Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
15 December 2016
Couple Sentenced in Murder-for-Hire CaseRead the Press Release
AMARILLO, Texas — Randy Exavier Greene, 21, formerly of Stratford, Texas, and his co-conspirator, Brandi Nicole Blanco, 31, of Dalhart, Texas, were each sentenced this week by U.S. District Judge Sidney A. Fitzwater to serve 60 months in federal prison, following their guilty pleas in August 2016 to a superseding information charging each with one count of conspiracy to use an interstate commerce facility in the commission of murder-for-hire. U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas made the announcement.
Engaged to be married, Brandi Blanco and Randy Greene lived in Texas until January 2016, when they moved to Florida.
According to documents filed in the case, from approximately February to April 2016, Blanco and Greene used a cellphone to make calls from Florida to an individual (Person A) in Texas during which they solicited Person A to murder, for a sum of cash, the victim.
Person A received a phone call from Greene on February 22, 2016, in which Greene inquired if Person A knew the victim. Greene told Person A that Blanco was the beneficiary of a $1 million life insurance policy on the victim. Greene also told Person A that if he/she would “take care” of the victim, he/she could get some money out of the policy. Person A reported the call to the Dalhart Police Department.
In subsequent telephone conversations between Greene and Person A, and Blanco and Person A, the murder-for-hire, or as Greene called it, the “Hartley situation,” was discussed. Green said that he would pay $100,000 to Person A to commit the murder. Greene also advised that they wanted it to happen soon after he and Brandi Blanco “got caught up” (arrested) so they would be in jail and have an alibi. Their plan was for Blanco to collect on the insurance policy after she got out of jail. She also planned to get custody of three of her children when she was released from jail.
In a February 23, 2016 phone conversation, Blanco offered $125,000 to Person A to do the job and swore to God that she would pay Person A. Person A advised her that he/she would need information because he/she wanted to do the job right because he/she could “go to the chamber for this.” Blanco interrupted Person A and told Person A to do the job alone, saying that she would tell Person A all they needed to know to murder the victim.
In a phone conversation the next day, Greene told Person A that he wanted Blanco to be on camera in a Walmart when the murder happened. On February 26, 2016, Person A called Blanco to discuss the “deal” they had been talking about, and in that conversation, she told Person A to murder the victim while he was at work. When Person A suggested that he/she make it look like an accident, Blanco agreed.
In a March 3, 2016, conversation, Person A told Blanco that he/she was going to “take care of the situation” the day she got on the bus from Florida to Texas. Blanco told Person A that the insurer would have to find her immediately after the victim’s death.
Subsequently, Blanco and Greene were arrested on state charges. They were charged in a federal indictment in May 2016 with charges related to the murder-for-hire. The murder was not committed.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Ranger Division, and the Dalhart Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean Taylor and Joshua Frausto were in charge of the prosecution.
# # #
Convicted Felon Who Fired Handgun near Wrigley Field Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A convicted felon who fired a handgun near Wrigley Field pleaded guilty today to a federal firearm charge.
HOYTUAN PIERCE discharged the handgun on Oct. 13, 2015, during a dispute with several individuals in the 3400 block of North Clark Street in Chicago. No one was injured. Pierce had previously been convicted of a felony and was not legally allowed to possess the gun.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:30 p.m. Earlier that evening at nearby Wrigley Field, the Chicago Cubs defeated the St. Louis Cardinals to clinch the National League Division Series.
Pierce, 33, of Chicago, pleaded guilty in a plea declaration to one count of being a felon-in-possession of a firearm. The conviction carries a maximum sentence of ten years in prison. U.S. District Judge Elaine E. Bucklo set sentencing for April 7, 2017.
The guilty plea was announced by Zachary T. Fardon, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; George Lauder, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and Eddie Johnson, Chicago Police Superintendent.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cornelius Vandenberg and Ankur Srivastava.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 235 Months Imprisonment for Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia G.F. Peterman, III announced Mario Senior, age 37, of Columbus, Georgia was sentenced December 12, 2016 to 235 months imprisonment for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon by the Honorable Clay D. Land, United States District Court Judge, in Columbus, Georgia. Mr. Senior pled guilty on August 4, 2016 to Count One of the indictment.
On May 17, 2015, an officer with the Columbus Police Department initiated a stop for a traffic violation. When the vehicle came to a stop, the passenger jumped out of the car and began running. The officer caught up with the passenger, later identified as Mr. Senior, and a physical struggle took place. A large black item that seemed to be a pistol in Mr. Senior’s hand was noticed by the officer. The pistol was found in a neighbor’s yard that Mr. Senior had run through along with eleven bags containing 4.8 grams of methamphetamine. After Mr. Senior was taken into custody, he admitted he was a felon and knew he could not possess a firearm.
“Drug dealing is the most prolific crime seen by this office, but the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon while doing so greatly increases our concern,” United States Attorney G.F. Peterman, III said. “With the recent proliferation of violence involving firearms against officers and citizens, anyone possessing a firearm while committing a federal offense can expect prosecution of all available firearms violations and increased sentences for doing so.”
“Today’s sentence is another reminder that ATF and our law enforcement partners will hold individuals accountable for any criminal behavior, especially that which threatens the safety of innocent civilians,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge John Schmidt.
The investigative agency in this case was the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Crawford Seals prosecuted the case on behalf of the Government.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Choctaw Resident Found Guilty of Murder on ReservationRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Davian Wilson a/k/a "Chaba", 22, of Choctaw, Mississippi, was found guilty of second degree murder today following a four-day trial in U.S. District Court, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze. The murder occurred in the Pearl River community of the Choctaw Indian Reservation near Philadelphia, Mississippi.
The testimony at trial showed that, following an earlier altercation with the victim, the defendant asked several individuals to assist him in locating and assaulting the victim. Upon locating the victim, the defendant and his co-defendant, James Bell, Jr., stabbed the victim over fifty times, thereby causing his death.
Wilson will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Daniel Jordan on March 6, 2017, and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. Bell has pled guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Lemon and Jennifer Case. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Choctaw Police Department.
Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison on Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
A Cedar Rapids man who illegally possessed multiple firearms was sentenced this week to 14 years in federal prison.
Christopher McGee, 22, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after pleading guilty to two counts of possessing a firearm as a felon. As part of his August 2016 guilty plea, defendant admitted that he knowingly possessed two firearms after having sustained a felony conviction in 2014.
Evidence at this week’s sentencing hearing showed that defendant’s offense involved at least three firearms, that he possessed a firearm in connection with the felony offense of assault while displaying a dangerous weapon, and that in May 2016, he led officers on a high speed chase when they attempted to arrest him. While leading officers on the high speed chase, defendant was carrying a semiautomatic pistol with a high capacity magazine.
McGee was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. McGee was sentenced to 168 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 2-year term of supervised release after the prison term. In explaining the sentence, Judge Strand cited McGee’s history of weapons offense, his history of eluding police, and the need to protect the public from further crimes. There is no parole in the federal system. McGee is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ravi T. Narayan and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Safe Streets Task Force. This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a cooperative local, state and federal program aimed at the enhanced prosecution of gun crimes.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 16-CR-52.
Catoosa Man Sentenced to 33 Months, $475,000 Restitution for Wire Fraud, Money Laundering, and Employment Tax ViolationsRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that DAVID GLENN MOORE, JR, age 49, of Catoosa, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 33 months imprisonment on Counts 1, 2 & 3 to run concurrent, and 3 years of supervised release on each count to run concurrent for WIRE FRAUD, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1153, 1151 and 113(a)(8), in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343; MONEY LAUNDERING, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1956(a)(1)(A)(i); and FAILURE TO ACCOUNT AND PAY OVER EMPLOYMENT TAX, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7202. MOORE was ordered to pay $475,138.06 in restitution.
The Information alleged that during the period of on or about July 1, 2009 through on or about June 12, 2014, the defendant, the former Executive Director of the Tahlequah Area Chamber of Commerce (TACC), devised and intended to devise a scheme to defraud TACC, and to obtain money and property by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations and promises.
The Information further alleged that during the term of the scheme to defraud, MOORE defrauded TACC, and unlawfully obtained approximately $439,660.62. The Information further alleged that MOORE willfully failed to truthfully account for and pay over to the Internal Revenue Service payroll taxes totaling $45,556 for the years 2011, 2012 and 2013 which were due and owing to the United States on behalf of the TACC and its employees.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Tahlequah Police Department, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigative Division.
The Honorable Judge James H. Payne, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. MOORE was ordered to report on January 26, 2017 to a federal correctional facility to be determined by the Bureau of Prisons to serve his nonparoleable sentence.
Assistant United States Attorney Chris Wilson represented the United States.
California Man Sentenced for Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
BOISE – Derrick Courtney Franklin, II, 29, of Los Angeles, California, was sentenced yesterday to 42 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for the crimes of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Senior U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb of the Eastern District of California also ordered Franklin to pay restitution of $1,527.64 to victims of the offense. Franklin pleaded guilty on August 1, 2016.
According to the court proceedings, Franklin agreed to travel to Idaho for the purpose of making fraudulent purchases of gift cards and prepaid debit cards from retail stores, using stolen credit card numbers encoded and embossed onto stock debit and credit cards. Franklin and his co-defendant, Jassmine Pettaway, 27, of Los Angeles, California, made at least eight fraudulent purchases from at least four different retail stores, in the amount of at least $20,225.86. Law enforcement recovered a fake Michigan driver’s license, at least 19 counterfeit credit cards, and at least 45 gift cards. Pettaway was sentenced on September 8, 2016, to 32 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
The case was investigated by the Meridian Police Department, the Boise Police Department, and the U.S. Secret Service (USSS).
