.
Count Two charges that on March 25, 2017, in Richland County, Murphy knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. The total amount of mixture and substance containing methamphetamine possessed by the defendant was five grams or more of methamphetamine (ice), or 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
With respect to Count One, Murphy faces a minimum of ten years up to life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, and supervised release of not less than five years. With respect to Count
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Two, Murphy faces 5-40 years of imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and supervised release of not less than four years.
An Indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office.
Republic Man Pleads Guilty to SBA Loan Fraud, Failure to Pay Employment TaxesRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tom Larson, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a former business owner pleaded guilty in federal court today to providing false information in order to receive a $1.45 million loan, and to failing to pay employment taxes for the now-defunct business.
Clinton Tackitt, 43, of Republic, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to a federal information that charges him with making false statements on a loan application and with failing to pay over taxes.
Tackitt applied for a $1,450,000 SBA-guaranteed loan for his business, Allied Roofing Systems, LLC, on May 9, 2012. Tackitt admitted today that the loan application he submitted to Guaranty Bank was false and incomplete. Tackitt failed to disclose all of his financial debts as required and failed to truthfully disclose an accurate financial status of his company or a complete listing of the debts he and his business owed, in that the company was heavily in debt and was about to claim bankruptcy. Tackitt also failed to disclose that a third party assisted him in the preparation and presentation of the application.
Tackitt also admitted that he failed to pay over to the government $262,066 in payroll taxes that he collected from his employees. He also failed to pay over the employer’s share of FICA taxes, which total $395,699. Beginning during the second quarter of 2012, ending on June 30, 2012, and continuing on until the dissolution of Allied Roofing Systems on Dec. 31, 2013, Tackitt collected federal employee taxes from the salaries paid to the individuals employed with his company. Tackitt, through his company, willfully failed to pay over all of the taxes collected from his employees.
Tackitt must forfeit to the government $1,324,878,which was derived from the proceeds of his criminal conduct.
Under federal statutes, Tackitt is subject to a sentence of up to 35 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation, the FBI and the Small Business Administration.
Readout of Meeting Between U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Mexican Attorney General Raúl Cervantes AndradeRead the Press Release
The Attorneys General of Mexico, Dr. Raúl Cervantes Andrade, and of the United States, Jeff Sessions, met on April 18, 2017, to follow up on matters discussed during their previous meeting of March 20, 2017, and to continue strengthening their bilateral law enforcement cooperation.
Both sides discussed recent statements made by U.S. authorities regarding immigration, including the intention of the U.S. to fully enforce its immigration laws, and to continue to respect all of its human rights obligations in this regard.
Attorney General Sessions thanked the Mexican government for its assistance in a number of recent matters, including the prosecution of those responsible for the murder and attempted murder of ICE Special Agents Jaime Zapata and Victor Avila; the extradition of Heraclio Osorio Arellanes, who is charged with participating in the murder of Border Patrol Agent Bryan Terry; and the recovery of the jerseys of New England Patriots player Tom Brady.
Both Attorneys General briefly discussed the arrest of Edgar Veytia Cambero, the former Attorney General of the Mexican State of Nayarit, in the United States , agreeing to mutually coordinate on this matter in both the United States and Mexico, and identify assets in both countries to be seized and forfeited.
The Mexican Prosecutor General’s Office and the U.S. Department of Justice reiterate their commitment to combat corruption and transnational organized crime through law enforcement cooperation in a close and coordinated manner.
Ponte Vedra Man Indicted for Lying to OSHA Investigators About Fatal Workplace AccidentRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces the return of an indictment charging Peter Nees (49, Ponte Vedra Beach) with making false statements to federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigators during the course of an official investigation. If convicted on all counts, he faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.
According to the
indictment , in the course of an investigation into a workplace accident that resulted in a fatality, Nees falsely stated to OSHA investigators that he did not alter the scene of the accident in any way after the accident had occurred when, in truth and fact, he knew those statements were false.An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor - Office of Inspector General. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington.
Perry County Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine OffensesRead the Press Release
On April 19, 2017, Bradley M.D. Miller, 28, of Cutler, Illinois, was sentenced to federal prison for a methamphetamine offense, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Miller, who had previously pled guilty to a one-count superseding indictment charging conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, was sentenced to 168 months of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and was fined $300.00. The superseding indictment alleges that the methamphetamine offense occurred between 2014 and September 2016, in Perry, Randolph, St. Clair, and Franklin Counties. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Miller was involved with co-defendant Taylor C. Robertson and numerous other persons in the distribution of ice in southern Illinois. Ice is methamphetamine which has a purity level of at least 80%. At sentencing, the District Court found that Miller was responsible for the distribution of 1.4 kilograms of ice. Miller received an enhanced sentence because he used a juvenile to distribute some of the ice. Co-defendant Robertson was previously sentenced to 57 months of imprisonment for her role in the ice conspiracy. One co-defendant has pled guilty and is awaiting sentencing. Three co-defendants have pled not guilty and are being held without bond pending a May 15, 2017, jury trial.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Percy Police Department, Steeleville Police Department, Illinois State Police, Sparta Police Department and Southern Illinois Drug Task Force. The Randolph County States Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Soliciting Murder of U.S. Military MembersRead the Press Release
Terrence J. McNeil, 24, of Akron, Ohio, pleaded guilty to five counts of solicitation to commit a crime of violence and five counts of making threatening interstate communications involving his soliciting the murder of members of the U.S. military.
