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4 November 2016
Avon Man Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for Embezzling $200K from EmployerRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CRAIG LARSEN, 54, of Avon, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for embezzling more than $200,000 from his employer.
According to court documents and documents filed in court, LARSEN was employed by Maximum Human Performance (“MHP”), a New Jersey-based company that provided supplements for bodybuilding, strength, weight loss and fitness. In approximately November 2012, LARSEN became the head of MHP’s quality control and had authority to approve bills submitted to MHP by its vendors. Between approximately November 2013 and February 2015, LARSEN presented fraudulent invoices to MHP that falsely represented that a company he controlled, R.E.T.S., had performed quality control services for MHP when no such services had been provided. Through this scheme, LARSEN caused approximately 40 false invoices to be submitted to MHP requesting the payment of nearly $204,000 for services purportedly performed by R.E.T.S., and subsequently used his authority to approve the invoices for payment.
Judge Meyer ordered LARSEN to pay restitution of $203,988.71.
On January 25, 2016, LARSEN pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation of money obtained by fraud.
Between 2007 and 2009, LARSEN stole approximately $100,000 from a previous employer. An attorney at the time, he served as the company’s vice president of legal and regulatory affairs. He has since been disbarred.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Wines.
Arizona Woman Pleads Not Guilty to Possession of Unauthorized Access DevicesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Phoenix, Arizona, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of Fifteen or more Unauthorized Access Devices.
Lauren Montgomery, age 29, was indicted on March 22, 2016. Montgomery appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on October 28, 2016, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge relates to Montgomery possessing 15 or more unauthorized and counterfeit access devices, that is, names, dates of birth, and social security numbers issued to other persons on March 9, 2015, near Belle Fourche.
The charge is merely an accusation and Montgomery is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman is prosecuting the case.
Montgomery was released on bond pending trial.
Arizona Cocaine Suppliers SentencedRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – This week, Pedro Rafael Gonzalez-Zazueta, 39, of Tucson, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Douglas L. Rayes to 88 months’ imprisonment. Gonzalez-Zazueta had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
On Oct. 16, 2016, Eduardo Robles Luzania, 41, of Avondale, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Diane J. Humetewa to 108 months’ imprisonment. Luzania had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.
On Sept. 19, 2016, David Lee Richardson, 53, of Gilbert, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Susan R. Bolton to 36 months’ imprisonment. Richardson had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine.
Beginning in 2013, Gonzalez-Zazueta supplied kilograms of cocaine to California and Arizona. One of his customers was arrested in California in December of 2013.
After the California customer was arrested, Gonzalez-Zazueta began to distribute cocaine to Phoenix area residents, including Richardson and Luzania, between the spring of 2014 and the summer of 2015. Richardson and Luzania then used a courier to transport this cocaine from Arizona to Alabama. After this cocaine was transported to Alabama, Gonzalez-Zazueta received payment for it in Arizona.
As part of this investigation, agents determined that Luzania laundered more than $145,000 in drug proceeds and also attempted to ship methamphetamine to Pennsylvania through the U.S. mail. In addition, during a search of Gonzalez-Zazueta’s residence, agents seized a firearm and approximately $417,000 in U.S. currency.
The investigation in this case was conducted by a collaborative team consisting of multiple agencies, including Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, the Salt River Police Department, and the Apache Junction Police Department. The prosecution was handled by D. J. Pashayan, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-15-1548-PHX-DJH; CR-15-1571-PHX-SRB; CR-16-219-PHX-DLR
RELEASE NUMBER: 2016-096_Gonzalez-Zazueta
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
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Anchorage Woman Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Participation in Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced today that an Anchorage woman was sentenced yesterday in federal court by U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Gleason for her role in a narcotics trafficking organization.
Rachel Rangel, 29, of Anchorage, Alaska, was sentenced to eight years, followed by five years of supervised release. On June 29, 2016, Rangel plead guilty to conspiring with others in Alaska and elsewhere to traffic over one kilogram of heroin into Alaska.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy D. Edmonds, in the spring of 2014, Rangel developed a source of supply for heroin in southern California. Rangel then enlisted a number of women from Alaska and Florida to retrieve heroin from her source of supply and carry it to Anchorage via commercial airliner. Once Rangel received the heroin from her couriers, she and others in her organization would then resell the heroin in Anchorage for a profit. Rangel managed this operation for just over a year and was responsible for over one kilogram of heroin being smuggled into Alaska and sold.
At the sentencing, the court highlighted the harm Rangel had caused both to the end users of the heroin she was responsible for distributing as well as to the women who had carried the heroin on her behalf. The court also noted that Rangel’s conduct contributed to the current nationwide crisis of heroin addiction.