Brian Coll, Former Correction Officer at Rikers Island, Convicted in Beating Death of Inmate Ronald SpearRead the Press Release
Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that BRIAN COLL, a former New York City Correction Officer, was convicted of causing the death of Ronald Spear, a pre-trial detainee at Rikers Island. COLL, then a correction officer on Rikers Island, had been charged in a superseding indictment returned on November 17, 2016, with causing Mr. Spear’s death by repeatedly kicking him in the head while he was restrained and lying prone on the floor, in violation of his rights under the United States Constitution. Mr. Spear died shortly after the attack. COLL was arrested on a complaint on June 10, 2015, and has been in federal custody since that time. COLL was convicted after a 10-day trial before U.S. District Judge Loretta A. Preska.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “Today, a unanimous jury in Manhattan federal court affirmed that the protections of the U.S. Constitution extend into the walls of our prisons, including Rikers Island. For his brutal and heartless beating of 52-year-old Ronald Spear, a sickly Rikers inmate, and his lies to cover it up, Brian Coll now stands convicted of serious federal crimes. As the evidence at trial established, Coll killed Spear by repeatedly kicking him in the head as he lay restrained on the ground, telling him before he died not to forget who did this to him. The FBI investigators and career prosecutors on this case did not forget. And today, neither did the jury.”
According to the evidence introduced at trial:
Rikers Island is a jail complex, located in the Bronx, New York, maintained by the New York City Department of Correction. At the time of his death, Ronald Spear was a pretrial detainee incarcerated on Rikers Island in the North Infirmary Command, a facility housing detainees who, like Mr. Spear, have serious or chronic medical needs. In the early morning hours of December 19, 2012, Mr. Spear left the housing area in the infirmary unit in an attempt to see the on-duty doctor but was stopped by COLL, who said that the doctor was not available to see him. In an altercation that ensued, COLL punched Mr. Spear several times in the face and stomach, and Mr. Spear was then restrained by two other correction officers, Anthony Torres and Byron Taylor. While Mr. Spear was lying prone on the ground and was still restrained, COLL repeatedly kicked Spear in the head, even after Torres attempted to shield the inmate’s head with his hand and shouted to COLL to stop. After COLL stopped kicking Mr. Spear, COLL lifted Mr. Spear’s head up, told him to remember who had done this to him, and then dropped Spear’s head to the ground. Mr. Spear was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after the assault.
Spear’s autopsy was conducted at the Bronx Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The autopsy revealed that Spear had at least three recent contusions on his skull, and that he had suffered a “brain bleed” caused by blunt force trauma to the head, consistent with Spear being kicked in the head while he was lying prone on the ground. Mr. Spear suffered a cardiac arrhythmia as a result of the head trauma. The assault by COLL was therefore, as the jury found, the cause of Spear’s death.
After Spear’s death, COLL, Taylor, Torres and others, covered up the true cause of Spear’s death by concocting a false story that turned Spear into the aggressor, falsely claiming that Spear had attacked COLL with a cane. Specifically, COLL falsely claimed that Spear had attacked him with a cane, and Torres agreed to support this false version of events and further agreed not to not relay that COLL had repeatedly kicked Spear in the head. Additionally, at the request of TAYLOR, COLL, TORRES, and an additional correction officer agreed to falsely claim that TAYLOR was not present for the incident. Consistent with their agreement, the conspirators filed false use of force reports with the Department of Correction and lied repeatedly to Department of Correction supervisors, investigators, and to the Bronx District Attorney’s Office.
The conspirators propagated this false version of events after being advised by a Rikers captain to be consistent in the use of force reports the officers were required to submit following Spear’s death. Additionally, when no cane was recovered from the crime scene – potentially calling into doubt COLL’s claim that Spear had attacked him with a cane – a Rikers captain simply directed a correction officer to take a cane from a supply area and to pass it off to investigators as the cane used in the incident.
* * *
BRIAN COLL, 47, of Smithtown, New York, was convicted of one count of death resulting from deprivation of rights under color of law, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison or death, one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, one count of obstruction of justice, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, one count of filing false forms, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and one count of conspiracy to file false forms, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. COLL is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Preska on April 24, 2017.
Byron Taylor, 32, of Brentwood, New York, has pled guilty to one count of perjury for lying to a federal grand jury, which carries a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison, and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Anthony Torres, 50 of New Rochelle, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice and file false reports, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, and one count of filing a false report, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencings of the defendants would be determined by the judge.
Mr. Bharara praised the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Criminal Investigators at the United States Attorney’s Office. Mr. Bharara also thanked the New York City Department of Correction, Investigative Division, and the Bronx District Attorney’s Office for their assistance in the investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights and Public Corruption Units. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brooke E. Cucinella, Jeannette A. Vargas, and Martin S. Bell are in charge of the prosecution.
Boise Men Arrested for Drug and Firearm TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOISE – Blue Daniel Densmore, 39, and Avery Allen Erickson, 47, both of Boise, Idaho, were arrested yesterday on federal firearms and drug trafficking charges, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Tomorrow they make their initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Candy W. Dale in the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho. A federal grand jury returned an indictment Tuesday charging both men with one count of conspiracy to possess over fifty grams of actual methamphetamine with intent to distribute, which carries a sentence of up to life imprisonment. In addition to the conspiracy charge, both Densmore and Erickson have been charged in three separate counts of possessing approximately three-hundred grams of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, in violation of Title 21, United States Code Section 841(a)(1).
Densmore, a convicted felon, was also indicted on three separate firearm offenses for illegally possessing the following firearms and ammunition in violation Title 18, United States Code Section 922(g)(1), and Title 26, United States Code Section 5861(d): (1) a Stallard, Model JS9, 9mm caliber pistol; (2) a Chiappa Firearms Ltd., Model 1911-22, .22 caliber pistol; (3) a Marlin Firearms Co., Model 60, .22 caliber rifle; (4) a North China Industries (Norinco), Model SKS, 7.62x39 caliber rifle; (5) a J.C. Higgins, Model 583.21, 16-gauge shotgun modified to have an overall length of less than 26 inches and a barrel of less than 18 inches in length; and (6) approximately 1,280 rounds of 7.62 x 39 caliber ammunition.
The case was investigated by the Boise Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Bloods Gang Member Sentenced for Sex Trafficking a ChildRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – Keiawn Demarco McDonald, 24, of Virginia Beach, was sentenced today to 188 months in prison for sex trafficking a child. McDonald is the seventh and final member of this sex trafficking ring to be sentenced. The defendants were sentenced to a total of 92 years in prison (see chart below).
McDonald pleaded guilty on August 10. According to court documents, in the fall of 2015 McDonald, who is a member of a Virginia Beach-based set of the Bloods street gang, recruited a minor girl to engage in prostitution at various hotels in Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach. McDonald photographed the victim, posted online advertisements for her commercial sex services, and arranged prostitution appointments for her. McDonald also instructed the victim about how to conduct appointments with customers and monitored her activities by text message during her appointments. He coerced the victim to recruit another teenaged girl to prostitute for him as well, and required both girls to provide him with all the money they earned from their prostitution activities.
Name
Age, Hometown
Charges Convicted of
Sentencing Info
Keiawn Demarco McDonald
23, Virginia Beach
Sex Trafficking of a Child
Sentenced today to 188 months
Cordario Marcell Uzzle
23, Virginia Beach
Sex Trafficking of a Child
Sentenced on June 3 to 151 months
Darryl Trashaun Threat
22, Virginia Beach
Sex Trafficking of a Child
Sentenced on June 9 to 292 months
Tajaika R. Blackston
19, Virginia Beach
Conspiracy to Engage in Sex Trafficking of a Child
Sentenced on June 10 to 100 months
Keith Deontai Threat
22, Virginia Beach
Conspiracy to Engage in Sex Trafficking of a Child
Sentenced on September 16 to 96 months
Shade Audrey Castro
23, Virginia Beach
Conspiracy to Engage in Sex Trafficking of a Child
Sentenced on October 27 to 126 months
Gary Anthony Hassell
26, Virginia Beach
Sex Trafficking of a Child
Sentenced on October 28 to 151 months
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; John S. Adams, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; and James A. Cervera, Chief of Virginia Beach Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen. Assistant U.S. Attorney V. Kathleen Dougherty prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:16-cr-2.
Baltimore Man Exiled to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Five Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland –U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander sentenced Treveric Speaks, age 41, of Baltimore, today to 10 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for a series of armed robberies of wireless stores.
The sentence 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; Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Davis; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby.
According to his plea agreement, between July 20 and August 18, 2015, Speaks robbed five wireless stores. In each robbery, Speaks posed as a customer. Once Speaks and the store employee were alone in the store, Speaks brandished a gun, pointed the gun at the employee and demanded money from the cash register and/or store safe. Speaks threatened to shoot the store employees if they did not comply with his demands. In the robbery that Speaks committed on July 27, 2015, the store clerk had cashed her own pay check and the money ($580) was in an envelope next to the cash register. In addition to stealing $950 from the cash register, Speaks also took the clerk’s $580.
On August 19, 2015, in an effort to identify the robber the FBI released surveillance photos from some of the robberies to the media. After receiving several tips that identified Speaks as the robber, he was arrested on September 5, 2015. Each of the store clerks identified Speaks from a photo array as the robber. A search warrant executed at his residence recovered clothing and shoes consistent with the worn by the robber in the surveillance photos.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, Baltimore Police Department and Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia C. McLane, who prosecuted the case.
Baltimore Felon Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Charge After Two Days of TrialRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Adrian Austin, age 35, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty on December 14, 2016, to possession of a stolen gun. The guilty plea occurred just before Austin’s cross-examination was scheduled to resume on the third day of his trial in U.S. District Court.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Daniel L. Board Jr. of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Baltimore Field Division; Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Davis; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby.
