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Friday 7 October 2016
Owner of Florida Home Health Agency Convicted in Multimillion-Dollar Health Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
The owner of a Tampa, Florida, home health agency was convicted by a federal jury for her participation in a multimillion-dollar health care fraud and money laundering scheme.
Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney A. Lee Bentley III of the Middle District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Shimon R. Richmond of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Miami Regional Office and Special Agent in Charge Paul Wysopal of the FBI’s Tampa Field Office made the announcement.
Pilar Garcia Lorenzo (Garcia), 38, of Tampa, the owner of Gold Care Home Health Services Inc. (Gold Care), was convicted late yesterday of one count each of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering and money laundering following a jury trial before U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell of the Middle District of Florida. Sentencing has been scheduled for Jan. 5, 2017.
According to evidence presented at trial, in late summer 2014 Gold Care submitted millions of dollars’ worth of false and fraudulent claims to Medicare. The claims were for home health services that had never been provided and had not been legitimately prescribed by a physician. As a result of those false and fraudulent claims, Medicare reimbursed Gold Care approximately $2.5 million. Garcia used a “straw” or nominee owner in an effort to execute and conceal the fraudulent scheme, the evidence showed. Approximately $2 million of the fraud proceeds her company received were laundered in cash transactions through fictitious shell companies located in Hialeah, Florida.
HHS-OIG and FBI investigated the case, which was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, under the supervision of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Middle District of Florida. This case is being prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorney Christopher J. Hunter and Trial Attorney Angela Adams of the Fraud Section.
Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, now operating in nine cities across the country, has charged over 2,900 defendants who collectively have billed the Medicare program for over $10 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
To learn more about the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT), go to www.stopmedicarefraud.gov.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty in Conspiracy to Traffic HeroinRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that EARL BROWN, age 31, of New Orleans, pled guilty today to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin.
BROWN was one of eight defendants charged in a 21-count Superseding Indictment on September 18, 2015. According to court documents, this Superseding Indictment resulted from an FBI investigation into a heroin-trafficking organization operating primarily around Loyola Avenue and Harmony Street in Central City. The sources of heroin for this organization traveled via Megabus from Houston to New Orleans, carrying half-kilogram quantities of heroin for distribution in the New Orleans area.
BROWN is facing a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, as well as a possible fine of up to $1,000,000. U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier will sentence BROWN on January 12, 2017.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the FBI New Orleans Gang Task Force (NOGTF), Saint Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Long is in charge of the prosecution.
National Center for Disaster Fraud Combats Fraud Related to Historic Flooding in Baton Rouge AreaRead the Press Release
BATON ROUGE, LA – The National Center for Disaster Fraud (“NCDF”) announced today its efforts to combat disaster fraud related to the historic flooding event in the Baton Rouge region in August 2016.
The NCDF – which includes over 30 federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies - was established by the U.S. Department of Justice following Hurricane Katrina and is led by United States Attorney Walt Green who serves as its Executive Director.
The NCDF provides a nationwide call center for members of the public to report all types of disaster fraud, as well as a team of law enforcement agents who review those reports and make referrals to the appropriate investigative agencies. It provides de-confliction, coordination, and expertise in handling disaster fraud matters and is focused on protecting disaster victims and any funds dedicated to disaster victims. The Disaster Fraud Hotline is 1-866-720-5721.
The NCDF has received more than 68,000 complaints involving over 40 different disasters, resulting in over 50,000 referrals to law enforcement agencies. With regard to the flooding in Baton Rouge specifically, the NCDF has already received over 1200 complaints.
U.S. Attorney and NCDF Executive Director Green stated: “The NCDF and its partners are united in the common belief that those who fraudulently exploit tragedy and disaster for personal gain must be aggressively investigated and prosecuted. I am proud of the vast coalition of law enforcement agencies for every level that have come together under the NCDF umbrella to combat those fraudsters who invariably seek to take advantage of communities suffering from disasters.”
Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry stated: “Our office will continue to do all we can to assist those impacted by the flooding. From receiving and investigating consumer complaints to educating victims of potential scams, the Louisiana Department of Justice remains dedicated to serving the people of our State and their precious tax dollars. We stand united with our partners to ensure the storm’s victims receive the help they need and do not fall prey to those who want to exploit the system.”
FBI New Orleans Division Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Sallet stated: “Unfortunately, not only has our state witnessed yet another catastrophic disaster, but along with these floods comes the possibility for fraud and abuse regarding disaster relief funding. While Louisiana residents are attempting to rebuild and repair their lives and homes, there are those who will try to take advantage of the situation and attempt to illegally acquire funds they are not entitled to. The FBI New Orleans Division will continue to seamlessly work with our federal, state and local partners in order to investigate fraudulent claims and contractor abuse.”
“It is disheartening that in the aftermath of a natural disaster, criminal elements attempt to steal funds intended to provide relief to victims,” said Michael Breslin, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Criminal Investigative Division. “Disaster related fraud is not only detrimental to our nation’s financial infrastructure, it slows the process of providing much needed resources to those who have lost so much. For this reason, the Secret Service remains a committed partner of the National Center for Disaster Fraud and will relentlessly protect the process to provide financial relief to the victims.”
“The DHS Office of Inspector General has been an enthusiastic participant in the National Center for Disaster Fraud Task Force since its inception,” said Inspector General John Roth. “We continue to work with our Task Force partners to address and combat waste, fraud, and abuse arising out of the recent flooding in Louisiana, ensuring that FEMA emergency assistance is going to the disaster survivors that need it. Suspected fraud or scams should be reported toll-free to the Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721.”
District Attorney Ricky Babin of the 23rd Judicial District Court stated: “The flood of 2016 has brought unprecedented human and financial loss to our communities. The 23rd Judicial District Attorney’s office is proud to join our Federal and State law enforcement partners to hold accountable any person who engages in fraud or attempts to take advantage of the victims of this natural disaster. The victims of this event have already suffered staggering devastation. This joint effort will pool our resources to focus on predatory practices that may cause further losses.”
Ascension Parish Sheriff Jeffrey Wiley stated: “The last thing that victims of flood damage need is to be victimized again. This task force will involve all levels of law enforcement and will serve an important mission, to protect those that need it the most.”
Federal Agencies
- U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana
- U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division
- U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust Division
- U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Division
- U.S. Secret Service
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- NOAA Office of Law Enforcement
- U.S. Coast Guard, Inspective Service
- U.S. Postal Inspection Service
- U.S. Department of Defense, Criminal Investigative Service
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Inspector General
- U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Investigations
- U.S. General Services Administration, Office of Inspector General
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General
- U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General
- U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General
- U.S. Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General
- U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General
- U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division
State Agencies
- Louisiana Attorney General’s Office
- District Attorney’s Office for the 19th Judicial District
- District Attorney’s Office for the 23rd Judicial District
- District Attorney’s Office for the 21st Judicial District
- Louisiana State Police
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
- Baton Rouge Police Department
- Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office
- Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office
- East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office
Michigan Woman Sentenced to Six Months for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI - District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez on Thursday sentenced Deangelia D. Quintana, 30, of Flint, Michigan, to six months in prison for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. Judge Gomez also sentenced Quintana to three years of supervised release, and ordered her to pay a special assessment of $100 and perform 200 hours of community service.
On June 6, 2016, Quintana pleaded guilty to possession of 19.5 kilograms of marijuana with intent to distribute. According to court records, on Wednesday March 2, 2016, Quintana arrived at the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas from Atlanta, Georgia, on a Delta flight. Based on information received, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers made contact with Quintana as she approached the carousel in the baggage claim area and removed two bags. Quintana was taken to secondary inspection where CBP officers searched her bags and discovered a large bundle of plastic in each bag. CBP discovered approximately 19.5 kilograms of marijuana in the plastic. Quintana admitted that the bags were hers.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
Michigan Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Concealing Swiss Bank AccountRead the Press Release
Used Hong Kong Shell Company to Hide More Than $2.6 Million
A Michigan man pleaded guilty today to charges of filing a false tax return, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo, head of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade of the Eastern District of Michigan.
“Today’s plea is yet another example of the department’s commitment to identifying, investigating and prosecuting those individuals who seek to conceal funds in foreign jurisdictions and evade their tax obligations,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo. “The days when a shell company created in Hong Kong or other jurisdictions could be used successfully to hide funds in foreign financial accounts are over, and those who continue to engage in this conduct will be held accountable.”
“For Americans who follow the rules and pay their taxes, it is important to see that those who go to great lengths to avoid paying taxes are held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney McQuade.
“There are no safe havens for hiding money in secret bank accounts around the globe,” said Chief Richard Weber of Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation (CI). “Wealthy individuals hiding assets abroad should know that IRS criminal investigators will find them. You can no longer hide behind a veil of secrecy, sham companies or offshore bank accounts.”
Bernhard Rumbold, a resident of Clarkston, Michigan, and owner of several mining-related businesses in Michigan and Ontario, Canada, pleaded guilty to filing a false amended 2008 individual income tax return. According to the information and the plea agreement, in approximately November 2004, Rumbold transferred more than approximately $2.6 million from his parents’ trust account, which he managed, into a bank account at Credit Suisse Bank AG in Switzerland. Rumbold arranged for the Credit Suisse bank account to be in the name of Wisdom City Limited, a Hong Kong company whose sole purpose was to be the named account holder on foreign bank accounts. Rumbold, who was the beneficial owner of the account, transferred control of the account to a relative in December 2008.
On his 2006 through 2008 individual income tax returns, Rumbold falsely stated that he had no interest in a foreign financial account, and failed to report the interest, dividends and capital gains generated by the Swiss bank account as income. In October 2010, Rumbold signed and filed an amended 2008 individual income tax return in which he again failed to report the interest, dividends and capital gains generated by the Swiss bank account as income.
U.S. District Court Judge Sean Cox for the Eastern District of Michigan scheduled Rumbold’s sentencing for Feb. 8, 2017. Rumbold faces a statutory maximum sentence of three years in prison as well as a period of supervised release and monetary penalties. The plea agreement requires Rumbold to pay restitution for his unpaid tax liabilities for the years 2006 through 2008.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo and U.S. Attorney McQuade commended the special agents of IRS-CI, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ross MacKenzie and Trial Attorney Kenneth Vert of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Memphis Man Sentenced to 170 Years for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A man who created child pornography and engaged in sexually explicit conduct with two prepubescent female minors has been sentenced to more than a century in federal prison. Edward L. Stanton III, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, Terrence Milam, 37, of Memphis, Tennessee, produced photographs and videos of himself sexually abusing two female minors between October 2013 and late January 2015. He used a smartphone to record the videos and take the images.
The abuse of the two victims came to light when a Memphis Police Department (MPD) officer on routine patrol discovered Milam and one of the children parked in a deserted school parking lot. When the officer approached the vehicle, he saw Milam struggling to put on his pants. Law enforcement obtained search warrants to review the contents of two cell phones found in the vehicle. This led to discovery of sexually explicit images and the identification of a second victim.
Milam’s abuse of the two children began when one of the victims was approximately nine years old and the other was 11.
In July 2016, Milam entered an Alford plea before U.S. District Judge Samuel H. Mays to five counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
On Friday, October 7, 2016, Judge Mays sentenced Milam to 170 years in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force and the MPD.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Deb Ireland prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf.
Marion County man sentenced for unlawful possession of firearmRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Joshua Cline, 23, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was sentenced to 60 months in prison for possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.Cline was found in possession of a 9mm caliber pistol in Marion County, West Virginia, which he used in in furtherance of his marijuana distribution operation. He pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crime” in June 2016.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Three Rivers Drug Task Force investigated.
U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Man Charged in Conspiracy to Defraud Regions Bank, Other Financial Institutions Remains a FugitiveRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A man who allegedly executed a scheme that defrauded Regions Bank and other financial institutions of more than $200,000 has been indicted on federal charges. He is considered a fugitive at this time. Edward L. Stanton III, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the indictment today.
According to the indictment, Ocho Edi Monso, 52, of Memphis, Tennessee, conspired with Dasse Romain Yobo and others to execute a scheme to defraud Regions Bank and other financial institutions between July 2013 and January 2014.
The conspirators unlawfully obtained money and customer account information from Regions and other financial institutions. The conspirators used the information to call and/or fax the financial institution where the customer maintained their account and falsely represented that they were the customer. Funds were subsequently transferred from the customer’s account to accounts controlled by the conspirators.
As part of the scheme, the conspirators also deposited altered or counterfeit checks to accounts they opened at financial institutions. They then withdrew or transferred funds from the account of deposit to accounts they controlled at other financial institutions.
For example, in December 2013, Monso provided Yobo with fraudulent information to open an account at Regions Bank under the name KEM Construction. That same month, a check payable in the amount of $130,949.96 with an altered payee name was deposited to the account.
In January 2014, the conspirators requested that $77,023.83 be wire-transferred from the KEM Construction account to an account styled "Peniel Energy" in Lawrenceville, GA.
In July 2016, Monso also possessed at least 15 counterfeit and unauthorized access devices and device-making equipment with intent to defraud.
The indictment against Monso was returned under seal last month. The U.S. Attorney's Office filed a motion to unseal the indictment earlier this week due to the belief that Monso is aware that law enforcement officers are looking for him. Thus far, Monso has avoided apprehension.
Monso is being charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud; one count of possession of 15 or more counterfeit access devices with intent to defraud; and one count of possession of device-making equipment with intent to defraud.
The bank fraud charge carries a penalty of up to 30 years and a fine of up to $1 million. The possession of counterfeit access devices charge carries a penalty of up to 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000. And the possession of device-making equipment charge carries a penalty of up to 15 years and a fine of up to $250,000.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carroll Andre is prosecuting this case on the government’s behalf.
Monso is also facing charges in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. A bench warrant was issued for his arrest after he failed to attend a scheduled court appearance in Baton Rouge on October 4, 2016.
Anyone with information about Monso's whereabouts is asked to contact Sgt. Brad Less with the U.S. Secret Service Economic Crimes Task Force at (901) 544-0333, or U.S. Postal Inspector Kyle W. Parker at (901) 746-1024.
The charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Last of five sentenced to 24 months in prison for role in equipment theft ringRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that the last of five Calcasieu Parish residents was sentenced Thursday to 24 months in prison for conspiring to steal yard equipment worth more than $190,000 from owners living in south central and southwest Louisiana.
Kevin Henry, 44, of Lake Charles, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi on one count of conspiracy to commit transportation of stolen motor vehicles. He was sentenced to three years of supervised release and also ordered to pay $78,513 restitution.
The other defendants were also previously sentenced on one count of conspiracy to commit transportation of stolen motor vehicles. They are:
Melvin Simien III, 34, of Iowa, La., was sentenced April 4, 2013 to 33 months in prison with three years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $78,513 restitution and complete 50 hours of community service.
Robert Jordan Handy, 26, of Lake Charles, was sentenced April 4, 2013 to 30 months in prison with three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $78,513 restitution.
Donald James Odia Ellis, 25, of Lake Charles, was sentenced April 4, 2013 to six months in prison with three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to complete 50 hours of community service.
Paula Garrick, 46, of Iowa, was sentenced March 7, 2013 to one year of unsupervised probation.
According to the January 3, 2013 guilty plea, Henry initiated the illegal operation by asking Handy to steal lawn mowers and other types of yard equipment. Handy would then ask others to help him steal equipment. Handy would pay those involved for their help and then sell the equipment to Henry who later sold the equipment in Louisiana and Texas. Henry bought newspapers ads in Dallas and Baton Rouge to sell the stolen items.
In one instance, a Louisiana state trooper stopped a GMC Yukon sports utility vehicle(SUV) Sept. 29, 2009 on Interstate 49 in St. Landry Parish that had been pulling a utility trailer containing three zero-turn radius lawn mowers. A car, driven by Garrick, was observed following the trailer and had flashed its headlights as the trooper approached. After stopping the SUV and trailer, the trooper found Simien and Ellis. During the examination of the SUV and trailer, Simien and Ellis fled the scene. They were later apprehended.
Law enforcement determined that two lawn mowers in the trailer were stolen from a dealership in Opelousas, La., and one was stolen from a private residence in Duson, La. The trailer holding the lawn mowers was stolen from a dealership in Duson.
The FBI and Louisiana State Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly P. Uebinger prosecuted the case.
Justice Department Announces ‘Safer Families, Safer Communities’ Website to Enforce Domestic Violence Firearm ProhibitionRead the Press Release
Today, the Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) announced the launch of the National Domestic Violence and Firearms Resource Center’s Safer Families, Safer Communities website. The website is a project of the newly-established resource center, designed to support the implementation and enforcement of domestic violence firearm prohibitions to reduce firearm-involved domestic violence and homicide.
In order to address the challenges that communities face in responding to firearm-involved domestic violence, Safer Families, Safer Communities provides a comprehensive approach for attorneys, prosecutors, court personnel, judges, domestic violence service providers, law enforcement and communities at large. The website highlights the importance of an approach focused on addressing five key areas: criminal, civil, federal, purchase prevention and resources. All five areas are implicated in successfully enforcing firearms prohibitions and disarming domestic violence offenders who illegally possess firearms.
The federal Gun Control Act prohibits people who are subject to certain orders of protection and those who have been convicted of misdemeanor crimes against select individuals, among other classes of individuals, from purchasing, possessing and/or receiving firearms and ammunition. There are also tribal and state laws that have been enacted to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous domestic violence offenders, but due to the complexity of the laws and lack of guidance, these laws can be under-utilized and under-enforced. Through the assistance available on this website, OVW hopes to help agencies and organizations work together to prioritize victim safety so that communities are able to rise to meet these challenges.
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OVW provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence against women through the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities across the country that are developing programs, policies and practices aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. In addition to overseeing 21 federal grant programs, OVW often undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges.
Jury Finds Sioux City Man Guilty of Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was convicted by a jury on October 7, 2016, after a 2 ½-day trial in federal court in Sioux City.
Kevin Babb, 55, from Sioux City, Iowa, was convicted of one count of conspiracy distribute 50 grams or more of actual (pure) methamphetamine and three counts of distribution of methamphetamine. The verdict was returned this afternoon following about one hour of jury deliberations.
The evidence at trial showed that Babb was involved in a conspiracy that distributed methamphetamine in the Sioux City area from 2012 through 2014. On three separate occasions between April and July 2014, evidence showed that Babb sold methamphetamine to individuals cooperating with law enforcement.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Babb remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Babb faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, $400 in special assessments, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Nathan W. Nelson and was investigated by the Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 16-4041. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Jury Convicts Buffalo Man on A Cocaine ChargeRead 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 a federal jury has convicted Alexis Javier Centeno-Baez, 22, of Buffalo, NY, of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 500 grams or more of cocaine and attempt to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a $5,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wei Xiang and Brendan T. Cullinane, who are handling the case, stated that on August 24, 2015, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service intercepted a package shipped from Puerto Rico to an address in Buffalo. A search warrant was executed and revealed two individually wrapped kilograms of cocaine stuffed inside a LEGO box. During a controlled delivery, Centeno Baez went to the address and retrieved the package. When Drug Enforcement Administration Agents approached to arrest him, the defendant left the package in his car and fled on foot. Agents pursued Centeno Baez and apprehended him about three blocks away.
The conviction is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division, and the United States Postal Service Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Shelly Binkowski.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 9, 2016 at 12:30 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara, who presided over the trial of the case.
Iranian Citizen Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Identity Theft and Access Device FraudRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss –Milad Kalantari, 31, an Iranian citizen, pleaded guilty on October 6, 2016 before U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to conspiracy to commit identity theft and access device fraud, as well as substantive access device fraud, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell, U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis of the Southern District of Mississippi and Raymond R. Parmer, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
In June, 2014, HSI Gulfport began an investigation into Milad Kalantari. HSI Gulfport had identified Kalantari as the main facilitator in an international financial fraud organization. Through the course of the investigation, HSI Gulfport identified Kalantari as the owner/operator of numerous websites dedicated to the distribution and sale of stolen/compromised credit card information from victims all over the world, including citizens and banks located in the United States.
Kalantari was ultimately arrested as he made entry into the United States in December 2015, at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
To date, HSI Gulfport has identified approximately 2.5 million credit cards that were sold on Kalantari's websites. The intended loss amount attributable to Kalantari and his organization is currently valued at over $1.2 billion. HSI Gulfport is currently working with Visa, Master Card, American Express, and Discover to assess the damage and loss amount suffered by U.S. victims and banks, attributable to Kalantari's organization.
Kalantari will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. on January 4, 2017. He faces a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.00.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Senior Counsel Peter Roman of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Helen Wall are prosecuting the case.
Illegal Alien Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison for Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that David Arriaga, age 23 of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on October 7, 2016, by the Honorable Joseph F. Bataillon. After a trial in July, Judge Bataillon found Arriaga guilty of being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. Arriaga was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment to be followed by two years of supervised release when his incarceration ends, if he isn’t deported.
On October 13, 2015, at approximately 1:38 in the morning, officers of the Omaha Police Department were in the area of 21st and I Streets when they heard three to four gunshots. They were able to see the shots had come from a nearby vehicle. The officers conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle and had the three occupants get out of the car. Arriaga was a backseat passenger. In the car the officers found a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun in the back seat and three spent shells loose in the car. Arriaga admitted to having fired the gun. Arriaga is in the United States illegally and that status prevents him from legally possessing a firearm.
The case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department, the Department of Homeland Security and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms.
INTERPOL Washington Celebrates Coffee with a Cop Day!Read the Press Release
Every day, INTERPOL Washington—U.S. National Central Bureau (USNCB) serves as the national point of contact for coordinating international investigative efforts among INTERPOL member countries, and more than 18,000 local, state, federal, and tribal law enforcement agencies in the United States. We’d like to extend our sincere appreciation to these dedicated public servants—especially to our state and local liaisons in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia in the DMV—by Celebrating Coffee with a Cop day.
Coffee with a Cop was started by the Hawthorne, California, Police Department (HPD) in 2011 as a response to tensions between the police and the community. In order to facilitate discussion and forge alliances, the HPD invited residents to join them for coffee. Thus, the first Coffee with a Cop day was born. The program continues to spread with the participation of more than 2,000 law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. The Department of Justice (Office of Community Oriented Policing Services) has provided funding for the Coffee with a Cop program, helping to spur the growth of the program throughout the United States and abroad, including Canada, Australia, Europe and Africa. Additionally, the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policy highlighted this program as a way to build community trust and confidence.
Coffee with a Cop is also a partnership initiative. Partnership is a core value of INTERPOL Washington and we continue to grow our global police network by maintaining partnerships with federal and local law enforcement agencies and international organizations. INTERPOL Washington utilizes a blended workforce of permanent Department of Justice employees and detailed personnel. These detailed employees are able to apply investigative techniques from their home agencies to INTERPOL Washington cases. Upon return to their home agencies, the detailed employees are able to leverage INTERPOL’s tools, which strengthens our partnerships initiative.
Currently, we have approximately 70 law enforcement professionals detailed to USNCB. They represent organizations as diverse as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to our state and local police representatives. Assistant Commander Micah Andersen (Sheriff’s Office in Story County, Iowa) and Sergeant William Heggs (Maryland Police Department, Prince Georges County) are standout examples of the detailees’ teamwork between the USNCB and U.S. law enforcement. They both support our state and local outreach mission, promoting programs that help police departments to accomplish their jobs.
One example of the partnership that we celebrate on Coffee with a Cop day, and one that both Micah and William promote, is called Federation. Under federation, U.S. law enforcement agencies can query both domestic and INTERPOL indices in a single search. This enables officers to find out in real-time whether the subject of an investigation poses a known transnational and or terrorist criminal threat. These combined searches can be conducted from both fixed and mobile platforms, including vehicle-mounted and hand-held devices. Currently, 12 states and the District of Columbia participate in federation.
Each state, and an increasing number of major cities across the United States, also host INTERPOL liaison offices to coordinate international criminal investigative requests for assistance from INTERPOL Washington. At INTERPOL Washington, we are committed to supporting U.S. law enforcement and we are constantly improving our processes and programs. So, today we tip our (coffee) cups to all of our law enforcement partners and wish you a great day!
Domestic Focus . . . International Reach
INTERPOL Washington Sergeant William Heggs (Prince George's County, Maryland) (left) and Assistant Commander Micah Andersen (Story County, Iowa) support critical partnerships between INTERPOL Washington and law enforcement agencies across the nation. INTERPOL Washington As part of Coffee with a Cop day, police officers from the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C., spent a few minutes with our staff discussing various resources available to law enforcement through the U.S. National Central Bureau.Requests for international criminal assistance by a local, state, or tribal law enforcement office may be sent through the appropriate liaison office or directly to INTERPOL Washington (24/7). These INTERPOL Washington services are available to law enforcement only. Private citizens and non-law enforcement entities should always contact their local law enforcement agencies or other appropriate state, local or federal authorities for assistance.
Houston Doctor Sentenced in Conspiracy to Defraud MedicareRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - A Houston doctor has been ordered to federal prison for engaging in a conspiracy to defraud Medicare of more than $6.6 million, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson. A federal jury convicted Dr. Leonard Kibert, 65, and his medical clinic administrator, Tsolak Gevorgyan, 30, of all 41 and 44 counts as charged, respectively, following a three-week trial in February 2016.
Today, U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison, who presided over the trial, sentenced Kibert to 63 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. He was further ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2.89 million. Gevorgyan will be sentenced on Nov. 8, 2016. Another defendant - Robert Manning, 61, of Houston – had pleaded guilty for his role and was sentenced earlier this week to 12 months and one day in prison. Two others are also pending sentencing.
The evidence at trial established that all of the Medicare billing for alleged diagnostic testing at the New Life Sleeping & Allergy Disorder Center, located at 2117 Chenevert Street in Houston, was fraudulent because the testing either was never performed or was not medically necessary. Kibert owned New Life and Gevorgyan was the manager. Kibert and Gevorgyan filed false claims with Medicare for medical procedures which either were never performed or were not medically necessary.
Kibert was the only doctor working at the New Life Center. The patients were brought to the clinics by recruiters/marketers like Manning who Gevorgyan paid by for bringing the patients.
Kibert was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Texas Medical Board suspended Kibert’s license to practice medicine on Aug. 12, 2016 based on his convictions.
The criminal charges are the result of a joint investigation conducted by agents of the FBI, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General, Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Texas Attorney General's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Al Balboni and Special AUSA Rodolfo Ramirez prosecuted the case.
Heroin, Cocaine Trafficker Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Tomas Martinez, 27, of Pawtucket, pleaded guilty on Thursday to federal heroin and cocaine trafficking charges. Appearing before U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith, Martinez pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of heroin with the intent to distribute and one count of cocaine with the intent to distribute.
Martinez’s guilty plea is announced by United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha, Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s New England Field Division, and Pawtucket Police Chief Paul King.
According to court documents and information presented to the court, in early January 2016, based on information developed by DEA agents, the Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force launched an investigation into Martinez’s drug trafficking activities. The investigation included several undercover purchases of heroin from Martinez. Law enforcement surveillance of Martinez included seeing Martinez make several visits to a Weeden Street, Pawtucket residence.
In March 2016, members of the Pawtucket Police Department’s Special Squad developed information that a drug stash house was being operated out of a first floor apartment at 603 Weeden Street, the same location Martinez was seen by law enforcement visiting on several occasions. On March 3, 2016, DEA Drug Task Force agents and Pawtucket Police Department detectives executed a court authorized search warrant at the apartment, and seized in excess of 100 grams of heroin, cutting agents, and other items used in the packaging and distribution of heroin and cocaine.
While law enforcement was conducting a search of the residence, Martinez arrived by vehicle and was immediately detained by law enforcement. A search of Martinez’s person and vehicle resulted in the seizure of 3.6 grams of heroin, 1.2 grams of cocaine, and $8,370 in cash.
Martinez has been detained since his arrest. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith on January 3, 2017.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.
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Contact:
Jim Martin (401) 709-5357
email: [email protected]
on Twitter @USAO_RI
Gulfport Resident Pleads Guilty to Using Internet to Entice a MinorRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Mississippi. – Greg L. Dodd, 54, of Gulfport, pled guilty in U.S. District Court on October 6, 2016 to using the internet to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Special Agent in Charge Raymond Parmer of Homeland Security Investigations.
