Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
22 March 2017
Columbia Man Indicted for Producing, Distributing Child PornRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Tom Larson, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Columbia, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for producing and distributing child pornography.
Sergio Antonio Dominguez-Gonzalez, 23, of Columbia, was charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Jefferson City, Mo.
Today’s indictment alleges that Dominguez-Gonzalez used a minor to produce child pornography between Feb. 1 and Feb. 22, 2017. The indictment also charges Dominguez-Gonzalez with distributing child pornography over the Internet.
Larson cautioned that the charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley S. Turner. It was investigated by the FBI, the Boone County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department.
Project Safe Childhood
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."
Chicago Chiropractor Indicted for Allegedly Billing $10 Million to Medicare and Private Insurers for Nonexistent TreatmentRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A Chicago chiropractor with a clinic in the West Lawn neighborhood has been indicted on federal fraud charges for allegedly submitting at least $10 million in bogus claims to Medicare and private insurers.
HENRY POSADA submitted the fraudulent claims for purported physical therapy and chiropractic services that were never provided, according to the indictment. In some instances Posada was out of the state on the dates he claimed to have provided chiropractic services, while other times he used his patients’ names without their knowledge to create wholly fictitious claim forms, the indictment states. From 2008 to 2016, Posada submitted at least $10 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare and private insurers, causing those programs to pay at least $5.1 million to Posada and his clinic, Spine Clinics of America S.C., which does business as Associated Back Care and Rehabilitation. The clinic is located in the 4300 block of West 63rd Street in Chicago.
The indictment was returned March 16, 2017, in federal court in Chicago. It charges Posada, 54, of Clarendon Hills, with 18 counts of health care fraud. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Tuesday afternoon before U.S. District Judge Edmond E. Chang. A status hearing was scheduled for May 30, 2017.
The indictment was announced by Joel R. Levin, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Michael J. Anderson, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Lamont Pugh III, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s Office of Inspector General provided valuable assistance.
The indictment seeks forfeiture of the $5.1 million, as well as $850,000 in cashier checks, a 2013 Lexus LX 570 automobile, and a property in Watseka, Ill.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Health care fraud is punishable by up to ten years in prison. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathalina Hudson.
Chelsea Produce Distributor Sentenced for Perjury and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Chelsea produce distributor was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court in Boston after pleading guilty to filing fraudulent documents in federal court and then committing perjury in an attempt to conceal his crime.
John S. Alphas, 57, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to one year and one day in prison, to be served consecutively with a 15-month federal sentence he is currently serving for an unrelated insurance fraud scheme, and a fine of $5,000. In January 2017, Alphas was charged with tampering with documents and making false declarations before a court.
From 2010 to 2012, Alphas was a participant in at least 14 lawsuits filed in federal court in Boston. In a number of the lawsuits, Alphas filed fraudulent appeal bonds, usually created by purchasing less expensive bonds that were easier to obtain, altering them, and then filing the forgeries with the court. When one of Alphas’s counterparties discovered his fraud in 2013, Alphas filed a false declaration about the bond with the court, and then testified falsely in a court hearing disclaiming any role in the creation or filing of any fraudulent bond. Despite having been responsible for filing the forged bond, Alphas falsely testified that he “had nothing to do with” obtaining, altering, or filing the bond with the court.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Pérez-Daple of Weinreb’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Charleston gun and drug dealer pleads guilty to illegally possessing firearmsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston felon pleaded guilty today to a federal gun crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Damian Means, 28, entered his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Means admitted that on August 23, 2016, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. Means also admitted that on September 13, 2016, he sold two loaded Hi-Point .40 caliber semiautomatic pistols and one Hi-Point 9mm Carbine semiautomatic rifle to an undercover police officer. Means further admitted that during the gun deal, he accidentally discharged one of the firearms. The undercover officer making the controlled firearms purchase also observed Means selling methamphetamine to another individual.
Means additionally admitted that on September 15, 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant on his residence. During the search, officers discovered an H&R .32 caliber semiautomatic pistol. In a statement to law enforcement, Means admitted to selling guns and drugs. Means was prohibited under federal law from possessing any firearm because of a 2012 conviction in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia for distribution of crack.
Means faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 22, 2017.
The Sheriff’s Tactical Operations Patrol (STOP Team) of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is responsible for the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking with existing local programs targeting gun crime. This case is also 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. 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.
- Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews
Charleston felon pleads guilty to federal gun chargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston woman pleaded guilty today to a federal gun charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Tiffany Shaffer, 27, entered her guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Shaffer admitted that on January 9, 2017, she sold crystal methamphetamine at her residence to a confidential informant working with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Shaffer also admitted that during the controlled buy, she displayed a North American Arms .22 magnum pistol to the confidential informant. On January 16, 2017, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Shaffer’s house. During the search, officers found two additional firearms that had been in Shaffer’s possession. Shaffer was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2012 conviction in Kanawha County Circuit Court for conspiracy to operate a clandestine drug laboratory.
Shaffer faces up to 10 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on June 19, 2017.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking with existing local programs targeting gun crime. This case is also 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.
- Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews
Chambersburg Man Indicted on Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Dexton Brunson, age 44, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment charges Brunson with possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana and criminal conspiracy. The charges arise out of an incident that occurred on December 8, 2016, when Brunson’s home was searched by the Pennsylvania State Police and the United States Marshals Service that led to the discovery of cocaine and marijuana in his home.
The case was investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police, the Franklin County District Attorney’s Office, the United States Marshals Service and the Harrisburg Resident Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe is prosecuting the case.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for each drug charge is a 20-year term of imprisonment. A term of supervised release following imprisonment must be imposed as well as a potential fine of $1 million dollars. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
# # #
Cass City Resident Sentenced for Falsely Certifying Cargo TanksRead the Press Release
Garald Bennett of Cass City, Michigan was sentenced on Monday, March 20, 2017, to one year and one day in custody for falsely certifying and marking cargo tanks as having passed hydrostatic pressure and wet fluorescent magnetic particle test as required by the Hazardous Materials Transportation Safety Act, acting United States Attorney Daniel L. Lemisch announced.
Mr. Lemisch was joined in the announcement by Thomas J. Ullom, Regional Special Agent-in-Charge, Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Transportation.
Bennet was sentenced by United States District Judge Thomas Ludington in Bay City, Michigan. In imposing the sentence, Judge Ludington described Bennett’s work as “dangerously ineffective.”
“The sentencing of Garald Bennett related to falsely certifying and marking certain cargo tanks as having passed required safety tests is a clear signal that severe penalties await those that would seek to circumvent hazardous materials transportation laws,” said Thomas J. Ullom, regional Special Agent-in-Charge of U.S. DOT’s Office of Inspector General. “Working with our Federal, state and local law enforcement and prosecutorial colleagues, we will continue our vigorous efforts to ensure the integrity of DOT’s HAZMAT safety program.”
According to court documents, Bennett, 72, managed LPG Service and Leasing LLC (LPG), a cargo tank testing facility in Cass City, MI. In that capacity, Bennett supervised the employees of LPG. Bennett, both personally and through his subordinates, repeatedly and falsely certified to customers that LPG had property inspected and tested the cargo tank portions of tanker trucks used to transport liquid and gaseous bulk cargos, including explosive materials, as required by the Department of Transportation regulations governing five year re-certifications. The regulations are designed to ensure the safety of the public on the roadways and the people who work on and around the cargo tanks.
Bennett also knew that the water tank at LPG that should have held the water used to conduct hydrostatic pressure tests was drained to prevent freezing. Nevertheless, he continued to certify that hydrostatic pressure tests had been done on tanks brought in for inspection.
Similarly, when Bennett was in charge at LPG, some of the cargo tanks that were supposed to be tested were not emptied and cleaned properly, making it impossible for workers to enter the cargo tanks to conduct the required testing procedure. Bennett nevertheless falsely certified that the cargo tanks had been properly subject to wet fluorescent magnetic particle testing and had passed inspection.
Knowing that the required testing procedures had not been followed, Bennett instructed the employees at LPG to apply labels to the cargo tanks that indicated that the tanks had been successfully tested. Moreover, Bennett directed employees to work on cargo tanks without verifying that the employees followed required procedures.
The case was investigated by agents of OIG- U.S. Department of Transportation and prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office in Bay City, Michigan.
Cape Cod Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin Trafficking and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Hyannis man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Boston in connection with trafficking heroin and money laundering.
Christian Chapman, 27, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and money laundering. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for July 12, 2017.
In October 2015, law enforcement initiated an effort to address the rising opiate epidemic in Massachusetts and on Cape Cod in particular. According to court documents, Chapman and other co-conspirators were responsible for a significant quantity of the heroin distributed on Cape Cod. A wiretap investigation led to their arrests and indictment. Chapman obtained heroin from New Bedford, amongst other suppliers, and distributed the heroin to numerous drug dealers on Cape Cod. In total, Chapman agreed to accept responsibility for between 400 and 700 grams of heroin. In addition, Chapman rented a home in Hyannis at which he stored his narcotics. In order to pay the rent, Chapman wired money to the individual whose name was on the lease.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and no greater than 40 years in prison, a minimum of four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $5 million. The charge of money laundering provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Cape and Islands District Attorney Michael O’Keefe; and Barnstable Police Chief Paul MacDonald, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric S. Rosen of Weinreb’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
Buffalo Man Convicted by A Jury of Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.—Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced that a federal jury this afternoon returned a verdict convicting Gregory Ramos, a/k/a Prospect, 25, of Buffalo, NY, of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a person subject of a domestic violence order of protection. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael P. Felicetta and Laura A. Higgins, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that Ramos is a member of the FEB Gang which has a history of drug trafficking, firearms possession and violent crime. On May 21, 2016, Buffalo Police received a complaint involving a domestic dispute on Fargo Avenue between a woman and the defendant. An investigation determined that Ramos assaulted the woman, causing abrasions and bruising, and threatened her life. At the time of the domestic assault, Buffalo Police were looking for the defendant in connection with a fatal shooting, which occurred at the Anchor Bar Restaurant the previous day.
The charges contained in the federal indictment primarily involved events occurring on May 23, 2016. On that date, Niagara Falls Police Officers spotted Ramos’ car on Pine Avenue and attempted to stop the vehicle. As officers approached, the defendant sped away. A high-speed chase ensued during which Ramos threw bags of cocaine and a gun from his car window. The cocaine struck the windshield of the officers’ car on Hyde Park Avenue, while the gun struck and shattered the rear window of another driver’s vehicle.
