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Friday 20 January 2017
El Dorado Springs Woman Pleads Guilty to Embezzling $380,000 from EmployerRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that an El Dorado Springs, Mo., woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to a mail fraud scheme by which she stole more than $380,000 from her employer and to filing a false tax return.
Regina Allison, 47, of El Dorado Springs, waived her right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to both counts of a federal information that charges her with one count of mail fraud and one count of filing a false tax return.
Allison was hired by Allison Tire Company, Inc., and Allison Oil and Auto Supply in 2003. As a part of her duties at the company, which is owned in part by her ex-husband, Allison prepared company checks for payment of invoices. Allison was fired from her position in November 2015 after her supervisors discovered that she had forged numerous checks from the accounts of Allison Tire and Allison Oil to pay fictitious businesses she had created for her personal benefit.
According to today’s plea agreement, Allison opened two bank accounts, one at a bank in Bolivar, Mo., and another at a bank in Nevada, Mo., under the names of two separate businesses. Neither of the business entities actually created any products or provided any services. Allison admitted that she used her position at Allison Tire and Allison Oil to write numerous company checks to these fictitious businesses, and forged the signatures of authorized signors.
Over the span of nearly four years, from November 2011 to November 2015, Allison embezzled a total of at least $380,134. Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Allison must pay that amount of restitution to her former employer.
Allison also admitted that she failed to report this embezzled income on her federal income tax returns. The total tax loss to the United States was $58,813, without penalty or interest. The total tax loss to the state of Missouri was $16,315, without penalty or interest.
Under federal statutes, Allison is subject to a sentence of up to 23 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Clark. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Douglas County Man Sentenced to Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA - On January 18, 2017, Broc Todd Waltermeyer, heather Jean Reekra 44-year-old resident of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced by Senior United States District Court Judge James E. Gritzner to 196 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Waltermeyer’s term of imprisonment will be followed by five years of supervised release. Waltermeyer pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine on April 29, 2016.
The guilty plea and sentencing were the result of an investigation into methamphetamine distribution by the defendant between July of 2015 and November 11, 2015. During that time, the defendant distributed over two kilograms of methamphetamine, which was obtained in Omaha and transported to Pottawattamie County, where it was sold.
The investigation was conducted by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Southwest Iowa Narcotics Task Force, Omaha Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.-END-
Learn more about this release by contacting Rachel Scherle at 515-473-9300, or by emailing her at [email protected]
Defendant Sentenced to 10 Years for Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama announced today that Cory Ellis Easley, 40, of Fayette, Missouri, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kristi K. DuBose to 10 years imprisonment for being a felon in possession of a firearm, the statutory maximum for the offense. The judge ordered that Easley pay a $100 special assessment, undergo 3 years of supervised release, and pay restitution totaling $8,501.88.
On September 7, 2015, Saraland police officers went to a home in Chunchula, Alabama to investigate the theft of a vehicle. While heading there, an officer witnessed a truck matching the description of the stolen vehicle being driven recklessly. The officer saw the truck drive behind a home. The officer went down the driveway and saw a white male run from the truck and into a large garage. The officer heard several gun shots come from inside the building towards him. The officer took cover and waited for backup. Within a minute, backup arrived and took cover next to the first officer on scene. Officers heard another shot being fired from the garage. They then heard what appeared to be a tractor start up. Moments later, they heard a loud banging noise and believed that the suspect was ramming the tractor in the back of the building. The tractor then burst through the door. The first officer on scene heard the suspect yell: “Leave me alone!” The suspect fired another shot. A backup officer saw a black gun in the suspect’s right hand as he drove away. The suspect drove the tractor into a wooded area. The officers heard 3 more shots from the woods. Officers from the Saraland Police Department and the Mobile County Sherriff’s Office went looking for the suspect and eventually found him hiding in a mud hole. A K9 was sent to apprehend the suspect, who was later identified as Easley. Officers found a loaded Glock 17 9mm semi-automatic pistol in the mud between Easley’s legs. During the incident, Easley caused extensive damage to various properties in the neighborhood.
Easley is a convicted felon who is prohibited from knowingly possessing a firearm. He has numerous felony convictions for drug, theft, and assault offenses. Easley was indicted in October 2015 by a federal grand jury for the Southern District of Alabama on 1 count of being a felon in possession. He pleaded guilty to the offense on January 19, 2016.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Saraland Police Department, and the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sinan Kalayoglu.
Dallas Woman Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Identity Theft in Scheme to Defraud the IRSRead the Press Release
DALLAS — Alicia Gardner, 43, of Dallas, appeared in federal court this afternoon and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Sidney A. Fitzwater to one count of aggravated identify theft, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Gardner faces a maximum statutory penalty of two years in federal prison, and a $250,000 fine. She could also be ordered to pay restitution. She will remain on bond pending sentencing set for May 5, 2017.
According to documents filed in her case, from approximately January 11, 2013 to March 1, 2013, Gardner knowingly and intentionally participated in a scheme to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). More specifically, Gardner electronically filed tax returns for the tax year 2012 with her EFIN under taxpayers’ names and social security numbers without the taxpayers’ knowledge or consent. At her consent, the IRS issued refund checks to her as opposed to the unsuspecting taxpayers. Some of those checks were in the taxpayer’s names. Gardner and/or her unindicted coconspirator then proceeded to forge the signatures of the taxpayers on the refund checks and cash them. For instance, on November 11, 2013, Gardner electronically submitted a tax return with a refund request of $1,112 for K.V., without K.V.’s knowledge or consent. Gardner then endorsed and cashed the refund check.
Gardner stipulates that her conduct resulted in at least a $135,942 loss.
The case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Wirmani is in charge of the prosecution.
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Chelsea Man Indicted for Multiple Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Chelsea man, dubbed the “Spelling Bee Bandit,” was indicted yesterday in connection with four bank robberies in the Greater Boston area.
Jason S. Englen, 34, was charged with the robberies of TD Bank in Arlington on Oct. 31, 2016; TD Bank in Reading on Nov. 5, 2016; Salem Five in Burlington on Nov. 7, 2016; and TD Bank in Peabody on Nov. 13, 2016. In December 2016, Englen was arrested and charged in a criminal complaint.
According to court documents, on Oct. 31, 2016, a man entered a branch of TD Bank in Arlington, approached a teller and presented a deposit slip with the word “ROBERY” written on it. The teller handed the man money from the drawer, and the man then fled the bank. Nearly identical incidents occurred on Nov. 5th at a branch of TD Bank in Reading, on Nov. 7th at a branch of Salem Five in Burlington, and on Nov. 13th at a branch of TD Bank in Peabody. During each robbery, the man handed the teller a note with the word “ROBERY” or “ROBERT” demanding cash. During the last robbery, the man told the teller he wanted $20 and $50 dollar bills.
Based on the similarity of the robberies and the physical description of the robber provided by the bank tellers, a bulletin was circulated seeking the public’s help in identifying the perpetrator. As a result, law enforcement received information that the individual involved in the robberies was Englen. Englen, who was already in state custody on unrelated charges, was arrested by federal authorities on Dec. 12, 2016.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 and restitution. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge bases upon the US Sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Suffolk County Sheriff Steven Tompkins; Arlington Police Chief Frederick Ryan; Reading Police Chief Mark D. Segalla; Burlington Police Chief Michael Kent; and Peabody Police Chief Thomas Griffin, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Weinreb’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Canadian Caught with Nearly 60 Kilos of Cocaine Sentenced to 10 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
After more than six years on the run from law enforcement, a 37-year-old dual citizen of Canada and France was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to ten years in prison for conspiracy to distribute cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. MARTIN BRIAND was identified by border agents in U.S. and Canada in 2009 as a person extensively involved with smuggling cocaine into Canada. Following the seizure of more than 59 kilos of cocaine in December of 2009, a warrant was issued for BRIAND’s arrest. He was ultimately arrested in December 2015, when he arrived at the Vancouver International Airport from France. At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Richard A. Jones noted that the large amount of cocaine trafficked by BRIAND impacted countless people, feeding their addiction and even leading to death.
“In just six months in 2009, this defendant made 29 flights in chartered aircraft between Point Roberts, Washington and points south without ever legally entering the U.S.,” said U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. “These frequent illegal border crossings are a hallmark of drug smugglers. In his final trip, a Washington State Trooper caught him with nearly 60 kilos of cocaine. Anyone responsible for transporting these kinds of quantities of illegal drugs also is responsible for feeding countless drug addictions and the misery that comes with them, and thus deserves the lengthy sentence imposed in this case.”
“Homeland Security Investigations special agents disrupted a narcotics trafficking organization by identifying and targeting a lead conspirator circumventing our border security and customs protocols,” said Brad Bench, special agent in charge of HSI Seattle. “Our partners, both foreign and domestic, combined efforts to take down one of ICE’s Top 10 Most Wanted fugitives and present the solid evidence needed to obtain a successful prosecution.”
According to records filed in the case, BRIAND’s activity came to the attention of border agents in October 2009, when two men tried to cross the border in a taxi. The men and their bags were screened and the bags showed a positive reading for cocaine residue. The men reported that they had entered the U.S. illegally by walking across the border into the U.S. at Point Roberts – a small peninsula of the U.S. that extends below the border with Canada. From Point Roberts the men flew to Seattle on a private charter and then to California where they met up with BRIAND. The men flew with BRIAND on a private plane back to Washington State, and BRIAND paid for all their travel expenses.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement began an investigation into BRIAND and learned he had made 30 trips by private plane from Point Roberts to points south between April 9, 2009, and November 2, 2009. Over that same period of time, BRIAND had only one legal entrance into the U.S. On December 8, 2009, law enforcement learned BRIAND was making another charter trip from Point Roberts and began surveillance. On December 12, 2009, BRIAND and a co-defendant flew into the Skagit County Airport on a private plane and were observed struggling with heavy bags they loaded into a pick-up truck. The truck was stopped by law enforcement and a drug detection dog alerted to the presence of narcotics. The Washington State Trooper seized the bags for later search and BRIAND and his associate were allowed to leave. The men abandoned the truck and BRIAND fled to Canada. Despite contact from law enforcement he refused to return to the U.S. to face the charges. Following his arrest at the Vancouver International Airport, the Canadian Courts found he should be detained pending extradition. In March 2016, BRIAND agreed to be transferred to the U.S. to deal with the indictment.
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Canada Border Services Agency, and the U.S. Border Patrol with assistance from the Washington State Patrol (WSP), HSI Vancouver, HSI Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Bureau Violators Team.
Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty in Drug ConspiracyRead 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 Elias Figueroa, 47, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura A. Higgins, who is handling the case, stated that on February 26, 2014, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a residence on West Delavan Avenue. During the search, officers recovered more than 100 grams of heroin, drug packaging paraphernalia, and $4,000 in cash.
The charges against two other individuals who ware also arrested that day and are alleged to have been in the heroin distribution conspiracy which brought heroin to Buffalo from New York City remain pending.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 10, 2017, before Judge Vilardo.
Berkeley County man pleads guilty to illegal possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dennis Allen High, 29, of Falling Waters, West Virginia, pled guilty to illegally possessing a firearm, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.
High, who had previously been convicted of a felony offense in Maryland, is prohibited from possessing a firearm. He admitted to possessing multiple firearms in Berkeley County, West Virginia in July 2016.
High pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” He faces up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Asheville Man Sentenced for Dealing Firearms Without A LicenseRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – An Asheville man was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Martin Reidinger to 48 months in prison for dealing in firearms without a license, announced Jill Westmoreland Rose, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Conley Dale Patterson, 72, was also ordered to serve three years under court supervision upon completion of his prison term and to pay $2,300 as restitution.
U.S. Attorney Rose is joined in making today's announcement by C.J. Hyman, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division.
According to filed court documents and statements made in court, Patterson is the owner of the “Asheville Combat Zone,” located at 1472 Patton Avenue in Asheville. The business sells a variety of military surplus equipment and other items. According to court records, from July 2009 to October 2014, Patterson engaged in the business of dealing in firearms from his store without possessing a Federal Firearms License (FFL). Court records indicate that Patterson had received previous warnings by law enforcement that he was prohibited from dealing in firearms without being a licensed dealer. However, Patterson continued to engage in a pattern of selling multiple firearms without an FFL, including selling firearms to convicted felons. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement recovered from Patterson’s store at least 10 firearms, including seven rifles, two shotguns and a pistol.
Patterson pleaded guilty to one count of dealing in firearms without a license in August 2016. He will be ordered to report to the Federal Bureau of Prisons to begin serving his sentence upon designation of a federal facility. All federal sentences are served without the possibility of parole.
The investigation was handled by ATF. The U.S. Attorney's Office in Asheville prosecuted the case.
Albuquerque Felon Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Jarvis Johnson, 28, of Albuquerque, N.M., pled guilty today in federal court to being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Johnson will be sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by a term of supervised release to be determined by the court.
Johnson was arrested on Dec. 16, 2015, on a five-count indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition on June 1, 2015, June 2, 2015, and Sept. 16, 2015, and distributing methamphetamine, heroin and marijuana on June 2, 2015. According to the indictment, Johnson was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of his prior felony conviction for distribution of methamphetamine. The indictment included forfeiture provisions requiring Johnson to forfeit $6,850 to the United States.
During today’s proceedings, Johnson pled guilty to a felony information charging him with being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. In entering the guilty plea, Johnson admitted that on Sept. 16, 2015, in Bernalillo County, N.M., he sold three firearms and multiple rounds of ammunition to an undercover law enforcement agent. Johnson acknowledged that he was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of his prior felony conviction. Johnson remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the FBI and the Las Cruces Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shana B. Long is prosecuting the case.
Thursday 19 January 2017
Wyatt Detention Facility Escapee ArraignedRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – James Morales, 35, pleaded not guilty at his arraignment today in U.S. District Court in Providence before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan to an indictment charging him with escape from the Wyatt Detention Facility, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment in this matter on Tuesday, alleging that on December 31, 2016, Morales escaped from the custody of the Wyatt Detention Facility in which he was confined by direction of the Attorney General and her authorized representative, by virtue of an Order of detention of a United States Magistrate Judge for the District of Massachusetts.
Morales was captured in Somerville, Massachusetts on January 5, 2017, by Massachusetts State Police and returned to federal custody.
An indictment is merely an allegation 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.
Escape from the custody of the Attorney General is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 5 years imprisonment followed by up to 3 years supervised and a fine of up to $250,000.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee H. Vilker.
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Western Union Admits Anti-Money Laundering and Consumer Fraud Violations, Will Forfeit $586 Million in Settlement with Justice and FTCRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – The Western Union Company, a global money services business headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, has agreed to forfeit $586 million and enter into agreements with the Justice Department, the Federal Trade Commission, and several United States Attorney’s Offices, including the Central District of California.
In its agreement with the Justice Department, Western Union admits to criminal violations, including willfully failing to maintain an effective anti-money laundering (AML) program and aiding and abetting wire fraud.
According to admissions contained in a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) and an accompanying statement of facts filed today, between 2004 and 2012, Western Union violated U.S. laws – the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and anti-fraud statutes – by processing hundreds of thousands of transactions for Western Union agents and others involved in an international consumer fraud scheme.
As part of the scheme, fraudsters contacted victims in the United States and falsely posed as family members in need or promised prizes or job opportunities. The fraudsters directed the victims to send money through Western Union to help their relative or claim their prize. Various Western Union agents were complicit in these fraud schemes, often processing the fraud payments for the fraudsters in return for a cut of the fraud proceeds.
Western Union knew of, but failed to take corrective action against, Western Union agents involved in or facilitating fraud-related transactions. Beginning in at least 2004, Western Union recorded customer complaints about fraudulently induced payments in what are known as consumer fraud reports (CFRs). In 2004, Western Union’s Corporate Security Department proposed global guidelines for discipline and suspension of Western Union agents that processed a materially elevated number of fraud transactions. In these guidelines, the Corporate Security Department effectively recommended automatically suspending any agent that paid 15 CFRs within 120 days. Had Western Union implemented these proposed guidelines, it would have prevented significant fraud losses to victims and would have resulted in corrective action against more than 2,000 agents worldwide between 2004 and 2012.
Court documents also show Western Union’s BSA failures spanned eight years and involved, among other things, the acquisition of a significant agent that Western Union knew prior to the acquisition had an ineffective AML program and had contracted with other agents that were facilitating significant levels of consumer fraud. Despite this knowledge, Western Union moved forward with the acquisition and did not remedy the AML failures or terminate the high-fraud agents.
Similarly, Western Union failed to terminate or discipline agents who repeatedly violated the BSA and Western Union policy through their structuring activity in the Central District of California, the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, New York City and elsewhere. The BSA requires financial institutions, including money services businesses such as Western Union, to file currency transaction reports (CTRs) for transactions in currency greater than $10,000 in a single day. To evade the filing of a CTR and identification requirements, criminals will often structure their currency transactions so that no single transaction exceeds the $10,000 threshold. Financial institutions are required to report suspected structuring where the aggregate number of transactions by or on behalf of any person exceeds more than $10,000 during one business day. Western Union knew that certain of its U.S. Agents were allowing or aiding and abetting structuring by their customers. Rather than taking corrective action to eliminate structuring at and by its agents, Western Union, among other things, allowed agents to continue sending transactions through Western Union’s system and paid agents bonuses. Despite repeated compliance reviews identifying suspicious or illegal behavior by its agents, Western Union almost never identified those agents as the subjects of required reports to law enforcement
In the Central District of California, an investigation by the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation and local partners into Western Union’s largest West Coast agent found that U.S. Shen Zhou International in Monterey Park sent more than $310 million in Western Union transactions to China – approximately 50 percent of which were structured. The owner of Shen Zhou – Zhihe “Frank” Wang, 60, of Monterey Park – pleaded guilty late 2013 to one count of structuring international transactions to evade reporting requirement in Santa Ana federal court. Wang admitted making numerous transmission to China in $2,500 amounts, which is just below the $3,000 amount that triggers various BSA reporting and record-keeping requirements for money transmitters, as well as the $10,000 amount that triggers CTR filings. Despite finding repeated violations of Western Union policies, Western Union took no disciplinary action against Shen Zhou beyond one 90-day probation in January 2006 during which Shen Zhou continued to process transactions.
Wang is currently scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Andrew J. Guilford on June 5, at which time he will face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.
Based on information uncovered in the Shen Zhou investigation, further investigation by the FBI into Western Union and its “China Corridor” agents found widespread structuring violations. Despite the fact that these high-volume agents failed multiple compliance reviews and continued to aid their customers in illegal activity, Western Union took little to no discipline against the agents, continued to allow the agents to process money transfers and actively encouraged the China Corridor agents to expand their businesses. Between 2003 and 2012, the top five China Corridor agents in the United States structured hundreds of millions of dollars in Western Union transactions.
“Our investigation uncovered hundreds of millions of dollars being sent to China in structured transactions designed to avoid the reporting requirements of the Bank Secrecy Act, and much of the money was sent to China by illegal immigrants to pay their human smugglers,” said U.S. Attorney Decker. “In the case being prosecuted by my office, a Western Union agent has pleaded guilty to federal charges of structuring transactions – illegal conduct the company knew about for at least five years. Western Union documents indicate that its employees fought to keep this agent – as well as several other high-volume independent agents in New York City – working for Western Union because of the high volume of their activity. This action today will ensure that Western Union effectively controls its agents and prevents the use of its money transfer system for illegal purposes.”
“Los Angeles defendant Wang’s company was considered to be among the largest Western Union agents in the United States as over $310 million was sent to China in a span of five years, half of which was illegally structured and transmitted using false identification,” said Deirdre Fike, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “Rather than ensuring their high volume agents were operating above-board, Western Union rewarded them without regard to the blatant lack of compliance and illegal practices taking place. This settlement should go a long way in thwarting the proceeds of illicit transactions being sent to China to fund human smuggling or drug trafficking, as well as to interrupt the ease with which scam artists flout U.S. banking regulations in schemes devised to defraud vulnerable Americans.”
“In taking responsibility for their actions, Western Union has agreed to cooperate and forfeit more than $500 million for their role in circumventing Bank Secrecy Act reporting requirements,” stated Anthony J. Orlando, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Los Angeles Field Office. “Today's outcome is a testament to law enforcement efforts to stem the exploitation of the American financial system and ensure if you conduct business in our country you must abide by our laws.”
Western Union entered into a DPA in connection with a two-count felony criminal information filed today in the Middle District of Pennsylvania that charges Western Union with willfully failing to maintain an effective AML program and aiding and abetting wire fraud. Pursuant to the DPA, Western Union has agreed to forfeit $586 million and also agreed to enhanced compliance obligations to prevent a repeat of the charged conduct, including creating policies and procedures:
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for corrective action against agents that pose an unacceptable risk of money laundering or have demonstrated systemic, willful or repeated lapses in compliance;
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that ensure that its agents around the world will adhere to U.S. regulatory and AML standards; and
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that ensure that the company will report suspicious or illegal activity by its agents or related to consumer fraud reports.
