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Wednesday 26 October 2016
Columbia Man Pleads to Sex Trafficking of Under Age FemalesRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Matt Austin (843) 727-4381
Charleston, South Carolina –----- Acting United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that Da-Shun Curry a/k/a “Dae Dae,” age 23, of Columbia, pleaded guilty in federal court to Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking, a violation of Title 18, U. S. C. §1956(a)(1). U.S. District Judge David Norton, Charleston, South Carolina, presided over the hearing.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Curry transported female victims in interstate commerce to the North Charleston area for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts knowing or in reckless disregard of the fact that several victims were under the age of 18 and that force, fraud, or coercion would be used against all of the victims, regardless of their age, in order to compel the victims to engage in commercial sex acts. Curry admitted to his role in the conspiracy and to specifically trafficking three female victims under the age of 18.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date. The minimum sentence Curry could receive for Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking is 15 years in prison. The maximum sentence he could receive is life in prison.
The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security and City of North Charleston Police Department’s Human Trafficking Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Matt Austin of the Charleston office is prosecuting the case.
Information regarding human trafficking should be reported to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC), Polaris – Freedom Happens Now, 24-hour National Hotline: 1-888-373-7888.
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Colombian Man Pleads Guilty to Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Dario Renteria-Garcia (41, Colombia, South America) has pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison.
According to the plea agreement, on multiple occasions between 2010 and 2013, Renteria-Garcia organized maritime cocaine shipments. Among other things, he recruited mariners to smuggle cocaine from Colombia by sea in September 2010 and January 2013. Those mariners were subsequently interdicted by the U.S. Coast Guard in the eastern Pacific Ocean with over 1,000 kilograms of cocaine.
Renteria-Garcia was arrested in Colombia, and subsequently extradited to the United States, first arriving at a place in the Middle District of Florida.
This case was investigated by the Panama Express Strike Force, a standing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation comprised of agents and analysts from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and U.S. Southern Command's Joint Interagency Task Force South. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher F. Murray. The Office of International Affairs, Department of Justice, assisted with Renteria-Garcia’s extradition from Colombia.
Changes for INTERPOL Washington LeadershipRead the Press Release
Current Deputy Director Wayne H. Salzgaber will be acting director effective October 31, 2016.Geoffrey S. Shank, Director of the U.S. National Central Bureau of INTERPOL (INTERPOL Washington), will retire from federal government service effective October 31, 2016. Current Deputy Director Wayne H. Salzgaber will be acting director until further notice. The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), the largest international police organization in the world, comprises 190 member countries. INTERPOL Washington is a component of the U.S. Department of Justice, and is co-managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Buffalo Man Sentenced for Stealing Funds Intended for Buffalo SchoolsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Hassan El Saddique, 36, of Atlanta, GA, who was convicted of theft of money in control and possession of a bank, was sentenced to one year supervised release by Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny. The defendant was also ordered to pay $15,120.00 in restitution.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard A. Resnick, who handled the case, stated that between June 2009 and October 2010, the defendant made it appear that he had entered into a contract for consultant services with the Buffalo Board of Education. The alleged contract falsely stated that El Saddique would perform services at the Universal School. The defendant never provided services at the school.
At the beginning of the 2009-2010 school year, El Saddique did begin assisting with the Title I Program at Bishop Timon High School. These services were performed voluntarily and without pay.
However, between October 2009 and October 2010, the defendant submitted 19 fraudulent invoices to the Buffalo Board of Education for payment for services that were never performed or done voluntarily at the Universal School and Bishop Timon high School. El Saddique received 18 checks totaling $15,120 and retained a portion of those funds.
On June 1, 2016, the defendant’s mother, Debbie Buckley, was convicted of theft of government funds. Buckley served as Supervisor of Title I, Office of Federal and State Programs for the Buffalo School District. Title I is a federally funded program that provides assistance to school districts with high numbers of children from low income families. In March 2010, Buckley was promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Federal and State Programs.
Buckley changed the approval process by which a contractor was paid for Title I services provided in non-public schools. She eliminated the need for a signature from an official at the non-public school. Buckley did this so that she could sign the fraudulent invoices submitted by her son authorizing the payment of the invoices. The dates of some of these invoices coincide with the period during which Buckley was promoted to Assistant Superintendent.Debbie Buckley is scheduled to be sentenced on November 30, 2016.
Today’s sentencing is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Adam S. Cohen and the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Assistant Special Agent in Charge Geoff Wood.
Bangor Man Sentenced to More Than a Year for Crack DistributionRead the Press Release
Contact: Joel B. Casey
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Syriane Baldwin, a/k/a “Del,” 30, of Bangor, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock Jr. to one year and three months in prison and three years of supervised release for distributing cocaine base, commonly known as “crack.” The defendant pled guilty on May 18, 2016.
According to court records, on September 5, 2014, the defendant sold about three grams of crack for $300 to an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement.
The case was investigated by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency; the New Haven, Connecticut Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the City of New Haven Police Department.
Army Soldier Sentenced for Theft of Military PropertyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced that today in Federal court, Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced CHRISTOPHER A. MANN, 33, of Hampton, Virginia to 20 months imprisonment and ordered him to pay $940,460 in restitution to the United States Army. On May 4, 2016, MANN pleaded guilty to a Criminal Information charging him with one count of theft of government property and aiding and abetting.
"The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command (USACIDC) is pleased with today's sentencing," said Frank Robey, director of the Major Procurement Fraud Unit for USACIDC. "Our special agents go to great lengths to identify and help bring to justice those who think they can rip off the U.S. Government at will. We will continue to aggressively investigate these criminal acts with all assets at our disposal."
"Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Special Agent in Charge John F. Khin, Southeast Field Office, commented, "This former Non-Commissioned Officer assigned as a Supply Sergeant in an elite military unit stole essential supplies and equipment from his unit for personal profit, betraying his position of trust, the military code of conduct, and his fellow Soldiers. Corruption and theft on this large scale undermines the integrity of the Department of Defense, wastes precious American taxpayer dollars, and severely degrades the ability of our Warfighters to conduct combat missions."
“These former soldiers utilized their positions as public officials to steal supplies and equipment for their personal financial gain. Offenses such as these not only cost the Army precious resources, but also cost the taxpayer. The FBI will continue to work with its investigative partners to combat this corruption,” said John Strong, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina.
According to the charges on file, the government’s factual proffer at the plea hearing, and other public information, MANN was a sergeant assigned to the United States Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg. During the offense period, MANN worked as a unit supply specialist in the 98th Civil Affairs Battalion, C Company, with responsibility for ordering military supplies and equipment that was the property of the United States Department of Defense. Between approximately October 2010 and March 2013, MANN systematically abused his position to coordinate the theft of bulk quantities of government property from Fort Bragg. The stolen property, valued at nearly $1 million, consisted of Meals-Ready-to-Eat or “MREs” and assorted military equipment, including weapon sights, knives, and sunglasses. As part of the scheme, MANN generated false and fraudulent requisition memoranda intended to make it appear as if his unit needed the property to train and carry out its mission. In fact, MANN would transport the stolen property off the base to black market purchasers in and around Fayetteville who would buy the items for cash.
Two of MANN’s co-conspirators, Joseph Horner and John McCaa, have entered guilty pleas in related cases and are awaiting sentencing in United States District Court. According to the charges on file, and the government’s factual proffers at their respective plea hearings, Horner was a civilian black market purchaser in Fayetteville to whom MANN routinely sold stolen MREs and other military property which was obtained through the theft scheme. McCaa was a civilian contractor for the Department of Defense who, at the time, was working for the Special Forces dining facility where he was responsible for processing MRE requests from MANN’s unit. In this capacity, McCaa facilitated the MRE theft scheme by authorizing the Army’s release of over 1,700 cases of MREs that he knew had been fraudulently requested by MANN. McCaa further arranged for MANN to sell a portion of the stolen MREs to McCaa’s contacts in black market transactions off base.
Investigation of this case was conducted by the United States Army Criminal Investigation Command, Major Procurement Fraud Unit, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Adam F. Hulbig prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
Arkansas Man Pleads Guilty to Making False Statements About Plan to Steal Rice SeedsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Wengui Yan, 61, of Stuttgart, Arkansas, pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements to the FBI while working as a geneticist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture at the Dale Bumpers National Research Center in Stuttgart.
Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Mary B. McCord and Acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall of the District for Kansas made the announcement.
Yan, a scientist who worked with rice, admitted Monday that he knew about plans to steal samples and send them to China.
In his plea, Yan admitted that on Aug. 7, 2013, agents of U.S. Customs and Border Protection found stolen seeds in the luggage of a group of visitors from China preparing to board a plane to return home. The group had visited the facility in Stuttgart. Yan admitted that before the Chinese group arrived, a co-defendant in Kansas had asked him for seeds and Yan had declined because the seeds were protected. The co-defendant told Yan about other individuals seeking to steal samples of the seeds. When the delegation came to Stuttgart, Yan traveled with them to a rice farm where he knew they would have an opportunity to steal seeds.