The chase, which involved multiple Niagara Falls Police vehicles, proceeded onto Grand Island, where a toll collector at the Grand Island Bridge reported that the defendant’s vehicle was traveling approximately 100 miles per hour as it went through the tollbooths. Once on Grand Island, Ramos abandoned his vehicle on Stony Point Road and fled into a wooded area. A few minutes later, the Erie County Sheriff’s Department received a call from an individual who identified himself as Gregory Ramos. The caller claimed his vehicle had been stolen in Niagara Falls by an unknown black male. The defendant Ramos was apprehended a short time later in a wooded area on the Island and taken into custody. At the time, Ramos was in possession of $3,640 in cash.
With Ramos having been convicted in federal court on these drug and gun charges, he remains under indictment on state murder and domestic assault charges involving the Anchor Bar shooting death and the beating of his girlfriend.
The verdict is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt; the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel Derenda; the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Chief Bryan DalPorto; and the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Howard.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 11, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo, who presided over the trial.Bismarck Woman Sentenced in Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BISMARCK - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on March 20, 2017, Maisie Elizabeth Barnson, 37, Bismarck, ND, was sentenced before Chief US District Judge Daniel L. Hovland to serve 10 years in prison and five (5) years supervised release. Judge Hovland further ordered that Barnson pay a $300 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund. Barnson pled guilty to a three (3) count Superseding Indictment charging her with: Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Distribution of a Controlled Substance, and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Beginning around January 2016, law enforcement officers were informed that Barnson was distributing methamphetamine throughout the Bismarck area. Search warrants were obtained for a hotel room as well as the residence where Barnson was living along with her brother and codefendant Matthew King. During the search of both locations, an estimated 1 kg of methamphetamine and $10,000 were discovered.
This case was investigated by the Bismarck Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Agency.
Special Assistant US Attorney Dawn Deitz prosecuted the case.
Ballston Spa Man Sentenced to 96 Months for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Parker S. Sikand, age 25, of Ballston Spa, New York, was sentenced today to 96 months in prison for distributing, receiving and possessing child pornography.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Vadim D. Thomas, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also ordered Sikand to serve a 15-year term of supervised release, to begin after his release from prison, and to pay restitution, in an amount to be determined by Judge D’Agostino at a later time, to a child pornography victim whose images Sikand possessed. Sikand must also register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
As part of his November 23, 2016 guilty plea, Sikand admitted that while living in Troy, New York, in September and October 2012, he distributed, received and possessed videos depicting children, some as young as 2-3 years old, engaged in sexual acts. He admitted to distributing and receiving these videos through an Internet peer-to-peer file-sharing service, and to possessing them on a laptop computer and a separate computer hard drive.
This case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
Bailey Boys Gang Member Sentenced for Involvement in Two ShootingsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. – Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Derrick Ramos, aka Little D, 26, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of RICO conspiracy, was sentenced to 72 months in prison by Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan A. Tokash, who handled the case, stated that Ramos was a member of the Bailey Boys Gang. On December 30, 2010, the defendant was one of the shooters involved in a drive-by shooting during which Philip Brown, also known as "Skateboard," and a second, unidentified man were wounded. Believing that they had found members of a rival gang in the vicinity of Broadway and Sears on Buffalo’s East Side, Ramos and at least one other individual, all of whom were travelling in a van with several other individuals, fired a series of shots. Brown was hit in the shoulder, while the second individual was shot in the upper thigh.
Ramos is one of 10 individuals indicted in this case. Six defendants have been convicted, charges are pending against the remaining four defendants. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Adam S. Cohen, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel Derenda.Alabama Resident Sentenced for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on March 21, 2017, George David Treece, 38, of Alabama, was sentenced for bank robbery. Treece received a term of imprisonment of 115 months to be followed by a three year term of supervised release. Treece was also ordered to pay a $300 fine, a $100 special assessment, and $345 in restitution to the Farmers State Bank. Treece has been held without bond since his arrest on a criminal complaint on August 29, 2016.
The charge arose when, on August 26, 2016, Treece entered the Farmers State Bank in Central City, Illinois, and demanded money from a bank teller. After the teller removed the money from her drawer and placed it on the counter, Treece took the money and left. Treece led police on a high speed chase in an effort to evade capture. The chase ended when Treece crashed his vehicle. Later that day, Treece admitted robbing the bank.
The case was investigated by the Central City Police Department, Centralia Police Department, Wamac Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott.
A North Miami Resident was Sentenced to More than 3 Years in Prison for Identity TheftRead the Press Release
A North Miami resident was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Kathleen M. Williams to 40 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possessing over 1,000 pieces of personal identifying information of other individuals.
Benjamin G. Greenberg, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Rafiq Ahmad, Special Agent in Charge, United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), and Nonie Manion, Acting Commissioner, New York State Department of Taxation and Finance made the announcement.
Randy Jacques, 28, previously pled guilty to one count of possession of 15 or more unauthorized access devices, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(a)(3), and one count of aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A(a)(1).
According to court documents, on August 20, 2015, pursuant to a search warrant, law enforcement searched Jacques’ residence in connection with an investigation related to the more than 200 fraudulent telephone calls made to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. During the search of the residence, law enforcement recovered a laptop from the defendant’s room. A forensic analysis of the laptop revealed documents containing the personal identifying information (PII) of other individuals, including their names, dates of birth and social security numbers. The forensic analysis identified 1,147 unique pieces of PII. In addition, approximately 47 New York State tax forms were recovered from the laptop.
Law enforcement spoke with an individual victim whose name, date of birth, and social security number were located on Jacques’ laptop, and confirmed that he/she did not authorize the defendant to be in possession of the PII.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Florida is committed to combatting identity theft fraud schemes that compromise local and national taxpayer identities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Benjamin G. Greenberg. “Prosecuting the offenders who unlawfully steal and possess the personal identification information of others remains a top priority for the Office and our partners.”
“The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General collaborated with investigative partners at the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance to dismantle an identity theft scheme based in South Florida. We will continue working diligently to combat these types of schemes,” stated Rafiq Ahmad, Special Agent in Charge, Atlanta Region, DOL-OIG.
"Criminals who steal private taxpayer information will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," said Acting Commissioner of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Nonie Manion. "New York State goes to great lengths to protect honest taxpayers from being victimized by identity thieves using stolen data for their own personal gain. We will continue to track down these criminals, wherever they may be, and stop their illegal schemes."
Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of DOL-OIG and the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua S. Rothstein.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
A Homestead Resident was Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A Homestead resident was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William P. Dimitrouleas to 24 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for possessing child pornography.
Benjamin G. Greenberg, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and, George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) made the announcement.
Bismarck Antonio Vargas, 43, of Homestead, previously pled to guilty to one count of possession of child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(4)(B).
According to court documents, on or about September 22, 2011, in Broward County, in the Southern District of Florida, Vargas possessed an Apple iPhone containing 67 photos depicting child pornography. Among these images were pictures of prepubescent minors. Based on a forensic examination, the images of child pornography were uploaded to the iPhone between July 26, 2011 and September 19, 2011. Vargas viewed images of minor females and saved some of the images to his cellular telephone.
Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of the FBI. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joshua S. Rothstein.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
29 Indicted on Federal Drug Trafficking Charges; 14 are “Young Mob” Gang MembersRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Fourteen defendants of a violent, drug trafficking street gang, along with fifteen individuals not affiliated with "Young Mob" were indicted on federal drug charges. Lawrence J. Laurenzi, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the charges yesterday.
First indictment
Yesterday, members of the ATF Memphis Field Office, U.S. Marshals Office, Tipton County Sheriff’s Office and Shelby County Sheriff’s Office arrested fourteen defendants named in an indictment as members and associates of the Young Mob gang, an armed drug trafficking organization.
The arrests and indictment are the result of an extensive investigation by federal, state and local law enforcement officials into the Young Mob gang, which began in 2016. During the investigation, officials were able to determine that members and associates of the gang were distributing large quantities of narcotics throughout the Western District of Tennessee.
"As the indictment alleges, members of the "Young Mob" distributed substantial amounts of drugs throughout West Tennessee. In addition, members of the "Young Mob" also brought dangerous weapons into our community," said Acting U.S. Attorney Laurenzi. "We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to eliminate the violence gang members inflict upon our communities and put a stop to their criminal enterprises. In accomplishing these goals, we will exhaust every available resource to bring them to justice. Dismantling violent gangs at the highest levels remains a priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office and its law enforcement partners."
The fourteen defendants arrested are:
• Travlis Banks, a/k/a "Puncho," 37, of Memphis, TN; • Cordarius Frost, a/k/a "Red," a/k/a "Lil Red," 26, of Memphis, TN; • Antwaun Mathews, a/k/a "Twaun," a/k/a "Mobhomie Twaun," 27, of Memphis, TN; • Ronneill Ross, a/k/a "BG,"37, of Memphis, TN; • Cortney Williams, a/k/a "CC," 26, of Memphis, TN; • Darrell Booth, a/k/a "Boo," a/k/a "Pawntell,"37, of Memphis, TN; • Rubin Hampton, 26, of Memphis, TN; • Johnquis Jones, a/k/a "Bug," 24, of Memphis, TN; • Anthony Allen, a/k/a/ "UNC," 50, of Memphis, TN; • Damein Pack, 32, of Memphis, TN; • Carlus Johnson, 34, of Memphis, TN; • Shavita Hampton 25, of Memphis, TN; • Angela Boyd, a/k/a "Auntie," 53, of Memphis, TN; • Tori Dickson, 24, of Memphis, TN.
Steve Gerido, ATF Special Agent in Charge said, "The relentless proactive approach of this investigation by ATF and our partners has severely limited the criminal behavior in the affected Memphis neighborhoods. ATF will remain engaged as we move forward in an effort to protect the public from violent offenders. Support from the public is crucial as the reporting of illegal activity is encouraged through ATF’s report it phone app."
The investigation resulted in the seizure of more than forty firearms, several of which were stolen; 15-20 digital scales, several cellular telephones, hundreds of different caliber rounds of ammunition and several magazines for firearms. Law enforcement also seized $85,661 in cash, which was derived from the sale of narcotics and firearms.