According to his plea agreement and evidence presented at trial, on October 14, 2015, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Austin’s residence as part of an investigation into narcotics distribution. During the search, law enforcement recovered a .40 caliber handgun and ammunition magazine in the living room closet, and a box of .40 caliber ammunition and a second firearm magazine in another closet in the house. Neither magazine matched the firearm that was recovered. The handgun had been reported stolen prior to being recovered during the search. After being advised of his rights, Austin stated that he had acquired the gun for protection. As a result of previous felony convictions, federal law prohibits Austin from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Austin admits that, given the circumstances under which he acquired the firearm, he knew and had reason to know that the firearm had been stolen.
Austin faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar has scheduled sentencing for March 3, 2017 at 2:00 p.m.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the ATF, Baltimore Police Department and Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael C. Hanlon and Matthew M. DellaBetta, who are prosecuting the case.
Augusta Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Contact: Andrew McCormack
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Joshua Harrison, 34, of Augusta, Maine, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to possession of child pornography.
According to court records, in August 2015, law enforcement agents learned that child pornography had been located in the defendant’s email account. A search warrant was executed at the defendant’s Augusta residence and agents seized his laptop computer. Agents also seized a second computer belonging to the defendant from a local pawn shop. Forensic examination of these devices revealed multiple images of child pornography. During the search of his residence, the defendant also admitted that he obtained child pornography by email and a messaging application and that he met people in online chat rooms to obtain child pornography.
The defendant faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit, and the Augusta Police Department.
Armed Robber Admits to Violent Fast Food Restaurant RobberyRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland –Rodney Levon Davis, age 47, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, pleaded guilty on December 14, 2016, to robbery, and to using, brandishing, and discharging a firearm during the robbery of a fast food restaurant in Hyattsville.
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; Chief Hank Stawinski of the Prince George’s County Police Department; and Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Angela D. Alsobrooks.
According to his plea agreement, on December 24, 2014, Davis approached a fast food restaurant on Landover Road in Hyattsville, Maryland wearing a hooded jacket and an “Iron Man” mask. At the entrance, Davis brandished a revolver at an employee. The victim stated that he did not have a key to the safe and that the manager was not present. Davis shoved the revolver into the victim’s back and threatened to shoot the victim if the victim didn’t comply with his demands. Davis then hid behind a brick wall and waited for the manager to return to the restaurant.
Once the manager arrived, Davis used the revolver to enter the restaurant and directed the victim, manager and several other employees into the manager’s office. Davis demanded that the manager open the safe, from which Davis stole money.
While the employees were in the manager’s office, Davis discharged the revolver. He also sprayed lighter fluid on the wall and floor, and ignited the lighter fluid. Davis and the employees rushed out of the office to the front of the restaurant. Davis removed additional money from the cash registers and fled. The manager chased after Davis and Davis fired at least two shots, which struck the side of the restaurant.
Davis got into his vehicle and drove away. Prince George’s County police attempted to stop Davis’ vehicle, but Davis led them on a high speed chase. Eventually, Davis stopped his vehicle in the middle of the intersection of Marlboro Pike and Nova Avenue in Prince George’s County. Officers arrested Davis and seized the “Iron Man” mask, a bag containing $2,095, a revolver which contained three spent cartridges and three live rounds, and bottles of lighter fluid. Approximately $73 stolen from the restaurant was not recovered.
Davis subsequently admitted that he robbed the restaurant because he was upset that his employment with that restaurant had been terminated.
Davis and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts the plea agreement Davis will be sentenced to between 121 months and 14 years in prison. U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang scheduled sentencing for March 30, 2017 at 2:30 p.m.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, Prince George’s County Police Department and Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation and prosecution. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas M. Sullivan and Menaka S. Kalaskar, who are prosecuting the case.
Amherst Man Sentenced for Murdering Girlfriend and Setting Fires for Insurance BenefitsRead 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 Ronald Epps, 48, of Amherst, NY, who was convicted following a jury trial of wire fraud, mail fraud, arson, possession of Molotov Cocktails, maintaining a premises for drug trafficking, felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, was sentenced to 60 years by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
“Today’s verdict is believed to be the first instance where this Office has used the federal fraud laws to convict a murderer,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “This Office will continue to use all of the resources at our disposal to rid our streets of dangerous predators.”
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melissa M. Marangola and Joel Violanti, who handled the case, stated that the defendant murdered his fiancee, Angela Moss, on August 27, 2009 in order to collect on the victim’s life insurance policy which listed Epps as the sole beneficiary. Ronald Epps and Angela Moss were engaged to be married and lived together on Cascade Drive in Amherst. Previously, on July 2, 2009, Epps and Moss went to a State Farm Insurance branch to make changes to Moss’ life insurance policy. At the time, Epps was a minor beneficiary. The $100,000 policy was changed, making the defendant the sole beneficiary.
On August 27, 2009, Moss left her place of employment at Absolut Care on Armor Road in Orchard Park, NY at 11:00 p.m. The victim was last seen getting into the passenger seat of her car. Moss’ body was discovered at 6:00 a.m. the following morning on California Road by colleagues heading into work. The prosecution argued that the defendant waited in the victim’s car then drove to California Road where Epps shot Moss once in the back of her head and left her body on the side of the road. The victim’s car was also found abandoned nearby.
On September 1, 2009, Epps filed a claim with State Farm Insurance in an attempt to collect on Moss’s life insurance policy. To date, the defendant has not received any insurance money related to the policy.
Following Moss’s murder, the defendant remained in the apartment the two had lived in together. On August 1, 2010, Epps obtained a renter’s insurance policy from State Farm Insurance. On October 13, 2010, the defendant set fire to the vacant apartment next door with Molotov Cocktails. On this occasion, the damage to Epps’ apartment was minimal. On October 15, the defendant also set fire to his own apartment. On May 31, 2011, Epps received $3,769 from State Farm Insurance for damages to his property.
Epps also used his apartment for distributing cocaine. Several witnesses testified at trial that they purchased cocaine and marijuana from the defendant at 21 Cascade Drive. Amherst police officers testified that they seized cocaine, pills, and drug paraphernalia from the defendant’s residence on August 25, 2010.
The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ashan Benedict, New York Field Division, the Orchard Park Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Pacholec, and the Amherst Police Department, under the direction of Chief John Askey.
Americus Man Sentenced for Child Pornography PossessionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia G.F. Peterman, III announced William C. Jones, age 61, of Americus, Georgia was sentenced by the Honorable Clay D. Land, United States District Court Judge, in Columbus, Georgia,December 8, 2016 to 120 months imprisonment for possession of child pornography which had been shipped or transported for interstate commerce . Mr. Jones pled guilty to Count One of the indictment on August 2, 2016.
On April 24, 2014, Mr. Jones was observed by campus staff at Columbus Technical College in Columbus, Georgia looking at inappropriate photos of young boys on a computer in one of the library study rooms. Campus Security was called and when Mr. Jones realized he was being watched, he immediately closed the website he was viewing. One of the officers noticed a USB flash drive in the computer that contained inappropriate images of children. Mr. Jones admitted to deputies that he was looking at underage males but denied the images were pornographic. He confirmed he had been released from prison for possession of child pornography on January 6, 2014 and came to the campus a couple times a week. A search warrant for external hard drives and DVDs that belonged to Mr. Jones contained a total of 1,510 digital photos of young males ranging in ages from 8 to 18. Many of the images depicted nudity and sex.
The case was investigated by the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney Crawford Seals prosecuted the case on behalf of the Government.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Allen Man Sentenced to 33 Months for Domestic Assault by StrangulationRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today that CHANCE ADRIAN GRIFFIN, age 21, of Allen, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 33 months imprisonment for DOMESTIC ASSAULT BY STRANGULATION, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1153, 1151 and 113(a)(8).
The Indictment alleged that on or about January 20, 2016, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, the defendant, an Indian, assaulted an intimate partner, by strangulation.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
The Honorable Judge James H. Payne, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. The defendant will remain in the custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which, the nonparoleable sentence will be served.
Assistant United States Attorney Edward Snow represented the United States.
Albuquerque Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Methamphetamine Trafficking and Firearms ConvictionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Bart Dutch Marshall, 61, of Albuquerque, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court to 66 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for his methamphetamine trafficking and firearms conviction.
Marshall was arrested on March 23, 2015, on an indictment charging him with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and using firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime on April 3, 2014, in Bernalillo County, N.M.
On July 19, 2016, Marshall pled guilty to a felony information charging him with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possessing firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. In entering the guilty plea, Marshall admitted that on April 3, 2014, the Albuquerque Police Department executed a search warrant on his residence and found over 80 grams of pure methamphetamine, which he intended to sell to others. Marshall further admitted that he had a number of firearms in his residence which he possessed for his protection as part of the drug trade.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Wishard prosecuted the case.
Albuquerque Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Possessing a Firearm and Ammunition in McKinley CountyRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Cowey Edsitty, 32, of Albuquerque, N.M., pled guilty today in federal court to violating the federal firearms laws.
Edsitty was arrested in July 2016, on an indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition on May 3, 2016, in McKinley County, N.M. According to court documents, Edsitty was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of his prior felony convictions for residential burglary, assault with intent to commit a violent felony, aggravated battery and aggravated fleeing a law enforcement officer.
During today’s proceedings, Edsitty pled guilty to the indictment without the benefit of a plea agreement. At sentencing, Edsitty faces a maximum penalty of ten years in federal prison. He remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Gallup office of the FBI and the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elaine Y. Ramirez is prosecuting the case.
Alaska Man Charged with Conspiring to Provide Unlawful Services to Iran and International Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Kenneth Zong, 77, of Anchorage Alaska, was named as the sole defendant in the 47-count indictment charging him with conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), unlawful provision of services to Iran, money laundering conspiracy and money laundering.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Karen L. Loeffler for the District of Alaska.