From February, 2015, to April, 2016, Dodd attempted to initiate the transmission of the email address information of a child under the age of 16 years old with the intent to entice, encourage, offer, or solicit the minor child to engage in a sexual activity for which he could be criminally prosecuted for sexual battery under Miss. Code Annotated Sec. 97-3-95(1)(d).
Dodd will be sentenced on January 5, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. by Chief U. S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., and faces a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the Gulf Coast Cyber Crimes Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones
Greenfield Restaurant Owner Sentenced for Cooking the BooksRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Montague man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Springfield in connection with filing false income taxes associated with his restaurant.
Ioanis Dimitriou, 49, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to three months in prison, one year of supervised release and ordered to pay a fine of $219,960. In April 2016, Dimitriou pleaded guilty to five counts of filing false tax returns from 2008 to 2012.
Dimitriou was the owner of a restaurant in Greenfield, Mass. that generated a substantial amount of cash sales, which he took from the business and did not declare as income. Dimitriou systematically deleted records from his computer system and kept two sets of books that depicted the actual sales of the business and the sales disclosed on his tax returns. As a result, Dimitriou paid only five percent of the more than $232,000 in taxes that he owed.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz and Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex J. Grant of Ortiz’s Springfield Branch Unit prosecuted the case.
Green Bay Man Sentenced for Social Security Disability FraudRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that Randall J. Frisque (age: 58) of Green Bay, Wisconsin, was sentenced to federal prison by Chief United States District Judge William C. Griesbach. Frisque had previously entered a guilty plea to a charge of theft of government property in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 641.
According to the plea agreement and other documents filed with the court, Frisque was a dump truck operator on state road projects working between 50 and 60 hours a week while continuing to collect Social Security Disability payments. Witnesses told authorities that Frisque often bragged about his receipt of the fraudulent payments, telling them “this was his payback.”
In pronouncing sentence, Chief Judge Griesbach noted the very serious nature of the fraud and noted Frisque’s dismissive attitude toward his criminal actions. Ultimately, Frisque was sentenced to 16 months in prison followed by 2 years of Supervised Release. He was also ordered to pay approximately $130,000 in restitution to the Social Security Administration and Medicare.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Social Security Administration and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
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Four Individuals Guilty of Conspiracy to Commit Federal Programs Bribery, Honest Services Wire Fraud and ExtortionRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico– Today, after a 25-day trial before U.S. District Court Judge Pedro A. Delgado-Hernández, three women and one man were found guilty of wire fraud, bribery and extortion charges, announced U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The four defendants participated in several schemes to corruptly give things of value to public officials within the government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in exchange for favorable treatment and awarding of government contracts to various corporations. The 25-count indictment filed on December of 2015, included charges of conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery and honest services wire fraud, wire fraud, federal program bribery, extortion through fear of economic harm, money laundering, false declarations before a grand jury, and obstruction of justice.
The defendants who were found guilty today are:
- Sally López Martínez, Administrator of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico’s “Administración de Desarrollo Laboral” (Workforce Development Administration) (hereinafter “ADL”). She was found guilty of Count One, Conspiracy to Commit Federal Programs Fraud and Wire Fraud; Count Two, Conspiracy to Commit Honest Services Wire Fraud; Counts Three to Five, Honest Services Wire Fraud; and Count Eleven, Receipt of a Bribe by Agent of an Organization Receiving Federal Funds.
- Ivonne M. Falcón Nieves, Vice President of the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (“AAA”), and former Treasurer of AAA. She was found guilty of Count One, Conspiracy to Commit Federal Programs Fraud and Wire Fraud; Count six, Conspiracy to Commit Honest Services Wire Fraud; Counts Seven to Nine, Honest Services Wire Fraud; Count Thirteen, Receipt of a Bribe by Agent of an Organization Receiving Federal Funds; and Count Seventeen, Extortion Through Fear of Economic Harm.
- Marielis Falcón Nieves, sister of Ivonne M. Falcón Nieves. She was found guilty of Count Seventeen, Extortion Through Fear of Economic Harm.
- Glenn O. Rivera Pizarro, Special Assistant for Administration at the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico. He was found guilty of Count Twenty-Four, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud; and Count Twenty-Five, Intentional Misapplication of Property by Agent of an Organization Receiving Federal Funds.
Their sentences were scheduled for February 6, 2017.
The other defendants are:
5. Anaudi Hernández Pérez, businessman and political fund raiser. Although not named in official corporate records, he exercised de facto control over numerous companies doing business with agencies and public corporations of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. He plead guilty on February 18, 2016.
6. Sonia M. Barreto Colón, Purchasing Director of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico’s Aqueduct and Sewer Authority. She plead guilty on May 31, 2016.
7. Javier A. Muñiz Álvarez, businessman. Utilized the Company JM Profesional (sic) & Training Group, Inc. to secure contracts from the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. He plead guilty on June 29, 2016.
8. Carlos F. Luna Cruz, businessman. He worked for JM Profesional (sic) & Training Group, Inc., and plead guilty on April 28, 2016.
9. Xavier González Calderón, Administrator for the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. He plead guilty on August 9, 2016.
10. Victor R. Burgos Cotto, Director of Technology for the House of Representatives. He plead guilty on July 13, 2016.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Hernández Pérez utilized his political and personal connections with high ranking members of the current government in order to have “his people” appointed in critical government positions within the new administration which took over after the November 2012 elections. He also provided those individuals with things of value in exchange for government contracts, benefits and preferential treatment for several of his corporations. The indictment focused on benefits Hernández Pérez, his co-conspirators, and corporate entities, obtained from the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico’s “Administración de Desarrollo Laboral” (Workforce Development Administration) (hereinafter “ADL”), the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico’s Aqueduct and Sewer Authority, and the Puerto Rico House of Representatives.
Hernández Pérez and his co-conspirators utilized their government influence to receive an unfair competitive advantage over their competitors, in that they: a) received preferred opportunities on certain government “request for proposals” (“RFPs”); b) received guidance from agency employees on the proper format and content of proposals and bids for government contracts; c) had access to speak and meet with critical employees in decision making positions within the agencies, departments and government corporations; d) received guidance on how to structure bids and proposals in order to avoid the formal bidding process required by law; e) demanded and were provided with explanations from agency employees when their proposals or bids were not selected.
Once awarded the government contracts, Hernández Pérez and his co-conspirators would utilize, often without proper contractual authority, subcontractors who would perform the work defined in the contracts. On many occasions, Hernández Pérez and his co-conspirators provided substandard work on their contractual obligations in that they: a) failed to make the required payments to suppliers, subcontractors and creditors; b) failed to abide by the terms of the contract regarding performance results/follow up as required under the contract; c) failed to competently provide the services they were contracted to perform.
Defendants Ivonne Falcón and Marielis Falcón, were also charged with Hobbs Act extortion under fear of economic harm. Hernández Pérez and unindicted co-conspirators would utilize their contacts and influence within at least one government dependency (the AAA) to secure, for a fee, the release of legitimate payments due to other corporations, which lacked the current connections within the government. In particular, Hernández Pérez and his associates, obtained property not due to them, specifically, $100,000.00 from Contractor A, in exchange for utilizing his connections within AAA in order to secure a portion of the money owed (approximately $1,000,000) to Contractor A, with Contractor A’s consent, induced through the wrongful use of a fear of economic loss. Moreover, the Falcón sisters, aided and abetted each other to commit extortion. Defendant Ivonne M. Falcón Nieves utilized her position at AAA in order to enable her sister, defendant Marielis Falcón Nieves, to obtain property not due to her, specifically, cash payments, check payments, payments to contractors, and the performance of residential tree trimming, from Contractor A, with Contractor A’s consent, induced through the wrongful use of a fear of economic loss.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s San Juan Division. The case is being prosecuted by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Henwood and José Capó Iriarte, Chief of the Criminal Division. If found guilty, the defendants are facing possible sentences of up to five years for the conspiracy to commit federal programs fraud and wire fraud, up to 10 years for honest services fraud, up to 20 years for money laundering, Hobbs Act, obstruction of justice, and conspiracy to commit honest services fraud.
Fort Worth, Texas, Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Federal Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
FORT WORTH, Texas — A Fort Worth, Texas, man was sentenced this morning by U.S. District Judge John McBryde to 30 years in federal prison and 8 years of supervised release for child pornography offenses, announced John Parker, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas.
Ronald Sweatt, 48, pleaded guilty, in May 2016 to one count of production of child pornography.
According to the indictment, in June 2015 Sweatt persuaded a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct outside of the United States for the purpose of producing a video.
Officers with the Fort Worth Police Department executed a search warrant at Sweatt’s home on December 2, 2015 and seized numerous computer media items, including a laptop computer and external hard drive. A forensic examination revealed the video previously described. Sweatt agreed to be interviewed and admitting to living in Mexico for the last 15 years and that he moved back in June 2015. Sweatt also admitted to knowing the video that he produced and transported into the United States depicted a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
The matter was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative, which was launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s 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 sexually exploit children, and identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/. For more information about internet safety education, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/ and click on the tab “resources.”
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Fort Worth Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Saleem prosecuted.
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Former Stamford Resident Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Orchestrating Murder for Hire SchemeRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LARRY TALLEDO-TORREJON, 30, a citizen of Peru last residing in Stamford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for orchestrating a murder for hire scheme. TALLEDO-TORREJON also was ordered to pay a $150,000 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in early December 2015, TALLEDO-TORREJON, as part of a contract to purchase a restaurant in Stamford for $300,000, provided the seller of the restaurant with $150,000 in cashier checks and an additional $150,000 in checks drawn on bank accounts with insufficient funds. On December 5, TALLEDO-TORREJON directed an individual who owed him $5,000 to follow the manager of the restaurant (“G.R.”) to his home in New York and to murder him. In exchange for doing so, TALLEDO-TORREJON agreed to forgive the $5,000 debt and to pay the individual an additional $5,000 in cash. The individual subsequently contacted law enforcement to report the incident, and then contacted TALLEDO-TORREJON to tell him that he had kidnapped G.R. and was holding him.
On December 7, 2015, TALLEDO-TORREJON provided the individual with a manila folder containing two copies of a receipt that falsely stated that TALLEDO-TORREJON had provided G.R. with $150,000. TALLEDO-TORREJON directed the individual to provide the receipts to G.R., coerce G.R. into signing them, and then kill him. TALLEDO-TORREJON told the individual that his pre-existing debt had been cancelled, and also suggested that they could start a business kidnapping and extorting money from persons.
On December 8, TALLEDO-TORREJON made a complaint with the Stamford Police Department falsely claiming that G.R. had stolen $150,000 that TALLEDO-TORREJON had provided G.R. to complete the purchase of the restaurant.
TALLEDO-TORREJON was arrested on December 8, 2015, after the individual provided him with the receipts signed by G.R., and TALLEDO-TORREJON provided the individual with $500 in partial payment for the murder.
TALLEDO-TORREJON has been detained since his arrest. He pleaded guilty to the offense on June 15, 2016.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale.
Former President of the Costa Rican Soccer Federation and Member-Elect of the FIFA Executive Committee Pleads Guilty to Racketeering and Corruption ChargesRead the Press Release
Earlier today in federal court in Brooklyn, Eduardo Li pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy, wire fraud, and wire fraud conspiracy in connection with his receipt of bribes in exchange for his awarding contracts for the media and marketing rights to FIFA World Cup qualifier matches and his authorization of international friendly matches played by the Costa Rican national soccer team, among other conduct. Li, the president of the Costa Rican soccer federation (FEDEDUT) from 2007 to 2015, was a member-elect of the FIFA executive committee at the time of his arrest in Zurich on May 27, 2015 and a member of the CONCACAF executive committee from 2013 to 2015. As part of his plea, Li agreed to forfeit $668,000. At sentencing, Li faces a maximum sentence of 20 years for each count. Today’s plea proceeding took place before United States District Judge Pamela K. Chen.
The guilty plea was announced by Robert L. Capers, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, FBI, New York Field Office; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony J. Orlando, IRS Criminal Investigation, Los Angeles Field Office.
According to court filings and facts presented during the plea proceeding, Li negotiated and accepted bribes totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars in exchange for exercising his influence as the president of FEDEFUT to award a Florida sports marketing company a contract for the media and marketing rights to the Costa Rican national soccer team’s home World Cup qualifier matches for the 2022 edition of the World Cup. These bribes were transmitted from U.S. bank accounts to Li using intermediaries in the United States and Costa Rica. Li also accepted tens of thousands of dollars in bribes, which were also transmitted from bank accounts in the United States, in exchange for exercising his influence as president of FEDEFUT to authorize friendly matches played by the Costa Rican national soccer team.
In addition, Li agreed to accept a $500,000 bribe from intermediaries in Panama in exchange for exercising his influence as president of FEDEFUT to award an American company the contract to serve as the uniform sponsor for the Costa Rican national soccer team. The intermediaries told Li not to tell anyone at the uniform sponsor about the bribe. Li received approximately $230,000 of the bribe money from the intermediaries in cash United States currency in 2014 and 2015 but was arrested before he could receive the balance.
Finally, Li embezzled for his own use over $90,000 of funds that FIFA sent to FEDEFUT to support the 2014 Under 17 FIFA Women’s World Cup soccer tournament, which was held in Costa Rica. Li diverted these funds through a scheme involving bogus invoices.
The guilty plea announced today is part of an investigation into corruption in international soccer being led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, the FBI New York Field Office, and the IRS-CI Los Angeles Field Office. The prosecutors in Brooklyn are receiving considerable assistance from attorneys in various parts of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division in Washington, D.C., including the Office of International Affairs, the Organized Crime and Gang Section, the Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section, and the Fraud Section, as well as from INTERPOL Washington.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Evan M. Norris, Amanda Hector, Paul Tuchmann, Nadia Shihata, Keith D. Edelman, and Brian D. Morris of the Eastern District of New York are in charge of today’s prosecution.
The government’s investigation is ongoing.
