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Wednesday 23 November 2016
Former Attorney Sentenced for Veterans’ Benefits FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former attorney was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court in Boston in connection with a scheme to defraud a veteran.
Matthew J. McCarthy, 48, of Lowell, Mass., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor, IV, to six months in prison, six months of home confinement, and ordered to pay restitution of $36,105. In August 2016, McCarthy pleaded guilty to one count of theft of public money.
In early 2000, McCarthy, an attorney at the time, was appointed as a guardian for a 64-year old veteran. Between October 2009 and March 2011, McCarthy appropriated the benefits deposited into the veteran’s bank account by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. McCarthy wrote checks to himself and third parties from the veterans’ bank account, endorsed and cased the checks, appropriating approximately $36,000.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz and Donna Neves, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Inspector General, Northeast Field Office, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Giselle J. Joffre of Ortiz’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Florida Woman Guilty of Interstate Stolen Credit Card SchemeRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Chelsea Miller, age 19, of Stuart, Florida, pleaded guilty on November 22, 2016, before United States District Court Judge John E. Jones, III, to conspiring to use stolen credit cards.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Miller conspired with others to use stolen credit cards to purchase electronic merchandise and gift cards from stores in central Pennsylvania, such as Target and Best Buy. The defendants engaged in this conduct for approximately eight months from 2014 to 2015. Miller and her co-defendants travelled from Florida to Pennsylvania breaking into cars to steal credit cards and identification documents in order to buy iPads, iPods, MacBooks and other electronic merchandise and gift cards.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Lower Paxton Township Police Department, and numerous other law enforcement agencies. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William A. Behe.
The maximum penalty under federal law is five years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Five Men Convicted and Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.-Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Michael Cruz Mejia, 21, and Sinai Aguilar-Rodriguez, 30, originally from Mexico but most recently of Buffalo, NY, along with Salustio Lopez-Marquez, 38, Everardo Lopez-Marquez, 36, and Joanathan Lopez-Marquez, 22, originally from Mexico but most recently of Cheektowaga, NY, pleaded guilty to illegal re-entry into the United States and were sentenced to time served by Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian J. Counihan, who handled the case, stated that the five defendants were taken into custody in the early morning hours of August 8, 2016, while playing basketball in Orchard Park. The defendants were found in the United States after having been previously deported and removed from the United States to Mexico.
Joanathan Lopez-Marquez was previously removed from the United States on one occasion. Cruz-Mejia, Aguilar-Rodriguez, Salustio Lopez-Marquez had each previously been removed twice, while Everardo Lopez-Marquez had previously been removed three times. Following sentencing, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement took custody of the defendants. All five worked for Sergio Ramses Mucino who was arrested on October 18, 2016, on charges of harboring illegal aliens.
The pleas and sentencings are the result of an investigation by the Orchard Park Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Pacholec, U.S. Border Patrol, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James C. Spero.
Fairhope Doctor Charged with Illegal Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama announces that Richard Snellgrove, M.D. of Fairhope, Alabama has been indicted and arraigned on charges that he prescribed various Controlled Substances outside the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.
The six-count Indictment alleges that on five different occasions, Dr. Snellgrove prescribed Controlled Substances in the names of different individuals knowing and intending that the Controlled Substances go to an individual identified in the Indictment as “M.R.” These five prescriptions were for methadone, hydrocodone, lorazepam, and fentanyl. All five of these prescriptions were allegedly written outside the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose. Count Six alleges that on August 18, 2016, Dr. Snellgrove prescribed 75mcg/hr fentanyl patches directly to M.R. outside the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.
“It is disheartening when trusted professionals are engaged in the diversion of controlled substances,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Stephen G. Azzam. “Doctors have an obligation to ensure that prescription medications are getting into the hands of legitimate patients. This investigation is the result of DEA’s continued commitment to hold accountable those who participate in illegally dispensing Controlled Substances in our communities,” stated Azzam.
“The West Bend Police Department and the City of West Bend want to thank the DEA agents in Alabama, and the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Southern District of Alabama for their outstanding work and level of cooperation with the City of West Bend Police Department in clearing this case,” said Chief Kenneth Meuler, City of West Bend Police Department. “We have all experienced way too many deaths in our communities due to prescription drug abuse. Investigations and indictments like today’s are steps that will save lives in the future,” stated Meuler.
This matter was investigated by DEA-Mobile and the West Bend, Wisconsin Police Department. This case will be prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama.
As in all criminal cases, an Indictment is only an allegation made by a grand jury. Dr. Richard Snellgrove is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Fairhaven Man Sentenced for Making Hoax Distress Calls to U.S. Coast GuardRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Fairhaven man was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court in Boston in connection with sending three false distress messages to the U.S. Coast Guard over the radio.
Roger Martin, 47, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to one year of probation and ordered him to pay $7,182 in restitution to the U.S. Coast Guard. In August 2016, Martin pleaded guilty to three counts of sending false distress messages to the U.S. Coast Guard and one count of identity fraud.
Martin, in three separate calls, claimed that he was on a boat in the Cape Cod Canal that was sinking. During the calls he impersonated a resident of Fairhaven, providing a name, street address and, on one occasion, date of birth. Martin had obtained the date of birth through the improper use of a law enforcement database through his former employment as a Bristol Country Sheriff’s dispatcher. In response to the calls, the U.S. Coast Guard and local law enforcement expended resources ascertaining that there was no true emergency and attempting to track down the hoax caller.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz, Richard Cox, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service and Chief Michael Myers of the Fairhaven Police Department, made the announcement. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Giselle J. Joffre of Ortiz’s Major Crimes Unit.
Ex- Network Engineer Sentenced for Cyber Attack on Former Employer and ClientsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Massachusetts man was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court in Boston for hacking into and damaging the computer networks of his former employer and three of his former clients.
Kamlesh Patel, 39, of Lowell, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to 24 days in jail, one year of home detention and five years of probation and ordered him to pay $137,896. In July 2016, Patel pleaded guilty to causing damage without authorization to internet-connected computers and using means of identification to commit the offenses.
Patel worked as a senior network engineer at Northborough-based Baesis Inc., a company that offered network maintenance and security services. In October 2010, after Baesis terminated Patel, he used a colleague’s network credentials to access Baesis’ computer network and delete the company’s image server, a computer that stored copies of clients’ network configurations.
Beginning in late January 2011, Patel again used his former colleague’s credentials to access Baesis’ network and access the networks of three former clients. Patel used specialized software to delete data from all four companies’ networks. Following Patel’s actions, the victim companies temporarily lost use of their networks, including internet and e-mail access. One company lost access to its internet telephone system for several weeks.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz and Matthew J. Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. The U.S. Attorney’s Office acknowledges Baesis, Inc. for its assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth B. Kosto of Ortiz’s Cybercrime Unit prosecuted the case.
El Salvadoran Man Who Fled from Law Enforcement Officers Charged with Illegal Reentry After DeportationRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the filing of a criminal complaint charging Francisco Obidio Portillo-Fuentes (26, El Salvador) with illegally reentering the United States after having been deported. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of two years in federal prison. Portillo-Fuentes made his initial appearance in federal court today, in Jacksonville, and was ordered temporarily detained. A formal detention hearing is set for November 28, 2016, at 2:00 p.m.
According to the
criminal complaint , Portillo-Fuentes was a passenger in a pick-up truck parked at a Gate gas station in Yulee, Florida on November 22, 2016, when the truck was approached by a uniformed Border Patrol agent. The driver of the pick-up truck was engaged in a conversation with the Border Patrol agent when Portillo-Fuentes exited the truck and fled on foot. Two Nassau County Sheriff’s Office deputies, who were in the area for an unrelated call, gave chase. An extensive search for Portillo-Fuentes was conducted throughout the day on November 22, 2016, and Portillo-Fuentes was located and arrested by the U.S. Marshals and Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office deputies that evening.After being arrested, Portillo-Fuentes told Border Patrol agents that he had been born in El Salvador and had last entered the United States on or about November 19, 2016, by wading across the Rio Grande river near Laredo, Texas. Computer database checks confirmed that Portillo-Fuentes had been previously deported from the United States on two separate occasions, in 2011 and 2016.
A criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has violated one or more federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by U.S. Border Patrol, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Highway Patrol, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection - Field Operations. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor.
CEO of Berlin, New Hampshire Business Sentenced in Multi-Million Dollar Bank Fraud Case and Outside Accountant Pays Civil PenaltyRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Arnold Hanson, 66, of Nashua, New Hampshire, was sentenced by Chief Judge Christina Reiss yesterday based on his conviction for conspiracy to make false statements to a financial institution. Chief Judge Reiss sentenced Hanson to six months of home confinement and six months of curfew as part of a three-year term of supervised release. The court also sentenced Hanson to pay $300,000 in restitution by January 1, 2017.
As part of the sentencing, Hanson admitted to submitting or causing to be submitted inflated figures for assets of Isaacson Structural Steel, Inc., including inventory, to Passumpsic Savings Bank, and other banks participating in loans totaling over $12 million, including a $2 million loan guaranteed by the Small Business Administration in late 2010. Hanson was part owner and Chief Executive Officer of ISSI, which before its bankruptcy was one of the largest businesses in the North Country. ISSI fabricated steel used in commercial construction. It entered into construction contracts to provide not only the steel for commercial buildings but also to provide subcontractor services, principally the erection of the steel. ISSI purchased steel and fabricated the various pieces of steel needed for each contract at its Berlin, Hampshire location and then shipped the steel to building sites. Several weeks ago, ISSI’s CFO Steven Griffin was sentenced to two years of home confinement based on his guilty plea to submitting false financial statements.
According to court records, between August 2007 and April 2011, ISSI officers regularly submitted false and inflated figures to the banks regarding the value of ISSI’s assets. ISSI submitted these false statements about assets in borrowing base certificates and financial statements. ISSI regularly inflated its assets by a million dollars or more. For example, in August 2007, ISSI officers discussed, and then submitted to the bank, inflated figures for the amount of money owed to ISSI for work done in connection with 303 Third St., a construction project in Boston. In early 2011, officers participated in the submission of an ISSI’s draft financial statement for the financial year 2010, which contained significant overstatements about ISSI’s inventory. That financial statement had an inventory representation of approximately $12 million dollars. In fact, the value of the inventory was less than $2 million. Inventory was thus inflated by over $10 million. In April 2011, the banks learned about issues with ISSI’s inventory figures. By June 2011, ISSI was in bankruptcy, and its assets were later liquidated. In the end, the banks lost millions of dollars as a result of the fraud. At the sentencing hearing, the government represented its view that Griffin was more culpable than Hanson. Indeed, at times, Griffin lied to Hanson when he asked about financial information.
At the sentencing hearing, Hanson asked the Court to sentence him below the advisory sentencing guideline range of 46 to 57 months in jail. The government also moved for a below guidelines sentence in light of Hanson’s substantial cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of Griffin. Chief Judge Reiss agreed that in light of a variety of factors a jail sentence should not be imposed. The Court imposed a limit on Hanson’s freedom by imposing a lengthy period of home confinement and curfew.
This week, David Driscoll, ISSI’s outside accountant, agreed to settle a related, civil bank fraud case. The government filed a civil complaint alleging that Driscoll participated in the filing of false financial information on behalf of ISSI. Driscoll had responsibility for the yearly audit of ISSI’s assets, and according to the complaint knowingly prepared audit information that he knew contained inflated assets. At the time, Driscoll also served as a member of the Passumpsic Savings Bank board of directors. Driscoll agreed to pay a total of $100,000 in penalties associated with his conduct as an outside accountant. The government gave Driscoll credit for other penalties and costs that Driscoll has paid in connection with his conduct, including a civil penalty paid to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which regulates financial institutions. Driscoll has paid the federal government an additional $37,000 to settle the pending civil case. As part of the settlement, Driscoll did not admit liability in connection with the allegations in the complaint, which has been dismissed in light of the settlement.
The United States is represented in this matter by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Van de Graaf and Timothy Doherty. Hanson is represented by George Ostler, Esq. Driscoll is represented by Craig Nolan, Esq. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Office of Inspector General for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., and the Office of Inspector for the Small Business Administration.
Bowman Man Sentenced for Importing "Molly" from ChinaRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Jane B. Taylor (803) 929-3000
Columbia, South Carolina ---- Acting United States Attorney Beth Drake stated today that Bradley Lewis Felder, 27, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Terry L. Wooten to a term of imprisonment of 144 months, or 12 years. Felder pled guilty in June of this year to his involvement in a Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute a Quantity of 3,4-Methylenedioxyethylcathinone Hydrochloride (commonly known as "Molly") and 50 kilograms of more of Marijuana, a violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C) and 846.
At Felder’s guilty plea hearing, an attorney for the Government told Judge Wooten that, in the summer of 2013, agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating Bradley Felder who they learned was involved in the importation and distribution of both high-grade marijuana and “molly” in and around Richland and Lexington Counties. As the investigation progressed, agents established that Felder was importing high-grade marijuana from northern California, and “molly” from an unknown source of supply in China. Agents discovered that Felder rented various houses and apartments in and around Richland and Lexington Counties for the primary purpose of using the addresses to receive shipments of “molly.” Felder paid friends to accept the delivery of the drug packages; sometimes he paid in cash, other times he paid with marijuana.
During the investigation that led to Felder’s arrest, agents intercepted approximately 9 packages of “molly,” each containing kilogram quantities, being shipped to South Carolina from China, and seized approximately $150,000 in cash from Felder. On August 31, 2015, Special Agents and Task Force Officers of the Midlands HIDTA group arrested Felder, in the parking garage of the Gates of Williams Brice apartments. Following Felder’s arrest, agents seized an additional $47,837.90 cash, a loaded .45 caliber pistol, and two watches valued at approximately $64,000.00. Agents also seized several cell phones from Felder; one of those phones held photographs of huge amounts of money. One picture, taken in Felder’s apartment a month prior to his arrest, showed money stacked on the kitchen counter. The money had been heat-sealed in plastic, and stacked in large bundles. Another photograph showed a small closet and on the shelves of the closet were large Tupperware-like containers full of cash.
