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Thursday 5 January 2017
Dominican Republic Man Sentenced to 41 Months in Prison for Possession of Cocaine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez sentenced Estanislao De Jesus, 47, of the Dominican Republic, to 41 months’ imprisonment followed by four years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Judge Gomez also ordered De Jesus to pay a $100 special assessment and perform 300 hours of community service.
On September 1, 2016, De Jesus pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine. According to the plea agreement, on May 7, 2016, agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) arrested De Jesus and co-defendant Tomas Liriano-Castillo at Hull Bay, St. Thomas. At the time of his arrest, De Jesus had been awaiting Liriano-Castillo’s arrival by boat from Tortola with six kilograms of cocaine. De Jesus admitted that he knew Liriano-Castillo had gone to Tortola to bring back cocaine to sell in St. Thomas. Liriano-Castillo’s sentencing is set for February 2, 2017.
The case was investigated by the DEA and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigrid Tejo-Sprotte.
District Man Sentenced to Prison for Armed Robbery of Couple at Gas Station in Northwest WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Ojahri Hart, 19, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to four years in prison for robbing a couple at gunpoint of their car at a gas station in Northwest Washington, U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips announced.
Hart pled guilty in September 2016, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to armed robbery. He was sentenced by the Honorable Juliet McKenna. Judge McKenna sentenced Hart to a total of 72 months in prison, but suspended all but 48 months of that time on the condition that he complete three years of supervised probation following his release.
According to the government’s evidence, Hart and an accomplice, who were both armed with handguns, robbed the couple of their 2002 Cadillac DeVille at 2 a.m. May 20, 2016, at a gas station in the 7000 block of Blair Road NW. The male victim was pumping gas, and the female victim was inside the car. Hart and his accomplice seized the car at gunpoint and rode away.
The vehicle was found about 10 hours later in the 100 block of Longfellow Street NW, within three or four blocks of the defendant’s home. Two purses were missing from the vehicle, one from inside the car and one from the trunk. Latent fingerprints were recovered from the vehicle. An examination by the Latent Fingerprint Unit of the District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences revealed that Hart was the source of a palm print found on the trunk of the vehicle and a fingerprint found on the inside back portion of the driver’s side door handle.
No one else has been arrested in the investigation.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Phillips commended the work of those who responded to the crime and investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Fourth District. He also expressed appreciation for the work performed by the District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences. Finally, he acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Romano, who investigated and prosecuted the matter.
District Man Pleads Guilty in Separate Cases to Sexually Assaulting His Two Daughters and Threatening Special Police OfficersRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A 33-year-old man, of Washington, D.C., pled guilty today to first-degree child sexual abuse of his 14-year-old daughter and attempted first-degree child sexual abuse of his 12-year-old daughter, as well as attempted possession of a prohibited weapon and threats charges against two Special Police Officers, U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips announced.
The man, who is not identified here to protect the privacy of the victims in the sexual assault case, pled guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The plea, which is contingent upon the Court’s approval, calls for a sentence of 14 years in prison. The Honorable José M. Lopez set a hearing for March 17, 2017 to determine whether the plea and sentence will be accepted.
According to the government’s investigation in the sexual assault case, the defendant had sexually abused his older daughter several times in the past year, while he had been sexually abusing his younger daughter since she was approximately eight years old. On one occasion that took place on or around Sept. 1, 2016, the defendant penetrated his older daughter’s vagina with his penis while they were at her mother’s home. On another occasion, which took place on or about Oct. 2, 2016, the defendant was at their mother’s home when he had his younger daughter perform oral sex on him. The defendant asked his younger daughter if she “liked” performing oral sex, to which she responded, “No.” The defendant then met with both daughters and apologized to them for his actions. It was then that the girls learned they were both victims of the defendant’s sexual abuse. The girls then decided to disclose the incidents to their aunt, ultimately leading to the defendant’s arrest.
In the defendant’s other case, the government’s investigation revealed that the defendant had been barred from a homeless shelter in Northeast Washington on April. 29, 2016. The defendant entered the shelter on Aug. 29, 2016, and was immediately told by two Special Police Officers to leave the facility. The defendant left but returned moments later, at which point he pulled out a knife and threatened to fight and stab the Special Police Officers. After the Special Police Officers ordered the defendant several times to put down the knife, the defendant walked up the street, at which point an officer from the Metropolitan Police Department stopped the defendant and placed him under arrest.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Phillips praised the work of detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Youth Investigations Division, which investigated the sexual-assault case, and members of the MPD’s Fifth District who were involved in the threats case. He acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Angelina Slagle and Victim/Witness Advocate Lezlie Richardson. Finally, he commended Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danny Nguyen and Maryam Adeyola, who investigated and prosecuted this case.
DeRuyter Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Entice a 12-Year-Old GirlRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Floyd Wood, age 48, of DeRuyter, New York, pled guilty today to attempting to entice a 12-year-old girl into a sexual encounter.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Special Agent in Charge Andrew W. Vale of the Albany Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
As part of his plea, Wood admitted that in April 2016, while text messaging with someone he believed was a female acquaintance, he arranged to meet with the acquaintance and her 12-year-old daughter at a Syracuse hotel to engage in a sexual encounter with both the mother and daughter. Wood was actually corresponding with law enforcement officers. He was arrested at the Syracuse hotel where he was to meet the child and her mother, after having been observed at an adult store where he purchased items he intended to use in the encounter.
Wood will be sentenced by United States District Judge David N. Hurd on May 4, 2017. He faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. Wood will also be required to register as a sex offender. 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 the FBI, Syracuse Resident Agency, together with the New York State Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Fletcher as a part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, and led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
Cullman County Man Pleads Guilty to Producing Child Pornography Involving Multiple VictimsRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM – A Cullman County man pleaded guilty today in federal court to producing child pornography involving seven minor victims, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance.
Gregory Jerome Lee, 54, pleaded guilty to four counts of production of child pornography before U.S. District Judge Virginia Emerson Hopkins. Sentencing is set for April 12.
- to admissions made in connection with his guilty plea, from September 1996 through December 2003, Lee sexually abused at least seven different minors and frequently produced images and videos depicting his exploitation of these children. From approximately September 1996 until August 2007, Lee and his co-conspirators used secret, password-protected chat rooms to discuss their interests in and real-life sexual abuse of children and to trade child pornography, Lee admitted.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Fortune and Trial Attorneys Amy E. Larson and Ralph Paradiso of the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Columbia Man Sentenced for Oxycontin TraffickingRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Winston Holliday (803) 929-3000
Columbia, South Carolina---- Acting United States Attorney Beth Drake stated that Theodore Fulton, age 61, of South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina, for Conspiracy to Distribute Oxycodone, a violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846. United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs of Columbia sentenced Fulton to 110 months of incarceration. Fulton also was ordered to forfeit a house worth over $400,000 and two Lexus automobiles, all purchased in part with proceeds from his drug dealing.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that between 2008 and 2014, Fulton was the ringleader of a conspiracy that distributed over 31,000 Oxycodone tablets in the Columbia area. Fulton would recruit co-conspirators as patients to go to a particular doctor, complain of pain, and obtain Oxycodone prescriptions. Fulton would then buy the pills from them and sell those pills for profit from another conspirator’s residence.
Co-conspirators Daryal Hipp, age 60, and Calvin Sims, age 55, both of Columbia, were convicted after a trial held in December 2015. Hipp has been sentenced to 50 months in prison. Sims awaits sentencing.
Previously, John Kennedy, age 52, was sentenced to 110 months in prison for his role in the conspiracy.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorneys Winston Holliday and Ben Garner of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.#####
Cochiti Pueblo Man Pleads Guilty to Violating Migratory Bird Treaty ActRead the Press Release
ALBQUERQUE – Wayne Martin, 45, a member and resident of Cochiti Pueblo, N.M., pleaded guilty today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The guilty plea was entered without the benefit of a plea agreement.
Martin was charged in an indictment filed on June 15, 2016, with violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which makes it unlawful to possess, offer for sale, or sell any migratory bird, or any part or product of a migratory bird. The indictment alleged that Martin offered to sell three hawks without previously obtaining permission from the Secretary of the Department of the Interior. According to the indictment, Martin committed the crime on Feb. 29, 2012, in Sandoval County, N.M.
At sentencing, Martin faces a statutory maximum penalty of two years of imprisonment and a $2,000 fine. A sentencing date has yet to be scheduled.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Peña.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 95-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System, which encompasses 545 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands and other special management areas. It also operates 69 national fish hatcheries, 64 fishery resources offices and 81 ecological services field stations. The agency enforces federal wildlife laws, administers the Endangered Species Act, manages migratory bird populations, restores nationally significant fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitat such as wetlands, and helps foreign and Native American tribal governments with their conservation efforts.
Clarksville Men Sentenced in Drug Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Three Clarksville, Tennessee men were sentenced yesterday in connection with their involvement in a major drug distribution conspiracy in the Clarksville, Tenn. area between 2013 and 2015, announced David Rivera, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee. All were indicted in October 2015 after an investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies.
U.S. District Judge Billy Roy Wilson imposed the following sentences:
- Lloyd Montgomery, 57, the leader of the conspiracy, was sentenced to 240 months in prison to be followed by six years of supervised release. Montgomery pleaded guilty in August 2016 to conspiracy to distribute Oxymorphone and Oxycodone; 12 counts of distribution of Oxymorphone and/or Oxycodone; and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
- Brian Merriweather, 45, was sentenced to 216 months in prison to be followed by six years of supervised release. Merriweather was convicted after a jury trial of conspiracy to distribute Oxymorphone and Oxycodone, and two counts of distribution of Oxymorphone.