The indictment alleges that at an undetermined time, Zong left Alaska for Seoul, South Korea, and operated businesses there. From January 2011 through at least April 2014, Zong and four co-conspirators – three Iranian nationals and one U.S. citizen – allegedly conspired to evade the prohibitions of IEEPA and Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR) by engaging in false, fictitious and fraudulent transactions which were designed to unlawfully convert and remove Iranian owned funds, equivalent to approximately $1 billion United States dollars (USD). These funds were held in controlled Korean bank accounts and converted into more easily tradeable currencies, such as dollars and/or euros, by defrauding the Korean regulators into thinking the transactions were legitimate.
Zong is charged with transferring those currencies to more than 10 countries around the world, including the U.S., United Arab Emirates, Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Italy. Zong received payment for these acts from the Iranian nationals in an amount from $10 million to $17 million USD.
The indictment alleges that the scheme began in 2011, when Zong changed the name of his Korean company, “KSI Ejder, Inc.” (KSI) to “Anchore.” Zong used KSI/Anchore as a conduit to convert and distribute Iranian funds into USD and/or euros, by fictitiously selling marble tiles and other construction supplies to an Iranian shell company in Kish Island, Iran. KSI/Anchore fictitiously purchased Italian marble tiles and other construction supplies from “MSL & Co Investment Trading” (MSL Investment Dubai), an Iranian-controlled shell company in Dubai, which were then fictitiously shipped directly to another fictitious company in Iran.
Zong and his co-conspirators created false and fictitious contracts, bills of lading and invoices to show Korean government banking regulators that the Iranian company owed KSI/Anchore for the false marble purchases. This resulted in the transfer of Iranian funds, at the direction of Zong’s co-conspirators, from the restricted Iranian bank account to Zong’s KSI/Anchore account. Zong then transferred the funds to entities and individuals throughout the world.
Zong is also charged with 43 counts of money laundering and one count of money laundering conspiracy for his actions in connection with the $10 million dollar fee paid to him by his Iranian associates. In furtherance of the scheme, Zong transferred $10 million of his fees from Korea to a co-conspirator who resided in Anchorage. This individual also created and operated various companies to be used as front companies to purchase real estate, automobiles, an interest in a yacht and other purchases or transfers of the Iranian funds.
The U.S. embargo on Iran, which is enforced through IEEPA and the ITSR, prohibits the export of goods, technology, and services to Iran with very limited exceptions.
An arraignment date has not been set.
U.S. Attorney Loeffler commended the IRS-Criminal Investigation and the FBI for the investigation of this case.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Administrator of Miami-Area Home Health Agency Convicted of Conspiracy to Commit $2.5 Million Medicare Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
The administrator of a Miami-area home health agency was convicted today for his role in a $2.5 million Medicare fraud scheme.
Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge George L. Piro of the FBI’s Miami Division and Special Agent in Charge Shimon R. Richmond of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Miami Regional Office made the announcement.
Raciel Leon, 42, of Miami, was convicted after a two-week jury trial of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and pay and receive health care bribes and kickbacks.
According to evidence presented at trial, between approximately October 2014 and June 2015, Leon was the manager of Mercy Home Care Inc. (Mercy) and a billing employee for D&D&D Home Health Care Inc. (DDD), both of which were home health agencies in Miami-Dade County, Florida. The evidence showed that Leon and his co-conspirators used the companies to submit false claims to Medicare that were based on services that were not medically necessary, not actually provided and for patients that were procured through the payment of illegal kickbacks to doctors and patient recruiters. In an attempt to support the false claims, Leon’s co-conspirators forged prescriptions and other medical records, and Leon submitted claims to Medicare based on the falsified documentation.
The evidence introduced at trial further established that between October 2014 and June 2015, Medicare paid approximately $2.5 million for false and fraudulent claims submitted by Mercy and DDD.
The FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case, which was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force under the supervision of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. Fraud Section Trial Attorneys Lisa Miller and Angela Adams are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, now operating in nine cities across the country, has charged nearly 3,000 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $11 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
Acoma Pueblo Man Sentenced to Prison for Domestic Assault by a Habitual Offender ConvictionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Darrell Chino, Jr., 34, an enrolled member of Acoma Pueblo who resides in Acomita, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to 57 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for his domestic assault by a habitual offender conviction.
Chino was arrested on Sept. 23, 2015, on a criminal complaint charging him with domestic assault of an intimate partner by a habitual offender on Aug. 18, 2015, in Cibola County, N.M. According to the complaint, on Aug. 18, 2015, Chino assaulted an Acoma Pueblo woman by placing his hands around the victim’s throat, shoving her to the ground and attempting to kick her. Chino was subsequently indicted on the same charge on Sept. 22, 2015. Court records indicate that Chino had previously been convicted of assault against a household member in 2011 and 2012, in the 2nd Judicial District Court for the State of New Mexico.
On April 7, 2016, Chino pled guilty to a felony information charging him with domestic assault by a habitual offender and admitted that on Aug. 18, 2015, he assaulted his intimate partner by grabbing her throat and throwing her to the ground causing her to suffer bodily injury. Chino committed the crime in Acoma Pueblo in Cibola County. Chino also acknowledged that he had at least two prior domestic assault convictions.
This case was investigated by the Laguna/Acoma Agency of the BIA’s Office of Justice Services and the Acoma Pueblo Tribal Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Mease.
The case was brought pursuant to the Tribal Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (Tribal SAUSA) Pilot Project in the District of New Mexico which is sponsored by the Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women under a grant administered by the Pueblo of Laguna. The Tribal SAUSA Pilot Project seeks to train tribal prosecutors in federal law, procedure and investigative techniques to increase the likelihood that every viable violent offense against Native women is prosecuted in either federal court or tribal court, or both. The Tribal SAUSA Pilot Project was largely driven by input gathered from annual tribal consultations on violence against women, and is another step in the Justice Department's on-going efforts to increase engagement, coordination and action on public safety in tribal communities.
38 Individuals Indicted for Drug Trafficking in the Municipality of CayeyRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On December 12, 2016, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment against 38 defendants charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), and the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD), Guayama Strike Force are in charge of the investigation.
According to the indictment, the defendants conspired to knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine base (crack), cocaine, marihuana, Oxycodone (commonly known as Percocet), and Alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax), all within 1,000 feet of the real property comprising the Jardines de Montellano and Luis Muñoz Morales Public Housing Projects; El Polvorín, San Cristobal and Cantera wards; and other areas within and near the Municipality of Cayey, PR, all for significant financial gain and profit.
The indictment alleges that beginning in 2012, the organization established drug distribution points among the housing projects. Some of the defendants and their co-conspirators committed murders in order to maintain order and control of the drug trafficking operations. Some of the defendants, while in prison, maintained contact by phone with other members of the organization in the free community to control and coordinate drug trafficking activities. The co-conspirators sometimes referred to the drug trafficking organization as “The Punishers” and some of its members have tattoos of “The Punisher” logo to identify themselves as members of the organization.
The defendants and their co-conspirators routinely used social media to post pictures of co-conspirators, communicate amongst themselves and promote their drug trafficking activities. They took photos and videos of themselves, their associates, vehicles, drugs, firearms and other drug trafficking related items.
The defendants are: Edwin José Santos-Martínez, a.k.a. “Chinai/Chinito”; José A. Torres-Burgos, a.k.a “La Letra”; Curtis R. Laringa-Ortiz, a.k.a. “Gordo Gordo”; Arnaldo J. Vega-Marrero, a.k.a. “Naldito”; Heriberto J. Martínez-Rosa, a.k.a. “Yandel”; Gabriel E. Ortiz-Haddock, a.k.a. “Gavilán”; Javier Rivera-Nuñez, a.k.a. “Javi/Kevin/Adidas”; Carlos Omar Rivera-Pérez, a.k.a. “Carlitos Punisher”; Christopher L. Collazo-Cartagena, a.k.a. “Varguitas”; Efraín A. Planell-Pérez, a.k.a. “Gordo Billar”; Samuel Vélez-Rosa, a.k.a. “Samuelito”; Jean Carlos Vázquez, a.k.a. “Yankee”; Jonathan Vicente-Vázquez, a.k.a. “Jonan/El Negro”; Jorge E. Álvarez-Rivera, a.k.a. “Georgie”; Alexander Arroyo-González, a.k.a. “Alex Corcho/Alex Corchoneta”; Elvin Mejías-Cáceres, a.k.a. “Cuña”; Kendrick A. Morell-Torres, a.k.a. “Kenry”; Ramón E. Gómez-Montañez, a.k.a. “Imperio”; Reynaldo Alverio-Moyet, a.k.a. “Reyo/Reyito/Alverio”; Ezequiel Martínez-Llopiz, a.k.a. “Menor”; Eddie Rivera-Santana, a.k.a. “Finito/Tatuaje”; Entuan J. Rivera-Vega, a.k.a. “Bebo”; Edgardo Ramos-Meléndez, a.k.a. “Galdito”; Carlos Santiago-Morales, a.k.a. “Carlos Cantera”; Carlos E. Rosado-Hiraldo, a.k.a. “Kiko”; Ramón L. Rodríguez-Colón, a.k.a. “Topo”; Erick A. Bolorín-Vega, a.k.a. “Bolo”; Xavier De Jesús-Taboada, a.k.a. “Xavi Jordan”; Jonathan A. Alvarado-Vega, a.k.a. “Transfor”; Christopher X. Torres-Morales, a.k.a. “Buho”; Pedro De Jesús-Ortiz, a.k.a. “Pitín”; Raymond Rivera-Rivera, a.k.a. “Raymond Joe/Pupu”; Kelvin Omar Bermúdez-López; Gerardo Marcano-Rivera, a.k.a. “Bebe”; Sergio Rodríguez-Mendoza; Christian Ortiz-Meléndez, a.k.a. “Chata/Monaguillo”; Freddie Rivera-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Domi”; and Armando Soto-Díaz.