Agents confronted Felder about the money that was pictured on his phone. On February 2, 2016, Felder led agents to a location where he had buried a large bag of money in Bowman, SC. Agents seized the bag which contained over $1.7 million dollars. [Photograph attached.]
At sentencing, Judge Wooten ordered Felder to forfeit the money that had been seized from him; Judge Wooten’s order included a money judgment against the defendant in the amount of $11 million dollars.
The case was investigated by agents of the Midlands HIDTA Task Force, comprised of agents from South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office, the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office, Orangeburg Public Safety, the Columbia Police Department, the 5th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, the Richland County Sheriff’s Office and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Office, and with assistance from the United States Postal Service and Homeland Security Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jane B. Taylor of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.
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Bluffton Woman Indicted for Bank Fraud and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Nancy Wicker (803) 929-3000
Charleston, South Carolina ---- Acting United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that on November 9, 2016, Lecelle Theresa Montgomery of Bluffton, South Carolina, was charged in a 10 count Indictment with Bank Fraud (5 counts), a violation of 18 U.S.C. §1344, and Wire Fraud (5 counts), a violation of 18 U.S.C. §1343.
The indictment alleges that beginning in or about 2008, and continuing to about 2012, Montgomery knowingly executed a scheme to commit Bank Fraud by obtaining money under the control of a financial institution by means of false and fraudulent pretenses, promises and representations.
With regard to the 5 counts of Wire Fraud, the indictment alleges that during the same period, Montgomery, acting as a financial advisor, authorized to use a credit card belonging to an investor for incidental expenses related to the investor’s illness, devised a scheme to defraud an investor by means of false and fraudulent pretenses, promises, and representations by using the investor’s credit card to make personal purchases.
The maximum penalties that Montgomery could receive for Bank Fraud is 30 years imprisonment and a $1,000,000 fine. The maximum penalties she could receive for Wire Fraud is 20 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, supervised release of not more than 3 years, and a $100 fine.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Matt Austin of the Charleston office for prosecution.
Ms. Drake stated that the charges in this Indictment are merely accusations and that the remaining defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Ballston Spa Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Parker S. Sikand, age 24, of Ballston Spa, New York, pled guilty today to distributing, receiving and possessing child pornography.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Andrew W. Vale, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
As part of his guilty plea, Sikand admitted that while living in Troy, New York, in September and October 2012, he distributed, received and possessed videos depicting children, some as young as 2-3 years old, engaged in sexual acts. He admitted to distributing and receiving these videos through an Internet peer-to-peer file-sharing service, and to possessing them on a laptop computer and a separate computer hard drive.
Sikand faces at least 5 years and up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life, and mandatory registration 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. U.S. District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino is scheduled to sentence Sikand on March 23, 2017.
This case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.
Albany Felon Pleads Guilty to Possessing Semi-Automatic Rifle and HandgunRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jason Twiss, age 28, of Albany, New York, pled guilty yesterday to illegally possessing two firearms, attempting to possess heroin with the intent to distribute it, and carrying firearms in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Special Agent in Charge Ashan M. Benedict of the New York Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF).
As part of his plea, Twiss admitted that on December 10, 2014, he drove to Kingston, New York, for the purpose of purchasing heroin that he could then sell. While parked in the Kingston Hospital parking lot, Twiss carried and displayed a loaded Ruger .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle with a 30-round magazine, and a loaded Glock 9 millimeter semi-automatic pistol, to guard against the potential theft of the money he had brought to purchase the narcotics.
As a felon, Twiss could not legally possess either the Ruger or the Glock.
Twiss faces at least 5 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $750,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 3 years and up to life when he is sentenced on March 13, 2017 by Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy. 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 ATF and the Kingston Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmet O’Hanlon.
A Thanksgiving Message from U.S. Attorney Deirdre Daly: Stand up to HateRead the Press Release
This Thanksgiving, particularly after our highly-contested presidential election, is a time to reflect on our country’s bedrock principles. These values include our commitment to tolerance and cultural understanding, our celebration of diversity and our respect for our fellow citizens, no matter their race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or political viewpoint. Over the last year and particularly the last few weeks in Connecticut and throughout the country, we have seen these values increasingly give way to hatred, intolerance and bigotry.
Recently, such incidents have escalated. In New Haven, swastikas were painted on walls and doors of Wilbur Cross High School. In Danbury, swastikas were painted on a home and a car. In Ridgefield, a synagogue received mail with swastikas and pictures of Nazis. In East Windsor, a video surfaced of an individual dressed in Ku Klux Klan garb riding a motorcycle around a bonfire. In Windsor Locks, a Jewish man was verbally harassed because of his faith. In Meriden, two men attacked a man who held a sign supporting the President-elect. There are reports of Muslim children and children of immigrants being bullied in schools. And just over one year ago, a man fired four bullets from a high-powered rifle into the Baitul Aman Mosque in Meriden. He was subsequently convicted of a federal hate crime.
Last week, the FBI released its statistics on hate crimes committed in 2015. In Connecticut, 44 law enforcement agencies reported 93 hate-related incidents. Nationally, there were more than 7,000 victims of such crimes. These numbers are deeply sobering for all Americans. Equally disturbing, the FBI report showed a 67 percent increase in hate crimes committed against Muslim Americans as well as increases in these crimes against Jewish people, African Americans and LGBT individuals. Overall, reported hate crimes increased by six percent from the prior year – a number that does not account for those hate crimes that may go unreported out of the victims’ shame, fear or desire not to stand out further and bystanders’ belief that others will report the incident.
The Connecticut United States Attorney’s Office, together with local, state and federal law enforcement, is committed to enforcing the broad array of hate crimes laws that protect vulnerable minorities. Last month marked the seventh anniversary of one of those laws: The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. This landmark statute was named for two men who were killed for the most un-American of reasons – because they were different from their attackers – Matthew Shepard in his sexual orientation and James Byrd Jr. in his race. This Act is just one of the tools available to law enforcement and prosecutors working to combat any discriminatory or violent acts that erode our diverse democracy.
But we cannot act on incidents that we do not know about, and we cannot understand the true scope of the problem without accurate reporting. My office is encouraging those local law enforcement agencies who do not participate in reporting hate-related incidents to the FBI to join the 95 agencies statewide that do. We are also training local law enforcement officers about hate crimes laws and cultural competency so that they are better equipped to assess situations they may encounter.
Above all, I ask each of you to take a stand against hate. Serve as an ally if you witness harassment or, worse, violence against your fellow citizens. Record video of incidents that can be used for investigations. And most importantly, report any incidents to your local police department or to the FBI. Your vigilance can help us ensure the freedom to which all Americans are entitled.
Deirdre M. Daly
U.S. Attorney, District of Connecticut
November 23, 2016
Tuesday 22 November 2016
Vagos Motorcycle Club Prospect Indicted on Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
BOISE – David Allen Oney Jr., 35, of Nampa, Idaho made an initial appearance today for the crime of distribution of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. A federal grand jury indicted Oney on November 8, 2016.
The three count indictment alleges that Oney knowingly distributed five grams or more of actual methamphetamine on December 31, 2015 and February 2, 2016, and fifty grams or more of actual methamphetamine on January 6, 2016.
Oney appeared in court today and entered a not guilty plea to all three counts. Trial is scheduled for January 23, 2017, at the federal courthouse in Boise before Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill.
The crime of distributing five grams or more of actual methamphetamine is punishable by at least five years and a maximum of forty years imprisonment, four years supervised release, a $5,000,000 fine and a $100 special assessment. The charge of distributing over fifty grams of actual methamphetamine is punishable by at least ten years and not more than life imprisonment, at least five years supervised release, a $10,000,000 fine, and $100 special assessment.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crime Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The Task Force was created approximately eleven years ago and is comprised of federal, state and local agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boise Police Department, Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Caldwell Police Department, Nampa Police Department, Meridian Police Department, Canyon County Sheriff’s Office, and Idaho Department of Probation and Parole. The Task Force conducts complex long-term investigation of criminal gangs.
The charges are being prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Treasure Valley Partnership, the Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and the State of Idaho to address gang crimes. The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southwest Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth. For more information, visit treasurevalleypartners.org.
An indictment is a means of charging a person with criminal activity. It is not evidence. A person is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Union President from Ocean County, New Jersey, Gets over Three Years in Prison for Embezzling $350,000 in Union FundsRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – The founder of the United Security and Police Officers of America (USPOA) was sentenced today to 37 months in prison for embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars in union funds for his personal use, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Assane Faye, 61, of Toms River, New Jersey, was previously convicted of all counts of an indictment charging him with two counts of embezzling union funds and seven counts of mail fraud arising from unemployment insurance fraud. Faye was convicted following a three-week trial before U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan, who imposed the sentence today in Trenton federal court.
According to the documents filed in this case and the evidence presented at trial:
As the founder, national president, and director of the USPOA, as well as a signatory on the USPOA checking account, Faye was obligated to hold and disperse funds of the USPOA solely for the benefit of the union and its members.
Yet in Feb. 2010, without approval of the USPOA Executive Board, Faye put a woman identified in the indictment as “Individual 1,” whom with he had a prior romantic relationship, on the USPOA payroll for $800 a week, purportedly to act as a USPOA organizer in New York. She received additional allowances of $1500 for monthly medical coverage, as well as disbursements for mileage, tolls, parking and vehicle tune-ups. Individual 1 had limited ability to communicate in English, lacked labor organizing experience, and did not own a personal vehicle. As such, Faye’s representations to the Executive Board of her organizing successes were fictional. In addition, Faye had access to both Individual 1’s personal data and bank accounts.
For three and one half years, the union dispersed over $244,000 to Individual 1 while she performed no services for the union. Individual 1 testified that, for at least six months of every year she was on the payroll, she resided in her home country of Senegal. During that time, Faye withdrew approximately $180,000 of her union salary and expense payments for his personal use.
In addition, Faye submitted to the USPOA inflated reimbursement vouchers purportedly for mileage and wear and tear on his personal car, even though he was using rental vehicles. Faye even submitted false vouchers when he traveled outside the United States to Paris, Dubai, China and Milan.
Lastly, despite controlling and collecting disbursements from the USPOA operating account, between April 5, 2010 and June 30, 2010, Faye also committed seven counts of mail fraud by misrepresenting his employment status and fraudulently collecting over $7,000 in unemployment payments from New Jersey’s Unemployment Insurance Division.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Sheridan sentenced Faye to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution of $350,000.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (OIG), under the supervision of Acting Supervisory Agent in Charge Jonathan Mellone, and the Office of Labor Management Standard (OLMS) under the supervision of District Director Andriana Vamvakas for the investigation and trial support leading to today’s sentence.
The government is represented by Senior Litigation Counsel V. Grady O’Malley and Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Hafetz of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit in Newark.
Defense counsel: Andrea Bergman and Lisa Van Hoeck, Federal Public Defenders
U.S. Attorney and Onondaga County District Attorney Hold Roundtable Meeting with Police Commanders on Prosecuting Heroin Overdose DeathsRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Federal and Onondaga County prosecutors held a Law Enforcement Executive Roundtable meeting today with local and New York State police agencies to discuss policies and procedures for investigating drug overdose deaths and prosecuting those responsible for them, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Onondaga County District Attorney William J. Fitzpatrick.
The meeting was held in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York in Syracuse. Among the topics discussed were the elements of available criminal charges under federal and state law for distribution of a controlled substance that results in death or serious physical injury. Prosecutors, Chiefs of Police, and command level law enforcement supervisors discussed investigative techniques, evidence handling, coordination with federal law enforcement agencies, and consultation with prosecutors during the current opioid drug and heroin epidemic. Local agencies are the first responders for drug overdoses and their officers frequently administer Narcan (naloxone), an antidote that will temporarily counteract the effects of lethal opioid drug ingestion. Local police agencies also spearhead criminal investigations of drug overdose deaths during the critical initial phase where evidence is gathered and witnesses interviewed.
Attendees heard a presentation from Onondaga County Medical Examiner Dr. Robert Stoppacher, whose office is vital to the investigation of homicide cases under both federal and state law.
In addition to the United States Attorney’s Office and the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office, command level executives from the following law enforcement agencies participated in today’s meeting:
United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
New York State Police
Syracuse Police Department
Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office
Town of Dewitt Police Department
Town of Manlius Police Department
Town of Cicero Police Department
Village of Baldwinsville Police Department
Town of Camillus Police Department
New York State University Police
Town of Geddes Police Department
Village of Liverpool Police Department
Village of Skaneateles Police Department
Village of North Syracuse Police Department
Village of Solvay Police Department
There will be further coordination between police and prosecutors on this important criminal justice/public health initiative in the future.
U.S. Attorney Zane David Memeger Announces His ResignationRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Zane David Memeger, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania (EDPA), has announced his resignation effective midnight on December 23rd. U.S. Attorney Memeger has served as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania since May 6, 2010.
“It has been the highest honor and most fulfilling duty of my legal career to have served as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania,” said U.S. Attorney Memeger. “Having served in this challenging and demanding job for the last six and a half years, the time has come for me to step away to focus on my family and explore new opportunities in the private sector.”