- Dominique Lucas, 28, was sentenced to 180 months in prison to be followed by six years of supervised release. Lucas pleaded guilty in July 2016 to conspiracy to distribute Oxymorphone and Oxycodone, and to two counts of distribution of Oxymorphone.
A fourth individual, Charles Arthur Reeves, III, 54, also of Clarksville, Tenn., and a previously convicted felon, was also indicted as a result of this investigation, after selling a firearm to a confidential informant. Reeves pleaded guilty in October 2016 to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm was sentenced yesterday to 60 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.
The government’s evidence showed that, between 2013 and 2015, Montgomery was the leader of an extensive pill distribution network that included Merriweather and Lucas. This network illegally distributed thousands of prescription pills in the Clarksville, Tenn. area. The government’s evidence also showed that Montgomery illegally sold firearms as part of this operation, and that sellers in Montgomery’s network traded pills for a variety of stolen items and sponsored visits to doctors’ offices for the purpose of illegally obtaining prescription pills for resale.The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the 19th Judicial District Drug Task Force, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, the Clarksville Police Department and the Tennessee Department of Correction-Probation and Parole. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ben Schrader and Brent Hannafan.
Charles City Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison on Firearms ViolationsRead the Press Release
Randy Patrie, age 44, from Charles City, Iowa, received a 20-year prison term after a September 6, 2013 guilty plea to possessing sawed-off shotguns and being a felon in possession of firearms.
Patrie had previously been sentenced to life imprisonment but, because of a subsequent Supreme Court decision in an unrelated case, his life sentence was overturned on appeal. As a result of the Supreme Court decision, at yesterday’s sentencing hearing, Patrie could no longer be sentenced to life imprisonment because the maximum potential sentence was 20 years’ imprisonment. The court sentenced him to that maximum sentence.
Patrie was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Patrie was sentenced to 240 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $200 was imposed. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Patrie is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Chickasaw and Floyd County Sheriff’s Offices, and the Charles City Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 13-CR-2016.
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Cassville Man Sentenced to 16 years for Child Sexual ExploitationRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Cassville, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for the sexual exploitation of a child.
Chase Trevor Norman, 26, of Cassville, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 16 years and eight months in federal prison without parole.
On Aug. 23, 2016, Norman pleaded guilty to one count of child sexual exploitation and one count of enticing a minor for illicit sex. Norman admitted that, from Sept. 21 to Oct. 10, 2014, he enticed a 12-year-old girl into engaging in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography. Norman used social media, via the Internet and a cell phone, to communicate with the child victim. She transferred numerous pornographic images of herself to Norman, and he sent pornographic images of himself to the child victim.
Norman attempted to persuade the child victim to engage in sexual activity with him. However, the child’s mother saw pictures of Norman on her daughter’s iPod and contacted law enforcement. Law enforcement officers took over the child’s iPod and exchanged text messages with Norman. Believing he was still text messaging the child victim, Norman arranged to meet with the child so that they both could return to his apartment and engage in sex.
When Norman arrived for the arranged meeting, he was arrested. Norman later told investigators that he had used the same techniques a year earlier to meet another child, who was only 14 years old, with whom he engaged in sexual activity.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Barry County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force and the Purdy, Mo., 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."
Casey County, Kentucky, Convicted Felon Sentenced to 180 Months in Prison for Sale and Distribution of A Controlled Substance, Illegal Possession of Firearms and Being an Armed Career CriminalRead the Press Release
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A Casey County, Kentucky convicted felon was sentenced today in United States District Court by District Judge Greg N. Stivers, to 180 months in prison after pleading guilty to multiple charges including being an armed career criminal, possession and distribution of a controlled substance, and possession of firearms by a convicted felon, announced United States Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr.
Jerry Wayne Threatt II, age 39, of Liberty, Kentucky pleaded guilty to all charges in a ten count indictment and agreed to today’s sentence of 180 months in prison, on October 11, 2016. Threatt remains in the custody of the United States Marshals Service.
According to information presented in court, Threatt sold a firearm and crystal methamphetamine, from his Liberty, Kentucky, home to a confidential informant on September 8, 2015, and on September 30, 2015. Further, on October 23, 2015, Threatt was observed and recorded selling a firearm and crystal meth to an informant in a grocery store parking lot located in Liberty.
In addition to the prison sentence, Threatt will forfeit a vehicle; U.S. currency totaling $3,290; a Jimenez Arms 9millimeter semi-automatic handgun; a KELTEC 9millimeter semi-automatic pistol; a Para-Ordinance, Model P16, 40 caliber pistol; a Hi-Point, Model JH 45 caliber pistol; a Ruger, 9 millimeter semi-automatic pistol; and Remington, Model 110012 gauge shotgun.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randy Ream and was investigated by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Kentucky State Police (DESI West), and Casey County (Kentucky) Sheriff’s Department.
California Man Convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Drugs on the InternetRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that a federal jury has found Julian Villa-Gomez Lemus (31, Visalia, CA) guilty of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. In the past week, his co-defendants Fadhle Muqbel Saeed (31) and Alfonso Bojorquez-Vazquez (30), both of Porterville, California pleaded guilty to related charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Each faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Sentencing hearings are scheduled for March 23, 2017. The individuals were indicted on May 11, 2016.
According to evidence presented at trial, between May 2012 and October 2013, Saeed, Villa-Gomez Lemus, and Bojorquez-Vazquez were involved in a conspiracy to distribute drugs over the Internet using illicit online drug marketplaces such as “Silk Road.” Payment for these transactions was conducted using “Bitcoin,” a semi-anonymous electronic form of payment.
Members of the conspiracy used the pseudonym “darkexpresso” to conduct over 1,300 Silk Road drug transactions, resulting in gross proceeds of more than $1.9 million. These transactions included methamphetamine, hydrocodone, marijuana, steroids, cocaine, and other controlled substances. The drugs were sent to purchasers throughout the United States and Australia.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Postal Inspection Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Vincent S. Chiu and Alejandro J. Salicrup.
Business Owner Sentenced to 10 Months in Federal Prison for PerjuryRead the Press Release
A Palo business owner who provided false testimony before the federal grand jury was sentenced on January 4, 2017, to 10 months in federal prison.
Daniel L. Davidson, age 32, from Palo, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 25, 2016, guilty plea to one count of perjury.
In a plea agreement and at the plea hearing, Davidson admitted he provided false testimony regarding his financial transactions with another person that was material to an ongoing criminal investigation.
Davidson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. Davidson was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment and fined $20,000. A special assessment of $100 was imposed. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Davidson was released on the conditions previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal on a date yet to be set.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. Cole and investigated by Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 16-CR-00070-LRR.
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Bergen County, New Jersey, Woman Sentenced to 37 Months in Prison for Role in Cocaine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Bergenfield, New Jersey, woman was sentenced today to 37 months in prison for her role in a conspiracy to traffic approximately two kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico to New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Sasha Melendez, 38, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi to an information charging her with one count of conspiring to distribute cocaine. Judge Cecchi imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Melendez was the subject of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) of an ongoing conspiracy to import cocaine from Puerto Rico. She was arrested on March 24, 2015 in Bergen County after she accepted delivery of a mail parcel from Puerto Rico containing approximately two kilograms of cocaine. Melendez admitted at her plea hearing that she conspired with co-defendant Ramis Esteves, 33, of New York, to distribute the cocaine.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Cecchi sentenced Melendez to three years of supervised release.
Estevez previously pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy and awaits sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge James V. Buthorn, and special agents of the DEA, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Carl J. Kotowski, with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan M. Peck of the U.S. Attorney’s Office General Crimes Unit.
Defense Counsel: Stacey Van Malden, Esq.
Athens Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Defraud the VARead the Press Release
Contact: Jim Moore
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Lisa-Marie Watson, 25, of Athens, Maine pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to conspiring to defraud the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”).
According to court records, the defendant conspired with her father-in-law to illegally obtain VA compensation benefits. Watson and her father-in-law submitted documents to the VA falsely claiming she had suffered from mental disabilities that were connected to her service in the U.S. Army. Watson also falsely described her mental condition to VA doctors. On November 18, 2016, the defendant’s father-in-law, David Watson, pled guilty to engaging in a conspiracy to defraud the VA and awaits sentencing.
The defendant faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. She will be sentenced after completion of a presentence report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The investigation was conducted by the Criminal Investigation Division of the VA Office of the Inspector General.
Alamogordo Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE –William Allen Patterson, 34, of Alamogordo, N.M., pled guilty today in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to a federal child pornography charge. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Patterson will be sentenced to 78 months in prison followed by a term of supervised release to be determined by the court. Patterson will also be required to register as a sex offender when he completes his prison sentence.
Patterson was arrested on August 10, 2016, on a criminal complaint alleging that he possessed and received visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit activity from 2002 to 2012 and Aug. 10, 2016, in Otero County, N.M. According to the criminal complaint, the investigation into Patterson began in Aug. 2016, after Patterson admitted to a polygraph examiner that he was addicted to child pornography while undergoing a polygraph examination as part of the application process to be a Border Patrol Agent. On Aug. 9, 2016, law enforcement searched Patterson’s residence and found a hard drive containing at least 10,000 images of child pornography.
During today’s proceedings, Patterson pled guilty to a felony information charging him with receiving child pornography. In entering the guilty plea, Patterson admitted that on Aug. 9, 2016, he possessed a hard drive that contained numerous images and videos of child pornography which he had downloaded from the internet. Patterson remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of Homeland Security Investigations and the Las Cruces Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa A. Ong of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
The case also was brought as a part of the New Mexico Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force’s mission, which is to locate, track, and capture Internet child sexual predators and Internet child pornographers in New Mexico. There are 82 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies associated with the New Mexico ICAC Task Force, which is funded by a grant administered by the New Mexico Office of the Attorney General. Anyone with information relating to suspected child predators and suspected child abuse is encouraged to contact federal or local law enforcement.