U.S. Attorney Loeffler commended the DEA, the FBI, the Alaska State Troopers, and the Anchorage Airport Police for the investigation of this case.
Aerospace Parts Manufacturer Pays $2.7 Million to Settle Lawsuit Alleging it Failed to Perform Required Inspections on PartsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – Air Industries Corporation (AIC), a Garden Grove-based aerospace parts company, has paid the United States $2.7 million to resolve allegations that it falsely certified it had performed required inspections on aerospace parts used in military aircraft, spacecraft and missiles used by the Department of Defense.
AIC, which manufactures and distributes bolts, screws and aerospace fasteners, paid the money on September 7, and United States District Judge James V. Selna dismissed the case on September 22. The matter was announced today after Judge Selna this week unsealed the lawsuit that led to the settlement.
The government alleged that, between June 2010 and September 2013, AIC falsely certified it had performed certain non-destructive testing on aerospace parts, including magnetic particle inspections and liquid penetrant inspections. The parts manufactured by AIC were sold to major aerospace contractors, who used the parts in the manufacture of aircraft and other equipment sold to the United States.
“Every company that does business with the United States has a duty and responsibility to honor it contracts, especially in ensuring equipment produced is safe and suitable for use,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “The Department of Justice is committed to protecting investments made by taxpayers in contracts with private entities, especially when it comes to the purchase of equipment used in our national defense.”
Chris Hendrickson Special Agent in Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Western Field Office, said, “This settlement is representative of quality, uncompromising work by DCIS and the U.S. Attorney's Office to ensure the integrity of the Department of Defense procurement process by penalizing government vendors who choose profit over quality and, in some circumstances, safety. DCIS and our partners will steadfastly pursue anyone who attempts to perpetuate schemes to defraud the Department of Defense and comprise our nation's security.”
The settlement resolves allegations initially made in a “whistleblower” lawsuit filed in late 2012 by an employee of AIC. The lawsuit was filed under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private individuals to sue on behalf of the government for false claims and to share in any recovery. The Act also allows the government to intervene and take over the action, as it did in this case. The employee who filed the qui tam action will receive $621,000 of the recovered funds.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations and AIC did not admit liability. The whistleblower is still pursuing several employment-based claims against AIC.
The government’s investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Inspector General and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The settlement was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Brian Villarreal of the Civil Division’s Civil Fraud Section.
3 November 2016
Youngstown man pleads guilty to selling heroin that resulted in a fatal overdose, additional gun and drug crimesRead the Press Release
A Youngstown man pleaded guilty to selling heroin that resulted in a fatal overdose, as well as additional firearms and narcotics crimes, said Carole S. Rendon, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
Lebron Charles Bunkley, 37, admitted to selling heroin to a man identified in court documents as J.P. J.P. was found dead in a vacant lot on May 15, still clutching a hypodermic needle in his hands. A search of his cell phone revealed that his last outgoing call was to Bunkley, according to court documents.
Police searched Bunkley’s house and found 286 grams of heroin, 345 grams of powder cocaine, 84 grams of crack cocaine, two firearms and ammunition.
Bunkley pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine, being a felon in possession of firearms and using firearms and ammunition in furtherance of the drug trafficking.
Bunkley is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 7. The federal sentence guidelines call for a sentence of between 21 and 27 years in prison, according to court documents.
“We will continue to prosecute and seek stiff sentences for dealers who sell heroin that kills our neighbors,” Rendon said. “Aggressive enforcement will remain part of the comprehensive strategy – along with treatment, education and changing prescribing practices – required to combat this epidemic.”
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David M. Toepfer.
Wheeling man sentenced for oxycodone distributionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Ronnell A. Williams, 41, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced to 110 months in prison for distributing oxycodone, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Williams distributed oxycodone in Ohio County, West Virginia, in February 2016. He pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Oxycodone,” in August 2016.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr., prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
Warwick Resident Admits to Possessing, Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Sami-Joe Daou, 27, of Warwick, pleaded guilty in federal court in Providence today to possessing and distributing child pornography. A joint federal, state and local law enforcement investigation determined that Daou possessed images of child pornography, some of which he shared via Facebook.
Appearing before U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith, Daou pleaded guilty to one count of possession of visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexual explicit conduct and one count of distribution of visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexual explicit conduct.
Daou’s guilty plea is announced United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division; Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Acting Colonel Ann C. Assumpico; and Cranston Police Chief Colonel Michael J. Winquist.
According to information presented to the court, in March 2015, the defendant stored on his computer sexually explicit images involving a pre-teenage female. At least one of the images was shared via Facebook. Additionally, in July 2015, the defendant stored on his computer three sexually explicit video files depicting sexual contact he had with a 17-year-old female.