During his tenure as United States Attorney, Mr. Memeger expanded the office’s core enforcement mission by implementing novel youth crime prevention and prisoner reentry programs as part of a three-part strategy to combat violent crime in Philadelphia. Those efforts included a partnership with Strawberry Mansion High School, the implementation of restorative justice “youth courts” in schools to deal with minor disciplinary infractions, and the development of the reentry film “Pull of Gravity.” Additionally, Mr. Memeger served for three-years (2014-16) on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC), a national committee established in 1973 to serve as the voice of the United States Attorneys and advise the Attorney General on legal and policy issues that impact U.S. Attorneys’ Offices nationwide. In that capacity, he also chaired the AGAC’s Health Care Fraud Working Group.
With a focus on prosecuting cases involving national security, public corruption, healthcare and financial fraud, civil rights, large scale dangerous drug dealing, violent crime, child exploitation, and offenses against other vulnerable victims, some of the signature achievements during his tenure include:
- Secured guilty pleas from Colleen Larose, a/k/a “Jihad Jane,” Mohamed Hassan Khalid, and Jamie Paulin Ramirez for conspiring to provide material support to terrorist groups in South Asia and Europe by soliciting funds for terrorists, soliciting passports and travel documents for terrorists, and recruiting men and women in an effort to wage violent jihad.
- Secured a guilty plea and a 15-year sentence for Siarhei Baltuski, an international arms smuggler for violating the Arms Export Control Act by organizing a network of buyers in the United States to obtain and illegally export to Belarus high-tech military hardware such as Scorpion Thermal Weapon Sights and other night vision targeting devices.
- Secured a guilty verdict against then U.S. Congressman Chaka Fattah, Sr. and four criminal associates for RICO conspiracy and related public corruption offenses involving the misuse of campaign and grant funds, bribery, and money laundering.
- Secured convictions and prison sentences against several municipal court and traffic court judges who fixed cases and obstructed justice by lying to federal agents and the grand jury.
- Secured convictions and prison sentences against more than 25 police and law enforcement officers who abused their authority by engaging in acts of theft, extortion, drug trafficking, and obstruction of justice.
- Secured convictions of Joseph Dougherty, a high-level union official with Ironworkers Local 401, and 10 union members and associates who were sentenced to significant prison terms for engaging in a RICO conspiracy involving a systematic pattern of extortion, arson, and assault to force non-union companies to hire union workers.
- Secured convictions and prison sentences against Anthony DeMarco and his co-conspirators who operated a multi-million dollar mortgage fraud scheme that victimized homeowners facing eviction. Also obtained a civil injunction stopping the foreclosures.
- Secured convictions in multiple identity theft rings, including Miguel Bell, sentenced to 15 years in prison, who along with ten bank employees, a car dealership employee, and eight check runners and other recruiters, attempted to steal more than $2 million dollars from his victims’ bank accounts.
- Resolved off-label marketing allegations for Risperdal against Johnson & Johnson (J&J) and its subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. through a misdemeanor guilty plea and a False Claims Act (FCA) settlement, contributing $1.6 billion to a Department-wide global settlement of $2.2 billion against J&J. The EDPA’s Risperdal resolution was the largest single drug settlement to date.
- Secured a $38 million dollar settlement with Extendicare Health Services Inc. to resolve FCA allegations related to deficiencies in the operation of its skilled nursing homes.
- Secured misdemeanor guilty pleas and prison sentences for four corporate executives at Synthes Inc. who violated federal drug laws by failing to stop illegal clinical trials of Norian XR bone cement, resulting in three patient deaths.
- Secured the conviction of the Botsvynyuk Brothers who were sentenced to prison terms of 20 years to life imprisonment for operating a human trafficking organization that smuggled young Ukranian immigrants into the United States and used physical force, threats of force, sexual assault, and debt bondage to keep the victims in involuntary solitude.
- Secured a life sentence for Linda Weston who pled guilty to running a criminal enterprise that held disabled adults in dungeon like conditions in order to steal their social security benefits, two of whom died while in her captivity.
- Obtained a consent decree with the School District of Philadelphia requiring that the school district take affirmative steps to address and prevent anti-Asian immigrant violence at South Philadelphia High School.
- Conducted a review of 25 of the most popular restaurants in Philadelphia to determine and ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Secured a 25-year sentence for Dr. Norman Werther who was convicted by a jury of running a multi-million dollar pill mill operation that illegally distributed more than 700,000 pills containing oxycodone, and was also convicted of causing the death of a patient through his illegal distribution of oxycodone.
- Secured convictions and prison sentences ranging from 15 years to life imprisonment for more than a hundred armed career criminals and violent criminals who sold drugs and committed violent robberies with guns.
- Secured a death penalty sentence for Kaboni Savage who was convicted by a jury of killing 12 people, including killing the family of a cooperating witness by firebombing their home.
As of December 24th, Louis D. Lappen will assume leadership of the office as Acting U.S. Attorney. Mr. Lappen is currently the First Assistant U.S. Attorney and has served in the Department of Justice since 1997. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the Duke University School of Law.
- Secured guilty pleas from Colleen Larose, a/k/a “Jihad Jane,” Mohamed Hassan Khalid, and Jamie Paulin Ramirez for conspiring to provide material support to terrorist groups in South Asia and Europe by soliciting funds for terrorists, soliciting passports and travel documents for terrorists, and recruiting men and women in an effort to wage violent jihad.
U. S. Steel Corporation Agrees to End Litigation, Improve Environmental Compliance at Its Three Midwest Facilities, Pay Civil Penalty of $2.2 Million and Perform Projects to Aid Communities Affected by U. S. Steel’s PollutionRead the Press Release
The United States, together with the states of Indiana and Illinois and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, announced today that U. S. Steel Corporation (U. S. Steel) has agreed to resolve Clean Air Act litigation initiated by the United States and the three states in August 2012, by undertaking measures to reduce pollution at its three Midwest iron and steel manufacturing plants in Gary, Indiana; Ecorse, Michigan; and Granite City, Illinois. As part of the agreement, U. S. Steel will perform seven supplemental environmental projects totaling $1.9 million, to protect human health and the environment in the communities affected by U. S. Steel’s pollution, including a project to remove lighting fixtures containing toxic chemicals in public schools. In addition, U. S. Steel will expend $800,000 for an environmentally beneficial project to remove contaminated transformers at its Gary and Ecorse facilities and pay a $2.2 million civil penalty. The agreement is memorialized in a consent decree lodged today in federal district court in the Northern District of Indiana.
“Defendant U. S. Steel, a major global iron and steel manufacturer, has agreed to curtail significant pollution from its three Midwest plants,” said Assistant Attorney General John C. Cruden for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “This outstanding settlement, whose results will especially benefit the three environmental justice communities most closely affected by defendant’s pollution, is another example of how the Department of Justice, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and our state counterparts often work hand-in-hand to enforce our federal and state clean air act laws to protect the health and welfare of our citizens.”
“Today’s settlement protects communities in the Midwest from air pollution and puts important environmental projects to work,” said Assistant Administrator Cynthia Giles for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Making sure companies comply with the law that protects clean air is an important way EPA safeguards the health of communities across the country.”
Under the consent decree, U. S. Steel will immediately repair, and later replace, a bell top on a blast furnace used for making molten iron at its Great Lakes Works facility in Ecorse. The bell top, through which raw materials are placed inside the furnace, has a worn seal that is causing increased emissions of hazardous pollutants and particulate matter. The new bell top is designed to eliminate those increased emissions. U. S. Steel will also implement improvements (following a third-party study) at its Great Lakes Works’ steel-making shop to reduce emissions causing opacity. At its Gary Works facility, U. S. Steel will repair a large opening in a metal shell that surrounds a blast furnace. The repair will eliminate excess emissions from that furnace.
Since 2008, U. S. Steel has worked with the state of Illinois to improve its environmental compliance at the Granite City Works facility, including installation of a new baghouse to control particulate matter and rebuilding its Electro-Static Precipitator. Under the consent decree, which resolves not only joint federal/state claims but also claims brought separately by the state of Illinois, U. S. Steel agrees to maintain the effective operation of its pollution control equipment and continue the work practices that have resulted in improved environmental compliance.
Many children in the Southwest Detroit, Ecorse and Gary areas attend schools that are lit by fluorescent ballasts that may contain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). As part of the settlement, U. S. Steel will conduct a joint federal/state supplemental environmental project (SEP) in which the company will remove and properly dispose of such PCB-contaminated ballasts and replace them with non-toxic, energy-efficient lighting. U. S. Steel will also conduct another SEP to install vegetative buffers composed of trees, bushes and shrubs on public lands near high-traffic roadways in Southwest Detroit. Such buffers are intended to reduce the transport of particulate matter emissions from heavily trafficked areas and thus improve downwind air quality.
“These measures to improve air quality in Southwest Detroit and Ecorse are an important step to helping communities who suffer the most from violations of laws designed to protect human health and the environment,” said U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade for the Eastern District of Michigan.
“We welcome the settlement with U. S. Steel and look forward to the improvements to be made at its Ecorse facility, schools in Ecorse and Detroit and along high traffic roadways in Southwest Detroit,” said Director C. Heidi Grether of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. “More importantly, we welcome the improvement in the air quality of the region that we expect will come from these changes.”
In addition, U. S. Steel will purchase a new street sweeper, equipped with enhanced collection capability, for use by the city of Granite City to reduce dust emissions. Other SEPs, state-only, that U. S. Steel has agreed to undertake include the removal and proper disposal of waste tires that have been dumped at locations in Gary, replacement of some exterior doors in Granite City public schools with energy-efficient doors and creation of a greenway and transit bike trail within Granite City.
“Today’s consent decree should be welcome news to the residents of this district and everyone who lives in the greater St. Louis metropolitan area,” said U.S. Attorney Donald S. Boyce for the Southern District of Illinois. “Air pollution is a serious problem that continues to threaten our world, and we applaud U. S. Steel for its ongoing cooperation and the improvements it has agreed to make to bring its Granite City facility into full compliance. This office remains committed to enforcing the nation's environmental laws in the Southern District of Illinois."
“I applaud the united, collaborative effort by all parties who worked to resolve this matter and to hold accountable those responsible for polluting the environment,” said Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller. “No one should be subjected to living and working in a polluted environment.”
Today’s settlement, lodged with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, is subject to a 30-day public comment period following notification in the Federal Register and final approval by the court. To view the consent decree or to submit a comment, visit the department’s website: www.justice.gov/enrd/Consent_Decrees.html.
U. S. Steel Corporation Agrees to End Litigation, Improve Environmental Compliance at Its Three Midwest Facilities, Pay Civil Penalty of $2.2 Million and Perform Projects to Aid Communities Affected by U. S. Steel’s PollutionRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The United States, together with the states of Indiana and Illinois and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, announced today that U. S. Steel Corporation (U. S. Steel) has agreed to resolve Clean Air Act litigation initiated by the United States and the three states in August 2012, by undertaking measures to reduce pollution at its three Midwest iron and steel manufacturing plants in Gary, Indiana; Ecorse, Michigan; and Granite City, Illinois. As part of the agreement, U. S. Steel will perform seven supplemental environmental projects totaling $1.9 million, to protect human health and the environment in the communities affected by U. S. Steel’s pollution, including a project to remove lighting fixtures containing toxic chemicals in public schools. In addition, U. S. Steel will expend $800,000 for an environmentally beneficial project to remove contaminated transformers at its Gary and Ecorse facilities and pay a $2.2 million civil penalty. The agreement is memorialized in a consent decree lodged today in federal district court in the Northern District of Indiana.
“Defendant U. S. Steel, a major global iron and steel manufacturer, has agreed to curtail significant pollution from its three Midwest plants,” said Assistant Attorney General John C. Cruden for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “This outstanding settlement, whose results will especially benefit the three environmental justice communities most closely affected by defendant’s pollution, is another example of how the Department of Justice, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and our state counterparts often work hand-in-hand to enforce our federal and state clean air act laws to protect the health and welfare of our citizens.”
“Today’s settlement protects communities in the Midwest from air pollution and puts important environmental projects to work,” said Assistant Administrator Cynthia Giles for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Making sure companies comply with the law that protects clean air is an important way EPA safeguards the health of communities across the country.”
Under the consent decree, U. S. Steel will immediately repair, and later replace, a bell top on a blast furnace used for making molten iron at its Great Lakes Works facility in Ecorse. The bell top, through which raw materials are placed inside the furnace, has a worn seal that is causing increased emissions of hazardous pollutants and particulate matter. The new bell top is designed to eliminate those increased emissions. U. S. Steel will also implement improvements (following a third-party study) at its Great Lakes Works’ steel-making shop to reduce emissions causing opacity. At its Gary Works facility, U. S. Steel will repair a large opening in a metal shell that surrounds a blast furnace. The repair will eliminate excess emissions from that furnace.
Since 2008, U. S. Steel has worked with the state of Illinois to improve its environmental compliance at the Granite City Works facility, including installation of a new baghouse to control particulate matter and rebuilding its Electro-Static Precipitator. Under the consent decree, which resolves not only joint federal/state claims but also claims brought separately by the state of Illinois, U. S. Steel agrees to maintain the effective operation of its pollution control equipment and continue the work practices that have resulted in improved environmental compliance.
Many children in the Southwest Detroit, Ecorse and Gary areas attend schools that are lit by fluorescent ballasts that may contain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). As part of the settlement, U. S. Steel will conduct a joint federal/state supplemental environmental project (SEP) in which the company will remove and properly dispose of such PCB-contaminated ballasts and replace them with non-toxic, energy-efficient lighting. U. S. Steel will also conduct another SEP to install vegetative buffers composed of trees, bushes and shrubs on public lands near high-traffic roadways in Southwest Detroit. Such buffers are intended to reduce the transport of particulate matter emissions from heavily trafficked areas and thus improve downwind air quality.
“These measures to improve air quality in Southwest Detroit and Ecorse are an important step to helping communities who suffer the most from violations of laws designed to protect human health and the environment,” said U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade for the Eastern District of Michigan.