“As this case shows, wiring money can be the fastest way to send it – directly into the pockets of criminals and scam artists,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General David Bitkower of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Western Union is now paying the price for placing profits ahead of its own customers. Together with our colleagues, the Criminal Division will both hold to account those who facilitate fraud and abuse of vulnerable populations, and also work to recoup losses and compensate victims.”
In a related case, Western Union agreed to settle charges by the FTC in a complaint filed today in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, alleging that the company’s conduct violated the FTC Act. The complaint charges that for many years, fraudsters around the world have used Western Union’s money transfer system even though the company has long been aware of the problem, and that some Western Union agents have been complicit in fraud. The FTC’s complaint alleges that Western Union declined to put in place effective anti-fraud policies and procedures and has failed to act promptly against problem agents. Western Union has identified many of the problem agents but has profited from their actions by not promptly suspending and terminating them.
“Western Union owes a responsibility to American consumers to guard against fraud, but instead the company looked the other way, and its system facilitated scammers and rip-offs,” said FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez. “The agreements we are announcing today will ensure Western Union changes the way it conducts its business and provides more than a half billion dollars for refunds to consumers who were harmed by the company’s unlawful behavior.”
In resolving the FTC charges, Western Union agreed to a monetary judgment of $586 million and to implement and maintain a comprehensive anti-fraud program with training for its agents and their front line associates, monitoring to detect and prevent fraud-induced money transfers, due diligence on all new and renewing company agents, and suspension or termination of noncompliant agents.
The FTC order prohibits Western Union from transmitting a money transfer that it knows or reasonably should know is fraud-induced, and requires it to:
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block money transfers sent to any person who is the subject of a fraud report;
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provide clear and conspicuous consumer fraud warnings on its paper and electronic money transfer forms;
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increase the availability of websites and telephone numbers that enable consumers to file fraud complaints; and
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refund a fraudulently induced money transfer if the company failed to comply with its anti-fraud procedures in connection with that transaction.
In addition, consistent with the telemarketing sales rule, Western Union must not process a money transfer that it knows or should know is payment for a telemarketing transaction. The company’s compliance with the order will be monitored for three years by an independent compliance auditor.
Since 2001, the Justice Department has charged and convicted 29 owners or employees of Western Union agents for their roles in fraudulent and structured transactions.
The investigation into Western Union was conducted by the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office and its local partners; the United States Postal Inspection Service’s Philadelphia Division’s Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Office; IRS Criminal Investigation; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Philadelphia; the Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; the United States Department of Treasury, Office of Inspector General; the Broward County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office; and the United States Department of Labor.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Staples of the Santa Ana Branch Office, along with Trial Attorney Margaret A. Moeser of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section’s Bank Integrity Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the Southern District of Florida. Assistant United States Attorney Frank Kortum of the Asset Forfeiture Section, along with asset forfeiture attorneys in the other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, provided significant assistance in this matter. The Justice Department appreciates the significant cooperation and assistance provided by the FTC in this matter.
Persons who believe they were victims of the fraud scheme should visit the Department of Justice’s victim website at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-afmls/remission for instructions on how to request compensation through the Victim Asset Recovery Program.
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Western Union Admits Anti-Money Laundering and Consumer Fraud Violations, Forfeits $586 Million in Settlement with Justice Department and Federal Trade CommissionRead the Press Release
The Western Union Company (Western Union), a global money services business headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, has agreed to forfeit $586 million and enter into agreements with the Justice Department, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the Central District of California, the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the Southern District of Florida. In its agreement with the Justice Department, Western Union admits to criminal violations including willfully failing to maintain an effective anti-money laundering (AML) program and aiding and abetting wire fraud.
Acting Assistant Attorney General David Bitkower of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez; U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler of the Middle District of Pennsylvania; U.S. Attorney Eileen M. Decker of the Central District of California; Acting U.S. Attorney Louis D. Lappen of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania; U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida; Inspector in Charge David W. Bosch of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Philadelphia Division; Assistant Director in Charge Deirdre Fike of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office; Chief Richard Weber of Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); Special Agent in Charge Marlon V. Miller of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Philadelphia; and Special Agent in Charge Stephen Carroll of the Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (FRB-CFPB OIG) Eastern Region made the announcement.
“As this case shows, wiring money can be the fastest way to send it – directly into the pockets of criminals and scam artists,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Bitkower. “Western Union is now paying the price for placing profits ahead of its own customers. Together with our colleagues, the Criminal Division will both hold to account those who facilitate fraud and abuse of vulnerable populations, and also work to recoup losses and compensate victims.”
“Western Union owes a responsibility to American consumers to guard against fraud, but instead the company looked the other way, and its system facilitated scammers and rip-offs,” said Chairwoman Ramirez. “The agreements we are announcing today will ensure Western Union changes the way it conducts its business and provides more than a half billion dollars for refunds to consumers who were harmed by the company’s unlawful behavior.”
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has a long history of prosecuting corrupt Western Union Agents,” said U.S. Attorney Brandler. “Since 2001, our office, in conjunction with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, has charged and convicted 26 Western Union Agents in the United States and Canada who conspired with international fraudsters to defraud tens of thousands of U.S. residents via various forms of mass marketing schemes. I am gratified that the deferred prosecution agreement reached today with Western Union ensures that $586 million will be available to compensate the many victims of these frauds.”
“Our investigation uncovered hundreds of millions of dollars being sent to China in structured transactions designed to avoid the reporting requirements of the Bank Secrecy Act, and much of the money was sent to China by illegal immigrants to pay their human smugglers,” said U.S. Attorney Decker. “In a case being prosecuted by my office, a Western Union agent has pleaded guilty to federal charges of structuring transactions – illegal conduct the company knew about for at least five years. Western Union documents indicate that its employees fought to keep this agent – as well as several other high-volume independent agents in New York City – working for Western Union because of the high volume of their activity. This action today will ensure that Western Union effectively controls its agents and prevents the use of its money transfer system for illegal purposes.”
“Western Union’s failure to comply with anti-money laundering laws provided fraudsters and other criminals with a means to transfer criminal proceeds and victimize innocent people,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lappen. “Western Union has agreed to forfeit $586 million, the largest forfeiture ever imposed on a money services business, and has agreed to take specific steps to ensure that it complies with the law in the future. This office will continue to vigorously enforce the anti-money laundering laws and regulations, which are necessary to prevent those engaged in fraud, terrorism, human trafficking, drug dealing and other crimes from using companies like Western Union to further their illegal activity.”
“Western Union, the largest money service business in the world, has admitted to a flawed corporate culture that failed to provide a checks and balances approach to combat criminal practices,” said U.S. Attorney Ferrer. “Western Union’s failure to implement proper controls and discipline agents that violated compliances policies enabled the proliferation of illegal gambling, money laundering and fraud-related schemes. Western Union’s conduct resulted in the processing of hundreds of millions of dollars in prohibited transactions. Today’s historic agreement, involving the largest financial forfeiture by a money service business, makes it clear that all corporations and their agents will be held accountable for conduct that circumvents compliance programs designed to prevent criminal conduct.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service has been at the forefront of protecting consumers from fraud schemes for many years,” said Inspector in Charge Bosch. “When private businesses participate in the actions that Western Union was involved in, it makes it easier for criminals to victimize innocent citizens. Our commitment to bringing these criminals to justice will not waiver, and we look forward to facilitating compensation to victims.”
“Los Angeles-defendant Wang’s company was considered to be among the largest Western Union agents in the United States as over $310 million was sent to China in a span of five years, half of which was illegally structured and transmitted using false identification,” said Assistant Director in Charge Fike. “Rather than ensuring their high volume agents were operating above-board, Western Union rewarded them without regard to the blatant lack of compliance and illegal practices taking place. This settlement should go a long way in thwarting the proceeds of illicit transactions being sent to China to fund human smuggling or drug trafficking, as well as to interrupt the ease with which scam artists flout U.S. banking regulations in schemes devised to defraud vulnerable Americans.”
"As a major player in the money transmittal business, Western Union had an obligation to its customers to ensure they offered honest services, which include upholding the Bank Secrecy Act, as well as other U.S. laws,” said Chief Weber. “Western Union’s blatant disregard of their anti-money laundering compliance responsibilities was criminal and significant. IRS-CI special agents – working with their investigative agency partners – uncovered the massive AML compliance failures and is proud to be part of this historic criminal resolution.”
“Today’s announcement of this significant settlement highlights the positive result of HSI’s collaboration with our partner agencies to hold Western Union accountable for their failure to comply with bank secrecy laws that preserve the integrity of the financial system of the United States,” said Special Agent in Charge Miller. “As a result of this settlement, Western Union now answers for these violations. I thank the Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for their partnership in this investigation.”
According to admissions contained in the deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) and the accompanying statement of facts, between 2004 and 2012, Western Union violated U.S. laws—the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and anti-fraud statutes—by processing hundreds of thousands of transactions for Western Union agents and others involved in an international consumer fraud scheme.
As part of the scheme, fraudsters contacted victims in the U.S. and falsely posed as family members in need or promised prizes or job opportunities. The fraudsters directed the victims to send money through Western Union to help their relative or claim their prize. Various Western Union agents were complicit in these fraud schemes, often processing the fraud payments for the fraudsters in return for a cut of the fraud proceeds.
Western Union knew of but failed to take corrective action against Western Union agents involved in or facilitating fraud-related transactions. Beginning in at least 2004, Western Union recorded customer complaints about fraudulently induced payments in what are known as consumer fraud reports (CFRs). In 2004, Western Union’s Corporate Security Department proposed global guidelines for discipline and suspension of Western Union agents that processed a materially elevated number of fraud transactions. In these guidelines, the Corporate Security Department effectively recommended automatically suspending any agent that paid 15 CFRs within 120 days. Had Western Union implemented these proposed guidelines, it could have prevented significant fraud losses to victims and would have resulted in corrective action against more than 2,000 agents worldwide between 2004 and 2012.
Court documents also show Western Union’s BSA failures spanned eight years and involved, among other things, the acquisition of a significant agent that Western Union knew prior to the acquisition had an ineffective AML program and had contracted with other agents that were facilitating significant levels of consumer fraud. Despite this knowledge, Western Union moved forward with the acquisition and did not remedy the AML failures or terminate the high-fraud agents.
Similarly, Western Union failed to terminate or discipline agents who repeatedly violated the BSA and Western Union policy through their structuring activity in the Central District of California and the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The BSA requires financial institutions, including money services businesses such as Western Union, to file currency transaction reports (CTRs) for transactions in currency greater than $10,000 in a single day. To evade the filing of a CTR and identification requirements, criminals will often structure their currency transactions so that no single transaction exceeds the $10,000 threshold. Financial institutions are required to report suspected structuring where the aggregate number of transactions by or on behalf of any person exceeds more than $10,000 during one business day. Western Union knew that certain of its U.S. Agents were allowing or aiding and abetting structuring by their customers. Rather than taking corrective action to eliminate structuring at and by its agents, Western Union, among other things, allowed agents to continue sending transactions through Western Union’s system and paid agents bonuses. Despite repeated compliance review identifying suspicious or illegal behavior by its agents, Western Union almost never identified the suspicious activity those agents engaged in in its required reports to law enforcement
Finally, Western Union has been on notice since at least December 1997, that individuals use its money transfer system to send illegal gambling transactions from Florida to offshore sportsbooks. Western Union knew that gambling transactions presented a heightened risk of money laundering and that through at least 2012, certain procedures it implemented were not effective at limiting transactions with characteristics indicative of illegal gaming from the United States to other countries.
Western Union entered into a DPA in connection with a two-count felony criminal information filed today in the Middle District of Pennsylvania charging Western Union with willfully failing to maintain an effective AML program and aiding and abetting wire fraud. Pursuant to the DPA, Western Union has agreed to forfeit $586 million and also agreed to enhanced compliance obligations to prevent a repeat of the charged conduct, including creating policies and procedures:
- for corrective action against agents that pose an unacceptable risk of money laundering or have demonstrated systemic, willful or repeated lapses in compliance;
- that ensure that its agents around the world will adhere to U.S. regulatory and AML standards; and
- that ensure that the company will report suspicious or illegal activity by its agents or related to consumer fraud reports.
In a related case, Western Union agreed to settle charges by the FTC in a complaint filed today in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, alleging that the company’s conduct violated the FTC Act. The complaint charges that for many years, fraudsters around the world have used Western Union’s money transfer system even though the company has long been aware of the problem, and that some Western Union agents have been complicit in fraud. The FTC’s complaint alleges that Western Union declined to put in place effective anti-fraud policies and procedures and has failed to act promptly against problem agents. Western Union has identified many of the problem agents but has profited from their actions by not promptly suspending and terminating them.
In resolving the FTC charges, Western Union agreed to a monetary judgment of $586 million and to implement and maintain a comprehensive anti-fraud program with training for its agents and their front line associates, monitoring to detect and prevent fraud-induced money transfers, due diligence on all new and renewing company agents, and suspension or termination of noncompliant agents.
The FTC order prohibits Western Union from transmitting a money transfer that it knows or reasonably should know is fraud-induced, and requires it to:
-
block money transfers sent to any person who is the subject of a fraud report;
-
provide clear and conspicuous consumer fraud warnings on its paper and electronic money transfer forms;
-
increase the availability of websites and telephone numbers that enable consumers to file fraud complaints; and
-
refund a fraudulently induced money transfer if the company failed to comply with its anti-fraud procedures in connection with that transaction.
In addition, consistent with the telemarketing sales rule, Western Union must not process a money transfer that it knows or should know is payment for a telemarketing transaction. The company’s compliance with the order will be monitored for three years by an independent compliance auditor.
Since 2001, the department has charged and convicted 29 owners or employees of Western Union agents for their roles in fraudulent and structured transactions. The U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Middle District of Pennsylvania has charged and convicted 26 Western Union agent owners and employees for fraud-related violations; the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Central District of California has secured a guilty plea from one Western Union agent for BSA violations, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has secured guilty pleas for BSA violations of two other individuals associated with Western Union agents for BSA violations.
USPIS’s Philadelphia Division’s Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Office; the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office; IRS-CI; HSI; FRB-CFPB OIG; Department of Treasury OIG; the Broward County, Florida Sheriff’s Offices; and Department of Labor investigated the case. Trial Attorney Margaret A. Moeser of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section’s Bank Integrity Unit, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel of the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Staples of the Central District of California, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Judy Smith and Floyd Miller of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Katz of the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case. Asset forfeiture attorneys in each U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section provided significant assistance in this matter. The department appreciates the significant cooperation and assistance provided by the FTC in this matter.
Persons who believe they were victims of the fraud scheme should visit the Department of Justice’s victim website at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-afmls/remission for instructions on how to request compensation through the Victim Asset Recovery Program.
The Victim Compensation Program, operated by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, is composed of a team of experienced professionals, including attorneys, accountants, auditors and claims analysts. In hundreds of cases, the Victim Compensation Program has successfully used its specialized expertise to efficiently convert forfeited assets to victim recoveries.
Western Union Admits Anti-Money Laundering and Consumer Fraud Violations, Forfeits $586 Million in Settlement with Justice Department and Federal Trade CommissionRead the Press Release
Company also Agrees to Implement Anti-Fraud Program and Enhanced Compliance Obligations in Agreements with Federal Authorities
WASHINGTON – The Western Union Company (Western Union), a global money services business headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, has agreed to forfeit $586 million and enter into agreements with the Justice Department, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the Central District of California, the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the Southern District of Florida. In its agreement with the Justice Department, Western Union admits to criminal violations including willfully failing to maintain an effective anti-money laundering (AML) program and aiding and abetting wire fraud.
Acting Assistant Attorney General David Bitkower of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez; U.S. Attorney Bruce D. Brandler of the Middle District of Pennsylvania; U.S. Attorney Eileen M. Decker of the Central District of California; Acting U.S. Attorney Louis D. Lappen of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania; U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida; Inspector in Charge David W. Bosch of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Philadelphia Division; Assistant Director in Charge Deirdre Fike of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office; Chief Richard Weber of Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); Special Agent in Charge Marlon V. Miller of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Philadelphia; and Special Agent in Charge Stephen Carroll of the Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (FRB-CFPB OIG) Eastern Region made the announcement.
“As this case shows, wiring money can be the fastest way to send it – directly into the pockets of criminals and scam artists,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Bitkower. “Western Union is now paying the price for placing profits ahead of its own customers. Together with our colleagues, the Criminal Division will both hold to account those who facilitate fraud and abuse of vulnerable populations, and also work to recoup losses and compensate victims.”
“Western Union owes a responsibility to American consumers to guard against fraud, but instead the company looked the other way, and its system facilitated scammers and rip-offs,” said Chairwoman Ramirez. “The agreements we are announcing today will ensure Western Union changes the way it conducts its business and provides more than a half billion dollars for refunds to consumers who were harmed by the company’s unlawful behavior.”
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has a long history of prosecuting corrupt Western Union Agents,” said U.S. Attorney Brandler. “Since 2001, our office, in conjunction with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, has charged and convicted 26 Western Union Agents in the United States and Canada who conspired with international fraudsters to defraud tens of thousands of U.S. residents via various forms of mass marketing schemes. I am gratified that the deferred prosecution agreement reached today with Western Union ensures that $586 million will be available to compensate the many victims of these frauds.”
“Our investigation uncovered hundreds of millions of dollars being sent to China in structured transactions designed to avoid the reporting requirements of the Bank Secrecy Act, and much of the money was sent to China by illegal immigrants to pay their human smugglers,” said U.S. Attorney Decker. “In a case being prosecuted by my office, a Western Union agent has pleaded guilty to federal charges of structuring transactions – illegal conduct the company knew about for at least five years. Western Union documents indicate that its employees fought to keep this agent – as well as several other high-volume independent agents in New York City – working for Western Union because of the high volume of their activity. This action today will ensure that Western Union effectively controls its agents and prevents the use of its money transfer system for illegal purposes.”
“Western Union’s failure to comply with anti-money laundering laws provided fraudsters and other criminals with a means to transfer criminal proceeds and victimize innocent people,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lappen. “Western Union has agreed to forfeit $586 million, the largest forfeiture ever imposed on a money services business, and has agreed to take specific steps to ensure that it complies with the law in the future. This office will continue to vigorously enforce the anti-money laundering laws and regulations, which are necessary to prevent those engaged in fraud, terrorism, human trafficking, drug dealing and other crimes from using companies like Western Union to further their illegal activity.”
“Western Union, the largest money service business in the world, has admitted to a flawed corporate culture that failed to provide a checks and balances approach to combat criminal practices,” said U.S. Attorney Ferrer. “Western Union’s failure to implement proper controls and discipline agents that violated compliances policies enabled the proliferation of illegal gambling, money laundering and fraud-related schemes. Western Union’s conduct resulted in the processing of hundreds of millions of dollars in prohibited transactions. Today’s historic agreement, involving the largest financial forfeiture by a money service business, makes it clear that all corporations and their agents will be held accountable for conduct that circumvents compliance programs designed to prevent criminal conduct.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service has been at the forefront of protecting consumers from fraud schemes for many years,” said Inspector in Charge Bosch. “When private businesses participate in the actions that Western Union was involved in, it makes it easier for criminals to victimize innocent citizens. Our commitment to bringing these criminals to justice will not waiver, and we look forward to facilitating compensation to victims.”
“Los Angeles-defendant Wang’s company was considered to be among the largest Western Union agents in the United States as over $310 million was sent to China in a span of five years, half of which was illegally structured and transmitted using false identification,” said Assistant Director in Charge Fike. “Rather than ensuring their high volume agents were operating above-board, Western Union rewarded them without regard to the blatant lack of compliance and illegal practices taking place. This settlement should go a long way in thwarting the proceeds of illicit transactions being sent to China to fund human smuggling or drug trafficking, as well as to interrupt the ease with which scam artists flout U.S. banking regulations in schemes devised to defraud vulnerable Americans.”
"As major player in the money transmittal business, Western Union had an obligation to its customers to ensure they offered honest services, which include upholding the Bank Secrecy Act, as well as other U.S. laws,” said Chief Weber. “Western Union’s blatant disregard of their anti-money laundering compliance responsibilities was criminal and significant. IRS-CI special agents – working with their investigative agency partners – uncovered the massive AML compliance failures and is proud to be part of this historic criminal resolution.”
“Today’s announcement of this significant settlement highlights the positive result of HSI’s collaboration with our partner agencies to hold Western Union accountable for their failure to comply with bank secrecy laws that preserve the integrity of the financial system of the United States,” said Special Agent in Charge Miller. “As a result of this settlement, Western Union now answers for these violations. I thank the Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for their partnership in this investigation.”