The announcement was made by Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Mary B. McCord, Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja for the Northern District of Ohio and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Division.
“Terrence McNeil pleaded guilty to soliciting the murder of members of our military. He disseminated ISIL’s violent rhetoric, circulated U.S. military personnel information, and explicitly called for the killing of American service members in their homes and communities. Now, he will be held accountable,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General McCord. “The National Security Division’s highest priority is counterterrorism. We will continue to use all of our tools to disrupt those who use social media to threaten acts of violence against our military members and their families, on behalf of terrorist organizations.”
“This case demonstrates the challenges faced by law enforcement in confronting global terrorism,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Sierleja. “It highlights the dangers posed by terrorists committed to carrying out attacks here in the United States and their use of social media to accomplish their mission. The message should be clear that individuals who engage in this behavior will be aggressively prosecuted.”
“While we aggressively defend First Amendment rights, the individual arrested went far beyond free speech by reposting names and addresses of 100 U.S. service members, all with the intent to have them killed,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony. “We will remain vigilant in our efforts to stop those who wish to support these despicable acts.”
According to documents filed in the case:
McNeil, a U.S. citizen, professed his support on social media on numerous occasions for the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization. On or about Sept. 24, 2015, using a Tumblr account, McNeil reblogged a file with the banner “Islamic State Hacking Division,” followed by “Target: United States Military” and “Leak: Addresses of 100 U.S. Military Personnel.”
The file type is a .gif file, which allows multiple still images to be looped in one file, with a timed delay between each image. The text of the first file reads “O Brothers in America, know that the jihad against the crusaders is not limited to the lands of the Khilafah, it is a world-wide jihad and their war is not just a war against the Islamic State, it is a war against Islam…Know that it is wajib (translated to “necessary”) for you to kill these kuffar! and now we have made it easy for you by giving you addresses, all you need to do is take the final step, so what are you waiting for? Kill them in their own lands, behead them in their own homes, stab them to death as they walk their streets thinking that they are safe…”
The file then loops several dozen photographs, purportedly of U.S. military personnel, along with their respective name, address and military branch. The final image looped is a picture of a handgun and a knife with text that reads “…and kill them wherever you find them…”
The defendant posted multiple other kill lists in late 2015, all of which repeated the same refrain, calling on others to seek out and murder U.S. servicemen and women.
McNeil is scheduled to be sentenced on August 2. Under the terms of his plea agreement, he faces a sentence of between 15 and 20 years in prison.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in Cleveland investigated this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christos Georgalis and Michelle Baeppler for the Northern District of Ohio, with assistance from Trial Attorney Jennifer Levy of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
New York Return Preparer Pleads Guilty to Filing Fraudulent Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
A Nassau County, New York return preparer pleaded guilty today to filing fraudulent tax returns, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy Jr. for the Western District of New York.
According to documents and information presented to the court, from January 2010 through April 2015, David Menzies, 51, of Floral Park, filed fraudulent tax returns for hundreds of clients that claimed fake business income and expenses and false dependents to claim refunds his clients were not entitled to. Menzies solicited, and sometimes purchased, the personal identifying information of minors from their parents, and claimed them as dependents on other clients’ returns. Menzies charged his clients $250 for the use of the phony dependents and often used the same children’s information in multiple years. He recruited people to assist him in filing these fraudulent returns and directed them to escort his clients to check cashers, in order to cash their refund checks and collect Menzies’ fee, including the money for the false dependents.
In addition, Menzies concealed his identity as the preparer by soliciting other people to apply to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for preparer IDs and filing the fraudulent returns using the preparer identification numbers the IRS assigned to these individuals. Menzies admitted that he caused a tax loss of more than $250,000.
Menzies also acknowledged that he failed to timely file his 2009 through 2015 personal tax returns.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 26 before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo in the Western District of New York. Menzies faces a statutory maximum sentence of three years in prison, a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and Acting U.S. Attorney Kennedy thanked special agents of the IRS–Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie P. Grisanti and Trial Attorney Jason M. Scheff of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
New York Businessman Pleads Guilty to Making Illegal Campaign Contributions to Candidates for U.S. President and Senate in 2011Read the Press Release
A New York City man pleaded guilty today to making illegal political contributions in the names of others to campaign committees for U.S. President and U.S. Senate in 2011, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.
Adam H. Victor, 64, pleaded guilty to one count of making political contributions in the names of others before U.S. District Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson of the District of Columbia. Sentencing is set for Aug. 22, 2017.
According to admissions made in connection with his guilty plea, during the 2011 calendar year, Victor made $17,500 in aggregated contributions through numerous immediate family members and colleagues to the campaign committee of a candidate for President of the United States and a candidate for a U.S. Senate seat in West Virginia, when, in fact, Victor paid for all of the contributions. According to the plea, Victor did not reveal to either candidate that he was the true source of the contributions.