Alabama Man Pleads Guilty to Producing Child Pornography Involving Multiple VictimsRead the Press Release
An Alabama man pleaded guilty today to producing child pornography involving seven minor victims, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance of the Northern District of Alabama.
Gregory Jerome Lee, 54, formerly of Cullman County, Alabama, pleaded guilty to four counts of production of child pornography before U.S. District Judge Virginia Emerson Hopkins of the Northern District of Alabama. Sentencing is set for April 12, 2017.
According to admissions made in connection with his guilty plea, from September 1996 through December 2003, Lee sexually abused at least seven different minors and frequently produced images and videos depicting his exploitation of these children. From approximately September 1996 until August 2007, Lee and his co-conspirators used secret, password-protected chat rooms to discuss their interests in and real-life sexual abuse of children and to trade child pornography, Lee admitted.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Amy E. Larson and Ralph Paradiso of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Fortune of the Northern District of Alabama prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Air Force Reservist Pleads Guilty to RapeRead the Press Release
DAYTON – Kyle Jordan, 31, of Franklin, Ohio pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to one count of sexual abuse.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Lt. Col. Randal Pendleton, Commander, Air Force Office of Special Investigations 10th Field Investigations Squandron, and Angela L. Byer, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), announced the plea entered into today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Newman.
According to the signed Statement of Facts attached to the plea agreement, in December 2015, Jordan knowingly had sex with an unconscious woman while staying at a Temporary Lodging Facility located on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
Jordan raped the victim in a bedroom after they both consumed alcohol.
Sexual abuse carries a potential maximum sentence of up to life in prison and at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the Air Force OSI and FBI, as well as Assistant United States Attorneys Alex R. Sistla and Andrew J. Hunt, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Amy M. Smith, who are representing the United States in this case.
Agents Seize Approximately $20 Million and Arrest Brazilian National in Scheme to Launder TelexFree FundsRead the Press Release
BOSTON –Approximately $20 million in cash hidden inside a box spring in a Westborough, Mass. apartment, was seized late yesterday, and a Brazilian man was arrested in connection with conspiring to launder proceeds of the massive TelexFree pyramid scheme.
Cleber Rene Rizerio Rocha, 28, was charged in a criminal complaint with one count of conspiring to commit money laundering. Rocha was detained following an appearance today before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Judith G. Dein.
According to the complaint, in April 2014, federal agents searched the headquarters of TelexFree, Inc., in Marlborough, Mass. Later that day, Carlos Wanzeler, one of the founders of the company, allegedly fled to Brazil, his native country, where he has remained. Wanzeler and TelexFree co-founder James Merrill were indicted in July 2014 on charges that they operated TelexFree as a massive pyramid scheme. Merrill pleaded guilty to those charges in October 2016 and is awaiting sentencing.
The complaint alleges that an intermediary working on Wanzeler’s behalf contacted an associate for help transferring millions of dollars of TelexFree money – still hidden in the greater Boston area – from the United States to Brazil. The associate, who subsequently became a cooperating witness for the government, allegedly arranged with Wanzeler’s nephew in Brazil to launder the cash through Hong Kong, convert it to Brazilian reals, and transfer it to Brazilian accounts.
According to court documents, Rocha, acting as a courier for Wanzeler’s nephew, flew from Brazil to JFK Airport in New York City a few days ago. Yesterday, Rocha met the cooperating witness at a restaurant in Hudson, Mass., and allegedly gave him $2.2 million in a suitcase. After the meeting, agents followed Rocha to an apartment complex in Westborough, Mass., and later arrested him. That night, federal agents searched an apartment at the Westborough complex and seized a massive stockpile of cash hidden in a box spring. The cash appears to total approximately $20 million.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz and Matthew Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew E. Lelling and Neil J. Gallagher, Jr., of Ortiz’s Economic Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details in the complaint are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Wednesday 4 January 2017
Windsor Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JONATHAN RHOADES, 32, formerly of Windsor, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to one count of distribution of child pornography.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in December 2014, a member of the Connecticut State Police’s Computer Crimes squad, operating in an undercover capacity, accessed a peer-to-peer file sharing network and downloaded six videos of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct from an Internet Protocol (IP) address that was subsequently linked to RHOADES’s residence in Windsor.
On March 10, 2015, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant RHOADES’s residence and seized a desktop computer, laptop computer and other items. Forensic analysis of the seized computers revealed at least 1,535 images and 49 videos of child pornography, most of which featured children younger than the age of five.
RHOADES has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on March 18, 2015. On November 10, 2015, a federal grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging RHOADES with one count of distribution of child pornography.
Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for March 28, 2017, at which time RHOADES faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
This matter has been investigated by the Connecticut State Police and Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
United States Announces Settlement with YMCA of Metro Chicago to Ensure Compliance with Americans with Disabilities ActRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — The United States Attorney’s Office today announced a settlement with the YMCA of Metro Chicago to resolve a complaint of discrimination filed on behalf of a child with type 1 diabetes.
The settlement agreement requires the YMCA of Metro Chicago to administer the emergency medicine glucagon to program enrollees with diabetes who have requested it. Glucagon is a potentially lifesaving treatment for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It is pre-measured and injectable and is intended to be administered to unconscious or unresponsive individuals by properly trained laypersons.
The settlement agreement also requires the YMCA of Metro Chicago to adopt and implement a comprehensive policy on diabetes management.
The settlement agreement was announced by Zachary T. Fardon, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office received a discrimination complaint on behalf of a nine-year-old girl with type 1 diabetes who participates on a YMCA swim team. The girl has been prescribed glucagon injections for use in the rare event that she develops severe hypoglycemia and cannot self-administer diabetes treatment. The YMCA of Metro Chicago initially refused to administer glucagon. As a result, the girl could not participate on the YMCA swim team without being accompanied by a family member who could administer glucagon in an emergency.
An investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office concluded that the YMCA of Metro Chicago discriminated against the girl by denying her, on the basis of disability, the opportunity to participate in the program, and by failing to make reasonable modifications in its policies regarding the administration of medication.
The YMCA of Metro Chicago denied the allegations of discrimination and made no admission of liability in this matter. Nevertheless, to ensure full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the YMCA of Metro Chicago agreed to implement a comprehensive training program and establish several other procedures to afford individuals with disabilities, including diabetes, an equal opportunity to participate in its services.
The settlement agreement became effective on Dec. 21, 2016. Although the United States agreed not to presently institute a civil action alleging discrimination under the ADA, it may review the YMCA of Metro Chicago’s compliance with the settlement at any time during the two-year duration of the agreement. If the government believes the agreement has been violated, it reserved the right to institute a civil action in the appropriate U.S. District Court to enforce the agreement.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Virginia Hancock.
U.S. Postal Service Worker Pleads Guilty to Importing a Controlled SubstanceRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An employee of the United States Postal Service (USPS) pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Boston in connection with purchasing and importing anabolic steroids.
John A. Psehoyas, 54, pleaded guilty to one count of importation of a controlled substance. According to the terms of the plea agreement, Psehoyas has agreed to resign from the USPS. U.S. District Court Senior Judge Douglas P. Woodlock scheduled sentencing for April 6, 2017.
Psehoyas was a customer service supervisor at the Lynnfield, Mass. Post Office. From August 2014 to March 2016, Psehoyas purchased anabolic steroids, a controlled substance, from online sources. He had the parcels containing steroids shipped to him from China, Poland, Turkey and Romania. The parcels were addressed to multiple addresses to avoid suspicion, but Psehoyas tracked the parcels using a USPS tracking system.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of no greater than 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $500,000. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. Sentences are imposed by a federal district judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz and Eileen Neff, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Postal Service, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia M. Carris of Ortiz’s Public Corruption Unit is prosecuting the case.
Two More Sentenced as Part of Federal Methamphetamine CaseRead the Press Release
Abingdon, VIRGINIA – Another pair of defendants who were part of a conspiracy that trafficked methamphetamine in and around Virginia and Kentuck, were sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced.
Silas Fee, 34, of Rose Hill, Va., previously pled guilty to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute methamphetamine and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Today in District Court, Fee was sentenced to 195 months in federal prison.
Charlinda Harber, 37, of Jonesville, Va., previously pled guilty to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute methamphetamine. Today in District Court, Harber was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison.
“These defendants made our community less safe by trafficking in addictive substances and in many cases possessing firearms while they did it,” United States Attorney Fishwick said today. “We will continue to work with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to stop the flow of this dangerous drug into our communities.”
Along with the two individuals sentenced today, a total of 15 defendants have been charged with being part of the conspiracy, eight of which have already been sentenced to federal prison terms.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Bell County, Kentucky Sheriff’s Office, the Middlesboro, Kentucky Police Department, the Lee County Virginia Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Bristol and Atlanta Field Divisions. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee prosecuted the case for the United States.
Two Men Plead Guilty in Conspiracy to Traffick MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that MELVIN STEEN, a/k/a “SKEET,” age 35, of Slidell, and RYAN ELLENDER, age 36, of New Orleans, pled guilty today to one count of conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Under STEEN’s plea agreement, STEEN is facing a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a possible fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release upon his release from prison. Pursuant to ELLENDER’s Rule 11(c)(1)(C) plea agreement, which the Court may accept or reject, ELLENDER will be sentenced to a term of supervised release of between one year and five years. U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance will sentence STEEN and ELLENDER on April 19, 2017.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Louisiana State Police (LSP), and the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon S. Long is in charge of the prosecution.