According to admissions contained in the deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) and the accompanying statement of facts, between 2004 and 2012, Western Union violated U.S. laws—the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and anti-fraud statutes—by processing hundreds of thousands of transactions for Western Union agents and others involved in an international consumer fraud scheme.
As part of the scheme, fraudsters contacted victims in the U.S. and falsely posed as family members in need or promised prizes or job opportunities. The fraudsters directed the victims to send money through Western Union to help their relative or claim their prize. Various Western Union agents were complicit in these fraud schemes, often processing the fraud payments for the fraudsters in return for a cut of the fraud proceeds.
Western Union knew of but failed to take corrective action against Western Union agents involved in or facilitating fraud-related transactions. Beginning in at least 2004, Western Union recorded customer complaints about fraudulently induced payments in what are known as consumer fraud reports (CFRs). In 2004, Western Union’s Corporate Security Department proposed global guidelines for discipline and suspension of Western Union agents that processed a materially elevated number of fraud transactions. In these guidelines, the Corporate Security Department effectively recommended automatically suspending any agent that paid 15 CFRs within 120 days. Had Western Union implemented these proposed guidelines, it could have prevented significant fraud losses to victims and would have resulted in corrective action against more than 2,000 agents worldwide between 2004 and 2012.
Court documents also show Western Union’s BSA failures spanned eight years and involved, among other things, the acquisition of a significant agent that Western Union knew prior to the acquisition had an ineffective AML program and had contracted with other agents that were facilitating significant levels of consumer fraud. Despite this knowledge, Western Union moved forward with the acquisition and did not remedy the AML failures or terminate the high-fraud agents.
Similarly, Western Union failed to terminate or discipline agents who repeatedly violated the BSA and Western Union policy through their structuring activity in the Central District of California and the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The BSA requires financial institutions, including money services businesses such as Western Union, to file currency transaction reports (CTRs) for transactions in currency greater than $10,000 in a single day. To evade the filing of a CTR and identification requirements, criminals will often structure their currency transactions so that no single transaction exceeds the $10,000 threshold. Financial institutions are required to report suspected structuring where the aggregate number of transactions by or on behalf of any person exceeds more than $10,000 during one business day. Western Union knew that certain of its U.S. Agents were allowing or aiding and abetting structuring by their customers. Rather than taking corrective action to eliminate structuring at and by its agents, Western Union, among other things, allowed agents to continue sending transactions through Western Union’s system and paid agents bonuses. Despite repeated compliance review identifying suspicious or illegal behavior by its agents, Western Union almost never identified the suspicious activity those agents engaged in in its required reports to law enforcement
Finally, Western Union has been on notice since at least December 1997, that individuals use its money transfer system to send illegal gambling transactions from Florida to offshore sportsbooks. Western Union knew that gambling transactions presented a heightened risk of money laundering and that through at least 2012, certain procedures it implemented were not effective at limiting transactions with characteristics indicative of illegal gaming from the United States to other countries.
Western Union entered into a DPA in connection with a two-count felony criminal information filed today in the Middle District of Pennsylvania charging Western Union with willfully failing to maintain an effective AML program and aiding and abetting wire fraud. Pursuant to the DPA, Western Union has agreed to forfeit $586 million and also agreed to enhanced compliance obligations to prevent a repeat of the charged conduct, including creating policies and procedures:
-
for corrective action against agents that pose an unacceptable risk of money laundering or have demonstrated systemic, willful or repeated lapses in compliance;
-
that ensure that its agents around the world will adhere to U.S. regulatory and AML standards; and
-
that ensure that the company will report suspicious or illegal activity by its agents or related to consumer fraud reports.
In a related case, Western Union agreed to settle charges by the FTC in a complaint filed today in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, alleging that the company’s conduct violated the FTC Act. The complaint charges that for many years, fraudsters around the world have used Western Union’s money transfer system even though the company has long been aware of the problem, and that some Western Union agents have been complicit in fraud. The FTC’s complaint alleges that Western Union declined to put in place effective anti-fraud policies and procedures and has failed to act promptly against problem agents. Western Union has identified many of the problem agents but has profited from their actions by not promptly suspending and terminating them.
In resolving the FTC charges, Western Union agreed to a monetary judgment of $586 million and to implement and maintain a comprehensive anti-fraud program with training for its agents and their front line associates, monitoring to detect and prevent fraud-induced money transfers, due diligence on all new and renewing company agents, and suspension or termination of noncompliant agents.
The FTC order prohibits Western Union from transmitting a money transfer that it knows or reasonably should know is fraud-induced, and requires it to:
-
block money transfers sent to any person who is the subject of a fraud report;
-
provide clear and conspicuous consumer fraud warnings on its paper and electronic money transfer forms;
-
increase the availability of websites and telephone numbers that enable consumers to file fraud complaints; and
-
refund a fraudulently induced money transfer if the company failed to comply with its anti-fraud procedures in connection with that transaction.
In addition, consistent with the telemarketing sales rule, Western Union must not process a money transfer that it knows or should know is payment for a telemarketing transaction. The company’s compliance with the order will be monitored for three years by an independent compliance auditor.
Since 2001, the department has charged and convicted 29 owners or employees of Western Union agents for their roles in fraudulent and structured transactions. The U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Middle District of Pennsylvania has charged and convicted 26 Western Union agent owners and employees for fraud-related violations; the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Central District of California has secured a guilty plea from one Western Union agent for BSA violations, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has secured guilty pleas for BSA violations of two other individuals associated with Western Union agents for BSA violations.
USPIS’s Philadelphia Division’s Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Office; the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office; IRS-CI; HSI; FRB-CFPB OIG; Department of Treasury OIG; the Broward County, Florida Sheriff’s Offices; and Department of Labor investigated the case. Trial Attorney Margaret A. Moeser of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section’s Bank Integrity Unit, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel of the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Staples of the Central District of California, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Judy Smith and Floyd Miller of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Katz of the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case. Asset forfeiture attorneys in each U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section provided significant assistance in this matter. The department appreciates the significant cooperation and assistance provided by the FTC in this matter.
Persons who believe they were victims of the fraud scheme should visit the Department of Justice’s victim website at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-afmls/remission for instructions on how to request compensation through the Victim Asset Recovery Program.
The Victim Compensation Program, operated by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, is composed of a team of experienced professionals, including attorneys, accountants, auditors and claims analysts. In hundreds of cases, the Victim Compensation Program has successfully used its specialized expertise to efficiently convert forfeited assets to victim recoveries.
# # #
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Watertown Man Convicted of Naturalization FraudRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Gurpreet Singh, age 37, of Watertown, New York, was convicted today of unlawfully obtaining U.S. citizenship following a jury trial.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and James C. Spero, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
The trial evidence established that Singh, who was a citizen of India, repeatedly affirmed to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) authorities prior to his U.S. naturalization that he had not committed any crimes for which he was not arrested. Immigration authorities later learned that the defendant sexually abused a child under the age of 10 during the same time period he was applying for citizenship. The trial evidence demonstrated that Singh deliberately failed to report his criminal activity because he knew he was not entitled to citizenship and that USCIS would not have approved Singh’s naturalization application if the agency had known about his abuse of the child. Singh ultimately pled guilty in state court to a single count of sexual abuse of a minor child, but by then had already become a naturalized U.S. citizen.
Singh will be sentenced by Senior District Judge Norman A. Mordue on May 18, 2016 and faces up to 10 years in prison, up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release, and mandatory revocation of his naturalization because of his federal court conviction. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael F. Perry and Robert S. Levine.
Wagoner Man Sentenced to 60 Months for Felon in Possession of ExplosiveRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that JASON WAYNE CAREY, age 37, of Wagoner, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment, and 3 years supervised release for FELON IN POSSESSION OF EXPLOSIVE, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 842(i)(1) and 844(a)(1).
The Indictment alleged that on or about March 29, 2016, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce an explosive, to-wit: Hexamethylene triperoxide diamine, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
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 Chris Wilson represented the United States.
WRPS Agrees to Pay $5.275 Million to Settle False Time Card AllegationsRead the Press Release
Spokane, WA- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington (EDWA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), Civil Frauds Section, announced a settlement agreement with government contractor Washington River Protection Solutions LLC (WRPS) for $5,275,000. The settlement resolves allegations that WRPS knowingly submitted false claims to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) between October 2008 and July 2013 concerning internal audit processes and the submission of false timecards by WRPS workers’ seeking payment of overtime and premium pay.
The alleged conduct involved three different schemes. First, upon being awarded Hanford’s Tank Farms Contract in October of 2008, WRPS was explicitly advised by federal law enforcement of systemic timecard fraud being committed by WRPS’s workforce at the Tank Farms under WRPS’s then utilized procedures. Notwithstanding this notification, it is alleged that WRPS failed to take any steps during the next five years (i.e., until after July 2013) to initiate any changes of the faulty procedures and failed to curtail the timecard fraud. As a result of this failure, the timecard fraud alleged at the Tank Farm was allowed to continue in a variety of forms under WRPS’s management and while WRPS’s management and executives allegedly looked the other way.
According to the DOJ, the most common form of the alleged timecard fraud involved WRPS workers, with management’s acceptance, not fully accounting for their claimed overtime work. The lack of a full accounting of worker overtime made it impossible for DOE to determine to what extent the claimed overtime was actually performed.
Given that the previous DOE contractor, CH2M Hill Hanford Group Inc. (CHG), admitted during its administration of the Tank Farms from 1999 to 2008 that it criminally conspired with its employees to submit false time cards to DOE, WRPS’ lack of accountability for that same work force and its continued use of the same loose overtime accounting procedures was, at a minimum, reckless and irresponsible conduct by WRPS’s managers and executives.
Second, WRPS also allegedly allowed its workers to falsely claim additional overtime pay at government expense by falsely classifying the workers’ overtime work as Emergency Call In (“ECI”) overtime. Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with WRPS’s Tank Farms’ workforce, ECI could only be used when, as the result of an actual emergency, a worker was provided less than 16 hours of advanced notice of the need to work an overtime shift. However, it is alleged that WRPS almost always allowed its workers to code timecards for higher ECI overtime pay when no emergency or urgency existed. This scheme allegedly resulted in the DOE paying hundreds of thousands of dollars of inflated labor rates for overtime that was falsely coded as ECI.
The third alleged scheme involved WRPS management and executives looking the other way when employees submitted false or fraudulent timecards for work allegedly performed at the Tank Farms. To oversee certain audit requirements, WRPS elected to install its own general counsel as the head of the contractually required Internal Audit Department during the first three years of WRPS’s Tank Farm contract. While DOE was generally aware of WRPS’s internal structural arrangement, DOE was not aware of the full extent of WRPS’s general counsel’s allegedly directing the audit department’s day-to-day auditing processes. WRPS’s arrangement was problematic for a number of alleged reasons, including that WRPS’s general counsel allegedly had no auditing experience and she consistently worked to avoid providing any meaningful oversight of the alleged ongoing timecard fraud scheme. When DOE became more aware of the true nature and extent of WRPS’s general counsel’s role in its internal audit process, DOE required WRPS to remove the general counsel as head of the Internal Audit Department and required WRPS to hire a new internal audit manager who could exercise independent judgment and true oversight of the program as contractually required by WRPS’s public contract with DOE.
“Robust and fully functioning internal audit processes are the first line of defense against fraud on prime contracts issued to private contractors at Hanford,” said Michael C. Ormsby, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. “WRPS’s acknowledgement and resolution of the Justice Department’s allegations goes to the heart of that essential defense and required oversight of tax payer dollars. This settlement shows that prime contractors should be wary of cutting corners on any
contractually required internal auditing obligation. To its credit, WRPS appears to have recently remedied the problem and we commend the career internal auditors at WRPS who despite these alleged systemic failings continue their good work under challenging and sometimes difficult circumstances,” stated Mr. Ormsby.
The settlement agreement between the government and WRPS requires WRPS to pay the full $5,275,000 settlement within 30 days. As authorized under the False Claims Act, the settlement recovers more than double the alleged loss caused to DOE by WRPS’s alleged false timecard schemes.
“It is deeply concerning that, in the wake of WRPS’s predecessor, CH2M Hill Hanford Group Inc.’s previous admission to criminal timecard fraud conspiracy with employees at the Tank Farms, conduct that occurred just shortly before WRPS took over the DOE’s contract, that WRPS continued to bury its head in the sand and allegedly allowed much of the same timecard fraudulent practices to continue,” stated USA Ormsby.
After being notified in July, 2013 of the lack of vigilant internal controls, WRPS did take significant steps to try to address its timecard fraud problem, principally by altering its procedures, instituting a proxy card system, negotiating changes in the relevant Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), and by working to ensure an environment of more meaningful and vigorous internal auditing processes and controls.
“We hope this settlement and the other false claims enforcement actions this Office and the Department of Justice in Washington D.C. have pursued these past years will assist WRPS and other Hanford contractors to perform their important clean-up work in a responsible and accountable manner, and in a way that does not place scarce tax payer dollars at irresponsible risk,” said USA Ormsby.
Since 2009, the United States Attorney’s Office (EDWA) and DOJ components have recovered more than $150,000,000 in false claims damages and penalties from Hanford – DOE nuclear reservation contractors and employees.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Inspector General (OIG-DOE) and prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the Eastern District of Washington and the Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Frauds Section. A copy of the False Claims Act Settlement Agreement reached in this matter is attached.
This pre-lawsuit settlement resolves the fraud allegations that have been made. WRPS denies the allegations and there has been no formal determination of liability.
Attachment: Settlement Agreement
Virginia Beach Cocaine Trafficker Sentenced to 11 YearsRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – Jesus Lee, 37, of Virginia Beach, was sentenced today to 132 months in prison for his role in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy.
Lee pleaded guilty on July 6, 2016. According to court documents, Lee was the intended recipient of five kilograms of cocaine shipped in a tractor-trailer to Hampton Roads. After the cocaine was discovered during an out-of-state traffic stop, DEA agents supervised a controlled delivery to Lee, who received the drugs at an industrial lot in Chesapeake. After exchanging a bag of cash for the cocaine, Lee was immediately arrested. At sentencing, Lee was attributed with receiving dozens of kilograms of cocaine during the conspiracy.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Karl C. Colder, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Bosse prosecuted the case.
U.S. Attorney Boente would like to thank the DEA’s Mobile Resident Office for their assistance in the investigation.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:16-cr-93.
University of Pennsylvania Health System Agrees to Settle Voluntary Disclosure of Improper Medicare Billing for Unnecessary Stent ProceduresRead the Press Release
The United States announces that it has settled allegations under the False Claims Act with the University of Pennsylvania Health System (“UPHS”) for improperly billing Medicare for stent procedures two interventional cardiologists performed at Pennsylvania Hospital between 2008 and 2012. UPHS voluntarily disclosed the allegations to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and has agreed to pay $845,000 to resolve the matter. The cardiologists no longer work at Pennsylvania Hospital.
The government launched an investigation based on the UPHS voluntary disclosure. The investigation determined that UPHS submitted bills to Medicare for services provided by the cardiologists that the United States alleges were medically unnecessary, resulting in overpayments to UPHS. After it discovered the problem, UPHS cooperated with the government’s investigation, and implemented a new quality assurance plan for procedures performed in the Pennsylvania Hospital cardiac catheterization lab. In addition, UPHS notified potentially affected patients of its internal review of stent procedures and offered free evaluations by UPHS’ cardiologists. UPHS also voluntarily disclosed the allegations to state regulators.
This matter was investigated by the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services, and by Auditor Dawn Wiggins and Healthcare Fraud Analyst Ray Uhlhorn of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan R. Becker.
United States Reaches Settlement with Meadowvale Dairy of Rock Valley, Iowa, for Clean Water Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
Meadowvale Dairy, LLC, has agreed to pay a civil penalty and take actions to prevent illegal discharges to Iowa streams in compliance with the Clean Water Act, officials of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Justice announced today. Meadowvale Dairy operates multiple concentrated animal feeding operations in Rock Valley, Iowa.
Since 2002, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources has identified multiple violations of the dairy’s two National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits, which included fish kills in tributaries that lead to the Big Sioux River in 2004 and 2009. State and EPA inspections discovered evidence of additional unauthorized discharges of stormwater runoff into the tributaries in 2013 and 2014.
"This settlement sends a clear message that concentrated animal feeding operations must comply with Clean Water Act in order to prevent future discharges into our waters,” said John C. Cruden, Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The agreement requires remedial measures to reduce pollutants and protect aquatic ecosystems in the short term, as well as third party auditing to ensure long-term compliance with the terms of the consent decree and the controlling permits.”
“The vast majority of animal feeding operations adhere to the law and actively seek to be responsible stewards of the environment,” said Mark Hague, EPA Region 7 regional administrator. “The settlement today helps ensure a level playing field for all operators by holding those who violate environmental regulations accountable.”
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa Kevin Techau said, “The scope of the injunctive relief and the size of the civil penalty are a clear signal to Iowa’s CAFOs about the importance of compliance. This settlement demonstrates the Department of Justice's commitment to enforcing the Clean Water Act as enacted by Congress.”
As outlined in the proposed consent decree lodged today in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, in addition to civil penalties Meadowvale Dairy will be required to implement injunctive relief that includes short-term and long-term corrective measures to prevent unpermitted discharges of pollutants into tributaries. Injunctive relief includes:
- Retain an independent third party to develop and perform an audit, verifying compliance with the requirements of the proposed consent decree.
- Comply with all requirements of its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits, including adherence to its Nutrient Management Plan. A Nutrient Management Plan typically outlines management and conservation practices to optimize productivity of the operation while conserving nutrients and protecting the environment. It may include practices such as appropriate manure and fertilizer storage and handling methods, managing the diet of the animals, and/or irrigation practices.
- Ensure all production areas are designed, constructed and operated to prevent unpermitted discharges with an exclusion for a 25-year, 24-hour storm event.
EPA estimates that changes made by Meadowvale required by this proposed settlement will result in a reduction of approximately 200,000 pounds of pollutants discharged annually. These reductions help to protect aquatic ecosystems, decrease sedimentation and improve overall water quality. The settlement also requires Meadowvale Dairy to pay $160,000 in civil penalties for alleged violations of the Clean Water Act related to mismanagement of animal wastes.
Meadowvale Dairy operates two NPDES-permitted large concentrated animal feeding operations, confining approximately 10,000 head of cattle on a combined 185 acres in Rock Valley. The operation includes four locations – North Site and South Site (both permitted), a calf barn/hut, and a satellite concrete manure storage structure.
The proposed consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period and approval by the federal court. Meadowvale Dairy would be required to pay the monetary penalty within 30 days of the court's approval of the settlement.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 5:16-cv-4016-LTS. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
United States Reaches Settlement with Meadowvale Dairy of Rock Valley, Iowa, for Clean Water Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
Meadowvale Dairy, LLC, has agreed to pay a civil penalty and take actions to prevent illegal discharges to Iowa streams in compliance with the Clean Water Act, officials of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Justice announced today. Meadowvale Dairy operates multiple concentrated animal feeding operations in Rock Valley, Iowa.
Since 2002, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources has identified multiple violations of the dairy’s two National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits, which included fish kills in tributaries that lead to the Big Sioux River in 2004 and 2009. State and EPA inspections discovered evidence of additional unauthorized discharges of stormwater runoff into the tributaries in 2013 and 2014.
“This settlement sends a clear message that concentrated animal feeding operations must comply with Clean Water Act in order to prevent future discharges into our waters,” said John C. Cruden, Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The agreement requires remedial measures to reduce pollutants and protect aquatic ecosystems in the short term, as well as third party auditing to ensure long-term compliance with the terms of the consent decree and the controlling permits.”
“The vast majority of animal feeding operations adhere to the law and actively seek to be responsible stewards of the environment,” said Mark Hague, EPA Region 7 regional administrator. “The settlement today helps ensure a level playing field for all operators by holding those who violate environmental regulations accountable.”
“The scope of the injunctive relief and the size of the civil penalty are a clear signal to Iowa’s CAFOs about the importance of compliance. This settlement demonstrates the Department of Justice's commitment to enforcing the Clean Water Act as enacted by Congress” said U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa Kevin Techau.
As outlined in the proposed consent decree lodged today in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, in addition to civil penalties Meadowvale Dairy will be required to implement injunctive relief that includes short-term and long-term corrective measures to prevent unpermitted discharges of pollutants into tributaries. Injunctive relief includes:
- Retain an independent third party to develop and perform an audit, verifying compliance with the requirements of the proposed consent decree.
- Comply with all requirements of its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits, including adherence to its Nutrient Management Plan. A Nutrient Management Plan typically outlines management and conservation practices to optimize productivity of the operation while conserving nutrients and protecting the environment. It may include practices such as appropriate manure and fertilizer storage and handling methods, managing the diet of the animals, and/or irrigation practices.