“We welcome the settlement with U. S. Steel and look forward to the improvements to be made at its Ecorse facility, schools in Ecorse and Detroit and along high traffic roadways in Southwest Detroit,” said Director C. Heidi Grether of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. “More importantly, we welcome the improvement in the air quality of the region that we expect will come from these changes.”
In addition, U. S. Steel will purchase a new street sweeper, equipped with enhanced collection capability, for use by the city of Granite City to reduce dust emissions. Other SEPs, state-only, that U. S. Steel has agreed to undertake include the removal and proper disposal of waste tires that have been dumped at locations in Gary, replacement of some exterior doors in Granite City public schools with energy-efficient doors and creation of a greenway and transit bike trail within Granite City.
“Today’s consent decree should be welcome news to the residents of this district and everyone who lives in the greater St. Louis metropolitan area,” said U.S. Attorney Donald S. Boyce for the Southern District of Illinois. “Air pollution is a serious problem that continues to threaten our world, and we applaud U. S. Steel for its ongoing cooperation and the improvements it has agreed to make to bring its Granite City facility into full compliance. This office remains committed to enforcing the nation's environmental laws in the Southern District of Illinois."
“I applaud the united, collaborative effort by all parties who worked to resolve this matter and to hold accountable those responsible for polluting the environment,” said Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller. “No one should be subjected to living and working in a polluted environment.”
Today’s settlement, lodged with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, is subject to a 30-day public comment period following notification in the Federal Register and final approval by the court. To view the consent decree or to submit a comment, visit the department’s website: www.justice.gov/enrd/Consent_Decrees.html.
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16-1371
DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE USE THE CONTACTS IN THE MESSAGE OR CALL THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT 202-514-2007.
Two Georgia Men Sentenced for Stealing Government BenefitsRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - John W. Jackson, Jr., and Corry Sandlin, have been sentenced in federal district court for stealing their deceased parent's government benefits. Each defendant lied to the government about their parent’s deaths, and continued to receive benefits destined for the deceased.
“Both defendants got away with their lies for years, stealing large sums of taxpayer dollars,” said U. S. Attorney John Horn. “Theft like this directly impacts others who receive these types of benefits. These two together stole over $500,000 of government money, meant to sustain those who have paid into the system, and expect to have something in retirement.”
“The OIG is committed to working with the Social Security Administration to detect and investigate deceased payee fraud cases, in which individuals conceal death information from SSA to fraudulently receive Social Security benefits intended for the deceased. We thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Northern Georgia for prosecuting these and other deceased payee fraud cases,” stated Margaret Moore-Jackson, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Social Security Office of the Inspector General’s Atlanta Field Division.
According to U.S. Attorney Horn, the charges and other information presented in court: Defendant Jackson's father died in 1980 and the Social Security Administration (SSA) continued to pay his retirement benefits until 2014. When initially questioned in 2015 by Social Security agents about his father's whereabouts, Jackson told the agents this father had run away with a younger woman a year prior and he did not know where his father was. Only after interviewing another family member did the SSA learn that Jackson's father had died decades earlier. Eventually, the SSA was able to determine that Jackson's father died in 1980. In total, Social Security paid out and Jackson improperly received $241,171.60.
Sandlin’s mother died in 2004. After her death, the SSA continued to pay her spousal retirement benefits and Defense Finance & Accounting Services (DFAS) continued to pay her survivor benefits. In fact, Sandlin not only never informed the SSA of his mother's death, he completed and submitted 11 annual certifications to DFAS swearing that she remained eligible for the benefits. The SSA paid out $126,103.00 and DFAS paid out $145,716.00, after Sandlin's mother's death. In total, Sandlin improperly received a total of $271,819.00
John W. Jackson, Jr., 70, of Decatur, Georgia, has been sentenced to ten months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $241,171.6. Jackson has been convicted on these charges on July 25, 2016, after he pleaded guilty.
Corry Sandlin, 68, of Marietta, Georgia, has been sentenced to one year, and three months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $254,965.14
This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration - Office of the Inspector General.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Diane C. Schulman prosecuted the case.
For further information, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Toledo man pleads guilty to hate crime for beating African-American strangerRead the Press Release
Robert Paschalis, 25, of Toledo, pleaded guilty today to a federal hate crime for beating an African-American stranger he saw on the street. Paschalis’s co-defendant, Charles Butler, pleaded guilty to the same crime on Nov. 9.
The plea was announced by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon of the Northern District of Ohio and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Division.
According to his guilty plea, on May 18, 2016, Paschalis and Butler drove past the victim, A.W., on the street while A.W. was unloading items from his truck. The two men circled back, got out of their own truck and began attacking A.W. while yelling racial slurs. Butler grabbed a broom from the back of A.W.’s truck and struck A.W. with it multiple times. Paschalis admitted during his plea that the beating occurred because A.W. is African American.
The beating stopped only when two off-duty Ohio state police officers happened on the scene and pulled Butler and Paschalis away. A.W. suffered an orbital fracture and damage to his right eye. Butler later posted on Facebook that the attack was “in the name of the White Race.”
“Hate violence harms individuals and threatens the diversity of entire communities,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Gupta. “This vicious attack on an African-American man simply going about the routines of daily life offends human decency. We cannot undo the harms inflicted, but these convictions help vindicate everyone’s right to live free from racial violence.”
“Northern Ohio is a mosaic of different races, ethnicities and backgrounds,” said U.S. Attorney Rendon. “This defendant tried to strike at the diversity we cherish by participating in an unprovoked attack based solely on the victim’s race. He is now likely headed to prison, while we will continue to work together to ensure that everyone’s civil rights are protected.”
“These individuals engaged in a violent assault against another person based on his race and are now being held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony. “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure hate crimes are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted to the greatest extent of the law.”
This case is being investigated by the FBI Cleveland Division’s Toledo Resident Agency, in cooperation with the Toledo Police Department and the Lucas County, Ohio, Prosecutor’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Freeman of the Northern District of Ohio and Trial Attorney Dana Mulhauser of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
Three-year Crackdown by U.S. Attorney and District Attorney Keep Career Criminals in Prison Longer, Communities SaferRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Andrew R. Haden (619) 546-6961
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – November 22, 2016
SAN DIEGO –Steven Doyle Burton, a documented Skyline PIRU gang member, was sentenced in federal court recently to 15 years in prison for possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute and for being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
Burton’s case is one of more than 100 prosecuted in federal court over the last three years under a renewed emphasis on gun crimes by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
In 2013, U.S. Attorney Laura E. Duffy committed additional resources to the aggressive prosecution of firearms cases – particularly those involving career felons who would get more significant sentences in federal court versus state court. The aim was to work with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office to use federal statutes to their fullest extent to protect communities from the most dangerous felons.
“This collaborative effort is working,” said U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy. “These career criminals are getting sentences that are as much as three times longer than what they would’ve received in state court, and that means our communities are safer.”
“Our gang prosecutors routinely coordinate and cooperate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to reduce gang violence and keep our neighborhoods safer,” District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis said. “Our common goal is to determine which agency can best hold an offender accountable.”
Without the increased emphasis on firearms-related cases, Burton would have been prosecuted by the state, where he would have been eligible for a 50 percent reduction that didn’t apply on the federal side. In contrast, by statute all federal prisoners are required to serve a minimum of 85 percent of their prison sentence.
Duffy tapped Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Haden to head the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods program in this district. The nationwide program aims to reduce gun and gang crime. Duffy directed Haden to coordinate with the District Attorney’s Office and law enforcement agencies to aggressively prosecute firearms cases.
Since then, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has federally prosecuted more than one hundred cases involving firearms that would not typically have been pursued.
In Burton’s case, a federal jury found him guilty earlier this year.
At trial, the jury heard the testimony of several officers from the San Diego Police Department’s Crime Suppression Team (CST) who had arrested Burton with approximately 38 grams of crack cocaine, along with multiple firearms and $35,700 in cash.
A career criminal, Burton had been previously convicted in Superior Court in San Diego in 2005 and 2014 for dealing crack cocaine. Burton was referred by the San Diego District Attorney’s Office Gang Unit for federal prosecution via the Project Safe Neighborhoods program after his most recent arrest. He was sentenced on November 15, 2016.
The largest source of cases for the PSN program has been the San Diego District Attorney’s Office. Specifically, the Gang Unit began to strategically refer cases involving firearms for federal prosecution. In doing so, they have attempted to identify individuals that pose a significant threat to citizens of San Diego who – for a variety of reasons – are not being deterred by the California criminal justice system.
For example, the first firearms case brought under the renewed program was U.S. v. Catlin, 13-CR-1568-JLS. Catlin was known to law enforcement as a prominent leader within the 5/9 Brim street gang in southeast San Diego. Despite his notoriety, Catlin had been able to avoid a serious criminal conviction after receiving a five-year prison sentence for dealing crack cocaine in 2002.
In March 2013, Catlin was caught by officers from the San Diego Police Department in possession of a loaded firearm. Because it had been more than a decade since his last criminal conviction, Catlin was perceived as likely to receive a probationary sentence in state court. Instead, Catlin was prosecuted federally and was sentenced to 71 months in federal prison.
After the successful prosecution of Catlin, the San Diego Police Department Gang Suppression Team (“GST”) continued to refer cases for federal prosecution. Those cases often highlighted the dangerous scenarios that officers face on patrol in southeast San Diego.
In another example, several officers from the GST, including Jonathon DeGuzman, testified at a federal trial in 2015 in support of U.S. v. Angulo, 15-CR-2713-GPC. Angulo had been arrested during a traffic stop for being a felon in possession of a firearm. After being convicted, Angulo was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison by U.S. District Court Judge Gonzalo P. Curiel. Officer DeGuzman was killed in the line of duty approximately seven months later, on July 28, 2016.
The Department of Homeland Security has also been a source of firearms cases prosecuted under the renewed PSN commitment. Sergio Garcia-Rico from Chula Vista was sentenced to five years and eight months in prison after admitting to buying weapons and ammunition at gun shows across California intending to sell them to members of a drug cartel in Mexico.
Finally, although they have played a significant role in every federal firearms case brought via the PSN program, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives (“ATF”) has also referred their own independent firearms investigations for prosecution.
The cases referred by ATF have been diverse. They have included cases involving individuals who illegally purchased firearms in Arizona and were transporting them to California, like former Border Patrol Agent Rene Martinez in U.S. v. Martinez, 16-CR-462. ATF has also brought cases involving the illegal manufacturing and selling of assault-style firearms within San Diego, like U.S. v. Soukkeo, et al., 14-CR-3004-LAB.
Investigations into the unlawful sale of assault-style firearms often lead ATF to potentially larger criminal activity. In April, Jessie Soto pleaded guilty in federal court to unlawfully selling assault-style firearms and for conspiring to have someone murdered by a Mexican hitman – who was actually an ATF agent working in an undercover capacity. Soto is scheduled to be sentenced on December 16, 2016. U.S. v. v. Soto, 16-CR-248-JLS.
DEFENDANT Case Number 16cr746-AJB
Steven Doyle Burton Age: 36 San Diego, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Possession of Crack Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, in violation of Title 21 US.C. 841(a)(1),
Maximum penalty: 40 years’ imprisonment and $5 million fine
Felon in possession of Firearms, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(1)
Maximum penalty: 10 years’ imprisonment and $1 million fine
Felon in possession of Ammunition, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(1)
Maximum penalty: 10 years’ imprisonment and $1 million fine
AGENCY
Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives
Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Transportation of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that JAMES PUCKETT, age 46, of Livingston, Texas, pled guilty today to crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children.
PUCKETT admitted to viewing, receiving, and sending child pornography on the Internet using email and a KIK user name. HSI computer forensic examiners located images depicting the sexual victimization of children on the defendant’s Padfone X Mini after he was encountered by federal agents at Port Fourchon. The emails distributed by PUCKETT contained images depicting the rape, bondage, and sexual exploitation of pre-pubescent children.
PUCKETT faces a mandatory minimum sentence of not less than five (5) years and not more than twenty (20) years imprisonment, followed by up to a lifetime term of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. PUCKETT will also be required to register as a sex offender pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. U.S. District Judge Jay Zainey set sentencing for February 21, 2017.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Fraud Section Chief, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.
Taylor County man pleads guilty to unlawful possession of a stolen firearmRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Andrew Christopher Shaver, 22, of Grafton, West Virginia, pled guilty today to a federal firearms charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
In November 2015, Shaver stole a 40 caliber firearm in Harrison County, West Virginia. He pled guilty today to one count of “Possession of a Stolen Firearm.” He faces up to 10 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 David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Department, and the Veteran Affairs Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Tahlequah Woman Pleads Guilty to Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that MATILDA KAY BIRDTAIL, age 21, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, pled guilty to DRUG CONSPIRACY, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(C), punishable by not more than 20 years imprisonment, and up to a $1,000,000.00 fine or both.
The Information alleged that on or about December 13, 2015, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did willfully and knowingly combine, conspire, confederate and agree together, and with other persons known and unknown, to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of Methamphetamine, a Schedule II Controlled Substance.
The charges arose from a joint investigation by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, the Tahlequah Police Department, the Muskogee Police Department, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The investigation was coordinated by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) of the Eastern District of Oklahoma. OCDETF is an initiative led and coordinated by the Office of the United States Attorney.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. The defendant will remain in custody pending a sentencing hearing.
Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Henson represented the United States.
Tahlequah Man Pleads Guilty to Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that DONALD WAYNE TRAMMEL, age 41, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, pled guilty to DRUG CONSPIRACY, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(B), punishable by not less than 5 years and not more than 40 years imprisonment, and up to a $5,000,000.00 fine or both.
The Information alleged that in or about November through December 2015, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did willfully and knowingly combine, conspire, confederate and agree together, and with other persons known and unknown, to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of Methamphetamine, a Schedule II Controlled Substance.
