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Tuesday 14 February 2017
Mexican citizen sentenced to 24 months in prison for reentering the U.S. illegallyRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Mexican citizen was sentenced Monday to 24 months in prison for reentering the United States illegally on four separate occasions.
Miguel Rosales-Sanchez, 46, of Guanajuato, Mexico, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter on one count of illegal reentry of a removed alien. According to the guilty plea, Rosales-Sanchez was arrested in St. Mary Parish on February 7, 2016. He was previously removed from the United States in 1999, 2004, 2006 and 2010.
United States Immigrations and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominic Rossetti prosecuted the case.
Mexican Citizen Sentenced for Immigration FraudRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Gabino Lopez-Lopez, age 27, of Saratoga Springs, New York, was sentenced yesterday to time served (88 days in jail) for immigration fraud.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Thomas P. Brophy, Acting Director of the Buffalo Field Office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).
As part of his guilty plea, Lopez-Lopez admitted that he presented a counterfeit alien registration receipt card (a “green card”) to a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services officer, in Latham, New York, on November 10, 2016. Lopez-Lopez presented the card in support of his claim to being lawfully present in the United States. As part of his plea, Lopez-Lopez admitted that he is a citizen of Mexico and that he was unlawfully present in the United States.
Following his sentencing, Lopez-Lopez was remanded to the custody of the Department of Homeland Security, which will place Lopez-Lopez into removal proceedings.
This case was investigated by ICE-ERO and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Grogan.
Maryland man is sentenced for unlawful delivery of a firearmRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Robert Sales, 34, of Mt. Airy, Maryland, was sentenced to four years probation for violating the Maryland Firearm Safety Act, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.
Sales traveled from Pocahontas County to Maryland and unlawfully delivered two .223 caliber pistols in March 2014. He pled guilty to one count of “Procure the Delivery of a Firearm into a State Where Possession is Illegal” in September 2016.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crime Task Force investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Marty Man Charged with Sexual Abuse Appears in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Marty, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Sexual Abuse.
Burton Wayne Rainbow, Jr., age 34, was indicted on February 7, 2017. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica Duffy on February 10, 2017, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years and up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
According to the Indictment, in August 2015, Rainbow engaged in a sexual act with a juvenile female. To perpetrate the sexual assault, Rainbow placed the juvenile female in fear.
The charge is merely an accusation and Rainbow is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Yankton Sioux Tribe’s Law Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting the case.
Rainbow was ordered detained pending trial. A trial date has been set for April 18, 2017.
Longtime Fugitive Enters Plea in Federal Hates Crimes Case Alleging Racially Motivated Murders of African AmericansRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A member of the Avenues street gang who was on the run for well over a decade pleaded not guilty this morning to federal hate crimes charges stemming from the racially motivated murders of two African-American men in Highland Park.
Merced Cambero Jr., 38, whose street name was “Shadow,” entered not guilty pleas before United States District Judge Percy Anderson, who scheduled a trial on March 28.
Cambero was repatriated to the United States and turned over to the custody of special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and detectives with the Los Angeles Police Department on February 3 at the San Ysidro Port of Entry after he was deported by Mexican immigration authorities. In the weeks leading up to his deportation, Cambero had been detained in Baja California by Mexican law enforcement officers on an unrelated matter and was found to be using a false identification. Further investigation by Mexican authorities and members of the San Diego Police Department verified Cambero’s true identity and the outstanding federal civil rights charges in Los Angeles. At his initial court appearance later that day in United States District Court in Los Angeles, Cambero was ordered held in custody without bond.
Cambero faces three felony counts, including conspiring to violate the civil rights of African Americans who resided in Highland Park. Among the victims of the plot was Kenneth Kurry Wilson, a 38-year-old African-American man who was fatally shot in Highland Park on April 18, 1999. Members of the conspiracy also murdered Christopher Bowser, an African-American man who was shot while waiting at a bus stop in Highland Park on Dec. 11, 2000.
The conspiracy charge specially alleges that Cambero:
- participated in a 1997 attack on African-American men who were playing basketball in a park;
- was among several gang members who ambushed an African-American man in 1998 and struck him in the head with a metal object;
- attacked an African-American man in a park in 1999;
- directed racial slurs at an African-American girl in a supermarket and an African-American man walking down a street in 1999; and
- was one of two triggermen in the murder of Kenneth Wilson.
The indictment also charges Cambero with violating Wilson’s civil rights by murdering him because he was African American and because he was using the public streets of Los Angeles. The third count of the indictment charges Camero with using a firearm during the commission of the federal conspiracy and hate crime charges.
Cambero was among five Avenues members who were indicted in 2004 in the first case in the nation to allege civil rights crimes against members of a street gang. The other four defendants were convicted at trial, and each was sentenced in 2006 and 2007 to life-without-parole in federal prison.
“The victims in this case were targeted simply because of their skin color and because members of the gang wanted to rid their neighborhood of African Americans,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “The heinous conduct with which this defendant is charged has no place in this nation, and the Department of Justice will stand steadfastly against hate crimes like those charged. Despite this defendant’s efforts to avoid prosecution over the course of many years, his appearance in court today demonstrates that law enforcement and my office will be tenacious in pursuing justice against such criminal conduct.”
“The apprehension of Mr. Cambero is the latest example of success among agencies cooperating internationally,” said Deirdre Fike, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “In addition, this arrest proves that leaving the country and evading capture for 15 years will not deter law enforcement in finding justice for victims of crime; in Mr. Cambero’s case, civil rights violations involving the alleged murder of an innocent man based on the color of his skin.”
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.
If he is convicted of the charges in the indictment, Cambero would face a potential sentence of life without parole in federal prison.
The arrest of Cambero is a result of a collaborative effort by Mexican law enforcement and immigration authorities; the San Diego Police Department; the FBI’s Los Angeles and San Diego Field Offices; and the FBI’s Legal Attaché in Mexico City. The investigation that led to the civil rights charges against Cambero was conducted by the FBI in Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel J. O’Brien of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section and Jennifer Chou of the Violent and Organized Crime Section.
Lewis County man is sentenced for stealing firearmsRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Jacob Daniel Anthony, 22, of Weston, West Virginia, was sentenced to five years probation for possession of stolen firearms, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.
Anthony stole a .45 caliber pistol, a 12-guage shotgun and a 20-guage shotgun in Lewis, Upshur and Harrison Counties in August 2015. He pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Stolen Firearms” in March 2016.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Weston Police Department investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Leader Sentenced in String of Violent Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Four of five defendants involved in a string of violent armed robberies have been ordered to federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson. The group was responsible for the armed robberies and attempted robbery of Jet Pawn, Cash America Pawn and Mad Dog Smoke Shop in January 2015.
Jerrieus Williams, 32, Alonzo Flowers, 24, Kye Rue, 23, Andre Coleman, 25, and Paul McCoy Jr., 24, all of Houston, pleaded guilty last year to two counts of aiding and abetting interference with commerce by robbery and one count of aiding and abetting use and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
Today, Chief U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal sentenced Williams to a total of 219 months in federal prison - 135 months for the robbery and a consecutive 84 months for the firearms conviction. He will also be required to serve three years of supervised release following completion of the prison term. In handing down the sentence, Judge Rosenthal noted the need for a substantial sentence based on the managerial role Williams played in the crimes. He was ultimately held accountable for the conduct of his co-defendants, which included the theft of 26 firearms, substantial monetary losses and abducting victims within the business by moving them at gunpoint to the safe and jewelry cases.
Williams was the leader and organizer of this armed robbery crew and sat outside of the robbery locations acting as a lookout while the others conducted the robberies. He also scouted the locations and provided the firearms to his co-defendants prior to each robbery. Flowers and McCoy each ran inside the business locations carrying guns and stole firearms, jewelry and cash.
During the attempted robbery of Mad Dog Smoke Shop, Flowers and Rue entered the store and pointed a gun at the lone employee. At that time, the employee retrieved his personal firearm and shot at the robbers, causing them to flee without getting away with any property. Flowers suffered a gunshot wound. As they were fleeing, they dropped a gun stolen from Jet Pawn.
Flowers and McCoy were sentenced earlier this year to 154 and 130 months, respectively. Rue was previously sentenced to 124 months based on his conduct during these three robberies, which included being a getaway driver and entering the Cash America Pawn and Mad Dog Smoke Shop with the intent to rob them.
The final defendant – Coleman - was also on the entry team and carried a gun during the Cash America Pawn and Jet Pawn robberies. He is scheduled for sentencing March 22, 2017.
All have been and will remain in custody.
The ATF conducted the investigation along with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather Winter and Richard Hanes prosecuted the case.
Leader of Local Sex Trafficking Conspiracy Pleads Guilty in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
TULSA, OKLAHOMA—A 21-year-old Tulsa man pleaded guilty in federal court today to charges stemming from a sex trafficking operation conducted by Tulsa Police Department’s Vice Unit, United States Attorney Danny C. Williams, Sr. announced.
Joshua Harring (a/k/a “Maniack”) pleaded guilty before United States District Court Judge John E. Dowdell to Child Sex Trafficking and Conspiracy to Engage in Child Sex Trafficking. A federal grand jury had previously returned a six-count Second Superseding Indictment in October 2016, charging Harring with conspiracy, child sex trafficking violations, obstruction of justice, and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence and drug trafficking crimes. Federal prosecutors claimed Harring was the head of a child sex trafficking venture that victimized at least three Tulsa teenagers. Prosecutors noted that Harring was the sixth defendant to admit his guilt in this case and related cases. Morgan Palmer, Tajuan Alexander, Steven Gonzalez, Latisha Perkins, and Dawaune Allen all previously admitted their guilt in Federal court for the roles they played in related sex trafficking violations. Several of the co-conspirators had ties to the 52 Red Mob Gang set, a Tulsa street gang.
Beginning in late December 2015, Harring conspired with his girlfriend, Morgan Palmer, and others to recruit girls under the age of 18 to perform commercial sex acts at various Tulsa motels. On January 4, 2016, Tulsa Police Department Vice Unit officers encountered a 16-year-old victim during an undercover operation in which TPD responded to an online advertisement on Backpage.com. Shortly thereafter, officers identified and arrested Harring for his role in the sex trafficking operation.
Despite Harring’s arrest, Vice Unit officers determined from their investigation that the sex trafficking conspiracy was still ongoing and conducted a second undercover operation targeting a related Backpage ad. On January 19, 2016, TPD Vice Unit officers arrested Palmer, who had continued the child sex trafficking operation from her apartment at The Enclave near Brookside in midtown Tulsa. In total, officers identified three minors who had been victimized by Harring’s child sex trafficking venture. A fourth minor victim was identified in a related child sex trafficking operation involving Latisha Perkins and Dawaune Allen.
Harring’s plea agreement sets forth an agreed upon sentence of twenty-two years in Federal prison, where parole has been abolished. His sentencing hearing is set for May 11, 2017 at 10:00 a.m.