Thirteen Members and Associates of the Blood Hound Brims Gang Charged in Federal Court with Racketeering, Narcotics and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and James O’Neill, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging a total of 13 members and associates of the Blood Hound Brims gang (“BHB” or the “Gang”), a subset of the national Bloods street gang, with various racketeering, narcotics, and firearms offenses, including three attempted murders.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “As alleged, the Blood Hound Brims gang was built for crime, with a leadership structure, subgroups known as ‘pedigrees,’ a system to impose discipline, and dues paid to cover prison guns, drugs, commissary funds, and lawyer fees. The Blood Hound Brims’ brand of havoc that allegedly included drugs, guns, and violence affected several neighborhoods in New York City and Westchester and reached as far as Pennsylvania. Thanks to the work of the FBI and NYPD, today we arrest and put federal charges on thirteen of this violent gang’s alleged members and associates, including its founder and leader.”
FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney stated: “The violence that accompanies the drug trade doesn’t just impact the gang members who make the choice to pick up a firearm and aim it at their rivals, or allegedly in this case, at their fellow gang members. Many times innocent people get caught in the crossfire during turf wars. The FBI NY Metro Safe Streets Task Force works day in and day out to track these violent offenders and get them out of the communities they terrorize.”
As alleged in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court[1]:
The BHB was a criminal enterprise that operated principally in the greater New York area, from at least 2005 up to and including 2016. The BHB was a faction of the Bloods street gang, which operates nationwide, and is under the New York Blood Brim Army (“NYBBA”). The BHB operated within and around various locations in New York, including New York City, Westchester County, Elmira, and in Pennsylvania, as well as within and outside federal and state penal systems.
The BHB used a hierarchical structure that was organized, in part, by New York City borough, and that was maintained, in part, through the payment of dues. The founder and leader of the Gang was LATIQUE JOHNSON, and other members and associates of the BHB referred to JOHNSON as the “Godfather.” The Gang was divided into several “pedigrees,” each of which had its own leadership structure which was approved by JOHNSON. Leadership positions within the pedigrees included, among others, treasurers who collected dues from members of a particular pedigree, and individuals who performed security and disciplinary functions for the pedigree. In addition to JOHNSON, GREEN, SANCHEZ, MURRAY, MORTON, CHERRY, KAID, GRAYSON, ROSATIO and EVANS all held leadership positions within the Gang at different times.
Members of the BHB had regular meetings, sometimes called “pow wows” or “9-11s,” at which members were required to pay dues. Some of the meetings were among members of a particular pedigree, and other meetings were for all members of the Enterprise. Word of the meetings was disseminated via text message, word-of-mouth, and flyers. The BHB’s business, including rivalries with other gangs, shootings, the arrest of gang members, guns, and drugs, was regularly discussed at these meetings. “Kitty dues” – money that paid for commissary funds, lawyers, guns, and drugs, and that served as tribute to JOHNSON – were collected at these meetings. The BHB maintained its own rules and constitution that new members were required to learn. Members of the BHB also used code words and secret phrases to communicate with each other both while in prison and on the street in order to avoid detection by law enforcement.
One of the BHB’s principal objectives was to sell cocaine base, commonly known as “crack cocaine,” powder cocaine, and heroin, which members and associates of the BHB sold throughout the greater New York area and in Pennsylvania.
Members and associates of the BHB engaged in multiple acts of violence against rival gangs. These acts of violence included assaults and attempted murders, and were committed to protect the Gang’s drug territory, to retaliate against members of rival gangs who had encroached on the territory controlled by the BHB, and to otherwise promote the standing and reputation of the Gang vis-à-vis rival gangs. These acts of violence also included assaults and attempted murders against members and associates of the BHB itself, as part of internal power struggles within the Gang.
For example, on or about April 3, 2009 in Greenburgh, New York, CHERRY and MORTON attempted to murder KAID during a power struggle within the BHB, during which MORTON shot and injured KAID, who survived the shooting. Then, on or about January 28, 2012 in the Bronx, New York, JOHNSON and MURRAY attempted to murder two members of a rival gang when JOHNSON fired into a fried chicken restaurant, injuring two individuals who survived the shooting. The violence continued, and on or about September 26, 2012 in the Bronx, New York, JOHNSON, KAID and CANNON attempted to kill two other members of a rival gang at whom KAID fired gunshots.
Count One of the Indictment charges LATIQUE JOHNSON, BRANDON GREEN, INES SANCHEZ, DONNELL MURRAY, THOMAS MORTON, DAVID CHERRY, SAEED KAID, ERIC GRAYSON, MARQUES CANNON, MANUEL ROSARIO, MICHAEL EVANS, and TERRELL PINKNEY with participating in a racketeering conspiracy.
Count Two charges JOHNSON and MURRAY with assault and attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering in connection with the January 28, 2012 shooting at members of a rival gang.
Count Three charges JOHNSON, KAID and CANNON with assault and attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering in connection with the September 26, 2012 shooting at members of a rival gang.
Count Four of the Indictment charges JOHNSON, GREEN, MURRAY, MORTON, CHERRY, KAID, GRAYSON, CANNON, ROSARIO, EVANS, and PATRICK DALY with participating in a narcotics conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, powder cocaine and heroin.
Count Five of the Indictment charges GREEN, MURRAY, MORTON, CHERRY, KAID, GRAYSON, CANNON, ROSARIO, EVANS and PINKNEY, with firearms offenses in connection with the racketeering and narcotics conspiracies charged in Counts One and Four, respectively.
Counts Six and Seven of the Indictment charge JOHNSON with firearms offenses in connection with the racketeering and narcotics conspiracies charged in Counts One and Four, respectively, and with use of a firearm in connection with assault and attempted murder in aid of racketeering in connection with Count Two.
* * *
Nine of the 13 defendants, INES SANCHEZ, THOMAS MORTON, DAVID CHERRY, ERIC GRAYSON, MANUEL ROSARIO, MICHAEL EVANS, and TERRELL PINKNEY were taken into federal custody yesterday or this morning and will be presented before United States Magistrate Judge Henry Pittman later today. MARQUES CANNON was arrested in the Northern District of New York and was presented before a magistrate judge. PATRICK DALY was arrested in the Western District of New York and was presented before a magistrate judge. SAID KAID is currently incarcerated in state custody on other charges, and will be presented at a later date. LATIQUE JOHNSON is already in federal custody on prior charges and will be presented on the new charges at a later date. BRANDON GREEN and DONNELL MURRAY remain fugitives. The case of United States v. Latique Johnson, et al, S1 16 Cr. 281 (PGG) has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe.
Charts containing the names, ages, residences, charges, and maximum penalties for the defendants are set forth below. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Bharara thanked the FBI and the NYPD, as well as the Criminal Investigators at the United States Attorney’s Office, for their work on the investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Abigail S. Kurland, Jared Lenow and Max Nicholas are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
17-003 ###
COUNT
CHARGE
DEFENDANTS
MAX. PENALTIES
1
Racketeering conspiracy
18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)
LATIQUE JOHNSON
BRANDON GREEN
INES SANCHEZ
DONNELL MURRAY
THOMAS MORTON
DAVID CHERRY
SAEED KAID
ERIC GRAYSON
MARQUES CANNON
MANUEL ROSARIO
MICHAEL EVANS
TERRELL PINKNEY
20 years in prison
2
Assault and attempted murder and Conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering activity
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959 & 2
LATIQUE JOHNSON
DONNELL MURRAY
10 years in prison
3
Assault and attempted murder and Conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering activity
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959 & 2
LATIQUE JOHNSON
SAEED KAID
MARQUES CANNON
10 years in prison
4
Narcotics conspiracy
21 U.S.C. § 846
LATIQUE JOHNSON
BRANDON GREEN
DONNELL MURRAY
THOMAS MORTON
DAVID CHERRY
SAEED KAID
ERIC GRAYSON
MARQUES CANNON
MANUEL ROSARIO
MICHAEL EVANS
PATRICK DALY
Life in prison
Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison
5
Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime
18 U.S.C. § 924(c)
BRANDON GREEN
DONNELL MURRAY
THOMAS MORTON
DAVID CHERRY
SAEED KAID
ERIC GRAYSON
MARQUES CANNON
MANUEL ROSARIO
MICHAEL EVANS
TERRELL PINKNEY
Life in prison
Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison
6
Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime
18 U.S.C. § 924(c)
LATIQUE JOHNSON
Life in prison
Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison
7
Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a crime of violence
18 U.S.C. § 924(c)
LATIQUE JOHNSON
Life in prison
Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison
DEFENDANT
AGE
RESIDENCE
LATIQUE JOHNSON
a/k/a “La Brim”
a/k/a “Straight 2 Business”
a/k/a “Breezy”
a/k/a “Boss Dog”
36
In Custody
BRANDON GREEN
a/k/a “Light”
a/k/a “Moneywell”
33
Bronx, NY
INES SANCHEZ
a/k/a “Meth”
36
Bronx, NY
DONNELL MURRAY
a/k/a “Don P”
37
Bronx, NY
THOMAS MORTON
a/k/a “10 Stacks”
40
Elmhurst, NY
DAVID CHERRY
a/k/a “Showtime”
35
Queens, NY
SAEED KAID
a/k/a “O-Dog”
36
In Custody
ERIC GRAYSON
a/k/a “Gistol”
33
Bronx, NY
MARQUES CANNON
a/k/a “Paper Boy”
31
Syracuse, NY
MANUEL ROSARIO
a/k/a “Top Dolla”
37
New York, New York
MICHAEL EVANS
a/k/a “Puff”
36
Bronx, New York
TERRELL PINKNEY
a/k/a “BX”
37
Bronx, New York
PATRICK DALY
54
Middleport, New York
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictments, and the description of the Indictments set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Texas man sentenced to over seven years in federal prison for drug crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Texas man was sentenced today to seven years and three months in federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Mason Earl Gonzales, 28, of Pasadena, previously pleaded guilty to attempted possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Gonzales admitted that on June 13, 2016, he traveled with a confidential source working with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) to the Boone Motor Inn in Boone County and searched behind the motel for methamphetamine. Gonzales further admitted that he was unable to locate the methamphetamine and that he planned to return the next day to find the drugs. MDENT went to the same area the following day, located the methamphetamine buried under a rock, and replaced the drugs with a substance resembling methamphetamine. MDENT also set up a surveillance camera in the area. Gonzales admitted that he returned to the area of the motel later that evening and found the bag containing the substance resembling methamphetamine. MDENT then conducted a traffic stop of his vehicle and Gonzales admitted that he went to the area of the motel to get what he believed was methamphetamine and that he intended to distribute the drugs. Lab testing of the methamphetamine seized by MDENT confirmed a weight of over 270 grams and a purity level greater than 97%.