The Defendant:
EDUARDO LI
Age: 57
Nationality: Costa RicaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 15 CR 252 (S-1)
Former New York City Human Resources Administration Supervisor Sentenced to 23 Months in Prison for Defrauding Two Public Assistance Programs of More Than $1.8 MillionRead the Press Release
Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that CHERRISE WATSON-JACKSON, a/k/a “Reesie,” a former supervisor with the New York City Human Resources Administration (“HRA”), was sentenced in Manhattan federal court today to 23 months in prison for defrauding two public assistance programs, which she helped to administer, of more than $1.8 million. WATSON-JACKSON, who pleaded guilty in early May 2016 to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John G. Koeltl.
U.S. Attorney Bharara stated: “In schemes that netted more than $1.8 million, Cherrise Watson-Jackson looted the very public assistance programs that she was responsible to administer. Not only did Watson-Jackson siphon money meant to assist those less fortunate, by doing so, she committed federal crimes that now leads her to prison.”
According to the Complaint, Superseding Indictment, sentencing submissions, other information in the public record, and today’s proceeding:
HRA is an agency of the City of New York responsible for administering various public assistance programs. Among other things, HRA provides temporary help to individuals and families with social service and economic needs to assist them in reaching self-sufficiency. Its services include, among other things, administering the federally-funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (“SNAP”) (more commonly known as “food stamps”), and providing rental assistance to low-income families and individuals.
Starting in 1993, WATSON-JACKSON worked at HRA, most recently as a supervisor in a job center in Queens, New York. In that capacity, she supervised a group of other supervisors who in turn were responsible for teams of employees who review and determine eligibility for public assistance clients. Since early 2012, and continuing until December 2013, WATSON-JACKSON abused her position by engaging in a scheme to defraud two of the public assistance programs that she was charged to help administer. The first of the two schemes involved WATSON-JACKSON fraudulently loading electronic benefit transfer (“EBT”) cards
with funds from SNAP, and the cards were then used by co-conspirators throughout the New York City area. The second scheme involved WATSON-JACKSON fraudulently causing rental assistance checks to be mailed to co-conspirators who posed as “landlords” of low-income tenants. Co-conspirators then cashed and/or assisted others to cash the fraudulently obtained checks. The two schemes resulted in the loss of more than $1.8 million in public funds.
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In addition to her 23-month prison term, WATSON-JACKSON, 45, of Queens, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervise release, and ordered to forfeit $1,809,811.75 and to pay restitution in the same amount.
WATSON-JACKSON was arrested in early December 2015, along with Maurice Cromwell, a/k/a “Reese,” 40, of Staten Island, New York; Derrick Williams, a/k/a “Blood,” 35, of Queens, New York; Isaac Allen, 40, of Brooklyn, New York; Corey Brock, a/k/a “Cee,” 36, of Queens, New York; Vernecka Petersen-Fowler, 44, of Brooklyn, New York; Kevin Williams, 38, of Queens, New York; Jaron Annuziata, 36, of Brooklyn, New York; Beverly Franklin, 38, of Queens, New York; Beverly Lord, 54, of Queens, New York; Yesenia Depena, 25, of Brooklyn, New York; and Gerard Stokes, 32, of Queens, New York. To date, all defendants except Lord, Depena, and Stokes have pleaded guilty to their participation in one or both fraudulent schemes, and Cromwell, Derrick Williams, Allen, Brock, Petersen-Fowler, Annuziata, and Franklin have been sentenced. Cromwell and Derrick Williams, who served in managerial roles in both schemes, were sentenced to 27 months in prison and 37 months in prison, respectively; Allen was sentenced to 18 months in prison; Brock was sentenced to five years of probation with special conditions of nine months of home confinement and 200 hours of community service; Petersen-Fowler was sentenced to three years of probation with a special condition of eight months of home confinement; Annuziata was sentenced to three years of probation with a special condition of eight months of home confinement; and Franklin was sentenced to three years of probation. All of the defendants that have been sentenced were also ordered to forfeit proceeds of the fraud and to pay restitution.
U.S. Attorney Bharara praised the work of the New York City Department of Investigation, the New York State Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel C. Richenthal and Andrew D. Beaty are in charge of the prosecution.
The pending charges against Beverly Lord, Yesenia Depena, and Gerard Stokes are merely accusations, and these defendants are presumed innocent.
Former District of Columbia Attorney Indicted on $2 Million Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury sitting in the District of Columbia returned an indictment yesterday against a former attorney, charging her with conspiracy, securities fraud, obstruction of justice and failure to timely file tax returns and pay taxes, all federal offenses, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo, head of the Justice Department’s Tax Division. She also was charged with first-degree fraud, a District of Columbia offense.
The indictment alleges that Brynee Baylor, a former partner in the District of Columbia firm of Baylor & Jackson, conspired with a Pennsylvania man and his company known as Milan Group to recruit investors to a purported trading program that promised extremely large profits in a short period of time with little or no risk. The purported trading program was sometimes called a private placement and involved the use of trading platforms and monetizing and leasing foreign bank instruments.
According to the indictment, in 2010 and 2011, Baylor caused more than $2 million of investor funds to pass through the Baylor & Jackson trust account. More than half of the investor funds went for the benefit of Baylor, the Pennsylvania man, Milan Group and Baylor & Jackson. Baylor falsely assured investors that the purported trading program was legitimate, that it had little, if any, risk and that she had observed investors successfully complete transactions with Milan Group. In reality, Milan Group failed to complete any such transactions and failed to return any of the money invested.
In 2011, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) sued Baylor and others for fraud in connection with the purported trading program. The indictment alleges that Baylor endeavored to obstruct justice in the SEC case by making false statements in depositions and in an affidavit.
If convicted, Baylor faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison on the conspiracy count, 20 years in prison on the securities fraud count, 10 years in prison on each of the six counts of first degree fraud, 10 years in prison for the obstruction of justice count, and one year in prison on each of two counts of failing to timely file tax returns and pay taxes. Baylor will also face a term of supervised release and monetary penalties.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo thanked the SEC for its invaluable assistance and commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation and Trial Attorneys Kenneth Vert and Jeffrey McLellan of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Five Individuals Arrested for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – On October 5, 2016, a Federal grand jury returned a nineteen count indictment against five individuals for conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, unlawful transfer, possession, and use of means of identification during and in relation to an enumerated felony, and access device fraud, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The investigation was led by the United States Secret Service.
The indictment alleges that from on or about May, 2012, through on or about March, 2015, Frankie Ortiz-Jaime, Wilfredo Reyes-Hiche, Cesar Quiles-Perez, Linda Rivera-Ortiz and Javier Torres-Garay knowingly and willfully combined, conspired and agreed with each other, to execute a scheme and artifice to defraud and to obtain money from Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, First Bank, and Oriental Bank which are federally insured financial institutions and to obtain monies and funds owned by and under the custody and control of the financial institutions.
As part of the conspiracy the defendants conspired to engage in deceptive conduct designed to fraudulently obtain monies and credit from federally insured financial institutions for the purchase of goods and the distribution of monies to the members of the conspiracy. The indictment alleges that the defendants would contact Telebanco Popular to request loans using the name and personal identification information of a recruit and proceed to provide false employment and income information. The recruits, aided and abetted by the other members of the conspiracy, would submit false documentation regarding employment and income in order to obtain loans, lines of credit, and credit cards from the financial institutions.
According to the indictment, the defendants would receive electronic transfers or official checks for the loan proceeds and divide the proceeds with other members of the conspiracy. In some instances, loan proceeds and credit cards were used to purchase vehicles, such as a BMW, a Raptor and Polaris. They would also utilize the credit cards to obtain cash and make other retail purchases.
The indictment includes a forfeiture allegation of any property, constituting, or derived from, proceeds obtained, directly or indirectly, as a result of the violations such as U.S. Currency totaling $285, 270, and three vehicles.
“Sophisticated financial crimes such as this one cause painful long lasting loss to law abiding businesses thereby affecting our fragile economy. Prevention and prosecution of crimes of this nature will remain a top priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.” said United States Attorney, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth A. Erbe. The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service.
If convicted on charges of bank fraud, the defendants face a sentence of up to thirty (30) years of imprisonment. Criminal indictments are only charges and are not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Federal Jury Finds Albuquerque Man Guilty on Commercial Sex Trafficking ChargeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A federal jury sitting in Albuquerque, N.M., returned a verdict this morning finding Shane Roach, 27, guilty on a commercial sex trafficking charge, announced U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez, Special Agent in Charge Waldemar Rodriguez of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in El Paso, Texas, and Chief Gorden G. Eden, Jr., of the Albuquerque Police Department (APD).
Roach, an Albuquerque resident, was arrested on July 1, 2015, on a criminal complaint charging him with commercial sex trafficking. Roach subsequently was indicted and charged with using force, threats of threats, and coercion to force a victim to engage in commercial sex acts. The indictment alleged that Roach committed the offense between May and June of 2015 in Bernalillo County, N.M.
Trial of Roach on the commercial sex trafficking charge began on Oct. 4, 2016 and concluded this morning when the jury returned a guilty verdict against Roach.
The victim, who testified at trial, told the jury that in early 2015 she was a heroin addict who turned to prostitution to support her heroin habit. The victim met Roach in late April 2015, and turned to him for help shortly thereafter when she fell on hard times. For the next month and a half, Roach was the victim’s pimp and forced her to engage in prostitution. The victim said that, during that time, Roach forced her to engage in sex with men four or five times a day, and that Roach kept all her earnings, amounting to $400.00 to $500.00 a day. The victim also testified that Roach beat her on a number of occasions, brandished a firearm at her, and threatened to harm her family if she left him. During the month and a half during which she was sex trafficked by Roach, the victim had only three or four days off.
An APD detective testified that on May 27, 2015, while acting in an undercover capacity, he arranged to meet the victim at an Albuquerque-area hotel after getting her contact information from an online prostitution advertisement. The meeting was brief because the victim recognized the detective’s partner, who was outside, as a police officer, and told the undercover officer that there were officers outside. The undercover officer testified that, on June 10, 2015, APD received a call for help from the victim and he was one of the officers who responded. During that meeting, the victim told APD that she was being sex trafficked by Roach, and the investigation leading to Roach’s conviction began that day.
Roach testified in his own defense. While generally acknowledging that he was the victim’s pimp, Roach denied using threats of force, force or coercion to force to the victim to engage in commercial sex acts.
The jury deliberated about three hours before returning a guilty verdict.
The judge ordered Roach to surrender himself to the U.S. Marshals Service by 3:00 p.m. today. Roach is to be detained pending his sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled. At sentencing, Roach faces a statutory mandatory minimum of 15 years and a maximum of life in prison.
This case was investigated by the HSI office in Albuquerque and APD’s Vice Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Norman Cairns and Kimberly A. Brawley are prosecuting the case.
Federal Indictment Charges Two for Domestic Violence Resulting in Maryland MurderRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted Maliek Kearney, age 35, and Dolores Delgado, age 31, both of San Antonio, Texas, for interstate travel to commit domestic violence resulting in death, in connection with the death of Karlyn Ramirez. The indictment was returned on October 4, 2016, and unsealed upon the arrest of the defendants in San Antonio on October 6, 2016.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Commanding General Mark S. Inch of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command; and Anne Arundel County Police Chief Tim Altomare.
“The indictment alleges that Maliek Kearney and Dolores Delgado conspired to murder Karlyn Ramirez, a U.S. Army private first class based at Fort Meade, Maryland,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. “I am grateful to the police and prosecutors who have been working tirelessly to pursue justice in this case.”
According to the indictment, on August 24, 2015, Kearney and Delgado traveled from South Carolina to Maryland with the intent to kill Karlyn Ramirez, the spouse of Maliek Kearney, and used a firearm to murder Ramirez.
Both defendants face a maximum sentence of life in prison. The defendants each had an initial appearance on October 6, 2016 in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas in San Antonio. Both were ordered to be detained pending detention hearings. Kearney’s detention hearing is scheduled for October 13, 2016 at 10 a.m. and Delgado’s detention hearing is scheduled for October 18, 2016 at 9:00 a.m., both in U.S. District Court in San Antonio.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI Baltimore, Army CID, and Anne Arundel County Police Department for their work in the investigation, and thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas and FBI San Antonio for their assistance. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys James G. Warwick, Kenneth S. Clark and John F. Purcell, Jr., who are prosecuting the case.
Federal Grand Jury Criminal Indictments AnnouncedRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla.— The results of the October 2016 Federal Grand Jury were announced today by Danny C. Williams Sr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged federal crimes which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
Jaime Centeno-Martinez. Reentry of Removed Alien. Centeno-Martinez, 39, is charged with having returned to the United States unlawfully after being deported in December 2006 from Douglas, Arizona. If convicted, the statutory maximum penalty is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement is the investigating agency.
Thomas Heath Davis. Possession of LSD with Intent to Distribute, Using a Drug-Involved Premise, and Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crimes. Davis, 36, of Tulsa, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 10 grams or more of LSD and for maintaining a place for the purpose of distributing LSD, ecstasy, marijuana, and psychedelic mushrooms. In addition, he is charged with possession of a .223 caliber semi-automatic rifle, an IMI Uzi 9mm semi-automatic rifle, and two .45 caliber semi-automatic pistols in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. If convicted, Davis faces the statutory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $10,000,000 fine for possession of LSD with intent to distribute; a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine for using a drug-involved premise; and a statutory minimum penalty of five years up to life in prison and a $250,000 fine for possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. The Drug Enforcement Administration is the investigating agency.
Marco Alberto Lara. Possession of an Unregistered Firearm and Alien Unlawfully in the United States in Possession of Firearms. Lara, 34, is charged with possession of a 20 gauge weapon made from a shotgun not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. In addition, he is charged with being in the United States unlawfully and in possession of a 20 gauge weapon made from a shotgun and a .308 caliber semi-automatic rifle. If convicted, Lara faces a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine for possession of an unregistered firearm and a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for being unlawfully in the United States in possession of firearms. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is the investigating agency.
Chantz Brandon Lucas. Drug Conspiracy, Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, and Use of a Communication Facility in Committing, Causing, and Facilitating the Commission of a Drug Trafficking Felony. Lucas, 41, of Owasso, is charged with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and attempting to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. In addition, he faces four counts of using a telephone in committing, causing and facilitating the commission of a drug trafficking felony. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the investigating agency.