The Tulsa Police Department investigated this case with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys R. Trent Shores and Andrew J. Hofland prosecuted this matter on behalf of the United States.
“Human traffickers prey on vulnerable teenagers in our community and exploit them for their personal profit by selling them in the commercial sex trade. I commend the Tulsa Police Department’s Vice Unit for their excellent work in investigating this matter,” stated United States Attorney Williams.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
Laurel Man Sentenced to over 19 Years in Federal Prison for Defrauding Victims of Millions of Dollars Through Internet Dating ScamRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm sentenced Victor Oyewumi Oloyede, age 42, of Laurel, Maryland today to 234 months in prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for conspiracies to commit wire fraud and money laundering, and for aggravated identity theft arising from a scheme to defraud vulnerable victims of millions of dollars. Judge Grimm also ordered Oloyede to forfeit and pay restitution of $1,641,959.74. Oloyede and three co-conspirators were convicted on November 18, 2016, after a 17-day trial.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein and Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
According to evidence presented at his trial, from January 2011 to May 18, 2015, members of the conspiracy searched online dating websites to initiate romantic relationships with vulnerable male and female individuals. They phoned, emailed, texted and used internet chat messenger services to form romantic relationships with the victims, who lived in Maryland and around the country.
Witnesses testified that members of the conspiracy used false stories and promises to convince the victims to provide money to the conspirators, including fake hospital bills, plane trips to visit the victims, problems with overseas businesses and foreign taxes. Oloyede and other conspirators opened bank accounts, called “drop accounts,” in order to receive millions of dollars from the victims. Testimony at trial showed that victims provided money to the defendants as a result of the false stories and promises, either depositing money directly into drop accounts controlled by the defendants, or by checks sent to the conspirators. The payments from victims ranged from $1,720 to $50,000. Oloyede and others used victims’ names, bank account numbers or driver’s licenses in furtherance of the fraud scheme.
Oloyede and his co-conspirators dispersed money received from the victims by transferring funds to other accounts controlled by the conspirators, by obtaining cashier’s checks, and by writing checks to individuals or entities, in order to conceal the nature, source, and control of those assets.
Gbenga Benson Ogundele, a/k/a “Benson Ogundele,” age 58, of Laurel, Maryland; Babatunde Emmanuel Popoola, a/k/a “Emmanuel Popoola” and “Tunde Popoola, age 34, of Bowie, Maryland; and his sister, Mojisola Tinuola Popoola, a/k/a “Mojisola Oluwakemi Tin Popoola” and “Moji T. Popoola,” age 42, of Laurel, were also convicted for their roles in the fraud scheme. Judge Grimm has scheduled sentencing for Babatunde Popoola on February 22, 2017; and for Mojisola Popoola and Ogundele on March 22, 2017.
The Maryland Identity Theft Working Group has been working since 2006 to foster cooperation among local, state, federal, and institutional fraud investigators and to promote effective prosecution of identity theft schemes by both state and federal prosecutors. This case, as well as other cases brought by members of the Working Group, demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to work with financial institutions and businesses to address identity fraud, identify those who compromise personal identity information, and protect citizens from identity theft.
Today’s announcement is part of the efforts undertaken in connection with the President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. The task force was established to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices, and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets; and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations. Since fiscal year 2009, the Justice Department has filed over 18,000 financial fraud cases against more than 25,000 defendants. For more information on the task force, please visit www.StopFraud.gov.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI for its work in the investigation and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas P. Windom and Leah Jo Bressack, who are prosecuting the case.
Kanawha County man sentenced to over four years in federal prison for role in California-to-West Virginia drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Kanawha County man was sentenced today to four and a half years in federal prison and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine for his role in a California-to-West Virginia methamphetamine conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Brian Ashby, 38, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Ashby admitted that in December 2015, he received approximately five pounds of crystal methamphetamine that he acquired from a source in California. Ashby further admitted that he distributed the methamphetamine in the Charleston area. On January 11, 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Ashby’s property and located over 15 grams of crystal methamphetamine. Ashby also admitted that near the end of February 2016, he traveled to Louisville to obtain 10 pounds of crystal methamphetamine and paid approximately $40,000 to an individual for the drugs. Ashby additionally admitted that he attempted to obtain another 10 pounds of crystal methamphetamine in March 2016. Law enforcement later seized $70,000 in cash from Ashby that he intended to use in that drug deal.
This prosecution is the result of a multi-agency investigation that led to an eight-count indictment implicating several defendants, some of whom have already been sentenced to prison. Velarian Sylvester Carter, of Beckley, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Daniel Ortiz-Rivera, a Mexican national, was sentenced to 12 years and seven months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Miguel Tafolla-Montoya, a Mexican national, was sentenced to 10 years and 11 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute more than 50 of methamphetamine. Kelly Newcomb, of Nevada, and Danielle Dessaray Estrada, of Los Angeles, were both sentenced to a year and a day in prison for interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime. Marco Antonio Bojorquez-Rojas, a Mexican national residing in California, was sentenced to a year and a half in prison for interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime.
Three other defendants have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Rafael Garcia Serrato, of Los Angeles, Cesar Garcia, also of Los Angeles, and Miguel Alejandro Robles-Ibarra, a Mexican national, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Charleston Police Department, and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is in charge of these prosecutions. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence and is presiding over these cases.
These cases are being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Jefferson County Man Sentenced for Drug ViolationsRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas - A 34-year-old Beaumont, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston today.
Billy Ray Joseph, Jr., pleaded guilty on Oct. 13, 2016, to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin and was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone.
According to information presented in court, on Mar. 28, 2016, acting on leads from investigators in Houston, agents and investigators conducted surveillance of an address in Beaumont, Texas on McLean Street where they observed Joseph exit the residence with a Styrofoam cup in his hand and get in a vehicle. Joseph was then detained by officers after committing multiple traffic violations. Investigators searched the residence, which was Joseph’s home at the time, and recovered a firearm, crack cocaine, and plastic wrapping for a kilogram of narcotics that contained heroin residue. Detectives also found drug paraphernalia and ecstasy. Joseph was indicted by a federal grand jury on Apr. 6, 2016.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Beaumont Police Department, and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lesley Woods.
Jefferson County Convicted Felon Sentenced for Gun ViolationsRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas - A 44-year-old Beaumont, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston today.
Michael Jon Gelagotis pleaded guilty on Aug. 17, 2016, to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone.
According to information presented in court, on Sep. 24, 2015, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Gelagotis’s residence after he had violated the terms of his state probation for impersonating a public servant. Inside the residence, the officers found 34 firearms, including high-caliber rifles, semi-automatic pistols, and a shotgun. The officers also found more than 30,000 rounds of assorted ammunition and more than 40 large capacity 223 caliber magazines, and a ballistic vest. As a convicted felon, Gelagotis is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition. Gelagotis was previously convicted of risk of injury in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1993, and grand larceny, in Newport, Vermont, in 1997. Gelagotis was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 4, 2016 and charged with federal firearms violations.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, aimed at reducing gun and gang violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, ammunition and body armor, and improving the safety of residents in the Eastern District of Texas. Participants in the initiative include community members and organizations as well as federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Beaumont Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John B. Ross.
Jefferson County Convicted Felon Sentenced for Drug and Gun ViolationsRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas - A 43-year-old Beaumont, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston today.
Deshawn Paul Hall, also known as Deshawn Paul Davis, was convicted at trial on Aug. 31, 2016, of being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of crack cocaine and was sentenced to 155 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone.
According to information presented in court, Hall was found to be distributing crack cocaine out of a home on Magnolia Street in Beaumont, Texas for over a year. During the investigation it was also revealed that Hall was a convicted felon having been previously convicted in Jefferson County, Texas of sexual assault in 1993; failure to comply with sex offender registry in 2007; and possession of a controlled substance in 2012. When detectives and officers with the police department executed a search warrant at the residence where Hall was living illegally, investigators discovered that Hall was also living with a juvenile female. Hall was also in possession of three firearms and crack cocaine on that same occasion. Hall was indicted by a federal grand jury on Sep. 5, 2015.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, aimed at reducing gun and gang violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, ammunition and body armor, and improving the safety of residents in the Eastern District of Texas. Participants in the initiative include community members and organizations as well as federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Beaumont Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lesley Woods.
Jefferson City Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Firearms After Posting Photos on FacebookRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Jefferson City, Mo., man who posted photos of stolen property, illegal drugs, guns and cash on his Facebook page pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally possessing two firearms.
Tremaine Cordell Smith, also known as “Sak Boy Fatt Maine,” 27, of Jefferson City, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matt J. Whitworth to being a felon in possession of firearms.
Jefferson City police officers executed a search warrant at Smith’s residence on Jan. 7, 2016. The warrant was based upon a Columbia, Mo., Police Department investigation of stolen property. Smith had posted photos of several stolen items on his Facebook profile.
During the search, several stolen items were recovered, including two stolen handguns – a Ruger 9mm pistol and a Springfield 9mm pistol.
According to today’s plea agreement, Smith posted a picture on his Facebook profile on Oct. 5, 2014, that showed a pistol covered up with $100 bills. The handgun in the picture appeared to be a Springfield 9mm like the stolen firearm recovered from Smith’s residence. Smith also posted photos on his Facebook profile between Nov. 12, 2011, and Dec. 15, 2015, that showed what appeared to be large quantities of money, marijuana and firearms. One photo showed Smith with money inside a bag that appeared to be the same bag that contained the stolen firearms located during the search of his residence.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Smith has three prior felony convictions in Cole County, Mo., for distributing a controlled substance.
As an armed career criminal, Smith is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life 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 Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. Oliver. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Jefferson City, Mo., Police Department and the Columbia, Mo., Police Department.
Jamaica Man Sentenced for Threatening A JudgeRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney G. F. “Pete” Peterman, III announces that Delroy Anthony McLean, age 42, from Jamaica, was sentenced today to serve 41 months in Federal prison for threatening a Federal official. The sentence was handed down by Honorable Clay D. Land, Chief U.S. District Court Judge, in Columbus.
Mr. McLean’s case was tried before a jury on October 4-5, 2016 in Columbus. Evidence at trial showed that he was a detainee awaiting deportation at Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Georgia. During a hearing at the facility, Mr. McLean threatened to “bash the head” of Judge Sandra Arrington-Dempsey. He also threatened the judge’s husband and repeated his threats outside the courtroom. After serving his sentence, it is expected that Mr. McLean will be deported to his native Jamaica.
U.S. Attorney Peterman said, “Federal judges are public servants who should be free from threats and intimidation while carrying out their duties. Respect for law and the courts is essential to the functioning of our judicial system. This substantial sentence should make clear that behavior such as that of Mr. McLean will not be tolerated in the Middle District of Georgia.”
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Assistant United States Attorney Melvin E. Hyde, Jr. prosecuted the case on behalf of the Government.
Inquiries regarding this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603.