After the theft, Yan denied knowing about the plans to steal the seeds or about the theft itself. Investigators also learned that Yan attempted to cover up a trip he made to China to visit the crops research institute that sent the delegation to the United States.
Sentencing will be set for a later date. Under the plea agreement, Yan faces a penalty of up to 20 months in federal prison.
Co-defendant Weiqiang Zhang, 50, of Manhattan, Kansas, is awaiting trial.
Acting Assistant Attorney General McCord and Acting U.S. Attorney Beall commended the FBI’s Little Rock and Kansas City Field Offices, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas.
McCord and Beall also commended Trial Attorney Matt Walczewski for the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, Trial Attorneys Brian Resler and Evan Williams for the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask of the District of Kansas for their work on the case.
Arkansas Man Pleads Guilty to Making False Statements About Plan to Steal Rice SeedsRead the Press Release
Wengui Yan, 61, of Stuttgart, Arkansas, pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements to the FBI while working as a geneticist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture at the Dale Bumpers National Research Center in Stuttgart.
Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Mary B. McCord and Acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall of the District for Kansas made the announcement.
Yan, a scientist who worked with rice, admitted Monday that he knew about plans to steal samples and send them to China.
In his plea, Yan admitted that on Aug. 7, 2013, agents of U.S. Customs and Border Protection found stolen seeds in the luggage of a group of visitors from China preparing to board a plane to return home. The group had visited the facility in Stuttgart. Yan admitted that before the Chinese group arrived, a co-defendant in Kansas had asked him for seeds and Yan had declined because the seeds were protected. The co-defendant told Yan about other individuals seeking to steal samples of the seeds. When the delegation came to Stuttgart, Yan traveled with them to a rice farm where he knew they would have an opportunity to steal seeds.
After the theft, Yan denied knowing about the plans to steal the seeds or about the theft itself. Investigators also learned that Yan attempted to cover up a trip he made to China to visit the crops research institute that sent the delegation to the United States.
Sentencing will be set for a later date. Under the plea agreement, Yan faces a penalty of up to 20 months in federal prison.
Co-defendant Weiqiang Zhang, 50, of Manhattan, Kansas, is awaiting trial.
Acting Assistant Attorney General McCord and Acting U.S. Attorney Beall commended the FBI’s Little Rock and Kansas City Field Offices, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas.
McCord and Beall also commended Trial Attorney Matt Walczewski for the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, Trial Attorneys Brian Resler and Evan Williams for the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask of the District of Kansas for their work on the case.
A&L Cesspool Service Corporation Pleads Guilty to Felony Clean Water Act Violations and Pays $900,000 in Penalties to Resolve Charges Relating to Wastewater Dumping in the Gowanus Canal and ElsewhereRead the Press Release
Earlier today, A&L Cesspool Service Corporation (A&L Cesspool), a Queens-based cesspool services company, pled guilty at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, New York, to violating the Clean Water Act by dumping waste removed from blocked sewer lines into manholes that flowed directly into the Gowanus Canal, among other locations in New York City. The guilty plea was taken by U.S. District Judge I. Leo Glasser, who immediately following the plea sentenced the company to two years’ probation and criminal financial penalties totaling $900,000, pursuant to a plea agreement entered by the company and the government.
The guilty plea and sentence were announced by Robert L. Capers, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Vernesa Jones-Allen, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigations Division, New York (EPA).
According to court filings and facts presented during the plea proceeding, A&L Cesspool is one of the largest cesspool service providers in New York City. Among other services, A&L Cesspool clears blocked sewer lines by pumping and removing waste. A&L Cesspool held a permit issued by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection that allowed it to dispose of liquid waste removed from sewer lines at designated wastewater treatment facilities. Rather than following the rules set forth in the permit, however, employees of A&L Cesspool repeatedly dumped liquid waste at other locations, including into various manholes at John F. Kennedy International Airport, Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island, a New York City Housing Authority housing development in Brooklyn, and into the Gowanus Canal.
Under the Clean Water Act, it is a crime for anyone to knowingly dump pollutants into a waterway of the United States without a permit or in violation of a permit. As part of the plea resolution, A&L Cesspool pleaded guilty to a criminal information charging the company with one count of conspiracy to violate the Clean Water Act, one count of unlawfully discharging pollutants into a waterway of the United States, namely, the Gowanus Canal, without a permit, and four counts of illegally dumping pumped sewer waste in violation of its permit.
The financial penalties imposed by the court include a $375,000 fine, $350,000 in criminal forfeiture, and a $175,000 community service payment to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to be used toward projects in or directly benefiting the Gowanus area of Brooklyn.
“Today’s felony guilty plea and sentence demonstrate that polluters face serious consequences for violating the Clean Water Act,” stated United States Attorney Capers. “The Department of Justice is committed to prosecuting businesses who ignore their obligation to keep our waterways clean.”
“Environmental laws, such as those violated by A&L Cesspool, are put in place to protect us from grossly negligent practices that threaten the cleanliness of our communities and put the public’s health at risk. Circumventing procedures to properly dispose of pollutants is a serious crime, and those who engage in this type of activity won’t get away with it,” said FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney.
“Waste that is disposed of illegally jeopardizes the health and safety of the entire community, so it’s imperative that septic haulers adhere to the appropriate waste disposal regulations and laws,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Jones-Allen of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in New York. “EPA and its law enforcement partners will continue to pursue those who undermine our efforts to protect public health, and those who ignore the law must be held to account.”
The government’s case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Public Integrity Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Lan Nguyen and Lauren Howard Elbert are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Morris of the Office’s Civil Division, which is responsible for the forfeiture of assets.
The Defendant Company
A&L Cesspool Service Corporation
Queens, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 16-CR-524 (ILG)
$1.3 Million in Forfeiture Funds Delivered to HPDRead the Press Release
HONOLULU -- United States Attorney Florence T. Nakakuni (third from left in attached photo), Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent-in-Charge Joanna K. Ip (second from left), United States Marshal Gervin K. Miyamoto (fourth from left), Federal Bureau of Investigation Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge Tuan M. Nguyen (third from right) and Internal Revenue Service Supervisory Special Agent David Meisenheimer (second from right) today delivered a $1,310,469.86 check to Chief Louis M. Kealoha and Vice Division Lt. Phillip Johnson (far left) of the Honolulu Police Department (HPD), as a portion of the funds equitably shared with HPD, resulting from forfeited assets. The payment was part of a total of over $2.8 million the Department of Justice delivered to HPD from forfeitures in the investigation and prosecution of an internet gambling operation which also committed money laundering and tax violations.
United States Attorney Nakakuni said that starting in 2009, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, Homeland Security Investigations and the Honolulu Police Department conducted a joint undercover investigation into a large-scale internet gambling operation. According to information produced in court, the investigation revealed that, between 2005 and 2012, the illegal operation, established by Allen Yamada and led by Felix Tom, placed gross wagers totaling over approximately $670 million through internet websites based in Costa Rica.
U.S. Attorney Nakakuni said that according to law enforcement investigations, in the last several years, dozens of internet bookmakers have come into existence, many of whom are located in foreign countries where bookmaking activities are not illegal. These bookmakers direct their activities toward bettors in the United States, who are interested in gambling on American sporting events such as baseball, football, and basketball.
The prosecution identified in excess of 20 agents located primarily on Oahu. The investigation also revealed that many agents also recruited sub-agents (lower-level bookies or runners), who also had their own client base. A total of 26 defendants, including Yamada and Tom, pled guilty to gambling, tax, and/or money laundering offenses. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry L. Butrick (far right in photo).
Tuesday 25 October 2016
Vice Lords Leader Pleads Guilty for Gang-Related Shooting of Family of FourRead the Press Release
A leader of the Vice Lords street gang pleaded guilty today for his role in the May 7, 2015, shooting of four members of a family with an AK-47 in Detroit.
Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade of the Eastern District of Michigan, Special Agent in Charge Robin Shoemaker of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Detroit Field Division, Special Agent in Charge David P. Gelios of the FBI’s Detroit Division and Chief James Craig of the Detroit Police Department made the announcement.
Burney Everett, aka Tank, 28, of Detroit, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge David M. Lawson of the Eastern District of Michigan to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering and one count of use and carry of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Sentencing has been scheduled for Feb. 8, 2017.
According to admissions made in connection with Everett’s plea, the Vice Lords is a national gang engaged in a variety of crimes and the gang’s leaders are located in both Chicago and Detroit. The gang is broken down into various “sets,” “decks,” or “branches,” including the Detroit-based Traveling Vice Lords (TVL). The Vice Lords have often targeted members who sought to leave the gang for physical beatings or murder.
Everett admitted that in May 2015, he directed other members of the TVL to search for two brothers who had left or attempted to leave the gang in order to harm them. Everett further admitted that on May 7, 2015, at his direction, members of the TVL traveled in multiple cars to the intended victims’ house. After a brief confrontation with the brothers’ family members, Vice Lords member Antonio Clark admitted in connection with his own plea that he fired an AK-47 23 times, hitting the brothers, their mother and a 15-year-old sister. All of the victims survived the shooting.