The case was investigated by the ATF Memphis Field Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Marshals Service, and the Memphis Gang Unit.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Sam Stringfellow is prosecuting this case on the government’s behalf.
Second indictment
A second indictment charged fifteen residents of the Memphis area for conspiring to distribute large quantities of drugs throughout West Tennessee. Today nine defendants were taken into custody by federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
According to the indictment, on or about March 1, 2016, and continuing through the returning of the indictment, the defendants conspired to distribute various controlled substances, including methamphetamine, marijuana, cocaine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and alprazolam (Xanax). Three defendants have also been indicted for conspiring to commit money laundering.
"As alleged, these defendants worked together to distribute all sorts of illegal drugs throughout the Memphis area, while lining their pockets with the illicit proceeds," said Acting U.S. Attorney Laurenzi. "These charges and arrests show that we will bring to justice those who peddle this poison, particularly to our children and young adults. I thank the FBI, the Multi-Agency Gang Unit, and all our partners for their diligent efforts on this case, and I’d like to express particular gratitude to the federal, state and local law enforcement officials who took part in today’s takedown."
The nine defendants who have been arrested are:
• Rodriccos Broadnax, a/k/a "Rico," 22, of Memphis, TN; • Jerome Taylor, a/k/a/ "Rome," a/k/a "Three Pop," 56, of Memphis, TN; • Teeka Shannon, 34, of Memphis, TN; • Angela Weaver, 41, of Memphis, TN; • Richard Cobb, 48, of Bartlett, TN; • Paul Williams, 33, of Lakeland, TN; • Arteleious Ingram, a/k/a "Block," 29, of Memphis, TN; • Brandon Davison, a/k/a/ "Millwood," a/k/a/ "Lil B," 29, of Memphis, TN; • Shalandria Jackson, a/k/a "Pumpkin," 24, of Memphis, TN.
"Gang-related drug trafficking continued to plague our communities. These arrests will help return the affected neighborhoods to places where residents can live and work, and enjoy their communities free from the distraction of gangs, guns, drugs and violence," said Matthew W. Espenshade, Acting Special Agent in Charge of theMemphis Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. "It is the continued commitment of the FBI and our partners to disrupt and dismantle gang activity to ensure a safer community."
Count 1 charges Jerome Taylor, Larry Broadnax, Rodriccos Broadnax, Teeka Shannon, Jason Washington, Angela Weaver, Richard Cobb and Paul Williams with conspiracy to distribute Methamphetamine. Taylor, Larry Broadnax, Rodriccos Broadnax, Rodney Broadnax and Shannon are alleged to have distributed 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of Methamphetamine. Washington,
Weaver, Cobb and Williams are alleged to have distributed 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of Methamphetamine.
Count 2 charges Larry Broadnax, Artelious Ingram, Rodriccos Broadnax, Rodney Broadnax, Jerome Taylor, Brandon Davison, Shalandria Jackson and two others with conspiracy to distribute Marijuana. The indictment states that Larry Broadnax was responsible for distributing more than 1,000 kilograms of Marijuana.
Count 3 charges Larry Broadnax and another individual with conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of Cocaine.
Count 4 charges Larry Broadnax, Rodriccos Broadnax, Brandon Davison, Robert Cobb and another individual with conspiracy to distribute Oxycodone.
Count 5 charges Larry Broadnax, Rodney Broadnax and Jerome Taylor with conspiracy to distribute Hydrocodone.
Count 6 charges Larry Broadnax, Jerome Taylor, Rodriccos Broadnax, Angela Weaver and Brandon Davison with conspiracy to distribute Alprazolam (Xanax).
Count 7 charges Larry Broadnax, Arteleious Ingram and another individual with conspiracy to commit money laundering.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force and the Multi-Agency Gang Unit. The Safe Streets Task Force is comprised of agents and officers from the FBI’s Memphis Division, the Memphis Police Department, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, the Bartlett Police Department, the Germantown Police Department and the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department. During the investigation, members of the Task Force also worked closely with the Memphis Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Assistant United States Attorney Mark Erskine is prosecuting this case on the government’s behalf.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
21 March 2017
Worcester Business Owner Indicted for Fentanyl Distribution and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester business owner was arrested yesterday and charged in connection with using the proceeds of drug sales to purchase and renovate nine properties in Worcester County.
Kevin A. Perry, 43, of Worcester, was indicted on nine counts of money laundering, three counts of aggravated cash structuring, one count of making a false statement on a loan application and one count of distribution of fentanyl. Perry was held pending a detention hearing following his arraignment before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge David H. Hennessy.
According to the indictment, in January 2005, Perry was convicted in federal court in Massachusetts of conspiracy to manufacture and distribute MDMA, commonly referred to as Ecstasy. Despite filing an affidavit claiming he possessed nothing of monetary value to satisfy the court’s forfeiture order, Perry asserted to an individual that he successfully concealed “millions of dollars” in profits from his illegal drug operation from the government. Following his release from prison in 2008, Perry allegedly returned to manufacturing and/or distributing controlled substances, including anabolic steroids, cocaine and fentanyl. It is alleged that from April 2012 to October 2016, Perry used over $1 million in drug sale proceeds to purchase and renovate nine properties in Worcester County.
Perry also allegedly used the proceeds from his drug sales to purchase more than 230 money orders totaling over $150,000 from the United States Postal Service and Western Union to make structured cash payments on real estate loans and to finance his wedding in August 2015.
The charge of money laundering provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, whichever is greater. The charge of aggravated cash structuring provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $500,000. The charge of making a false statement on a loan application provides for a sentence of no greater than 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and fine of $1 million. The charge of distribution of fentanyl provides a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and no greater than life in prison, and five years of supervised release. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; and Shelly Binkowski, Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg A. Friedholm of Weinreb’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Williamsville Cocaine Trafficker Sentenced to 25 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. – Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Jack Reid, III, 49, of Williamsville, N.Y., was sentenced, by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara, to 25 years in prison and 10 years supervised release. Judge Arcara also ordered Reid to forfeit $1,000,000 and two properties in Williamsville and Amherst, NY. Reid’s sentence follows his conviction, after a jury trial, of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and possessing with intent to distribute cocaine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who handled the sentencing, stated that beginning in 1990 through April, 2012, the defendant utilized family members and others as drug couriers and distributors of more than 50 kilograms of cocaine. The cocaine, which was obtained from sources in Rochester and New York, New York as well as Atlanta, Georgia, was distributed in various areas throughout Erie and Niagara Counties.
The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation on the part of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division; the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Michel; and the Lockport Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Niethe.
Wheeling Island woman indicted for heroin and cocaine distributionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Carla Webb Daniels, of Wheeling Island, West Virginia, was indicted today by a federal grand jury sitting in Martinsburg for allegedly distributing heroin near two Ohio County schools, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.
Daniels, age 56, was indicted on four counts of “Distribution of Heroin Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location,” and one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Daniels is accused of committing the crimes from January to March of this year in close proximity to Madison Elementary School on Wheeling Island and Wheeling Central Catholic High School in Wheeling.
Daniels faces up to forty years and a $2,000,000 fine for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crime Task Force and the Marshall County Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, HIDTA-funded initiatives, investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Virginia man indicted for heroin and cocaine distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Wilbur Reid, Jr., of Roanoke, Virginia, was indicted today by a federal grand jury for allegedly possessing heroin and cocaine, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.
Reid, age 42, was indicted on one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.” Reid is accused of committing the crimes in September 2016 in Berkeley County.
Reid faces up to forty years and a $5,000,000 fine for the first count and up to twenty years and a $1,000,000 fine for the second count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two Men Sentenced to Prison for Smuggling Foreign Nationals into the United StatesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Two men were each sentenced to 17 months in prison today for their roles in a conspiracy to illegally transport foreign nationals into the United States via commercial airline flights, Acting U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick announced.
Nileshkumar Patel, 42, and Harsad Mehta, 67, both of India, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge William J. Martini to separate superseding informations charging them each with one count of conspiracy to smuggle foreign nationals into the United States for commercial advantage and private financial gain. Judge Martini imposed the sentences today in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Patel and Mehta admitted that from June 2013 through October 2015, they conspired to make money by recruiting Indian nationals to enter and reside in the United States illegally. Patel and Mehta admitted that on July 24, 2014, they brought two Indian nationals to Bangkok, Thailand, so that they could be transported into the United States. They also admitted paying an individual – who was actually an undercover officer – to transport the foreign nationals from Thailand into Newark.
In addition to the prison terms, Judge Martini sentenced them Patel and Mehta to three years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Fitzpatrick credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Terence S. Opiola in Newark, with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco J. Navarro of the U.S Attorney’s Office National Security Unit in Newark.
Two Kershaw County Men Plead to Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Stacey Haynes (803) 929-3000
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Yancey Kevon Wilson, age 23, and Randy Jones, Jr., age 23, both of Kershaw County plead guilty in federal court today to various charges stemming from the June 23, 2015, armed robbery of Sandhills Bank in Bethune, South Carolina. Wilson plead guilty to armed bank robbery, use/possession/discharge of a firearm in connection with a crime of violence, and felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, all in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(c), 2113(a), and 2113(d). Jones plead guilty to conspiracy to commit armed bank robbery and aiding and abetting the use/possession/discharge of a firearm in connection with a crime of violence, all in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371 and 924(c). Chief United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten of Columbia accepted the guilty pleas and will impose sentences after he has reviewed the presentence reports, which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Evidence presented in court during the guilty plea hearing established that on the early morning hours of June 23, 2015, Wilson, while armed with a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber handgun and wearing a white hoodie, sunglasses, and gloves, approached a bank employee outside the bank and forced her at gunpoint to get him inside the locked bank building. Once inside the bank, Wilson brandished the firearm and demanded money. After obtaining money, Wilson fled from the bank and discharged the firearm twice outside the bank. Witnesses heard the shots fired and observed a dark colored vehicle, later determined to be driven by Jones, with paper tags pick up Wilson and flee the scene. On June 25, 2015, deputies with the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Department located Jones and Wilson, along with another individual with a vehicle fitting the description of the get-away vehicle at a carwash in Lugoff. Further investigation lead to the discarded clothes worn by the bank robber, Wilson, and the empty bank bag from Sandhills Bank, all of which was found on the side of a road where Jones told investigators they left them. DNA analysis revealed Wilson’s DNA on the discarded white hoodie. Additionally, the two fired .40 caliber shell casings recovered from the scene of the bank robbery were matched to a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber firearm purchased by Jones in February 2015. Finally, text messages were recovered from a cell phone showing that Wilson and Jones planned the bank robbery in advance. Wilson is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition by virtue of his prior state convictions for strong arm robbery and assault and battery 1st degree.