Human Resources Manager for Information Technology Companies Admits Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A human resources manager for two information technology companies today admitted that she obstructed a federal investigation as part of a scheme to fraudulently obtain foreign worker visas, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Hiral Patel, 34, of Jersey City, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty in Newark federal court to an information charging her with conspiracy to obstruct justice.
According to the document filed in this case and statements made in court:
SCM Data Inc. and MMC Systems Inc. offered consultants to clients in need of IT support. Both companies recruited foreign nationals, often student visa holders or recent college graduates, and sponsored them for H-1B visas. The H-1B program allows businesses in the United States to temporarily employ foreign workers with specialized or technical expertise in a particular field, such as accounting, engineering or computer science.
Patel’s conspirators recruited foreign workers with purported IT expertise who sought work in the United States. The conspirators then sponsored the foreign workers’ H-1B visas with the stated purpose of working for SCM Data and MMC Systems’ clients throughout the United States. When submitting the visa paperwork to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigrations Services (USCIS), the conspirators represented that the foreign workers had full-time positions and were paid an annual salary, as required to secure the visas.
Contrary to these representations and in violation of the H-1B program, the conspirators paid the foreign workers only when they were placed at a third-party client who entered into a contract with SCM Data or MMC Systems. The conspirators told the foreign workers who were not currently working that if they wanted to maintain their H-1B visa status, they would need to come up with what their gross wages would be in cash and give it to SCM Data and MMC Systems so the companies could issue payroll checks to the foreign workers.
The conspirators then encouraged the foreign workers to submit the bogus payroll checks to USCIS as proof that the workers were engaged in full-time work despite the fact that they were not working for the companies. Once the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) launched an audit of SCM Data and MMC Systems, the conspirators fabricated leave or vacation slips to USDOL for the time periods that the foreign workers were not working to conceal the fact that they were not paid during those time periods as required by federal law.
Patel – who was a human resources manager for SCM Data and MMC Systems –
admitted that in February 2015 and March 2015, in response to a USDOL audit, she was involved in preparing false leave slips for the foreign workers on behalf of SCM Data and MMC Systems.Patel faces a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for June 1, 2017.
U.S. Attorney Fishman praised special agents of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Terence Opiola, and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Mikulka, with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joyce M. Malliet of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s National Security Unit in Newark.Defense Counsel: Michael V. Gilberti, Esq.
Honduran citizen sentenced to 87 months in prison for reentering the U.S.. illegally, firearm possessionRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Honduran citizen was sentenced Monday to 87 months in prison for reentering the United States and illegally possessing firearms.
Hector Alexander Cruz, 37, of San Pedro Sula, Honduras, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter on one count of illegal reentry of a removed alien and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to the July 25, 2016 guilty plea, Lafayette police responded to a complaint of marijuana odor coming from a residence on University Avenue. Upon contacting the inhabitants, they found Cruz and two others inside the apartment as well as a strong odor of marijuana. After questioning them and obtaining a search warrant, police found a 9 mm pistol, a .22 caliber pistol, a .380 caliber pistol and ammunition. After further investigation, law enforcement agents determined that Cruz had been removed from the country in December of 2011 after being convicted of an aggravated felony.
United States Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, and Lafayette Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert C. Abendroth prosecuted the case.
Hardy County man sentenced for heroin distributionRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Jason Wayne Russell, 39, of Moorefield, West Virginia, was sentenced to 33 months incarceration for distributing heroin, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.
Russell collaborated with other individuals to travel to and from Baltimore to distribute heroin in June 2015. He pled guilty to one count of “Interstate Travel in Furtherance of a Drug Crime” in August 2016.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hardy County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Hardin County Man Sentenced for Drug ViolationsRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas - A 28-year-old Silsbee, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston today.
Seth Deandre Turner pleaded guilty on Aug. 9, 2016, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine and was sentenced to 250 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone.
According to information presented in court, on July 21, 2010, law enforcement officers searched a residence in Beaumont where Turner resided during which officers recovered a handgun, a rifle and 7.93 grams of crack cocaine. Also recovered during the search was drug paraphernalia commonly used for “cooking” or manufacturing cocaine powder into crack cocaine and $1,050 in cash from controlled substance sales. On Feb. 17, 2015, Turner was apprehended as the suspect of a burglary and found in possession of over 20 grams of crack cocaine and another $2,013 in his pocket from illegal crack cocaine sales. Turner was indicted on May 4, 2016, along with co-defendants responsible for dealing crack cocaine from a Beaumont residence on Avenue A for over 10 years.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration and the Beaumont Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lesley Woods.
Greenville Man Sentenced in Access Device Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2105
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Dalvin Michael Davenport, Jr., age 23, of Greenville, South Carolina, was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release and restitution of $30,857.89, after pleading guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and money laundering, violations of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029 and 1956. United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain, of Anderson sentenced Davenport on February 9, 2017.
At an earlier guilty plea hearing, Assistant U. S. Attorney Jeanne Howard, established that Davenport, along with other members of the conspiracy, recruited cashiers at various businesses to credit funds onto Green Dot, Visa and other prepaid cards without receiving payment. Immediately after obtaining the prepaid cards, members of the conspiracy activated and depleted the cards of the fraudulently loaded funds. In total, the conspiracy resulted in a loss of over $264,000.00, to several businesses in South Carolina and Georgia.
Other members of the conspiracy who previously entered guilty pleas and have been sentenced include the following: Vincenzo Mikkel Byers, age 26, of Greenville, South Carolina, sentenced to 36 months imprisonment; Cierra Andreous James, age 24, of Greenville, South Carolina, sentenced to 30 months imprisonment; Brandon Christopher Davis, age 26, of Simpsonville, South Carolina, sentenced to 30 months imprisonment; Tony Christopher Robinson, age 24, of Fountain Inn, South Carolina, sentenced to 18 months imprisonment; Davario Rashad Clinkscale, age 23, of Greenville, South Carolina, sentenced to 30 months imprisonment; Eric Ross Wilson, age 26, of Greenville, South Carolina, sentenced to 30 months imprisonment; Terrance Justin Davis, age 27, of Mauldin, South Carolina, sentenced to 21 months imprisonment; Quentin Nathaniel McClinton, age 25, of Greenville, South Carolina, sentenced to time served; and, Adam Isaiah Posley, age 21, of Greenville, South Carolina, sentenced to 3 years’ probation.
The case was investigated by agents of the FBI Upstate Gang Task Force and the U. S. Treasury Department, IRS Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant United States Attorney Jeanne Howard of the Greenville office handled the case.
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Green Bay Man Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison for Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on February 13, 2017, Lucycan Ly (age: 36) of Green Bay, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison by Chief United States District Judge William C. Griesbach. Ly previously entered a guilty plea to a charge of possession a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking charge in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A).
According to the plea agreement and other documents filed with the court, police searched Ly’s residence and found large amounts of methamphetamine and marijuana, along with 3 loaded firearms. As a felon, Ly was prohibited from possessing a firearm based on prior convictions in state court.
In pronouncing the sentence, Chief Judge Griesbach noted the debilitating effect that methamphetamine has on individuals and the great harm the drug causes in Northeast Wisconsin. He further noted that the quantity of methamphetamine and the presence of firearms made this a particularly dangerous crime.
The case was investigated by the Brown County Drug Task Force and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
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For Additional Information Contact:
Public Information Officer Dean Puschnig 414-297-1700
Grape Street Crips Crack-Cocaine Wholesaler Pleads Guilty to Racketeering, Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A crack-cocaine wholesaler for the New Jersey set of the Grape Street Crips today admitted his involvement in racketeering and drug trafficking conspiracies operating in Newark, New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
James S. Gutierrez, a/k/a “Bad News,” 26, of Newark, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in Newark federal court to Count 1 and Count 18 of a sixth superseding indictment charging him with racketeering conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute crack-cocaine.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
The New Jersey Grape Street Crips controlled drug trafficking and other criminal activities in various areas of Newark. Gutierrez and other members of the gang accepted orders for, and distributed, thousands of clips of crack-cocaine to other distributors, including other gang members.
To protect their gang and drug territory, the New Jersey Grape Street Crips operating in the area of 6th Avenue and North 5th Street in Newark used “community guns” that were easily accessible to gang members. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement agents seized numerous firearms, including a .410 caliber assault rifle, a.45 caliber Thompson semi-automatic carbine, a 7.62 caliber assault rifle, and numerous semi-automatic handguns.
Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Gutierrez will be sentenced to between 10 years and 14 years in prison and five years of supervised release. Sentencing is scheduled for May 22, 2017.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the DEA, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Carl J. Kotowski in Newark, and special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Timothy Gallagher in Newark, with the investigation. He also thanked prosecutors and detectives of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray; police officers and detectives of the Newark Department of Public Safety, under the direction of Director Anthony F. Ambrose; and the Essex County Sheriff’s Office under the direction of Armando B. Fontoura, for their assistance in this case.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Osmar J. Benvenuto and Barry A. Kamar of the Criminal Division in Newark.
This case was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Defense counsel: Edward J. Plaza Esq., Little Silver, New Jersey
Grand Jury Returns Indictment Charging Erie Residents in Food Stamp Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - Four residents of Erie, Pennsylvania have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States and food stamp fraud, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
The six count indictment named Nureden Jibul, 33; Jibul R. Jibul, 28; Samia R. Jibul, 24; and John L. McDowell, 67 as defendants.
According to the indictment presented to the court, Nureden Jibul, Jibul, Jibul and Samia Jibul were all engaged in food stamp fraud primarily involving exchanging food stamps for cash. Nureden Jibul also enlisted Johnnie McDowell to submit a fraudulent application for a food stamp license so that the food stamp terminals in use at the convenience stores owned and operated by Nuerden Jibul and Jibul Jibul would not be in their names. The defendants then used the food stamp terminals at locations where they were not authorized.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of $270,000, or both for Nureden Jibul, Jibul R. Jibul and Samia R. Jibul and 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both for John L. McDowell. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, IRS-Criminal Investigations, and the Erie Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Gary Man Sentenced to 40 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- United States Attorney David A. Capp announced that Manuel Ramos, 42, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced on February 14, 2017 by District Court Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon.
Ramos was sentenced to 40 months imprisonment and 2 years of supervised release.
According to Court filings, in May and June of 2016, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted an investigation that revealed that Ramos acquired and possessed firearms for the purpose of selling them for profit within the Northern District of Indiana.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas McGrath.
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Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Racketeering, Money Laundering Charges; Admits Role in 2 Murders in 2011Read the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that KEITH YOUNG, also known as “Capo,” “Bapo” and “Poncho,” 27, of Hamden. pleaded guilty yesterday before Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to federal racketeering and money laundering offenses, and admitted that he participated in two murders in 2011
This matter stems from an investigation into a criminal enterprise known as the Red Side Guerilla Brims (“RSGB”), a sect of the Bloods street gang that operated in New Haven from 2011 through 2015, which was engaged in narcotics trafficking and related acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, assaults and armed robberies. In addition to distributing crack cocaine and other narcotics in and around New Haven, members and associates of the RSGB, transported crack and heroin to Bangor, Maine, and sold the drugs in Bangor and its surrounding communities. The RSGB also traded narcotics for firearms, brought the firearms back to New Haven and distributed them to gang members.