Irma Marquez-Negrete. Reentry of Removed Alien. Marquez-Negrete, 23, is charged with having returned to the United States unlawfully after being deported in November 2015 from El Paso, Texas. If convicted, the statutory maximum penalty is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement is the investigating agency.
Daniel Mejia. Reentry of Removed Alien; Alien Unlawfully in the United States in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; and Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Mejia, 28, is charged with having returned to the United States unlawfully after being deported in September 2007 from Calexico, California. In addition, he is charged with possession of a 9mm x 19 caliber pistol and ammunition and for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition after prior felony convictions. If convicted, the statutory maximum penalty is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for unlawful reentry into the United States; and a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the remaining charges. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is the investigating agency.
Gustavo Armando Monreal-Rodriguez. Reentry of Removed Alien. Monreal-Rodriguez, 23, is charged with having returned to the United States unlawfully after being deported in June 2015 from Del Rio, Texas. If convicted, the statutory maximum penalty is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement is the investigating agency.
Jennifer Kathryn Steffen and Cory Blake Ackley. Theft of Mail, Possession of Stolen Mail, and Possession of Fifteen or More Unauthorized Access Devices. Steffen, 32, and Ackley, 26, are each charged with three counts of stealing mail from apartment complex cluster mail boxes; possession of stolen mail to include over 100 credit cards, credit card applications and other documents; and possession of 18 unauthorized access devices ie. credit and debit cards. If convicted, Steffen and Ackley each face the statutory maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the theft of mail and possession of stolen mail charges; and a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for possession of unauthorized access devices. The United States Postal Inspector is the investigating agency.
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El Paso Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that that CHRISTOPHER CHAVEZ, 40, of El Paso, Texas, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in a cocaine trafficking organization that transported large amounts of cocaine into Connecticut. CHAVEZ also was ordered to pay a $25,000 fine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, CHAVEZ’s father, Raul Chavez, headed a cocaine trafficking operation that smuggled cocaine from Mexico into El Paso and then transported the drug to Connecticut and elsewhere. CHRISTOPHER CHAVEZ’s role in the conspiracy typically involved transporting the cocaine from locations in El Paso to a warehouse where it was secreted within the cargo of tractor trailers bound for Connecticut. He also received and delivered hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Sinaloa cartel.
In 2014, the Chavez organization attempted to find an additional source of supply for its Hartford area cocaine customers. In July 2014, a DEA confidential source met Andrew Duron in North Carolina. During the meeting, Duron told the confidential source that he wanted to purchase up to 50 kilograms of cocaine for $28,000 per kilogram. On August 14, 2014, Duron, the confidential source and an undercover DEA agent met in New Jersey where Duron agreed to purchase 25 kilograms of cocaine. In subsequent conversations with the confidential source, Duron stated that he wanted an extra $1000 per kilogram as a side deal. They agreed on a total price of $725,000 for 25 kilograms of cocaine.
On August 23, 2014, Duron met the undercover DEA agent at a location in Wethersfield. Duron told the undercover agent that his associates were in Connecticut and that Duron and the undercover agent would need to travel to a store parking lot near Bradley International Airport to verify that the money was in place. Duron and the undercover agent then drove in separate vehicles to a store parking lot on Kennedy Road in Windsor. Duron met with Raul Chavez and another associate in the store. A short time later, a third associate arrived in a Jeep Wrangler, met the undercover agent in the parking lot, showed him a duffel bag and said it contained “half” of the money. Shortly thereafter, investigators arrived at the scene and arrested Duron, Raul Chavez and his associates. Investigators also recovered from the Jeep a duffel bag containing approximately $284,000 in cash, and a loaded .38 caliber revolver.
After word reached CHRISTOPHER CHAVEZ that his father and others had been arrested, he coordinated the diversion of a shipment of 34 kilograms of cocaine that was en route to Connecticut to a high-level drug distributor in Cleveland, Ohio.
CHRISTOPHER CHAVEZ was arrested in El Paso on August 27, 2015. He has been detained since his arrest. On March 11, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
Raul Chavez and Duron also pleaded guilty. On September 22, 2015, Duron, also of El Paso, was sentenced to 84 months of imprisonment. Raul Chavez awaits sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force, including personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office and the Bristol, Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Newington, and Wethersfield Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian P. Leaming.
Department of Justice Designates National Community Policing WeekRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced today that representatives from the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI, DEA, and ATF jointly held three events in Anchorage this week as part of National Community Policing Week.
As part of the Obama Administration’s commitment to building stronger relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve, the Department of Justice will lead nearly 400 events in support of community policing efforts around the country. To further that effort, President Obama has designated the week of Oct. 2-8, 2016, as National Community Policing Week. The week is also an extension of the Attorney General’s 12-city Community Policing Tour that highlighted collaborative programs and policing practices designed to advance public safety, strengthen police-community relations, and foster mutual trust and respect between law enforcement and citizens. National Community Policing Week builds on President Obama’s efforts to engage with law enforcement and other members of the community to implement key recommendations from the 21st Century Policing Task Force report.
Community policing is a public safety philosophy based on partnership and cooperation between law enforcement and the communities that they are sworn to protect. At the center of community policing is the idea that all members of the community, both officer and civilian, have a stake in the safety of their neighborhoods where they live and work.
Representatives from the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI, DEA, and ATF jointly held the following community policing events in Anchorage:
Presentations at FBI Citizens Academy
On Tuesday, Oct. 4, representatives from each law enforcement agency gave a 30-minute presentation at the FBI Citizens Academy. The presentations included an overview of each agency’s mission, work, and how the Department of Justice law enforcement agencies work together, specifically in the District of Alaska. Following the presentations, there was a Q&A session.
Child ID Event and Presentations
On Wednesday, Oct. 5, the U.S. Marshals Service, DEA, ATF, and FBI gave presentations at Northwood ABC Elementary to roughly 90 students about drug and firearm safety, as well as personal safety via the KidSmartz child safety program that educates families about preventing abductions and empowers kids to make safe choices. Following the presentations, the students were fingerprinted under the Child ID program through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The fingerprinted cards were then sent home with the students, along with educational and awareness pamphlets about personal and internet safety, for their parents.
Kids Kitchen Event
On Thursday, Oct. 6, representatives from each law enforcement agency volunteered at Kids Kitchen, located at the Fairview Recreation Center, helping to set up, serve food, and clean up, while mentoring and interacting with over 65 children. Kids Kitchen is a nonprofit organization in Anchorage dedicated to providing nutritional meals at no cost for children. In addition to volunteering, the group donated food based off Kids Kitchen’s monthly food needs list online.
“This week and these events highlight our continuing work to further connect our citizens and law enforcement in our joint efforts to provide a safe and healthy environment in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Loeffler.
Additional information can be found on www.kidsmartz.org and www.kidskitchen.wixsite.com/alaska. For more information on National Community Policing Week or the Community Policing Tour, please visit https://www.justice.gov/ag/community-policing-tour.
Cranston Man Detained on Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
Michael Bermudez, a/k/a Michael J. Morales, 34, of Cranston, was ordered detained in federal custody following an initial appearance in federal court in Providence today before U.S. District Court Magistrate Lincoln D. Almond on a criminal complaint charging him with possession of heroin with the intent to distribute and possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute.
Bermudez was detained by Cranston Police on Thursday after a search of his residence resulted in the seizure of approximately 6,600 packets of heroin and approximately 153 grams of cocaine.
Bermudez’s arrest and initial appearance is announced by United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha, Cranston Police Chief Colonel Michael J. Winquist, and Michael J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA in New England.
According to information provided to the court, on Thursday, Cranston Police Department detectives, with the assistance of agents from the Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force, executed a court authorized search warrant at Bermudez’s residence. The search resulted in the seizure of approximately 6,600 packets of heroin and several plastic bags containing a total of approximately 153 grams of cocaine. The search warrant was authorized by the court during an investigation into Bermudez’s alleged drug trafficking activities, which allegedly included multiple controlled purchases of heroin from Bermudez.
According to information presented to the court, after being detained by Cranston Police, Bermudez allegedly described for investigators his involvement in the distribution of heroin and cocaine. This allegedly included Bermudez’s description of receiving approximately $12,000 worth of heroin from a supplier on multiple occasions and distributing this heroin within a two-day period, resulting in $1000 profit to him.
According to court records and information presented to the court, Bermudez was convicted in U.S. District Court in 2009 on fraud charges, and is currently on state probation, having been convicted in Rhode Island Superior Court in September 2015 on drug trafficking charges.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Contact:
Jim Martin (401) 709-5357
email: [email protected]
on Twitter @USAO_RI
Court Sets Oct. 11th Sentencing Date in Adulterated and Misbranded Cheese CasesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A federal judge has scheduled sentencing for two cheese companies and a cheese company executive who pleaded guilty earlier this year to charges relating to their introduction of adulterated and misbranded cheese products into interstate commerce.
On Tuesday, October 11, at 1 p.m., U.S. District Judge Mark R. Hornak for the Western District of Pennsylvania will sentence Castle Cheese Company executive Michelle Myrter, 44, of Harmony, Pennsylvania, on one misdemeanor count of aiding and abetting the introduction of adulterated and misbranded cheese products into interstate commerce, in violation of provisions of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Judge Hornak will sentenceUniversal Cheese &Drying, Inc. and International Packing, LLC at 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., respectively, on one count each of conspiring to introduce misbranded and adulterated cheese products into interstate commerce and to commit money laundering.
For the corporate defendants, the law provides for a fine of $500,000 for each defendant. Each company has already agreed to forfeit to the United States $500,000. For the individual defendant, the law provides for a total sentence of one year in prison, a fine of $100,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
In connection with the February 26, 2016, guilty pleas, the court was advised that the corporate defendants packaged and sold cheese under various labels at the Castle Cheese facility in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. The cheese was distributed through retail, food service, and wholesale customers throughout the United States. The corporate defendants had knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) regulations and standards of identity for parmesan and romano cheese products and were aware that the products did not conform to FDA standards of identity for real parmesan and romano cheese, but represented to customers that the products contained 100 percent real parmesan and romano cheese. The corporate defendants also knew that the cheese products were misbranded because they did not bear labels that accurately reflected the products’ ingredients. The corporate defendants likewise knew that the cheese products were also adulterated in that certain ingredients had been substituted or omitted and other ingredients had been added. The defendants used proceeds from the sale of the misbranded and adulterated cheese products to continue the operation of the cheese manufacturing and packaging at the Slippery Rock facility.
The adulterated romano and parmesan products were sold under several brand names, the owners of which were unaware of the fraud. The adulterated products are no longer available for sale. At no time did the adulterated products pose a threat to the health or safety of consumers.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tonia Sulia Goodman is prosecuting these cases on behalf of the government.
Federal agents with the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)’s Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecutions of Universal Cheese & Drying, Inc., International Packing, LLC and Michelle Myrter.
Couple Sentenced for Child Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla.—Ryan Patrick Wise, of Greensboro, North Carolina, and Jasmine Lynch, of Jacksonville, Florida, were sentenced to 210 months and 120 months in prison, respectively, for their roles in sex trafficking a 14-year-old girl, announced United States Attorney Danny C. Williams Sr. of the Northern District of Oklahoma. United States District Court Judge John E. Dowdell presided over both cases.
Wise and Lynch were each charged by a second superseding indictment in May 2016. Both defendants pleaded guilty in June 2016.
According to court documents, in November 2015, Wise and Lynch recruited, enticed, provided, and advertised a 14-year-old girl from Tulsa to engage in commercial sex acts with adult men. They rented hotel and motel rooms in Tulsa to provide the underage girl for prostitution purposes and advertised the girl for sex on Backpage.com.
The case was investigated by the Tulsa Police Department; and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Trent Shores.
The 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, 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 and internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Southbridge man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Worcester in connection with being a felon in possession of a firearm and distributing drugs.
Alehandros Medina, 24, pleaded guilty to distribution of cocaine, ketamine, MDMA and Methylone; being a felon in possession of a firearm and attempted money laundering. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman scheduled sentencing for Feb. 3, 2017.
On several occasions between November 2014 and October 2015, Medina sold cocaine, MDMA (commonly referred to as ecstasy), and ketamine to an undercover federal agent. In August 2015, Medina traveled to Oregon and was stopped by police who confiscated approximately $22,000 from Medina that he intended to use to purchase marijuana. In October 2015, federal agents arrested Medina in Southbridge as he was delivering cocaine to an undercover agent. Later that day, agents seized cocaine and a loaded .38 caliber revolver from Medina’s residence.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. The charge of distribution of ketamine provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $500,000. The charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $500,000. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Michal J. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Southbridge Police Chief Shane Woodson, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg A. Friedholm of Ortiz’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
Connecticut U.S. Attorney's Office Celebrates Community Policing AwardsRead the Press Release
To commemorate National Community Policing Week, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut hosted a Community Policing Awards Ceremony this afternoon in New Haven that recognized 22 law enforcement officers and community members from cities and towns across the state.
“At heart, Community Policing is a philosophy that each of us, members of law enforcement and communities alike, have a stake in keeping our cities and towns safe and secure places to live,” said U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly. “During National Community Policing Week, we celebrate our commitment to supporting the practice of community policing. Police can never solve public safety problems alone. We encourage active community collaboration to improve safety, build public trust and deepen understanding between police and the communities they serve. The officers and community members recognized today are excellent examples of the best in community policing and community relations. I am confident that their efforts are making meaningful and lasting progress, and it is my great privilege to honor each of them and to thank them for their invaluable work.”
Below is a list of the award winners and the nominations that were submitted on their behalf.
The United States Attorney’s Office is charged with enforcing federal criminal laws in Connecticut, and with representing the federal government in civil litigation in the District. The District is composed of approximately 64 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and approximately 60 staff members at offices in New Haven, Hartford and Bridgeport.
Beacon Falls Police Department
Officer Caroline O’BarOfficer Caroline O’Bar is a 16-year member of the Beacon Falls Police Department who goes beyond the call of duty. Officer O’Bar networks with businesses and service organizations in town in order to provide for those families in need.