The thirty-eight defendants acted in different roles in order to further the goals of their organization, to wit: leaders, managers, drug owners, enforcers, runners, sellers, facilitators, and lookouts. Thirty defendants are facing one charge of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney César S. Rivera-Giraud is in charge of the prosecution of the case. Defendants convicted of drug trafficking face a minimum sentence of 10 years, and a maximum of life in prison. Defendants convicted of drug trafficking and a firearms offense face a minimum of 15 years, and up to life in prison. An indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.
14 December 2016
Willoughby man indicted on child pornography chargesRead the Press Release
A Willoughby man was indicted on child pornography charges, said Carole S. Rendon, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
Conor K. Ransom, 33, was charged with receiving, distributing and possessing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Ransom knowingly received and distributed numerous computer files which contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, from February 24, 2016 through on or about April 19, 2016, according to the indictment. The indictment also charges that on or about April 19, 2016, Ransom possessed a computer which contained child pornography.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael A. Sullivan following an investigation by the Painesville, Ohio and Plano, Texas, offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Plano Police Department.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Western District of Washington U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects $14.4 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions for U.S. Taxpayers in Fiscal Year 2016.Read the Press Release
Seattle - U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes announced today that the Western District of Washington collected $14.4 million in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016. Of this amount, $8.9 was collected in criminal actions and $5.4 million was collected in civil actions.
Additionally, the Western District of Washington worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $12.4 million in cases pursued jointly with these offices. Virtually all of these funds were collected in civil actions.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is working for taxpayers every day ensuring that monies belonging to them are returned to government coffers,” said U. S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. “The collections this year include funds obtained in cases involving healthcare, aviation and government contracting fraud, and pursuant to criminal authorities focused on taking the profit out of crime. Along with all the other work done by the office, these collections are testament to the hard work of lawyers and support staff dedicated to their public service mission.”
Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch announced today that the Justice Department collected nearly $15.4 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016. The $15,380,130,434 in collections in FY 2016 represents more than five times the appropriated $2.93 billion budget for the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices and the main litigating divisions of the Justice Department combined in that same period.
“Every day, the men and women of the Department of Justice work tirelessly to enforce our laws, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used properly and that the American people are protected from exploitation and abuse,” said Attorney General Lynch. “Today’s announcement is a testament to that work, and it makes clear that our actions deliver a significant return on public investment. I want to thank the prosecutors and trial attorneys who made this year's collections possible, and I want to emphasize that the department remains committed to the well-being of our people and our nation.”
Among the cases with significant collections are: a $3 million payment by Spiracur, Inc. to settle allegations the Sunnyvale, California medical device maker improperly compensated podiatrists at Veterans Affairs facilities to promote use if its products; a $2.8 million payment from Southwest Airlines to resolve allegations the airline violated FAA safety regulations in its maintenance of Boeing 737 aircraft; and a $1.4 million payment in U.S. v Gottfriedson – a counterfeit cigarette trafficking case.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Internal Revenue Service, Small Business Administration and Department of Education.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s office in the Western District of Washington, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $8.5 million in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2016. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
The prosecution of a sophisticated drug ring, and the investigation of food stamp trafficking led to the largest forfeiture matters in fiscal 2016. In U.S. v. Gilberto Salazar Rojas, et al., Case No. CR13-050, the government forfeited $343,329 in cash and property as proceeds of a drug ring distributing large quantities of heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine. In U.S. v. 11403 23rd Ave. W. Everett, WA, et al., Case No. C14-1132 the government recovered $412,694 from a store owner related to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefit Fraud and Money Laundering.
Waterbury Man Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud ChargeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MAURICE SHARPE, 44, of Waterbury, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of health care fraud.
This matter stems from an ongoing health care fraud investigation being conducted by the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Chief State’s Attorney’s Office and the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General. The investigation identified fraudulent activity in the area of behavioral health services. Through the Medicaid program, the State of Connecticut provides coverage for mental health and counseling services to citizens who cannot otherwise afford health insurance. “Behavioral health” includes a wide variety of health care providers who provide care on an outpatient basis, including psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed professional counselors, and licensed alcohol and drug counselors.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2011, SHARPE and his mother, Patricia Lafayette, and another individual, formed Family First Community Support Services, LLC, a social services agency located in Torrington. SHARPE was the office manager for the agency. Lafayette and the other individual approached Anne Charlotte Silver, a licensed clinical social worker who owned and operated Silver Counseling Services, LLC, in Canton and Bantam. Lafayette and the other individual proposed a scheme to Silver to defraud Medicaid by permitting Lafayette and the other individual to bill Medicaid for psychotherapy services using Silver’s Medicaid provider number. The services were either performed by unlicensed individuals or not performed at all. Under the scheme, Silver kept 25 percent of the proceeds, and paid the remaining 75 percent to Lafayette and the other individual.
As part of his plea, SHARPE admitted that he submitted claims to Medicaid for psychotherapy services that falsely represented that Silver had personally provided the services. SHARPE also admitted that he submitted hundreds of claims to Medicaid for psychotherapy services purportedly provided to SHARPE’s family members, including SHARPE’s children and nieces and nephews, when no such services were ever provided. SHARPE also assisted in the preparation of records that falsely documented the nature and extent of the services received by his family members.
The charge of health care fraud carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. A sentencing date has not been scheduled.
Lafayette and Silver previously pleaded guilty to health care fraud for their roles in the scheme. As part of their pleas, Lafayette and Silver admitted defrauding Medicaid of over $1.6 million through the scheme. They both await sentencing.
This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Sheldon and Auditor Susan Spiegel.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Chief State’s Attorney’s Office and Attorney General’s Office meet regularly as part of The Medicaid Fraud Working Group. The Working Group also includes representatives from the Connecticut Department of Social Services; the Connecticut Department of Public Health; the Drug Control Division of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection; the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the FBI. The Working Group reviews pending issues and cases, identifies trends that might indicate fraudulent activity, and coordinates efforts for maximum results.
People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS.
Washington D.C. Man Sentenced for Transporting Teenage Boy to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Washington D.C. man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Boston in connection with transporting a teenage boy from Maryland to Boston and other states to engage in sexual activity.
Jason Michael Wolf, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 10 years in prison and 10 years of supervised release. Additionally, upon release from prison, Wolf will be required to register for life as a sex offender in any state in which he resides. In September 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of transportation of a minor in interstate commerce to engage in illegal sexual activity.
On Aug. 17, 2015, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Police received information that an adult man and a minor were acting inappropriately at the South Station Bus Terminal. Law enforcement arrived on scene and interviewed the two individuals who were identified as Wolf and a 14-year-old boy from Maryland who was determined to be the subject of a missing persons report. The two admitted that they had met on a mobile dating app in July, traveled to Boston from Maryland, and engaged in sexual activity in Maryland, Washington D.C., New York and Boston.
In August 2015, Wolf was arrested by the Boston Police and charged with aggravated statutory rape of a child under state law. On Nov. 2, 2016, Wolf was convicted of statutory rape of a child and is set to be sentenced in state court on Jan. 6, 2017.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Shelly Binkowski, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Boston Police Commissioner William Evans; and Chief Kenneth Green of the MBTA Transit Police Department, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Ortiz’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Washington County Man Charged with Federal Drug Trafficking CrimesRead the Press Release
PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Glenn D. Stewart, 37, of Vernon, Florida, has been arraigned in court after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging him with conspiracy and six counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The indictment was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
The indictment alleges that, on various dates this year, Stewart conspired with others to distribute the controlled substance methamphetamine and possessed methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. Stewart is in custody, pending further proceedings.
This case resulted from a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Gary Milligan is prosecuting the case. The trial is scheduled for February 6, 2017, at 8:15 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Panama City.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
For more information, contact: Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer
(850) 216-3854, [email protected]Warren man faces child pornopraphy chargesRead the Press Release
A Warren man was indicted on child pornography charges, said Carole S. Rendon, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
David Hafely, 19, was charged with receiving, distributing, transporting and possessing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
The indictment charges that from on or about November 22, 2015 through on or about January 4, 2016, Hafely knowingly received and distributed numerous computer files which contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
The indictment also charges that from on or about November 22, 2015 through on or about January 4, 2016, Hafely knowingly transported numerous visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
The indictment also charges that on or about January 5, 2016, Hafely possessed a Kindle Fire HD Tablet, which contained child pornography.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael A. Sullivan following an investigation by the Cleveland office of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Virginia Beach Man Sentenced for Assault on a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – Marcus D. Wilkins, 27, of Virginia Beach, was sentenced today to 42 months in prison for assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon.
Wilkins pleaded guilty on September 7. According to court documents, on May 1, Wilkins removed a shopping cart full of unpaid merchandise from the Navy Exchange at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach. A loss prevention officer saw him remove the merchandise and ordered him to stop. Instead, Wilkins walked away from the shopping cart and toward his car. An officer with the Naval Air Station Oceana base police observed Wilkins walking toward his vehicle and approached the vehicle, identified himself as base police and positioned himself in front of the vehicle and twice ordered Wilkins to stop. Wilkins started his car and accelerated into the police officer, lifting him off the ground with the hood of the car and pushing him backward in the air and to the ground. Wilkins then fled the Navy Exchange parking lot and was apprehended by members of the Virginia Beach Police Department shortly thereafter.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Tim Quick, Special Agent in Charge of Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Norfolk Field Office; and James A. Cervera, Chief of Virginia Beach Police, made the announcement after sentencing by District Judge Mark S. Davis. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyssa K. Nichol prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:16-cr-84.