According to court documents and statements made in court, YOUNG was a member and leader of the RSGB. On June 24, 2011, YOUNG was present when a RSGB member shot and killed Donell Allick in New Haven, and, on September 19, 2011, YOUNG was present when another RSGB member shot and killed Darrick Cooper in Hamden.
YOUNG also participated in the gang-related trafficking of crack cocaine in Maine, and the transferring drug proceeds from Maine to Connecticut by using Western Union.
“The Red Side Guerilla Brims wreaked havoc from New Haven to Bangor, Maine,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “RSGB members were not only responsible for multiple murders and non-fatal shootings locally, they trafficked drugs and firearms from one end of New England to the other. I thank our law enforcement partners who put this gang out of business, particularly the ATF, New Haven Police Department and Hamden Police Department, for their tireless dedication during this long-term and ongoing investigation. They are providing justice for the many victims of this brutal gang, and making New Haven a safer and better place to live.”
“ATF’s mission is to combat violent criminals and criminal organizations,” said Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division. “With today’s guilty plea, we have succeeded in taking a very violent gang member off the streets of our communities.”
“The outcome of this case is an example of what happens when agencies cooperate,” said Assistant Chief Achilles Generoso of the New Haven Police Department. “The collaboration between the NHPD, ATF, U.S. Attorney’s Office and State’s Attorney’s Office, once again resulted in dangerous people – involved in gun violence in New Haven and our neighboring communities – being taken off our streets.”
YOUNG pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in a pattern of racketeering activity, which, because it involves the commission of murder, carries a maximum penalty of life in prison. He also pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
YOUNG has been detained since his arrest on September 30, 2015.
This investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the New Haven Police Department, the Connecticut Department of Correction, the Connecticut State Police, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Hamden Police Department. The New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office also provided critical assistance in the investigation.
An instrumental component of the investigation has been the work of the Connecticut State Crime Laboratory in utilizing the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to analyze ballistics evidence.
This matter is being prosecuted in the District of Connecticut by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Spector, Peter Markle and Jocelyn Kaoutzanis. A related case in the District of Maine is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Casey.
Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Racketeering and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ROY ISIAH JACKSON, also known as “I”, 22, of New Haven, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before Chief U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to federal racketeering and firearm offenses stemming from his participation in a violent New Haven-based street gang.
This matter stems from an investigation into a criminal enterprise known as the Red Side Guerilla Brims (“RSGB”), a sect of the Bloods street gang that operated in New Haven from 2011 through 2015, which was engaged in narcotics trafficking and related acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, assaults and armed robberies. In addition to distributing crack cocaine and other narcotics in and around New Haven, members and associates of the RSGB, transported crack and heroin to Bangor, Maine, and sold the drugs in Bangor and its surrounding communities. The RSGB also traded narcotics for firearms, brought the firearms back to New Haven and distributed them to gang members.
According to court documents and statements made in court, JACKSON was a member of the RSGB. In pleading guilty, he admitted that, on March 19, 2012, he was involved in an exchange of gunfire with a rival gang on Genesee Street in New Haven. Although approximately 30 shots were fired during the incident, no one was injured.
In addition, on May 30, 2012, JACKSON and others, armed with firearms, committed a home invasion robbery of a residence located on Putnam Street in New Haven, during which they threatened the residents and removed a safe containing an amount of cash from the home.
JACKSON also participated in the trafficking of crack cocaine in Connecticut and Maine from 2011 until approximately June 2012.
JACKSON pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in a pattern of racketeering activity, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, one count of attempted assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years, and one count of carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
Chief Judge Hall scheduled sentencing for May 11, 2017.
JACKSON is detained.
This investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the New Haven Police Department, the Connecticut Department of Correction, the Connecticut State Police, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Hamden Police Department. The New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office also provided critical assistance in the investigation.
An instrumental component of the investigation has been the work of the Connecticut State Crime Laboratory in utilizing the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to analyze ballistics evidence.
This matter is being prosecuted in the District of Connecticut by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Spector, Peter Markle and Jocelyn Kaoutzanis. A related case in the District of Maine is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Casey.
Four Erie Residents Charged with Conspiracy to Defraud the U.S. and Food Stamp FraudRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - Four residents of Erie, Pennsylvania have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States and food stamp fraud, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
The four count indictment named Abdul Alquraishi, 50; Hussain K. Al-Maliki, 50; Dhia Almaleki, 46; and Muntather Alquraishi, 24, as defendants.
According to the indictment presented to the court, Abdul Alquraishi, Hussain K. Al-Maliki, Dhia Almaleki and Muntather Alquraishi were engaged in exchanging food stamps for cash on a regular basis at The Lotto World, also known as Samir’s and Lotto World Convenience, a convenience store located at 832 State Street in Erie. The four defendants also allowed customers to pay off store credit with food stamps. Alquraishi was also using customers’ food stamp cards to buy items at various stores in the area.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both for Abdul Alquraishi, Hussain K. Al-Maliki and Dhia Almaleki and 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both for Muntather Alquraishi. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, IRS-Criminal Investigations, and the Erie Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Forty-One VRN Indictments Target Violent Offenders in Pulaski CountyRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Christopher R. Thyer, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, Jeffrey Reed, Resident Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), Larry Jegley, Prosecuting Attorney for the Sixth Judicial District, Diane Upchurch, Special Agent in Charge of the Little Rock Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Kenton Buckner, Chief of Little Rock Police Department (LRPD), and Mike Davis, Chief of North Little Rock Police Department (NLRPD), announced today 41 separate federal cases brought under the Violence Reduction Network (VRN) initiative in recent months.
These VRN cases target some of the most violent offenders in Pulaski County, and highlight law enforcement’s commitment to widespread collaboration between federal and local law enforcement partners in Pulaski County to help reduce violent crime. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas has worked with the ATF, LRPD, NLRPD, and Sixth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to return 41 indictments charging individuals with various gun and drug crimes, with most of the indictments being returned in the past six months. All 41 defendants are convicted felons, and many have examples of violence in their past.
“The individuals targeted in our VRN initiative are among the most dangerous members of their community,” Thyer said. “Removing them and their guns from the streets of Pulaski County is a top priority, and makes our community a safer place to live. But know this—while we are pleased to announce these 41 indictments, by no means are the law enforcement officers of this community finished with the work of seeking out and stopping those individuals who unfortunately bring gun violence into everyday life.”
The indictments are all part of the VRN initiative, a network Little Rock joined in 2015. The VRN uses a comprehensive approach to reducing violent crime in select communities around the country. Through the VRN, the Justice Department enlists tactical and operational expertise available from its various federal components to assist local police forces in targeted efforts to eliminate the worst criminals from communities. Little Rock, along with West Memphis, will be a part of the VRN through September.
“The pursuit of justice concerning the judicial presentation of 41 defendants through the VRN initiative demonstrates the focus and commitment of the ATF to serve the citizens of the Little Rock and North Little Rock municipalities,” Reed said. “The ATF is committed to working with the Little Rock Police Department, the North Little Rock Police Department, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the United States Marshals Service (USMS), and the United States Attorney Office concerning investigations involving violent offenders who illegally possess firearms within Arkansas. The ATF will continue these investigative efforts with our law enforcement partners in a determined fashion to provide the service expected by the citizens of Arkansas. Note that these collaborative efforts are in the pursuit of a safer living environment for the citizens of both Little Rock and North Little Rock, and that the ATF will be unwavering in that mission.”
The prior convictions of the 41 defendants include manslaughter, rape, aggravated assault, car-jacking, robbery and aggravated robbery, residential burglary, domestic battery, delivery of controlled substances and possession with intent to deliver controlled substances, simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Forty of the 41 indictments announced today contain various federal gun charges, including being a felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition, possessing a firearm while under a felony information, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug- trafficking crime (see attached list). In addition, several defendants are charged with stand-alone drug crimes. Four of the defendants are still pending arrest, while the remaining 37 are in various stages of prosecution.
“The Little Rock Police Department is proud of our relationships with The US Attorney's Office and all of our federal partners,” Chief Buckner said. “We have at least one officer assigned to ATF, FBI, DEA, USMS, and IRS. These relationships are essential to providing public safety in the capitol city.”
The indictments primarily stemmed from cases initially investigated by the Little Rock Police Department or the North Little Rock Police Department. Following state arrests in many instances, these cases were then recommended for federal prosecution by the Sixth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Cases targeted for federal prosecution include those with defendants who have extensive or violent criminal history, or whose present crime is particularly egregious or violent.
Today’s announcement, and the federal and local components’ continued efforts as part the VRN in Little Rock and West Memphis, illustrate the Department of Justice and new administration’s commitment to reducing crime in the nation, as detailed in a series of Executive Orders recently enacted. This commitment to public safety will remain the steadfast mission of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas, and all law enforcement officers in our community who are sworn to protect and serve.
Forsyth Man Convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
BILLINGS—David Crosby, 44, of Forsyth, was convicted of failure to register as a sex offender following a one-day jury trial. United States District Judge Susan Watters presided over the trial. Sentencing has been set for June 14, 2017.
A February 2016 indictment alleged that Crosby failed to register as a sex offender from in or about September 2015 until November 11, 2015. During that same time period, Crosby committed felony offenses for assault with a weapon and sexual abuse of children, for which he was later prosecuted by the Rosebud County Attorney’s Office. In September 2016, the Montana Sixteenth Judicial District Court, Rosebud County, sentenced Crosby to a 50-year term of imprisonment at the Montana State Prison for those offenses.
In 2007 in Colorado, Crosby was convicted of sexual assault of a child by a person in a position of trust. As a result, Crosby is required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. At trial, the government introduced evidence that in May 2015, Crosby informed law enforcement in Fort Morgan, Colorado, of his intention to de-register as a sex offender in Colorado and move to New York. In September 2015, however, Crosby’s vehicle broke down in Forsyth, Montana. While in Forsyth, Crosby began working full-time as a welder’s helper. He and his family also rented a home, where they lived until November 11, 2015, when Crosby was arrested by the Rosebud County Sheriff’s Office for the sexual and violent assaults, for which he was later charged and convicted.
Representatives of the Rosebud County Sheriff’s Office and the Montana Sexual Violent Offender Registry testified at trial that Crosby did not register as a sex offender at any point while living in Forsyth. Crosby also testified at trial. He admitted that he did not register as a sex offender while in Montana, stating instead that he believed he had 90 days in which to do so. Under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, however, Crosby was required to register within three working days after a change in residence or employment.
The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sullivan.
Former Town Administrator of Nahant and Saugus Sentenced for Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former town administrator of Nahant and Saugus was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Boston in connection with failing to report over $375,000 of his income on his federal tax returns from 2010 to 2013.