Wilson faces a maximum of twenty-five years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release on the armed bank robbery charge, as well as a maximum of ten years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release on the felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition charge. Jones faces a maximum of five years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release on the conspiracy charge. Additionally, both Wilson and Jones face a statutory mandatory minimum ten years imprisonment with a maximum of life imprisonment, which will be served consecutively to the other terms of imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and five years of supervised release on the use/possession/discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence charge. Both Wilson and Jones will also be required to make restitution to the bank.
The case was investigated by the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Department, the Bethune Police Department, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (“SLED”), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office handled the case.
#####
Three Men Indicted for Kidnapping ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted three men for a kidnapping conspiracy in which the defendants allegedly lured the victim from New Jersey to Maryland, in order to kill the victim. The indictment was returned on March 20, 2017. The indictment charges the following individuals:
Neris Moreno-Martinez, a/k/a Jose Neris Moreno, Jr., age 19, of West New York, New Jersey;
Jose Israel Melendez-Rivera, age 19, of Montgomery Village, Maryland; and
Reynaldo Alexi Granados-Vasquez, age 21, of Gaithersburg, Maryland
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Andre R. Watson of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department; and Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy.
“This indictment alleges a horrifically planned effort to lure a victim across multiple states into Maryland with the sole purpose of kidnapping and inflicting grotesque bodily harm,” said Andre R. Watson, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Baltimore. “HSI will continue to use its wide jurisdictional authorities and collaborate with state and local law enforcement to ensure that we shield Maryland-area communities from this type of violent criminal activity.”
According to the indictment, on October 1, 2016, Moreno created a social media account in the name of Shaila Smith. From that time until October 15, 2016, Moreno, and others acting at the direction of Moreno, posed as Shaila Smith and used the social media account to communicate with the victim. Pretending to be Shaila Smith, Moreno and his co-conspirators allegedly expressed a romantic interest in the victim and persuaded the victim to travel from New Jersey to Maryland to meet in person. Using the Shaila Smith social media account, Moreno and his co-conspirators instructed the victim when to travel to Maryland, what transportation service to use, and provided Melendez-Rivera’s address as the location where the victim should meet “Shaila Smith.”
The indictment alleges that on October 15, 2016, Moreno traveled from New Jersey to Maryland in order to kill the victim. According to the indictment, on October 15, 2016, Moreno, Melendez-Rivera and Granados-Vasquez killed the victim in a wooded area in Gaithersburg and buried the victim’s body in a shallow grave.
The defendants each face a maximum sentence of life in prison for the conspiracy. Reynaldo Granados-Vasquez had his initial appearance at 1:45 p.m. today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles B. Day, in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt and is detained. An initial appearance for Moreno and Melendez-Rivera has not yet been scheduled. They are currently detained on related state charges.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended HSI-Baltimore, the Montgomery County Police Department and the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsay Eyler Kaplan and Daniel C. Gardner, who are prosecuting the case.
Tampa Mother Sentenced for Tax Fraud Conspiracy Along with Her SonsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge James D. Whittemore has sentenced Elise Ellis to 18 months in federal prison and 6 months’ home detention for conspiracy to commit tax fraud and aggravated identity theft. As part of her sentence, the Court also entered a joint and several money judgement in the amount of $221,000, representing the proceeds of the tax fraud conspiracy. Ellis pleaded guilty on January 3, 2017.
Her sons, Keith Godbolt and Paul Johnson, were previously sentenced to four years and three years and six months, respectively, for their roles in this case.
According to court documents, from August 2011 through April 2013, Ellis, Godbolt, and Johnson conspired to commit wire fraud, theft of government property, and identity theft by electronically filing fraudulent tax returns in the names of others, using their social security numbers. The fraudulent tax refunds were directed to bank accounts in the defendants’ names, or in some cases, to debit cards that they controlled. Ellis and her sons then withdrew the fraudulent refunds by writing checks or otherwise transferring funds to each other through bank transfers or cash withdrawals.
Most of the fraudulently filed tax returns claimed unusually high taxable interest or dividend income, many using the exact same figure, with a large withholding amount, and a false occupation listed for the taxpayer. Many of the victims were deceased when their false tax return was filed.
This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelley C. Howard-Allen.
Tahlequah Woman Sentenced to 70 Months for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that TERESA CHAGOLLA, age 55, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment, and 3 years of supervised release for DRUG CONSPIRACY, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(C).
The Information alleged that beginning in or about the end of 2013 and continuing until on or about January 27, 2016, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did knowingly and intentionally conspire, confederate and agree with others known and unknown to commit offenses against the United States in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846, as follows: to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The charge arose from a joint investigation entitled “Home of the Brave”, coordinated by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) of the Eastern District of Oklahoma. OCDETF is an initiative led and coordinated by the Office of the United States Attorney. The agencies involved in the investigation were the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, the McAlester Police Department, the Tahlequah Police Department, the Muskogee Police Department, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department, Districts 13, 18, 25 and 27 District Attorney’s Drug Task Forces and Violent Crime Task Forces, the Muskogee County District Attorney’s Office, the Seminole Nation Lighthorse Police Department, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the McAlester, and Tulsa Offices of the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the nonparoleable sentence will be served.
Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Henson represented the United States.
Tahlequah Man Sentenced to 60 Months for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that GARY WAYNE WILDER, age 36, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment, and 4 years of supervised release for DRUG CONSPIRACY, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(B).
The Information alleged that in or about October, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did knowingly and intentionally conspire, confederate and agree with others known and unknown to commit offenses against the United States in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846, as follows: to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The charge arose from a joint investigation entitled “Home of the Brave”, coordinated by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) of the Eastern District of Oklahoma. OCDETF is an initiative led and coordinated by the Office of the United States Attorney. The agencies involved in the investigation were the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, the McAlester Police Department, the Tahlequah Police Department, the Muskogee Police Department, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department, Districts 13, 18, 25 and 27 District Attorney’s Drug Task Forces and Violent Crime Task Forces, the Muskogee County District Attorney’s Office, the Seminole Nation Lighthorse Police Department, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the McAlester, and Tulsa Offices of the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the nonparoleable sentence will be served.
Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Henson represented the United States.
Stroudsburg Man Pleads Guilty to Failing to Pay Employment TaxesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Joseph Andershonis, age 58, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on March 20, 2017, before United States Magistrate Judge Karoline Mehalchick for failing to pay employment taxes.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Andershonis owned and operated Just Very Affordable, Inc., a Stroudsburg home renovation business, and failed to pay employment taxes from the first quarter of 2010 to the last quarter of 2012, resulting in a tax loss of more than $212,000.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service. Assistant United States Attorney Evan Gotlob is prosecuting the case.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is five years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a maximum fine of $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
# # #
Statement by Attorney General Sessions on Fatal Officer Shooting in LouisianaRead the Press Release
Attorney General Jeff Sessions today issued the following statement regarding Saturday’s fatal shooting in Louisiana:
“We are all saddened to learn of the death on Saturday night of Sergeant Shawn Anderson, who was shot and killed while trying to question a rape suspect. His death adds to the sorrow of the law enforcement community in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, which still mourns the killing last July of three officers during an ambush. The loss of Sergeant Anderson underscores the dangers that our men and women in law enforcement face willingly every day as they serve and protect us. We are forever in their debt, and we must do more to keep them safe. I will make available all of the resources of the department to aid the state and local authorities investigating this incident, and to ensure that the suspect who killed this brave officer faces justice. My thoughts and prayers, and those of the entire Department of Justice, go out to the family, loved ones, and colleagues of Sergeant Anderson.”
St. Charles Man Sentenced for Heroin Distribution that Killed Local ManRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – David Bollinger, was sentenced to 130 months imprisonment today on charges of knowingly and intentionally distributing heroin to Mitchell Stenger.
According to testimony presented at sentencing, Stenger contacted Bollinger on December 3, 2014, and asked Bollinger to provide him with heroin. After initially declining, Bollinger made the 60-mile round-trip from his home in Cottleville to a source of supply in the City of St. Louis, where he acquired heroin. Bollinger then delivered that heroin to Stenger, despite knowing that Stenger was suffering from significant asthma-related breathing difficulties and was receiving regular injections of Vivitrol. Dr. Stacey Hail, an Emergency Department physician at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas, testified that Vivitrol is a prescription medication used in the treatment of heroin addiction. The medication is administered by injection, given once monthly and blocks heroin’s effects on the user’s brain. As a result, Hail testified, users who attempt to overcome the blockade use increasingly large amounts of heroin in order to get high, leaving them especially vulnerable to overdose. Shortly after Stenger’s death, Bollinger admitted to police that he knew that Stenger was using dangerous amounts of heroin in an attempt to counteract the Vivitrol, and reported that his last words to Stenger were “dude, be careful.”
Bollinger pled guilty in July 2016 to one felony count of distribution of heroin. He appeared today for sentencing before United States District Judge Carol E. Jackson. In her remarks, Judge Jackson noted that Stenger would not have died "but for" the ingestion of the heroin distributed by Bollinger, and that the offense required a significant punishment.
This case was investigated by the Cottleville Police Department, the St. Charles County Regional Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Six indicted for shipping methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine from California to OhioRead the Press Release
Six people were indicted for their roles in a conspiracy to bring methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine to Ohio from California and then sell the drugs here and in West Virginia, Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja.
Named in the 19-count indictment are: Roya Tabatabai, 32, of Grafton; Omid Tabatabai, 36, of Los Angeles; Joshua Thacker, 36, of Elyria; Joseph Bratkovich, 41, of Wellington; Gabrielle Fry, 22, of California, and Nancy Rhode, 39, fo Maysel, W. Va.
Omid Tabatabai obtained multi-kilogram shipments of methamphetamine and cocaine from suppliers in Los Angeles. He and others would then mail weekly shipments of the drugs to his sister, Roya Tabatabai and others, according to the indictment.
Roya Tabatabai, in turn, distributed the methamphetamine to Thacker, Bratkovich, Rhodes and others in Ohio and West Virginia. She used her house at 36097 Capel Road in Grafton to store and distribute the methamphetamine and cocaine, according to the indictment.