Officer O’Bar currently collects food at Thanksgiving, Easter baskets at Easter, backpacks for children going to school and runs a toy drive at Christmas. In addition, she helps Veterans and their families with their most immediate needs, O’Bar’s first priority is to make sure that everyone is fed and that children have something to open on Christmas.
In the past several years, Officer O’Bar’s hard work and dedication in the Town of Beacon Falls has changed lives for the better.
Officer O’Bar is always exploring new ways to protect and enhance the lives of those who are most vulnerable--juveniles, the elderly, minorities, the poor, and the disabled.
Bristol Police Department
Officer Jace DelucaOfficer Jace Deluca began his law enforcement career with the Bristol Police Department in 2008. In the 8 years since he was hired, he has immersed himself into several community events. Officer Deluca is assigned to the night shift. He devotes his days (while most other night shift officers are sleeping) to volunteering to put together community policing programs in the City of Bristol.
Officer Deluca is a volunteer advisor to the Bristol Police Explorers Program, a youth program that exposes those under 18 to the law enforcement profession. He has also organized “Cop on Top,” a weekend fundraising event that benefits the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Lastly, Officer Deluca is the Bristol liaison to the Special Olympics and as such has organized the Torch Run, Tip a Cop and Car Shows. These events raise money for the Special Olympics and educate the public about the good work of the organization.
Officer DeLuca is a credit to the Bristol Police Department. While on duty he is the true professional. What makes him special is that he takes professionalism a few steps further while he is off duty. Though you won't hear it from him, he truly believes in giving back to the Community he serves. Officer DeLuca is extremely humble. When you praise or acknowledge his performance, he will routinely respond that he doesn't deserve any credit. That the credit goes to the people around him and the Bristol Police Department. That the credit goes to the “kids,” usually referring to the Bristol Police Explorers, because they are the ones doing the “work.” Officer DeLuca has a remarkable way of bringing people together to do good things on and off the job. It’s his actions that speak for him. Officer DeLuca is an exemplary Police Officer and the Bristol Police Department is proud to have him among the rank and file. He and like-minded Officers are projecting us towards excellence and for that we thank him.
Connecticut State Police
Trooper First Class Stephen Pickett
Killingly Resident TrooperThe Connecticut State Police is not your ordinary state police force in that there are approximately 68 towns throughout the state which have no organized municipal law enforcement agency to provide police services; as a result, Connecticut State Troopers are responsible for providing all police services in these jurisdictions. One such jurisdiction is the Town of Killingly which has approximately 16,400 residents and is approximately 358 square miles in size.
Trooper First Class Stephen Pickett is the Killingly Resident State Trooper and has held that position since January of 1997. As a Resident Trooper, the equivalent of a Community Policing Officer, TFC Pickett is heavily vested in the quality of life for all Killingly Residents, has established a respectful rapport with all residents to include habitual criminal offenders, has immersed himself in the day to day happenings from the seemingly inconsequential to the significant, all while fostering a strong relationship with town officials, business owners and the community at large.
TFC Pickett is an individual who carries himself as a consummate professional, day in and day out, routinely outperforming his/her peers and quietly/humbly leading by example, ultimately having an indelibly positive impact on the community he serves. Throughout his almost 22-year tenure assigned to serve the Killingly Community, he has responded to almost 25,000 calls for service and investigated approximately 1800 criminal incidents. And today, just like his first day in uniform on January 23, 1992, he is proactive, enthusiastic, energetic, tenacious, “spit and polished,” physically fit and a role-model which all law enforcement officers should strive to emulate.
Coventry Police Department
Sergeant Michael McDonaghSergeant Michael McDonagh has been a member of the Coventry Police Department for 27 years and is the senior member of the agency. He is assigned as a patrol sergeant. Sergeant McDonagh has been an integral part of the community his entire career. He knows thousands of people in the community and uses his knowledge as both an investigator and a problem-solver. Everyone in our town either knows Sergeant McDonagh, or knows of him. He is active on his off-duty time in many community activities including high school sports. Sgt. McDonagh regularly works at the high school football games. He often goes into the grandstands with the band members and will play various instruments to the amusement of the students and the attendees. The high school band even has a song they dedicate to Sgt. McDonagh at each game.
Sergeant McDonagh maintains close ties with the Coventry School District and regularly communicates with the administration, principals, teachers and students. On a regular basis, he goes into each school and has lunch with the students. He has a special connection with members of the community, especially children and has a great sense of humor which often puts people at ease.
As a strong advocate of our agency and community policing, Sergeant McDonagh’s email signature includes: “Citizens never forget their experiences with Police Officers. You represent not only yourself, but the entire department and the community.”
Farmington Police Department
Officer Joseph P. CapodiferroOfficer Capodiferro recently retired after 26 years of service to the Town of Farmington. He is a 3rd generation Farmington Police Officer and has remained with the Department as a Supernumerary Officer.
We hear so much today about the need to embrace community policing as a department wide philosophy in order to repair relationships with our citizens. At Farmington PD we have lived that philosophy for decades. It’s engrained in who we are as an agency and are proud of the close relationship we have with our community. Officer Capodiferro has been an integral part of developing that relationship; I can comfortably say that he exemplifies the face of community policing in Farmington. Officer Capodiferro truly understands how important it is to be up close and personal with the community he serves.
Officer Capodiferro’s personality, demeanor, and commitment to Farmington made him the perfect choice when we were looking to reintroduce our K-9 program that had been active for decades. It was a position where he truly perfected his community policing skills, carving out his legacy at Farmington PD. We knew we wanted someone who could seamlessly integrate a K-9 into our community. We wanted a dog that could perform all the typical police K-9 functions, yet be social enough to promote a positive feeling among our residents, especially the children, the elderly, and special needs individuals. Some handlers and trainers said it couldn’t or shouldn’t be done, but Officer Capodiferro took on the challenge and excelled. Side by side with his partner Drak, they spent years as a team, building strong bonds between the police department and the community.
Hartford Police Department
Lieutenant Michael Cacioli
Lieutenant Gabriel LaureanoHartford Police Department Lieutenants Gabriel Laureano and Michael Cacioli are longtime members of the Department who continually strive to improve police and community relations. These individuals bear policing responsibility for uniformed patrol and community service efforts in North & South Hartford and, as such, have dedicated themselves to public service, outreach and a commitment to making the City a safer place. Although constantly on call with 24/7 area responsibility, Lieutenants Laureano & Cacioli have embraced their positions and do so at the sacrifice of their personal and family lives. They have formulated and maintained relationships with the faith based community, neighborhood leaders and organizers, business groups, youth groups and peacebuilding groups. Over the course of time, those relationships and the continual dialogue with those groups have decreased the potential for street level violence and anti-police sentiment and have increased the potential for better, constructive and goal oriented cooperation with the police.
Lieutenants Laureano and Cacioli constantly spearhead and oversee initiatives to combat gun and drug related violence, improve neighborhood quality of life and positively interact with area schools. They keep their fingers on the pulse of neighborhood activity, do so with zeal and enthusiasm and continually motivate their personnel to embrace the tenets of professionalism and effective public service. Their ongoing efforts continue to bring noticeable reductions in crime as well as improvements in neighborhood quality of life.
Ledyard Police Department
Officer Rick McSwainOfficer Rick McSwain serves as Ledyard Police Department’s Youth Officer and School Resource Officer. He is a great example of how effective one officer can be in a community while interacting with its youth.
Officer McSwain often can be found helping students and staff in Ledyard’s Public Schools. He has developed tremendous ties and relationships within the school community. He makes safety presentations, eats lunch with students in the schools, and is a 24/7 resource for Ledyard’s youth and families.
In addition to his school based interactions, Rick gives tours of our police department to community groups, scouts, and other youth groups. He is involved with Ledyard’s “Stuff a Cruiser” toy drive in the holiday season. He has been invited to throw out the first pitch on opening day of little league, heads up our participation in Ledyard Children’s Day, and serves on the Ledyard Schools Crisis Team.
He makes appearances without compensation at Ledyard Lions Club meetings, and in June, he was invited to speak at the American Legion Boys’ State Leadership Program at Eastern Connecticut State University. He is also a member of Ledyard’s newly formed Juvenile Review Board for court diversion.
Middletown Police Department
Sergeant Michael LukanikIn October of 2015, the north end of the city experienced a significant increase in violent crime. Sgt. Michael Lukanik was tasked with the assignment of addressing this problem. Sgt. Lukanik conducted an initial threat assessment. The main issues were stemming from a specific one block area known as Wharfside Commons (90+ unit housing complex). Sgt. Lukanik began by meeting with the citizens, NEAT (North End Action Team) and the management team of Wharfside Commons. He identified problematic areas and people. Sgt. Lukanik was critical in implementing directed patrols, adding cameras and fencing in areas of concern, and evicting problematic tenants. He continually meets with the citizens, NEAT and housing management on a monthly basis. He has assigned Police personal to attend meetings, established long term beats and personally monitored his strategy. Sgt. Lukanik deployed a community policing approach in which he encourages citizen partnership, community policing through environmental design and officer involvement. Since the inception of Sgt. Lukanik’s many contributions, violent crime in this area decreased significantly.
Sgt. Michael Lukanik’s passion for his work has resonated throughout the community and made the north end of Middletown a safer and better place to live. Further, his efforts have expanded beyond the north end and are being used as an example for other areas of the City of Middletown.
New Haven Police Department
Officer Elsa BerriosElsa Berrios is a 21-year veteran of the New Haven Police Department. Recently, she “adopted” an 80 year-old Veteran who suffers with mental health challenges. She made regular visits with his clinician and was instrumental in getting him into the VA for treatment and later into the Mary Wade Home where he resides today. Before Officer Berrios intervened, the Veteran had no family support, and was living in squalor in a third floor apartment where he had to crawl up the stairs each day after going to Tip Top Deli for food. The toilet and shower were not in working order and he had holes in his shoes and clothing. He was often taunted by kids on the street and sometimes pushed to the ground.
Due to his mental illness, he was afraid of people and would not accept any food or clothing except from the owner of Tip Top. Once the veteran became familiar with Elsa, who made regular visits to the VA and now the Mary Wade Home, he looks for her to visit. Elsa has purchased much needed items for him, without Elsa, the Veteran would not have any visitors or the “comforts” of home.
There are many families in the Hill that Elsa has helped including one on Asylum St. After meeting the mother, she discovered that her children were lacking in bedding and other essentials. She contacted the Police Academy and recruited the cadets to help this family and provide them with much needed items.
Many kids in the Church Street South Housing Complex have hats and mittens due to Elsa’s kindness. She is always the first to volunteer to help out needy families, especially at the holidays.
Elsa is always, and continues to be, a “go to person” for any resident, officer or supervisor.
Norwalk Police Department
Lieutenant Terrence Blake
Sergeant Sophia Gulino
Officer Felipe TabordaBeginning in January 2016, the Norwalk Police Department (NPD) partnered with Pathways, an alternative high school to create a curriculum to educate its students about policing in a fun and positive manner. The inaugural class was offered as a semester-long elective for 11 students that met for a weekly 2½ hour seminar. The class is taught entirely by members of the NPD, and is principally led by Lieutenant Terrence Blake, Sergeant Sophia Gulino, and Office Felipe Taborda. Scholastically, the program provides the students with insight into law enforcement as a career. More importantly, the program seeks to bridge a gap between the police and younger members of the community, many of whom did not previously hold a positive opinion of law enforcement.
Over the course of the 17-week program, the students have participated in police officer training through academic and practical offerings. For example, the students spent three weeks learning about different roles within the NPD by investigating a mock homicide. This scenario–a domestic violence homicide–was also used as an opportunity to discuss family violence, which is a pervasive issue in many of the kids’ homes.
The NPD team also arranged for the students to meet with key participants in the justice system, including a state’s attorney, a public defender, police chiefs, a Superior Court Judge, and a U.S. District Judge. All of these individuals met with the students in informal settings to discuss the educational and career choices they had made and the hardships they overcame along the way.
The sincere commitment by the NPD to connect with its city’s youth in such a constructive and innovative manner has been an inspiration to all. The program is built on hard work, trust and understanding, and enhanced by healthy doses of laughter and fun. With these critical cornerstones securely in place, the officers and students have begun to tackle the heady and all too often polarizing issue of car stops–but this time in an atmosphere of respect.
Norwalk Police Department
Officer Cesar RamirezOn August 3, 2016, in the wake of officer-involved shootings in Louisiana and Minnesota and the subsequent murders of five police officers in Dallas, the Norwalk Department of Police Service sought to find ways to ease tensions and to promote unity between the community and law enforcement. To that end, Police Officer Cesar Ramirez, a Norwalk resident who has also been a member of the Norwalk Police Department for over 25 years, planned an Interfaith Prayer Vigil.
On the day of the vigil, more than 200 people gathered on the courtyard in front of the police department. The widely diverse crowd joined hands, prayed, and sang together in a great show of solidarity. Representatives from twenty of Norwalk’s faith-based institutions spoke and prayed in English, Spanish, Italian, French, Creole, Hindi, and Hebrew. The event not only fostered a positive dialogue between law enforcement and the community, but also joined together different segments of the community who displayed a great respect for one another’s cultures and beliefs.
Norwich Police Department
Officer Christopher ChastangOfficer Chastang has been a member of the Norwich Police Departments’ Community Policing Unit since its start in 2011.
Officer Chastang engages with a broad spectrum of community members and helps to create a sustainable atmosphere in which the citizens of Norwich can work, play, and raise families. Officer Chastang’s comprehensive approach includes the community in which he serves, and together they focus on the root of problems. He builds partnerships in which officers and citizens are the “problem solvers.” Officer Chastang’s work has been creative and empowering — and as a result has resonated throughout the Norwich Police Department and the City of Norwich. Through his efforts, Norwich Police Department has become a proactive and highly collaborative department.
Officer Chastang has volunteered as a Police Athletic League (P.A.L.) basketball coach and spent his off duty hours away from his family to coach 5-6-year-old Norwich children in the fundamentals of team support, friendships, good sportsmanship, and athletic abilities.
Officer Chastang has spearheaded the National Night Out Event in the City of Norwich for approximately three years. Some of his duties were to plan the entire event, raise donations from local businesses, coordinate the efforts of the vendors, and evaluating each years’ events. The 2016 NNO event was a huge success which brought in over 3,000 citizens which is a direct result of his efforts.