Eight other members and leaders of the TVL have pleaded guilty to charges related to the shooting, six of whom have been sentenced: Antonio Clark was sentenced to 240 months in prison; Aramis Wilson was sentenced to 150 months in prison; Tyrone Price was sentenced to 140 months in prison; Dion Robinson was sentenced to 120 months in prison; Jonathan Kinchen was sentenced to 120 months in prison; and Kojuan Lee was sentenced to 97 months in prison. On Sept. 27, 2016, Jamerio Clark, a Vice Lords associate and the brother of Antonio Clark, pleaded guilty to witness tampering, admitting that he obtained private health information from a Detroit medical facility’s database, including addresses, birthdates and emergency contact information, of victims of the TVL shooting, and provided this information to his brother.
The charges and convictions related to the May 7, 2015, shooting are just one component of the federal government’s prosecution of the Vice Lords street gang, which has led to the arrests and convictions of dozens of Vice Lords leaders and members over the last few years. In two trials during March and May 2015, juries convicted eight leaders and members of the Phantom Outlaw Motorcycle Club, many of whom were also leaders and members of the Vice Lords, for various crimes, including a mass-murder plot against a rival organization and the shooting of a member of another rival organization. Among those convicted was Antonio Johnson, aka MT and Mister Tony, the National President of the Phantoms and the Three-Star General over all of the Vice Lords in Michigan. On Sept. 8, 2015, Johnson was sentenced to 35 years in prison for racketeering conspiracy, murder conspiracy in aid of racketeering, assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, aiding and abetting the use and carry of firearms during and in relation to a crime of violence and felon in possession of a firearm.
The arrests and convictions in this case are, in part, the result of the Detroit One Initiative, a collaborative effort between law enforcement and the community to reduce homicide and other violent crime in Detroit. Through the lead efforts of the Comprehensive Violence Reduction Partnership Task Force, which consists of representatives of the ATF, Detroit Police Department, Michigan State Police, Michigan Department of Corrections and FBI, law enforcement authorities linked various acts of violence in Detroit to the Vice Lords street gang, and identified the leaders and key members of the gang, who now have been held accountable.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The ATF, FBI and Detroit Police Department are investigating the case. Trial Attorney Joseph Wheatley of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Graveline and Mark Bilkovic of the Eastern District of Michigan are prosecuting the case.
Van Buren Man Pleads Guilty to Five Counts of Interstate Transporation of Minors for Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Fort Smith, Arkansas – Kenneth Elser, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Clarence C. Garretson, age 65, of Van Buren, Arkansas, appeared today in the United States District Court in Fort Smith before The Honorable Chief Judge P.K. Holmes, III and pleaded guilty to five counts of Interstate Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2423(a).
According to court records, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) initiated an investigation after a minor female (Minor #1) disclosed in May, 2016 that she had been raped by Garretson when he took her on a multi-state trip two years earlier. Garretson was an over-the-road truck driver for C & T Trucking company in Van Buren and he had requested and received a “rider waiver” from the trucking company so that the minor could accompany him on the trip. The minor was ten-years-old in 2014 and Garretson was 63 years old. Garretson stipulated and agreed in the plea agreement that he transported the minor in interstate commerce with the intent to engage in sexual activity with her and the sexual activity he engaged in with her was Rape, a Class Y felony.
During the course of the investigation, it was learned that in 1998 Garretson and his wife were approved by Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) to operate a foster home and later to become an adoptive home. The FBI Special Agent learned that DHS had received a report in 2002 from a foster child then living in the home that she had been sexually assaulted by Garretson. Based on that information, the agent began locating individuals who had been in foster care at the Garretson residence. Minor #2 was interviewed in June, 2016 and was a foster child in the home from 2000 to 2004. She disclosed that Garretson had taken her on over-the-road truck trips when she was his foster child. Garretson stipulated and agreed that he transported the minor in interstate commerce with the intent to engage in sexual activity with her, and that the sexual activity he engaged in with her was Violation of a Minor in the First Degree, a Class C felony. At the time of the offense, she was over 13 years of age, and less than 18 and the conduct engaged in was sexual intercourse. Garretson stipulated and agreed that Minor #2 was a foster child in his care, custody, and control when he transported her in interstate commerce with the intent to engage in sexual activity with her.
In 1999, DHS placed Minor #3 and his two older sisters in the Garretson home, and Minor #3 was legally adopted by them in 2001. Minor #3 was interviewed by the FBI Special Agent in July, 2016 and disclosed that Garretson had taken him on long distance truck trips starting in the summer of 2001 when he was 11 years old and that he had sexually assaulted him on multiple trips during summer vacation from school in 2002 and 2003. Garretson stipulated and agreed that he transported the minor in interstate commerce with the intent to engage in sexual activity with him, that the sexual activity he engaged in with him was Rape, a Class Y felony. Garretson stipulated and agreed that Minor #3 was in his care, custody and control when he transported him in interstate commerce with intent to engage in sexual activity with him.
In 1999, DHS placed Minor #5 and her two siblings in the Garretson home and she remained there until 2004. She was interviewed by the FBI Special Agent in July, 2016 and disclosed that she was sexually assaulted by Garretson on an over-the-road trip to California during the summer of 2000 when she was 13 years old. Garretson stipulated and agreed that he transported Minor #5 in interstate commerce with the intent to engage in sexual activity with her, that the sexual activity he engaged in with her was Rape, a Class Y felony, and that Minor #5 was in his care, custody, and control when he transported her in interstate commerce with intent to engage in sexual activity with her.
Minor #8 was born in 1993 and was interviewed by the FBI Special Agent in September, 2016. She stated that Garretson transported her and her siblings between Arkansas and California as a favor to her family since their parents lived in different states. She disclosed that in 2002 when she was 9 years old, Garretson had her sleep nude or partially nude in the bed with him inside the truck and engage in sexual activity with her. Garretson stipulated and agreed that he transported Minor #8 in interstate commerce with the intent to engage in sexual activity with her, and that the sexual activity he engaged in with her was Rape, a Class Y felony. He stipulated and agreed that Minor #8 was in his care, custody and control when he transported her in interstate commerce with the intent to engage in sexual activity with her.
Garretson was charged in a superseding indictment by a federal grand jury on October 4, 2016. Sentencing will be held at a later date.
The maximum penalty for count one of the superseding indictment is a maximum term of imprisonment for Life; a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment for 10 years; a maximum fine of $250,000; both imprisonment and fine. The maximum penalty for counts two, four, eight, and eleven are a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years per count; a maximum fine of $250,000 per count; both imprisonment and fine. 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 violations.
"Today’s guilty plea sends a clear cut message to those who want to take advantage of our children. We will find you and you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," stated Diane Upchurch, Special Agent in Charge at the FBI in Little Rock. "Garretson’s actions are horrifying and the FBI and the United States Attorney’s Office will work doggedly to put these predators behind bars. I commend the FBI personnel and the USAO in their efforts to bring justice to these young people."
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and assisted by the Van Buren Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Kyra Jenner and Candace Taylor prosecuted the case for the United States.
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Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov
United States Attorney Relating to November 2016 ElectionsRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - United States Attorney Mark F. Green announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Gregory Dean Burris will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general elections. AUSA Burris has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Green said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Green stated that AUSA/DEO Burris will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (918) 684-5100.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (918) 687-7500.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Green said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
United States Attorney Appoints District Election Officers for November 2016 BallotingRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian announced today that Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) Carl Eurenius in Syracuse and Solomon Shinerock in Albany will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general elections. AUSA Eurenius and AUSA Shinerock have been appointed to serve as the District Election Officers (DEOs) for the Northern District of New York and in that capacity are responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Hartunian said, “Our constitutional system of representative government depends on the protection of the right of every citizen to vote. We will act promptly and aggressively to address any efforts to deny or abridge voting rights, and to combat election fraud. Anyone with specific information about fraud, discrimination, or other interference with the integrity of the election process should make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting, may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The right to vote is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to vote exercise that right if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt the voting process are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Hartunian stated that AUSAs/DEOs Eurenius and Shinerock will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. AUSA Carl Eurenius in Syracuse can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (315) 448-0672. AUSA Solomon Shinerock in Albany can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (518) 431-0247.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The Syracuse FBI field office can be reached by the public at (315) 422-0141. The Albany FBI Office can be reached by the public at (518) 465-7551.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Appoints District Election Officer Pursuant to Nationwide Federal Election Day ProgramRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Leo J. Wise has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for Maryland in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general elections. AUSA Wise is responsible for overseeing the federal response to any complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with state authorities, the FBI, and Justice Department Headquarters.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
“The Justice Department’s nationwide election day program deters election fraud and discrimination and promotes public confidence in the election process,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. “Every U.S. Attorney appoints an election officer to review specific allegations of election fraud and voting rights violations, consult with state and federal authorities where appropriate, and pursue any evidence that warrants prosecution.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Rosenstein stated that AUSA/DEO Wise will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at 410-209-4800.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 410-265-8080.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at https://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Announces Program to Combat Election Fraud and Voting Rights ViolationsRead the Press Release
Savannah, GA: United States Attorney Edward J. Tarver announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) R. Brian Tanner will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general elections. AUSA Tanner has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Southern District of Georgia, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Tarver said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Tarver stated that AUSA/DEO Tanner will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at 912-652-4422.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field offices can be reached by the public at 912-790-3100 (Savannah), 912-265-2560 (Brunswick), 706-722-3702 (Augusta), and 912-764-6311 (Statesboro).