Omid Tabatabai, Thacker and Bratkovich used firearms to protect their drug trafficking activities. The conspiracy took place between 2015 and this year, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vasile Katsaros and Phillip Tripi following an investigation by the DEA and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Six New Jersey Men Charged in Manhattan Federal Court in Telemarketing Fraud Scheme Targeting the ElderlyRead the Press Release
Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, 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”), and James P. O’Neill, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced today the arrest of ARASH KETABCHI, a/k/a “Zach Peterson,” ANDREW OWIMRIN, a/k/a “Andrew Owens, a/k/a “Jonathan Stewart,” WILLIAM SINCLAIR, MICHAEL FINOCCHIARO, a/k/a “Michael Foster,” ARIEL PERALTA, and JOSEPH McGOWAN for conspiring to commit wire fraud and money laundering. KETABCHI, OWIMRIN, SINCLAIR, FINOCCHIARO, PERALTA, and McGOWAN were arrested this morning and will be presented this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry B. Pitman in Manhattan federal court.
Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said: “As alleged, these defendants targeted the elderly, convincing them to ‘invest’ in their businesses with promises of financial returns. In fact, as alleged, these defendants never fulfilled their promises, and instead swindled their victims out of thousands of dollars. Thanks to the cooperative work of HSI and the NYPD, these defendants will now have to answer for their alleged criminal acts.”
HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Angel M. Melendez said: “For almost three years, these defendants allegedly targeted some of the most vulnerable in our society, the elderly, by running a fraudulent telemarketing scheme that bilked the victims out of several thousands of dollars. It is very important that individuals do their due diligence when deciding to invest with companies. If the promise on returns seems too good to be true, then it probably is.”
Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill said: “As alleged, the defendants targeted the elderly, promising big payoffs. Instead, ‘investors’ were victim to a purported business development scheme that stole from our most vulnerable. Today, the defendants find themselves under arrest and facing serious charges. Thanks to the detectives, agents, and prosecutors whose work resulted in today’s announcement.”
According to the allegations in the Complaint unsealed today in Manhattan federal court[1]:
Beginning in October 2013 through September 2016, KETABCHI, OWIMRIN, SINCLAIR, FINOCCHIARO, PERALTA, and McGOWAN operated a group of telemarketing companies (the “Telemarketing Companies”) that engaged in a fraudulent scheme (the “Telemarketing Scheme”), by which they promised to earn victims (the “Victims”) money in exchange for particular Victims making an initial cash “investment” in business development, website design, grant applications, or tax preparation services. Many Victims, the majority of whom are over 70 years old, “invested” thousands of dollars with the Telemarketing Companies, but did not earn any of the promised returns. When Victims of the Telemarketing Scheme sought refunds, or fought credit card charges, the Telemarketing Companies provided explanations and documentation to the credit card companies falsely representing that the Victims had received the promised services.
KETABCHI, OWIMRIN, SINCLAIR, FINOCCHIARO, PERALTA, and McGOWAN participated in the Telemarketing Scheme by, among other things, operating the interrelated Telemarketing Companies as set forth in the chart below:
Telemarketing Company
Defendants
A1 Business Consultants
Element Business Services
Elevated Business Consultants
Arash Ketabchi, a/k/a “Zach Peterson”
Andrew Owimrin, a/k/a “Andrew Owens,” a/k/a “Jonathan Stewart”
Olive Branch Marketing
Paramount Business Solutions
William Sinclair
Michael Finocchiaro, a/k/a “Michael Foster”
Carlyle Management Group
Ariel Peralta
Vanguard Business Solutions
Joseph McGowan
* * *
KETABCHI, 43, of Wayne, New Jersey, OWIMRIN, 27, of Hackensack, New Jersey, SINCLAIR, 37, of Secaucus, New Jersey, FINOCCHIARO, 34, of East Rutherford, New Jersey, PERALTA, 31, of Cliffside Park, New Jersey, and McGOWAN, 31, of West New York, New Jersey, are each charged with one count of conspiring to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiring to commit money laundering, each of 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 defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Kim praised the outstanding investigative work of HSI and the NYPD. He added that the investigation is ongoing.
The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Kiersten A. Fletcher and Robert B. Sobelman 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.
If you have any information regarding KETABCHI, OWIMRIN, SINCLAIR, FINOCCHIARO, PERALTA, or McGOWAN, or victims of the Telemarketing Companies, please report it by phone at 917-480-7167 or by email at [email protected].
[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.
Serial Armed Robber Sentenced to 168 Months in Federal Prison for His Role in Three Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
DALLAS — Coby Cole Ditto, 21, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sam A. Lindsay to serve a total of 168 months in federal prison for his role in committing several violent armed robberies in Dallas in 2015, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Ditto pleaded guilty in October 2016 to one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and one count of using, carrying, brandishing and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
All of Ditto’s codefendants in the case, Michael Deshun Holland, Jr., 22, Devonte Aaron Dillard, 24, Tatiana Renee Sallie, 20, and Trenton Kyle Sirkel, 21, have pleaded guilty to their respective roles in the conspiracy. Dillard was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison. Skirkel was sentenced to 24 month in federal prison. Holland and Sallie are awaiting sentencing.
According to documents filed in the case, Ditto discussed and planned with each other co-defendants, among other things, the robberies of convenience stores located in Mesquite and Garland, Texas.
On May 8, 2015, Dillard, Holland, Ditto and Sirkel entered the 7-Eleven store on Interstate Highway 30 in Mesquite, brandished a firearm, and robbed the store.
On May 12, 2015, Dillard, Holland, Ditto and Sallie entered the 7-Eleven store on Gus Thomasson Road in Mesquite, brandished a firearm, struck an employee in the head with the firearm, and robbed the store.
That same night, Dillard, Holland, Ditto and Sallie went to the 7-Eleven store on Northwest Highway in Garland, brandished a firearm, assaulted a store employee, and robbed the store.
The case was investigated by Mesquite Police Department, Garland Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jamie Hoxie and Keith Robinson prosecuted.
# # #
Seafood Processing Company and Owner Sentenced to Pay $60k for Dumping Oil and Raw SewageRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – East West Seafoods LLC, a State of Washington company, was sentenced in federal court today to pay a total of $50,000 in fines for violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships, the Clean Water Act, and the Refuse Act by intentionally discharging oily bilge water and raw sewage into the ocean off the coast of Alaska, and then presenting false records to the U.S. Coast Guard.
East West Seafoods LLC was also placed on probation for five years. During the term of probation, East West Seafoods LLC will be subject to a heightened level of scrutiny, including warrantless searches of its vessels and places of business based upon a reasonable suspicion that it is violating the law. Other terms of probation require East West Seafoods LLC to instruct crewmembers on the proper operation of the pollution prevention equipment, including the Oil Water Separator, and the completion of the Oil Record Book, and to review and certify the accuracy of the Oil Record Book every six months for any vessel owned, operated, managed, or controlled by East West Seafoods LLC.
The 75% owner of East West Seafoods LLC and operator of the F/V Pacific Producer, Kodiak resident Christos Tsabouris, age 78, was sentenced to pay a $10,000 fine and serve a five-year term of probation for his role in these offenses. During the term of probation, Tsabouris is required to pay for and complete at least two courses related to marine pollution, marine environmental protection, proper disposal of sewage, bilge water and waste oil, recordkeeping, and vessel engineering systems. Tsabouris is also required to instruct crewmembers on the proper operation of the pollution prevention equipment, including the Oil Water Separator, and the completion of the Oil Record Book, and to review and certify the accuracy of the Oil Record Book every six months for any vessel owned, operated, managed, or controlled by Defendant Tsabouris. Tsabouris and East West Seafoods LLC also paid pre-existing outstanding fines totaling over $25,000 owed to the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
East West Seafoods LLC is the owner of the F/V Pacific Producer. The F/V Pacific Producer is a large seafood processing vessel and is registered in the United States. It is a 472 gross ton fishing vessel built in 1946, and is 169 feet long. Christos Tsabouris has had charge of the F/V Pacific Producer since at least November 2012. Tsabouris supervised the work of the engineering and deck crews and had overall responsibility for the vessel’s operations. As the person in charge of the operations and having charge of the ship, Tsabouris was responsible for ensuring the proper disposal of sewage, bilge water, and waste oil and maintaining an accurate Oil Record Book.
On March 15, 2013, the F/V Pacific Producer was travelling from Kodiak and grounded near Ouzinkie Narrows. While the F/V Pacific Producer was within three miles of shore, the defendants unlawfully discharged approximately 1,000 gallons of raw sewage into Chiniak Bay between Long Island and Spruce Island.
On March 29, 2013, while the F/V Pacific Producer was departing from the ferry dock in Ouzinkie, the defendants knowingly discharged a harmful quantity of oil into the water while the F/V Pacific Producer was within three miles of shore and caused a sheen upon the surface of the water. The defendants regularly used an illegal pump system to knowingly discharge oily bilge water directly overboard. The illegal pump system consisted of a 55 gallon barrel with portable pumps and hoses. The illegal pump system allowed the defendants to discharge oily bilge water from the bilge directly overboard without processing it through the required pollution prevention equipment (Oil Water Separator and oil content meter). While there was an Oil Water Separator on board the F/V Pacific Producer, it was not connected to any of the piping and was inoperative.
The defendants also knowingly failed to maintain an accurate Oil Record Book as required by the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS). The defendants failed to record the discharges of oil into the sea by way of the illegal pump system, the transfers and storage of waste oil from the 55 gallon barrel to the engine room sludge tank, and the inoperability of the Oil Water Separator. The defendants knowingly presented the false and fictitious Oil Record Book to the United States Coast Guard and/or had it available for inspection by the United States Coast Guard, in violation of APPS, when the F/V Pacific Producer was in Kodiak on Jan. 27, 2014. The defendants knew that the use of the pump system and failure to record the discharges was illegal.
When the Coast Guard boarded the F/V Pacific Producer in Kodiak on Jan. 27, 2014, there was raw sewage flowing from piping onto the open weather deck. There was a vent pipe that discharged raw sewage onto the weather deck and onto the side of the vessel into the water. The defendants unlawfully discharged raw sewage from the F/V Pacific Producer into St. Paul Harbor while the vessel was within three miles of shore without a permit.