The charges arose from a joint investigation by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, the Tahlequah Police Department, the Muskogee Police Department, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The investigation was coordinated by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) of the Eastern District of Oklahoma. OCDETF is an initiative led and coordinated by the Office of the United States Attorney.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. The defendant will remain in custody pending a sentencing hearing.
Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Henson represented the United States.
Sureno Gang Member Sentenced to 100 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
Yakima – Today, Michael C. Ormsby, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Angel Jose Rangel, age 34, of Yakima, Washington, was sentenced today after having previously plead guilty on August 17, 2016, to being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm. United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian sentenced Rangel to a 100-month term of imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court supervision after he is released from Federal prison.
According to information disclosed during the court proceedings, on June 21, 2015, the Defendant and two other men entered a bar in Yakima, Washington. The three men were dressed in the color blue. Security officers recognized the blue to be associated with the Sureno street gang. The three men walked over to a group of males who were wearing the color red. Security officers were aware that the color red is associated with the Norteno street gang. Shortly thereafter all of the men quickly exited the bar and proceeded to fight in the parking lot. Security guards rushed outside to stop the fight. The Defendant was losing the fight so he ran to his vehicle and obtained a firearm. The Defendant returned to the parking lot and began waving the firearm while yelling expletives. Security guards and others convinced the Defendant not to shoot anyone. The Defendant and his two friends entered a vehicle and departed from the scene.
Officers with the Yakima Police Department (“YPD”) quickly arrived at the scene. Officers reviewed the video footage. An experienced YPD gang officer identified the Defendant and other individuals who had been involved in the gang fight. The officer was aware that the Defendant was known to be a high ranking Sureno gang member.
A few hours later, YPD officers responded to a second bar in regards to a gang fight in progress. A YPD officer observed the Defendant seated in a vehicle. The Defendant was arrested for a community supervision violation. Police obtained a search warrant and found two loaded firearms inside of the vehicle. A loaded pistol was recovered directly beneath where the Defendant had been seated.
The Defendant has a lengthy criminal history which includes convictions for Drive-By Shooting (1997); Drive-By Shooting (1999); Unlawful Possession of a Firearm (2005); Possession of a Dangerous Weapon (2005); Possession of Methamphetamine (2005); Second Degree Robbery (2006); Third Degree Assault (2007); and Second Degree Assault with a Deadly Weapon (2009).
Michael C. Ormsby, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, said, “the United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners are committed to protect our community from gang related violence. The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to seek lengthy sentences to remove dangerous gang members from our streets. In this case, the Yakima Police Department Gang Unit conducted a thorough investigation, conducted dozens of interviews, and collected all of the evidence to ensure that justice would prevail.”
The investigation was completed by the Yakima Police Department, the Eastern Washington Violent Gangs Safe Streets Task Force/Yakima, and the Department of Homeland Security. This case was prosecuted by Tom Hanlon, an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
Stevens Point Man Sentenced for Robbery of Six Banks and Credit UnionsRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on November 21, 2016, Jason A. Kiedrowski (age: 39) of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, appeared in federal court in Green Bay and was sentenced for the crime of entering a financial institution with the intent to commit larceny in violation of Title 18 United States Code Section 2113(a).
As a condition of the plea agreement, Kiedrowski acknowledged that he was responsible for the following robberies throughout Wisconsin: Fox Communities Credit Union in Grand Chute on February 10, 2015; Royal Credit Union in Eau Claire on March 19, 2015; Hometown Bank in Fond du Lac on March 24, 2015; Educational Employee’s Credit Union in Janesville on April 10, 2015; First National Bank in Appleton on June 18, 2015; Unison Credit Union in De Pere on July 7, 2015.
While handing down his sentence, Chief U.S. District Judge William C. Griesbach noted Kiedrowski’s "atrocious" criminal history and his pattern of "preying on people." He rejected the defendant’s assertion that he did not intend to scare anyone as evidenced by the fact that he not used a weapon during the robberies. Judge Griesbach called the robberies "very serious" and highlighted the "lifelong impact" the defendant’s actions had on his victims, many of whom addressed the court at the hearing. Judge Griesbach determined that protection of the public was his foremost concern, and that a "fair and appropriate sentence" called for a 10 year sentence in federal prison to be served following the completion of the defendant’s current 7 year state prison sentence. Kiedrowski was ordered to pay $15,050 in restitution and will serve 3 years on Supervised Release following the completion of his federal sentence.
The case was investigated by the Grand Chute Police Department, the Eau Claire Police Department, the Fond du Lac Police Department, the Janesville Police Department, the Appleton Police Department, the De Pere Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
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Statement by Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch on the Departure of Zane David Memeger from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of PennsylvaniaRead the Press Release
Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch released the following statement on the planned departure of U.S. Attorney Zane David Memeger of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania:
“For the last six and a half years, U.S. Attorney Zane David Memeger has served the people of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania – and all of the American people – with great distinction. Under his outstanding leadership, his office has prosecuted terrorists, corrupt public officials, dangerous drug dealers and other violent offenders, child predators, human traffickers and perpetrators of serious fraud. He also has worked diligently to help the Department of Justice implement its Smart on Crime program to make our criminal justice system more fair and effective. During his time in office, he has helped – and encouraged other U.S. Attorneys’ offices across the country – to implement novel youth crime prevention and prisoner reentry programs as part of a three-part strategy to combat violent crime. And as a member of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee and as chair of the committee’s Health Care Fraud Working Group, he has provided sound counsel and good judgment to both me and my predecessor, Attorney General Eric Holder. There is no doubt that our country is safer and stronger thanks to Zane’s exceptional contributions and dedicated efforts. I want to thank him for his distinguished service and I wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”
South Glens Falls Woman Sentenced for Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Roberta L. Rivers, age 58, of South Glens Falls, New York, was sentenced today to serve 5 months of home confinement, and 3 years of supervised release, for stealing over $112,000 in benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and John F. Grasso, Special Agent in Charge of the SSA Office of the Inspector General, New York Field Office.
As part of her May 17, 2016 guilty plea, Rivers admitted that she withheld information from the SSA that would have made her ineligible to receive the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Survivors Insurance benefits she collected from July 2002 through November 2013. Rivers did not report that she had remarried and resided with her husband, a change in circumstance she was required to disclose.
Senior District Court Judge Gary L. Sharpe also ordered Rivers to pay $112,072 in restitution to the SSA.
This case was investigated by the SSA Office of the Inspector General and was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason W. White.
South Florida Leader of Almighty Imperial Gangsters Nation Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy Including Multiple MurdersRead the Press Release
A leader of the Almighty Imperial Gangsters Nation pleaded guilty today to participating in a racketeering conspiracy involving murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault and narcotics distribution.
Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Anderson of the FBI’s Chicago Division and Special Agent in Charge George L. Piro of the FBI’s Miami Division made the announcement.
Victor Emmanuel Lopez, aka Magic, 29, of Miami, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Cecelia M. Altonaga of the Southern District of Florida to one count of conspiracy to conduct and participate in the affairs of the Almighty Imperial Gangsters Nation through a pattern of racketeering activity. Sentencing has been scheduled for Jan. 31, 2017.
According to admissions made in connection with his plea, Lopez joined the Chicago-area chapter of the Almighty Imperial Gangsters Nation in approximately 2001 and received authorization to initiate a new chapter in South Florida. Lopez admitted that as the leader of the South Florida Imperial Gangsters, in 2006, he directed a fellow member to shoot into a vehicle, resulting in one person’s death; in 2011, he ordered the murder of a witness in a state investigation against him; and in 2007, participated in a drive-by shooting of a suspected rival gang member in which he shot a bystander.
In addition, Lopez admitted that he and other members of the Almighty Imperial Gangsters Nation earned money for members and financed the gang’s activities through trafficking in controlled substances, including cocaine, cocaine base, heroin, ecstasy and marijuana.
The FBI’s Miami and Chicago Field Offices investigated the case with the Miami-Dade, Florida, Police Department; the City of Miami Police Department; the Chicago Police Department; the Franklin Park, Illinois, Police Department; and the East Chicago Police Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Northern District of Indiana; the State Attorney’s Offices of Miami-Dade and Broward County, Florida; the State Attorney’s Office in Cook County, Illinois; the Florida Department of Corrections and the Broward County Sheriff’s Office assisted with this case. Trial Attorneys Joseph A. Cooley, Rebecca A. Staton and Nicholas J. Regalia of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section are prosecuting the case with the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of Florida’s Forfeiture Section.
Sex Trafficker Sentenced to 20 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Dujuan Harris, 35, of Providence, R.I., was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith to 20 years in federal prison for trafficking a 17-year-old girl from Texas to Rhode Island for the purpose of offering her for commercial sexual activity, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha, Providence Police Chief Colonel Hugh T. Clements, Jr., and Matthew J. Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for New England.
Chief Judge William E. Smith imposed the sentence after Harris withdrew a motion he filed to withdraw his December 16, 2015, guilty plea to sex trafficking of a child and possessing child pornography. During a sentencing hearing in April 2016, Harris indicated to the court that he wanted to withdraw his guilty plea. He filed a motion to that effect on June 3, 2016, which the government opposed.
At the time of his guilty plea, Harris admitted to the court that he befriended the victim on the Internet, and that he continued to communicate with her via cell phone, text messages and Skype. Harris admitted that in June 2015, he facilitated the victim’s travel to Rhode Island by paying travel expenses to Boston via bus and then drove her to Providence. Once in Providence, Harris took photographs of the victim in various stages of undress and repeatedly posted them in ads on Backpage.com, offering the victim for commercial sexual activity. An investigation by Providence Police and Homeland Security Investigations determined that the response to the ad was immediate and that numerous sexual encounters with the victim for a fee were arranged.
On June 30, 2015, HSI agents, Providence Police detectives and members of the Human Trafficking Task Force located the victim in Harris’ apartment in Providence and rescued her. Investigators discovered numerous nude photographs of the 17-year-old victim on Harris’ cell phone.
United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha commented, “The defendant here is a remorseless, recidivist, and manipulative predator who deserves the longest possible sentence. Every day that he walks the street is a day that children are at risk. His efforts at manipulation here were as transparent as glass, and he fooled no one but himself. May he reflect on that as he serves his entirely deserved, very lengthy sentence in federal prison.”
Matthew J. Etre, Special Agent in Charge of HSI for New England added, “This sentencing will ensure that Dujuan Harris will be unable to harm other juveniles for a long time. We will continue to pursue those engaged in commercial sex trafficking with the help of our partners in Providence and beyond. This case serves as a good example of how partnerships between federal and local law enforcement can serve as a significant deterrent to those seeking to exploit children.”
“The Providence Police Department, along with our federal and local law enforcement partners, will continue to work vigilantly to remove people like Harris from the streets of our city and state,” said Providence Police Chief Hugh T. Clements. “Subjects who prey on young women for solicitation of sexual activity are a high priority for our investigators, and this sentencing should serve as an example to criminals in the sex trafficking game.”
Since his arrest and detention at the ACI, despite a no-contact order, Harris contacted the victim more than 100 times.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Terrence P. Donnelly and Ly T. Chin.
United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha thanks prosecutors from the Rhode Island Department of the Attorney General who assisted the United States Attorney’s Office in the prosecution of this matter.
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Contact:
Jim Martin (401) 709-5357
email: [email protected]
on Twitter @USAO_RI
Sesser Man Sentenced for Bankruptcy FraudRead the Press Release
Earlier today, Scott L. Thompson, 45, of Sesser, IL, was sentenced in federal court in Benton, Illinois, on his bankruptcy fraud conviction, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today. The court sentenced Thompson to one year of probation and ordered him to pay a fine and special assessment totaling $800. Thompson was indicted on February 2, 2016, as part of an effort to crackdown on those who commit fraud during the course of bankruptcy proceedings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Illinois.
"This case is part of our continuing efforts to prosecute those who use the Federal Bankruptcy Court system to defraud their creditors," Mr. Boyce explained.
The indictment charged Thompson with concealing assets in a bankruptcy case. When he pled guilty on June 15, 2016, Thompson admitted that he concealed from the Bankruptcy Court a $28,129 settlement he received for a worker’s compensation claim. Thompson also admitted that he concealed from the Bankruptcy Court his federal tax returns and failed to disclose those tax returns, as the Bankruptcy Court had ordered. Thompson’s chapter 13 bankruptcy case was filed and litigated in the United States Bankruptcy Court in Benton, Illinois.
"Criminal bankruptcy fraud threatens the integrity of the bankruptcy system, as well as public confidence in that system," stated Nancy J. Gargula, U.S. Trustee for Southern Illinois, Central Illinois and Indiana (Region 10). "I am grateful to U.S. Attorney Donald Boyce and our law enforcement partners for their commitment to combating bankruptcy-related crimes, as demonstrated by today’s sentencing." The U.S. Trustee Program is the component of the Justice Department that protects the integrity of the bankruptcy system by overseeing case administration and litigating to enforce the bankruptcy laws. Region 10 is headquartered in Indianapolis, with additional offices in South Bend, Ind., and Peoria, Ill.
The charges resulted from a referral by the U.S. Trustee and the investigation was conducted by agents from the Springfield Division, Fairview Heights Resident Agency, of the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI") with assistance from members of the Southern District of Illinois Bankruptcy Fraud Working Group coordinated by the U.S. Trustee. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott A. Verseman.
Serial Armed Robber Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for His Role in Four Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
DALLAS —Devonte Aaron Dillard, 24, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sam A. Lindsay to serve a total of 240 months in federal prison for his role in committing several violent armed robberies in Dallas in 2015, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Dillard pleaded guilty in July 2016 to one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and one count of using, carrying, brandishing and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Judge Lindsay sentenced him to 120 months on each of the two counts, to run consecutively.