- Ensure all production areas are designed, constructed and operated to prevent unpermitted discharges with an exclusion for a 25-year, 24-hour storm event.
EPA estimates that changes made by Meadowvale required by this proposed settlement will result in a reduction of approximately 200,000 pounds of pollutants discharged annually. These reductions help to protect aquatic ecosystems, decrease sedimentation and improve overall water quality. The settlement also requires Meadowvale Dairy to pay $160,000 in civil penalties for alleged violations of the Clean Water Act related to mismanagement of animal wastes.
Meadowvale Dairy operates two NPDES-permitted large concentrated animal feeding operations, confining approximately 10,000 head of cattle on a combined 185 acres in Rock Valley. The operation includes four locations – North Site and South Site (both permitted), a calf barn/hut, and a satellite concrete manure storage structure.
The proposed consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period and approval by the federal court. Meadowvale Dairy would be required to pay the monetary penalty within 30 days of the court's approval of the settlement.
U.S. Files Consent Decree Against O.C. Dietary Supplement Company to Stop Distribution of Adulterated and Misbranded ProductsRead the Press Release
SANTA ANA, California – The Department of Justice yesterday filed a consent decree in United States District Court that seeks a permanent injunction against the Irvine-based VivaCeuticals Inc. (doing business as Regeneca Worldwide) and its chief executive officer, Matthew A. Nicosia, to prevent violations of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA). As part of the settlement with the Justice Department, the defendants have agreed to cease all operations.
According to a civil complaint filed in late 2015, the defendants violated the FDCA by failing to manufacture dietary supplements in accordance with the FDA’s current good manufacturing practice (CGMP) regulations. The complaint also alleged that the defendants violated the FDCA by manufacturing and distributing a product called RegeneSlim Appetite Control, which contained the unsafe food additive 1, 3 dimethylamylamine (DMAA), and failing to disclose the presence of DMAA in RegeneSlim’s labeling. The complaint further alleges that the defendants violated the FDCA by marketing RegeneSlim to be used in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease, thereby causing RegeneSlim to be an unapproved new drug and a misbranded drug.
The defendants agreed to settle the litigation through a consent decree that would permanently prohibit them from committing violations of the FDCA. The consent decree requires the defendants to cease all operations, and requires that if the defendants wish to resume manufacturing dietary supplements or drugs in the future, the FDA first must determine that the defendants’ manufacturing practices have come into compliance with the law. The proposed decree is currently awaiting approval by United States District Judge Josephine L. Staton.
The government’s enforcement action resulted from a series of inspections by the United States Food and Drug Administration of the defendants’ manufacturing facility that found recurring FDCA violations of the same nature as those alleged in the complaint. The defendants failed to correct these violations, despite FDA warnings.
“When dietary supplement manufacturers place unsafe and undisclosed ingredients in their products and disregard CGMP regulations, they put the public health at risk,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice will continue to work closely with the FDA to prevent dietary supplement manufacturers from jeopardizing public health.”
“This case involves unsafe supplements, some of which contained DMAA, which can cause serious health problems, including the possibility of a heart attack,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “This company has a lengthy history of distributing drugs and dietary supplements in violation of the FDCA, but this settlement will ensure that this practice comes to an end.”
This matter was handled by Trial Attorneys Clint Narver and Monica Groat of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch, with assistance from Claudia Zuckerman of the FDA’s Office of the Chief Counsel.
Two defendants headed to prison for methamphetamine trafficking crimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two defendants were sentenced to federal prison today for their roles in a methamphetamine trafficking organization, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Joseph Cooper, 41, of Charleston and Las Vegas, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for possession of 50 or more grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Benjamin Childers, 41, of South Charleston, was sentenced to 10 years and a month in prison for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Law enforcement pulled Cooper over on January 20, 2016, in St. Albans, and seized over 170 grams of methamphetamine, 70 grams of crack, and over $30,000 in cash from the car. Cooper admitted that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine throughout the Southern West Virginia area.
Officers pulled over Childers in Kansas on November 14, 2015, and located approximately 1.7 pounds of crystal methamphetamine hidden underneath the vehicle. Lab testing confirmed that the crystal methamphetamine seized by law enforcement was 90% pure. Childers admitted that he was part of a conspiracy that involved Joseph Cooper to bring methamphetamine from Nevada for distribution in and around Charleston.
As part of this comprehensive drug investigation, three other codefendants have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Morgan Light, of Charleston and Las Vegas, Mark Cobb, of St. Albans, and Shayne Shamblen, of St. Albans, each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Light, Cobb, and Shamblen each admitted that they worked with Joseph Cooper to arrange for the shipment and transport of methamphetamine to West Virginia. Light, Cobb, and Shamblen each face up to 20 years in federal prison when they are sentenced on February 2, 2017.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is in charge of these prosecutions. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentences and is presiding over these cases.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Two Mexican Nationals Sentenced to Prison for Participating in Forced Labor SchemeRead the Press Release
Two Mexican nationals, who were working in the Homestead, Florida, area and elsewhere, were sentenced today to prison for their participation in a conspiracy to obtain and provide forced labor.
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Mark Selby, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.
Agustin Mendez-Vazquez, 44, and his son, Ever Mendez-Perez, 24, both originally of Mexico, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert N. Scola Jr. in October 2016. Agustin Mendez-Vazquez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to provide and obtain forced labor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1594(b), and was sentenced to 72 months’ imprisonment. Ever Mendez-Perez pleaded guilty to one count conspiracy to encourage and induce illegal aliens to reside in the United States, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324(a)(1)(A)(v)(I), and was sentenced to twelve months’ imprisonment. Agustin Mendez-Vazquez has also been ordered to pay restitution to the victims of his scheme.
“Forced labor equates to modern-day slavery and the United States Attorney’s Office, together with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners stand ready to prosecute those individuals who facilitate these illegal practices,” said U.S. Attorney Ferrer. “Agustin Mendez-Vazquez and Ever Mendez-Perez’s convictions stand as a reminder to the public that the law enforcement community will not tolerate human trafficking - in any form. We urge anyone with information regarding human trafficking and forced labor practices to contact the police.”
"When individuals are forced and exploited for their labor, it erodes our society's belief in the freedoms afforded to us under the laws of our nation,” said Mark Selby, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Miami. “HSI will continue to investigate this type of illegal activity and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice."
According to court records, Agustin Mendez-Vazquez, who worked as an unlicensed labor subcontractor on tomato farms in the Homestead area and elsewhere, utilized physical force, threats of physical force, threats of deportation, and debt bondage to maintain control over other migrant workers. Workers in Mendez-Vazquez’s control were beaten if they did not work every day; were subjected to harassment and abuse; and were required to relinquish large portions of their paychecks – sometimes their entire paychecks – to Mendez-Vazquez. Ever Mendez-Perez, who worked with his father, assisted in maintaining and supervising the migrant workers.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, in collaboration with ICE-HSI, leads the South Florida Human Trafficking Task Force, which works to increase public awareness, rescue victims, and prosecute traffickers. The task force is composed of not only federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, but also includes non-law enforcement partners, such as service providers, victim advocates, faith-based organizations, academic representatives and community members.
The Fair Food Standards Council, a non-governmental organization that monitors and enforces the rights of migrant farmworkers in the Fair Food Program, referred this matter to law enforcement. Mr. Ferrer would like to thank the Fair Food Standards Council, as well the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, the International Rescue Committee, and VIDA Legal Assistance, Inc., for their assistance with this case.
Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of ICE-HSI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Widlanski.
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.
Two Companies to Pay Nearly $2.5 Million to Settle Claims Related to Manufacture of Military Container SystemsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - Houston-based Advanced Containment Systems Inc. (ACSI) and Boh Environmental LLC,(Boh) have agreed to pay $2,483,000 to settle allegations that Boh sold the Department of Defense (DoD) steel storage containers that were not manufactured according to contractual requirements, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson. Boh, the DoD contractor, will pay the United States $783,000, while ACSI, the manufacturer and Boh’s subcontractor, will pay $1.7 million. The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
The allegations were brought to the attention of the United States through a whistleblower complaint brought by a former employee of ACSI. The allegations centered on a requirement in the DoD contract that Boh’s products, including expandable wall command center (EWCCs) and field pack-up systems (FPUs), be produced in accordance with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards. These standards are intended to provide a framework for businesses to use to continuously improve the quality of their products. Only certain organizations, called registrars, are authorized to review a company’s quality management system and certify that they meet ISO standards.
“Companies that provide supplies to our men and women in uniform must be held to a high standard,” said Magidson. “This settlement indicates our resolve in these matters for those that contract with the United States.”
The FPUs and EWCCs are used by American soldiers throughout the world and in the continental United States. Many were used in the Iraq war. The EWCCs are used as portable command centers, while the FPUs are used to store hardware, weapons and other heavy equipment.
The complaint alleged that in 2008, ACSI and Boh provided the Department of Defense ISO certifications that were not legitimate and that ISO quality standards were not, in fact, met. It also alleged numerous quality deficiencies associated with ACSI’s manufacturing process, such as the use of outdated engineering drawings, water leaks and door sealing problems.
ACSI and Boh later obtained legitimate ISO certification.
The investigation was conducted by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command’s Major Procurement Fraud Unit and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations - Office of Procurement Fraud. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Zingaro handled the matter for the Southern District of Texas.
Tracy Man Convicted of Making Harassing Phone Calls to U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission Employees and Another IndividualRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — After a three–day trial, a federal jury found Kulwant (Ken) Singh Sandhu, 56, of Tracy, guilty today of two counts of making harassing interstate telephone calls, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. The trial was held before U.S. District Judge Garland E. Burrell Jr.
“This conviction demonstrates the Office of Inspector General’s commitment to investigate individuals who harass SEC officials in carrying out their mission of protecting investors, maintaining fair and orderly functioning of securities markets, and facilitating capital formation. I would like to express my appreciation to the team from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, and the SEC OIG who worked diligently to bring this matter to justice.”
According to evidence presented at trial, since at least 2012, Sandhu has been making harassing phone calls to personnel at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), in Washington, D.C., and other private individuals. During 2015, Sandhu placed over 3,000 harassing phone calls to SEC employees, leaving at least 350 lengthy voicemails and also made hundreds of phone calls to another nongovernmental person. According to the evidence at trial, many of Sandhu’s phone calls to employees and his voicemails were profanity-filled tirades that repeatedly called for SEC personnel and others to be, among other things, rounded up, publicly hanged, water-boarded, burned alive, shot, and blown up with rockets and tanks. His comments were often sexually graphic and targeted individuals.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Security & Exchange Commission’s Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorneys Nirav Desai and James Conolly are prosecuting the case.
Sandhu is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Burrell on April 7, 2017. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of two years in prison on each count and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Three Valley Men Charged in Mortgage Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – Three Rio Grande Valley men have been arrested on federal wire fraud charges involving a fraudulent mortgage lending scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson.
A criminal complaint was filed under seal Jan. 12, 2017, against Guadalupe Artemio Gomez, 31, Luis Antonio Rodriguez, 36, and Rogelio Ramos Jr., 36. Authorities arrested Gomez and Ramos the following day, at which time they made their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ignacio Torteya. Today, the case was unsealed in its entirety as Rodriguez, who was previously incarcerated on unrelated charges, was taken into federal custody. He made his initial appearance before Peter Ormsby this morning and ordered to remain in custody pending further criminal proceedings.
The charges allege they all operated a “second chance” financing business under the names of T.G. and Wealth, Infinite Properties and Me In 3D, focusing on individuals who were financially unable to apply for traditional home financing. The defendants allegedly offered these individuals financing at a rate of 8.5 percent interest on the principle for a 20-year-term if they could afford a 10 percent down payment on the house of their choice.
Gomez, Rodriguez and Ramos allegedly conducted business in the area of San Antonio by recruiting realtors to funnel prospective home buyers to Infinite Properties. According to the charges, part of the scheme involved sending fraudulent bank account information through email correspondence to the realtors in order to create the appearance that Infinite Properties had millions of dollars in its accounts to finance the purchase of houses. Based on these false accounts, realtors allegedly introduced home buyers in need of second chance financing to Infinite Properties.
The criminal complaint alleges buyers entered fraudulent purchase agreements for properties they selected. These buyers made down payments to Infinite Properties to be used toward the purchase of their intended properties and were told closings would occur within 45-60 days, according to the charges.
The charges allege, however, that closings did not occur and the payments were never used for the purchases of the properties. In August 2016, Infinite Properties allegedly ceased to do business and the victims never received their money back.
If convicted, the defendants all face up to up to 30 years in federal prison and a possible $1 million fine.
The FBI investigated the case along with police departments in McAllen, Mission and Edinburg. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert L. Guerra Jr. is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Three Men Charged with Smuggling Liquid Methamphetamine in Gas TankRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. B Three men from Mexico appeared in federal court in Topeka today on charges of smuggling liquid methamphetamine into Kansas City, Kan., in the gas tank of a semi-trailer truck, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
The defendants are alleged to have smuggled more than 1,000 pounds of liquid methamphetamine that they pumped out of the gas tank of the truck.
Heraclio Estrella-Montero, 30, Yoan Alejandro Castillo-Zamora, 30, and Fernando Chavez-Rodriquez, 40, all of Mexico, are charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court papers, the men were arrested in Kansas City, Kan., about 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13, after pumping the liquid methamphetamine from the truck into five-gallon buckets.
If convicted they face a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million. Investigators include the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Kansas City DEA Special Response Team, and the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Hough is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Tahlequah Man Sentenced to 108 Months for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that FREDERIC PETERSEN BECK JR, age 55, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 108 months imprisonment, and 4 years 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 on or about December 23, 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 by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, the Tahlequah Police Department, the Muskogee Police Department, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The investigation was 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 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.
St. Clair County Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine OffensesRead the Press Release
On January 18, 2017, Ricky M. Carle, 28, of Marissa, was sentenced to federal prison for methamphetamine offenses, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Carle, who had previously pled guilty to an indictment charging him with one count of conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of pseudoephedrine knowing that it would be used to manufacture methamphetamine, was sentenced to 121 months of imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, and was fined $400.00. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Carle was involved with co-defendant Mistry D. Calvert and numerous other persons in the manufacture of methamphetamine and the distribution of ice and heroin in Williamson, Franklin, and Randolph Counties. Ice is methamphetamine which has a purity level of at least 80%. At sentencing, the district court found that Carle was responsible for the possession of 175.2 grams of pseudoephedrine and the distribution of 25.5 grams of ice and 2.6 kilograms of heroin. Co-defendant Calvert has pled guilty to her role in the drug offenses and is currently being held without bond pending an April 19, 2017, sentencing hearing.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and Marissa Police Department.
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Sentencings for January 12 - January 18, 2017Read the Press Release
Kiara Nicole Hall, 20, of Mount Morris, Michigan, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on January 18, 2017, for wire fraud. Hall was arrested in Rawlins, Wyoming. She received 15 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and $14,138.32 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Rock Springs Police Department, the Cheyenne Police Department, the Wyoming Highway Patrol and, the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Daniel Scott Clark, 58, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on January 18, 2017, for possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine. Clark was arrested in Gillette, Wyoming. He received 120 months of imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and $400.00 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office, the Wyoming Highway Patrol, and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Julie Ann Crosby, 44, of Glendale, Arizona, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on January 17, 2017, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Crosby was arrested in Glendale, Arizona. She received 24 months of imprisonment, to be followed by two years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and $400.00 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Thomas Murray Morstad, 67, of Lander, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on January 12, 2017, for possession of child pornography. Morstad appeared pursuant to a summons. He received 60 months of supervised probation and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. Restitution in this matter will be determined at a later date. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Schuylkill County Man Charged with Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Ernest Schaeffer, age 40, of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, was indicted on January 17, 2017, by a federal grand jury for methamphetamine trafficking and possessing firearms in connection with drug trafficking.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, the indictment alleges that Schaeffer conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine during June through October of 2016. Schaeffer is also charged with three counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possessing four firearms in connection with drug trafficking.
The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of real property owned by Schaeffer.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and Shenandoah Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (“VCRP”), a district wide initiative to combat the spread of violent crime in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the VCRP consists of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies whose mission is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes with firearms.
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 the drug conspiracy charge and the gun charge is life in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The drug conspiracy charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, and the gun charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison. 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.
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River Ridge Man Sentenced after Pleading Guilty to Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that CRAIG QUINTAL, age 41, of River Ridge, was sentenced yesterday after previously pleading guilty to crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children.
U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced QUINTAL to serve 18 months’ imprisonment to be followed by 7 years of supervised release. QUINTAL was also ordered to pay a fine in the amount of $5,000.00 and was ordered to register in compliance with the Sex Offender Registration Notification Act.
According to court records, beginning at an unknown time to on or about July 15, 2015, QUINTAL knowingly accessed child pornography with the intent to view images depicting the sexual victimization of minors. QUINTAL accessed visual depictions of minors under the age of twelve years-old engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
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."
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the U. S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Fraud Section Chief, Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.
Redding Woman Sentenced to Prison for Stealing More Than $400K from EmployerRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that that LISA LANDMAN, 48, of Redding, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to three months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for embezzling more than $400,000 from her employer. Judge Bolden also ordered LANDMAN to serve the first six months of her supervised release in home confinement.
According to court documents and statements made in court, LANDMAN was the bookkeeper for a Connecticut company. Between November 2010 and November 2013, LANDMAN defrauded her employer by authorizing and initiating at least 33 wire transfers from the company’s business bank account into her own personal credit card account. In total, LANDMAN transferred $410,410.02. from the company’s account to her personal credit card account and used the funds for personal purchases including jewelry, clothing, vacations, spa treatments, fitness equipment and entertainment tickets.
On September 19, 2016, LANDMAN pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, the Stamford Police Department and the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.
Randolph Man Sentenced for Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Randolph man was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court in Boston for two bank robberies.
Gary S. Judge, 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 57 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $6,292 in restitution. In October 2016, he pleaded guilty to two counts of bank robbery.
On July 28, 2014, an individual, later determined to be Judge, entered Century Bank in Braintree carrying a shoe box. He handed the teller a demand note that stated “PUT THE MONEY IN THE BOX NOW, $20’S $50’S AND $100’S.” The teller handed him $5,622 in cash and Judge then exited the bank. After law enforcement officers arrived and interviewed the tellers, details regarding the robbery were immediately disseminated on various law enforcement and public social media sites.
On Aug. 11, 2014, an individual, later determined to be Judge, entered a Milton branch of Citizens Bank carrying a shoe box and handed the teller a note that read, “PUT THE MONEY IN THE BOX NOW!!!$100’s, $50’s, AND $20’s.” The teller handed Judge $670 in cash, which he put in the shoe box, and exited the bank. Included in the currency given to Judge was a red dye pack. A bank customer observed red smoke emanating from the shoe box as Judge drove away in a Chrysler SUV with Massachusetts license plates.
A few weeks later, law enforcement officers received a tip that Judge might have been involved in the robberies. A recent picture of Judge matched bank surveillance photographs from both the Braintree and Milton robberies. It was also learned that Judge’s wife owned a Chrysler SUV matching the description from the Milton robbery. Judge was arrested on Dec. 30, 2014, and admitted to robbing the banks.
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. The Milton and Braintree Police Departments assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Weinreb’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Randolph County woman pleads guilty to illegal possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Alexis McDonald, 19, of Elkins, West Virginia, pled guilty to illegally possessing a firearm, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.
McDonald, who had previously been convicted of a felony offense in Pennsylvania, is prohibited from possessing a firearm. She admitted to possessing a .9mm caliber pistol in Barbour County, West Virginia in July 2016.
McDonald pled guilty to one count of “Felon in Possession of a Firearm.” She faces up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crime Task Force investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
President Obama Grants CommutationsRead the Press Release
Today, the President granted commutation of sentence to 330 individuals:
• Abdulmuntaqim Ad-Deen – Baltimore, MD
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; District of Maryland
Sentence: 235 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (October 8, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Lesly Alexis – Boca Raton, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine powder and more than 50 grams of cocaine base; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: 384 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $1,000 fine (July 29, 2003)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months' imprisonment.
• Gary J. Anderson – Barre, VT
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute MDMA; distribution of MDMA; District of Massachusetts
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 16, 2009)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on July 18, 2017.
• Terry Anderson – Mabank, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine; conspiracy to launder money; Eastern District of Texas
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (May 1, 1997)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Kevin Lavon Andrews – Clearwater, FL
Offense: Carrying or possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 120 months' supervised release (February 11, 2009)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 156 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment
• Daniel Ary, Jr. – Shreveport, LA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute; possession of a firearm in relation to drug trafficking; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 180 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (March 6, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Demetrius S. Autery – Winter Haven, FL
Offense: Possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 4, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Connie Avalos – Menifee, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; Eastern District of Kentucky
Sentence: Life imprisonment (November 30, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 235 months, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug abuse treatment.