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/ complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Tarver said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
US Attorney’s office works to maintain election integrityRead the Press Release
Indianapolis – United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced today his office will lead the efforts in the Southern District of Indiana for the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general election. Minkler has assigned an Assistant United States Attorney to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Southern District of Indiana. The DEO is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Minkler said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to make their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Minkler stated that the DEO will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. The DEO can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: 317-226-6333.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 317-595-4000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or 202- 307-2767, by fax at 202-307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Minkler said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
US Attorney Magidson Names SDTX Election Officer for Upcoming ElectionRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Ruben Perez will lead the efforts of his office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming Nov. 8, 2016, general elections, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson. AUSA Perez has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Southern District of Texas, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the district’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department headquarters in Washington.
“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud,” said Magidson. “The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on Nov. 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, U.S. Attorney Magidson stated that AUSA/DEO Perez will be on duty in this district until at least 7:00 p.m. He can be reached by the public at 713-567-9344.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The Houston FBI field office can be reached by the public at 713-693-5000. For those in the South Texas area, the main number for the San Antonio FBI office is 210-225-6741.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC, by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
U.S. Attorney Magidson also said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my office, the FBI or the Civil Rights Division.”
U.S. Attorney’s Office to Conduct Election Day MonitoringRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — The U.S. Attorney’s Office will monitor the federal and local elections in Chicago and surrounding suburbs on Nov. 8, 2016, Zachary T. Fardon, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, announced today.
As part of the monitoring effort, the Office will operate a telephone hotline for candidates or the public to report complaints related to the voting process. Assistant U.S. Attorneys and other Office personnel will monitor the hotline and be available to respond to complaints as needed.
The hotline number, staffed on Election Day only, is (312) 469-6157.
“A citizen who is entitled to vote should in no way be prevented from doing so,” said Mr. Fardon. “Our Office will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the voting process.
In addition, the Federal Bureau of Investigation will have special agents available in each field office throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The Chicago FBI Field Office can be reached by phone at (312) 421-6700.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice. Violations of federal voting rights statutes carry penalties ranging from one to ten years in prison and fines of up to $250,000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can also be made directly to the Voting Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C., by phone at (800) 253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by email at [email protected], or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
For information as to the location and hours of polling locations, Illinois residents are advised to contact the Illinois State Board of Elections by logging on to www.elections.il.gov or by calling (312) 814-6440.
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas Releases Information on Election Day Efforts to Protect the Right to Vote and Prosecute Ballot FraudRead the Press Release
DALLAS – U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorney Mattie Compton will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general elections. AUSA Compton has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Northern District of Texas, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Parker. “The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, U.S. Attorney Parker stated that AUSA/DEO Compton will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. The public may reach her at 682-667-6723.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The Dallas FBI field office can be reached by the public at 972-559-5000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
U.S. Attorney Parker said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
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U.S. Attorneys Announce Appointment of District Election OfficersRead the Press Release
United States Attorneys Kerry B. Harvey and John E. Kuhn Jr., announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Ken Taylor and Assistant United States Attorney Tom Dyke, will lead the efforts of their Offices in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general elections. AUSA Taylor has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of Kentucky and AUSA Dyke has been appointed to serve as the DEO for the Western District of Kentucky, and in that capacity they are responsible for overseeing the Districts’ handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Kuhn said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to one of the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
Every citizen has a right to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fairly conducted election,” stated Kerry B. Harvey, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Ken Taylor will be on duty in Lexington, while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: (859) 685-4874 or (859) 321-9488. AUSA/DEO Tom Dyke will be on duty in Louisville, while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: (502) 625-7042 or (502) 381-1886.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field offices can be reached by the public at (859) 246-4700 in Lexington and (502) 263-6000 in Louisville.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
U.S. Attorneys Announce Appointment of District Election OfficersRead the Press Release
United States Attorneys Kerry B. Harvey and John E. Kuhn Jr., announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Ken Taylor and Assistant United States Attorney Tom Dyke, will lead the efforts of their Offices in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general elections. AUSA Taylor has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of Kentucky and AUSA Dyke has been appointed to serve as the DEO for the Western District of Kentucky, and in that capacity they are responsible for overseeing the Districts’ handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Kuhn said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to one of the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
Every citizen has a right to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fairly conducted election,” stated Kerry B. Harvey, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Ken Taylor will be on duty in Lexington, while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: (859) 685-4874 or (859) 321-9488. AUSA/DEO Tom Dyke will be on duty in Louisville, while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: (502) 625-7042 or (502) 381-1886.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field offices can be reached by the public at (859) 246-4700 in Lexington and (502) 263-6000 in Louisville.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
U.S. Attorney Williams Announces November 2016 Election Day Program and Appoints District Election OfficerRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore. – Billy J. Williams, United States Attorney for the District of Oregon, announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Adrian Brown will lead the District of Oregon’s efforts to protect voting rights and address complaints of election fraud and abuse in the upcoming November 8, 2016 general election. As the District Election Officer, AUSA Brown will oversee local implementation of the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program.
“It is the mission of the Department of Justice and all United States Attorney’s Offices to act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of our electoral process,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “Discrimination, voter interference, and election fraud will not be tolerated. I encourage anyone with knowledge of any voting abuses or fraud,” continued Williams, “to immediately contact my office, the FBI, or the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination wherever such acts occur. The Justice Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the electoral process. The appointment of a District Election Officer within each United States Attorney’s Office gives voters an easy way to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating, bribing, or impersonating voters, buying and selling votes, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. The law also contains special protections for the rights of voters and ensures that all voters can vote without the fear of intimidation or harassment. Actions intended to interrupt or intimidate voters violate federal voting rights law. Federal law also protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
To file complaints of election fraud or other voting rights abuses, please contact AUSA Brown at (503) 727-1000 or Special Agent Caleb Williams with the FBI’s Portland Field Office at (503) 224-4181. Additionally, complaints can filed directly with the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone (800-253-3931 or 202-307-2767), fax (202-307-3961), email ([email protected]), or online form (go.usa.gov/xkvn4).
U.S. Attorney Wifredo Ferrer Announces District Election Officer in Connection with the Justice Department’s Nationwide Election Day ProgramRead the Press Release
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Harry Wallace, of the Miami Office, will lead the U.S. Attorney’s Office efforts in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general elections. AUSA Wallace has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Southern District of Florida, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Wifredo Ferrer said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Wifredo Ferrer stated that AUSA/DEO Harry Wallace will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. AUSA Wallace can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (305) 961-9001.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (754) 703-2000.
Complaints about ballot access problems or discrimination can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, or by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Wifredo Ferrer said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
U.S. Attorney Polite Designates District Officer to Handle Voting Rights Complaints or November 8th ElectionsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorney Irene González will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming general elections on November 8, 2016. AUSA González has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of Louisiana. In that capacity she is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
U.S. Attorney Polite said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on Election Day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, U.S. Attorney Polite stated that AUSA Irene González will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. She can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: (504) 680-3000 and (504) 680-3077.
In addition, the FBI will have Special Agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (504) 816-3000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington by phone at (800) 253-3931 toll free or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961 or by TTY (202-305-0082). In addition, individuals may also report complaints, problems or concerns related to voting by fax 202-307-3961, by email to [email protected] and by complaint forms that may be submitted through a link on the department’s website: https://www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section.
U.S. Attorney Polite said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
U.S. Attorney Phillips Announces Appointment of Election Day OfficerRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips today announced the appointment of Assistant U.S. Attorney T. Patrick Martin to lead the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day program for the Nov. 8, 2016 general election.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Martin, who heads the Office’s Fraud and Public Corruption Section, will serve as the District Election Officer for the District of Columbia. In that capacity, he is responsible for overseeing the handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in the District of Columbia, in consultation with Justice Department headquarters.
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, Assistant U.S. Attorney Martin will be on duty in the District of Columbia while the polls are open. Assistant U.S. Attorney Martin can be reached by the public at 202-252-7732.
Nationally, the FBI has Special Agents in each Field Office and Resident Agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses. In the District of Columbia, the FBI’s Washington Field Office can be reached at 202-278-2000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
U.S. Attorney Ortiz Appoints District Election Officer to Monitor Integrity of PollsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – U.S. Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Eugenia M. Carris will lead the efforts of her Office to monitor the upcoming Nov. 8, 2016 general elections. The effort is part of the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program. AUSA Carris has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for Massachusetts, and is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
“Every citizen has the right to vote without interference or discrimination,” said U.S. Attorney Ortiz. “The Department of Justice is committed to preventing fraud on election day in polling locations throughout Massachusetts in order to aggressively protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
Voting is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to vote are able to exercise their right if they choose, and that those who seek to impede that right are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on Nov. 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Carris will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. She can be reached at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Boston at (617) 748-3100.