The FBI investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Todd Gee and Andrew Laing of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section are prosecuting the case.
Monroe County Resident Sentenced to Life in Prison for Attempting to Possess a Weapon of Mass Destruction and Provide Material Support to a Terrorist OrganizationRead the Press Release
A South Florida resident was sentenced to life in prison after having been convicted at trial of attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction, an explosive device, and attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organization.
Benjamin G. Greenberg, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Mary B. McCord, Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security, George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, and members of the South Florida Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), made the announcement.
Harlem Suarez, a/k/a “Almlak Benitez,” 26, a U.S. legal resident residing in Monroe County, Florida, was convicted at trial in Key West, Florida on January 27, 2017, for knowingly attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction against a person or property within the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2332a(a)(2) and attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organization, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2339B. Suarez was sentenced by United States District Judge Jose E. Martinez in Key West to life in prison for the weapon of mass of mass destruction count of conviction and a concurrent term of 20 years in prison for attempting to provide material support.
According to evidence introduced at trial, in April 2015, Suarez’s Facebook postings contained extremist rhetoric and promoted the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization. Evidence further indicated that Suarez told an FBI confidential human source that he wanted to make a “timer bomb.” Suarez purchased components for this device, which was to contain galvanized nails, be concealed in a backpack and be remotely detonated by a cellular telephone. Suarez intended to bury the device at a public beach in Key West and then detonate it.
Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of the FBI, JTTF, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), Key West Police Department, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, and Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Marc S. Anton and Karen E. Gilbert with assistance from the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Minnesota Chiropractor Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Gregory G. Brooker today announced the sentencing of DONALD GIBSON, 61, to 33 months in prison for tax evasion and for presenting a fake financial instrument to the U.S. Department of Treasury. GIBSON was convicted on December 2, 2016, following a five-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Patrick J. Schiltz in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minn.
As proven at trial, GIBSON failed to file his 2004 through 2014 individual income tax returns and attempted to evade his income tax liabilities for these years by diverting money to a warehouse bank called MYICIS, cashing over $800,000 in business checks at a check-cashing facility, and submitting fake money orders and bogus financial instruments to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). GIBSON also formed Sovereign Christian Mission (SCM), a purported religious organization, as a way to further hide his chiropractic income and pay for his personal expenses. GIBSON used SCM to pay for his groceries, entertainment, dinners, and car repairs. Evidence presented at trial established that while the IRS was auditing his tax returns, and later during the criminal investigation, GIBSON presented a fake financial instrument purporting to be worth $300 million to the IRS and claimed that it paid off his income tax liabilities.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Thompson and Trial Attorney Ryan Raybould of the Tax Division.
Additional information about the Tax Division’s enforcement efforts can be found on the division’s website.
Defendant Information:
DONALD GIBSON, 61
Lindstrom, Minn.
Convicted:
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Tax evasion, 5 counts
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Fictitious obligation, 1 count
Sentenced:
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33 months in prison
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Two years of supervised release
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
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Mineral County man convicted for distributing heroinRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Tyler Moorehead, of Keyser, West Virginia, was convicted today in federal court distributing heroin, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.
Moorehead, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin.” Moorehead admitted to conspiring with others to distributing heroin in Mineral County and elsewhere from November 2010 to September 2016.
Moorehead faces up to twenty years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. 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 Anna Z. Krasinski is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug and Violent Crime Task Force investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Michigan Owner of Sixteen Adult Foster Care Homes Indicted on Additional Charges Including Obstructing the IRS and Failing to File Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury sitting in the Eastern District of Michigan returned a superseding indictment today, charging a Grand Blanc, Michigan owner of adult foster care homes with additional tax crimes including obstructing the internal revenue laws and failing to file tax returns, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
Jeremiah Cheff was indicted in October 2016 on 60 counts of failing to collect, account for and pay over employment taxes. According to the superseding indictment, Jeremiah Cheff controlled the financial and business operations of 16 foster care homes that cared for individuals with mental illnesses and developmental and physical disabilities, including Hunter’s Home, Nico’s Place, Harmony Manor, Hilltop Estates and Deerwood Manor. It is alleged that from September 2010 through September 2014, Cheff withheld payroll taxes from employees’ paychecks, failed to timely file employment tax returns and failed to pay over the funds withheld to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
The new charges allege that Cheff corruptly endeavored to obstruct the internal revenue laws and failed to timely file his 2013 through 2015 individual returns. According to the indictment, after the IRS informed Cheff it intended to file a lien to collect unpaid employment taxes, Cheff sent an $80,000 fake financial instrument to the IRS and falsely claimed to a revenue officer that he had paid the taxes due. Cheff also allegedly spent money from his businesses for personal benefit instead of paying it to the IRS, falsely classified his employees as independent contractors, provided false information to his return preparer and filed false 2013 through 2015 partnership returns for Hunter’s Home.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, Cheff faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison for each of the 60 employment tax counts, three years in prison for obstructing the IRS and one year in prison for each of the failure to file counts. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg thanked special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Jeffrey McLellan and Carl F. Brooker IV of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan for its substantial assistance.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.