• Derrick L. Baines – Kansas City, MO
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (June 27, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Tonya Barney – Ivins, UT
Offense: Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; District of Utah
Sentence: 204 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (June 10, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug abuse treatment.
• David Barren – Pittsburgh, PA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute over five kilograms of cocaine; conspiracy to structure financial transactions; concealment money laundering (31 counts); structuring (two counts); money laundering – avoid reporting requirements (six counts); promotion money laundering (2 counts); money laundering over $10,000 (seven counts); District of Maryland
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 5 years’ supervised release (August 11, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug abuse treatment.
• Herman Barron, III – Brooklyn, NY
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack); Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (March 25, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Tony Barrow – New York, NY
Offense: Importation of cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; District of Puerto Rico
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; 4 years’ supervised release (November 16, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Senaca Bartlett – Chicago, IL
Offense: Possess with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”); Western District of Wisconsin
Sentence: 210 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (November 29, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Christopher Bass – Orlando, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine and more than 50 grams of cocaine base; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 10, 2004)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment.
• Damion Rurshe Bates – Kalamazoo, MI
Offense: Distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack cocaine); Western District of Michigan
Sentence: 210 months' imprisonment; 5 years' supervised release (February 22, 2010)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Todd Begley – Nashville, TN
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine; Middle District of Tennessee
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (April 27, 1995)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Carolyn Ann Bell – Lawton, OK
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack); Western District of Oklahoma
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (May 21, 2009)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Curtis Bell – Miami, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; distribution of cocaine and aiding and abetting; Middle District of Alabama
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (May 22, 1995)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
- Henry P. Bennett, Jr. – Huger, SC
Offense: 1. Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of
cocaine; attempted possession with intent to distribute cocaine (three counts); possession with intent to distribute cocaine (three counts); District of South Carolina
2. Supervised release violation; District of South Carolina
Sentence: 1. Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (December 18, 2008)
2. 33 months’ imprisonment (concurrent) (December 18, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 273 months' imprisonment.
• Dorian Lee Benoit – Lake Charles, LA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine base and marijuana; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute marijuana; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 30, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Christopher Bernard – Shreveport, LA
Offense: Distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (March 30, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Elaine Beston – Great Falls, MT
Offense: Conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute; District of Montana
Sentence: 192 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (July 16, 2008); amended to 180 months' imprisonment (July 20, 2015)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• James Zell Bishop – Bay Minette, AL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine; Southern District of Alabama
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 21, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Benjamin Blount – Oakdale, LA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 8, 1999)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Walter Bradberry – Mobile, AL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (June 28, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Alonzo F. Brooks – Asheville, NC
Offense: Possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (February 26, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Adrian R. Brown – Athens, TN
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 15 kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride; conspiracy to knowingly conduct and attempt to conduct unlawful financial transactions affecting interstate commerce; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 12, 2005)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Jerome Brown – Pittsburgh, PA
Offense: Distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Western District of Pennsylvania
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (December 11, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Rodney Rodriguez Brown – Atmore, AL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine; Southern District of Alabama
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 months’ supervised release (June 5, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Pamela Brownlee – Decatur, GA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute a detectable amount of cocaine base (three counts); Southern District of Florida
Sentence: 188 months' imprisonment; four years' supervised release (December 19, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment
• Thomas Burton – Plain Dealing, LA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; possession of firearms during a drug trafficking crime; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 17, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months' imprisonment.
• Tiara Buskey – Pensacola, FL
Offense: Possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $500 fine (November 8, 2005)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Jeffrey Calhoun – Long Beach, CA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance (two counts); Central District of California
Sentence: 264 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 8, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Willie Albert Cannon – Tampa, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (two counts); possession of a firearm; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 420 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (January 17, 1995); amended to 352 months’ imprisonment (June 12, 2001)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Jose Carmona – Philadelphia, PA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; possession with intent to distribute heroin; Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (June 10, 1993)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Ramiro Cervantes – Blountsville, AL
Offense: Attempting to possess with the intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine; Northern District of Alabama
Sentence: 324 months' imprisonment; 120 months' supervised release; $2,000 fine (January 23, 2003)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 235 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• John Dennis Chapman – Piedmont, AL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine; conspiring to launder monetary instruments; Northern District of Georgia
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 4, 2009)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 168 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Raul Chavez – San Jose, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine; Eastern District of California
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; 60 months' supervised release (December 18, 2000)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months' imprisonment.
• Artrone Cheatham – Montgomery, AL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; Middle District of Alabama
Sentence: 235 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (September 23, 2003)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Calvin Burkett Clark – Jefferson, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; District of South Carolina
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 13, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 168 months’ imprisonment.
• Kenneth Clark – Calumet City, IL
Offense: Possession of cocaine base (crack) with the intent to distribute; Central District of Illinois
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 19, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 120 months’ imprisonment.
• Jeffrey Glynn Coleman – Milwaukee, WI
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute in excess of five kilograms of cocaine; Eastern District of Wisconsin
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (October 2, 2006); amend to 240 months' imprisonment (December 17, 2009)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Cassandra Collins – Jefferson, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (April 4, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Ladarius Venice Cook – Florissant, MO
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base (crack); felon in possession of a firearm; Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (June 28, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 200 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Cortez Cooper – Harvey, IL
Offense: 1. Possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to
distribute cocaine base; Northern District of Illinois
2. Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; use of a telephone in the commission of a felony drug trafficking offense (two counts); possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Northern District of Illinois
Sentence: 1. 120 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (January 29, 2004)
2. 240 months’ imprisonment (concurrent); eight years’ supervised release; $1,000 fine (August 2, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Trenton A. Copeland – Pensacola, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (March 23, 2012)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 168 months’ imprisonment.
• John Timothy Cotton – Houston, TX
Offense: Continuing Criminal Enterprise; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (January 26, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment.
• Johnnie L. Cotton – Venice, IL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; felon in possession of a firearm; Southern District of Illinois
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $900 fine (August 15, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Timothy G. Craig – Greenville, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine; District of South Carolina
Sentence: 292 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (March 8, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Japlin Cureton – Charlotte, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; 8 years’ supervised release (September 29, 2004) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Steven Jermonte Cureton – Huntersville, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base, cocaine, marijuana, and 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine a/k/a ecstasy; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (December 11, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Keith Adell Dancer – Waco, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine; Western District of Texas
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $3,000 fine (February 16, 1995)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment.
• Timothy Lashaun Dandridge – Midfield, AL
Offense: Unlawful distribution of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base (three counts); unlawful possession with the intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base; unlawful possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Northern District of Alabama
Sentence: 180 months’ imprisonment; 60 months’ supervised release (January 9, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Terrance H. Darby – Newark, NJ
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime; possession of a weapon by a convicted felon; District of New Jersey
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; four years' supervised release (April 3, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Emanuel Jurel Davidson – Columbus, OH
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute in excess of 50 grams of cocaine base; Southern District of Ohio
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $2,000 fine (June 2, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Shondu Maurice Dawson – Raleigh, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base (crack) and more than 500 grams of cocaine; carried a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime and possess said firearm in furtherance of such drug trafficking crime; Eastern District of North Carolina
Sentence: 241 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (April 12, 2005); amended to 214 months' imprisonment (September 19, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Gary Allen Day – West Monroe, LA
Offense: Possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (October 11, 2005)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Maria Aide Delgado – Weslaco, TX
Offense: 1. Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, 218.5 kilograms of marijuana (two counts); Southern District of Texas
2. Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base, and marijuana; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 1. 100 months’ imprisonment; four years’ supervised release; $15,000 fine (October 10, 2007)
2. 240 months’ imprisonment (consecutive); 10 years’ supervised release (April 19, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence for conviction imposed in the Western District of Louisiana commuted to 110 months and unpaid balance of $15,000 fine imposed in the Southern District of Texas remitted when her sentence expires.
• Damon Andre Dill – Chester, PA
Offense: Felon in possession of a firearm; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Sentence: 322 months’ imprisonment; six years’ supervised release (September 5, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Qustion Dingle – Okeechobee, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; possession of a quantity of crack cocaine; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; Southern District of Florida
Sentence: 216 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release; $1,000 fine (May 1, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019 and unpaid balance of the $1,000 fine remitted when his sentence expires, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Michael A. Douglas, Jr. – Lynchburg, VA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a substance containing cocaine base; felon in possession of a firearm; Southern District of Indiana
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $1500 fine (April 25, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Dezmend Rashawn Doweary – Norfolk, VA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin; Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (November 22, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Lourdes Castro Duenas – Mangilao, Guam
Offense: Criminal conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine hydrochloride (ICE); possession of methamphetamine hydrochloride with intent to distribute; District of Guam
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (December 2, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug abuse treatment.
• Alton J. Easley – Kansas City, KS
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of crack cocaine; conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine; Northern District of Iowa
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 2, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Keith Edgerson – Ann Arbor, MI
Offense: Felon in possession of a firearm; possession of a stolen firearm; possession with intent to distribute marijuana; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Eastern District of Michigan
Sentence: 294 months’ imprisonment; four years’ supervised release (June 6, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Christopher Demetrius Elliott – Brandon, FL
Offense: Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon; possession of marijuana; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: 180 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (May 14, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Carla Grace Engler – Dubuque, IA
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) within 1,000 feet of a protected location; attempting to manufacture five grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) within 1,000 feet of a protected location (two counts); possession of red phosphorus knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that it would be used to manufacture methamphetamine; failure to appear on pretrial release; Northern District of Iowa
Sentence: 361 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (December 12, 2006); amended to 325 months’ imprisonment (March 21, 2015)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 200 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Michael Delevan Engles – Tulsa, OK
Offense: Felon in possession of a firearm (two counts); possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, and sentencing enhancement; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Northern District of Oklahoma
Sentence: 420 months’ imprisonment; six years’ supervised release (February 24, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 270 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Travis J. Every – Harvey, LA
Offense: Distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base (2 counts); distribution of less than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride; distribution of five grams or more of cocaine base; conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Louisiana
Sentence: 300 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (September 3, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 175 months’ imprisonment.
• Paul S. Fields – Emmalena, KY
Offense: Manufacture of over 100 marijuana plants; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 188 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (July 26, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 10 years’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Linda Finch –Anniston, AL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack); possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack); Northern District of Alabama
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (April 1, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Carroll James Flowers – Galena, KS
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture or distribute more than one kilogram of methamphetamine; District of Kansas
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (June 19, 2002)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Chauncey Floyd – Spartanburg, SC
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and cocaine; District of South Carolina
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (August 26, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Lance Foster – Gary, IN
Offense: Distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base, commonly known as crack cocaine/aiding and abetting; Northern District of Indiana
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (June 15, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, and conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Stacy Dean Foster- Bethel, OK
Offense: Attempt to manufacture methamphetamine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; establishment of manufacturing operations; Eastern District of Oklahoma
Sentence: 352 months’ imprisonment; 4 years’ supervised release (June 13, 2006); amended to 295 months’ imprisonment (August 17, 2016)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Robert L. Franklin – Montgomery, AL
Offense: Engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise; possession with intent to distribute cocaine and aiding and abetting; distribution of cocaine base (2 counts); distribution of cocaine; carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking charge; Middle District of Alabama
Sentence: Life plus 60 months’ imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 22, 1995)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment
• James Anthony Frink – Chadbourn, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base (crack); distribution of five grams or more of cocaine base (crack) and aiding and abetting (three counts); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense; Eastern District of North Carolina
Sentence: 187 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $9,050 fine (January 7, 2008); amended to 180 months’ imprisonment (December 16, 2014)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017 and unpaid balance of the $9,050 fine remitted.
• Mike Fulton – Winterville, GA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession of firearm by convicted felon; Middle District of Georgia
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; 5 years’ supervised release (January 10, 2001) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Melvin Fudge – Grand Rapids, MI
Offense: Committing a drug trafficking offense within 1,000 feet of a school; Western District of Michigan
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $10,000 fine (October 28, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019 and unpaid balance of the $10,000 fine remitted when his sentence expires, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Jose Luis Garcia – Gretna, LA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine (five counts); Eastern District of Louisiana
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $25,000 fine (March 20, 1996)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 300 months' imprisonment and unpaid balance of $25,000 fine remitted when his sentence expires, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Juan Garcia – Tyler, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana; aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute marijuana; witness tampering; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (September 28, 1999)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Raymond Garcia – Las Vegas, NV
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance; possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; District of Nevada
Sentence: 293 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (November 13, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Rene Garcia, Jr. – Independence, MO
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Western District of Missouri
Sentence: 327 months' imprisonment, five years' supervised release, $261,600 fine (September 3, 1999)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017 and unpaid balance of $261,600 fine remitted.
• Antonio Maurice Gardner – Temple, TX
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute at least five grams of “crack” cocaine, a Schedule II narcotic drug controlled substance, within 1,000 feet of a public school; aiding and abetting; Western District of Texas
Sentence: 235 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (August 4, 2006); $1,000 fine
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Reginald Stern Gardner – Mason City, IA
Offense: 1. Possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of cocaine base, cocaine, and marijuana after having previously been convicted of two felony drug offenses; Northern District of Iowa
2. Escape from custody; Northern District of Iowa
Sentence: 1. 360 months' imprisonment (consecutive); eight years' supervised release (May 12, 2004)
2. 24 months' imprisonment (May 12, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 234 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Gregory A. Garton – Casper, WY
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and aiding and abetting; distribution of methamphetamine; felon in possession of a firearm; felon in possession of ammunition; carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime (three counts); District of Wyoming
Sentence: 900 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $2,200 fine (April 9, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment and unpaid balance of $2,200 fine remitted when his sentence expires, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Dustin Gary – Philadelphia, PA
Offense: 1. Criminal conspiracy; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base(crack); felon in possession of a firearm; Eastern District of Pennsylvania
2. Possession of a prohibited object (marijuana) while in prison; District of New Jersey
Sentence 1. 292 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release, $1,500 fine
(September 12, 2002); amended to 240 months’ imprisonment (July 8,
2008)
2. Six months’ imprisonment (consecutive) (October 17, 2011)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment
• Robert Raymond Garza – Harlingen, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (January 30, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months' imprisonment.
• Tavaris Gay – Miami, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Southern District of Florida
Sentence: 200 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $5,000 fine (June 18, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 130 months’ imprisonment, and unpaid balance of $5,000 fine remitted when his sentence expires, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Eric German – Haughton, LA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine; conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; conspiracy to commit money laundering; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: Life imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (December 15, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 324 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Daniel Gilliam – Columbia, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base; District of South Carolina
Sentence: 222 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 28, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment
• Troy Gilmore ─ Eutawville, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine and cocaine base; conspiracy to launder money; District of South Carolina
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (September 10, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Terry Glasscock – Lebanon, KY
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine; using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime or possessing a firearm during, in relation to, and in furtherance of such crime; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: 425 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (September 17, 1999)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 295 months' imprisonment.
• Earl Glenn, Jr. – Chester, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of a quantity of cocaine and 280 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of crack cocaine; District of South Carolina
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (November 20, 2012)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 235 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Waymon Audra Goodley – Hillsboro, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine; use of a communication facility to facilitate the commission of a drug felony (two counts); Eastern District of Texas
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 19, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017
• William Goodwill ─ Decatur, IL
Offense: Distribution of fifty or more grams of cocaine base; Central District of Illinois
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (January 20, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Robby Joe Goram –Eight Mile, AL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to manufacture methamphetamine; Southern District of Alabama
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (November 12, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 140 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• William Leonardo Graham – Essex, MD
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine; District of Maryland
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 6, 2009)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 300 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment
• Wilbert Decosta Greaves – Jacksonville, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; distribution of cocaine base; Eastern District of North Carolina
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; 60 months’ supervised release; $17,100 fine (January 4, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Charles Lee Green – Ville Platte, LA
Offense: Distribution of cocaine base (crack); Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 300 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (March 23, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Samuel Green – Wilmington, DE
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; felon in possession of firearms; District of Delaware
Sentence: 420 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (July 18, 1994); amended to 360 months’ imprisonment (June 12, 1997)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Vaughn Greene – Brooklyn, NY
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine and at least 1,000 kilograms of marijuana; Northern District of Georgia
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 1, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire May 19, 2017.
• Stuart John Greger – Glennville, GA
Offense: Distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack); Southern District of Georgia
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (December 7, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Tyrone Grimes – Inwood, NY
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base, and marijuana within 1,000 feet of a public elementary school; engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, convicted felon in possession of a gun; Eastern District of New York;
Sentence: 420 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (October 29, 1999)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment.
• Ricky Lee Groves – Smithfield, NC
Offense: Continuing criminal enterprise; use of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime and aiding and abetting; trading food stamps for cocaine base and aiding and abetting (five counts); Eastern District of North Carolina
Sentence: Life imprisonment plus 60 months' imprisonment, five years' supervised release (February 16, 1995)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment.
• Thaddeas Kulani Thomas Hall – Waipahu, HI
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; District of Hawaii
Sentence: 180 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (June 16, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Forrest Hamm – Miami, FL
Offense: 1. Possession of contraband (marijuana) in a federal correctionalinstitution; District of New Jersey
2. Possession with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine; Middle District of Georgia
3. Supervised release violation; Southern District of Florida
Sentence: 1. Two months' imprisonment (consecutive) (September 3, 2013)
2. 262 months' imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (February 5, 2004)
3. 30 months’ imprisonment (consecutive) (June 3, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Eddie Harley – Baltimore, MD
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute a mixture containing cocaine, heroin, and cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute a mixture containing cocaine; possession with intent to distribute a mixture containing cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute a mixture containing heroin; District of Maryland
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (January 21, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Monica Haro – Mission, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to commit money laundering; Western District of Texas
Sentence: 188 months' imprisonment; three years' supervised release; $1,000 fine (November 12, 2009)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Anthony T. Harris – Murfreesboro, TN
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine and some quantity of marijuana; distribution of 50 grams of crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of a protected area; Middle District of Tennessee
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 8, 2004)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Antone C. Harris – Indianapolis, IN
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base; Southern District of Indiana
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment’ 10 years’ supervised release (September 8, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Brandon W. Harris – Mt. Vernon, IL
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine; Southern District of Illinois
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $200 fine (May 3, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Clenneth J. Harris – Chattanooga, TN
Offense: Possession of 50 grams or more of cocaine base for distribution; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (November 6, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Efrem Zemblish Harris – Tulsa, OK
Offense: Conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine in excess of five kilograms, cocaine base in excess of 50 grams, and a quantity of marijuana, and sentencing enhancement; conspiracy to use telecommunication facilities to commit or facilitate acts constituting a felony and sentencing enhancement; conspiracy to establish or maintain a location for the purpose of storing or distributing controlled substances and sentencing enhancement; possession of marijuana with intent to distribute; interstate travel in aid of racketeering; Northern District of Oklahoma
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $5,000 fine (June 5, 2003)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment and unpaid balance of $5,000 fine remitted when his sentence expires.
• Eric Harris – Philadelphia, PA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base and marijuana; distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (four counts); distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute marijuana; possession of cocaine and cocaine base with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school; Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 12 years' supervised release; $2,500 fine (January 19, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019 and unpaid balance of $2,500 fine remitted when his sentence expires, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Linwood Claude Harris, Jr. – Monroe, GA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine; Northern District of Georgia
Sentence: 250 months' imprisonment; 20 years' supervised release; $2,000 fine (February 10, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment.
• Shaun Kevin Harris – Sutton, WV
Offense: Cocaine conspiracy; aiding and abetting distribution of crack cocaine (two counts); distribution of crack cocaine; possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; Northern District of West Virginia
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $5,000 fine (January 30, 2002)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Tyrone A. Harris – Spotsylvania, VA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine base; Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; 60 months’ supervised release (August 15, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Charles Harrison – Charlotte, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute one kilogram or more of heroin; District of Columbia
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $25,000 fine (July 21, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017 and unpaid balance of $25,000 fine remitted.
• Marlon R. Harrison – Savannah, GA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Southern District of Georgia
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (November 26, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Todd Lowell G. Haworth – Kina, ID
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; District of Idaho
Sentence: 276 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $2,000 fine (December 21, 2005); amended to 235 months' imprisonment (October 13, 2015)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Andre Haynes – Miami, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute at least 50 grams of cocaine base; Southern District of Florida
Sentence: 202 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (January 25, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on October 16, 2017.