In addition, the FBI will have Special Agents Kevin Sheahan available in Boston and Joe Brannan available in Springfield to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (413) 732-0159.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
“Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate,” said U.S. Attorney Ortiz. “It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
U.S. Attorney Issues Press Release on Upcoming ElectionsRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI - United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced today that Assistant United States Attorney Alphonso Andrews will lead the efforts of his office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016 general elections. AUSA Andrews has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer for the Virgin Islands, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
"Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud,” U.S. Attorney Sharpe said. “The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, U.S. Attorney Sharpe stated that AUSA Andrews will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached at the following telephone number: 340-344-0503. In addition, the FBI will have special agents available to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The FBI can be reached at 340-777-3363.Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Sharpe said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez Designates District Election Officer for November 2016 ElectionsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez announced today that Assistant U.S. States Attorney (AUSA) Jeremy Peña will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general elections. AUSA Peña has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of New Mexico and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
U.S. Attorney Martinez said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, U.S. Attorney Martinez stated that AUSA/DEO Peña will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: 505-224-1451 (office) and 505-269-2038 (cellphone).
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 505-889-1300.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
U.S. Attorney Martinez said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
U.S. Attorney Benjamin Glassman Appoints District Election OfficersRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS -- United States Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman announced today that he has designated Election Officers in each of the district’s three offices who will lead the efforts in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general elections.
Glassman appointed:
Deputy Criminal Chief Gary Spartis in Columbus,
Deputy Criminal Chief Emily Glatfelter in Cincinnati,
Deputy Criminal Chief Laura Clemmens in Dayton.
As District Election Officers, they are responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
U.S. Attorney Glassman said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Glassman stated that the District Election Officers will be on duty in this District while the polls are open.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field offices can be reached by the public at 513 421-4310.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Glassman said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
U.S. Attorney Appoints Election OfficerRead the Press Release
HONOLULU -- United States Attorney Florence T. Nakakuni announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Michael Nammar will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general elections. AUSA Nammar has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of Hawaii, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Nakakuni said, "Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process."
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Nakakuni stated that AUSA/DEO Nammar will be on duty in this District while the polls are open (7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.). He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (808) 541-2850.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (808) 566-4300.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Nakakuni said, "Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division."
U.S. Attorney Announces Election Day Efforts to Protect the Right to VoteRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Chris Wansley will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general elections. AUSA Chris Wansley has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Southern District of Mississippi, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Gregory K. Davis said, "Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process."
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Gregory K. Davis stated that AUSA/DEO Chris Wansley will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (601) 965-4480.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (601) 948-5000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Gregory K. Davis said, "Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division."
U.S. Attorney Announces Election Day 2016 ProgramRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – United States Attorney Brian J. Stretch announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Michelle J. Kane will lead the efforts of the United States Attorney’s Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general elections. AUSA Kane has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Northern District of California, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Stretch stated that AUSA/DEO Kane will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. She can be reached by the public at (510) 637-3680.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (415) 553-7400.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
Two Women Found Guilty of Providing Material Support to TerroristsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Two women were convicted today of terrorism crimes related to their material support of al-Shabaab, a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Muna Osman Jama, 36, of Reston, and Hinda Osman Dhirane, 46, of Kent, Washington, were found guilty of conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, and providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization after a bench trial in front of U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga.
“Providing material support to foreign terrorist organizations is a very serious crime,” said Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “These women funneled money to a terrorist organization which was conducting a violent insurgency campaign in Somalia. National security is the top priority in this office and we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who provide material support to terrorists.”
“In addition to money they transferred in direct support of al-Shabaab, these subjects recruited, solicited, and advised an online group located in multiple countries as to how and where to transfer funds to this terrorist organization,” said Paul M. Abbate, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office. “In coordination of the group, these subjects would then track and facilitate donations to ensure the money was received by their co-conspirators located in Nairobi and Somaliland. Today's guilty verdicts send a message that facilitation of financial support to a designated terrorist organization equates to terrorist activity itself.”
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Jama and Dhirane sent money to financiers of al-Shabaab in Somalia and Kenya, which they referred to respectively as the “Hargeisa side” and the “Nairobi side.” The defendants also organized what was called a “Group of Fifteen,” which included women from Somalia, Kenya, Egypt, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Canada, as well as Minneapolis, Minnesota. The “Group of Fifteen” met regularly in a private chatroom that Jama established to organize and track monthly payment of money to the “Hargeisa side,” which was used to finance al-Shabaab military operations in the Golis Mountains in northern Somalia, and the “Nairobi side,” which was used to fund two al-Shabaab safehouses. One of the safehouses was used by al-Shabaab to store weapons and to prepare for attacks. The other was used to treat al-Shabaab fighters who had been wounded in battle.
A substantial part of the government’s case consisted of recorded telephone calls and other communications among the “Group of Fifteen.” These recordings demonstrated that the women had close connections with al-Shabaab leadership and were privy to non-public, inside information concerning al-Shabaab activities. Jama and Dhirane were recorded as they laughed as the carnage at the Westgate Mall in Nairobi was still taking place. Dhirane and co-conspirator were also recorded as they laughed at the Boston Marathon Bombing before it became known who committed the attack.
Jama and Dhirane each face a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison when sentenced on January 19, 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; Paul M. Abbate, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office; and Jay S. Tabb, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle Field Office, made the announcement after the verdict was announced. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James P. Gillis and Danya E. Atiyeh are prosecuting the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota also provided assistance with the case.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington, D.C. and Seattle Field Offices. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs also played an essential role in coordinating the arrests and searches with foreign authorities.
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. 1:14-cr-230.
Two Indicted for Conspiracy, Wire Fraud, and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced that a federal grand jury in Wilmington, North Carolina returned a five-count indictment charging JONES TYLER MARTIN and HAILEY TYKOSKI with conspiring to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and aiding and abetting.
The Indictment alleges that that from approximately 2013 to May, 2015, MARTIN created fake female identities on internet dating websites for the purpose of defrauding young enlisted male Marines into on-line relationships. TYKOSKI would use the fake female identities to communicate with some of the Marines by telephone and in person. The investigation further revealed that MARTIN and TYKOSKI, using these false identities, persuaded Marine victims to divulge personal identification and financial information, which the defendants subsequently used to their gain to fraudulently make wire transfers of money and to obtain credit in victims’ names.
Both defendants have been arrested. TYKOSKI was arrested in Michigan and has an initial appearance scheduled for November 29, 2016, in Wilmington, North Carolina. MARTIN was arrested in New Mexico and has an initial appearance scheduled for today in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
If convicted, the defendants face up to 30 years imprisonment on each conspiracy and wire fraud count. They also face 2 years consecutive imprisonment on each aggravated identity theft count.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Field Office Carolinas, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Two California Men Sentenced to Prison in Connection with Scheme to Defraud Struggling HomeownersRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that KOWIT YUKTANON, also known as “Eric Cannon” and “Aaron Brock,” 32, of Huntington Beach, Calif., and CUONG HUY KING, also known as “James Nolan” and “Jimmy, 32, of Westminster, Calif., have each been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for participating in an extensive mortgage loan modification scheme. YUKTANON was sentenced today and KING was sentenced yesterday. Judge Underhill also ordered both defendants to pay restitution in the amount of $2,390,496.59.
According to court documents and statements made in court, YUKTANON and KING worked at a California-based company that falsely purported to provide home mortgage loan modifications and other consumer debt relief services to numerous homeowners in Connecticut and across the United States in exchange for upfront fees. The company did business, at various times, as “First Choice Financial Group, Inc.,” “First Choice Financial,” “First Choice Debt,” “Legal Modification Firm,” “National Freedom Group,” “Home Care Alliance Group,” “Home Protection Firm,” “Hardship Center,” “Network Solutions Center, Inc.,” “Premiere Financial Center,” “Premiere Financial,” “Rescue Firm,” “International Research Group LLC,” “Hardship Solutions,” “American Loan Center,” “Loan Retention Firm,” “Clear Vision Financial,” “Green Tree Financial Group,” “Green Tree Financial,” “Enigma Fund, Inc.,” “National Aid Group,” “Southern Chapman Group LLC,” “Save Point Financial,” “Best Rate Financial Solutions,” “Best Rate Financial Solution,” “Best Rate Financial,” “Best Rate Finance Group,” and “Nation Star Financial.”