MDENT conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence.
This case was brought as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat illegal drugs in our communities, 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 illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Springfield Man Charged with Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Springfield, Mo., man was charged in federal court today with robbing the Bank of America yesterday afternoon.
Anthony Carlton Dunlap, 40, of Springfield, was charged with one count of bank robbery and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Springfield, Mo.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaint, Dunlap entered Bank of America, 633 W. Kearney St., Springfield, at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017. Dunlap allegedly handed a bank teller a note, which began with “Stay calm.” The teller did not read any further, but made eye contact with Dunlap, the affidavit says. Dunlap allegedly looked toward his hand, which was in his coat pocket, as if to indicate he was armed.
The teller removed cash from her teller drawer and placed it on the counter. Dunlap allegedly said, “Give me more,” and she removed more cash from the drawer. Dunlap took the cash, the affidavit says, stuffed it into his pockets, and left the bank. According to the affidavit, Dunlap took $3,910 in the robbery.
Law enforcement officers found Dunlap hiding in the back seat of a vehicle parked in a residential driveway and arrested him. As Dunlap was removed from the car, a large amount of loose cash was dragged out with him. Cash was also on the back floor boards of the car, along with a loaded Hi Point .40-caliber pistol.
Dickinson cautioned that the charges contained in this complaint 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 James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the FBI.
Six Members of Violent Chicago Street Gang Convicted on Federal Racketeering Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal jury today convicted six members of a Chicago street gang known as the Hobos of participating in a criminal organization that engaged in narcotics distribution and committed murders, attempted murders and armed robberies.
The verdicts were rendered after a 15-week trial in federal court in Chicago. In convicting the six defendants of racketeering conspiracy, the jury found the Hobos were a criminal enterprise that robbed from other drug dealers, retaliated against rival gangs, and violently prevented witnesses from cooperating with law enforcement. For nearly a decade the gang engaged in murders, attempted murders, robberies and narcotics distribution, primarily on the south and west sides of Chicago.
Federal, state and local authorities uncovered the gang activity through an extensive investigation conducted by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and the Chicago High Intensity Drug Task Force (HIDTA). The Task Forces have been responsible for disrupting some of the Chicago area’s most sophisticated drug-trafficking organizations.
The verdicts were announced by Zachary T. Fardon, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Michael J. Anderson, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Eddie T. Johnson, Chicago Police Superintendent; and James D. Robnett, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division. The Illinois State Police, Illinois Department of Corrections and Illinois Secretary of State Police provided assistance.
Convicted of racketeering conspiracy were GREGORY CHESTER, of Chicago; ARNOLD COUNCIL, of Chicago; PARIS POE, of Chicago; GABRIEL BUSH, of Chicago; WILLIAM FORD, of Chicago; and DERRICK VAUGHN, of Chicago. Council, Bush, Poe and Vaughn were also convicted of committing murder in aid of racketeering. Poe was convicted of committing murder to obstruct justice, and the jury convicted Council of using a firearm during a robbery of a clothing store. The jury also convicted Ford on a gun charge and a drug charge.
The convictions carry maximum sentences of life in prison. U.S. District Judge John J. Tharp Jr. scheduled sentencing hearings for June 23, 2017.
The guilty verdicts bring to ten the total number of Hobos convicted in the case. Four members of the gang, including Chester’s cousin, pleaded guilty prior to trial. An eleventh Hobo was identified in the indictment as a coconspirator, but he died before the charges were brought.
Evidence at trial revealed the Hobos were comprised of members from other street gangs that were once rivals. The Hobos allied together in order to more profitably distribute narcotics, accumulate wealth, and establish control of territories on the south and west sides of Chicago. The Hobos were violent and ruthless, often using high-powered guns and assault rifles. Members of the gang shared the wealth with each other, buying luxury items and taking trips to Hawaii and Florida. Although the Hobos lacked a traditional hierarchy, Chester was recognized as its leader. From 2004 to 2013 the Hobos engaged in narcotics trafficking, home invasions and armed robberies, often of rival drug dealers.
When the Hobos learned that individuals were cooperating with law enforcement, the gang resorted to murder in order to prevent it. In 2006 Council and Poe fatally shot Wilbert Moore, whose cooperation with Chicago Police had led to state gun and drug charges against Council. In 2013 Poe shot and killed Keith Daniels after Daniels cooperated with the federal investigation that led to today’s convictions.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Otlewski, Derek Owens and Timothy Storino.
Sissonville man sentenced to federal prison for methamphetamine crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Sissonville man was sentenced today to three years and five months in federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jacob Reed, 43, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Reed admitted that on February 14, 2016, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of Reed’s vehicle. In a subsequent search of the vehicle, law enforcement discovered a camera bag in the floor of the front passenger side that contained cash and several plastic bags of methamphetamine. Law enforcement also found additional cash and a set of digital scales in the center console of the vehicle. In total, officers recovered over 230 grams of methamphetamine and nearly $15,000 in cash.
The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence.
This case was brought as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat illegal drugs in our communities, 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 illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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San Antonio Mother Awaits Sentencing While Son Receives Federal Prison Term for Roles in a Million Dollar Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft Scheme Involving Relative’s ChurchRead the Press Release
In San Antonio today, 24-year-old Brennan R. Diaz was sentenced to a total of 56 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for scheming with his mother to steal over $1 million from a local church owned by his grandfather, announced United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr., U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Lee Dotson, and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge William Cotter.
United States District Judge Xavier Rodriguez also ordered that Diaz pay $985,346.06 in restitution. The restitution figure does not include seized assets valued at more than $100,000 which were returned to the victim.
On September 20, 2016, Diaz pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of money laundering. His mother, Deborah A. Diaz, pleaded guilty on June 30, 2016, to one count of bank fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
By pleading guilty, both defendants admitted that between February 2015 and October 2015, they conspired to defraud the La Obra Milagrosa Church (aka “The Miracle Center Church”) (TMC). Neither defendant had authority to sign TMC Church checks, however, they forged the family member’s signature on dozens of TMC business checks.
Deborah Diaz, who is currently on bond, is scheduled to be sentenced at 1:30pm on January 11, 2017.
This joint investigation was conducted by the Financial Crimes Section of the U.S. Secret Service South Texas Regional Task Force and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. Other agencies involved in the Task Force include the San Antonio Police Department, Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, Bexar County District Attorney’s Office and Texas Department of Public Safety-Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant United States Attorney Thomas P. Moore is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
Roanoke Man Sentenced on Methamphetamine ChargeRead the Press Release
Roanoke, VIRGINIA – A Roanoke man, who conspired with his son, and others, to distribute methamphetamine in and around the Roanoke region, was sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced.
William Arthur Morgan Sr., 58, of Roanoke, Va., previously pled guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. Today in District Court, Morgan Sr. was sentenced to 65 months in federal prison.
“Methamphetamine is a dangerously addictive drug that destroys lives,” United States Attorney Fishwick said today. “We will continue to do all we can to stop the flow of it into Southwest Virginia.”
According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Bassford, Morgan Sr. conspired with his son, William Morgan Jr., to have packages of methamphetamine mailed from California to Morgan Sr.’s address in Roanoke. Morgan Jr. would then sell the methamphetamine and split the profits of the sales with his father. Morgan Jr. was previously sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for his role in the conspiracy.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Roanoke City Police Department, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Roanoke HIDTA and the Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Bassford prosecuted the case for the United States.
Roanoke Man Sentenced on Federal Heroin, Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
Roanoke, VIRGINIA – A Roanoke man who was selling heroin out of his home and other location in Southeast Roanoke was sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced.
Jerome Tyler Lottier, 50, of Roanoke, Va., previously pleaded guilty to one count of possessing with the intent to distribute and distributing heroin and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Today in District Court, Lottier was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison.
“The heroin problem has grown from a simple law enforcement issue into a true public health crisis across Virginia and the country as a whole,” United States Attorney Fishwick said today. “We must continue to be vigilant in seeking justice against all individuals who prey on the addictions of others for their own profit.”
According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Special Assistant United States Attorney Kari Munro, law enforcement became aware that Lottier was selling heroin out of his Stewart Avenue home in Southeast Roanoke in or about February 2016. After observing several individuals enter the home, officers obtained a search warrant for the residence and seized approximately 150 bags of heroin, digital scales and packaging material, as well as a 9 mm pistol. Lottier later admitted that he had been distributing heroin in the Roanoke area for a period of several months.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Roanoke City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Donald R. Wolthuis and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kari Munro prosecuted the case for the United States.
Previously Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Fraud Charge, Admits Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHN VOLOSHIN, 60, formerly of New Haven and Woodbridge, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of wire fraud and also admitted to violating a condition of his federal supervised release.