"The United States Attorney’s Office will enforce federal law, including the Clean Water Act, the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships, and the Refuse Act, to protect the pristine waters of Alaska from intentional discharges of oil and raw sewage,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder.
“The Coast Guard is committed to environmental enforcement to ensure the cleanliness of the nation's waters,” said CGIS Special Agent in Charge of the Northwest Region, Jonathan Sall. “The Clean Water Act, the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships, and the Refuse Act are all in place to ensure that pollutants are handled properly. Intentional discharges of raw sewage, within 3 miles of our coastline, are unacceptable and we will continue to investigate and prosecute violators along with those that seek to deceive investigators in this effort.”
This case was investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service.
San Jose Cleric Convicted of Bank FraudRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE –San Jose cleric Hien Minh Nguyen was convicted on bank fraud charges announced United States Attorney Brian J. Stretch and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Special Agent in Charge Michael T. Batdorf. The guilty verdict followed a bench trial before the Honorable Beth Labson Freeman, United States District Judge.
From 2005 through 2011, Nguyen, 57, was a priest for the Diocese of San Jose (the Diocese), a pastor of St. Patrick’s Church (St. Patrick’s) and the director of the Vietnamese Catholic Center, also known as the Trung Tam Cong Giao (VCC). The evidence at trial showed that while employed as a priest in the Diocese, Nguyen received donations for St. Patrick’s from parishioners, some of which he deposited into his own personal bank account. Nguyen also signed checks drawn on VCC’s bank accounts to pay his personal expenses.
Further, the evidence demonstrated that Nguyen received from parishioners fourteen separate checks made payable to the VCC, which the parishioners intended would be used for the benefit of VCC. Rather than depositing those checks into VCC’s bank accounts, Nguyen intentionally deposited them into his personal bank account. On December 1, 2015, Nguyen was charged by way of a superseding indictment with fourteen counts of bank fraud, in violation of both 18 U.S.C. §§ 1344(1) and 1344(2), and four counts of tax evasion, in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7201. He pleaded guilty to the tax evasion charges on August 9, 2016. With today’s verdict, the Court concluded Nguyen also was guilty of all fourteen counts of bank fraud.
Nguyen is scheduled to be sentenced on June 30, 2017, at 9:00 before Judge Freeman in San Jose. The maximum statutory penalty for bank fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1344(2), is thirty years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine or twice the gain/loss from the offense. The maximum statutory penalty for tax evasion, in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7201, is five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. However, any sentence following conviction will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael G. Pitman and Thomas Moore and Trial Attorney Gregory Bernstein of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation.
Rochester Man Sentenced for Armed Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Wilfredo Sanchez, 21, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, was sentenced to 60 months in prison and five years supervised release by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Moynihan, who handled the case, stated that on May 18, 2016, two Rochester Police Department officers, who were working in a marked RPD patrol vehicle in the area of North Clinton Avenue, observed a vehicle pull away from the curb without signaling, in violation of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law. The officers stopped the car and the passenger, later identified as the defendant Sanchez, immediately exited the vehicle and began walking at a fast pace toward a corner store located at 1384 North Clinton Avenue. The officers asked Sanchez to stop and to return to the vehicle, which he did. Observing marijuana inside the vehicle, the officers arrested the defendant, and upon a search of his person, the officers discovered $1,660.00 as well as a handgun. The handgun, which was loaded with eight live rounds of 9mm caliber ammunition, had a defaced serial number. After his arrest, officers advised Sanchez that he was going to be searched again. Sanchez told the officers he had more drugs and a zip lock bag containing approximately 10 grams of heroin was recovered from his pants.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Ciminelli, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ashan Benedict, New York Field Division.
Registered Sex Offender Is Sentenced to 50 Years on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Today, Chief U.S. District Judge Frank D. Whitney sentenced Brady Leon Beck, Jr., 40, of Monroe, N.C. to 50 years in prison on child pornography and related charges, announced Jill Westmoreland Rose, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Beck was also ordered to serve a lifetime of supervised release and to register as a sex offender after he is released from prison.
Director Robert Schurmeier of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Chief Kerr Putney of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, and Chief Robert C. Helton of the Gastonia Police Department join U.S. Attorney Rose in making today’s announcement.
According to filed court documents and information introduced at the sentencing hearing, in or around June 2014, Beck used his cellular phone to produce an image of child pornography of a three-year-old child victim. In November 2014, court records indicate that law enforcement became aware that Beck had shared child pornography via email with another individual. Law enforcement executed search warrants and seized electronic and computer devices that belonged to Beck. A forensic analysis of the devices revealed that Beck possessed images of children, ranging in age from infant to approximately 15 years of age, being sexually abused. Law enforcement also conducted a search of an email account associated with Beck, and discovered that Beck had sent and received child pornography with others, including sending the images of the three-year-old child victim.
Beck is a registered sex offender, which stems from his 2004 conviction of second-degree rape of a 10-year-old female victim. He pleaded guilty in December 2016 to one count of transportation of child pornography and one count of committing a felony offense involving a minor while registered as a sex offender. Beck is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. All federal sentences are served without the possibility of parole.
The investigation was led by the SBI, CMPD and the Gastonia Police Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice, aimed at combating the growing online sexual exploitation of children. By combining resources, federal, state and local agencies are better able to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue those victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov
Preston County man convicted on firearm and methamphetamine chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Richard Star Haggarty, 37, of Albright, West Virginia, was convicted in federal court today for unlawful possession of a firearm and methamphetamine distribution, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.
Haggarty, who had previously been convicted of felony offenses in California, is prohibited from possessing a firearm. He admitted to possessing 12 firearms and crystal meth in December 2016.
Haggarty pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” He faces up to 10 years and a $250,000 fine for the firearm count and up to 20 years and a $1,000,000 fine for the methamphetamine charge.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the United States Marshals Service investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Police and Prosecutors Join Students for a Day of LearningRead the Press Release
BLAST (Building Lasting Relationships Between Police and Community) Program
Brings Law Enforcement and Communities Together
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, together with the Pensacola Police Department and AMIkids, will present a BLAST Program event tomorrow to approximately 50 youth from the AMIkids Pensacola and Emerald Coast programs.
Event: BLAST Program
Location: AMIkids Pensacola
3685 Muldoon Road
Pensacola, FL 32526Date: Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. CST
Press: A media availability will take place at 12:50 p.m. CST.
Please RSVP to Amy Alexander at [email protected] if you plan to attend.United States Attorney Christopher P. Canova: “The BLAST initiative was created by the U.S. Attorney’s Office to provide a forum to exchange information about officer risks and citizen viewpoints. Sharing these perspectives encourages safe interactions between citizens and officers to improve our community.”
Pensacola Police Chief David Alexander III said: “We must continue to work hard at building trusting relationships between citizens and law enforcement to protect the community from crime and disorder. This effort includes our youth.”
AMIkids Inc. representatives said: “#BreakingBarriers is an important priority for AMIkids and our partners in law enforcement as it is critical to our service of building and maintaining healthy, safe communities.”
The BLAST Program offers students an opportunity to meet representatives of the criminal justice community and ask them questions, share their perceptions of law enforcement, and interact with officers in a familiar setting. Officers also provide students with their perspective on responding to dangerous or uncertain circumstances and the importance of remaining calm and following the officers’ directions in these situations.
The schedule will include the following discussion sessions, during which students will have a chance to participate in role play with law enforcement officers:
-
Criminal Justice Overview: Students will learn about each phase of a federal criminal case, including investigation, prosecution, and sentencing.
Session is open to the media and public, and videography and photography is permitted.
-
Domestic Violence: Students will participate in a scenario in which police respond to a domestic disturbance. Discussion includes the challenges officers face, rights of witnesses and suspects, and benefits of providing information to the police.
Session is open to the media and public, and videography and photography is permitted.
-
Traffic Stop Simulation: Participants and officers alternate playing the roles of civilians and officers in a traffic stop. Discussion includes de-escalation and the uncertainty officers and vehicle occupants face during a traffic stop.
Session is open to the media and public, and videography and photography is permitted.
-
Use of Force: Facilitators and students will discuss when law enforcement officers may use force and an officer’s reaction time when confronted with a life-threatening situation.
This session is closed to the media and public. Reporters may try the simulator equipment after the event ends.
Participating agencies include:
-
United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida
-
Pensacola Police Department
-
AMIkids Pensacola
-
AMIkids Emerald Coast
-
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
-
Drug Enforcement Administration
-
United States Probation Office
-
Homeland Security Investigations
-
Naval Criminal Investigative Service
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
For more information, contact: Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer(850) 216-3854, [email protected]
-
Plattsburgh Man Sentenced to 16 Months for Illegally Possessing ShotgunRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Marc T. Woodley., age 32, of Plattsburgh, New York, was sentenced today to 16 months in prison following his conviction for unlawfully possessing a shotgun.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian; Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Plattsburgh Police Chief Ken Parkinson.
Woodley was sentenced for possessing a Mossberg shotgun on June 22, 2015 after he called Plattsburgh Police to report a burglary at his apartment. Responding officers found nearly a pound of marijuana and the shotgun in Woodley’s bedroom. A further search of Woodley’s apartment revealed multiple smoking devices and a digital scale. As part of the burglary investigation, officers determined that an additional one and a half pounds of marijuana had been stolen from Woodley. As a user of marijuana, a controlled substance, Woodley was federally prohibited from possessing the Mossberg shotgun.
Chief United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also ordered Woodley to serve 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Plattsburgh Police Department with assistance from the ATF, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer.
Philadelphia District Attorney Rufus Seth Williams Indicted on Bribery and Extortion ChargesRead the Press Release
Also Charged with Defrauding Nursing Home, Family Friends
PHILADELPHIA – A federal grand jury today returned a 23-count indictment charging Philadelphia District Attorney Rufus Seth Williams with bribery, extortion, and honest services wire fraud in connection with tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of concealed bribes that he received from two business owners in exchange for his agreement to perform official acts. The indictment also charges Williams with defrauding a nursing home and family friends of money earmarked for a family member’s care.
The charges were announced today by Acting New Jersey U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick, along with FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael Harpster, Philadelphia Division; Acting Special Agent in Charge Gregory Floyd of IRS-Criminal Investigation, Philadelphia Office; and Special Agent in Charge Marlon V. Miller of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Philadelphia.