Three of Dillard’s codefendants in the case, Colby Cole Ditto, 21, Tatiana Renee Sallie, 20, and Trenton Kyle Sirkel, 21, have pleaded guilty to their respective roles in the conspiracy and are awaiting sentencing. Lead defendant Michael Deshun Holland, Jr., 22, is currently set to go to trial February 6, 2017, before Judge Lindsay.
According to documents filed in the case, the five defendants discussed and planned with each other, among other thing, the robberies of convenience stores located in Mesquite and Garland, Texas.
On April 17, 2015, while Sallie waited in the car, Dillard and Holland entered the Chevron Food Mart on Highway 80 in Mesquite and brandished a firearm. Dillard shot the store employee while he and Holland robbed the store.
On May 8, 2015, Dillard, Holland, Ditto and Sirkel entered the 7-Eleven store on Interstate Highway 30 in Mesquite, brandished a firearm, and robbed the store.
On May 12, 2015, Dillard, Holland, Ditto and Sallie entered the 7-Eleven store on Gus Thomasson Road in Mesquite, brandished a firearm, struck an employee in the head with the firearm, and robbed the store.
That same night, Dillard, Holland, Ditto and Sallie went to the 7-Eleven store on Northwest Highway in Garland, brandished a firearm, assaulted a store employee, and robbed the store.
The case was investigated by Mesquite Police Department, Garland Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jamie Hoxie and Keith Robinson are in charge of the prosecution.
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Second ECI Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy and Civil Rights ViolationRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Correctional Officer Stephen Wise, age 34, of Pocomoke, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to his participation in a racketeering conspiracy operating at the Eastern Correctional Institution in Westover, Maryland. Wise also pleaded guilty to a civil rights violation, deprivation of rights under color of law, for participating in the stabbing of an inmate.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Postal Inspector in Charge Terrence P. McKeown of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division; Secretary Stephen T. Moyer of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services; and Colonel William M. Pallozzi, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.
According to his plea agreement and court documents, the Eastern Correctional Institution (ECI) is the largest state prison in Maryland, operating near Westover, in Somerset County, on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. During the conspiracy, Wise was a Correctional Officer (CO) at ECI.
Wise admitted that he accepted bribes from at least eight inmates to smuggle contraband into ECI, including narcotics, cell phones and tobacco. Wise generally charged approximately $500 per package of contraband he smuggled into ECI. Law enforcement intercepted multiple calls and texts in which Wise and the inmates discussed contraband, and arranged payment for contraband.
According to the plea agreement, Wise smuggled contraband in exchange for bribes for a co-defendant, who was a leader of the Dead Man Incorporated (DMI) prison gang at ECI. On July 31, 2016, Wise induced the DMI leader to arrange the assault of an inmate who had filed a complaint against Wise that caused Wise to be removed from the housing unit. At the time he was removed, Wise had been given approximately $1500 by the DMI leader for contraband that he had not yet brought into the unit. Wise told multiple inmates, including the co-defendant, that the inmate who filed the complaint had to be taken out of the unit before Wise could be reassigned there. Wise knew that if an inmate is physically assaulted he is removed from a housing unit for his own safety. On July 31, 2016, the inmate who filed the complaint was assaulted and stabbed by several inmates who were members of the Cripps prison gang, and who had been paid $500 to do so by Wise’s co-defendant.
Wise faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the racketeering conspiracy, and a maximum of 10 years in prison for deprivation of rights under color of law for his participation in the stabbing of an inmate. U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar has scheduled sentencing for Wise on February 17, 2017 a 10:00 a.m.
The U.S. Attorney expressed appreciation to Secretary Moyer whose staff initiated the ECI investigation and who has made the full resources of the DPSCS available to assist the three-year investigation. U.S. Attorney Rosenstein also recognized the efforts of the Maryland Prison Task Force which has brought together federal, state and local agencies in meetings to generate reforms in prison procedures and facilitate joint investigations of prison corruption and prison gangs. Mr. Rosenstein thanked the members of the Maryland Prison Task Force and the and other agencies who assisted in this investigation and prosecution.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the Baltimore Police Department and Maryland State Police for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leo J. Wise, Robert R. Harding, and Daniel C. Gardner, who are prosecuting this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.
San Francisco Resident Pleads Guilty to A String of Bank and Credit Union RobberiesRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Yolanda Brown, AKA Yo-Yo, pleaded guilty in federal court in San Francisco late yesterday to five robberies of Bay Area banks and credit unions, the unlawful possession of a firearm, and distribution of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Brian Stretch, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Jill Snyder.
In pleading guilty, Brown, 48, of San Francisco, admitted to robbing the following banks and credit unions:
Date
Bank / Credit Union
Location
January 11, 2016
Wells Fargo
2055 Chestnut Street, San Francisco, CA
January 13, 2016
Patelco Credit Union
1358 Fairmont Drive, San Leandro, CA
February 19, 2016
Patelco Credit Union
1358 Fairmont Drive, San Leandro, CA
June 9, 2016
Citibank
2400 19th Avenue, San Francisco, CA
June 16, 2016
Wells Fargo
3365 Deer Valley Road, Antioch, CA
In her plea agreement, Brown also admitted to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and to possessing with intent to distribute and distributing more than fifty grams of methamphetamine.
On October 20, 2016, a federal grand jury formally indicted Brown for the robberies and unlawful possession of a firearm. The indictment charged her with five counts of bank or credit union robbery, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2113(a), and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). Further, on September 15, 2015, Brown was indicted for distribution of methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1). Under the plea agreement, Brown pled guilty to all charges in both indictments.
Brown is currently in custody. Brown’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 27, 2017, at 2:30 PM before the Honorable Thelton E. Henderson, U.S. District Judge, in San Francisco. The maximum statutory penalties for each count of bank robbery is 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and applicable restitution. The maximum statutory penalties for being a felon in possession of a firearm is 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000. The maximum statutory penalties for possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine is life in prison, a minimum prison term of ten years, and a fine of $10,000,000. However, any sentence will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott D. Joiner is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Lance Libatique, Christine Tian, and Linda Love. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the San Francisco Police Department, the San Leandro Police Department, and the Antioch Police Department.
San Antonio Accountant Sentenced for Obstructing the IRSRead the Press Release
In San Antonio today, Richard Molina Soto, owner of RMS & Associates, was sentenced to federal prison for his role in corruptly obstructing the internal revenue laws by failing to pay over $280,000 to the Internal Revenue Service on behalf of his clients, announced United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr., and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Special Agent in Charge William Cotter.
Appearing before United States District Judge David Alan Ezra, Soto was sentenced to 25 months in federal prison, ordered to pay $229,963.14 in restitution and will be placed on supervised release for a period of one year after completing his prison term.
On April 11, 2016, Soto appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Pamela Mathy, Soto pleaded guilty to one count of corruptly endeavoring to obstruct and impede the due administration of the internal revenue laws.
According to court records, from November 2009 to November 2011, Soto convinced his clients that he was a Certified Public Accountant who could prepare their income tax returns. Once the tax forms had been completed, Soto told his clients their balance due and provided them with the option of paying through RMS what they owed the IRS. Ultimately, Soto stole monies from clients who chose to pay through RMS. The total amount which Soto should have, but failed to pay to the IRS on behalf of his clients, was $282,107.01.
Soto will remain on bond pending designation to a federal prison facility.
This case was investigated by special agents with the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney William R. Harris prosecuted this case on behalf of the Government.
Rochester Man Sentenced for Sex Trafficking of A MinorRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.- Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Harris Hickman, 33, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of sex trafficking of a minor, was sentenced to 188 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany H. Lee, who handled the case, stated that in March 2014, Hickman trafficked a 15-year-old minor by posting photographs of the minor in advertisements on Backpage.com., knowing the minor’s age and that the minor would be caused to engage in prostitution activity. Hickman also benefitted financially from the prostitution activities of the minor by getting part of the proceeds.
The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation on the part of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Cyber Crimes Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Adam S. Cohen and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero.
Rensselaer Felon Sentenced to 46 Months for Possessing a Single BulletRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Tyron S. Jackson, age 28, of Rensselaer, New York, was sentenced yesterday to 46 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to unlawfully possessing a single bullet.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Special Agent in Charge Ashan M. Benedict of the New York Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF).
Senior U.S. District Judge Gary L. Sharpe cited the defendant’s criminal history, including a 2006 conviction for robbery in the first degree and a May 2016 conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm, in explaining why the 46-month sentence was warranted.
As part of his guilty plea on June 20, 2016, Jackson admitted to possessing a single 9 millimeter Luger bullet during a September 25, 2015 traffic stop conducted by the Niskayuna Police Department on Albany Street in Schenectady County. As a felon, he could not possess the Luger bullet.
This case was investigated by the ATF and the Niskayuna Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.
Randolph County Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine and Heroin OffensesRead the Press Release
On November 22, 2016, Franklin Scott Denault, a/k/a "Frankie D," 39, of Steeleville, was sentenced for methamphetamine and heroin offenses, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced today.
Deanault, who had previously pled guilty to a two-count indictment charging conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and conspiracy to distribute heroin, was sentenced to 125 months imprisonment, 3 years supervised release, and fined $600.00. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Denault was involved with others in distributing both heroin and methamphetamine, in the form of "ice." Ice is methamphetamine which has a purity level of at least 80%. Denault and others made multiple trips to St. Louis to obtain dealer amounts of heroin. Denault also distributed ice to numerous individuals. At sentencing, the judge found that Denault was responsible for the distribution of over 108 grams of ice and 43 grams of heroin. The offenses occurred between 2013 and June 2015, in Perry, Jackson, and Randolph Counties. Ten co-defendants have previously been sentenced for their role in the drug conspiracies. One co-defendant has pled guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Perry County Sheriff’s Office, Perry County Drug Task Force, Percy Police Department, Steeleville Police Department, Mascoutah Police Department, Illinois State Police Methamphetamine Response Team, DuQuoin Police Department, Pinckneyville Police Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Randolph and Perry County States Attorney’s Offices also assisted in the investigation.
President Obama Grants CommutationsRead the Press Release
Today, the President granted commutation of sentence to the following 79 individuals:
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Lawrence Daro Adams – Houston, TX
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, aiding and abetting; Southern District of Texas
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $5,000 fine (July 20, 2001)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.
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Tyrone Allen – Lubbock, TX
Offense: Aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base; Western District of Texas
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 25, 2003)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
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Anthony Arthur – Killeen, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of "crack cocaine"; Western District of Texas
Sentence: 210 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $1,000 fine (August 3, 2005)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.
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Lisa Woods Ball – Sugar Grove, VA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine; Western District of Virginia
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 3, 2009)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months' imprisonment.
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Curtis A. Beasley – Greer, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five grams or more but less than 50 grams of crack cocaine; possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of crack cocaine; District of South Carolina
Sentence: 408 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (August 16, 2004)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.
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Efrem Berry – Americus, GA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute a detectable amount of cocaine; possession with intent to distribute less than 50 kilograms of marijuana; possession with intent to distribute a detectable amount of 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine, aka MDMA; Middle District of Georgia
Sentence: 235 months' imprisonment; six years' supervised release (November 9, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 151 months' imprisonment.
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Albert Betemit – New York, NY
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute in excess of five kilograms of powder cocaine and 50 grams of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine (three counts); distribution of cocaine; possession with intent to distribute in excess of 50 grams of cocaine base (two counts); distribution in excess of 50 grams of cocaine base (two counts); unlawful use of a communication facility; Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: Life imprisonment; four years' supervised release (September 25, 1996)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 300 months' imprisonment.
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Carroll Edgar Blevins, Jr. – Abingdon, VA
Offense: 1. Distribution of methamphetamine (two counts); Western District ofVirginia
2. Supervised release violation (possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (two counts)); Western District of Virginia
Sentence: 1. 188 months' imprisonment; six years’ supervised release (November 3,
2006)
2. 51 months' imprisonment (consecutive); one year's supervised release (November 3, 2006)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
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Kerwin Blount – New Haven, CT
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; District of Connecticut
Sentence: 292 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 18, 2000)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
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Tramiere Broughton – Clinton, IA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base ("crack"); Southern District of Iowa
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (October 3, 2002)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.
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Thomas Brown – Miami, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine; Southern District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment (October 24, 1989)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2017.
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Christopher Carlton Bryson – Davenport, IA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin and marijuana, each a schedule I controlled substance, and cocaine and cocaine base ("crack"), each a schedule II controlled substance; money laundering; Southern District of Iowa
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (February 9, 2001)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
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Earl Cain – Springfield, MA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; District of Massachusetts
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (February 15, 2001)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.
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Christopher Michael Calloway – Hampton, VA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: 181 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (June 18, 2007); amended to 180 months' imprisonment (June 9, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.
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Jermaine Lewis Carter – Davenport, IA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute at least 50 grams of cocaine base; Southern District of Iowa
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 24, 2009)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
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Jimmy Carter, Jr. – Montgomery, AL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride (two counts); possession of cocaine hydrochloride; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; Middle District of Alabama
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 23, 2003)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
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Mark Clifton – Brooklyn, NY
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack); possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack) and aiding and abetting; Eastern District of North Carolina
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $7,500 fine (May 28, 1997)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, and unpaid balance of $7,500 fine remitted, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
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Dewayne Damper – Fontana, CA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute "crack" cocaine base; Southern District of Mississippi
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release; $4,500 fine (April 20, 1999); amended to 360 months' imprisonment; six years' supervised release; $4,500 fine (May 12, 2004)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.
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Johnny Davis – Florence, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of five kilograms or more of cocaine and 50 grams or more of cocaine base, commonly known as crack cocaine; District of South Carolina
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (February 4, 2004)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
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Roy Edward Detreville, Jr. – Winter Garden, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (February 8, 2005)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.