• Gregory Hearn – Kilgore, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 2, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment
• Antonio Jeron Hemphill – Rock Hill, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base; District of South Carolina
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 14, 2005)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment
• Michael Henderson – Newark, NJ
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (December 24, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Walter Henry, III – Capitol Heights, MD
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin; aiding and abetting; unlawful possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin (two counts); District of Columbia
Sentence: Life imprisonment; four years’ supervised release (March 12, 2001)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Lejandra Deshawn Herman – Knoxville, TN
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 2, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Domingo Hernandez – Ledgewood, NJ
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute controlled substance; unlawful transport of firearms; District of New Jersey
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (October 2, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment.
• Jackie Hernandez – Park Forest, IL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin; knowingly and intentionally used telephone in furtherance of a drug offense; Northern District of Indiana
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (October 23, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Keith Angelo Hernandez – Atlanta, GA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession of a firearm during commission of a crime; Northern District of Georgia
Sentence: 322 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (January 25, 1996)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Ramiro Hernandez – Edinburg, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance; Eastern District of Wisconsin
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $8,400 restitution (March 13, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Hassan Hills – Pensacola, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, 50 grams or more of cocaine base, and marijuana; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $1,500 fine (December 19, 2001)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Eric Hinton – Ypsilanti, MI
Offense: Distribution of a controlled substance (2 counts); Eastern District of Michigan
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; 5 years’ supervised release (February 9, 1999)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Brian Douglas Hoggard – Coatesville, PA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack); distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack) and aiding and abetting (2 counts); Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Sentence: 204 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $3,000 fine (March 27, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on July 19, 2018 and unpaid balance of the $5,000 fine remitted when his sentence expires.
• Lawrence Honore – New Orleans, LA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack); Eastern District of Louisiana
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (August 28, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Charles Allen House – Garden Grove, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Northern District of Texas
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (May 17, 1996)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment
• Daniel Alfonso Jacobo – Cedar Rapids, IA
Offense: Possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture after a conviction for felony drug offense; Northern District of Iowa
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 10, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment
• Walter Jenkins – Colorado Springs, CO
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute 50 grams of cocaine base and aiding and abetting; possession of firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; possession of firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime (second and subsequent conviction); District of Colorado
Sentence: 720 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (August 8, 2001)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 322 months' imprisonment
• Antwaine Tacoma Johnson – Littleton, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack); Eastern District of North Carolina
Sentence: 183 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (December 11, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Dempsey Johnson – Kansas City, MO
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute MDMA and cocaine base; Western District of Missouri
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 10, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 162 months’ imprisonment.
• Karmell Demetrius Johnson – Mobile, AL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine; use, carry, or possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Southern District of Alabama
Sentence: Life plus 60 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 14, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Thomas Johnson – Miami, FL
Offense: Felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition; possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute a detectable amount of cocaine powder; Southern District of Florida
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment, eight years' supervised release (September 29, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Antonio D. Jones – Nashville, TN
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession of firearms in relation to a drug trafficking offense; felon in possession of firearms; Middle District of Tennessee
Sentence: Life plus five years' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 15, 2004)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Kiwanis Miyo Jones – Clayton, AL
Offense: Controlled substance - sell, distribute, or dispense (4 counts); violent crime/drugs/guns; unlawful transport of firearms; Middle District of Alabama
Sentence: Life plus 60 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 16, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 170 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Ryan K. Jones – Ste. Genevieve, MO
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine; possess a listed chemical used to manufacture methamphetamine; Western District of Wisconsin
Sentence: 328 months’ imprisonment; three years’ supervised release (December 23, 2003); amended to 240 months’ imprisonment (May 18, 2015)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Wayne Jordan – Morrisville, PA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; distribution of methamphetamine; Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (April 1, 1998); amended to 324 months' imprisonment (January 29, 2015)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Bobby Dale Kelley – Coweta, OK
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine; Northern District of Oklahoma
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $5,000 fine (March 17, 2005) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Kenneth Earl Kelley – Mossy Head, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (December 23, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Corey Kelly – Camden, NJ
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five grams of crack cocaine; distribution of crack cocaine (two counts); District of New Jersey
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; 4 years’ supervised release; $2,000 fine (September 5, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• John Kelly – Monroe, LA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base with prior narcotics convictions; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (June 12, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Alfred William Kemfort – Maui, HI
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; District of Hawaii
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 17, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Douglas Kennedy – Hillside, NJ
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute narcotics; narcotics possession (three counts); possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime (two counts) possession of a weapon by a convicted felon (two counts); District of New Jersey
Sentence: 180 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (August 21, 2008); amended to 480 months’ imprisonment (July 2, 2013)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Robert Ketchledge – Delano, PA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute over 50 grams of cocaine base; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Southern District of Florida
Sentence: 195 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (August 10, 2007); amended to 180 months' imprisonment (April 4, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Alonzo King – Kansas City, MO
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine following a prior felony drug conviction; Northern District of Iowa
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (August 26, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Moses King – North Charleston, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; District of South Carolina
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (January 26, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Wendell Dean Kopp – Billings, MT
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking offense (two counts); District of Montana
Sentence: Life plus five years’ imprisonment (October 21, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Allan Aquino Lafuente – Kapolei, HI
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; distribution of five or more grams of methamphetamine (two counts); distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; District of Hawaii
Sentence: 300 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $1,000 fine (September 14, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months’ imprisonment, and unpaid balance of $1,000 fine remitted when his sentence expires.
• Dennis Chan Lai – San Francisco, CA
Offense: Continuing criminal enterprise; possession with intent to distribute, aiding and abetting (31 counts); possession of illegal weapon (two counts); possession of weapon without serial numbers; Northern District of California
Sentence: Life plus 10 years’ imprisonment; five years’ parole (July 8, 1988)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Linnard O. Lawson – New Brighton, PA
Offense: 1. Felon in possession of a firearm; possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 5 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base, commonly known as crack; Western District of Pennsylvania
2. Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; felon in possession of a firearm; Northern District of Ohio
Sentence: 1. 120 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (August 26, 2009)
2. Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $5,000 fine (October 6, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment and unpaid balance of $5,000 fine remitted when his sentence expires.
• Wendell Layne – Soddy Daisy, TN
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride; attempt to possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride; aiding and abetting; distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; felon in possession of a firearm; obstruction of justice; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 3, 1997)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• James Marcus LeBlanc – Lake Charles, LA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; distribution of cocaine base (three counts); Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 120 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (January 14, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Tarry Cordell London – Mansfield, LA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession of a firearm in relation to drug trafficking; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 180 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (November 7, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Gilbert Lopez – Fayetteville, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine; distribution of cocaine and aiding and abetting; conspiracy to launder drug proceeds; laundering of monetary instruments and aiding and abetting (14 counts); Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (September 13, 1993)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment
• James Keith Loveless – Pixley, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; District of Nebraska
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (June 30, 1997); amended to 292 months' imprisonment (December 17, 2015)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017
• James Lynch – Greenville, IN
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute in excess of 50 grams of methamphetamine (two counts); possession with intent to distribute in excess of five grams of methamphetamine; Southern District of Indiana
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (October 20, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Michael Anthony Mahan – Flint, MI
Offense: Distribution of an unspecified quantity of cocaine base (2 counts); possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine; Western District of Michigan
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $5,000 fine (May 9, 2005)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017, and unpaid balance of the $5,000 fine remitted
• Larry Steven Malone – Bend, OR
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine; manufacture methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; felon in possession of a firearm; District of Oregon
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (July 3, 1995); amended to 360 months' imprisonment (October 5, 2016)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Kenio Marshall – Snellville, GA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (January 11, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Crystal Dawn Mattern – Dilworth, MN
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a controlled substance; District of North Dakota
Sentence: 228 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 5, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Valencia K. Matthews – Centralia, IL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine; distribution of less than five grams of crack cocaine; Southern District of Illinois
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $400 fine (June 28, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Johnny Ray McAtee – Dubuque, IA
Offense: Attempt to manufacture and aid and abet the manufacturing of 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine (pure) after being convicted of one or more felony drug offenses; possession of pseudoephedrine, knowing the pseudoephedrine would be used to manufacture methamphetamine; possession of red phosphorous, knowing the red phosphorous would be used to manufacture methamphetamine; Northern District of Iowa
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 7, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Joseph McBride – Trenton, NJ
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine; carrying or possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (July 12, 2002)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• John McCallum – Spring Valley, NY
Offense: Narcotics conspiracy; distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (two counts); Southern District of New York
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 9, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• John McCauley – Chicago, IL
Offense: Distribution of 4.41 grams of cocaine after having been previously convicted of a felony drug offense; distribution and aid and abet the distribution of 3.61 grams of cocaine base and .76 grams of cocaine after having been previously convicted of a felony drug offense; distribution and aid and abet the distribution of .51 grams of cocaine base after having been previously convicted of a felony drug offense; distribution and aid and abet the distribution of 19.17 grams of cocaine base after having been previously convicted of a felony drug offense; failure to appear; Northern District of Iowa
Sentence: 366 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release; $2,150 restitution (April 2, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• James McCloud – Rochester, NY
Offense: Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of cocaine base; felon in possession of a firearm; Western District of New York
Sentence: 180 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release; $1,500 fine (June 20, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019 and unpaid balance of $1,500 fine remitted when his sentence expires, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Jeffrey Preston McClung – Harrisonburg, VA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute marijuana; distribution of marijuana; carry a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense; money laundering; Western District of Virginia
Sentence: 410 months' imprisonment; 48 months' supervised release (July 10, 1998); amended to 387 months' imprisonment (March 23, 2015)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• John McCray, Sr. – East Saint Louis, IL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine base; distribution of heroin and cocaine base; Southern District of Illinois
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $750 fine (March 6, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• James McDade – Shreveport, LA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; conspiracy to commit laundering of monetary instruments; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (May 10, 2001)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment.
• Frederick McGary – Hammond, LA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Eastern District of Louisiana
Sentence: 300 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (February 20, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Martin McGee – Beersheba Springs, TN
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 202 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (November 9, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Ezekial McLain – Albany, NY
Offense: Conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Northern District of New York
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 6, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Cartell Alexander McLemore – Milwaukee, WI
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; being a felon in possession of a firearm; being a felon in possession of ammunition; Eastern District of Wisconsin
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (October 26, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017
• Randy McMahan – Wellford, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; District of South Carolina
Sentence: Life plus 120 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (April 18, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment.
• Recco Salaves Meeks – Shelby, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: 230 months and six days’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (September 26, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Deone Antonio Melvin – Upper Marlboro, MD
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; money laundering conspiracy; distribution of cocaine; possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking (2 counts); felon in possession of a firearm; District of Maryland
Sentence: 540 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (September 26, 2005)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months' imprisonment.
• Luis Marin Mendoza-Esquivel – Riverside, CA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute, distribution, and aiding and abetting the distribution of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture following a prior felony drug conviction; Northern District of Iowa
Sentence: 290 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (December 13, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Wayne Merrell – Dunlap, TN
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (November 15, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Richard Glen Milburn – Limestone, TN
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana; conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; attempt to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine; carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense (two counts); attempt to possess with the intent to distribute marijuana; attempt to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession of an unregistered short barreled firearm; possessing contraband in prison; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 480 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (April 19, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Kristi Miller – Santa Maria, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture 50 grams or more of methamphetamine actual or 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 6, 2011)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Timothy Wayne Miller – London, KY
Offense: 1. Conspiracy to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (4 counts); possession with intent to distribute oxycodone; carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime; Eastern District of Kentucky
2. Knowingly failed to appear; Eastern District of Kentucky
Sentence: 1. 300 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 8, 2004)
2. 120 months’ imprisonment (concurrent); three years’ supervised release (July 8, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Robert W. Mims – Pensacola, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $500 fine (May 21, 2002)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Ervin Mincey – Swainsboro, GA
Offense: Distribution of 27.72 grams of cocaine base; Southern District of Georgia
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (January 17, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 210 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• James Edward Mitchell – Oxnard, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; District of Montana
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 31, 2005)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Lewis Lynn Mitchell – Medical Lake, WA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; District of Montana
Sentence: 288 months’ imprisonment, eight years’ supervised release (August 2, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Terry Mitchell – Miami, FL
Offense: Continuing criminal enterprise; distribution of cocaine and aiding and abetting (two counts); carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime; Middle District of Alabama
Sentence: Life plus 60 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (May 22, 1995)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Emmett Alvin Monson – Rosedale, NY
Offense: Conspiracy: possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride and heroin; possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride (two counts); possess with intent to distribute heroin (four counts); Middle District of North Carolina
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; 8 years’ supervised release (September 20, 1993)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Richard Ruiz Montes ─ Escalon, CA
Offense: Conducting a continuing criminal enterprise; manufacture of marijuana and aiding and abetting; possession with intent to distribute marijuana and aiding and abetting; possession with intent to distribute marijuana (two counts); Eastern District of California
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 60 months’ supervised release (November 21, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Anthony Lawayne Moon – Knoxville, TN
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (September 28, 2004)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Larry D. Moon ─ Louisville, KY
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (2 counts); Western District of Kentucky
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (August 21, 1996); amended
- 360 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (September 24, 1999)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Sentra Moore – Montgomery, AL
Offense: Aiding and abetting possession to distribute cocaine hydrochloride; aiding and abetting possession to distribute 50 or more grams of cocaine base; aiding and abetting firearm/drug trafficking; Middle District of Alabama
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (October 1, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Steven Rayford Moore – Sherman, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; Eastern District of Texas
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $5,000 fine (June 26, 2001)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months' imprisonment and unpaid balance of the $5,000 fine remitted.
• Jeremy Jason Morefield – Shreveport, LA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (July 13, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Chico Untras Morgan – Opelika, AL
Offense: Distribution of a controlled substance (cocaine base); Middle District of Alabama
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (January 21, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, and conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Fred Lenard Morrison – Valdese, NC
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine; simple possession of cocaine base; District of South Carolina
Sentence: 320 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (December 13, 1996)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• David Andrew Mortensen – Salt Lake City, UT
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams of methamphetamine; District of Utah
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 60 months' supervised release (September 18, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Cory D. Mosby – Rock Island, IL
Offense: Possession of cocaine base (crack) with intent to distribute; possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking; felon in possession of firearms; Central District of Illinois
Sentence: 322 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release; $2,500 fine (August 17, 2007); amended to 300 months’ imprisonment (March 10, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 195 months’ imprisonment and unpaid balance of $2,500 fine remitted when his sentence expires.
• Leo Muhammad – Compton, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine; Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (November 21, 2005); amended to 292 months’ imprisonment (January 29, 2015)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment.
• Saeed Abdul Muhammad – Spotsylvania, VA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride; Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: Life imprisonment; three years’ supervised release (August 22, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 210 months' imprisonment
• Dottie Nixon – Lincolnton, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute a quantity of cocaine and cocaine base within 1,000 feet of a school; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; six years' supervised release (August 13, 2001); amended to 324 months' imprisonment (November 19, 2015)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Alonzo Norman, Jr. – Springfield, LA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base and aiding and abetting; distribution of cocaine base; Eastern District of Louisiana
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (February 18, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Deon Christopher Nowell – Charleston, SC
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; District of South Carolina
Sentence: 300 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (March 10, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Charles Lee Parker – Marietta, GA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; Southern District of Mississippi
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 25, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months' imprisonment.
• William Howard Penn, Jr. – Morgan City, LA
Offense: Narcotics, sell distribute or dispense, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute; narcotics – sell, distribute or dispense, possession with intent to distribute; racketeering, narcotics – interstate travel in aid of illegal activity; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (November 10, 1997)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Christopher Clayton Pfaff – Ottumwa, IA
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine; Southern District of Iowa
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (June 26, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Hope Aree Pinkerton – Alta, IA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture and manufacture five grams or more of methamphetamine actual after having been convicted of a prior felony drug offense; Northern District of Iowa
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (August 5, 2004)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment
• Larry Blane Pittman – San Diego, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of a mixture of methamphetamine; Western District of Kentucky
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (December 20, 2001)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Max Orvel Plumlee – Newport News, VA
Offense: Engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise; distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine (eight counts); use of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime (two counts); distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (two counts); renting, leasing, and making premises available for storing and distributing cocaine; conspiracy; money laundering (five counts); engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity (four counts); Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: Life imprisonment plus 300 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (July 18, 1994)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Charles Edward Price – Vicksburg, MS
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; Southern District of Mississippi
Sentence: 292 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release; $1,500 fine (June 3, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017 and unpaid balance of the $1,500 fine remitted.
• Calvin Pritchett ─ Cleveland, OH
Offense: Possession with the intent to distribute cocaine; felon in possession of a firearm; Northern District of Ohio
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (November 30, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Tony Roger Pullings – Ocala, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine hydrochloride and cocaine base; distribution of cocaine (three counts); Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (May 14, 1999)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Dennis Ragland – Lincoln, AL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of controlled substances; distribution and possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances; felon in possession of a firearm; use and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; Northern District of Alabama
Sentence: 330 months’ imprisonment; three years’ supervised release (November 29, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 210 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Sergio Ramirez – Des Moines, IA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; distribute methamphetamine; Southern District of Iowa
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (January 22, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on July 18, 2017.
• Alex Randell – Tallahassee, FL
Offense: Possess with intent to distribute cocaine base, conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 23, 1999)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment
• Ernest Reagan ─ Knoxville, TN
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride; felon in possession of firearms; possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 16, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 168 months’ imprisonment, conditioned on upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Johnnie C. Reed – Spartanburg, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (February 7, 1997)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment
• Kristen Reed ─ Winchester, TN
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 27, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Anthony Jaron Richardson – Charlotte, NC
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; use and carry of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (October 16, 2002)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Cory D. Rigmaiden – Fresno, TX
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (August 18, 2005)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Robert James Riley – Clackamas, OR
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute LSD; Southern District of Iowa
Sentence: Life imprisonment (November 4, 1993)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2018.
• Jerry K. Roberson – St. Petersburg, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (December 15, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Samuel Roberts – Kinston, NC
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (two counts), simple possession of cocaine base; Eastern District of North Carolina
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (August 31, 1998)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Charles Bernard Robinson – Raleigh, NC
Offense: Possession with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base (crack); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Eastern District of North Carolina
Sentence: 322 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (February 5, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Gerald Robinson – Overland, MO
Offense: Conspiracy to possess pseudoephedrine knowing it would be used to manufacture methamphetamine; possession of pseudoephedrine knowing it would be used to manufacture methamphetamine (two counts); Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: 220 months’ imprisonment; two years’ supervised release (December 14, 2006); amended to 177 months’ imprisonment (April 27, 2015)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Glenn Vincent Robinson – Stilwell, OK
Offense: Attempt to manufacture methamphetamine (two counts); possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense (two counts); Eastern District of Oklahoma
Sentence: 555 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (April 27, 2004); amended to 480 months’ imprisonment (July 21, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• John Robinson – Charlotte, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (April 1, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 200 months’ imprisonment.
• Joseph E. Robinson – Tallulah, LA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base with prior narcotics conviction; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base with prior narcotics conviction (seven counts); Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (January 6, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Luther Lee Robinson – Greensboro, NC
Offense: Conspiracy: distributed cocaine base (crack); Middle District of North Carolina
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (August 24, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• William Everett Robinson – Crestview, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; convicted felon in possession of a firearm/armed career criminal; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: Life plus 60 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 10, 1999)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on July 18, 2017, conditioned upon enrollment in non-residential drug treatment (NRDAP).
• Juan Rodriguez ─ Edinburg, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine; Eastern District of New York
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (May 18, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Germaine Roebuck ─ Champaign, IL
Offense: Distribution of five or more grams of cocaine base (crack); Central District of Illinois
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (November 21, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Marvin G. Roland – Wauchula, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; use and carry a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; Eastern District of North Carolina
Sentence: 322 months’ imprisonment; 5 years’ supervised release; $10,000 fine (July 12, 1999)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017 and unpaid balance of $10,000 fine remitted.
• Randolph Rolle ─ Miami, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack cocaine), 500 grams or more of cocaine and 100 grams or more of heroin; Southern District of Florida
Sentence: 292 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (February 5, 2007); amended to 262 months’ imprisonment (December 31, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 200 months, conditioned on enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Jerrick Lamont Rorie – Marshville, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base and five kilograms or more of cocaine; District of South Carolina
Sentence: 264 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (October 27, 2009); amended to 240 months’ imprisonment (July 2, 2012)
Commutation grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 168 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Charlie Lee Ross, Jr. – Houston, Texas
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (six counts); Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $20,000 fine (January 25, 2001)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019 and unpaid balance of $20,000 fine remitted when his sentence expires, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Ted Ross – Dallas, TX
Offense: Conspiracy; money laundering; felon in possession of a firearm; Northern District of Texas
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (February 16, 1994)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Timnah Rudisill – Hendersonville, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 24, 2002)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Tyrone Sain – Memphis, TN
Offense: 1. Attempt to possess with intent to distribute approximately three kilograms of cocaine, a controlled substance; Western District of Tennessee
2. Possession of a controlled object, marijuana, in a federal correctional institution; Western District of Tennessee
Sentence: 1. 360 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (January 27, 1999)
2. Two months’ imprisonment (consecutive) (October 4, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Both prison sentences commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Dyron K. Sampson – Arcadia, LA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 9, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Jose Alfredo Sanchez, Jr. ─ Grafton, ND
Offense: Continuing criminal enterprise; District of North Dakota
- 240 months’ imprisonment; four years’ supervised release (March 29, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 210 months’ imprisonment.