Vidor, TX, Pharmacist Pleads Guilty to Role in Health Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
In Austin today, Brian David Haney, 37-year-old partial owner of Vidor Pharmacy, pleaded guilty to federal bribery and tax charges in connection with a health care fraud scheme announced United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr.
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Lane, Haney pleaded guilty to a two-count Information charging him with willful offer and payment of illegal remuneration in relation to a federal health care program and one count of making and filing a false Income Tax return.
By pleading guilty, Haney admitted that from November 30, 2011 to January 2, 2014, he paid kickbacks totaling $813,560.87 to Garry Wayne Craighead. Craighead, a chiropractor, organized and controlled multiple health care related entities, including eight clinics in Texas (Dallas, Fort Worth, Killeen, Austin, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Weslaco, and Beaumont), that derived substantial revenue from the U.S. Department of Labor’s health care benefit programs. Haney paid Craighead cash for patient referrals of federally-insured employees in need of prescription services.
Haney also admitted to filing a false Income Tax return for calendar year 2013 in which he substantially understated his total income, adjusted gross income and taxable income.
Haney remains on bond pending sentencing before U.S. District Judge Sam Sparks in Austin. No sentencing date has been scheduled. Haney faces up to five years in federal prison for the bribery charge and up to three years in federal prison for the tax charge.
On December 4, 2015, Craighead pleaded guilty to one count of solicitation and receipt of illegal remunerations in federal health care programs and one count of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity. On June 10, 2016, Craighead was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison and ordered to pay over $17 million restitution to the U.S. Department of Labor.
The U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command’s Major Procurement Fraud Unit, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General conducted this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Blankinship and Mark Marshall are prosecuting this case for the government.
#####
U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects $3,730,685 in Civil and Criminal Actions for U.S. Taxpayers in Fiscal Year 2016Read the Press Release
Contact: Donald E. Clark
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine collected $3,730,685.68 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2016. Of this amount, $1,082,526.09 was collected in criminal actions and $2,648,159.59 was collected in civil actions.
Additionally, the District of Maine worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $925,487.01 in cases pursued jointly with these offices. Of this amount, $2,625.01 was collected in criminal actions and $922,862.00 was collected in civil actions.
Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch announced today that the Justice Department collected nearly $15.4 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2016. The $15,380,130,434 in collections in FY 2016 represents more than five times the appropriated $2.93 billion budget for the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices and the main litigating divisions of the Justice Department combined in that same period.“Every day, the men and women of the Department of Justice work tirelessly to enforce our laws, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used properly and that the American people are protected from exploitation and abuse,” said Attorney General Lynch. “Today’s announcement is a testament to that work, and it makes clear that our actions deliver a significant return on public investment. I want to thank the prosecutors and trial attorneys who made this year’s collections possible, and I want to emphasize that the department remains committed to the well-being of our people and our nation.”
The District of Maine recovered over $633,000 as part of a settlement with Maine Dermatology arising out of allegations of false Medicare claims; over $439,000 as part of a settlement with Belcon Enterprises f/k/a “Roof Systems of Maine” arising out of allegations of false claims relating to government contracts; $685,000 as part of a foreclosure action involving Spring House Associates; and $125,000 as part of a settlement with Northern Maine Medical Center arising out of allegations that it failed to create and maintain adequate records of its handling and disposal of controlled substances.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Internal Revenue Service, Small Business Administration and Department of Education.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $1,733,252 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2016. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Fund and the Treasury Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
U.S. Attorney's Office collects over $6.5 million for taxpayers in Fiscal Year 2016Read the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia has collected $6,668,404.52 in the last year, which represents over $1.1 million more than the office’s annual direct budget, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Of this amount, $1,511,417.96 was collected in criminal actions, $4,591,072.32 was collected in civil actions, and $565,914.24 was collected in asset forfeiture. The U.S. Attorney’s Office collected this amount through the efforts of the attorneys and staff within the office, and also by working with other U.S. Attorneys’ offices, components of the Department of Justice, and other federal agencies.
Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch announced today that the Justice Department collected nearly $15.4 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2016. The $15,380,130,434 in collections in FY 2016 represents more than five times the appropriated $2.93 billion budget for the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices and the main litigating divisions of the Justice Department combined in that same period.
“Every day, the men and women of the Department of Justice work tirelessly to enforce our laws, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used properly and that the American people are protected from exploitation and abuse,” said Attorney General Lynch. “Today’s announcement is a testament to that work, and it makes clear that our actions deliver a significant return on public investment. I want to thank the prosecutors and trial attorneys who made this year's collections possible, and I want to emphasize that the department remains committed to the well-being of our people and our nation.”
United States Attorney Carol Casto noted, “The over $6 million collected by this office more than covers the direct operating budget of the office for the entire fiscal year. The strong collaboration of the attorneys and staff of the civil and criminal divisions with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies makes these significant collections possible. Though our top priority is always ensuring the safety of our communities, we also work together with our law enforcement partners to hold wrongdoers responsible for the financial losses associated with their offenses.”
A substantial amount of the collection total came from the prosecution of Freedom Industries and six defendants associated with Freedom for the 2014 chemical spill that left hundreds of thousands of people in the Kanawha Valley without water for several days. Freedom paid nearly $600,000 to resolve its federal bankruptcy case. Additionally, the individuals prosecuted, including two former presidents of Freedom, have paid over $86,000 in fines as part of their sentences. Another corporate officer held accountable for criminal activity was former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship. Never before in U.S. history had the CEO of a publicly traded company been convicted of a workplace safety crime. His trial ended with a jury finding him guilty, and in April 2016, as part of his sentence, Blankenship was ordered to spend one year in federal prison and to pay a $250,000 fine.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Internal Revenue Service, Small Business Administration and Department of Education.
In addition to the civil and criminal collections, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $565,914.24 in asset forfeiture actions in fiscal year 2016. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes. This brings the total amount collected by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in fiscal year 2016 to $6,668,404.52. The fiscal year began on October 1, 2015, and ended on September 30, 2016.
- Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews
Two Individuals Sentenced to Prison for Fraud in Connection with BP Oil SpillRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Thi Houng Le a/k/a Kristy Le, age 34, of Pascagoula, and Gregory P. Warren, age 52 of Lafayette, Louisiana, were sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola for conspiracy to commit identity theft, aggravated identity theft, mail fraud and wire fraud in connection with a lawsuit against BP, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Craig Caldwell.
Le was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay a fine in the amount of $25,000.00. Warren was sentenced to 204 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a fine in the amount of $25,000.00. The defendants were convicted by a jury following a four-week trial before Chief U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola in August, 2016.
The defendants in this case carried out a conspiracy to defraud numerous victims from multiple states and the BP Gulf Coast Claims Facility by obtaining names, addresses, dates of birth, and social security numbers from any source available to create “clients” for anticipated litigation as a result of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. The defendants fraudulently submitted names of over 40,000 individuals as plaintiffs in litigation related to the Deepwater Horizon/BP oil spill, knowing that the individuals had not consented to be represented by the law firm. They also submitted stolen and false social security numbers, dates of birth, addresses, and occupations.
This case was investigated by United States Secret Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jerry Rushing and Gregg Kennedy.
Two Convicted After Trial for Illegal Entry from CanadaRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Rostislav Skalka, 48, of the Czech Republic and Robert Bella, 45, of Slovakia were each convicted of one count of illegal entry into the United States following a one-day, non-jury trial in federal court yesterday. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and John C. Pfeifer, Chief Patrol Agent, Swanton Sector, United States Border Patrol.
At trial, the evidence established that Skalka and Bella entered the United States from Canada near Waddington, New York, by crossing the St. Lawrence River in a makeshift raft and without immigration inspection at a valid port of entry. Following the verdict, United States Magistrate Judge David E. Peebles sentenced the defendants to time served (three months) in connection with their convictions for these misdemeanor offences. Skalka and Bella are expected to face deportation following further proceedings.
The case was investigated by the United States Border Patrol and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sahar L. Amandolare.
Three Delray Beach Return Preparers Plead Guilty to Preparing False Tax Returns for ClientsRead the Press Release
Three Delray Beach tax return preparers pled guilty to unlawfully enriching themselves by submitting false federal income tax returns to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on behalf of their clients.
Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), made the announcement.
Devonne Herrington, 64, her son, Lorenzo Wright, 49, and co-defendant Joyce Walker, 61, all of Delray Beach, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. Herrington also pled guilty to one count of failure to file personal tax returns, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7203. Walker also pled guilty to one count of filing false personal tax returns, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(1).
Walker is scheduled to be sentenced on January 27, 2017, and Herrington and Wright are scheduled to be sentenced on February 17, 2017, all before United States District Judge Robin L. Rosenberg. At sentencing, the defendants face up to five years in prison for the conspiracy charge. Walker also faces up to three years in prison for filing false tax returns. Herrington also faces up to one year in prison for the failure to file tax returns charge.
According to court documents, Herrington established and operated a tax preparation business in Delray Beach, Florida, that was initially known as Devonne's LLC and later known as Wright's & Family LLC. Herrington hired tax preparers, including her son, Wright, and co-defendant Walker, to assist her with preparing tax returns for her clients. Herrington, Wright and Walker met with clients in person at the tax preparation office in order to conduct a cursory interview and collect required tax forms.
Although the clients did not claim to be eligible for, or provide documents in support of, certain tax credits or income deductions, the defendants prepared tax returns which falsely stated that the clients were eligible for such credits and deductions. The tax credits falsely claimed by the defendants included credits for first time home purchasers and education expenses. The income deductions falsely claimed by the defendants included deductions for business expenses and for being the head of household. These false and fraudulent credits and deductions reduced the clients' tax liability and increased their tax refunds.