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Luis Diaz – Winter Park, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride; Middle District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (July 25, 1996); amended to 360 months' imprisonment (July 1, 2015)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.
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William Henry Dudley – Atlanta, GA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $1,000 fine (April 27, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
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Reginald Leon Edwards – Chatham, VA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Western District of Virginia
Sentence: 181 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $400 fine (August 3, 2007); amended to 180 months' imprisonment (October 22, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
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Timothy John Ehrmann – Minneapolis, MN
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and ecstasy; aiding and abetting to distribute ecstasy (two counts); aiding and abetting to distribute methamphetamine (three counts); possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; District of Minnesota
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (March 5, 2004); amended to 292 months' imprisonment (September 12, 2016)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 228 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
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P.W. Ferguson – Columbia, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute and distribution of a quantity of cocaine base, aiding and abetting; District of South Carolina
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 31, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
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Darryl D. Fields – Harvey, IL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine; Northern District of Iowa
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (June 8, 2009)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
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Timothy Fields – Mesquite, TX
Offense: Conspiracy; possession with intent to distribute controlled substance, aiding and abetting (three counts); use and carry firearm during drug trafficking crime; Northern District of Texas
Sentence: Life plus 60 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (February 16, 1994)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 465 months' imprisonment.
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Tyris Ford – Philadelphia, PA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base ("crack"); distribution of cocaine base ("crack") or possession with intent to distribute cocaine base ("crack"); carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime; Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 5, 2001)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.
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Eric Cornell Foster – Bladensburg, MD
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; Eastern District of Michigan
Sentence: Life imprisonment (December 11, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 175 months' imprisonment.
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Osvaldo Richard Gonzalez – Sylmar, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense; Southern District of Iowa
Sentence: 180 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (September 7, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.
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Jamere Ireadus Hall – Kissimmee, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; felon in possession of firearm; District of Maryland
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (August 1, 2005)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 210 months' imprisonment.
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Avery Hardy – Smithville, GA
Offense: Possession with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of crack cocaine; Middle District of Georgia
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 12, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
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Donikki Hardy – Pacolet, SC
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; District of South Carolina
Sentence: 480 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (November 26, 2002); amended to 300 months' imprisonment (October 28, 2008); amended to 299 months' imprisonment (February 5, 2014)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.
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William Crawford Hardy, III – Roanoke, VA
Offense: Distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Western District of Virginia
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (February 7, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.
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Robert Jeffrey Harris – Fort Walton Beach, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (December 12, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 210 months' imprisonment.
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Jeff Hendricks – Seagoville, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine; conspiracy to possess a List I chemical to manufacture methamphetamine; Northern District of Texas
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (May 9, 2002); amended to 324 months' imprisonment (April 1, 2016)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
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Warren Lavell Jackson – Port St. Lucie, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine; Southern District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (March 7, 2000)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 300 months' imprisonment.
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Timothy Johnson – Georgetown, SC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; District of South Carolina
Sentence: 180 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (February 28, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.
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Paul Kinney – Anaheim, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute in excess of 500 grams of methamphetamine; Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: 235 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (April 19, 2006); amended to 210 months' imprisonment (December 19, 2014)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
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Daniel Lee Larsen – West Valley City, UT
Offense: Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; conspiracy or attempt to manufacture methamphetamine (two counts); establishment of a manufacture operation; possession of a listed chemical (two counts); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense; District of Utah
Sentence: 384 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $2,000 restitution (January 7, 2002)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 270 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
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Darrius Lewis – McComb, MS
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine base; Southern District of Mississippi
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; three years' supervised release (May 20, 2005)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months' imprisonment.
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Robert Lum – Waimanalo, HI
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute in excess of 50 grams of methamphetamine; District of Hawaii
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 28, 2005)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
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Karliss Lyttle – St. Louis, MO
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base; distribution of less than five grams of cocaine base (two counts); Southern District of Illinois
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release; $500 fine (April 22, 2004)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
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Ryan W. Magro – Dunstable, MA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; District of Massachusetts
Sentence: 180 months' imprisonment; three years' supervised release (May 22, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.
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Orlando Keith McCord – Flint, MI
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Michigan
Sentence: 180 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (April 19, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
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Donna Sue McDaniel – Boyd, TX
Offense: Distribution of 219.6 grams of methamphetamine; Northern District of Texas
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (September 27, 1996)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.
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John E. McNeill – Washington, DC
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of phencyclidine, commonly known as PCP; conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of phencyclidine, commonly known as PCP; District of Kansas
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (February 23, 2004)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
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Frantz Michel – Brooklyn, NY
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin, cocaine, and cocaine base; Eastern District of Virginia
Sentence: Life imprisonment; five years' supervised release (January 31, 2003); amended to 300 months' imprisonment (November 1, 2011); amended to 235 months' imprisonment (November 2, 2015)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.
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Vernard Mitchell – Washington, DC
Offense: Unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a person convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year; unlawful possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; unlawful possession with intent to distribute heroin; unlawful possession with intent to distribute cannabis; District of Columbia
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (March 30, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 210 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
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Robert L. Moffitt – Fort Worth, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine base; distribution of cocaine base; maintaining a drug-involved premises (two counts); Northern District of Texas
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; six years' supervised release (April 10, 2006); amended to 292 months' imprisonment (January 12, 2012)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 180 months' imprisonment.
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Ward Everette Mohler – Linville, VA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine; distribution of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (three counts); carry firearm during drug trafficking (two counts); possession of firearm by a convicted felon (two counts); distribution of methamphetamine (nine counts); Western District of Virginia
Sentence: 469 months' imprisonment; three years' supervised release (April 23, 1992); amended to 436 months' imprisonment (March 18, 2016)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on December 22, 2016.
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Michael Toriano Morris – Charlotte, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Western District of North Carolina
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (August 19, 2004); amended to 292 months’ imprisonment (November 23, 2015)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.
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Jerry Lee Mutchler – Riverton, IA
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine; Southern District of Iowa
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (February 4, 2005)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
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Victor Robert Nava, Sr. – Billings, MT
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana; distribution of marijuana; possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; distribution of hydrocodone; possession of morphine with intent to distribute; possession of codeine with intent to distribute; District of Montana
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (May 22, 2002)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 270 months' imprisonment.
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Cathy Lea Neal – Council Bluffs, IA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture and 50 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine; Northern District of Iowa
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised (September 24, 2009)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 21, 2017.
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Jose Otero – Worcester, MA
Offense: Possession of cocaine with intent to distribute; District of Massachusetts
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (June 29, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
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Tilman Rufus Partin – Frakes, KY
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine, aiding and abetting; Eastern District of Kentucky
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (October 10, 1997)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 324 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
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Mario A. Powell – Kansas City, MO
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of "crack" cocaine; Western District of Missouri
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (April 16, 2009)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
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Roosevelt Terence Jerome Rayford – Sherman, TX
Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, possess, or dispense cocaine base (crack) or marijuana; Eastern District of Texas
Sentence: 326 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $2,000 fine (July 1, 2003); amended to 300 months’ imprisonment (April 29, 2004)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months' imprisonment.
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Eddie James Reed – Albany, GA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base; Middle District of Georgia
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (February 28, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
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Jose Rodriguez – Camden, NJ
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin and more than 50 grams of cocaine base; District of New Jersey
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $10,000 fine (April 27, 2006); amended to 235 months' imprisonment (August 28, 2015)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017 and unpaid balance of the $10,000 fine remitted.
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Cynthia Valdez Shank – Lansing, MI
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute more than five kilograms of powder cocaine, 50 grams of cocaine base, and/or 1,000 kilograms of marijuana; possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack cocaine); possession with intent to distribute 40 pounds of marijuana; Western District of Michigan
Sentence: 180 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release; $10,000 fine (February 29, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017, and unpaid balance of the $10,000 fine remitted.
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Artis Sherman – Allen, TX
Offense: Conspiracy in the possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of crack cocaine; Western District of Texas
Sentence: 300 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (November 30, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
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Carnell Smith – Hazel Crest, IL
Offense: 1. Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute mixturescontaining cocaine; Northern District of Illinois
2. Possession of a prohibited object by a prison inmate; Eastern District of Arkansas
Sentence: 1. 262 months' imprisonment; five years’ supervised release (February 11, 2001)
2. Seven months' imprisonment (consecutive) (January 5, 2012)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.
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Marco Strickland – Detroit, MI
Offense: Attempted possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; Eastern District of Michigan
Sentence: Life imprisonment (October 24, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to 168 months' imprisonment.
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Tony Taylor – Dunn, NC
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (crack); distribution and possession with intent to distribute more than five grams of cocaine base (crack) (five counts); distribution and possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base (crack); Eastern District of North Carolina
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (December 4, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 293 months' imprisonment.
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Deborah Theeler – Sioux City, IA
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture and 50 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine following two prior felony convictions; Northern District of Iowa
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 18, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
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Damarlon Cenaka Thomas – Saginaw, MI
Offense: Distribution of five grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Michigan
Sentence: 230 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (November 20, 2008)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.
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Dexter Bert Tyson – Orlando, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a mixture containing cocaine base and a mixture containing cocaine; possession with intent to distribute a mixture containing cocaine base and cocaine, aiding and abetting; possession with intent to distribute a mixture containing cocaine, aiding and abetting (two counts); possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, aiding and abetting; possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, aiding and abetting, felon in possession of a firearm; felon in possession of ammunition; District of Maryland
Sentence: Life plus 60 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 13, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 300 months' imprisonment.
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Lavan Maurice Walker – Miami, FL
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute a detectable amount of heroin (two counts); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; Southern District of Florida
Sentence: 420 months' imprisonment; six years' supervised release (March 9, 2004)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.
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Jamie Warfield – Cape Girardeau, MO
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (two counts); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; Eastern District of Missouri
Sentence: 180 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (July 20, 2005)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 21, 2017
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Lamar Webster – Concord, CA
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; money laundering conspiracy; money laundering; District of Montana
Sentence: Life imprisonment (April 17, 2009)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
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Sterling Kenneth Westberry – Pensacola, FL
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Northern District of Florida
Sentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (September 15, 1998)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.
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Travis L. Wilken – Midvale, UT
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of actual methamphetamine; District of Utah
Sentence: 235 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (February 2, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on November 22, 2018, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
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Derrick Maurice Williams – Durham, NC
Offense: Possessed with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack); Middle District of North Carolina
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; five years' supervised release (November 2, 2000)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on May 21, 2017.
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Jacobi Lamont Williams – Greensboro, NC
Offense: Distributed cocaine base (crack); Middle District of North Carolina
Sentence: 262 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (August 24, 2006)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 188 months' imprisonment, conditioned upon enrollment in residential drug treatment.
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Nelson Williams – Hammond, LA
Offense: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (two counts); distribution of cocaine base; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; Eastern District of Louisiana
Sentence: 240 months' imprisonment; eight years' supervised release (July 21, 2004)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to expire on March 22, 2017.
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Darvell D. York – Chicago, IL
Offense: Delivery of a controlled substance; Northern District of Illinois
Sentence: 360 months' imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (January 8, 2007)Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment.
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Myron Young – Louisville, KY
Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; Western District of KentuckySentence: Life imprisonment; 10 years' supervised release (July 20, 2010)
Commutation Grant: Prison sentence commuted to a term of 240 months' imprisonment.
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Owner of Medical Equipment Provider Pleads Guilty to Collecting a Debt by Extortion and to Health Care Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland –Harry Crawford, age 56, of Baltimore, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to collection of a debt by extortionate means from victim David Wutoh. Co-defendant Matthew Hightower, age 34, also of Baltimore, was convicted of extortion and the murder of David Wutoh on September 22, 2016, after a seven-day trial.
Crawford also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud in connection with schemes to defraud Medicaid and other health benefit programs, and conspiracy to defraud the United States, for not reporting income from the health care fraud scheme on his taxes.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Nicholas DiGiulio, Office of Investigations, Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services; Special Agent in Charge Thomas Jankowski of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office; and Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department.
According to his plea agreement, Crawford owned, and was President and CEO of RX Resources and Solutions (RXRS), a durable medical equipment provider located in Randallstown, Maryland. Beginning in 2012, co-defendant Matthew Hightower worked as a delivery driver for RXRS.
According to his plea agreement, in 2013 Crawford approached Hightower to facilitate a loan to Crawford’s longtime friend, David Wutoh. Wutoh promised Hightower an enormous rate of return. In exchange for $15,000 in cash, Wutoh would pay Hightower $20,000 within a short period of time. Crawford also loaned Wutoh at least $6,000 of his own money. Wutoh did not pay either man back the money he had borrowed, as a result, from May through September 2013, Crawford and Hightower used cellular telephones and electronic messaging to harass, threaten, and coerce Wutoh to repay the loans.
For example, according to the plea agreement, on June 7, 2013, Wutoh sent an electronic message to Crawford stating, “Battery dying.” Crawford responded, “You will be also. Stop playing with people’s money.” On September 13, 2013, Crawford sent an electronic message to Wutoh telling him to put him in his will. Wutoh responded to Crawford, “you are.” As of September 21, 2013, Wutoh had not repaid Crawford or Hightower all of the money he borrowed from them.
According to Crawford’s plea agreement, on the evening of September 21 and the early morning hours of September 22, 2013, Hightower traveled from West Baltimore to East Baltimore County in the area of Wutoh’s home. At about 2:50 a.m. on September 22, 2013, Wutoh was shot in the living room of his home, by an assailant who fired multiple shots through the front window. According to the plea agreement and evidence presented in court, moments later, Hightower answered a phone call on a phone registered registered in another person’s name. Records showed the phone was located in close proximity to the house where Wutoh was murdered.