Aria Maleki presided over the entire structure of this scheme, and YUKTANON and KING were junior members of the sales team. Acting as representatives of the above-named entities, YUKTANON, KING and others cold-called homeowners and offered to provide mortgage loan modification services to those who were having difficulty repaying their home mortgage loans. The defendants charged homeowners fees that typically ranged from approximately $2,500 to $4,300 for their services. To induce homeowners to pay these fees, the defendants falsely represented that the homeowners already had been approved for mortgage loan modifications on extremely favorable terms; the mortgage loan modifications already had been negotiated with the homeowners’ lenders; the homeowners qualified for and would receive financial assistance under various government mortgage relief programs, including the Troubled Asset Relief Program and the Home Affordable Modification Program; and if for some reason the mortgage loan modifications fell through, the homeowners would be entitled to a full refund of their fees.
In fact, the homeowners had not been preapproved for mortgage loan modifications with lenders, mortgage loan modifications had not been negotiated with the lenders, homeowners had not qualified for and did not receive any financial assistance through government mortgage relief programs, and homeowners did not receive a refund of their fees upon request. Few homeowners ever received any type of mortgage loan modification through the defendants’ company, and few homeowners received refunds of their fees.
Participants in the scheme used pseudonyms and periodically changed their business and operating names to evade detection. The defendants also directed homeowners to mail their checks to addresses and mail boxes that Maleki and others had set up in states other than California.
As a result of this scheme, more than 1,000 homeowners suffered losses totaling more than $3 million.
On January 21, 2016, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Maleki, YUKATANON, KING and four other California residents with conspiracy and fraud offenses related to this scheme. The defendants were arrested on January 26.
YUKATANON and KING each pleaded guilty to one count of misprision of a felony.
Maleki pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and, on July 18, 2016, he was sentenced to 112 months of imprisonment. He also forfeited approximately $350,000 that investigators seized from various bank accounts, approximately $362,000 sized from a Bitcoin account, a $100,000 cashier’s check, and a 2013 Ferrari 458 Italia.
This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Office of the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General, and Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry.
Twin Cities Man Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking of Teenage GirlsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger today announced the sentencing of PHILLIP DWAYNE LOYD a/k/a “PC,” 45, for trafficking three teenage girls for the purpose of commercial sex and production of child pornography. LOYD pleaded guilty on January 25, 2016 and was sentenced yesterday before U.S. District Chief Judge John R. Tunheim.
“Phillip Loyd is a serial predator who bragged that sex trafficking is an essential part of who he is,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Provinzino. “While Loyd spends the next 27 years in prison, the girls he harmed can work to recover from the abuse suffered at his hands. This office will aggressively seek to hold accountable predators like Loyd and give hope to young victims.”
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, between January 14, 2015, and January 27, 2015, LOYD, who is a registered sex offender, and his co-defendant RAQUEL MONE BELCHER, trafficked three girls in and around the Twin Cities for the purpose of commercial sex. LOYD and BELCHER advertised at least one of the girls for commercial sex on backpage.com.
All three victims were under the age of eighteen. During this time, LOYD also made pornographic videos of one of the minor victims engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
BELCHER pleaded guilty on June 21, 2016, to conspiring with LOYD to commit sex trafficking of minors. She was sentenced to 52 months in prison.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
If you know of any child who may have been a victim of exploitation, please call the National Center for Missing or Exploited Children (NCMEC) at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or visit NCMEC’s web site at www.missingkids.com.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the Minneapolis Police Department, Saint Paul Police Department, Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Marshals.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura M. Provinzino.
Defendant Information:
PHILLIP DWAYNE LOYD a/k/a “PC,” 45
Coon Rapids, Minn.
Convicted:
- Sex trafficking of a minor, 1 count
- Production of child pornography, 1 count
Sentenced:
- 27 years in prison
- 20 years supervised release
RAQUEL MONE BELCHER, 30
Minneapolis, Minn.
Convicted:
- Conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors, 1 count
Sentenced:
- 52 months in prison
- 10 years supervised release
###
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Twelve Defendants Plead Guilty to Marriage and Visa Immigration FraudRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – United States Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Special Agent in Charge Raymond R. Parmer Jr., of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations - New Orleans Field Office, announced today that twelve defendants have entered guilty pleas admitting to U-Visa fraud and marriage fraud in two separate cases.
Three defendants have entered guilty pleas to conspiracy charges in both cases. Sachin Girishkumar Patel, 33, of Clinton, Mississippi; Tarunkumar Purushottambhai Patel, 49, of Kingdom City, Missouri; and Simpson Lloyd Goodman, 29, of Waynesboro, Georgia, admitted to their roles in conspiracies to commit U-Visa fraud and to commit marriage fraud. Sachin G. Patel and Tarunkumar Patel both admitted to conspiring to obtain fraudulent U-Visas for non-citizens and to obtain fraudulent marriage visas by arranging fraudulent marriages to U.S. citizens. Simpson Lloyd Goodman, a licensed attorney, admitted to drafting and submitting false applications and documents in an attempt to fraudulently obtain U-visas and marriage visas for otherwise ineligible individuals referred to him by Sachin G. Patel and Tarunkumar Patel.
In the 16 count U-Visa Fraud indictment, it is alleged that Law Enforcement Certification forms purporting to certify that aliens were victims of certain crimes, were submitted to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) along with the U-Visa applications. The forms fraudulently listed individuals as victims of certain crimes in Jackson, Mississippi in an effort to obtain U-Visas. To be eligible for a U-Visa, the alien must have (1) been a victim of a certain crime; (2) suffered mental or physical abuse as a result of the crime; and (3) helped law enforcement officials in the investigation and/or prosecution of the crime. In this case, the forms fraudulently listed individuals as victims of certain crimes in an effort to obtain U-Visas.
The defendants admitted that they were not victims of crime in Jackson, Mississippi, and some of them admitted that they were not even in Jackson at the time that the alleged crimes occurred. Officer Ivory Lee Harris of the Jackson Police Department, admitted that he was paid in cash to prepare false police reports that were submitted in support of the fraudulent U-Visa applications.
The following defendants have entered guilty pleas in the U-Visa fraud case for their roles in committing fraud and misuse of U-Visa permits:
Sachin Girishkumar Patel, 33, of Clinton, Mississippi;
Tarunkumar Purushottambhai Patel, 49, of Kingdom City, Missouri;
Simpson Lloyd Goodman, 29, of Waynesboro, Georgia;
Ivory Lee Harris, 45, of Jackson, Mississippi;
Sanjay Rathilal Patel, 35, of Lakewood, New Jersey;
Maheshkumar Mangaldas Patel, 50, of Houston, Texas; and
Rajan Nareshkumar Patel, 31, currently incarcerated in Adams County, Mississippi;
Four other individuals charged in the U-Visa case are currently scheduled to go to trial in January.
In the 16 count marriage fraud indictment, it is alleged that the aliens would enter into marriages with citizens of the United States solely for the purpose of obtaining immigration status to which the aliens would not otherwise be entitled. These marriages were solely to obtain immigration status for the alien partner, and the U.S. citizens were paid to enter into these fraudulent marriages.
The following defendants have entered guilty pleas in the marriage fraud case for their roles in a conspiracy to commit marriage fraud:
Sachin Girishkumar Patel, 33, of Clinton, Mississippi;
Tarunkumar Purushottambhai Patel, 49, of Kingdom City, Missouri;
Simpson Lloyd Goodman, 29, of Waynesboro, Georgia;
Chirag Nilesh Patel, 27, of St. Louis, Missouri;
Dana Cheetara Adams, 29, of Plano, Texas;
Brandy Nicole Edwards, 34, of Crystal Springs, Mississippi
Virendra Rambachan Rajput, 45, of Lawrence, Massachusetts; and
Javona Shanice Rajput, 27, of Jackson, Mississippi
Three other individuals charged in the marriage fraud indictment are currently scheduled to go to trial in January.
"We are committed to protecting our nation’s immigration system from all forms of fraud," said U.S. Attorney Gregory Davis. "The integrity of our nation’s immigration system will continue to be a priority of this office as we work together with our outstanding law enforcement partners at HSI and USCIS."
"It is an honor and privilege to become an American citizen", said Special Agent in Charge of HSI New Orleans Raymond R. Parmer, Jr. "Fraudulently obtaining citizenship compromises the integrity of our legal immigration system. We will continue to work with our state and federal partners to bring violators of our immigration laws to justice." Parmer is the Special Agent in Charge of the New Orleans field office with responsibility for Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, and Tennessee.
The maximum penalties for the crimes charged in the indictments are: conspiracy to commit fraud and misuse of visa permits - 5 years in prison and $250,000 fine per count; fraud and misuse of Visa permits - 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count; marriage fraud - 5 years in prison and $250,000 fine per count; mail fraud - 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count; and wire fraud – 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jerry Rushing and Dave Fulcher.
As to those defendants who have not entered a guilty plea, the public is reminded that an indictment is a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Tonawanda Man Sentenced on Multiple Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Elijah Iverson, 39, of Tonawanda, NY, who was convicted following a jury trial of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, maintaining a drug involved premises, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, was sentenced to 180 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael P. Felicetta and Joel L. Violanti, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that on October 22, 2014, the defendant called the Tonawanda, NY Police Department and stated that an individual with a gun was attempting to get into his Kenmore Avenue apartment. When officers arrived, there was no sign of the alleged gunman.