• Helen Evette Sanders – Altamont, TN
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (August 9, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Ramon A. Santos – Providence, RI
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine; Northern District of Texas
Sentence: 260 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $25,000 fine (March 24, 2005); amended to 211 months' imprisonment (February 11, 2016)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months' imprisonment and unpaid balance of the $25,000 fine remitted.
• David M. Scates ─ Richmond, VA
Offense: Possession of cocaine, aiding and abetting; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, aiding and abetting; Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: 293 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (April 23, 1999)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Joseph Schwartz – Philadelphia, PA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine; Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release; $500 fine (November 1, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Aaron A. Scott – Petersburg, VA
Offense: Distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base within 1,000 feet of a public school; Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: 188 months’ imprisonment; six years’ supervised release (April 21, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on July 18, 2017.
• Kenneth E. Scott ─ Scott City, MO
Offense: Possession of pseudoephedrine knowing it will be used to manufacture methamphetamine; felon in possession of a firearm; Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: 296 months’ imprisonment; three years’ supervised release (December 2, 2003); amended to 237 months’ imprisonment (March 17, 2015)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Stephen Scott – Worcester, MA
Offense: Possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute; unlawful possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number; felon in possession of a firearm; District of Massachusetts
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (February 8, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Timothy Wayne Seabury- Satsuma, AL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine; attempt to manufacture methamphetamine; Southern District of Alabama
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (November 18, 2011)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 235 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Burnette Trione Shackleford ─ Georgetown, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base and 5 kilograms or more of powder cocaine; District of South Carolina
Sentence: 264 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (August 14, 2007); amended to 212 months’ imprisonment (August 11, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Duane Sheffield – Augusta, GA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 300 months’ imprisonment; 8 years’ supervised release (June 18, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 151 months, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug abuse treatment.
• Michael William Shranklen – Ankeny, IA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; Southern District of Iowa
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (October 30, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on August 17, 2017.
• Jeremy Simmons – Chicago, IL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (mixture) and less than 500 grams of cocaine (mixture); distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base (mixture) (four counts); Southern District of Indiana
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (March 16, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to 360 months’ imprisonment.
• Damenion Sims – Houston, TX
Offense: Possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Louisiana
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (February 20, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment
• Willie Small – Denver, CO
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 or more grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; distribution and possession with intent to distribute 13.382 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; distribution and possession with intent to distribute 13.323 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; distribution and possession with intent to distribute 26.295 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; distribution and possession with intent to distribute 6.457 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; distribution and possession with intent to distribute 26.764 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; distribution and possession with intent to distribute 26.866 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; distribution and possession with intent to distribute 23.484 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; distribution and possession with intent to distribute 32.756 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; distribution and possession with intent to distribute 54.174 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; distribution and possession with intent to distribute 26.356 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; distribution and possession with intent to distribute 14 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting (two counts); distribution and possession with intent to distribute seven grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting (five counts); distribution and possession with intent to distribute 27 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; use of a communication facility to conspire to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, aiding and abetting (13 counts); distribution and possession with intent to distribute 3.5 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting (two counts); distribution and possession with intent to distribute 56 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; possession with intent to distribute .244 grams of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; possession with intent to distribute 175 grams or more of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; money laundering, aiding and abetting; District of Colorado
Sentence: Life imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (April 21, 2004)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 300 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Bernard Gary Smith, Jr. – Warsaw, VA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine and to distribute marijuana; Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (November 7, 2003)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Felicia Smith – Shreveport, LA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: 292 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (December 15, 2005); amended to 188 months’ imprisonment (January 4, 2017)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• John Wayne Smith – Charlotte, NC
Offense: Possess with intent to distribute and distribute cocaine base; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: 216 months’ imprisonment; four years’ supervised release (March 22, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Lawrence Smith – Immokalee, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base, “crack cocaine”; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 235 months’ imprisonment; 4 years’ supervised release (January 22, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment.
• Nathaniel Smith, Jr. – Eden, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base crack; Middle District of North Carolina
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (March 8, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Ronald Benjamin Smith – Demopolis, AL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; using and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking felony; Southern District of Alabama
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 11, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Teresa Smith – Baird, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance; Northern District of Texas
Sentence: 309 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (August 24, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Anthony B. Southard – Youngstown, OH
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute approximately 100.3 grams of cocaine base; carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; Northern District of Ohio
Sentence: 300 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (June 27, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Thaddeus A. Speed – Kankakee, Illinois
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack); distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack); possession of five grams of more of cocaine base (crack) with intent to distribute it; Central District of Illinois
Sentence: Life imprisonment (March 3, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 262 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Glen Alan Spicer – Dobson, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine; possessed firearms in commerce after felony conviction; Middle District of North Carolina
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 11, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Michael Stacey – Charlotte, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; 5 years’ supervised release (July 29, 2004) Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Jason L. Stewart – East Cleveland, OH
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute in excess of 50 grams of cocaine base; Northern District of West Virginia
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; 5 years’ supervised release (December 1, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Jubali Dushawn Stokes ─ Chicago, IL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute “crack” cocaine; Eastern District of Wisconsin
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; repayment of $2,010 of “buy money” as a condition of supervised release (March 4, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 120 months’ imprisonment and condition of supervised release requiring repayment of $2,010 of “buy money” is also commuted.
• Jonathan L. Stout – Memphis, TN
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute over five grams of cocaine base; possession of over five grams of cocaine base with intent to distribute; possession of cocaine with intent to distribute; Western District of Tennessee
Sentence: 1,200 months’ imprisonment; four years’ supervised release (December 14, 2004); amended to 300 months’ imprisonment; three years’ supervised release (August 22, 2008); amended to 292 months’ imprisonment (November 1, 2011)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months’ imprisonment.
• Tyrone Sturdivant ─ Mason City, IA
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture and distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base and to distribute cocaine salt; distribution of cocaine salt (two counts); Northern District of Iowa
Sentence: 348 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (October 26, 2006); amended to life imprisonment (May 3, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Jorge Luis Suarez-Maya – Cabo Rojo, PR
Offense: Possess with intent to distribute cocaine; possess and carry a revolver during the commission of a drug trafficking crime; District of Puerto Rico
Sentence: Life plus 60 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (November 22, 1993)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Raymond Roger Surratt, Jr. – Shelby, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (October 31, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 200 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Andre Rashad Sutton – Chattanooga, TN
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base and cocaine hydrochloride; possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (May 21, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Lambert Dorell Sweat – Manning, SC
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute a quantity of marijuana and cocaine; felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition; using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; District of South Carolina
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; six years’ supervised release (July 19, 2011)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Alan Sylvester – Jamaica, NY
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; District of Maryland
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 24, 2006); amended to 360 months’ imprisonment (August 3, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 260 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Jeffrey Tate – Chapel Hill, NC
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Eastern District of North Carolina
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (October 23, 1997)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Richard Len Taylor, Jr. – Deep Gap, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine; using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime and aiding and abetting; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: 322 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release, $10,142.86 restitution (August 9, 2005); amended to 300 months’ imprisonment (November 19, 2015)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Joshua John Terry – Chattanooga, TN
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 180 months’ imprisonment; 5 years’ supervised release (March 20, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Charles Edward Thomas – Odessa, TX
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute more than five grams of crack cocaine; possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; Western District of Texas
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (November 30, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Elton F. Thomas – Ontario, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute in excess of 50 grams of cocaine base (“crack”); Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 300 months’ imprisonment; 5 years’ supervised release (February 11, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Benjamin C. Thompkins, Jr. ─ Amelia, VA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon; manufacture and possess with intent to distribute marijuana; Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: 300 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (February 6, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Anthony Dwayne Thompson – Los Angeles, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine; Southern District of Iowa
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (November 19, 2004); amended to 240 months’ imprisonment (June 21, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Jerome Thompson – Kansas City, MO
Offense: Distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Western District of Missouri
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 20, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Wayne D. Thompson – Richmond, VA
Offense: Possess with intent to distribute cocaine base within one thousand feet of a school; Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 16 years' supervised release (December 10, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 220 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• William Thorne – Patterson, NJ
Offense: Distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of cocaine base; District of New Jersey
Sentence: 200 months’ imprisonment; four years’ supervised release (June 28, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• James Mark Thornton ─ Knoxville, TN
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 327 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 10, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• William Tisdale – Greensboro, NC
Offense: Distributed cocaine base (crack); Middle District of North Carolina
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (March 28, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Jim L. Townsend – Memphis, TN
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine; possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and aiding and abetting in same; Western District of Tennessee
Sentence: Life imprisonment (October 23, 1992)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2018.
• Brosarick Ernesto Trammell – Roanoke, Alabama
Offense: Distribution of (50) fifty grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base “crack”; Northern District of Alabama
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (March 24, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• James Tranmer – Hackensack, NJ
Offense: Conspiracy to import marijuana; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: 420 months’ imprisonment; eight years’ supervised release (August 3, 1994)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Melvin Tucker – Chicago, IL
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture and distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base and to distribute cocaine salt after a conviction for a felony drug offense; distribution and aiding and abetting the distribution of 12.39 grams of cocaine base after a conviction for a felony drug offense; distribution and aiding and abetting the distribution of 16.83 grams of cocaine base after a conviction for a felony drug offense; Northern District of Iowa
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (November 29, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• John Robinson Turner – Pensacola, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: 420 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (June 23, 1993)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Antonio Luna Valdez, Jr. – Weslaco, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base and marihuana; Western District of Louisiana
Sentence: Life imprisonment (September 17, 2012)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 168 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Aldo Venegas – Pecos, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; Western District of Texas
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (December 11, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Donald LeRoy Wagaman – Glenwood, IA
Offense: Manufacture in excess of 50 grams of methamphetamine; Southern District of Iowa
Sentence: 185 months’ imprisonment; four years’ supervised release (February 22, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Bernard A. Walker – Knoxville, TN
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 25, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Yakez Walker ─ Deerfield Beach, FL
Offense: Distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Southern District of Florida
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (June 25, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
- Eric Arthur Walton – Wheeling, WV
Offense: 1. Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute
marijuana; conspiracy to launder monetary instruments; interstate transportation in aid of racketeering (2 counts); laundering of monetary instruments; aiding and abetting in the possession with intent to distribute marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school; Northern District of West Virginia
2. Conspiracy to defraud U.S., to wit: corruptly endeavor to influence, intimidate, or impede a petit juror; attempt to influence a petit juror and aiding and abetting; Northern District of West Virginia
Sentence: 1. Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $20,000 fine (July 26, 1994)
2. 60 months’ imprisonment (consecutive); three years’ supervised release (June 2, 1997)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 387 months' imprisonment.
• Charles Ward – Martinsburg, WV
Offense: Aiding and abetting in the distribution of 28.7 grams of cocaine base; Northern District of West Virginia
Sentence: 200 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (September 28, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 151 months’ imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Jeffrey Ward – Memphis, TN
Offense: Possession and distribution of 57.9 grams cocaine base; possession and distribution of 70.2 grams cocaine base; Western District of Tennessee
Sentence: 262 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (July 2, 2004)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug abuse treatment.
• Timmy Don Ware – Oklahoma City, OK
Offense: Participation in racketeering activities; conspiracy to participate in a criminal racketeering enterprise; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin; possession with intent to distribute heroin (three counts); use of telephone to facilitate a conspiracy; Western District of Oklahoma
Sentence: 33 years’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (September 29, 1988)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Dan Russell Watson – Mediapolis, IA
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture at least 500 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine; Southern District of Iowa
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release, $4,959 restitution (May 28, 2009)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019 and unpaid balance of the $4,959 restitution obligation remitted, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Raymond Allen Watts – Hyattsville, MD
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base commonly known as crack; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; District of Maryland
Sentence: 292 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (December 29, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 200 months’ imprisonment.
• Harold Lindsey Webster – Des Moines, IA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute at least 50 grams of cocaine base; Southern District of Iowa
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (January 25, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Donald Welch ─ Trenton, NJ
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine; carrying or possessing a firearm during and relation to a drug trafficking crime; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 300 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (July 12, 2002)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Derrick White – Schriever, LA
Offense: Distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Louisiana
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (January 9, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months’ imprisonment.
• Carlos Whitehead ─ St. Louis, MO
Offense: Manufacture and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession of heroin; possession of cocaine; possession of marijuana; Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (August 25, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Winston Wilkins – West Palm Beach, FL
Offense: Distribution of crack cocaine (2 counts); Southern District of Florida
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; 5 years’ supervised release; $15,000 fine (January 23, 1998)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019 and unpaid balance of $15,000 fine remitted, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug abuse treatment.
• Glenn Williams – Raleigh, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack); Eastern District of North Carolina
Sentence: 480 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $17,050 fine (March 18, 1996)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Harry David Williams – Oklahoma City, OK
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; maintaining a residence to facilitate the distribution of methamphetamine, aiding and abetting; Western District of Oklahoma
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; six years’ supervised release (November 1, 2000)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Maurice Victor Williams – Oxon Hill, MD
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of "crack" cocaine; Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (August 31, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Robert Lee Williams, III – High Point, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine hydrochloride; Middle District of North Carolina
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (November 12, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Marshall R. Wilson – Kansas City, KS
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; District of Kansas
Sentence: 180 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (December 20, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• William Wilson – Independence, LA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base ("crack"); Eastern District of Louisiana
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (February 15, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Gregory C. Womack – Oklahoma City, OK
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine; manufacturing methamphetamine; manufacturing methamphetamine, aiding and abetting; maintaining a place for the purpose of manufacturing methamphetamine, aiding and abetting; Western District of Oklahoma
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (January 26, 1999)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on July 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
• Marshane Woods ─ Mebane, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine hydrochloride and 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (February 23, 2005)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 360 months.
• Ayande Yearwood – Baltimore, MD
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; District of Maryland
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release; $17,500 fine (October 20, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019 and unpaid balance of $17,500 fine remitted when his sentence expires, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug abuse treatment, unpaid remainder of fine remitted.
• Antonio Antwain Young – Maryville, TN
Offense: Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: 180 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (May 29, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Calvin Tyrone Young – Winston-Salem, NC
Offense: Conspiracy: Distribute crack; Middle District of North Carolina
Sentence: 360 months’ imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (May 15, 1997)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 19, 2017.
• Connie Jermaine Young ─ Spartanburg, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine; Eastern District of Tennessee
Sentence: Life imprisonment (November 26, 2007)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in the residential drug treatment.
• Travis Demetrius Youngblood – Union Spring, AL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; Eastern District of Kentucky
Sentence: 240 months’ imprisonment; 10 years’ supervised release (March 12, 2008)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on January 19, 2019, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
- Henry P. Bennett, Jr. – Huger, SC
Pickens Man Enters Guilty Plea in Federal Court for Possession of a Pipe BombRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Matthew Joseph Kelley, age 28, of Pickens, pled guilty this morning in federal court in Anderson for possession of a destructive device, a violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 5861. United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain accepted the plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Kelley faces a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. Kelley was arrested on federal firearms charges on August 23, 2016, and has remained in custody since his federal arrest.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on that August 19, 2016, members of the United States Marshals Task Force and deputies from the Pickens County Sheriff's Office, while attempting to serve an arrest warrant for an individual believed to be at a residence in Easley, came into contact with Kelley. When deputies arrived at the residence, several people were present and the owner allowed deputies to search the home. Deputies then received consent to search the belongings of other individuals at the home. When deputies searched a bag belonging to Kelley, they located a pipe bomb.
The United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force and the Pickens County Sheriff's Office investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen in the Greenville U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.
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Pennsylvania Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Kidnapping, Jewelry Store RobberyRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TIMOTHY FORBES, 35, of Allentown, Pa., pleaded guilty today in Bridgeport federal court to federal charges stemming from his role in a violent kidnapping and jewelry store robbery in April 2013.
According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 9:00 p.m. on April 11, 2013, Kasam Hennix, William Davis, Christopher Gay and Jeffrey Houston, all of whom were wearing masks and gloves and two of whom were armed with handguns, broke into an apartment on Gravel Street in Meriden, Conn., bound four victims with duct tape and covered their heads with pillowcases, towels and jackets. Hennix, Davis, and Houston then forced two of the victims into a victim’s vehicle and drove to Lenox Jewelers in Fairfield, Conn., where the two victims worked. FORBES traveled to Fairfield in a separate vehicle, and Gay remained in the Meriden apartment to guard the two other victims.
After Hennix, Davis and Houston arrived at the Fairfield store, they stole jewelry, watches and loose diamonds with a total replacement value of more than $3 million. They then fled in the victim’s car, leaving the two victims bound inside the store. Hennix, Davis and Houston abandoned the victim’s vehicle and got into FORBES’ vehicle. One of the defendants called Gay to advise him that they had successfully carried out the robbery and that he should leave the apartment. The defendants then fled the state.
The five defendants were arrested in May 2013.
Investigators determined that FORBES, Houston and Gay had traveled from Pennsylvania to Connecticut on several occasions in the weeks prior to the robbery in order to track the victims’ movements between Lenox Jewelers in Fairfield and their residence in Meriden. In addition, FORBES and Gay placed a GPS on one of the victim’s vehicles in an effort to make it easier to track him.
FORBES pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping, one count of interference with commerce by robbery and one count of use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford on April 13, 2017, at which time he faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of seven years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
Hennix, of Easton, Pa., Davis, of Allentown, Pa., Houston, of Allentown, and Gay, of the Bronx, N.Y., also pleaded guilty to federal charges. On April 17, 2015, Davis was sentenced to 176 months in prison; on January 27, 2016, Gay was sentenced to 102 months in prison, and, on February 8, 2016, Hennix was sentenced to 171 months of imprisonment. Houston awaits sentencing.
The defendants have been ordered to pay restitution of more than $3.1 million, and have forfeited gemstones, jewelry, watches, a vehicle, and more than $127,000 in cash seized from them at the time of their arrests.
FORBES has been involved in at least three other similar jewelry store robberies, including one that occurred in York, Pa., in July 2012. During that robbery, one of FORBES’ co-defendants shot the owner of the store, permanently disabling him. On March 23, 2016, FORBES was sentenced in the Middle District of Pennsylvania to 14 years of imprisonment for his role in that robbery.
This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fairfield Police Department and Meriden Police Department. U.S. Attorney Daly also acknowledged the assistance provided by the U.S. Marshals Service and FBI in New York and Pennsylvania; the York, Allentown and Bethlehem Police Departments in Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracy Lee Dayton and Joseph Vizcarrondo.
Parkersburg man and woman sentenced to federal prison for heroin crimesRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – A man and woman from Parkersburg who were caught transporting heroin were sentenced to prison this week after being convicted of federal drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. David J. Kerns, 27, and Katie M. Kerns, 26 (no relation), previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin. Katie Kerns was sentenced yesterday to two years and five months in federal prison. David Kerns was sentenced today to two years and eight months in federal prison.
On February 19, 2015, members of the West Virginia State Police stopped the vehicle that David Kerns and Katie Kerns were driving in Parkersburg. Troopers observed them cross from Ohio into West Virginia over the U.S. Route 50 “Dupont Bridge” as they were bringing heroin from Cincinnati. Troopers searched the vehicle and recovered approximately 10 ounces of heroin concealed in tubes of grease. At the plea hearing, the defendants admitted that David Kerns purchased the heroin for $20,000 from a source Katie Kerns introduced him to in Cincinnati.
This case was investigated by the West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is handling the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
This prosecution is part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of pills and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Paradise Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — U.S. District Judge Morrison C. England Jr. sentenced Bret Allan Nichols, 32, of Paradise, today to 30 years in prison for production of child pornography to be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. The 30-year sentence is the maximum punishment allowed by the statute.
On June 18, 2015, Nichols pleaded guilty to production of child pornography. According to court documents, on December 12, 2012, law enforcement in the United States received a referral from the Danish National Police related to a video containing child pornography. Further investigation revealed that the video was made by a Florida couple running a business that used a computer to stream illicit sexual sessions at the request of customers. In August 2012, Nichols paid the Florida couple to produce child pornography and recorded it. A forensic search of Nichols’ computer seized during the subsequent search of his residence found multiple videos that Nichols had recorded of five additional child victims in Colombia and the Philippines.