On May 17, 2012, U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny sentenced VOLOSHIN to 33 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for operating multiple fraud schemes that caused losses of more than $1.5 million to individuals and lenders. As part of the schemes, VOLOSHIN forged signatures and used fabricated bank account statements, tax returns, mortgage releases and loan applications. VOLOSHIN was released from prison on May 16, 2014, and began serving a three-year term of supervised release.
Shortly after his release from prison, in an attempt to gain permission from the U.S. Probation Office to travel to London, VOLOSHIN repeatedly lied to and misled his supervising probation officer by concocting a bogus job for a real estate concern in London. On November 7, 2014, Judge Chatigny sentenced VOLOSHIN to an additional nine months of imprisonment and 27 months of supervised release for violating the terms and conditions of his federal supervised release.
VOLOSHIN was released from prison on June 8, 2015, and began serving his 27-month term of supervised release.
According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in the fall of 2015, VOLOSHIN engaged in another fraud scheme by soliciting money from individuals and representing that the money would be fully invested to generate very high returns. Although VOLOSHIN did invest some of the victims’ money, he used substantial portions of the victims’ money for personal expenses, including a $20,000 payment toward a luxury apartment in Manhattan, and for plastic surgery, fine dining, retail shopping and alcohol.
VOLOSHIN has been detained since his arrest on May 26, 2016.
VOLOSHIN pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000. He also admitted to one violation of the terms and conditions of his federal supervised release, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of two years. He is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Chatigny in Hartford on May 4, 2017.
The matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marc H. Silverman and David T. Huang.
Pair Sentenced on Federal Methamphetamine ChargesRead the Press Release
Abingdon, VIRGINIA – A pair of men, who conspired with others to traffic ICE methamphetamine into Southwest Virginia for further distribution, were sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced.
Roger Coley, 60, of Rossville, Ga., previously pled guilty to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent distribute ICE methamphetamine. Today in District Court, Coley was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison.
Also in District Court today, Randall Nelson Doss, 52, of Chattanooga, Tenn., who previously pled guilty to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute ICE methamphetamine, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison.
“This conspiracy brought large quantities of a very potent form of methamphetamine into Southwest Virginia and preyed upon the addictions of others,” United States Attorney Fishwick said today. “Law enforcement in this case worked cooperatively to dismantle this conspiracy and bring these defendants to justice.”
According to evidence presented at previous hearings, Coley and Doss assisted in a conspiracy to traffic ICE methamphetamine from Tennessee into Virginia. Specifically, Coley and Doss supplied ICE methamphetamine to co-conspirators Mike Warren, Summer Delp, Kevin Roark, Tim Montgomery, and others, who would typically travel from Virginia to Tennessee to purchase the methamphetamine. Once the methamphetamine arrived in Virginia, the group would further distribute the drug.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; United States Drug Enforcement Administration; United States Marshals Service; and Virginia State Police. Special Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Jayne prosecuted the case for the United States.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Jonathan May, 49, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on January 4, 2017 in Lincoln, Nebraska, to 48 months in prison by Senior United States District Judge Richard G. Kopf, for possession of child pornography. After his release from prison, May will also serve five years of supervised release and be required to register as a sex offender.
Investigators of the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, observed an IP address belonging to the Defendant, making files available for sharing. On June 18, 2014, a search warrant was obtained from the Cass County Court and served at the defendant’s address in Plattsmouth, Nebraska. Investigators made contact with the defendant. After a forensic examination of May’s computer, Investigators were able to verify that over 500 video files which depicted minors, including prepubescent minors, engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Contained within the total number were 14 known series of child pornography.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office.
Oklahoma Medical Clinics Agree to Pay $315,000 to Settle Allegations of False Claims for Medical Services Provided to Federal EmployeesRead the Press Release
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Mark A. Yancey, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma, announces that REHABILITATION MEDICINE OF OKLAHOMA, PLLC and BCOT, PLLC dba REHABILITATION MEDICINE OF OKLAHOMA – TULSA have paid $315,000 to settle civil claims stemming from allegations that the clinics violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims to the Office of Workers Compensation Programs of the United States Department of Labor ("DOL-OWCP").
Rehabilitation Medicine of Oklahoma, PLLC and BCOT, PLLC dba Rehabilitation Medicine of Oklahoma – Tulsa ("RMO") are Oklahoma professional limited liability companies that operate medical clinics in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. RMO provided medical services to federal employees under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA). FECA provides compensation benefits to civilian employees of the United States for disability due to personal injury sustained while in the performance of duty, and for employment-related disease. Benefits include rehabilitation, medical, surgical and necessary expenses. Claims for services provided under FECA are submitted to DOL-OWCP.
The United States contends that from December 8, 2010, through December 31, 2012, RMO submitted false claims for payment to DOL-OWCP. Specifically, it is alleged that RMO submitted claims to DOL-OWCP for medical services furnished to federal employees of nine federal agencies that were false because they were either (1) billed at a higher rate than allowed or (2) not performed at all.
In order to resolve the allegations brought by the United States, RMO has paid $315,000.
In reaching this settlement, RMO did not admit liability and the government did not make any concessions regarding the legitimacy of the claims. The agreement allows the parties to avoid the delay, expense, inconvenience, and uncertainty involved in litigating the case.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ronald R. Gallegos.
New York Man Sentenced 15 Years in Prison for Participating in Oxycodone Distribution Conspiracy and Failing to Appear in CourtRead the Press Release
CONCORD, N.H. – United States Attorney Emily Gray Rice announced that Manuel Tirado (34) of New York City, was sentenced on Tuesday to serve 15 years in prison for participating in a conspiracy to distribute oxycodone pills and failing to appear in Court.
Court documents and statements in court showed that Tirado was a New York-based source of supply who provided oxycodone pills to a group of drug traffickers who were distributing the pills in Manchester, New Hampshire. During a law enforcement investigation in 2013 and 2014 that included the use of controlled purchases of drugs and multiple wiretaps, investigators learned that Samuel Garcia, Jennifer Nunez, and others were actively involved in the distribution of oxycodone pills. Wiretap conversations revealed that Tirado arranged to supply some of these pills. On multiple occasions, intercepted calls showed that members of the conspiracy (Raul Hernandez and Jose Nunez) traveled to New York, obtained pills from Tirado, and then brought them back to New Hampshire. On one occasion, Jose Nunez was stopped in Massachusetts while transporting $18,900 in cash that was to be used to pay for oxycodone pills that were being supplied by Tirado.
Several targets of the investigation were arrested in Manchester on August 27, 2014. Hernandez was arrested as he attempted to deliver over 600 oxycodone pills to the residence of Samuel Garcia and Jennifer Nunez on Eastern Avenue in Manchester, New Hampshire. A search warrant was executed at that residence and hundreds of additional pills, as well as over $30,000 in cash, and three firearms were recovered from that location. Garcia, Jennifer Nunez, and Johanna Nunez were arrested that day. Jose Nunez was arrested in October of 2014, after returning to the United States from the Dominican Republic.
Tirado was later indicted on a drug conspiracy charge. On July 23, 2015, he was arrested in New York. He was released on bond by a judge in New York and was directed to appear for an arraignment in federal court in New Hampshire on August 4, 2015. Tirado did not appear in Court and a warrant was issued for his arrest. He was arrested again in New York on August 17, 2015.
Tirado pleaded guilty to the drug conspiracy charge and the failure to appear charge on August 23, 2016.
All of the other individuals who were involved in this conspiracy also have pleaded guilty.
Samuel Garcia (36) pleaded guilty on March 24, 2015, to: (1) Conspiracy to Distribute, and Possess with Intent to Distribute, a Controlled Substance; (2) Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute; (3) Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments; and (4) Possession of a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime. He is awaiting sentencing.
Jose Nunez (61) pleaded guilty on March 6, 2015, to: (1) Conspiracy to Distribute, and Possess with Intent to Distribute, a Controlled Substance; (2) four counts of Distribution of a Controlled Substance; (3) Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments; and (4) Possession of a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). He is awaiting sentencing.
Jennifer Nunez (26) pleaded guilty on March 24, 2015, to: (1) Conspiracy to Distribute, and Possess with Intent to Distribute, a Controlled Substance; (2) Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute; (3) Distribution of a Controlled Substance; and (4) Possession of a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime. She is awaiting sentencing.
Johanna Nunez (30) pleaded guilty on March 24, 2015, to: (1) Conspiracy to Distribute, and Possess with Intent to Distribute, a Controlled Substance; and (2) four counts of Distribution of a Controlled Substance. On June 23, 2015, she was sentenced to 51 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
Raul Hernandez (29) pleaded guilty on March 17, 2015, to: (1) Conspiracy to Distribute, and Possess with Intent to Distribute, a Controlled Substance and (2) Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute. On June 23, 2015, he was sentenced to 48 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
An additional defendant, Edward Anthony Hiciano Beltre, is a fugitive.
In addition to these defendants, several additional individuals who obtained oxycodone from this organization and resold it to customers have pleaded guilty to federal drug conspiracy charges. Ryan Demers, William Alba, Bonnie Labrie, Krystal Mailhot, and Yonajaira Galarza Ramos have all entered guilty pleas in federal court.
Demers was sentenced on September 22, 2015, to 57 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. That sentence was affirmed on appeal by the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.
Labrie was sentenced on March 11, 2016, to 72 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
Alba was sentenced on June 17, 2016, to 72 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
Mailhot and Ramos are awaiting sentencing.
“The DEA is committed to investigating and bringing to justice those who illicitly distribute oxycodone,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson. “Opiate abuse is a major problem in New Hampshire and throughout New England. The diversion of prescription pain killers, in this case oxycodone, contributes to the widespread abuse of opiates, is the gateway to heroin and fentanyl addiction, and is devastating our communities. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts in New Hampshire and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to aggressively pursue any group or individual that traffics these drugs.”