The defendants claimed the false tax credits and deductions on IRS schedules and forms which were included in the clients' tax returns. Herrington, Wright, and Walker charged the clients extra fees for these additional fraudulent schedules. In most instances, the defendants did not review the returns with the clients prior to filing them with the IRS and did not provide copies of the returns to the clients.
Many clients have since been audited by the IRS and now have to pay back the refunds they received as a result of the fraudulent credits and deductions added to their tax returns by the defendants.
Herrington did not file her personal income tax returns for calendar years 2010 and 2011. In addition, Walker filed her personal income tax returns for calendar years 2010 and 2011 containing false claims for the Education Expense Credit.
Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of IRS-CI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ellen L. Cohen.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Three Cedar County Men Sentenced to Federal Prison on Meth Manufacturing ChargesRead the Press Release
Last week, three Cedar County men were sentenced to federal prison on methamphetamine manufacturing charges. Telly Ranzenberger and Brian Hagen were sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment and 48 months’ imprisonment, respectively. In a separate case, Tracey McGhghy was sentenced to 90 months’ imprisonment
Hagen, 43, and Ranzenberger, 42, from Lowden, Iowa, and McGhghy, 48, from Manley, Iowa, received the prison terms after pleading guilty to conspiring to manufacture methamphetamine. At separate plea hearings, each defendant admitted that he entered into a conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine.
Ranzenberger and Hagen were sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Senior Judge Mark W. Bennett. McGhghy was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Each defendant was ordered to serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
The cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ravi T. Narayan and investigated by the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office. The Cedar County Sheriff’s Office received assistance from the Muscatine County Drug Task Force, the Iowa State Patrol, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Johnson County Drug Task Force.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file numbers are 16-CR-42 and 16-CR-60
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
South Bend Man Sentenced to 444 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announced that Ivan Brazier, 40, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Robert Miller, Jr. for kidnapping and extortion.
Brazier was sentenced to 444 months imprisonment and 1 year supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, Brazier and his codefendants possessed firearms as felons to unlawfully confine or kidnap an individual and demanded a ransom for that individual’s release. A firearm was discharged, hitting the victim, during the kidnapping. Two co-defendants, Lindani Mzembe and Derek Fields were convicted in separate trials of kidnapping, extortion, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and use of a firearm in a crime of violence. Mzembe is scheduled to be sentenced on January 5, 2017, and Fields is scheduled to be sentenced on February 22, 2017.
This case was prosecuted as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Federal Bureau of Investigation; South Bend Police Department and the St. Joseph County Metro Homicide. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John M. Maciejczyk and Joel Gabrielse.
# # #
Scranton Man Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Role in Sex Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Justin Strait, age 26, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to six years in prison on December 13, 2016, by Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley in Scranton, for his role in a sex trafficking conspiracy that used a minor to engage in prostitution at several hotels and motels in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Strait previously admitted that he assisted three other men in the sex trafficking activity during early-to-mid 2014. Strait pleaded guilty in July 2015.
Judge Munley also ordered Strait to serve five years on supervised release following his prison sentence. Strait must also register as a sex offender and comply with all sex offender notification requirements of federal and state law.
Three other men connected to the sex trafficking conspiracy have also pleaded guilty: Sean Cantelmo was sentenced to 151 months in prison; Jimmy Cantelmo was sentenced to 10 years in prison; and Mark Matis is awaiting sentencing.
Strait and/or his co-conspirators recruited the minor to engage in prostitution, rented motel rooms for purposes of prostitution, provided condoms to the minor, photographed the minor and posted advertisements for “escort services” on a website, provided illegal drugs to the minor, and acted as security during prostitution activities.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute 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."
# # #
Rhode Island Man Charged with Traveling to Connecticut to Engage in Sex with MinorRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment today charging NICHOLAS MURPHY, 27, of Exeter, R.I., with one count of traveling to engage in illegal sexual activity with a minor.
The indictment alleges that in September 2015, MURPHY travelled from Rhode Island to Connecticut for the purpose of engaging in a sexual act with a minor
If convicted of the charge, MURPHY faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.
MURPHY was arrested on related state charges on May 9, 2016. He is scheduled to be arraigned on December 28 in Hartford federal court.
U.S. Attorney Daly stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Plainfield Police Department and Rhode Island State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.
Poca man sentenced to over seven years in federal prison for gun chargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Poca man caught with a loaded gun and drugs after a car chase was sentenced today to seven years and three months in federal prison for a gun crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Steven Eugene Adkins, 37, previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Adkins admitted that on January 14, 2016, he possessed a loaded Smith & Wesson Model 22A-1 pistol. Adkins was prohibited under federal law from possessing any firearm because of two previous convictions in Kanawha County Circuit Court for possession with intent to deliver marijuana. At the time Adkins possessed the handgun, Adkins additionally admitted that he ran a red light in St. Albans. In response, a St. Albans Police Department patrol officer attempted a traffic stop. Adkins further admitted that he did not attempt to stop, and during the course of the subsequent chase, he exceeded the speed limit, passed vehicles despite the double yellow line, and drove the wrong way on a one-way street. The car chase ended in Nitro and Adkins admitted that he exited the vehicle and was apprehended after a brief foot chase. Law enforcement recovered the gun and methamphetamine from Adkins. Officers also seized 40 knives and a machete from the vehicle.
The investigation was conducted by the St. Albans Police Department, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with the assistance of the West Virginia State Police and the South Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Clint Carte is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime. This case was also prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat illegal drugs in our communities, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
- Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews
Pioneer man charged with stealing firearmsRead the Press Release
A Pioneer man was charged with stealing firearms, said Carole S. Rendon, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
A criminal information was filed charging Kyle Shirey, 34, with theft of a firearm from a firearms dealer and receipt and possession of a firearm not registered through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The investigating agency in this case is the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Toledo, Ohio. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Tracey Ballard Tangeman.
A charge 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.
Physician Indicted for Child PornRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a former Kansas City, Mo., physician was indicted by a federal grand jury today on charges related to child pornography.
Jeffrey A. Hassenflug, 41, formerly of Kansas City, was charged in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. Hassenflug, a physician, currently maintains a practice in Texas.
Today’s federal indictment alleges that Hassenflug distributed child pornography over the Internet from March 7 to May 12, 2016. Hassenflug is also charged with receiving child pornography over the Internet and with possessing child pornography of a child victim under the age of 12.
Dickinson cautioned that the charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Luna. It was investigated by the FBI.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Physician Charged with Conspiracy to Receive and Pay Illegal Health Care KickbacksRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that a one-count Bill of Information was filed yesterday against a local ophthalmologist charging him with paying approximately $231,034 in illegal kickbacks.
Specifically, JOBIE CREAR, M.D., age 65, New Orleans, was charged with conspiracy to receive and pay health care kickbacks. CREAR operated Comprehensive Nursing and Home Health Service, Inc. (Comprehensive) in New Orleans. CREAR is charged with illegally paying recruiters to bring Medicare beneficiaries to Comprehensive.
If convicted, CREAR, faces a possible maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Polite reiterated that the Bill of Information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. U.S. Attorney Patrice Harris Sullivan is in charge of the prosecution.
Owner of Chesapeake Barber College Pleads Guilty to $4.5 Million GI Bill FraudRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – Katherine Grobes, 45, of Chesapeake, pleaded guilty today to a charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
According to the statement of facts filed with the plea agreement, Grobes owns the College of Beauty and Barber Culture (CBBC), located in Chesapeake. CBBC was purportedly a barber and cosmetology school approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide education and training to military veterans, including veterans who received tuition assistance under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Grobes represented to the VA that CBBC provided full-time schooling to hundreds of veteran students beginning in October 2011. In reality, the school was a sham. Most veterans enrolled in CBBC courses received few, if any, hours of instruction from CBBC employees, and there were no tests, exams, or practical exercises given. Rather, students were directed to simply sign in and out of the school each day so that Grobes could report to the VA that they were enrolled and attending. In exchange, CBBC received Post-9/11 GI Bill tuition payments for each veteran from the VA. Based on Grobes’ provision of false information to the VA concerning the number of hours of instruction and the manner and quality of the instruction provided to veteran students, CBBC received over $4.5 million in Post-9/11 GI Bill tuition payments between October 2011 and September 2016. Grobes owns CBBC along with her husband, William Grobes, who pleaded guilty on November 30, to charges of conspiring to commit wire fraud and money laundering.
Grobes was charged by criminal information on December 2, and faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison when sentenced on March 10, 2017. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Michael J. Missal, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Andrew L. Traver, Director of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS); and Thomas Holloman, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Washington, D.C. Field Office, IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), made the announcement after the plea was accepted by U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas E. Miller. Assistant U.S. Attorney V. Kathleen Dougherty is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:16-cr-164.
Owner of Axis Benefit Administrators Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison for Theft of $3 Million from HRA FundsRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore. – On Wednesday, December 14, 2016, U.S. District Judge Robert E. Jones sentenced Darren Bottinelli, 45, to 46 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. Bottinelli was also ordered to pay $3,093,918 in restitution to his victims.
In March 2016, Bottinelli pled guilty to one count of theft in connection with health care, admitting that between 2009 and 2014 he stole approximately $3 million from individual health reimbursement accounts (HRA) under management by his company, Axis Benefit Administrators, Inc., also known as AXIS Health Partners.
Bottinelli served as the sole shareholder, officer and director of Axis, based in Portland, administering employee health reimbursement and flexible spending accounts for client employers nationwide. According to Axis contracts with employers, the company pledged to post employer contributions to trust accounts for participants who could then seek reimbursement for eligible health expenditures from their account funds.