Andrew R. Bisignani, 70, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to one year of probation, the first four months of which is to be served in Coolidge House and the following six months on home confinement. In December 2017, he pleaded guilty to four counts of filing false tax returns.
Bisignani, the former town administrator of Nahant and Saugus, admitted that from 2010 to 2013, he collected rental income from three real properties in Revere, Mass. During the same years, Bisignani collected interest and loan income by making multiple, private, short-term loans that were secured by Massachusetts real estate. Bisignani underreported his total rental real estate income when submitting his individual tax returns to the IRS in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. He also underreported the interest income he received in connection with his private loans for 2010, 2011 and 2012.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina E. Barclay of Weinreb’s Public Corruption Unit is prosecuting the case.
Former Bergen County, New Jersey, Coin Dealer Admits Income Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A former resident of Old Tappan, New Jersey, today admitted evading personal income taxes on more than $400,000 in income in 2013, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
William Dominick, 68, of Collier County, Florida, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Anne E. Thompson in Trenton federal court to an information charging him with one count of tax evasion and one count of identity theft.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Dominick owned and operated Westwood Rare Coin out of his home in Old Tappan. He was required to include income earned by Westwood Rare Coin on his individual IRS 1040 form. During calendar year 2013, Dominick failed to report $400,000 in income earned by Westwood Rare Coin. He did this by using other people’s identities to open credit cards to purchase bulk quantities coins from the U.S. Mint in order to corner the market. Dominick then sold those coins through his business, retained the proceeds for his personal use, and failed to include the proceeds on the tax return that he signed and filed with the IRS.
The count of identity theft to which Dominick pleaded guilty carries a maximum potential penalty of 15 years in prison; the count of tax evasion carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison; both counts also carry a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for May 23, 2017.
Under terms of his plea agreement, Dominick will file amended returns and make full restitution for years 2010 through 2014.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of special agent in charge Timothy Gallagher; special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan D. Larsen; and inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Postal Inspector in Charge James V. Buthorn, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shana Chen of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
Defense counsel: John Whipple Esq., Morristown, New Jersey
Former Baruch College Basketball Coach and Athletics Official Charged with EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Catherine Leahy Scott, New York State Inspector General, and Brian M. Hickey, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the Northeast Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General (“ED-OIG”), announced today that MACHLI JOSEPH was arrested this morning and charged in Manhattan federal court with embezzling more than half a million dollars in funds intended for Baruch College for the rental of their athletic facilities. JOSEPH was arrested by ED-OIG agents in New Jersey. He will be presented before Magistrate Judge Gabriel Gorenstein in Manhattan this afternoon.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “Machli Joseph, Baruch College’s former basketball coach, allegedly drew up his own game plan for fraud, stealing more than half a million dollars meant for the college that he instead spent on himself. Embezzling money from a public college is no game, and for allegedly taking criminal advantage of his control over Baruch’s basketball courts, Joseph will now face federal charges in a court of law. We thank the New York State Inspector General and Department of Education Office of Inspector General for their excellent investigative work in this case.”
New York State Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott said: “This once-trusted college athletic official allegedly abused his position and the facilities he was entrusted with to steal more than a half million dollars in public funds to use for his own personal benefit. These crimes, as alleged, were clearly symptoms of the problematic policies and oversight throughout CUNY facilities that I am currently investigating as a separate matter. I truly believe critical criminal cases like this one today come together only through effective law enforcement partnerships, and I thank U.S. Attorney Bharara and Agent-in-Charge Hickey and their offices for their work on this case.”
ED-OIG Special Agent-in-Charge Brian M. Hickey said: “Today’s action alleges that Mr. Joseph knowingly abused his position of trust to steal funds from the very ones he promised to serve – Baruch College students. That is unacceptable. As the law enforcement arm of the U.S. Department of Education, we will continue to aggressively pursue those who misappropriate education funds for their own purposes. America’s students and taxpayers deserve nothing less.”
According to the allegations in the Complaint filed yesterday in Manhattan federal court[1]:
MACHLI JOSEPH served as an athletic department official at Baruch College between 2002 and 2016. He served as Baruch’s women’s basketball head coach between 2004 and 2014, its men’s basketball coach in 2002, as assistant athletic director from 2003 to 2011 and as associate athletic director from 2011 until August 2016. At times when the Baruch College gym was not being used by the school’s athletic teams, it could be rented out to outside parties. In his administrative capacity, JOSEPH had sole control over those gym rentals and their scheduling.
On numerous occasions between 2010 and 2016, JOSEPH rented the gym to outside parties, ostensibly on behalf of Baruch College. In instructing the renting parties on how to provide payment, however, JOSEPH directed that payment be made to entities that were not, in fact, connected to Baruch College. Instead, they were entities with bank accounts over which JOSEPH had personal control, some of which merely sounded like Baruch-affiliated entities. On several occasions, JOSEPH simply directed that payment be made directly to himself or individual associates of his. Many of these funds were ultimately spent on personal expenses and items for JOSEPH and his family, including renovations to his home in New Jersey. All told, and as alleged in the Complaint, the scheme improperly diverted approximately $600,000 of payments intended for Baruch College.
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JOSEPH, 42, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, has been charged with one count of embezzlement and misapplication concerning a program receiving federal funds. The charge carries a maximum term of 10 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Bharara praised the investigative work of ED-OIG and the New York State Inspector General’s Office, and noted that the investigation is continuing.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Martin S. Bell and Catherine E. Geddes are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Five Quincy Men Indicted on Federal Drug, Gun Charges in Separate CasesRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Five Quincy, Ill., men made their respective initial appearances in federal court this morning on separate, unrelated drug and gun charges. A federal grand jury returned the indictments last week; however, the charges had remained sealed pending the defendants’ arrests and court appearances. Each defendant was given a trial date of April 4, 2017. The defendants charged include the following:
Gerald Knight, 59, of the 1400 block of N. Fifth St.: on Jan. 6, 2017, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession of a firearm, a 12-gauge shotgun, during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense; and, possession of a firearm by a felon.
Dantae Knighton, 26, of the 300 block of College St.: on Jan. 13, 2017, possession with intent to distribute marijuana; possession of a firearm, a .380 handgun, during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense; and, possession of a firearm by a felon.
Conner McGlaughlin, 18, of the 1800 block of Kochs Lane: on Oct. 11, 2016, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm, a .32 caliber revolver, during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense.
Tyler McGlaughlin, 23, also of the 1800 block of Kochs Lane: on Oct. 21, 2016, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession of a firearm, a .32 revolver, during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense; and, possession of a firearm by a felon.
Caleb Roux, 18, of the 400 block of N. 14th St.: on Dec. 13, 2016, possession with intent to distribute marijuana; possession of a firearm, a .45 pistol, during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense; and, possession of a firearm by a felon.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Tom Schanzle-Haskins ordered that Knight and Knighton remain detained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. Conner McGlaughlin was released from custody. A detention hearing for Roux is scheduled on Thursday, and on Friday for Tyler McGlaughlin.
The charges against the five defendants were investigated by the West Central Illinois Task Force and the Quincy Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Z. Weir is prosecuting the cases.
If convicted, the maximum statutory penalty for each offense charged is prescribed by Congress and is provided for informational purposes, as sentencing is determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
For possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, Knight faces up to life in prison; for possession of a substance containing methamphetamine, Knight faces up to 30 years in prison. Conner McGlaughlin faces up to 20 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute a substance containing meth; and, Tyler McGlaughlin faces up to 40 years in prison.
If convicted for possession with intent to distribute marijuana, Knighton faces up to five years in prison. Roux faces up to 10 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
Each of the defendants is charged with one count of possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum five years in prison to be served consecutive to any sentence ordered for the related drug offense. Possession of a firearm by a felon carries a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation; each defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Five Individuals Indicted in February 2017 Federal Grand JuryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office announced today the results of the February 2017 Federal Grand Jury.
“The following named individuals have been charged with a federal crime or crimes by the return of an indictment by the Grand Jury. A grand jury Indictment does not constitute evidence of guilt. A grand jury Indictment is a method of bringing formal charges against the defendant. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and may not be found guilty unless evidence establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. United States Sentencing Guidelines may be considered, upon conviction, by the sentencing court. Federal prison sentences are non-parolable.”
JADE BELINDA ADAMS, age 33, of Durant, Oklahoma
Theft Of Public MoniesThe Indictment alleges that from in or about September 2012 to on or about November 30, 2016, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, JADE BELINDA ADAMS, did willfully and knowingly steal and purloin monies in excess of $1,000.00 belonging to the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641, punishable by no more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00 or both.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Choctaw Nation Tribal Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Edward Snow
KEVIN WAYNE SANDERS JR, age 28, of Tulsa, Oklahoma
Three (3) Counts Of Distribution Of OxycodoneThe Indictment alleges that on or about January 14, 2016, to on or about January 28, 2016, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did knowingly and intentionally distribute Oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C), punishable by no more than 20 years imprisonment, a fine up to $1,000,000.00 or both for each count.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Hammer
MIKEL DWAYNE MEEK, age 47, of Holdenville, Oklahoma
Delay Or Destruction Of Mail By Postal EmployeeThe Indictment alleges that on or about November 22, 2016, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the Defendant, a United States Postal Service employee, did willfully, knowingly and unlawfully open a package entrusted to him and which came into his possession to be conveyed by mail, while performing his assigned duties as an employee of the United States Postal Service, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1703, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00 or both.
The charge arose from an investigation by the United States Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General.
Assistant United States Attorney John David Luton
LEANDE JOANNE PRATHER, age 37, of Canadian, Oklahoma
Embezzlement Of Mail By Postal EmployeeThe Indictment alleges that between on or about August 2, 2016 and on or about December 20, 2016, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the Defendant, a United States Postal Service employee, did willfully, knowingly and unlawfully embezzle packages entrusted to her and which came into her possession to be conveyed by mail, located at the Eufaula Post Office, 131 W. Foley, Eufaula, Oklahoma, while performing her assigned duties as an employee of the United States Postal Service, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1709, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00 or both.
The charge arose from an investigation by the United States Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General.
Assistant United States Attorney John David Luton
RITA LOUISE FALL, age 37, of Bristow, Oklahoma
Theft Of Mail Matter By Postal EmployeeThe Indictment alleges that beginning on or about August 19, 2016, and continuing through on or about August 29, 2016, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the Defendant, a United States Postal Service employee, did willfully, knowingly and intentionally steal, abstract and remove mail and articles contained therein, which came into her possession to be conveyed by mail, while performing her assigned duties as an employee of the United States Postal Service, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1709, punishable by not more than 5 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00 or both.
The charge arose from an investigation by the United States Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General.
Assistant United States Attorney Kristin Harrington
Fauquier County Agrees to Resolve ADA Review of Polling LocationsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Fauquier County has agreed to resolve an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance review of its polling locations to ensure that its polling locations comply with the ADA.
“Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy,” said Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Under this agreement, voters with disabilities in Fauquier County can vote at the polling place near their home and alongside their neighbors and friends.”
As part of a nation-wide Department of Justice voting rights initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office conducted an ADA compliance review of Fauquier County’s polling locations. The review revealed that many polling places in Fauquier County have architectural barriers that make them inaccessible to voters who use wheelchairs or have mobility impairments.
Pursuant to the settlement agreement, Fauquier County will make temporary and permanent changes to its polling places to make the locations accessible to voters who use wheelchairs or have mobility impairments. Fauquier County also has the option of relocating these polling locations to alternate accessible locations. Going forward, the county will only select new polling place locations that are accessible on election day. The county will also provide training to poll workers and file reports with the U.S. Attorney’s Office on its compliance.
This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Gordon, who is the Civil Rights Enforcement Coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Title II of the ADA prohibits public entities from discriminating against people with disabilities in their programs, services and activities. With respect to polling places, public entities are required to select and use polling places that are accessible. To learn more about ADA requirements for polling place accessibility or about the ADA and other laws protecting the rights of voters with disabilities, visit www.ada.gov/ta-pubs-pg2.htm. For more information on the ADA and to access this publication, visit http://www.ada.gov or call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA information Line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD).
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.justice.gov/usao/vae.
Eugene Man Sentenced to 40 Months in Prison for International Firearms TraffickingRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore. – On February 14, 2017, Robert Allen Cummins, 57, from Eugene, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken to 40 months in prison for his involvement in a scheme to illegally purchase and sell firearms that were immediately smuggled to Mexico. After completing his prison sentence, Cummins will be on supervised release for three years and will be prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
This criminal case is the result of a year-long investigation and international collaboration that began after a large shipment of firearms was intercepted by law enforcement in Sonora, Mexico. According to court documents and statements made in court, members of the conspiracy deposited tens of thousands of dollars near the U.S.-Mexico border into bank accounts associated with Erik Flores Elortegui. Cummins and Flores then straw-purchased thousands of dollars’ worth of high-caliber firearms, including .50 caliber and AK-47-type rifles, some of which were recovered in Mexico soon after being purchased.
On one day alone, Cummins walked into a Federally Licensed Firearms Dealer (FFL) in Oregon and paid $38,100 in cash for fourteen firearms, including three .50 caliber rifles.
Image 1: Firearms purchased by Mr. Cummins from a Federally Licensed Firearms Dealer in Oregon
Less than thirty days later, the Mexican Military seized many of those same firearms, including two of the .50 caliber rifles, from a tractor trailer in San Luis Rio de Colorado, Sonora, Mexico. The firearms, many of which were missing serial numbers, along with more than 2,000 rounds of ammunition, magazines, and firearms accessories, were saran-wrapped and hidden among bales of alfalfa being transported on the tractor trailer.
Image 2: Firearms Seized by Mexican Law Enforcement Officials
Image 3: Smuggled Firearms Were Found Hidden Among Bales of Alfalfa on a Tractor Trailer
“Making false statements during a firearms purchase and straw purchasing firearms are serious offenses that increase the likelihood of weapons reaching the hands of violent criminals,” said Billy J. Williams, United States Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Those who seek to buy or sell firearms illegally in Oregon or elsewhere will be held accountable for their actions.”
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and was prosecuted by Nathan J. Lichvarcik, Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Erie Man Charged with Federal Drug Law ViolationRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on a charge of violating federal drug laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
The one count indictment named Robert Earl Noble, 38, Erie, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment presented to the court, Noble possessed with the intent to distribute twenty-eight grams or more of crack cocaine on two occasions.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Marshall J. Piccinini is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Erie Police Department, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Enrique Marquez Jr. Agrees to Plead Guilty to Plotting Violent Attacks and Buying Firearms for Shooter in San Bernardino Terrorist AttackRead the Press Release
RIVERSIDE, California – Enrique Marquez Jr. – a longtime friend of Syed Rizwan Farook, the male shooter in the San Bernardino terrorist attack – has agreed to plead guilty to conspiring with Farook in 2011 and 2012 to provide material support to terrorists.
Marquez, 25, of Riverside, entered into a plea agreement that was filed today in United States District Court. The defendant is scheduled to enter his guilty pleas Thursday morning at 9:00 a.m. before United States District Judge Jesus Bernal.
In the plea agreement, Marquez agreed to plead guilty to providing material support and resources to terrorists, including weapons, explosives and personnel. Marquez admitted in the plea agreement that he conspired with Farook in 2011 and 2012 to attack Riverside City College (RCC) and commuter traffic on the 91 Freeway.
Marquez also agreed to plead guilty to making false statements in connection with the acquisition of a firearm for being the “straw buyer” of two assault rifles that were used in the shooting rampage at the San Bernardino Inland Regional Center (IRC) on December 2, 2015.
“This defendant collaborated with and purchased weapons for a man who carried out the devastating December 2, 2015 terrorist attack that took the lives of 14 innocent people, wounded nearly two dozen, and impacted our entire nation,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “While his earlier plans to attack a school and a freeway were not executed, the planning clearly laid the foundation for the 2015 attack on the Inland Regional Center. When this defendant pleads guilty, all four individuals charged, including three of the shooters’ family members, will be convicted. Everyone in the U.S. Attorney’s Office – and everyone across the Department of Justice and the broader law enforcement community – brought their expertise, dedication, and tireless effort to bear on this investigation. We are, and will continue to be, deeply committed to pursuing the prosecution of everyone who was even remotely related to the San Bernardino attack. As these criminal cases begin to resolve, we hope that the victims of the attack and the community of San Bernardino are comforted in some small way by the knowledge that the Department of Justice and the law enforcement community stands with them in this investigation, resolute and committed to justice.”
“With this plea, Enrique Marquez Jr. will be held accountable for his role in plotting terrorist attacks on American soil with Sayed Rizwan Farook in 2011 and 2012, attacks which were, fortunately, not carried out,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Mary B. McCord. “Marquez also admitted to making a false statement as part of his straw purchases of weapons for Farook – weapons that were eventually used to carry out the deadly terrorist attack in San Bernardino. Holding those who threaten our national security and public safety accountable will always be the highest priority of the National Security Division and I want to thank all of the agents, analysts, and prosecutors who are responsible for this result.”
Marquez was arrested about two weeks after the attack at the IRC, which was perpetrated by Farook, and his wife, Tashfeen Malik, who were killed in a shootout with law enforcement hours after the attack.
The investigation into the deadly shooting quickly uncovered evidence that, in 2011 and 2012, Marquez purchased two rifles that Farook and Malik later used in the attack that killed 14 people and wounded 22 others at the IRC. A law enforcement officer was wounded during the shootout that afternoon.
According to the plea agreement, Farook paid Marquez for the rifles. Marquez also discussed with Farook the use of radio-controlled improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during the planned attacks on the RCC and State Route 91. Marquez purchased Christmas tree lightbulbs and a container of smokeless powder for use in manufacturing IEDs.
“Defendant Marquez purchased two of the weapons used in the San Bernardino terror attack to murder 14 innocent people and seriously injure 22 others – a horrific act which led to great suffering and a lifetime of pain for the survivors and for the loved ones of those murdered,” said Deirdre Fike, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office. “Defendant Marquez provided these weapons to his associate, Syed Rizwan Farook, with whom he conspired to plot chilling terror attacks. I’m gratified that this guilty plea will spare the victims and the San Bernardino community from having to relive the gruesome details of the attack during what would likely be a lengthy trial.”
Once he pleads guilty, Marquez will face a statutory maximum sentence of 25 years in federal prison.
Marquez, who did not personally participate in the attack on the IRC, has remained in custody since he was ordered detained at his initial court appearance in this case on December 17, 2015.
The plea agreement filed today is the result of an investigation by several members of the Inland Empire Joint Terrorism Task Force, including agents and detectives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the San Bernardino Police Department; the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department; the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office; the Chino Police Department; the Redlands Police Department; the Ontario Police Department; the Corona Police Department; and the Riverside Police Department.
“Straw purchasers are criminals who are the beginning of the chain of violence in our country,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Eric D. Harden. “It is purchases like Marquez’s that led to the terror on that tragic day in San Bernardino. The crime goes beyond making a false statement on a government form. It puts guns in the hands of criminals who will victimize the community. In this case, the straw purchase is as reprehensible as the attack.
“This guilty plea will bring much needed closure to a case that devastated those victims and families associated with the senseless attack on December 2, 2015, an attack that also deeply impacted our community,” said San Bernardino Police Chief Jarrod Burguan. “This case a perfect example of local and federal authorities working together with a common purpose for the sake of the victims.”
San Bernardino County Sheriff John McMahon stated: “December 2nd will forever haunt the memories of the victims’ families and the survivors who have lived through the tragedy. I pray today's guilty plea brings all of us a bit of justice.”
Also as a result of the investigation into the IRC attack, three people have pleaded guilty to being part of a sham marriage scheme in which a Russian woman “married” Marquez to obtain immigration benefits.
Syed Raheel Farook, the brother of IRC attacker Syed Rizwan Farook; Tatiana Farook, who is Syed Raheel Farook’s wife; and Mariya Chernykh, who is Tatiana Farook’s sister, pleaded guilty earlier this year to immigration fraud charges and admitted being part of conspiracy in which Chernykh paid Marquez to enter into a bogus marriage.
The case against Marquez and the immigration fraud case are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jay H. Robinson, Melanie Sartoris and Deirdre Z. Eliot of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section. Trial Attorney C. Alexandria Bogle of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section provided substantial assistance.
Emergency Medical Technician for the Fire Department of the City of New York Arrested for Possessing and Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Angel M. Melendez, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), announced the arrest of ALFRED PABON, an Emergency Medical Technician with the Fire Department of the City of New York, stemming from his possession and receipt, as well as distribution of child pornography. PABON was arrested today and presented in Manhattan federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gabriel W. Gorenstein.
U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “As alleged, Alfred Pabon frequented online chat groups for the explicit purpose of finding children and child pornography. In one his chats, Pabon allegedly expressed interest in taking a trip to Mexico in search of ‘something teenish.’ Thanks to the work of Homeland Security Investigations, Pabon’s alleged predatory search for children and child pornography has been brought to an end.”
HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Angel Melendez said: “Using online chat groups to post photos and videos of children being sexually exploited is a sickening crime made even more disturbing when it is committed by an individual who holds the public's trust as a member of the FDNY. Every day HSI agents stationed around the country, use innovative techniques to search the internet and chat rooms to bring these pedophiles to justice and keep our children safe.”