The Florida couple were prosecuted in the Northern District of Florida and received sentences of 29.5 and 35 years in prison.
“Nichols committed horrendous crimes against multiple children, and the substantial sentence that the court imposed today reflects the seriousness of his crimes,” stated U.S. Attorney Talbert. “Every child deserves a childhood safe from abuse like this. Our office is committed to protecting society, and particularly children, by prosecuting cases like this.”
This case was the product of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant United States Attorney William Wong prosecuted the case.
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 those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet safety education.
Operation “REAL-TIME”: Spartanburg Man Enters Guilty Plea in Federal Court on Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Frederick Jermaine Porter, age 27, of Spartanburg, pled guilty on Wednesday in federal court in Anderson to a felon in possession of a firearm indictment. United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain accepted the plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Porter, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition, faces a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. Porter was arrested on federal firearms charges on September 19, 2016, and has remained in custody since his federal arrest.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on September 15, 2016, Spartanburg Police Department Investigators approached Porter as he walked down the street based on a tip that he would be in possession of a pistol inside a book bag. During the encounter, officers discovered a marijuana cigarette located on the ground by Porter and arrested him. Once arrested, officers searched the book bag and found a loaded .38 caliber revolver.
Porter was arrested federally as a part of “Operation Real-Time.” The goal of this program is to identify individuals for federal prosecution with significant criminal histories who continue to actively possess firearms in the Upstate community. In addition to the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Real Time’s core partners include the Greenville Police Department; the Anderson Police Department; the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services; the South Carolina Highway Patrol; United States Probation; the Department of Homeland Security; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the 13th Circuit Solicitor’s Office; and, the United States Attorney’s Office. Since August of 2015, the initiative has resulted in the expedited federal prosecution of some 90 defendants and seizure of approximately 110 firearms as well as assorted ammunition from prohibited persons.
Greenville County Sheriff Will Lewis and his office are crucial partners in this effort. "The Greenville County Sheriff's Office is committed to removing illegal weapons from violent offenders and are very glad to be a part of this program and will offer any assistance we can."
U.S. Attorney Beth Drake commended the partnership between the state and federal agencies that led to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the U.S. Attorney’s Office adopting the case, “We work best when we work together. This ‘real time’ identification of high risk offenders is smart policing, and we welcome the opportunity to work alongside our state chiefs and sheriffs in taking violent repeat offenders out of our communities.”
The Spartanburg Police Department along with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen in the Greenville U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.
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Operation "Real-Time": Greenville Man Enters Guilty Plea in Federal Court on Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Giovonni Dequese Cecil, age 23, of Greenville, pled guilty this morning in federal court in Anderson to a felon in possession of a firearm indictment. United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain accepted the plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Cecil, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition, faces a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. Cecil was arrested on federal firearms charges on June 16, 2016, and has remained in custody, detained without bond, since his federal arrest.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on June 14, 2016, members of the Greenville County Sheriff's Office responded to a call placed by Cecil from a local hotel room. Cecil relayed to a dispatcher that he was a convicted felon who had guns and drugs in his room and wanted a ride to another hotel. When the GCSO arrived at the hotel, Cecil invited them into his hotel room. Inside the room, responding deputies observed a shotgun and a green leafy substance consistent with marijuana. Deputies obtained a search warrant for the room and during their search located a 12-gauge shotgun, a .270 caliber rifle along with .40 caliber ammunition, .270 caliber ammunition, 12-gauge shotgun shells, .9mm ammunition, and a quantity of drugs.
Cecil was arrested federally as a part of "Operation Real-Time." The goal of this program is to identify individuals for federal prosecution with significant criminal histories who continue to actively possess firearms in the Upstate community. In addition to the Greenville County Sheriff's Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Real Time's core partners include the Greenville Police Department; the Anderson Police Department; the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services; the South Carolina Highway Patrol; United States Probation; the Department of Homeland Security; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the 13th Circuit Solicitor's Office; and, the United States Attorney's Office. Since August of 2015, the initiative has resulted in the expedited federal prosecution of some 90 defendants and seizure of approximately 110 firearms as well as assorted ammunition from prohibited persons.
Greenville County Sheriff Will Lewis and his office are crucial partners in this effort. "The Greenville County Sheriff's Office is committed to removing illegal weapons from violent offenders and are very glad to be a part of this program and will offer any assistance we can."
U.S. Attorney Beth Drake commended the partnership between the state and federal agencies that led to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the U.S. Attorney's Office adopting the case, "We work best when we work together. This 'real time' identification of high risk offenders is smart policing, and we welcome the opportunity to work alongside our state chiefs and sheriffs in taking violent repeat offenders out of our communities."
The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office along with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen in the Greenville U.S. Attorney's Office is prosecuting the case.
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Operation "Real-Time": Greenville Man Enters Guilty Plea in Federal Court on Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Lance Crick (864) 282-2100
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Michael Lee Westbrook, age 40, of Greenville, pled guilty this morning in federal court in Anderson to a felon in possession of a firearm indictment. United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain accepted the plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report which will be prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
Westbrook, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition, faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of life in federal prison. Westbrook was arrested on federal firearms charges on September 7, 2016, and has remained in custody, detained without bond, since his federal arrest.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on September 3, 2016, members of the Greenville County Sheriff's Office responded to a local residence in an attempt to locate Westbrook for a state probation violation. Upon their arrival, deputies located Westbrook located in the back yard and recovered a loaded Ruger .380 caliber pistol from his back pocket.
Westbrook was arrested federally as a part of "Operation Real-Time." The goal of this program is to identify individuals for federal prosecution with significant criminal histories who continue to actively possess firearms in the Upstate community. In addition to the Greenville County Sheriff's Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Real Time's core partners include the Greenville Police Department, the Anderson Police Department; the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services; the South Carolina Highway Patrol; United States Probation; the Department of Homeland Security; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the 13th Circuit Solicitor's Office; and the United States Attorney's Office. Since August of 2015, the initiative has resulted in the expedited federal prosecution of some 90 defendants and seizure of approximately 110 firearms as well as assorted ammunition from prohibited persons.
Greenville County Sheriff Will Lewis and his office are crucial partners in this effort. "The Greenville County Sheriff's Office is committed to removing illegal weapons from violent offenders and are very glad to be a part of this program and will offer any assistance we can."
U.S. Attorney Beth Drake commended the partnership between the state and federal agencies that led to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the U.S. Attorney's Office adopting the case, "We work best when we work together. This 'real time' identification of high risk offenders is smart policing, and we welcome the opportunity to work alongside our state chiefs and sheriffs in taking violent repeat offenders out of our communities."
The Greenville County Sheriff's Office along with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Max Cauthen in the Greenville U.S. Attorney's Office is prosecuting the case.
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Olive Hill Man Sentenced to 11 Years for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – An Olive Hill, Ky., man, who previously admitted that he possessed thousands of images and hundreds of videos containing child pornography, has been sentenced to 11 years in federal prison.
Today, U.S. District Judge David L. Bunning sentenced James Keith Wolfe, 55, for receipt of child pornography and also ordered him to serve a 20year term of supervised release following the completion of his sentence. Under federal law, Wolfe must serve at least 85 percent of his prison sentence.
Wolfe pleaded guilty in August of 2016 to a single count of receipt of child pornography.
In September of 2015, FBI and other law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at his Olive Hill residence, seizing several laptop computers, multiple thumb drives, and two Dell towers. Law Enforcement agents discovered that Wolfe’s computer and other electronic media contained more than 3,800 still images and 670 videos of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
The investigation began when authorities made a direct connection to Wolfe’s computer while he was using a peer to peer (P2P) file sharing network to download child pornography images.
Carlton S. Shier, IV, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Amy Hess, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Marye prosecuted this case on behalf of the federal government.
North Carolina Man Indicted for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a ChildRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that a North Carolina man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for the sexual exploitation of a child in Joplin, Mo.
David Lee Perkins, 33, of Winston-Salem, N.C., was charged in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo., on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017. The indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Perkins on Dec. 12, 2016.
The federal indictment alleges that Perkins crossed state lines to engage in a sexual act with a minor under the age of 12, identified in court documents as Jane Doe, from April 16, 2014, to Dec. 11, 2016. Perkins is also charged with using the child victim to produce child pornography and with receiving and distributing child pornography.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, Joplin police officers were dispatched to a Joplin, Mo., hotel where Perkins was staying on Dec. 11, 2016. A female acquaintance of Perkins told officers that she found several videos on an iPad of Perkins engaged in sexually explicit conduct with Jane Doe. Officers contacted Perkins in his hotel room and placed him under arrest.
Dickinson 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 Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the Joplin, Mo., Police Department, the FBI, and the Newton, N.C., 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."
Nixa Woman Sentenced for $90 Million Fraud Scheme to Sell Counterfeit Cell Phone PartsRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Nixa, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for selling more than $90 million worth of counterfeit cell phone components to hundreds of thousands of consumers over the Internet and at a Springfield, Mo., store.
Sherrie Householder, 59, of Nixa, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to two years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Householder to pay $8,866,069 in restitution.
On May 26, 2016, Householder pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud and one count of money laundering.
Householder managed and operated Flash Technology, LLC, also known as Flash Tech, a business that sold cell phone components (such as replacement screens, lithium batteries, weight scales, phone cases and internal circuitry) through numerous Internet retail sites and at a Springfield store. Flash Tech sold hundreds of thousands, and potentially millions of different cell phone parts shipped to consumers throughout the United States. According to court documents, more than $90 million in sales were made to hundreds of thousands of consumers from December 2012 to January 2016.
Householder represented that the cell phone components were manufactured by legitimate companies – including Apple, Samsung, LG, Microsoft, Android, Dell, Blackberry, ASUS, Acer, Kindle, HTC, Motorola, Nokia, Sony, ZTE and others. Although each part contained trademarks and markings that made it appear the legitimate holder of the trademark had manufactured the parts, and although Householder used the trademarks and logos of these companies on her Web sites, the components were actually counterfeit.
Wang “Frank” Luo, a Chinese citizen, owned Flash Tech, while Householder managed the company’s activities in the United States. Lou shipped the cell phone component parts to Householder. Nearly 5,000 international shipments were sent to Flash Tech from China.
According to court documents, Householder’s knowledge that a fraud was being perpetrated occurred during the last six months before law enforcement shut the operation down, when she began receiving seizure letters from Customs and Border Protection. Between August and December 2015, over a dozen shipments from Luo’s factory in China to Householder in Springfield were intercepted and inspected by CBP agents. After seizing each shipment, CBP issued a letter of notification informing Householder of the seizure due to confiscated counterfeit items. Even though she was informed that the items she received from Luo were counterfeit, she continued selling these counterfeit products. Between August 2015 and the execution of federal search warrants on Feb. 2, 2016, Householder sold approximately $8,860,000, in counterfeit cell phones and component parts.
When federal agents executed search warrants at Householder’s residence and Flash Tech’s business address, they seized over 100,000 cell phone and component parts. The counterfeit items seized by agents had a retail value of approximately $5.5 million and filled two large moving trucks.
Householder must forfeit to the government $556,938 seized from various PayPal, Amazon and bank accounts; numerous desktop and laptop computers, iPads, hard drives, computer and cell phone components; and a money judgment of $8,866,069.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and IRS-Criminal Investigation.
New York Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISILRead the Press Release
Akhror Saidakhmetov, 21, a citizen of Kazakhstan and a resident of Brooklyn, New York, pleaded guilty to conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization.
The guilty plea was announced by Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Mary B. McCord, U.S. Attorney Robert L. Capers of the Eastern District of New York, Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney, Jr. of the FBI’s New York Field Office, Special Agent-in-Charge Angel M. Melendez of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York Field Office and Commissioner James P. O’Neill of the New York City Police Department. The plea took place before U.S. District Judge William F. Kuntz, II.
“Akhror Saidakhmetov admitted that he conspired to provide material support to ISIL and that he was prepared to commit violence overseas or here in the United States,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General McCord. “The National Security Division’s highest priority is counterterrorism. This case reflects our commitment to disrupting and holding accountable those who wish to wage violence on behalf of ISIL, either at home or abroad.”
“The defendant was committed to traveling to Syria to join ISIL or to conducting a domestic terror attack if unable to travel to Syria,” said U.S. Attorney Capers. “Thanks to the efforts of FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in New York, we have prevented two local residents – Saidakhmetov and his codefendant Abdurasul Juraboev – from becoming foreign fighters in Syria or attacking victims here in the United States.”
“As we presented in our case, Akhror Saidakhmetov clearly expressed the desire to commit violence, either domestically or abroad, on behalf of a terrorist organization. His failure to carry out this desire is a testament to the tireless efforts of FBI New York’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. Today’s guilty plea is further testament to the dedicated work on this case by agents and officers who encompass that task force,” said Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney.
“Saidakhmetov made threats towards American law enforcement and attempted to join ISIL in its caustic jihad. Terrorism, and its threat to the homeland, is why HSI continues to be a leading contributor to the Joint Terrorism Task Force here in New York and across the country,” said Special-Agent-in-Charge Melendez. “We cannot allow extremists to terrorize our neighborhoods or make threats towards our men and women in blue.”
“This defendant pledged allegiance to ISIL, which has called on its followers to attack the United States and specifically New York City. The defendant also attempted to travel to Syria,” said Commissioner O’Neill. “This guilty plea is another example of the collaborative work of the members of the FBI-NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force and the prosecutors of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.”
According to previous court filings, Saidakhmetov became keenly interested in traveling to ISIL-controlled territories in order to wage violent jihad. In August 2014, he made the following online posting referencing a video containing footage of multiple individuals pledging allegiance to ISIL and showing mass executions by ISIL of Iraqi forces captured during ISIL’s takeover of Mosul, Iraq: “Allohu Akbar I was very happy after reading this, my eyes joyful so much victory.”
During the fall and winter of 2014-2015, Saidakhmetov and codefendant Abdurasul Juraboev made plans to travel to Syria to fight on behalf of ISIL. In one recorded conversation, Saidakhmetov remarked that if he was unable to travel to Syria, he would purchase a machine gun and shoot police officers in the U.S. The defendants’ efforts to travel culminated in Saidakhmetov’s arrest on Feb, 25, 2015 at John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens, New York, while attempting to board a flight for Turkey. Juraboev was also arrested on the same day. At the time of Juraboev’s arrest, he had already purchased a ticket for a flight to Turkey. Juraboev pleaded guilty in August 2016 to conspiring to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, and is awaiting sentencing.
At sentencing, Saidakhmetov faces up to 15 years in prison.
The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. If convicted of any offense, the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The government’s case is being prosecuted by the National Security & Cybercrime Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander Solomon, Douglas M. Pravda, Peter W. Baldwin and David K. Kessler of the Eastern District of New York are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorney Steven Ward of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
New York Man Pleads Guilty to Role in $2.89 Million Stolen Identity Refund SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Bronx, New York, man today admitted his role in a scheme to obtain stolen identity information and use it to file phony tax returns with the IRS, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Yerfri Castillo, 26, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John Michael Vazquez to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to steal government funds, one count of theft of government funds, and one count of aggravated identity theft.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From January 2013 through May 2015, Castillo conspired with Jhan Luis Mejia Marcelino, 27, Odanys Orlando Rojas, a/k/a “El Fuerte,” 39, both of Bronx, and others to use stolen identities to commit tax refund fraud. Castillo admitted that he and others obtained stolen personal identifying information, including names and Social Security numbers, of victims located in New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and elsewhere. Afterwards, Castillo used the information to file fraudulent federal tax returns. Castillo also admitted that, once they received the refunds, he converted checks to cash or other proceeds for his own benefit.
Altogether, the conspiracy caused losses of over $2.89 million to the U.S. Treasury.
The conspiracy offense is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison. The theft of government funds count is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison. Both counts are punishable by a $250,000 fine, or twice the gain or loss resulting from the offense. The aggravated identity fraud charge is punishable by a mandatory two-year sentence to be served consecutively to any other term imposed. Sentencing is scheduled for May 2, 2017.
Both Mejia and Rojas pleaded guilty to their roles in September 2016 and await sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan D. Larsen; postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge James V. Buthorn; special agents of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Monica Weyler; and special agents of the U.S. Secret Service, Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Mark McKevitt, with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elaine K. Lou of the Criminal Division in Newark.
Defense counsel: Edgar L. Fankbonner Esq.
New Hartford Company to Pay $200K Fine for Failing to Report Clean Air Act Violations to EPARead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Tyler Amon, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division for New England, announced that SCP MANAGEMENT, LLC, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to one count of failing to notify or report to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as required under the Clean Air Act. Following SCP MANAGEMENT’s guilty plea, Judge Underhill immediately imposed sentence and ordered the company to pay a $200,000 fine.
According to court documents and statement made in court, Syntac Coated Products, LLC (“Old Syntac”) operated a manufacturing facility located at 29 Industrial Park Road in New Hartford from 2007 until April 19, 2013, when it sold all of its assets, including its trade name to Syntac Coated Products, LLC (“New Syntac”). Since April 19, 2013, Old Syntac has continued to exist under the name of SCP MANAGEMENT, LLC.
Old Syntac designed and manufactured specialty adhesive films for various applications used in the automotive, electronics and medical industries. In its manufacturing process, the company used three adhesive coating lines. When operating, those coating lines emitted volatile organic compounds (VOCs), some of which were also hazardous air pollutants that are suspected to cause cancer or other serious health effects. Beginning in 2008, the company controlled its emissions of VOCs and hazardous air pollutants from its coating lines with two catalytic oxidizers. Catalytic oxidizers produce chemical reactions that generate heat and promote the oxidation of VOCs to carbon dioxide and water. The company replaced its catalytic oxidizers with a regenerative thermal oxidizer in April 2013.
The Clean Air Act requires the EPA to create a list of the important categories of stationary sources of air pollution, and to establish federal standards of performance for new sources within these categories. These New Source Performance Standards (“NSPS”) apply to newly constructed sources or those that undergo major upgrades or modifications. As required under the NSPS, Old Syntac performed an initial performance test on each catalytic oxidizer in 2008 to demonstrate that VOC emissions from its coating lines were captured and properly controlled. Following the performance tests, the company was required to monitor, record and report the gas temperature upstream and downstream of each incinerator catalyst bed continuously during coating operations in order to demonstrate that the incinerator continued to function properly over time. Every six months, the company was required to submit a report to the EPA that identified any three-hour periods during which the average temperature difference across the catalyst bed in each of its catalytic oxidizers was less than 80 percent of the average temperature difference of the device during the performance test. If no such three-hour periods occurred during the reporting period, the company was required to say so in the report.
Between 2008 and April 2013, Old Syntac used paper temperature charts to record the upstream and downstream temperatures of its catalytic oxidizers during coating operations. Each day, a new temperature chart was installed and the chart for the previous day was removed, reviewed and preserved. On numerous occasions the temperature charts showed that the temperature difference across the catalyst bed was less than 80 percent of the average temperature difference of the device during the performance test. The company also performed tests of its catalyst blocks that indicated the catalysts were likely not destroying all of the VOCs emitted during its production processes. The company failed to file any reports with the EPA, as required under the Clean Air Act, regarding the temperature readings of the oxidizers. Had it done so, EPA could have investigated the company’s compliance further and required additional performance testing.
In addition to paying a $200,000 criminal fine, SCP MANAGEMENT will make a Community Service Payment of $200,000 to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, a nonprofit organization that will use the funds for projects and initiatives benefitting air quality in Connecticut. Additionally, SCP MANAGEMENT has acknowledged that, on one or more occasions between 2008 and April 2013, Old Syntac had the potential to emit hazardous air pollutants in excess of “major source” thresholds. Because of the EPA’s “Once In, Always In” policy concerning major sources of air pollutants, New Syntac or any successor entity will be filing an application for a permit under Title V of the Clean Air Act, which will subject the company to heightened regulatory and reporting requirements going forward.
“When Syntac noticed its catalytic oxidizers may not be functioning properly, it failed to report that information to the EPA,” said U.S. Attorney Daly. “A report would have triggered a regulatory review. Not reporting resulted in a criminal investigation. Hopefully, this prosecution will serve as a warning to corporations that if they ignore signs they are polluting the air we breathe, they risk federal prosecution.”
“To protect the surrounding community, the EPA relied on SCP Management to report on the hazardous air pollutants emitted from their Connecticut facility,” said EPA Special Agent in Charge Amon. “The company knowingly failed to report information that showed its emission control equipment was not operating properly, avoided regulatory oversight under the Clean Air Act and garnered an unfair economic benefit over its competitors.”
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with assistance from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarala V. Nagala and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Kenyon.