During interviews conducted with Crawford by law enforcement officers investigating the murder, Crawford never disclosed Hightower’s outstanding loan to Wutoh, nor Crawford’s efforts to have Wutoh repay it. When asked directly whether Hightower had any reason to harm Wutoh, Crawford said, “No.”
Further, Crawford admitted that from 2010 through May 2014, he conspired with others to defraud Medicaid and other health benefit programs by having RXRS bill for supplies that were never provided, overcharge for materials actually delivered, and bill for supplies that were unneeded and had not been prescribed by a physician.
According to his plea agreement, Crawford and his co-conspirators used the personal identity information of clients to submit fraudulent claims to Medicaid and other health care benefits programs for disposable medical supplies that were not delivered to the beneficiary. In addition, Crawford and his co-conspirators delivered medical supplies to beneficiaries who did not need the supplies and whose physicians had not prescribed the supplies, even after the beneficiaries reported that they did not want or need the supplies. According to the plea agreement, a co-conspirator would sign or have someone else sign delivery tickets when deliveries had not actually taken place so that the records of RXRS would falsely document the delivery.
On February 4, 2014, federal agents executed a search warrant at RXRS and Crawford’s home. Agents recovered almost $60,000 in cash from a clothes bin beside the bed in Crawford’s room, and boxes of patient files from the house. From RXRS agents recovered emails documenting a criminal plan at the inception of RXRS, and fraudulent delivery tickets from December 2013 and January 2014.
An analysis of RXRS billing of Medicaid from 2007 through 2014 establishes that the loss to Medicaid just for incontinent supplies billed but not provided is approximately $1.2 million.
Finally, Crawford admitted that he conspired to defraud the United States by not reporting or paying taxes on the proceeds of the fraud. A review of bank records shows that Crawford used the proceeds of the fraud directly for the accounts of RXRS, using a significant portion of the proceeds for his personal benefit, including mortgage payments, personal travel, restaurants, and hosting social events. The IRS determined that Crawford owes $102,782.17 in federal taxes and $25,000 for state taxes for tax years 2010 through 2013.
Crawford faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for collection of extension of credit by extortion. Crawford also faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for health care fraud and a maximum of five years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States. U.S. District Judge Marvin J. Garbis has scheduled sentencing for Hightower on November 30, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. Hightower remains detained. Judge Garbis scheduled sentencing for Crawford on March 28, 2016, at 11:30 a.m. Crawford is released under the supervision of U.S. Pretrial Services.
Hightower and co-defendant Elma Myles, age 52, of Baltimore, are scheduled to go to trial on charges related to the health care fraud scheme on January 23, 2017.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the HHS-OIG, IRS, and Baltimore County Police Department for their work in the investigation, and thanked the Maryland Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for its assistance. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron S.J. Zelinsky, Judson T. Mihok, and Sandra Wilkinson, who are prosecuting the case.
Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Hate Crime for Beating African-American StrangerRead the Press Release
Robert Paschalis, 25, of Toledo, Ohio, pleaded guilty today to a federal hate crime for beating an African-American stranger he saw on the street. Paschalis’s co-defendant, Charles Butler, pleaded guilty to the same crime on Nov. 9.
The plea was announced by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon of the Northern District of Ohio and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Division.
According to his guilty plea, on May 18, 2016, Paschalis and Butler drove past the victim, A.W., on the street while A.W. was unloading items from his truck. The two men circled back, got out of their own truck and began attacking A.W. while yelling racial slurs. Butler grabbed a broom from the back of A.W.’s truck and struck A.W. with it multiple times. Paschalis admitted during his plea that the beating occurred because A.W. is African American.
The beating stopped only when two off-duty Ohio state police officers happened on the scene and pulled Butler and Paschalis away. A.W. suffered an orbital fracture and damage to his right eye. Butler later posted on Facebook that the attack was “in the name of the White Race.”
“Hate violence harms individuals and threatens the diversity of entire communities,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Gupta. “This vicious attack on an African-American man simply going about the routines of daily life offends human decency. We cannot undo the harms inflicted, but these convictions help vindicate everyone’s right to live free from racial violence.”
“Northern Ohio is a mosaic of different races, ethnicities and backgrounds,” said U.S. Attorney Rendon. “This defendant tried to strike at the diversity we cherish by participating in an unprovoked attack based solely on the victim’s race. He is now likely headed to prison, while we will continue to work together to ensure that everyone’s civil rights are protected.”
“These individuals engaged in a violent assault against another person based on his race and are now being held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony. “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure hate crimes are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted to the greatest extent of the law.”
This case is being investigated by the FBI Cleveland Division’s Toledo Resident Agency, in cooperation with the Toledo Police Department and the Lucas County, Ohio, Prosecutor’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Freeman of the Northern District of Ohio and Trial Attorney Dana Mulhauser of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
Nahant Man Charged with Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Nahant man was charged yesterday in U.S. District Court in connection with failing to report a significant portion of his income on his federal tax returns from 2010 to 2013.
Andrew R. Bisignani, 70, was charged in an Information with four counts of filing false tax returns.
The Information alleges that, between 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013, Bisignani collected rental income from three real properties in Revere, Mass. During the same years, Bisignani allegedly collected interest and loan income by making multiple, private, short-term loans which were secured by Massachusetts real estate. Bisignani allegedly underreported his total rental real estate income when submitting his individual tax returns to the IRS. He also underreported the interest income he received in connection with his private loans for 2010, 2011 and 2012.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of no greater than three years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $100,000. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than 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 Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina E. Barclay of Ortiz’s Public Corruption Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the Information are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Mishawaka Man Sentenced to 120 Months’ ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Jesus C. Madrigal, 25, of Mishawaka, Indiana was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Jon. E. DeGuilio for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
Madrigal was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment and 2 years supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, Madrigal entered a guilty plea for possession of cocaine. In March of 2016 Madrigal discharged a firearm at “would-be” robbers at his home in Mishawaka, Indiana to protect narcotics he had for sale.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive and the South Bend Police Department. The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Frank E. Schaffer.
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Minnesota Business Owner Indicted for Stealing More Than $755,000 from Employee Pension PlanRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger today announced an indictment charging WALLACE DAVID GREGERSON, 65, for operating an embezzlement scheme to defraud his employees and steal more than $755,000 from their pension plans. GREGERSON made an initial appearance today before Magistrate Judge Mayeron in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minn.
According to the indictment and documents filed in court, GREGERSON was the president and sole owner of Lighting Affiliates, Inc. (“Lighting Affiliates”), a Minnesota corporation that sold lighting fixtures and related products. The Lighting Affiliates 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan (the “Plan”) was established as an employee benefit for eligible employees’ retirement savings. The Plan was funded by three types of contributions: voluntary salary reduction 401(k) contributions the Lighting Affiliates employees had deducted from their paychecks; 401(k) matching contributions made by Lighting Affiliates; and profit sharing contributions made by Lighting Affiliates.
According to the indictment and documents filed in court, GREGERSON, who was the sole trustee of the Plan, used his position to withdraw funds from the Plan and deposit those funds into Lighting Affiliates bank accounts. Between February 2011 and July 2013, GREGERSON drained the profit sharing portion of the Plan by withdrawing a total of approximately $675,233.55, and drained his former employees’ individual 401(k) accounts by withdrawing a total of approximately $80,667.23.
According to the indictment and documents filed in court, as part of the scheme, GREGERSON persuaded the financial institutions holding the Plan’s assets to provide him with funds belonging to the Plan and its participants by making false representations. GREGERSON provided written statements falsely affirming that the funds would be re-invested in another qualified plan or that the withdrawals were at the employee’s request.
According to the indictment and documents filed in court, GREGERSON used the majority of the funds to either pay for Lighting Affiliates’ expenses or for personal expenses such as country club membership dues, sports tickets, clothing purchases, and tuition payments on behalf of his daughter.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly A. Svendsen.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General.
Defendant Information:
WALLACE DAVID GREGERSON, 65
Plymouth, Minn.
Charges:
- Mail fraud, 6 counts
- Money laundering, 2 counts
- Theft and Embezzlement from Employee Plan, 1 count
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Milwaukee Man Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking and Related CrimesRead the Press Release
Paul Carter, 46, of Milwaukee, pleaded guilty in the Eastern District of Wisconsin late yesterday to eight counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and one count of conspiracy to commit forced labor and sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion.
According to documents filed in court, from 2001 to 2013, the defendant used false promises of good earnings and a better life to recruit women and girls to dance at exotic dance clubs on Indian reservations in Northern Wisconsin. Carter then used a combination of physical violence, isolation, emotional manipulation, sexual assault and threats to harm the victims’ families to exert control over the victims and compel them to engage in commercial sex acts in Milwaukee, Northern Wisconsin and elsewhere for his profit.
According to the plea agreement, when Carter became angry at one victim for associating with another man, he used a heated wire hanger to brand a “P” on her buttock to demonstrate his ownership of her. Carter also admitted that when he heard another victim was considering leaving him, he put the barrel of a gun in her mouth and threatened to “blow her head off.” On another occasion described in plea documents, Carter, believing that a victim had hidden money from him, responded by searching her genitals and then forcing her to engage in sexual intercourse with him. As further admitted in plea documents, on another occasion Carter threw a victim to the ground and stepped on her head hard enough to break her tooth, and also required her to choose between two additional punishments: drowning or jumping out of a window.
“The repulsive crime of human trafficking offends the most basic standards of human decency and dignity,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division will vigorously and relentlessly prosecute those who prey upon, abuse and exploit vulnerable members of our society for their own financial benefit. And while no punishment can undo the egregious harms inflicted, we will work tirelessly to seek justice on behalf of victims and survivors of human trafficking.”
“Paul Carter preyed on women and children who found themselves in desperate situations; some were homeless, others had no one to turn to, and yet others had no money to survive,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin. “He used violence, fear, isolation and coercion to make the victims commit commercial sex acts for his financial benefit. The Department of Justice, working with the Federal Human Trafficking Task Force, has been dedicated to investigating and prosecuting human traffickers so that victims can be free from this modern-day slavery. This prosecution reflects the Department of Justice’s commitment to protecting those who are most vulnerable and to prosecuting those who are responsible.”
Carter was charged in a superseding indictment returned on Oct. 12, 2016, and faces a possible sentence of 15 years to life in prison. The sentencing is scheduled for March 15, 2017. As part of the plea agreement, Carter will also be ordered to pay restitution to each of the seven victims identified in the indictment, in an amount to be determined at the time of sentencing.
This prosecution is the result of the joint investigation by the Eastern District of Wisconsin’s Human Trafficking Task Force and cooperative efforts of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the State of Wisconsin Department of Justice, the Milwaukee Police Department, the FBI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin and the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karine Moreno-Taxman and Laura Kwaterski of the Eastern District of Wisconsin and Trial Attorney Vasantha Rao of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.
Carter Plea AgreementMexican Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Reentering the United States After Having Been Previously DeportedRead the Press Release
CONCORD, N.H. –United States Attorney Emily Gray Rice announced that Gerardo Solis-Rojas, of Mexico, has pleaded guilty to reentering the United States after having been deported previously.
Solis-Rojas pleaded guilty before United States Chief District Judge Joseph Laplante to an Indictment that had been returned by the Grand Jury on August 24, 2016.
According to court filings and statements in Court, during an interview with a federal deportation officer, the defendant acknowledged that his name was Gerardo Solis and that he was a citizen of Mexico. The defendant also acknowledged that he was not in the United States legally. A subsequent records check ultimately determined that the defendant been deported to Mexico on six previous occasions.
At the time of the plea, a date and time for sentencing had not yet been set. Solis-Rojas faces likely deportation after serving his sentence.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alfred Rubega is prosecuting this case.
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Mescalero Apache Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Sexual Abuse ChargeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Daniel Pete Valdez, 44, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Nation who resides in Mescalero, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to 87 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for his conviction on a sexual abuse charge. Valdez will be required to register as a sex offender after completing his prison sentence.
Valdez was arrested on Aug. 25, 2015, on a criminal complaint charging him with sexually assaulting a woman on June 20, 2014, on the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation in Otero County., N.M. Valdez was subsequently indicted on Jan. 20, 2016, on a sexual abuse charge.
According to court documents, Valdez engaged in a sexual act with the victim while she was unconscious and physically incapable of declining participation in or communicating unwillingness to engage in the sexual act. On June 20, 2016, Valdez pled guilty without the benefit of a plea agreement.
This case was investigated by the Mescalero Agency of the BIA’s Office of Justice Services and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office.
Mass. Resident Detained for Allegedly Enticing a MinorRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – Rafael P. Leal, 38, of Boston, Mass., was ordered detained in federal custody in Rhode Island today on charges he allegedly traveled to Rhode Island to entice a minor child to engage in illicit sexual conduct, announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha, Bristol Police Chief Josue D. Canario and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.
Leal was arrested earlier today at his Massachusetts residence by FBI agents on a federal arrest warrant issued with the filing of a federal criminal complaint in U.S. District Court in Providence charging Leal with interstate travel to engage in sexual activity with a minor and using means of interstate commerce to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity.
According to information presented to the court, it is alleged that the defendant used the Internet and text messages to entice a minor over a period of months to engage in sexual activity without the minor’s parents’ knowledge. It is alleged that the defendant crossed state lines on at least four occasions with the intent to engage in sexual conduct with a minor. It is alleged that the defendant sent gifts to the victim and directed the victim to conceal the activity.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Using means of interstate commerce (Internet) to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity is punishable by a statutory penalty of a mandatory minimum of 10 years up to life imprisonment; interstate travel to engage in sexual activity with a minor is punishable by a statutory penalty of up to 30 years imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams.
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