According to the Complaint filed today in Manhattan federal court[1]:
From in or about November 2015, up to and including at least in or about January 2017, ALFRED PABON, an Emergency Medical Technician for the Fire Department of the City of New York, posted images and videos containing child pornography in chat groups of an online messaging application. The chat groups were used almost exclusively to trade child pornography, discuss child pornography, and/or discuss engaging in sexual activity with minors. In or about December 2015, PABON exchanged private messages through the online messaging application with an undercover HSI Special Agent (“UC-1”). Through these exchanges, PABON, using a particular account username (the “Pabon Account”) indicated to UC-1 that he was interested in a trip to Mexico and was looking for “something teenish.” PABON posted an image of two girls, who appear to be prepubescent minors, posing nude on a bed as an example of the type of girls in whom he was interested. In August 2016, a second undercover HSI Special Agent (“UC-2”) observed additional postings by PABON in another online chat room, at least one of which appeared to include an image of child pornography. UC-2 later used a link that PABON had posted to download approximately 33 videos, most of which contained child pornography.
PABON was arrested at his residence in the Bronx, New York. On the morning of his arrest, he admitted to law enforcement that he was the user of the Pabon Account and had used that account to copy and forward images and videos containing child pornography as recently as within the last month.
* * *
ALFRED PABON, 49, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with one count of distribution and receipt of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of possession of child pornography, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Any individuals who believe they have information concerning ALFRED PABON that may be relevant to the investigation should contact HSI at its toll-free hotline: 1-866-DHS-2ICE; TTY for hearing impaired: (802) 872-6196. This hotline is staffed around-the-clock by investigators.
Mr. Bharara praised the efforts of HSI in this investigation. He added that the investigation is continuing.
The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Pomerantz is in charge of the prosecution.
The allegations contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint, and the description of the Complaint set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
El Cerrito Resident Pleads Guilty to Stealing IDs and U.S. Treasury ChecksRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – An El Cerrito man pleaded guilty today to aggravated identity theft and conspiring to steal government funds, announced U.S. Attorney Brian J. Stretch and Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
According to the plea agreement, Brandon Robinson, 35, conspired to steal names of deceased individuals and to use them to file federal tax returns seeking refunds. Robinson paid cashiers at stores in the Richmond-area to cash the fraudulently obtained refund checks. Robinson also cashed stolen tax refund and social security benefit checks that were intended for other individuals. Robinson admitted that he and his co-conspirators attempted to cash more than $500,000 in fraudulently obtained and stolen checks.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 23, 2017. Robinson faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison for the conspiracy count and a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison for the aggravated identity theft count. Robinson also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
U.S. Attorney Stretch and Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg commended special agents of Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Newman and Jose A. Olivera, and Trial Attorney Gregory Bernstein of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Dona Ana County Man Sentenced to Ten Years for Federal Drug Trafficking and Firearms ConvictionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Guillermo Ortega, 44, of Las Cruces, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court to 120 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release for his conviction on drug trafficking and firearms charges.
Guillermo Ortega and co-defendants Salvador Ortega, 36, and Steven Roman, 29, both of Las Cruces, were charged with methamphetamine trafficking offenses in a four-count indictment filed on June 18, 2014. The indictment charged Salvador Ortega and Guillermo Ortega with distributing methamphetamine on April 2, 2014; Guillermo Ortega and Roman with distributing methamphetamine on April 2, 2014; and Guillermo Ortega with distributing methamphetamine on April 2, 2014. It also charged Guillermo Ortega with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition on April 14, 2014. According to the indictment, the three men committed these crimes in Doña Ana County, N.M.
- Ortega pled guilty on Sept. 3, 2015, and admitted that on April 2, 2014, he and his co-defendants distributed 95 grams of methamphetamine to a person working with law enforcement. further admitted that on April 14, 2014, he was prohibited from being in possession of firearms or ammunition because of his status as a convicted felon.
On Jan. 21, 2016, Salvador Ortega entered a guilty plea to Count 1 of the indictment without the benefit of a plea agreement. Salvador Ortega was sentenced on Dec. 1, 2016, to 24 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
Roman pled guilty to Count 2 of the indictment on Sept. 23, 2015, and admitted distributing 57 grams of methamphetamine to a person working with law enforcement on April 2, 2014. Roman admitted that, after being contacted by an individual who wanted to purchase methamphetamine, he contacted Guillermo Ortega and arranged the deal. Roman was sentenced on May 9, 2016, to 77 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Y. Armijo of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Dexter Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine Conspiracy ChargeRead the Press Release
Contact: Joel B. Casey
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Donald Vigue, 42, of Dexter, Maine, pleaded guilty today U.S. District Court to conspiring to distribute cocaine.
According to court records, Vigue participated for several years in a conspiracy run by Roger Belanger and his daughter, Kelli Mujo, that existed between January 2002 and November 2014, to acquire cocaine in Rhode Island and distribute it in the Dexter area. Vigue is the ninth person to plead guilty in the investigation. On August 19, 2016, Belanger and Mujo were convicted following a jury trial.
The defendant faces up to 20 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine and between three years and life on supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, with assistance provided by the Dexter Police Department, the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office and the Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Office.
Defendants Charged in $5 Million Investor Fraud Scheme Relating to Fuel Cell CompanyRead the Press Release
Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the unsealing of an indictment charging GEORGE DOUMANIS, EMANUEL PANTELAKIS, a/k/a “Manny,” and DANNY PRATTE with orchestrating a scheme to defraud investors of at least approximately $5 million.
DOUMANIS and PANTELAKIS will be presented and arraigned later today before United States Magistrate Judge Gabriel W. Gorenstein. PRATTE is expected to surrender today to the FBI in Denver, Colorado. United States District Judge Andrew L. Carter Jr. will hold an initial conference in the case on March 6, 2017, at 1:00 pm.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “As alleged, George Doumanis, Emanuel Pantelakis, and Danny Pratte deceived investors with a fraudulent plan to invest in fuel cell technology. In reality, all they were allegedly fueling was their own greed-inspired scheme to bilk investors and use the money to pay credit card bills, for a Mercedes Benz, and a horse trainer. Doumanis and Pantelakis allegedly committed their fraud scheme after being banned for life from the securities industry by the SEC and FINRA.”
FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. said: “Doumanis, Pantelakis, and Pratte are charged with defrauding Terminus investors by selling them shares of a product that was, essentially, nonexistent. They allegedly did so while intentionally misrepresenting to investors the rate of commission individuals acting as broker-dealers would receive for Terminus stock sold. In the end, as alleged, nearly three quarters of the money obtained by investors was swindled for the collective benefit of those involved. Despite the fact that Doumanis and Pantelakis had been disciplined in the past for their role in other fraudulent securities-related activities, they allegedly participated in this scheme undeterred. Investors deserve to be told the truth, plain and simple, and we’re committed to uncovering it.”
According to the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:[1]
In September 2003, DOUMANIS was convicted in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida of conspiring to commit securities fraud, wire fraud, and mail fraud. In addition, in or about June 2005, as a result of an action brought by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), DOUMANIS was permanently barred from, among other things, participating in any offering of any penny stock and from any association with any securities broker or dealer.
In March 2008, PANTELAKIS was permanently barred by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), a self-regulatory body for the securities industry, from association with any FINRA member in any capacity, following allegations that he “fraudulently misrepresented and omitted material facts to public customers in connection with the sale of securities.”
From at least in or about February 2008 through at least in or about 2014, DOUMANIS, PANTELAKIS, and PRATTE engaged in a fraudulent scheme to defraud investors by inducing them to purchase shares of Terminus Energy, Inc. (“Terminus”), through false and misleading representations and then misappropriating the victims’ funds for their own purposes. PRATTE was the Chief Executive Officer of Terminus, a company that was purportedly working to develop a “fuel cell,” a type of alternative energy source. As set forth in more detail below, contrary to representations made to potential investors, Terminus never had a working fuel cell prototype, was never close to manufacturing a commercially viable fuel cell, and never sold any fuel cells.
Between 2008 and 2011, Terminus entered into a number of contractual agreements with third parties, the stated purpose of which was to develop a fuel cell. In each and every case, however, Terminus made only one or two payments on these contracts before ceasing payments. As a result, the third parties ceased work pursuant to the contracts and terminated the agreements.
Notwithstanding the utter lack of progress and the cancellation of Terminus’s contractual relationships, DOUMANIS, PANTELAKIS, and PRATTE drafted and caused Terminus to distribute false and misleading press releases, private placement memorandums, business plans, and other documents that touted the existence of a fuel cell, the existence of Terminus’s contractual relationships, and the use of investor proceeds to make payments on the contracts.
In addition, DOUMANIS, PANTELAKIS, and PRATTE drafted and distributed private placement memorandums that falsely stated that registered broker-dealers would be paid no more than a 10 percent sales commission plus three percent unaccountable expenses for all Terminus shares sold through their efforts. In truth, unregistered salespeople sold Terminus shares in return for undisclosed commissions far in excess of 13 percent.
Rather than use investor funds as promised, DOUMANIS, PANTELAKIS, and PRATTE misappropriated the money for their own purposes. Of the more than approximately $5 million raised from investors: (a) PRATTE received at least $990,000; DOUMANIS, certain entities affiliated with DOUMANIS, and certain of his family members received at least $570,000, a portion of which was utilized for items such as making payments to various credit cards and payments toward DOUMANIS’s residential mortgage; (c) PANTELAKIS and certain of his family members received at least $420,000, a portion of which was utilized to make payments to various credit cards and for his wife’s Mercedes-Benz; (d) one unregistered salesperson (the “Salesperson”) received payments of at least $540,000, an entity associated with the Salesperson received at least $100,000, and a horse trainer working for the Salesperson received at least $132,000; and (e) other unregistered brokers selling Terminus shares collectively received payments of at least $1,019,624. Thus, in total more than 70% of the investor funds obtained by Terminus were misappropriated by DOUMANIS, PANTELAKIS, and PRATTE, the defendants, or used to pay commissions to unregistered salespeople.
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DOUMANIS, 58, of Rocky Point, New York, was arrested today in Suffolk County. PANTELAKIS, 42, of Flushing, New York, was arrested today in Queens. PRATTE, 62, of Columbia, Missouri, is expected to turn himself in to the FBI in Denver, Colorado, today. Each of the defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; and one count of securities fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and one count of wire fraud, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years. The charges also carry a maximum fine of $5 million, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. The statutory maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencings of the defendants would be determined by the judge.
Mr. Bharara praised the investigative work of the FBI, and thanked the SEC, which has filed civil charges in a separate action.
The charges were brought in connection with the President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. The task force was established to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices, and state and local partners, it is the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets; and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations. Since fiscal year 2009, the Justice Department has filed over 18,000 financial fraud cases against more than 25,000 defendants. For more information on the task force, please visit www.StopFraud.gov.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebecca G. Mermelstein and Christine I. Magdo are in charge of the prosecution.