U.S. Attorney Rice stated, “Many individuals begin their journey to opiate addiction through oxycodone use. While these pills have a legitimate medical use, the illicit distribution of these potentially addictive drugs has been a significant factor in the development of the opiate crisis that is affecting New Hampshire. The U.S. Attorney’s office will continue to work with the law enforcement community to stop the flow of opiates and opioids onto the streets of New Hampshire. This includes identifying and prosecuting sources who are arranging to bring these dangerous drugs into our state. This office also will take aggressive steps to prosecute those who disregard court orders by failing to appear in court.”
This investigation was the product of an investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. This particular investigation involved cooperative efforts of federal and local law enforcement entities, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Manchester Police Department, the New Hampshire State Police, the Massachusetts State Police, and the Hillsborough County Attorney’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John J. Farley and Debra M. Walsh.
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Neosho Man Pleads Guilty to Child PornRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Neosho, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to receiving and distributing child pornography.
Blake Altman, 33, of Neosho, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to the charge contained in a June 16, 2015, federal indictment.
By pleading guilty today, Altman admitted that he received and distributed child pornography over the Internet from Aug. 14 to Oct. 1, 2014. Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Altman’s residence after he was identified in an undercover investigation into the distribution of child pornography via peer-to-peer file-sharing software. Undercover officers downloaded images and videos of child pornography from Altman’s computer. Officers seized Altman’s laptop computer, which contained images and videos of child pornography.
Under federal statutes, Altman is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of 20 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 James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force.
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."
Nampa Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Access with Intent to View Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOISE – Troy A. Paul, 48, of Nampa was sentenced today in United States District Court to 30 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for access with intent to view child pornography, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Paul pleaded guilty on August 16, 2016.
According to the plea agreement, agents with the Department of Homeland Security learned that an electronic device at Paul’s residence viewed images of child pornography on a Russian photo-sharing website several times between January and June of 2014. Further investigation revealed that a device at Paul’s residence received an e-mail in March of 2014 which contained images of child pornography. In February of 2015, agents with the Department of Homeland Security interviewed Paul, who admitted viewing child pornography on the Russian photo-sharing website, and receiving images of child pornography in his e-mail account. Paul admitted viewing images of child pornography in his e-mail account approximately 100 times, using an iPhone assigned to him by his employer. In March of 2015, agents with the Department of Homeland Security served a search warrant for the contents of Paul’s e-mail account, and discovered e-mails containing images of child pornography.
The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the FBI and the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, and 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.”
Nampa Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
BOISE – Fernando Morales, 50, of Nampa pleaded guilty today in United States District Court to sexual exploitation of children, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.
According to the plea agreement, officers with the Nampa Police Department contacted Morales at his residence in Nampa on August 23, 2016, after a sixteen-year-old minor living at the residence called 911. The minor victim informed arriving officers that Morales had sexual contact with the minor victim for several years and had nude images of the minor victim on his cell phone. During an interview with Nampa Police detectives, Morales admitted that he had sex with the minor victim on numerous occasions, beginning in approximately June of 2015 in El Paso, Texas. Morales, the victim, and two other children later moved to Nampa in July of 2016. Morales also admitted that he recorded videos and pictures of himself and the minor victim engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and that the videos and pictures were saved on his cell phone.
Nampa Police detectives seized several electronic devices from Morales. The devices were analyzed by a computer forensic agent with the Department of Homeland Security, resulting in the discovery of twenty-three videos and twenty-one still images of the minor victim engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Nineteen of the videos and all of the still images depicted Morales engaged in sexually explicit conduct with the victim. Two of the videos and nine of the still images contained data showing they were produced in the state of Texas, then transported to the state of Idaho.
Sentencing is scheduled before Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill on March 27, 2017. Sexual exploitation of children is punishable by a mandatory minimum 15 years, and up to 30 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, not less than five years and up to lifetime supervised release, and a $5,000 special assessment. As part of his plea, Morales also agreed to forfeit two cell phones and a laptop computer used in the commission of the offense.
The case was investigated by the Nampa Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security, with assistance from the Canyon County Prosecutor’s Office, and 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.”
Mineral County man pleads guilty to illegal possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Hawke Anthony Coffman, 26, of Ridgeley, West Virginia, pled guilty to illegally possessing a firearm, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.
Coffman, who had previously been convicted of felony offenses in West Virginia and Maryland, is prohibited from possessing a firearm. He admitted to possessing a .7mm caliber rifle in Hampshire County, West Virginia in November 2015.
Coffman pled guilty to one count of “Felon in 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 Paul T. Camilletti prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces $95 Million Recovery from Deutsche Bank in Fraudulent Conveyance Case Related to Federal Income Tax AvoidanceRead the Press Release
Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced a settlement between the United States of America and DEUTSCHE BANK, A.G., DB U.S. FINANCIAL MARKETS HOLDING CORP., and DEUTSCHE BANK SECURITIES, INC. (“DEUTSCHE BANK”), resolving a civil lawsuit in which the United States alleges that DEUTSCHE BANK participated in a series of transactions that amounted to fraudulent conveyances carried out with the purpose and effect of evading tens of millions of dollars in federal tax liability.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “Using a web of shell companies and series of calculated transactions, Deutsche Bank sought to escape liability for tens of millions of dollars in taxes. The Government, through this action and settlement, has made Deutsche Bank admit to its actions designed to avoid taxes and pay $95 million to the United States to account for this conduct.”
According to the allegations of the Complaint previously filed by this Office against DEUTSCHE BANK in Manhattan federal court:
In 2000, DEUTSCHE BANK acquired a corporation that held stock with a very low cost basis, meaning that when this stock was subsequently sold, significant taxable income would be incurred. In order to dispose of the stock without paying the taxes that would be due on this transaction, DEUTSCHE BANK entered into a fraudulent plan with a tax shelter promoter. Pursuant to this plan, DEUTSCHE BANK transferred the shares of the acquired corporation to a shell company (“BMY”) created by the promoter, which then transferred the stock back to DEUTSCHE BANK in such a way as to cause the shell company to get stuck with the tax bill. DEUTSCHE BANK and the promoter structured this transaction (the “May 2000 Transaction”) so that the shell company would have little or no assets and would be unable to pay the taxes due. The net result: DEUTSCHE BANK would be able to cleanse the stock of its low cost basis and purport to leave the tax liability with a “taxpayer” – the shell company – that would be unable to pay the tax. Ultimately, this transaction left the shell company BMY with a liability of more than $52 million in taxes, plus interest and penalties.
* * *
Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement approved today by the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, DEUTSCHE BANK agrees to pay the United States $95 million to resolve the claims in the Complaint.
In the Settlement Agreement, DEUTSCHE BANK also “admits, acknowledges, and accepts responsibility for” certain key facts related to the Government’s allegations in the complaint, including the following:
- “DEUTSCHE BANK engaged in the May 2000 Transaction in order to avoid having to pay the built-in tax liability associated with” the stock.
- “Each aspect of the May 2000 Transaction was pre-planned” and “[a]s a result of the May 2000 Transaction, BMY realized substantial taxable gain.”
- “Deutsche Bank knew or, had it made reasonable inquiries, would have known that BMY did not have legitimate tax losses to offset this gain.”
- BMY nonetheless “claimed [to the IRS] that no tax was due because the income was offset by unrelated foreign currency transaction losses” that “were attributable to a tax shelter known as a Currency Option Investment Strategy (‘COINS’) tax shelter.”
- DEUTSCHE BANK itself had “participated in this COINS tax shelter,” and, “[a]s Deutsche Bank admitted in 2010” in a statement of facts accompanying a non-prosecution agreement entered into by this Office’s Criminal Division, “the COINS shelter, in which it participated willfully and knowingly, was a fraudulent tax shelter, and it was unlawful for Deutsche Bank to have participated in the COINS tax shelter.”
- “IRS disallowed [these] claimed foreign currency transaction losses and assessed BMY tens of millions of dollars of tax (plus interest and penalties) resulting from the sale of” the stock.
- “Deutsche Bank knew that BMY had no material assets and no operating business,” and “Deutsche Bank knew or should have known that as a result of the May 2000 Transaction, BMY lacked the funds necessary to pay the substantial taxes resulting from the sale of” the stock.
Mr. Bharara thanked Frederick C. Mutter of the Office of Chief Counsel, Internal Revenue Service, for his extraordinary assistance on this matter.
The case has been handled by this Office’s Tax and Bankruptcy Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert William Yalen, Christine S. Poscablo, Natasha Waglow Teleanu, Anthony J. Sun, and Ellen M. London have handled this matter.
- “DEUTSCHE BANK engaged in the May 2000 Transaction in order to avoid having to pay the built-in tax liability associated with” the stock.
Lee's Summit Woman Sentenced for Stealing $5.3 Million from EmployerRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Lee’s Summit, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for embezzling nearly $5.3 million from her employer.
Jane Barnes, 54, of Lee’s Summit, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to eight years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Barnes to pay $5,293,300 in victim restitution. Barnes has paid partial restitution by turning over three properties bought and/or improved using proceeds from her fraud scheme, plus her profit sharing account with former employer ACI Boland Architects.
On Aug. 2, 2016, Barnes pleaded guilty to wire fraud, bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Barnes began working for ACI Boland Architects, a prominent architecture company in Kansas City, Mo., in 1998 and worked as the office manager from 2008 until her resignation in March 2016. Barnes abused her position of trust as the office manager for ACI Boland in order to enrich herself. Barnes fraudulently stole money from ACI Boland and forged the signature of a principal partner on hundreds of occasions over a 10-year period.