Williams, 50, of Philadelphia, is charged with 10 counts of travel and use of interstate facilities to promote and facilitate bribery contrary to Pennsylvania law (the “Travel Act counts”), two counts of Hobbs Act extortion under color of official right, five counts of honest services wire fraud, and six counts of wire fraud. He will be arraigned in U.S. District Court in Philadelphia on a date to be determined.
“The indictment alleges that as District Attorney, Mr. Williams compromised himself and his elected office by standing ready to help those who were willing to pay him with money, trips, and cars,” Acting U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick said. “Mr. Williams’ alleged willingness to compromise his position of public trust in exchange for private financial gain is all the more unfortunate given that he was elected to protect the interests of the people of Philadelphia as their chief law enforcement officer.”
“The alleged misconduct, as specifically laid out in this indictment, is brazen and wide-ranging, as is the idea that a District Attorney would so cavalierly trade on elected office for financial gain,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Harpster said. “The immense authority vested to law enforcement has to be kept in check, and that requires decision-makers and leaders with a steady ethical compass. When elected or appointed officials stray from their sworn oaths, they must be held accountable. Combating public corruption remains the FBI's top criminal priority."
According to the indictment:
From July 2010 to July 2015, Williams solicited and accepted a stream of bribes from two business owners in exchange for Williams performing and agreeing to perform official acts for the business owners and their associates. In order to conceal these illegal arrangements, Williams filed false and misleading personal financial statements for the years 2012 through 2015, which intentionally omitted references to the valuable items that Williams received from the business owners during those years. After Williams learned of the federal investigation, he amended those financial disclosure statements to list many of the items listed in the indictment, excluding a pre-owned 1997 Jaguar he received in June 2013.
The Unlawful Arrangement with Business Owner #1
From July 2010 through May 2015, Williams allegedly solicited and accepted a number of valuable items from an individual identified in the indictment as “Business Owner #1,” including an all-inclusive vacation to Punta Cana worth $6,381, a custom sofa worth $3,212, a $502 dinner at a Philadelphia restaurant, a $7,000 check, approximately $2,000 in cash, a Louis Vuitton tie worth $205, an iPad worth approximately $300, a Burberry watch, and a Burberry purse for Williams’ girlfriend.
In exchange, Williams agreed to help Business Owner #1 with security screenings when Business Owner #1 returned from foreign travel. On numerous occasions, Williams contacted a Philadelphia police official in order to pressure and advise the police official to assist Business Owner #1 with those border encounters. On March 15, 2013, Williams met with the police official and Business Owner #1 and asked the police official to help Business Owner #1 avoid secondary screening. That same day, Williams accepted a $7,000 check from Business Owner #1. Williams also repeatedly offered to write an official letter, under his authority as the District Attorney, on behalf of Business Owner #1 to pressure and advise the police official to assist Business Owner #1 with the border encounters.
Williams agreed to assist with criminal charges brought by the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office against Business Owner #1’s associate, an individual identified in the indictment as “Person #1.” Between Feb. 1, 2012, and Feb. 5, 2012 – while on the Punta Cana vacation paid for by Business Owner #1 – Business Owner #1 asked Williams to help with Person #1’s charges, and Williams agreed. On Feb. 8, 2012, just days after returning from Punta Cana, Williams received a text message from Business Owner #1 listing the docket number and hearing date for Person #1’s case. The text message stated that Person #1 would “take any punishment” but “just doesn’t wanna do jail!” Williams responded with a text message stating: “I will look into it.” Moments later, Williams asked about a second anticipated trip to Punta Cana paid for by Business Owner #1 and stated “I am merely a thankful beggar and don’t want to overstep my bounds in asking...but we will gladly go.”
When Business Owner #1 sent a text message in September 2012 again asking Williams to assist Person #1, Williams responded with text messages saying, among other things, “It seems like he has the possibility of having it thrown out or continued ... if it gets continued I will then ask for the file and see what can be done to make it a county sentence...”
The Unlawful Arrangement with Business Owner #2
From March 2012 through July 2015, Williams solicited and accepted from a Philadelphia bar owner identified in the indictment as “Business Owner #2” approximately 16 round-trip airline tickets to Florida, San Diego, and Las Vegas for himself, his girlfriend and members of his family. Williams also solicited and accepted from Business Owner #2 a 1997 Jaguar XK8 convertible and at least $900 in cash.
In return for the benefits that he received from Business Owner #2, Williams appointed Business Owner #2 as Special Advisor to the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office in November 2012, including issuing an official badge, writing an official letter of appointment, and giving certain assignments to Business Owner #2 as Special Advisor. At the time, Business Owner #2 was on federal probation resulting from a June 2010 federal tax conviction.
In May 2013, Business Owner #2 requested that Williams write an official letter, as the Philadelphia District Attorney, acknowledging Business Owner #2’s appointment as Special Advisor to his office. On May 10, 2013, Williams provided the letter to Business Owner #2. In June 2013, Williams accepted the Jaguar from Business Owner #2.
On June 2, 2014, Williams issued a second official letter to the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control in order to influence a then-pending hearing to revoke or suspend Business Owner #2’s California liquor license.
In July 2015, Williams obtained a police accident report at Business Owner #2’s request. During this time, Williams sent text messages to Business Owner #2 saying, among other things, “I wish I could help more,” “Can I be a greeter or celebrity bartender to work off my debt…?” and “…I was serious about just doing whatever I can to help you guys!”
The Fraud on the Nursing Home and Family Friends
From February 2012 through November 2013, Williams allegedly diverted a relative’s pension and Social Security payments to pay for his own personal expenses instead of applying them to the relative’s nursing home costs, as was his obligation under agreements with the nursing home. Williams also falsely told a nursing home employee his relative spent the pension and Social Security payments. In addition, after accepting $10,000 from friends of his relative intended to cover expenses for the relative’s nursing home care, Williams spent the money on his personal expenses instead.
“Rooting out public corruption remains one of the IRS-Criminal Investigation’s highest priorities,” IRS Acting Special Agent in Charge Gregory Floyd said. “Today’s indictment underscores our commitment to work in a collaborative effort to promote honest and ethical government at all levels and to prosecute those who allegedly violated the public’s trust.”
“Homeland Security Investigations will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to bring to justice public officials who betray the trust of the community by engaging in unscrupulous behavior,” Marlon V. Miller, special agent in charge of HSI Philadelphia, said. “The public places an enormous amount of trust in elected officers, as such, they should be held accountable to a higher standard of conduct. HSI is pleased with the results of this criminal investigation and the collaborative efforts between our agency and our counterparts at the FBI and IRS.”
Each of the Travel Act counts is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison. The Hobbs Act extortion under color of official right and the wire fraud charges are punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison. Each count carries a potential fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. The indictment also seeks forfeiture of a total of $54,466, representing the sum of $34,146 worth of bribe proceeds and $20,320 worth of fraud proceeds.
Acting U.S. Attorney Fitzpatrick credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Harpster; special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Floyd; and special agents of the HSI Philadelphia, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Miller, with the investigation leading to today’s indictment. He also thanked the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Nick DiGiulio, for its participation in the investigation.
The U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania recused his office from the investigation involving the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, and the matter was assigned to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. Two prosecutors from the Eastern District of Pennsylvania office were assigned to the case, subject to the supervision of prosecutors in the New Jersey office.
The government is represented by Deputy Chief Eric W. Moran of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark and Chief of Appeals Robert A. Zauzmer and Assistant U.S. Attorney Vineet Gauri of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Philadelphia.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Peoria Gas Station Owner to Pay $1.5 Million, Serve 21 Months in Prison for Fraud, Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A New Jersey man who owned four Peoria area gas stations, Adnan Rashid, 35, has been sentenced to serve 21 months in federal prison and to pay $1.5 million for underreporting sales on federal corporate and Illinois sales tax returns and for later failing to file corporate returns. On March 20, Chief U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid sentenced Rashid and ordered that he pay $1.28 million in restitution to the State of Illinois and $206,573 to the IRS. Rashid was ordered to report to the federal Bureau of Prisons on May 30, to begin serving his prison sentence.
On Dec. 1, 2016, Rashid pled guilty to mail fraud and tax evasion. According to court documents, Rashid was the sole owner of two Peoria area Marathon gas stations and a 50 percent owner of two additional Peoria Marathon stations. Rashid admitted that he grossly underreported or failed to report sales at the four stations on federal corporate tax returns and the Illinois sales and use tax returns. Rashid admitted that he altered the stations’ gross receipt data before he provided it to his accountant. Information at the sentencing hearing showed that he had over $41 million in unreported gross receipts for the gas stations and $1 million in unreported personal income.
Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Darilynn J. Knauss and former Illinois Assistant Attorney General Eugene Bian prosecuted the case. The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, and the Illinois Department of Revenue investigated the charges.
Owners of Property on Which Big Blue Sportsmen’s Club Operated Plead Guilty to Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
Abingdon, VIRGINIA – The 10,000 square-foot facility known as the Big Blue Sportsman’s Club in McDowell, Kentucky, which has hosted cockfights for more than 20 years, will be razed following the guilty pleas of the property’s two owners, Acting United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle and Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring announced.
Today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon, Shirley Ray Slone, 73, and Vernon Kelly Slone, 69, both of McDowell, Kentucky, each pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to cause others to attend a cockfight. In addition, the pair forfeited $100,000 and agreed to pay for the complete destruction of the 10,000 square-foot facility known as the Big Blue Sportsman’s Club.
“For more than 20 years, the Big Blue Sportsman’s Club facilitated illegal cockfights, illegal gambling, and decades of cruel and inhuman animal abuse,” Acting United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle said today. “Today’s convictions and the agreement to destroy the Big Blue facility put an end to the long-term criminal activity that took place on this property. I am grateful to the various law enforcement agencies who investigated this conspiracy.”
“Today’s announcement is another real success out of our Animal Law Unit, which is doing important work to enforce our laws on animal welfare and animal fighting,” said Attorney General Herring. “These laws not only protect animals themselves, but they also ensure the safety and strength of our communities, since animal fighting is often associated with other crimes like illegal drugs and alcohol, illegal gambling, and even things like domestic abuse, assaults, and illegal weapons. I’m proud of our office’s unrelenting work to hold those involved in Big Blue accountable and we will continue to send a strong message that these types of enterprises will not be tolerated.”