On March 19, 2014, Bottinelli abruptly closed the Axis office without any communication to client employers or plan participants. As a result, over 3,000 plan participants were unable to access their account funds. Victims reported financial devastation, blocked access to necessary medical treatment and severe emotional trauma as a result of Bottinelli’s theft and failure to provide notice of the company’s closure.
Bottinelli’s client employers included government contractors and other companies who hire hourly and minimum wage contract workers. Some of his clients, including Goodwill Industries of South Texas, Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries, Job Squad, Cascade Christian Services, VersAbility Resources (formerly known as the Arc of the Virginia Peninsula), and Vets Securing America, employed veterans, mentally and physically disabled adults and other vulnerable individuals.
Bottinelli improperly and repeatedly accessed trust account funds to maintain a luxurious lifestyle, including memberships to exclusive and private clubs, frequent high-end dining, expensive wine purchases, and first class travel.
“Mr. Bottinelli violated the trust placed in him and his company by thousands of honest, hardworking people,” said Billy J. Williams, United States Attorney for the District of Oregon. “These individuals diligently saved a portion of their pay to provide medical care for themselves and their loved ones, only to have their money stolen by Mr. Bottinelli for his own gain. This sentence serves as a reminder,” continued U.S. Attorney Williams, “that those who violate the trust of others under the guise of financial management and security will be vigorously investigated, prosecuted, and punished for their actions.”
“Darren Bottinelli treated these health care reimbursement accounts as his personal ATM without regard for the real hardship that he was causing thousands of hardworking people. These folks lost more than $3 million – money that had been set aside to pay for needed medical care for their families. Today’s prison sentence is a start on making things right, but the suffering he caused these victims will live on for some time,” said Greg Bretzing, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon.
“Mr. Bottinelli decided to illegally enrich himself at the expense of hard working employees and their employers, and today he was held accountable,” said Jean Ackerman, Regional Director for the U.S. Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration (DOL ESBA). “This case demonstrates how federal agencies work together to vigorously enforce criminal violations committed against employee benefit plans and their participants.”
The case was investigated by DOL ESBA, the FBI, and the U. S. Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General (USDA OIG). The case was prosecuted by Donna Brecker Maddux, Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Owner of Toms River, New Jersey, Accounting Business Gets 37 Months in Prison for Swindling Clients Out of Tax RefundsRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Toms River, New Jersey, woman was sentenced today to 37 months in prison for filing false tax returns and using her accounting business to cheat her clients out of their tax refunds, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Doreen Gentile, 62, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Joseph H. Rodriguez to Count 2 and Count 27 of an indictment, charging her with mail fraud and filing a false income tax return. Judge Rodriguez imposed the sentence today in Camden federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Gentile owned and operated her accounting business, Doreen A. Gentile & Associates, LLC (DAG & Associates), out of her home in Toms River. Gentile admitted that as part of her scheme, she would show her clients a tax return that indicated that they had no tax or refund due, owed a minimal amount of tax, or were due a refund that was far less than the amount to which they were entitled. Gentile then prepared a second set of tax returns, signed without her clients’ permission, that she submitted to the IRS or the State of New Jersey for the full tax refund.
Based on the second set of returns, the IRS or the State of New Jersey issued tax refund checks care of DAG & Associates and mailed them to the DAG & Associates post office box in Toms River. Gentile then deposited the tax refund checks into the DAG & Associates bank account without her clients’ permission. Afterwards, Gentile used the funds to pay for personal expenses.
Gentile also admitted that from 2006 through 2009, she failed to report to the IRS all of her income generated from DAG & Associates, including funds she stole as part of her refund scheme, resulting in tax losses of approximately $188,811.
In addition to the prison term, Gentile must serve three years of supervised release and pay restitution of $1,863,013.
U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of IRS – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan D. Larsen, and special agents of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Ryan, the for investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Senior Litigation Counsel Jason M. Richardson of the U.S. Attorney's Office Criminal Division in Camden.
Defense counsel: Christopher O’Malley Esq., Camden
Overdose Investigation Results in 30-Month Sentence for Norwich ManRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JONATHAN FISHER, 35, of Norwich, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.
This matter stems from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 9, 2016, Norwich Police responded to a medical emergency at FISHER’s residence. The emergency involved an 18-year-old male who had died from an apparent heroin overdose. FISHER was not present at the time law enforcement had arrived. A search of the victim’s wallet revealed one used glassine baggy and 10 unopened baggies marked with a particular brand stamp. A field test of the substance in the baggies yielded a positive presence for both heroin and fentanyl.
Approximately one month prior to the overdose death, FISHER was arrested by Norwich Police after he was found in possession of numerous baggies of heroin that were marked with the same stamp.
On April 12, 2016, Norwich Police arrested FISHER at a Norwich hotel. A search of FISHER’s wallet contained two glassine baggies containing suspected heroin and marked with the same brand stamp. A search of the hotel room where FISHER had been staying revealed more than 300 bags of heroin, prescription narcotics, more than one pound of marijuana, a digital scale and hundreds of empty glassine bags marked with the same stamp.
On May 2, 2016, FISHER pleaded guilty to one count of possession with the intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin. FISHER, who had been released on bond, was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service at the conclusion of today’s court proceeding.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Norwich Police Department. The Tactical Diversion Squad includes members from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe, Fairfield and Manchester Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry.
Northwest Arkansas Pair Receive Combined Sentence of over 22 Years in Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas - Kenneth Elser, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Allen Dwight Gailliot, age 62 of Fayetteville and Leslie Erin Curtis, age 45 of Bella Vista, were sentenced today on one count each of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine. Gailliot was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison followed by three (3) years of supervised release and ordered to pay a $3,400.00 fine. Curtis was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison followed by three (3) years of supervised release and ordered to pay a $5,900.00 fine. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearings in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, on March 10, 2016, Leslie Curtis sold one ounce of methamphetamine to a confidential source from her residence in Fayetteville. On March 11, 2016, detectives from the 4th Judicial Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at Curtis’ and Gailliot’s two residences both located in Fayetteville. Detectives found approximately ½ pound of methamphetamine in each residence which was packaged for sale, digital scales, baggies, drug ledgers, and packages from the United States Postal Service (USPS) addressed to Gailliot that had been sent from California. Gailliot was found to be in possession of a card for a storage unit located in Fayetteville which was leased under Curtis’ name. Curtis told detectives that she and Gailliot would place orders for and receive pounds of meth at a time through the mail from California and would then distribute it throughout Washington County. On March 15, 2016, a search warrant was executed on the storage unit where approximately four (4) pounds of methamphetamine were located in USPS. parcels addressed to Gailliott.
Gailliot and Curtis were indicted by a federal grand jury in May, 2016 and pleaded guilty in September, 2016.
This case was investigated by the 4th Judicial Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Denis Dean prosecuted the case for the United States.
* * * E N D * * *
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov
Northern District of Texas U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects $27,693,232 in Civil and Criminal Actions for U.S. Taxpayers in Fiscal Year 2016Read the Press Release
DALLAS – U.S. Attorney John Parker announced today that the Northern District of Texas collected $27,693,232 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2016. Of this amount, $16,872,986 was collected in criminal actions and $10,820,245 was collected in civil actions.
Additionally, the Northern District of Texas worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $74,874 in criminal cases pursued jointly with these offices
Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch announced today that the Justice Department collected nearly $15.4 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2016. The $15,380,130,434 in collections in FY 2016 represents more than five times the appropriated $2.93 billion budget for the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices and the main litigating divisions of the Justice Department combined in that same period.
“Every day, the men and women of the Department of Justice work tirelessly to enforce our laws, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used properly and that the American people are protected from exploitation and abuse,” said Attorney General Lynch. “Today’s announcement is a testament to that work, and it makes clear that our actions deliver a significant return on public investment. I want to thank the prosecutors and trial attorneys who made this year's collections possible, and I want to emphasize that the department remains committed to the well-being of our people and our nation.”
“I’m particularly pleased to see an increase in collections of more than $10 million over last year,” said U.S. Attorney Parker. “The message in these numbers should be clear. This office can be very patient and won’t just go away. We will continue to vigorously pursue all available enforcement remedies to recover assets for both victims of crime and the federal treasury for so long after sentencing or judgment as is necessary.”
Substantial collections in FY 2016 in the District included:
- More than $4 million in funds from multiple bank accounts, four luxury vehicles, artwork, a grand piano, wine collection, hundreds of pieces of high-end crystal, furs, handbags, jewelry, luggage, shoes, and watches returned to the Collin Street Bakery within 60 days of sentencing in the massive embezzlement, bank fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering case, U.S. v. Sandy and Kay Jenkins;
- $3.5 million from Preferred Imaging Centers, LLC in settlement of a False Claims Act qui tam case;
- $3.28 million settlement from the estate of Kenneth Rice in a False Claims Act health care fraud case;
- $1.8 million in restitution, plus a $100,00 fine, and several hundred thousands of dollars forfeited to the government that was paid in full at sentencing in the U.S. v. Robert Gross health care fraud;
- $1.1 million in forfeited assets restored to restitution in the U.S. v. Cyprian and Patricia Akamnonu health care fraud case;
- $762,150, more than half of the $1.3 million restitution owed to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in the U.S. v. Lonnie Brantley and Steve Holmes housing fraud case;
- $500,000 paid in full at sentencing in the U.S. v. Daniel Bergin securities fraud case;
- $324,750 in restitution to the National Credit Union Association in the U.S. v. Theresa Portillo bank fraud case; and
- $276,400 in restitution paid in full to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the U.S. v. Bettye Blount tax fraud case
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including HUD, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the IRS, Small Business Administration, and U.S. Department of Education.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s office in the Northern District of Texas, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $10,695,313 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2016. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
# # #