Subsequently, officers went into Iverson’s apartment to speak with him about the incident. As the defendant was talking with officers, a police canine detected narcotics in the apartment. Iverson admitted to having a small amount of marijuana and powder cocaine which he surrendered to the officers but refused a full search of the apartment. As a result, officers obtained a search warrant and returned the next day.
During the full search, officers recovered an assault weapon, ammunition, a pound of marijuana and cash in a safe in Iverson’s bedroom closet. In addition, officers recovered more rounds of ammunition and approximately two ounces of crack cocaine in a bedroom used by the defendant’s young daughter.
Iverson has three prior felony convictions in state court which prevented him from legally possessing firearms.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief Jerome C. Uschold and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ashan M. Benedict, New York Field Division.
Ten Assisted Living Facility Owners Indicted for Receipt of Health Care Kickbacks and Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
Ten owners of Miami-Dade assisted living facilities have been charged with participating in a health care fraud scheme and for receiving kickbacks, in violation of Title 18, United Sates Code, Section 1347 and Title 42, United States Code, Section 1320.
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Pam Bondi, Florida Attorney General, Shimon R. Richmond, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.
Marlene Marrero, 60, of Miami, Blanca Orozco, 69, of Miramar, Norma Casanova, 67, of Miami Lakes, Yeny De Erbiti, 51, of Miami, Rene Vega, 57, of Miami, Maribel Galvan, 43, of Miami Lakes, Dianelys Perez, 34, of Miami Gardens, Osniel Vera, 47, of Hialeah, Alicia Almeida, 56, of Miami Lakes, and Jorge Rodriguez, 57, of Hialeah, are charged in a 30-count indictment for receiving cash kickbacks and bribes in return for referring individuals residing in their assisted living facilities to the former owner of Florida Pharmacy Inc., a Miami-Dade company, for prescription medications and durable medical equipment paid for by Medicare and Florida Medicaid.
The indictment also charges these ten individuals with health care fraud for allegedly participating in a scheme where they signed and submitted Non-Institutional Medicaid Provider Agreements wherein they falsely represented to Medicaid that they would comply with state and federal laws and all agency rules contained in the Florida Medicaid Provider Handbook which prohibits the solicitation and receipt of kickbacks. As a result of the defendants’ submission of these false and fraudulent documents Medicaid renewed their provider numbers which allowed them to continue to submit claims for services purportedly rendered to eligible Medicaid beneficiaries. The defendants caused their assisted living facilities to submit false claims to Medicaid. As a result of these false and fraudulent claims, Medicaid made payments to the assisted living facilities owned and operated by the defendants.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners remain committed to prosecuting members of the South Florida assisted living community who fraudulently use the Medicare and Medicaid benefits of their residents to obtain illegal bribes and kickbacks,” stated U.S. Attorney Wifredo Ferrer.
Attorney General Pam Bondi stated, “We will not allow anyone to take advantage of seniors to defraud the Medicaid program. Thanks to the joint investigative efforts of my Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and our federal partners, this scheme has been stopped and those responsible will be held accountable.”
“No matter what the scheme or how elaborately disguised, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will investigate and prosecute Medicare fraud to the fullest extent of the law,” said George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Miami.
The case is being investigated by the FBI, HHS-OIG, and the State of Florida’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, under the supervision of U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Hagerenesh Simmons.
Since their inception in March 2007, Medicare Fraud Strike Force operations in nine cities have charged more than 2,180 defendants who collectively have falsely billed the Medicare program for more than $6.5 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
An indictment is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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.
Stockton Real Estate Agent Sentenced to over 3 Years in Prison for Role in Mortgage Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Lillian Marquez, 41, of Stockton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez to three years and one month in prison for conspiring to commit mortgage fraud, Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
Marquez pleaded guilty on June 14, 2016. On September 20, 2016, co-defendant Michael Keatts, 59, of Stockton, was also sentenced to three years and one month in prison for his role in the conspiracy. Both Marquez and Keatts were ordered to pay $193,134 in restitution to financial institutions harmed by their scheme.
According to court documents, from February of 2006, through at least August of 2012, Marquez and Keatts operated Colonial Home and Business Services in Stockton. Both defendants were licensed real estate agents who assisted clients in purchasing and selling homes. They both participated in supplying false information to mortgage lending institutions indicating that clients were employed by various businesses that the defendants set up and controlled. In fact, these clients were not employed by those businesses and their actual income from their true employment was far less than what was represented to lending institutions. To support these false claims, the defendants created and submitted fraudulent paystubs and tax documents falsely stating that their clients were so employed.
In addition, both defendants engaged in short sale fraud, in which they assisted clients facing default on their current loans to arrange for short sales of their properties. Unbeknownst to the lending institutions, the defendants arranged for the properties to be sold to straw buyers. The original owners would remain in the properties, and enjoy the benefits of the new loans that the lenders assumed were made to other individuals.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Assistant United States Attorney Philip Ferrari prosecuted the case.
Statement by United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr., Relating to November 2016 ElectionsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr. announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Tom Moore will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general elections. AUSA Moore has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Western District of Texas, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Durbin said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Durbin stated that AUSA/DEO Moore will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at (210) 384-7188.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The San Antonio FBI field office can be reached by the public at (210) 225-6741; the El Paso FBI field office, at (915) 832-5000.
Elections Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Durbin said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
Sinaloa Cartel Trafficker Victor Emilio Cazares Gastellum Sentenced to 180 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Orlando Gutierrez (619) 546-6958
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 25, 2016
SAN DIEGO – Drug kingpin Victor Emilio Cazares Gastellum, who for years was one of the United States’ most-wanted Mexican drug trafficking suspects, was sentenced in federal court today to 180 months in custody for his role as the leader of a large-scale narcotics trafficking organization.
Cazares, also known as “El Licenciado,” was indicted by a federal grand jury in San Diego in 2007, along with 18 of his suspected lieutenants and foot soldiers. Cazares’ organization shipped multi-ton quantities of drugs from Colombia and Venezuela through Central America to Mexico. The narcotics were then smuggled across the Southwestern border, eventually making their way throughout the United States.
During today’s sentencing hearing before U.S. District Judge William Q. Hayes, Cazares was also ordered to forfeit $10 million which he admitted represented proceeds from his drug distribution activities. Prior to his sentencing, Cazares provided the government with $150,000 cashier’s check as a partial initial payment.
According to his plea agreement, Cazares admitted he was the head of a large-scale Mexico-based drug distribution organization referred to as the “Cazares Organization.” The Cazares Organization was a vertical drug trafficking organization responsible for purchasing and coordinating the importation and distribution of controlled substances from Mexico into the United States.
Cazares admitted that during the course of the conspiracy, he was responsible for distributing more than 450 kilograms of cocaine within the Southern District of California. Cazares utilized a narcotics transportation cell that imported Cazares’s controlled substances into the United States.
The United States issued a provisional arrest warrant for Cazares following his indictment, and the U.S. Department of State offered a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to his arrest and/or conviction. Cazares was captured by Mexican authorities about five years later, on April 8, 2012, at a highway checkpoint near the western city of Guadalajara.
Cazares was believed to be aligned with Joaquin “Chapo” Guzman, former leader of the Sinaloa drug cartel, one of the most notorious and violent drug trafficking organizations operating in Mexico. The Sinaloa Cartel imports and distributes hundreds of tons of cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana into the United States each year.
The underlying indictments were announced at a news conference in San Diego by then Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. The 22-month sting, code-named “Operation Imperial Emperor,” resulted in the nationwide arrests of 402 people suspected of working for the cartel, more than $45 million in cash and tons of cocaine, heroin and marijuana.
DEFENDANT Case Number: 07CR0449
Victor Emilio Cazares Gastellum Age: 53
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substance, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. 846 and 841(a)(1);
AGENCIES
Drug Enforcement Administration
El Centro Police Department
San Jacinto Man Affiliated with Riverside Gang Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A San Jacinto man affiliated with the Riverside San Jacinto First Street gang was sentenced to a decade in prison yesterday for his role in methamphetamine trafficking.
Luis Miguel Castro, aka “Fat Boy,” 27, was sentenced by United States District Judge Dale S. Fischer, who found that Castro was affiliated with the gang.
Castro pled guilty earlier this year to possession with the intent to distribute three large plastic bags containing over a half-pound of methamphetamine, approximately 1,080 days of daily personal use.
“Criminal street gangs continue to sell dangerous drugs as a major source of revenue, so the Department of Justice will continue to attack these gangs by seeking imprisonment for drug-traffickers affiliated with them,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “The convictions and sentences in this case demonstrate how cooperation between state and federal law enforcement can bring positive results for a community.”
In its sentencing memorandum, prosecutors said, “Methamphetamine is a highly addictive and harmful controlled substance that wreaks havoc on communities across the country.” Prosecutors also argued that Castro was a member of the San Jacinto First Street gang.