According to evidence presented at previous hearings, Shirley and Vernon Slone owned the property in McDowell, Kentucky that housed the Big Blue Sportsman’s Club, a 5,000-member club that hosted cockfights for more than 20 years. The facility, a 10,000 square-foot building that featured arena-style seating, multiple fighting pits and a restaurant, was the site of a law enforcement raid in 2014. Federal charges relating to cockfighting, gambling and narcotics arose out of the investigation.
To date, nine individuals have been convicted for their roles in the cockfighting conspiracy run out of the Big Blue facility. Most recently, Russell D. Peaks, who raised fighting birds in Wise County, Virginia, and brought them to Big Blue to fight, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for allowing a minor to attend a cock fight, distribution of hydrocodone and conspiracy to facilitate cockfighting. Jimmy Crate Willis has pled guilty to conspiracy to sponsor an animal in a cockfight and will be sentenced on May 15, 2017.
In 2014, Walter Stumbo was sentenced to 18 months for his role in the Big Blue conspiracy, Joshua Stumbo and Sonya Stumbo were each sentenced to 10 months in federal prison for their roles in the conspiracy. Jonathan Robinson was sentenced to 12 months and one-day in federal prison and Wesley Robinson was sentenced to 6 months in prison.
In addition to forfeiting $100,000 and paying for the destruction of Big Blue, the Slones each face up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. They are scheduled to be sentenced on June 8, 2017 at 2:30 p.m. in U.S. District Court in Abingdon.
Assistant United States Attorney Randy Ramseyer and Special Assistant United States Attorney/Virginia Assistant Attorney General Michelle Welch are prosecuting these cases on behalf of the United States. The case is being investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General, the Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Bureau of Law Enforcement, and the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office. In addition, the following agencies assisted in the arrests or related proceedings: Virginia Animal Fighting Task Force; Virginia State Police Tactical Team; Southwest Virginia Regional Task Force; Botetourt County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office; Wise County, Virginia, Sheriff’s Office and Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office; Virginia State Veterinarian’s Office; United States Homeland Security Investigations; Kentucky State Police; the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky; and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Overland Park Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – An Overland Park man pleaded guilty Monday to distributing child pornography on the Internet while posing as a 46-year-old woman, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Frank Joseph Kurtz, 70, Overland Park, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of distributing child pornography. In his plea, he admitted that an investigation by the Israeli National Police first identified emails in which Kurtz used the alias “Lisayearning46” to send child pornography to another person. The FBI in Kansas followed an electronic trail to Kurtz, who registered with Yahoo under the name “Lisa Lewis” and used photos he found on the Internet as his profile picture.
Kurtz is scheduled for sentencing July 10. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 97 months in federal prison. Beall commended the FBI, the Heart of America Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Flannigan for their work on the case.
Oktaha Man Sentenced to 30 Months for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that BRYAN STEVEN LAFAVOR, age 35, of Oktaha, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment, and 4 years of supervised release for DRUG CONSPIRACY, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(B).
The Information alleged that in or about August 2015, up to and including November 27, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did knowingly and intentionally conspire, confederate and agree with others known and unknown to commit offenses against the United States in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846, as follows: to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The charge arose from a joint investigation entitled “Home of the Brave”, coordinated by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) of the Eastern District of Oklahoma. OCDETF is an initiative led and coordinated by the Office of the United States Attorney. The agencies involved in the investigation were the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, the McAlester Police Department, the Tahlequah Police Department, the Muskogee Police Department, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department, Districts 13, 18, 25 and 27 District Attorney’s Drug Task Forces and Violent Crime Task Forces, the Muskogee County District Attorney’s Office, the Seminole Nation Lighthorse Police Department, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the McAlester, and Tulsa Offices of the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the nonparoleable sentence will be served.
Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Henson represented the United States.
Ohio woman indicted for wire fraudRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – An East Liverpool, Ohio woman was indicted today by a federal grand jury sitting in Martinsburg for allegedly stealing from her employer, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.
Danielle Varrati, age 37, was indicted for five counts of “Wire Fraud.” Varrati is accused of wiring approximately $176,000 from her place of employment to her personal bank account. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in Hancock County.
Varrati faces up to twenty years and a $250,000 fine for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Danae Demasi-Lemon is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
###
New Brighton Man Charged with Dealing Carfentanil that Killed One, Injured AnotherRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A Beaver County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.
The three-count indictment named Reginald Davis, age 29.
According to the indictment, on December 17, 2016, Davis possessed with intent to distribute and distributed carfentanil that caused the death of one person and the serious bodily injury of another. Davis is also charged with possessing with the intent to distribute, and distributing, additional quantities of carfentanil.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of not more than $1,000,000 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 Attorneys Tonya S. Goodman and Timothy M. Lanni are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Agency and the New Brighton Area 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.
Navajo Man from Breadsprings, N.M., Sentenced for Federal Involuntary Manslaughter ConvictionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Brandon Bob Lincoln, 30, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation who resides in Breadsprings, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to 37 months in prison for his involuntary manslaughter conviction. Lincoln will be on supervised release for three years after completing his prison sentence.
Lincoln was arrested in March 2016, on a criminal complaint charging him with involuntary manslaughter. According to the complaint, Lincoln killed a Navajo man when he crashed his vehicle on March 20, 2016, on the Navajo Indian Reservation in McKinley County, N.M. At the time of the crash, Lincoln was driving under the influence of alcohol.
Lincoln subsequently was indicted on April 26, 2016, and charged with involuntary manslaughter. On Oct. 5, 2016, Lincoln pled guilty to the indictment without the benefit of a plea agreement.
This case was investigated by the Northern Pueblos Agency of the BIA’s Office of Justice Services and the Crownpoint office of the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Spindle prosecuted the case.
Navajo Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Discharging Firearm During Crime of ViolenceRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Norman Yazzie, 56, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation who resides in Shiprock, N.M., was sentenced this morning in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to ten years in prison followed by four years of supervised release for discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
Yazzie was arrested in May 2016, on a criminal complaint charging him with assault and firearms offenses on April 29, 2016, on the Navajo Indian Reservation in San Juan County, N.M. According to the complaint, Yazzie shot the victim with a rifle in the forehead and the knee, causing her to suffer serious bodily injury.
Yazzie subsequently was indicted on May 24, 2016, and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, a rifle, with intent to do bodily harm, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. According to the indictment, the offenses took place on April 29, 2016, in San Juan County.
On Nov. 16, 2016, Yazzie pled guilty to discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. In entering the guilty plea, Yazzie admitted that on April 29, 2016, he shot the victim in the head and knee with a rifle.
This case was investigated by the Farmington office of the FBI and the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Novaline D. Wilson prosecuted the case as part of the Tribal Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (Tribal SAUSA) Pilot Project in the District of New Mexico, which is sponsored by the Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women under a grant administered by the Pueblo of Laguna. The Tribal SAUSA Pilot Project seeks to train tribal prosecutors in federal law, procedure and investigative techniques to increase the likelihood that every viable violent offense against Native American women is prosecuted in either federal court or tribal court, or both. The Tribal SAUSA Pilot Project was largely driven by input gathered from annual tribal consultations on violence against women, and is another step in the Justice Department's on-going efforts to increase engagement, coordination and action on public safety in tribal communities.
National Leader on Crime Victims’ Rights to Address April Ceremony Honoring Victims and AdvocatesRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM – The executive director of the National Crime Victim Law Institute in Portland, Ore., will be the keynote speaker at a National Crime Victims’ Rights Week recognition ceremony on April 6 presented by One Place Metro Alabama Family Justice Center and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Robert O. Posey.
The Northern District of Alabama U.S. Attorney’s Office and One Place in Birmingham have joined to present “Strength, Resilience & Justice: A Recognition Ceremony Honoring Victims of Crime and Seekers of Justice.” One Place is a collaboration between the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, the City of Birmingham and Birmingham Police Department, the YWCA-Central Alabama and the Crisis Center Inc. Its mission is to provide coordinated services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault with a multi-disciplinary team of professionals working together under one roof.
The April ceremony’s guest speaker, Meg Garvin, directs the National Crime Victim Law Institute and is a clinical professor of law at Lewis & Clark Law School, where the institute is located.
Garvin is recognized as a leading expert on victims’ rights. She has testified before Congress, state legislatures, and the Judicial Proceedings Panel on Sexual Assault in the Military. In 2014, she was appointed to the Victims Advisory Group of the U.S. Sentencing Commission and, during 2013-2014, Garvin served on the Victim Services Subcommittee of the Response Systems to Adult Sexual Assault Crime Panel of the U.S. Department of Defense.
During the recognition ceremony, sponsors will present awards to a victim advocate, a member of law enforcement and a prosecutor, each chosen for their commitment to assisting victims of crime.
Along with the address from Garvin, there will be a multi-disciplinary panel discussion featuring Ashley Smith, now a teenager, who at 14 months old nearly died from third-degree burns over 30 percent of her body after her mother put her in a broiling oven in their Etowah County home in 2002. The Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles last year denied early release for the mother, Melissa Wright, after a hearing that included horrific photos of the burned infant. Smith appealed to the board not to grant her mother parole, but Smith’s older sister argued for the early release, saying her mother was suffering from mental illness at the time and is a “changed woman.”
The National Crime Victims’ Rights Week recognition ceremony will be 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., Thursday, April 6, with breakfast provided, in the Diamonds Direct Ballroom at Regions Field, 1401 First Ave. South. The event is free, but space is limited. RSVPs are required to [email protected].
This project is supported by a National Crime Victims' Rights Week Community Awareness Project sub-grant awarded by the National Association of VOCA Assistance Administrators under a Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant from the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.
###
Nashville Man Pleads Guilty to Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Jarratt A. Turner, 35, of Nashville, Tennessee pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court in Nashville, to 16 counts of Production of Child Pornography and one count of Transportation of Child Pornography, announced Jack Smith, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.
According to testimony during the plea hearing, Turner took sexually explicit images and videos of an infant boy and toddler girl, whom he was baby-sitting, on 16 different occasions between October 2014 and May of 2015. The sexually explicit material included depictions of himself sexually molesting the two very young children, who were between the ages of 12 and 31 months during this period. Turner also distributed these images via the internet to other like-minded individuals.
Turner faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and up to 500 years in prison for these crimes. Sentencing is scheduled for October 11, 2017, before U.S. District Court Judge Marvin E. Aspen.
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney S. Carran Daughtrey.