Officer Chastang attends monthly Neighborhood watch meetings and assists those citizens solve problems within their area. He has repeatedly recognized by The St Vincent DePaul “Soup Kitchen” for assisting citizens in need.
Town of Southington
Chris Conlon
Smokin With ChrisChris Conlon, a former West Hartford and Southington Fireman continually gives back to his community. Having worked as a career first responder, he knew he wanted to thank those who protect and serve his community. While he had been thinking about putting on such an event for four years, he knew now was the time to act. On August 29, 2016, Chris Conlon, the owner of Smokin with Chris Restaurant in Southington, held a First Responder Appreciation Night. In an effort to accommodate all shifts of personnel, this event was held throughout the day from 2:00 pm through 8:00 pm. Smokin with Chris provided free food and drink to Southington Police, Fire and EMS personnel and their families. Even his employees volunteered to work on their day off to support local first responders. Overall, Chris served meals to 200 first responders and family members at the event that brought together community and first responders in a genuine show of appreciation.
This is not the first time Chris Conlon has been honored for his community service. In March of 2015 he was awarded the Southington Stars Community Service Award by the United Way of Southington for continually donating food from his restaurant to support local organizations like the Southington Chamber of Commerce, Southington High School Marching Band, the United Way and many others. During that award ceremony, Conlon stated “I’m humbled because there are so many people that do so much more than I do,” said Conlon. “One grain of sand does not make the beach nor does one tree make a forest, but together we are a community, and this is what it’s about.”
Stamford Police Department & Domus Kids, Inc.
Sergeant Joe Kennedy
Francesca PrincipeThe Stamford Police Department has had successful community outreach programs with longevity that improve each year such as our School Resource Officer Camp(co-ed), Mighty Mite basketball(co-ed), Domestic Home Visitation, and a host of others but the girls deserved and needed their own program.
The Stamford Police Department therefore partnered with Domus Kids, Inc. — together they have had a long history of collaborating on many youth initiatives. The Young Girls Leadership program unites middle school aged girls from Domus Chester Addison Community Center with female police officers. The core principal of the program is to promote positive youth/police relationships by promoting positive youth development by enhancing life skills competencies. It seeks to build trust and mutual respect between the youth and officers. The program includes activities designed to increase the opportunity for youth and officers to proactively engage with the larger community through community service events. The youth are expected to assume leadership roles in planning and implementation of these events. One of the most impactful outcomes of the community service events is to make the youth realize that they possess the capacity to be agents of positive change in our community. For youth, program activities will significantly enhance their life skills, competencies and promote better life choices that lead to better outcomes at school and at home, as well as improved interactions with their peers and the larger community.
Stamford Police Department
Officer Jerry JunesOne of the Stamford Police Department’s largest volunteer programs is the Mighty Mites Basketball Program. This program involves hundreds of Stamford children ages 5 through 16 in a variety of programs that are administered by police officers in conjunction with community members, and the corporate world. The main part of this program is basketball where kid’s families act as coaches, and to get the whole family involved girls are the cheerleaders. The corporate world helps in part to subsidize our program. Each year approximately 200 boys and girls participate many of whom are repeat participants in the Mighty Mite Basketball league. Over 50 girls participate as cheerleaders. As you might imagine, the gymnasiums bring together the police officers who act as coaches, mentors, and referees, the families including older siblings, and the guardians cheering and rooting for each other. A good time is had by all during the game and the games are talked about all week long.
By getting to know each other in a relaxed environment, a positive view of law enforcement personnel is reinforced for these youngsters and their families will become more comfortable confiding in officers and sharing concerns with them. The Police Officers benefit too. Spending time with these families gives officers insight into their personalities, backgrounds, struggles and needs that come in handy in future encounters.
Mighty Mites basketball is run for 4 months of the year in two different parts of town in their respective community centers. Each child is given a uniform (which they proudly wear everywhere including to school), backpacks, a basketball, and a trophy.
Suffield Police Department
Sergeant Geoffrey Miner|
Dispatcher Nicholas FasanoDispatcher Fasano and Sergeant Miner are lifelong residents of Suffield and have been friends for several years. In an effort to implement some of the recommendations from the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing, they were asked to take charge of our social media accounts.
After last April’s snow storm, Sergeant Miner and Dispatcher Fasano posted booking photos of Chuckles the state groundhog on the Suffield Police Department’s Facebook page indicating that they had arrested him for false statement about predicting an early spring. These postings on Facebook went viral throughout the country and media stations from throughout the area wanted to interview them. They furthered the idea and turned it into a fundraiser for the Lutz Children’s Museum, where Chuckles lives, by having sponsors “Post” his bond. Chuckles was eventually pardoned by the Suffield First Selectwoman. The project drew a large amount of media attention and raised nearly $970 for the museum.
Sergeant Miner and Dispatcher Fasano also started a community policing event called “Chill with a Cop,” which is hosted at our local ice cream shop. Instead of “Coffee with a Cop,” this idea was formed to allow people to come out and join us on hot days in the summer. Sergeant Miner also hosted a Pokémon Go Event, which drew hundreds of people out of their houses to take part. Sergeant Miner is a fellow Pokémon player and was able to interact with the attendees in ways that most of us cannot. This was a safe event for all ages to spend some time with Suffield Police Officers. Sergeant Miner and Dispatcher Fasano are two young and outgoing members of the Suffield Police Department and their community policing contributions have helped bring a lot of positive feedback to the Suffield Police Department.
Windsor Police Department
Officer Joshua AmaroSince taking his role as School Resource Officer (SRO) at Windsor High School, Officer Joshua “Josh” Amaro has quickly become the “ultimate” community policing officer to students, faculty and staff, family members, and all community members in Windsor. Even prior to his appointment as SRO, Officer Amaro began developing ways to communicate in a timely and transparent manner to all members of the community, young and old, via social media. He developed and implemented a “WindsorHighSRO” public Facebook page and @WindsorSRO Twitter feed. Most recently, during August 2016, SRO Amaro received the happy endorsement of Windsor Public School District administrators to create and maintain a webpage on the Windsor Public School website. On these social media applications, SRO Amaro has discussed laws relevant to teenagers and their families such as Teen Driving statutes, Texting and driving laws, Halloween safety tips, bicycle safety, and seatbelt laws among other topics.
A recent video which SRO Amaro created and distributed prior to the start of the school year, depicts various members of the Windsor Police welcoming students back to school. Another video reminds parents of traffic patterns at Windsor High School.
SRO Amaro not only promotes and attends as many community events as he possibly can, he also creates them such as a Video Game Tournament night for students.
SRO Amaro seeks out every opportunity to engage his school based community and the larger community of Windsor. SRO Amaro is not just the well-recognized face of the Windsor Police Department. More significantly, SRO Amaro has fostered relationships and built bridges with youth and community residents through his use of social media and his community involvement. His postings have allowed citizens, especially youth in the multi-cultural community of Windsor, to see police officers as “people” too.
Cheektowaga Man Charged with Possession of Child PornographyRead 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 Robert Acker, 34, of Cheektowaga, NY, was charged by criminal complaint with possession of child pornography depicting minors less than 12 years of age. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott S. Allen, Jr., who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on September 1, 2016, the Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence and seized several electronic devices and DVDs. A forensic examination revealed that Acker was in possession of more than 7,000 images of child pornography, some of which depict prepubescent children less than 12 years of age.
Acker made an initial appearance this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr., and was ordered to abide by the conditions of the Home Confinement Program, which requires that he be electronically monitored.
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Violent Crimes Against Children program, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Adam S. Cohen.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.Business Owner Sentenced to 36 Months in Prison for Defrauding over 400 Victims of $809,205.43Read the Press Release
Owner of Patriot Computers ordered to pay full restitution to victims
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Mark Allen Hartley, the owner of Patriot Computers, a Virginia corporation, was sentenced this week, in United States District Court, by Chief Judge Joseph H. McKinley Jr., to 36 months in prison, on multiple wire fraud charges related to the theft of $809,205.43 from 434 victims, announced United States Attorney John E. Kuhn, Jr.
“In stealing this money, Hartley victimized many men and women of our armed services,” stated U.S. Attorney Kuhn. “His crime not only exemplifies a shockingly selfish avarice, it is also an affront to the sacrifices made by our servicemembers and their military families. My office will do everything in its power to recover every penny of the unpaid restitution for these victims.”
According to the four count indictment and facts admitted in court by the defendant, from December 1, 2012, through April 14, 2014, Hartley, age 56, devised a scheme to defraud First Citizens Bank and its customers. At the time, Hartley operated a business called Spartan Group Inc., dba Patriot Computers. Patriot Computers sold computer equipment to its customers on installment sales contracts. Customers of Patriot Computers agreed to have specified amounts of money taken from their paychecks on a regular basis until their purchases were paid in full. These customers completed payment authorization forms for these payment arrangements, and then Patriot Computers submitted these forms to First Citizens Bank in Hardin County, Kentucky. First Citizens Bank, through its bill payment service, would then transfer the payments from each customer’s paycheck to Patriot Computers’ account at Wells Fargo Bank until the customer’s contract with Patriot Computers was paid in full.
As part of the scheme and artifice to defraud, Hartley created fraudulent payment authorization forms and transmitted those, by e-mail, to First Citizens Bank. This caused First Citizens Bank to transfer unauthorized payments from victims’ paychecks to an account at Wells Fargo Bank, controlled by Hartley. These unauthorized payments totaled approximately $809,205.43. The average loss Hartley caused to each of his 434 individual victims was $1,864. The court ordered full restitution for each individual victim in the amount of the loss they sustained, in addition to restitution to First Citizens Bank for the loss of $126,338.38 it sustained due to Hartley’s scheme.
In entering his plea of guilty, Hartley agreed that the United States could put Patriot Computers’ accounts receivable into receivership, with collections from those accounts being directed to pay restitution to victims.
Hartley’s sentence includes not only the three-year prison sentence but also requires the payment of $809,205.43 in restitution to his victims and a three-year term of supervised release after his prison term. The United States has already collected $150,000 in funds from Hartley that, pending a court order, will be disbursed among victims.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jason Snyder and Jessica R.C. Malloy and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Bandidos National Sergeant at Arms Pleads Guilty to Federal Racketeering, Drug Trafficking and Extortion ChargesRead the Press Release
In San Antonio, 32-year-old Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Organization (OMO) National Sergeant at Arms Justin Cole Forster faces up to life in federal prison after pleading guilty to federal racketeering, drug trafficking and extortion charges announced United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr., Western District of Texas; Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Joseph M. Arabit, Houston Division; Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division; Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw; and San Antonio Police Chief William McManus.
Appearing before United States Magistrate Judge Pamela Mathy today, Forster pleaded guilty to four charges contained in a superseding indictment, namely, count one -- conspiracy to violate the Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organization (RICO) statute; count three -- conspiracy to commit violent crimes in aid of racketeering (VICAR); count six -- conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine and cocaine; and, count ten -- conspiracy to interfere with commerce by extortion. The superseding indictment is attached.
By pleading guilty, Forster, a member of the Bandidos OMO since 2006 and its National Sergeant at Arms since 2011, admitted that he conspired with others to participate in the affairs of the organization through a pattern of racketeering activity consisting of murder, attempted murder, robbery, extortion, interstate travel in aid of racketeering and drug trafficking.
Forster remains in custody pending sentencing scheduled for January 9, 2017, before Senior United States District Judge David A. Ezra in San Antonio.
Bandidos OMO National President Jeffrey Pike, age 61 of Conroe, TX; National Vice President John Portillo, age 57 of San Antonio; and, member Frederick Cortez (aka “Fast Fred”), age 48 of (San Antonio), who are also charged in the same superseding indictment, are currently scheduled for trial on August 7, 2017. While awaiting jury selection, Portillo and Cortez remain in federal custody; Pike is out on bond.
The superseding indictment accuses Pike and Portillo of directing, sanctioning, approving and permitting other members of the organization to carry out racketeering acts including murder, attempted murder, assault, intimidation, extortion and drug trafficking to protect and enhance the organization’s power, territory, reputation and profits. It alleges Portillo and Cortez were involved in the retaliation murder of Robert Lara in Atascosa County for killing one of their own. Javier Negrete, a member of the same Bandidos OMO chapter as Portillo and Cortez, was killed outside a San Antonio bar in October 2001.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the FBI, DEA and Texas DPS together with the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, New Braunfels Police Department, Seguin Police Department, San Antonio Police Department, Bexar County Sheriff’s Department, Atascosa County Sheriff’s Department, and the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Thursday 6 October 2016
Winslow Man Sentenced to 14 Months on Wire Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact: Andrew McCormack
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Ervin Morrison III, 24, of Winslow, Maine, was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to 14 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for wire fraud. He was also ordered to pay $26,900 in restitution. The defendant pled guilty to the charges on June 16, 2016.
According to court records, between about June 2014 and July 2015, Morrison entered into contracts promising goods and services to five individuals and companies and for which he collected over $26,000 in advance payments. At the time he entered the contracts, Morrison had no intention or ability to provide the goods and services and he did not provide them.
At sentencing, Judge Woodcock described him as a “serial fraudster” whose life has “been a series of frauds” and noted that he “stole” money from his victims with a “stunning display of amorality.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Maine State Police, the Brunswick and Belfast Police Departments, and the Monson (Massachusetts) Police Department.
Wheeling man pleads guilty to failing to register as a sex offenderRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Joseph J. Weidman, 49, of Wheeling, West Virginia pled guilty to failing to register as a sex offender in federal court today, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Weidman failed to register and update his registration as a sex offender in Ohio County, West Virginia, after having moved from Massachusetts in May, 2016. Weidman is required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act by reason of a conviction under state law.
He faces up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshals Service and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided.
West Tennessee Man Indicted for Distributing Heroin Responsible for Fatal OverdoseRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A man allegedly responsible for distributing a large amount of heroin that resulted in the fatal overdose of at least one person has been indicted. Edward L. Stanton III, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the indictment today.
According to the indictment, Marvin Foster, aka "Pookie," 49, of Halls, Tennessee, distributed more than 100 grams of heroin throughout the counties of Lauderdale, Tipton, and Dyer between January 2013 and January 2015. The heroin distributed by Foster is responsible for the death of at least one person.