Barnes admitted that she conducted two schemes to defraud and embezzle a total of at least $5,293,300 from ACI Boland.
In Barnes’ first fraud scheme, she used the payroll system to pay herself unauthorized amounts in excess of her approved salary/bonus. Barnes inflated her bi-weekly salary without the authorization of ACI Boland. Barnes admitted that she embezzled at least $1,622,078 in her first scheme, which lasted from at least 2006 until 2011.
In her second fraud scheme, Barnes created unauthorized payroll checks to herself, which did not reflect on her W-2 forms; thus federal income and other taxes were not deducted from her checks through this scheme. Barnes issued 359 unauthorized checks to herself directly from ACI Boland’s payroll account. Barnes signed the checks with the forged signature of one of the principals of ACI Boland and deposited them into her personal bank accounts. Barnes admitted that she embezzled a total of $3,671,222 from ACI Boland in her second scheme, which began in 2010 and lasted until her resignation in March 2016.
Barnes used the stolen money to travel, buy cars, furnish her house, eat out, give money to relatives and generally live well above her means. The investigation revealed Barnes’ spending of the stolen funds included:
- $1,969,210 in various credit card payments;
- $770,393 in transfers to relatives;
- $425,493 in entertainment, retail and travel;
- $424,945 in vehicle expenses, including car loan payments;
- $302,636 in cash and cash equivalents;
- $253,856 in home expenses, excluding mortgage payments;
- $124,412 in taxes
- $119,375 in insurance and medical expenses; and
- $107,683 in restaurant and food expenses.
Under the terms of her plea agreement, Barnes must forfeit to the government $5,293,300, a 2014 Ford F150 Crew Cab Raptor 4WD, a 2014 Ford Explorer Utility 4D Sport 4WD and a 2013 Lincoln MKS, all of which was derived from the proceeds of her fraud.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen D. Mahoney. It was investigated by the FBI.
Justice Department Releases Report on Civil Rights Division’s Pattern and Practice Police Reform WorkRead the Press Release
The Justice Department released a comprehensive report today that provides an overview of the Civil Rights Division’s police reform work under Section 14141 of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994.
The report, “The Civil Rights Division’s Pattern and Practice Police Reform Work: 1994-Present,” is designed to serve as a resource for local law enforcement agencies and communities by making the division’s police reform work more accessible and transparent. It examines a range of topics, including the history and purpose of Section 14141, initiation and methodology of pattern-or-practice investigations, negotiation of reform agreements, the current reform model and its rationale, conclusion of agreements and the impact of pattern-or-practice enforcement on police reform and community-police trust. To supplement the report, the division also published an interactive Police Reform Finder, which allows users to search how reform agreements have addressed specific kinds of policing issues.
“Over the years, countless law enforcement officials and community members have requested additional information about the Civil Rights Division’s policing work,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Civil Rights Division. “We hope stakeholders find our report and interactive tool useful in our collective efforts to advance constitutional policing, strengthen police-community trust and promote officer and public safety.”
Since 2009, the Civil Rights Division has opened 25 investigations into law enforcement agencies and is currently enforcing 19 agreements, including 14 consent decrees and one post-judgment order.
Police Reform Report
Police Reform Finder
Police Reform AccomplishmentsIraqi Man Who Lied About Being Army Translator Sentenced for Visa FraudRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - An Iraqi man who falsified his application for a visa by claiming to have worked as a translator for the U.S. Army in Iraq was sentenced Wednesday to two years in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.
Goran Sabah Ghafour, 35, who lived in Lawrence, Kan., while he was a graduate student at the University of Kansas, pleaded guilty to one count of visa fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
In his plea, Ghafour admitted he applied for a visa under a program allowing Iraqi nationals who worked for or on behalf of the U.S. government in Iraq to qualify for a visa. To support a false claim that he worked as a translator for the U.S. Army Ghafour fabricated a letter from an Army officer recognizing his work. In fact, the officer whose name was on the letter did not know Ghafour and did not consent to Ghafour writing the letter.
Beall commended Homeland Security Investigations and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley for their work on the case.
Inland Empire Man Pleads Guilty in Wire Fraud Scheme Stemming from Use of Fraudulent Checks Made with Info Stolen from U.S. MailRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Hemet man pleaded guilty today to a federal conspiracy charge for participating in a scheme in which he and another man used information obtained from stolen mail to create fraudulent checks and identity documents which were used to purchase goods that were later returned to major retail outlets to obtain cash.
Jason William Leonard, 37, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, admitting he participated in a scheme that caused more than $114,000 in losses.
Leonard pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Stephen V. Wilson, who is scheduled to sentence the defendant on March 20.
In a plea agreement filed in United States District Court two weeks ago, Leonard admitted that he conspired with another man – Michael Joseph Tomassacci, 39, of San Jacinto – to create checks that they used in a scheme to purchase merchandise at retail stores with the intent to later return the merchandise for cash. In his plea agreement, Leonard specifically admitted that he and his co-conspirator used personal identifying information from approximately 265 victims to create checks that were used to purchase goods at stores, including Walmarts in Redlands and Santee.
The total intended loss of the conspiracy was more than $250,000, and actual losses totaled $114,565.
“Mail theft is a crime that is much more than an inconvenience for postal customers,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “This type of crime leads to identity theft and significant losses to financial institutions and other American businesses.”
Tomassacci is a fugitive being sought by authorities. If you have any information about this fugitive, please contact the: U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455 (select Option 2) and reference case number 2026956-MT.
When he is sentenced by Judge Wilson, Leonard will face a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
This case is being investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Los Angeles Division Inspector in Charge Robert Wemyss of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service stated: “We are working closely with the U.S. Attorney's Office and our partners in law enforcement to bring to justice those responsible for mail theft. Prosecution alone, however, will not solve this problem. That's why Postal Inspectors across the region have teamed up with community leaders to help educate citizens on prevention measures to better secure their mail, helping protect them from financial damage and inconvenience. Concerned citizens who have information related to mail theft or have observed suspicious activity are encouraged to contact the Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455."
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Victoria A. Degtyareva of the General Crimes Section.
Husband of Former U.S. Embassy Official in Morocco Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Sexually Abusing Household Staff MemberRead the Press Release
The husband of the former Deputy Chief of Mission in Rabat, Morocco, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for sexually abusing a former household staff member from 2010 to 2013.
Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips of the District of Columbia and Director Bill A. Miller of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) made the announcement.
Labib Chammas, 65, of McLean, Virginia, pleaded guilty on Oct. 12, 2016, to one count of abusive sexual conduct before U.S. District Judge Christopher R. Cooper of the District of Columbia. Judge Cooper also sentenced Chammas to a five-year term of supervised release and ordered him to pay a $15,000 fine. Chammas is required to register as a sex offender for a period of 15 years.
In pleading guilty, Chammas admitted that between August 2010 and February 2013, while living in State Department-owned housing in Rabat, he sexually abused a woman who had worked at the residence for 16 years. According to the plea agreement, Chammas supervised the staff at the residence and repeatedly threatened to fire staff members. Out of fear that she would lose her job, the victim complied with Chammas’s requests that she massage his legs, hip and back, and then with his subsequent demands that she “massage” his genitalia. On at least five occasions, Chammas took the victim by her head or hair and attempted to force her to perform oral sex.
DSS’s Office of Special Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Hertzfeld of the District of Columbia and Special Counsel Stacey Luck of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section prosecuted the case.
Husband of Former U.S. Embassy Official in Morocco Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Sexually Abusing Household Staff MemberRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The husband of the former Deputy Chief of Mission in Rabat, Morocco was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for sexually abusing a former household staff member from 2010 to 2013.
Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips of the District of Columbia, and Director Bill A. Miller of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) made the announcement.
Labib Chammas, 65, of McLean, Virginia, pleaded guilty on Oct. 12, 2016, to one count of abusive sexual conduct before U.S. District Judge Christopher R. Cooper of the District of Columbia. Judge Cooper also sentenced Chammas to a five-year term of supervised release and ordered him to pay a $15,000 fine. Chammas is required to register as a sex offender for a period of 15 years.
In pleading guilty, Chammas admitted that between August 2010 and February 2013, while living in State Department-owned housing in Rabat, he sexually abused a woman who had worked at the residence for 16 years. According to the plea agreement, Chammas supervised the staff at the residence and repeatedly threatened to fire staff members. Out of fear that she would lose her job, the victim complied with Chammas’s requests that she massage his legs, hip and back, and then with his subsequent demands that she “massage” his genitalia. On at least five occasions, Chammas took the victim by her head or hair and attempted to force her to perform oral sex.
DSS’s Office of Special Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Hertzfeld of the District of Columbia and Special Counsel Stacey Luck of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section prosecuted the case.
Honduran Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that MARVIN ANTONIO GARCIA-PINOTT, age 30, a citizen of Honduras, pled guilty today to a one-count Bill of Information for illegal re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to court records, GARCIA-PINOTT was found in the United States on October 3, 2016, after having been previously deported.
GARCIA-PINOTT faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years and a fine of $250,000, or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant, one year supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt set sentencing for April, 12, 2017.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and Custom Enforcement and Removal in investigating this matter.
Harrisburg Man Sentenced for Illegally Selling Prescription PainkillersRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Anthony Williams, age 55, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 86 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Yvette Kane for unlawfully distributing prescription painkillers.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, on March 9, 2015, Williams distributed 50, 10 mg. hydrocodone pills and on March 19, 2015, he distributed 60, 10 mg. oxycodone pills to an individual cooperating with the Drug Enforcement Administration.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Resident Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Dauphin County Drug Task Force, and the Harrisburg Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe prosecuted the case.
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