The allegations contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Columbus, Ohio woman sentenced for transporting stolen items across state linesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Marilyn Whatley, 38, of Columbus, Ohio was sentenced to 21 months incarceration for transporting stolen goods across state lines, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.Whatley conspired to steal smart phones, tablets, head phones, game stations, and computers from Walmart, Target, and Meijer stores in eight different states, including West Virginia and Ohio from January to June 2015. The value of the stolen goods are estimated to be in excess of $500,000. She pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Transport Stolen Goods in Interstate Commerce” in December 2016.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Columbus Police Department investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
Check Casher Sentenced to Prison for Cashing Fraudulently Obtained Tax Refund ChecksRead the Press Release
A Columbus, Georgia resident was sentenced to 18 months in prison today for his role in a stolen identity refund fraud scheme, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney G.F. Peterman III for the Middle District of Georgia.
According to documents filed with the court, George Rowell, 61, owned and operated Big O’s Package Store in Columbus, which offered check-cashing services. Between February 2012 and March 2013, federal agents approached Rowell about cashing fraudulently obtained refund checks for people whose names did not appear on the checks. Despite being warned, Rowell cashed checks in bulk for several co-conspirators even though the checks were not in their names. Rowell also allowed at least one co-conspirator to forge in front of him the signature of the taxpayers to whom the checks were made payable. Rowell charged his co-conspirators a 10 percent fee and in 2013 cashed over 250 refund checks worth more than $645,000.
In addition to the term of prison imposed, Rowell was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and to pay restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the amount of $645,343.03. Rowell pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit theft of public money in August 2016.
Rowell’s co-conspirators previously pleaded guilty and were sentenced to prison. In Dec. 2016, Tonya Alexander was sentenced to serve 37 months in prison. In September 2015, Keisha Lanier was sentenced to serve 15 years in prison. In August 2015, Tracy Mitchell was sentenced to serve 13 years and three months in prison.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and U.S. Attorney Peterman commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Secret Service, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorney Michael C. Boteler of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford L. Seals of the Middle District of Georgia, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Check Casher Sentenced to Prison for Cashing Fraudulently Obtained Tax Refund ChecksRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A Columbus, Georgia resident was sentenced to 18 months in prison today for his role in a stolen identity refund fraud scheme, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney G.F. Peterman III for the Middle District of Georgia.
According to documents filed with the court, George Rowell, 61, owned and operated Big O’s Package Store in Columbus, which offered check-cashing services. Between February 2012 and March 2013, federal agents approached Rowell about cashing fraudulently obtained refund checks for people whose names did not appear on the checks. Despite being warned, Rowell cashed checks in bulk for several co-conspirators even though the checks were not in their names. Rowell also allowed at least one co-conspirator to forge in front of him the signature of the taxpayers to whom the checks were made payable. Rowell charged his co-conspirators a 10 percent fee and in 2013 cashed over 250 refund checks worth more than $645,000.
In addition to the term of prison imposed, Rowell was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and to pay restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the amount of $645,343.03. Rowell pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit theft of public money in August 2016.
Rowell’s co-conspirators previously pleaded guilty and were sentenced to prison. In Dec. 2016, Tonya Alexander was sentenced to serve 37 months in prison. In September 2015, Keisha Lanier was sentenced to serve 15 years in prison. In August 2015, Tracy Mitchell was sentenced to serve 13 years and 3 months in prison.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and U.S. Attorney Peterman commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Secret Service, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorney Michael C. Boteler of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford L. Seals of the Middle District of Georgia, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Camden Man Sentenced to over 11 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
El Dorado, Arkansas - Kenneth Elser, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Orlando Deshun Mitchell, (aka “Stunna”), age 40, of Camden, was sentenced today to 140 months in federal prison followed by four (4) years of supervised release on one count of Distribution of More Than 28 Grams of Cocaine Base. The Honorable Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in El Dorado.
According to court records, on September 5, 2013, investigators with the 13th Judicial Drug Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation arranged for a controlled purchase of cocaine base from Orlando Mitchell. On that date, a confidential source made contact with Mitchell who agreed to provide him with three (3) ounces of cocaine for $3,000. After the two met and the transaction was completed, officers submitted the suspected crack cocaine to the Arkansas State Crime Lab where it was determined to be a total of 81.08 grams of cocaine base.
Mitchell was named in a federal indictment in July, 2015 and pleaded guilty to the charge in February, 2016.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the 13th Judicial Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin Wulff prosecuted the case for the United States.
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Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov
California Man Pleads Guilty to Stealing IDs and U.S. Treasury ChecksRead the Press Release
An El Cerrito, California man pleaded guilty today to aggravated identity theft and conspiring to steal government funds, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Brian J. Stretch for the Northern District of California.
According to the plea agreement, Brandon Robinson, 35, and his co-conspirators, stole names of deceased individuals and used them to file federal tax returns seeking refunds. Robinson paid cashiers at stores in the Richmond-area to cash the fraudulently obtained refund checks. Robinson also cashed stolen tax refund and social security benefit checks that were intended for other individuals. Robinson admitted that he and his co-conspirators attempted to cash more than $500,000 in fraudulently obtained and stolen checks.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 23. Robinson faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison for the conspiracy count and a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison for the aggravated identity theft count. Robinson also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.
Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and U.S. Attorney Stretch commended special agents of Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Newman and Jose A. Olivera, and Trial Attorney Gregory Bernstein 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.
California Man Agrees to Plead Guilty to Plotting Violent Attacks and Buying Firearms for Shooter in San Bernardino Terrorist AttackRead the Press Release
Enrique Marquez Jr., 25, of Riverside, California – longtime friend of Syed Rizwan Farook, the male shooter in the San Bernardino, California terrorist attack – agreed to plead guilty to conspiring with Farook in 2011 and 2012 to provide material support to terrorists.
The announcement was made by Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Mary B. McCord, U.S. Attorney Eileen M. Decker for the Central District of California and Assistant Director in Charge Deirdre Fike of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office. Marquez entered into a plea agreement that was filed today in U.S. District Court. The defendant is scheduled to enter his guilty pleas this Thursday at 12:00 p.m. EST, 9:00 a.m. PST before U.S. District Judge Jesus Bernal.
“With this plea, Enrique Marquez Jr. will be held accountable for his role in plotting terrorist attacks on American soil with Sayed Rizwan Farook in 2011 and 2012, attacks which were, fortunately, not carried out,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General McCord. “Marquez also admitted to making a false statement as part of his straw purchases of weapons for Farook – weapons that were eventually used to carry out the deadly terrorist attack in San Bernardino. Holding those who threaten our national security and public safety accountable will always be the highest priority of the National Security Division and I want to thank all of the agents, analysts, and prosecutors who are responsible for this result.”
“This defendant collaborated with and purchased weapons for a man who carried out the devastating December 2, 2015 terrorist attack that took the lives of 14 innocent people, wounded nearly two dozen, and impacted our entire nation,” said U.S. Attorney Decker. “While his earlier plans to attack a school and a freeway were not executed, the planning clearly laid the foundation for the 2015 attack on the Inland Regional Center. When this defendant pleads guilty, all four individuals charged, including three of the shooters’ family members, will be convicted. Everyone in the U.S. Attorney’s Office – and everyone across the Department of Justice and the broader law enforcement community – brought their expertise, dedication, and tireless effort to bear on this investigation. We are, and will continue to be, deeply committed to pursuing the prosecution of everyone who was even remotely related to the San Bernardino attack. As these criminal cases begin to resolve, we hope that the victims of the attack and the community of San Bernardino are comforted in some small way by the knowledge that the Department of Justice and the law enforcement community stands with them in this investigation, resolute and committed to justice.”
“Defendant Marquez purchased two of the weapons used in the San Bernardino terror attack to murder 14 innocent people and seriously injure 22 others – a horrific act which led to great suffering and a lifetime of pain for the survivors and for the loved ones of those murdered,” said Assistant Director in Charge Fike. “Defendant Marquez provided these weapons to his associate, Syed Rizwan Farook, with whom he conspired to plot chilling terror attacks. I’m gratified that this guilty plea will spare the victims and the San Bernardino community from having to relive the gruesome details of the attack during what would likely be a lengthy trial.”
According to the plea agreement, Marquez agreed to plead guilty to providing material support and resources to terrorists, including weapons, explosives and personnel. Marquez admitted in the plea agreement that he conspired with Farook in 2011 and 2012 to attack Riverside City College (RCC) and commuter traffic on the 91 Freeway. Marquez also agreed to plead guilty to making false statements in connection with the acquisition of a firearm for being the “straw buyer” of two assault rifles that were used in the shooting rampage at the San Bernardino Inland Regional Center (IRC) on Dec. 2, 2015.
Marquez was arrested about two weeks after the attack at the IRC, which was perpetrated by Farook, and his wife, Tashfeen Malik, who were killed in a shootout with law enforcement hours after the attack. The investigation into the deadly shooting quickly uncovered evidence that, in 2011 and 2012, Marquez purchased two rifles that Farook and Malik later used in the attack that killed 14 people and wounded 22 others at the IRC. A law enforcement officer was also wounded during the shootout that afternoon.
According to the plea agreement, Farook paid Marquez for the rifles. Marquez also discussed with Farook the use of radio-controlled improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during the planned attacks on the RCC and State Route 91. Marquez purchased Christmas tree lightbulbs and a container of smokeless powder for use in manufacturing IEDs.
Once he pleads guilty, Marquez will face a statutory maximum sentence of 25 years in federal prison. Marquez, who did not personally participate in the attack on the IRC, has remained in custody since he was ordered detained at his initial court appearance in this case on Dec. 17, 2015. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. If convicted of any offense, the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Today’s plea agreement is the result of an investigation by members of the Inland Empire FBI-Joint Terrorism Task Force in California, including agents and detectives from the FBI; the San Bernardino Police Department; the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office; the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department; the Chino Police Department; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department; the Riverside Police Department; the Ontario Police Department; the Redlands Police Department; and the Corona Police Department.
Also, as a result of the investigation into the IRC attack, three people have pleaded guilty to being part of a sham marriage scheme in which a Russian woman “married” Marquez to obtain immigration benefits. Syed Raheel Farook, the brother of IRC attacker Syed Rizwan Farook; Tatiana Farook, Syed Raheel Farook’s wife; and Mariya Chernykh, Tatiana Farook’s sister, pleaded guilty earlier this year to immigration fraud charges and admitted to being part of a conspiracy in which Chernykh paid Marquez to enter into a bogus marriage.
The two criminal cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jay H. Robinson, Melanie Sartoris and Deirdre Z. Eliot of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section. Trial Attorney C. Alexandria Bogle of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section provided substantial assistance.
Marquez Plea Agreement Bushkill Man Sentenced for High Speed ChaseRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Christopher Fish, age 35, of Bushkill, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on February 10, 2017, by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to four months’ home-confinement and two years’ probation for fleeing and eluding rangers at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brander, Fish engaged in a high speed chase while operating a Black Honda Shadow motorcycle within the National Recreation Area, willfully failed to stop, and attempted to elude a pursuing police officer causing danger to other officers and pedestrians.
The investigation was conducted by the National Park Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan Gotlob prosecuted the case.
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