On Thursday, September 29, 2016, Foster was indicted on one count of possession with the intent to distribute and to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin, which resulted in the death of a person.
Foster is scheduled to make his initial appearance in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tu M. Pham on Monday, October 24, 2016.
If convicted, Foster faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $10 million.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the 25th Judicial Drug Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Stringfellow is prosecuting this case on the government’s behalf.
The charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Webster Man Pleads Sentenced for Failing to Pay Income TaxesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. announced today that Brent Derouen, 37, of Webster, NY, who was convicted of two misdemeanor counts of failing to file federal income tax returns, was sentenced to 30 days in jail, six months of weekend confinement in jail and 400 hours of community service by U.S. Magistrate Judge Jonathan W. Feldman. The defendant was also ordered to pay $460,707.47 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Field, who handled the case, stated that Derouen operated a stock promotion business, OTC Advisors LLC. In 2009 and 2010, the defendant earned income of approximately $181,000 and $390,000. Derouen knew he was obligated to report this income to the Internal Revenue Service, and pay taxes on it, but deliberately failed to do so.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Special Agents of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Shantelle P. Kitchen, Special Agent in Charge.
Waterford Man Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in Prison for Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that LUIS ZAYAS, also known as “Guichan,” 40, of Waterford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 85 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in early 2012, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), the U.S. Secret Service and the New London Police Department initiated an investigation to combat the large-scale trafficking of heroin and cocaine from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico into and around southeastern Connecticut. The investigation revealed that certain members of the conspiracy coordinated the shipment of heroin, and sometimes cocaine, via human couriers from the Dominican Republic to the United States. Other members of the conspiracy obtained kilogram-quantities of cocaine in Puerto Rico and then mailed the drug to locations in and around New London where it was sold to distributors and customers. Narcotics were also obtained from sources in New York City and Rhode Island.
ZAYAS and Pedro Rivera, also known as “Cheito,” arranged the shipment of cocaine from sources in Puerto Rico to the New London area. ZAYAS and Rivera then distributed the cocaine to customers in southeastern Connecticut through a network of associates.
More than 100 individuals were charged with federal and state offenses as a result of this investigation.
ZAYAS was arrested on April 3, 2013. On January 29, 2015, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
Rivera also pleaded guilty and on December 9, 2015, he was sentenced to 116 months of imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations; U.S. Secret Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Air and Marine; Connecticut State Police; New London Police Department, Norwich Police Department, Waterford Police Department, Groton Town Police Department, East Lyme Police Department and Putnam Police Department. The United States Marshals Service; ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations; Drug Enforcement Administration; HSI Assistant Attaché, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; HSI Arecibo, Puerto Rico Resident Office; Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation; Connecticut Department of Correction, Parole and Community Services; and the Groton City, Willimantic, New Haven and Bristol Police Departments have provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
The federal case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah P. Karwan, Alina P. Reynolds and Henry K. Kopel. The state cases were prosecuted by the State’s Attorney for the New London Judicial District and Senior Assistant State’s Attorneys Paul Narducci and Stephen Carney.
U.S. Attorney’s Office staff in Shreveport, Lafayette celebrate Community Policing Week, National Night OutRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE, La. – Western District of Louisiana U.S. Attorney’s Office staff members, local law enforcement and community leaders met in neighborhoods throughout Caddo, Bossier and Lafayette parishes Tuesday in conjunction with Community Policing Week and National Night Out.
National Night Out takes place for one night usually the first Tuesday in August or October and is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for local anti-crime efforts, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. It sends a clear message that neighbors are organized and fighting back.
Residents unlocked their doors, turned on porch lights and spent the evening outside with family, friends, neighbors, emergency response personnel and city officials. Many neighborhoods throughout Caddo and Bossier parishes hosted a variety of special events such as block parties, cookouts, parades, flashlight walks, contests, youth activities and anti-crime rallies.
In Lafayette, residents met at the Martin Luther King Center near Willow Street. The events included music, food, games, fun jumps and other displays by local agencies including the Lafayette Police Department SWAT Team, Horse Patrol, Motorcycle Unit, Bicycle Patrol and the Police Command Bus.
Community policing is a public safety philosophy based on partnership and cooperation between law enforcement and the communities that they are sworn to protect and serve. At the center of community policing is the idea that all members of the community, both officer and civilian, have a stake in the safety of their neighborhoods where they live and work.
As part of the Obama Administration’s commitment to building stronger relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve, the Department of Justice is leading nearly 400 events in support of community policing efforts around the country. To further that effort, President Obama designated the week of October 2 to 8, 2016, as National Community Policing Week. The week is also an extension of Attorney General Loretta Lynch’s 12-city Community Policing Tour that highlights collaborative programs and policing practices designed to advance public safety, strengthen police-community relations, and foster mutual trust and respect between law enforcement and citizens. National Community Policing Week builds on President Obama’s efforts to engage with law enforcement and other members of the community to implement key recommendations from the 21st Century Policing Task Force report.
“This year Community Policing Week and National Night Out took place during the same week,” Finley stated. “The aim of both is to foster a strong bond among community members and law enforcement. It is also a great way to acknowledge the accomplishments of neighborhood organizations that keep communities safe, and especially to thank and acknowledge our law enforcement community for putting their lives on the line for us every day.”
In Shreveport and Bossier City, various member of the U.S. Attorney’s Office staff joined Shreveport Mayor Ollie Tyler, Shreveport Interim Police Chief Alan Crump, Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator’s Office, the Shreveport Fire Department and other agencies in Caddo and Bossier parishes. In Lafayette, members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office staff joined the Lafayette Police Department, Lafayette Sheriff’s Office, Lafayette Parish Fire Department and other agencies at the community center on Cora Street.
Thousands of communities across the United States took part in the 33nd Annual National Night Out starting in August. To find out more about National Night Out, visit the National Association for Town Watch at http://www.natw.org.
Two meth mules sentenced to federal prison for roles in California-to-West Virginia drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two women caught transporting significant quantities of crystal methamphetamine from California to West Virginia were sentenced to federal prison today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Kelly Newcomb, 56, of Nevada, was sentenced to a year and a day in prison for interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime. Danielle Dessaray Estrada, 21, of Los Angeles, was also sentenced to a year and a day in prison for interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime.
Newcomb admitted that on March 10, 2016, she rented a vehicle in Las Vegas and drove with Cara Linn Monasmith, a codefendant, to California, where 10 pounds of crystal methamphetamine were concealed in the vehicle for transportation to West Virginia. Newcomb and Monasmith then began the drive to West Virginia, and during the course of the trip Newcomb learned about the concealed drugs. Newcomb further admitted that on March 18, 2016, she arrived in West Virginia, rented a room at the Super 8 Motel in Huntington, and followed the instructions of another codefendant by leaving the vehicle unlocked in the parking lot. After Newcomb’s arrival, an undercover officer, in accordance with instructions obtained through a cooperating individual, removed the spare tire where the drugs were concealed.
Estrada admitted that in March 2016, she picked up approximately five pounds of crystal methamphetamine in California. Estrada also admitted that with the help of Rafael Garcia Serrato and Cesar Garcia, two codefendants, she repackaged the methamphetamine and concealed the drugs in the back seat of her car. Estrada further admitted that she and Rachel Arlene Garay, another codefendant, drove from California to West Virginia and they were stopped by officers in South Charleston on March 26, 2016. Law enforcement discovered the drugs during the traffic stop. Estrada additionally admitted that she had previously driven to Charleston in December 2015 to deliver drugs.
This prosecution is the result of a multi-agency investigation that led to an eight-count indictment implicating several defendants. All of the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Two other women who were used as mules to transport methamphetamine, Garay, of California, and Monasmith, of Nevada, pleaded guilty to interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime. Garay is scheduled to be sentenced on December 15, 2016. Monasmith is scheduled to be sentenced on November 8, 2016. Additionally, as part of this conspiracy, Rafael Garcia Serrato, of Los Angeles, Cesar Garcia, also of Los Angeles, Daniel Ortiz-Rivera, a Mexican national, Velarian Sylvester Carter, of Beckley, Miguel Tafolla-Montoya, a Mexican national, and Brian Ashby, of Kanawha County, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Serrato and Garcia are scheduled to be sentenced on December 6, 2016. Ortiz-Rivera is scheduled to be sentenced on October 11, 2016. Carter is scheduled to be sentenced on October 13, 2016. Tafolla-Montoya is scheduled to be sentenced on December 8, 2016. Ashby is scheduled to be sentenced on December 13, 2016. Also, as part of this conspiracy, Marco Antonio Bojorquez-Rojas, a Mexican national, pleaded guilty to interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime, and is scheduled to be sentenced on December 7, 2016.
The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Charleston Police Department, and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is in charge of these prosecutions. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentences.
These cases are being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Two Men Indicted for Marijuana Cultivation Operation in Giant Sequoia National MonumentRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment today against Mexican nationals Audencio Pineda-Gaona, 36, and Calendario Jimenez-Ramirez, aka Calendario Rodriguez-Jimenez, 54, charging them with conspiring to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute and manufacturing marijuana on federal land, and with damaging public land and natural resources as a result of the marijuana cultivation activities, Acting United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.
According to court documents, the defendants and several other men were found trimming marijuana buds at the grow site in the federally designated Giant Sequoia National Monument in Tulare County in the Sequoia National Forest. Agents found 5,707 marijuana plants and 200 pounds of processed marijuana.
The marijuana cultivation operation caused extensive damage to the land and natural resources. Native trees and shrubs had been cut down to make room for the marijuana plants. Water had been diverted from a tributary stream of the Kern River, which supports Kern River Rainbow Trout. Agents found harmful, banned pesticides and large amounts of trash.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Forest Service, the California Department of Justice’s Campaign Against Marijuana Planting (CAMP), the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Karen Escobar is prosecuting the case.
The defendants were previously ordered detained as a flight risk and danger to the community. The men are scheduled for arraignment on the indictment on October 11 in federal court in Fresno. If convicted of the most serious drug offenses as charged in counts one and two, Pineda-Gaona and Jimenez-Ramirez face a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine as to each count. If convicted of the environmental crime, the defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Tribal Communities Awarded Federal Grants to Enhance Youth Programs, Help Crime Victims and Combat Alcohol and Drug AbuseRead the Press Release
The U.S. Department of Justice awarded tribal communities in Western Washington more than $8 million aimed at providing important services to tribal members, announced U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. The grants come from various programs designed to provide resources for tribal youth, victims of crime and those fighting drug and alcohol addiction.
“These grant funds go to support programs important to Western Washington Tribal communities,” said U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. “From drug courts to youth engagement the Department of Justice is supporting innovative programs to improve the lives of those who are members of our twenty-five federally recognized Tribes.”
Three Tribal communities were awarded grants to enhance youth outreach. Each of the supported programs is designed by the Tribes to address specific needs in their communities. The grants include:
- Chehalis Tribes (Oakville, WA) - $346,791 – an engagement program to provide one-on-one support for high-risk youth.
- Stillaguamish Tribe (Arlington, WA)- $339,053- a program to engage youth through cultural activities building on partnerships with Tribal council, elders and leaders.
- Squaxin Island Tribe (Shelton, WA) -$349,909 – A teen engagement program to promote Tribal culture, inclusion, and leadership skills.
Three Tribal communities received grant funding for drug and alcohol courts and treatment services:
- Lummi Nation (Bellingham, WA) - $480,895 – To establish a Family Drug Treatment Court to develop a comprehensive and effective program for treatment and reunification of families that have been torn apart by drug abuse.
- Lummi Nation -$573,284 – To establish a reentry program for community members who are incarcerated in state or local jails and help reorient them back into the community prior to their release.
- Squaxin Island Tribe - $554,224 – To support a family wellness team to provide services to those who have been involved with courts and substance abuse.
- Chehalis Tribes - $709,862 – To continue the offender reentry program including services to combat drug abuse and domestic violence.
Four tribes received grant funding to support victims of crime with a comprehensive, collaborative approach including culturally appropriate services for the victims, family and community:
- Skokomish Tribe (Shelton, WA) - $447,040
- Puyallup Tribe - $349,020
- Chehalis Tribes - $287,132
- Stillaguamish Tribe -$372,561
For additional information on the grants please contact the Office of Justice programs http://ojp.gov/ or the grant recipients.
Springfield Man Sentenced for Fraud Scheme to Overcharge Medicaid, Medicare at Four ClinicsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, and Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster announced that a Springfield, Mo., man who operated four Family Medical Center clinics in southern Missouri was sentenced in federal court today for health care fraud.
Michael A. Tucker, 47, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner to one year and one day in federal prison. The court also ordered Tucker to pay $54,273 in restitution.
On March 30, 2016, Tucker pleaded guilty to health care fraud. Tucker was the owner of four Family Medical Center clinics in Carthage, Mo., Branson, Mo., Nevada, Mo., and Lamar, Mo. In June 2015, Tucker closed his clinics and Family Medical Centers ceased doing business.
Tucker admitted that he defrauded Medicaid and Medicare by submitting claims to the government for more expensive treatment than was provided at his clinics. Although the physicians and nurse practitioners at Tucker’s clinics accurately recorded the services they provided, Tucker billed Medicaid and Medicare for more expensive services. The Medicaid scheme lasted from Jan. 1 to June 30, 2014. The Medicare scheme lasted from April 15, 2013, to Sept. 24, 2014.
Specifically, Tucker routinely billed Medicaid for more complex office visits than were actually provided. In addition, Tucker routinely billed both Medicaid and Medicare for the services of physicians when the patient had actually been seen by a nurse practitioner. Lastly, Tucker billed Medicaid for physician office visits when only laboratory services had been provided. In each of these instances Tucker’s conduct resulted in his clinics receiving greater reimbursement than they were entitled to from Medicaid and Medicare.
The Missouri Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Division led the initial investigation into Tucker’s conduct and then assisted the United States Attorney’s Office, Western District of Missouri and the Office of the Inspector General for the United States Department of Health and Human Services in Tucker’s prosecution.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cindi Woolery. It was investigated by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Missouri Attorney General’s Office and the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.