Castro was the lead defendant in the indictment which also charged four other defendants with distribution of methamphetamine. Three defendants were previously convicted in this case and are currently serving federal prison sentences:
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Roberto Alvarado, 30, San Jacinto, was sentenced last week to 63 months in custody for possession with intent distribute methamphetamine;
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Terri Lynne Valenzuela, 50, San Jacinto, was sentenced in June to 78 months in custody for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; and
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Victor Chavez, 26, San Jacinto, was sentenced in February to five years in custody, consecutive to his state court sentences, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
As a condition of their sentences, these defendants were prohibited from associating with known members of the San Jacinto First Street gang.
“In conjunction with our law enforcement partners, DEA continues to target and combat the violent criminal street gangs engaged in the distribution of narcotics in our local communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Steve Comer. “The San Jacinto First Street gang, a Riverside County based organization with a history of murder, home invasions, weapons violations and narcotics sales, has been decimated as a result of recent efforts by DEA and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.”
In a trial earlier this year, the fifth defendant charged in the indictment, Juan Carillo, was acquitted of both charges against him.
The case against Castro was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jay Robinson of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section and Sandhya Ramadas of the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force Section.
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Queensbury Contractor Sentenced for Income Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jason Holcomb, age 46, of Queensbury, New York, was sentenced yesterday to serve 4 months in prison for evading income taxes.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Shantelle P. Kitchen, Special Agent in Charge of Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation’s New York Field Office.
U.S. District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also sentenced Holcomb to serve 2 years of post-imprisonment supervised release, during which time Holcomb will be required to spend weekends in jail for 6 months, and to pay $538,948.31 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.
As part of his guilty plea, Holcomb admitted that while working as a construction contractor, he concealed his assets by putting assets in the names of other people and using cash to try to hide his income from the government. Holcomb did so in order to evade payment of $193,215 in income taxes, and more than $345,000 in interest and penalties.
This case was investigated by the New York Field Office of IRS-Criminal Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Coffman.
Prosecutor Appointed as District Election OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Dawn N. Ison will lead the efforts of her Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general elections. AUSA Ison has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of District, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade stated that AUSA/DEO Ison will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. She can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (313) 226-9567.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (313) 965-2323.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
Press Release by United States Attorney Relating to November 2016 ElectionsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Rick L. Volk will once again be leading the efforts of the Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general elections. AUSA Volk has served as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of North Dakota for several years, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints regarding election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
USA Myers stated, "Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process."
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as: intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them or by photographing or videotaping them under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, USA Myers stated that AUSA/DEO Volk will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (701) 530-2420.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (763) 569-8000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC, by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
USA Myers further stated, "Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to our Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division."
Portland Strip Club Operators Sentenced to Prison for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore. – On Tuesday, October 25, 2016, U.S. District Robert E. Jones sentenced David G. Kiraz to 3 years in federal prison and 3 years’ supervised release, George D. Kiraz to 3 years in federal prison and 3 years’ supervised release, and Daniel G. Kiraz to 12 months and one day in federal prison after their trial conviction in May 2016.
All three men were convicted for conspiring to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Additionally, David Kiraz was convicted for filing false income tax returns, and George and Daniel Kiraz for aiding and assisting the filing of a false income tax return. Judge Jones also ordered the defendants to pay restitution of $511,754 to the IRS and $137,654 to the Oregon Department of Revenue.
The defendants operated Cabaret Lounge, a strip club located at 503 W Burnside Street in Portland and Cabaret Lounge II, a strip club located at 17544 SE Stark Street in Gresham. From 2007 through 2010 these clubs collected over $1,500,000 in cover charges and dancer stage fees, all in cash. To hide this money from the IRS, the defendants maintained two sets of books, one set that accurately accounted for all cover charges and dancer fees, and another that did not.
For each year alleged in the indictment, the defendants reported their business activity on the individual income tax return of defendant David Kiraz using a Schedule C, “Profit or Loss from Business.” The defendants knowingly provided their tax return preparers only a two-page summary from the false set of books rather than providing the accurate financial information. This resulted in David Kiraz intentionally underreporting $1,501,874 in taxable income, and causing a federal tax loss of $511,754 and a state tax loss of $137,654 for tax years 2007 through 2010.
“These sentences are significant sanctions for serious crimes,” said Billy J. Williams, United States Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Business owners who deal extensively in cash have the same legal obligation to pay their fair share of taxes as does everyone else. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and IRS,” continued Williams, “will continue to work together to identify and prosecute those who cheat the tax system.”
“Skimming cash and keeping two sets of books cheats not only the United States, but also honest taxpayers that play by the rules and pay their fair share of taxes,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo. “The Department and the IRS will continue to make the investigation and prosecution of tax evaders like David, George and Daniel Kiraz, a top priority.”
“Our nation’s tax system funds many government services to include our military, infrastructure, and other vital services, so essentially, the Kiraz’s weren’t just cheating the IRS, they were cheating the men and women of our armed forces, anyone who drives our highways, and those who rely on any number of social services for their wellbeing,” said Special Agent in Charge Darrell Waldon of IRS Criminal Investigation. “Moreover, besides depriving the U.S. Treasury, tax scoffs shift their tax burden to every taxpayer who pays an honest tax, essentially robbing each and every one of us.”
This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigations. It was prosecuted by Quinn P. Harrington and Seth D. Uram, Assistant United States Attorneys for the District of Oregon, and by Department of Justice Tax Division Trial Attorney Leslie A. Goemaat.
Peach Springs Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Aggravated AssaultRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On Oct. 24, 2016, Lonewolf Deray Havatone, Sr., 34, of Peach Springs, Ariz., a member of the Havasupai Tribe, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John J. Tuchi to 59 months in federal prison, followed by a term of three years of supervised release. Havatone had previously pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. The 59-month sentence reflects a five-month reduction for the time Havatone spent in tribal custody for the same incident.
On Sept. 23, 2014, Havatone, a convicted felon, assaulted the victim, a member of the Hualapai tribe, by striking her with a rifle and threatening to kill her. He then fled on foot still armed with the rifle, requiring Hualapai Police Department officers to engage in a foot chase to apprehend him. The incident occurred on the Hualapai Nation Indian Reservation.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Hualapai Nation Police. The prosecution was handled by Christina Covault, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-15-8268-JJT
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-094_ Havatone
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Oregon Strip Club Operators Sentenced to Prison for Conspiring to Defraud the IRSRead the Press Release
Maintained Double Set of Books to Conceal $1.5 Million and Evade $650,000 in Taxes
Three family members who operated Portland, Oregon area strip clubs were sentenced to prison today for conspiring to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo, head of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, and U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams for the District of Oregon.
David Kiraz, 34, of Happy Valley, Oregon, was sentenced to serve 36 months in prison, George Kiraz, 56, of Portland, was sentenced to serve 36 months in prison and Daniel Kiraz, 32, of Portland, was sentenced to serve 12 months and one day in prison, for hiding $1.5 million in income from the IRS and evading more than $650,000 in income taxes.
“Skimming cash and keeping two sets of books cheats not only the United States, but also honest taxpayers that play by the rules and pay their fair share of taxes,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo. “The department and the IRS will continue to make the investigation and prosecution of tax evaders like David, George and Daniel Kiraz, a top priority.”
“These sentences are significant sanctions for serious crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “Business owners who deal extensively in cash have the same legal obligation to pay their fair share of taxes as does everyone else. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and IRS will continue to work together to identify and prosecute those who cheat the tax system.”
“Our nation’s tax system funds many government services to include our military, infrastructure and other vital services, so essentially, the Kiraz’s weren’t just cheating the IRS, they were cheating the men and women of our armed forces, anyone who drives our highways and those who rely on any number of social services for their well-being,” said Special Agent in Charge Darrell Waldon of IRS Criminal Investigation. “Moreover, besides depriving the U.S. Treasury, tax scoffs shift their tax burden to every taxpayer who pays an honest tax, essentially robbing each and every one of us.”
In May, David Kiraz, his father George D. Kiraz and David’s brother Daniel Kiraz were convicted of conspiracy to defraud the IRS and charges related to filing false tax returns. The Kirazes operated two strip clubs in the Portland area, Cabaret Lounge I and Cabaret Lounge II. From 2007 through 2010, the Kirazes’ strip clubs collected more than $1.5 million in cash door charges and dancer stage fees. The Kirazes maintained a double set of books, tracking these charges and fees in one set of books that was stored at David Kiraz’s residence, and omitting the receipts in a second set of books that the Kirazes provided to their return preparers, intentionally causing them to prepare and file false income tax returns for David Kiraz that failed to report between $330,000 and $460,000 in door and stage fees each year. The defendants evaded more than $650,000 in federal and state income taxes for tax years 2007 through 2010.
In addition to the prison terms imposed, George and David Kiraz were also ordered to serve three years of supervised release and to pay more than $650,000 in restitution to the IRS and the Oregon Department of Revenue. Daniel Kiraz was ordered to pay more than $125,000 in restitution.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo commended the special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorney Leslie A. Goemaat of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth D. Uram and Quinn P. Harrington, who prosecuted the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.