Daou is scheduled to be sentenced on February 24, 2017. Distribution of child pornography is punishable by a statutory penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum term of 5 years imprisonment; possession of child pornography is punishable by a statutory penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment. Daou also faces a maximum life term of supervised release.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Milind M. Shah.
The matter was investigated by the Rhode Island State Police Computer Crimes Unit, the Cranston Police Department, and the FBI.
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Contact:
Jim Martin (401) 709-5357
email: [email protected]
on Twitter @USAO_RI
United States Reaches $900,000 Settlement with Drug City Pharmacy and its Former Owner for Unlawful Distribution of Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Drug City Pharmacy, Inc. and its former owner, Mark Lichtman, have agreed to pay $900,000 to the United States to resolve allegations that they violated the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) by dispensing controlled substances pursuant to prescriptions that were not issued for a legitimate medical purpose.
The settlement agreement was announced today by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein and Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division.
“Pharmacies and pharmacists are responsible for making sure controlled substances prescriptions were issued for legitimate medical purposes,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein. “Doctors and pharmacists are the gatekeepers in preventing abuse and diversion of pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical purposes.”
“The abuse of prescription drugs has rampantly spread throughout our communities,” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder. “This abuse has directly resulted in the escalation of heroin addiction and related overdoses. Today’s settlement sends a clear message to all pharmacies that it is essential to dispense controlled substances in compliance with DEA’s record keeping requirements. DEA is dedicated to combat the prescription drug abuse problem in Maryland and throughout the country and to hold pharmacies and its owners like Drug City and Lichtman, accountable.”
Under the CSA, pharmacies have a responsibility to dispense only those prescriptions that have been issued for a legitimate medical purpose by a health care provider acting in the usual course of professional practice. Knowingly filling an illegitimate prescription subjects a pharmacy to civil penalties under the CSA.
According to the settlement agreement, Drug City and Lichtman admitted that from January 1, 2010 to April 4, 2012 they dispensed controlled substances in a manner not fully consistent with their compliance obligations under the CSA and related regulations. Specifically, the settlement agreement states that controlled substances were dispensed to individuals that Drug City or Lichtman should have known were diverting the drugs. This settlement caps off an another investigation that began as part of the DEA’s crackdown on prescription drug abuse in Maryland.
U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the DEA’s Office of Diversion Control, Washington Division, Baltimore District Office for its work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Thomas F. Corcoran, who handled the case.
U.S. Attorney's Office Reaches A Resolution with Baldwin County to Ensure ADA Compliance at Polling LocationsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has worked cooperatively with the Baldwin County Commission to ensure that, on the upcoming November 8 Election Day, polling precincts throughout the county will be in compliance with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
During the primary election on March 1, the U.S. Attorney’s Office conducted a compliance review of the county’s forty-six polling locations. That review identified barriers to access at various locations that needed to be remedied, as required by the ADA. The county ultimately adopted the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s recommendations and have implemented measures to remediate barriers to access. One such example is the addition of temporary portable ramps to assist voters who have mobility impairments with entering the polling place. Assistant United States Attorney Suntrease Williams-Maynard is the U.S. Attorney’s Office point of contact on this project, which is part of a nationwide initiative spearheaded by the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.
United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown said, “I commend Baldwin County for their cooperation in working towards adopting our recommendations to meet their ADA obligations. They understand the need to ensure participation in this critical civic duty for people with disabilities.”
The Department of Justice recognizes that voting is one of our nation’s most fundamental rights and is a hallmark of our democracy. Title II of the ADA requires state and local governments to ensure that people with disabilities can access and use their voting facilities. The ADA’s implementing regulations describe what makes a facility accessible, including a polling place. The Department’s ADA Checklist for Polling Places, which can be accessed from www.ada.gov/votingchecklist.htm, provides guidance to election officials for determining whether a polling place already has the basic accessibility features needed by most voters with disabilities or can be made accessible using temporary solutions.
People interested in learning more about the requirements of the ADA may visit the website www.ada.gov or call the toll free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383 (TTY).
Two Southwest Ranches Residents Charged with Health Care Fraud, Payment of Kickbacks, Money Laundering and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
Two Southwest Ranches residents were charged with health care fraud, payment of kickbacks, money laundering and obstruction of justice.
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, John F. Khin, Special Agent in Charge, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southeast Field Office, Chris Cave, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG), Scott Rezendes, Special in Charge, U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Office of Inspector General (OPM-OIG), James T. Wallis, Special Agent in Charge, Southeast Field Office, U.S. Army Criminal Investigative Command’s Major Procurement Fraud Unit, and Justin D. Green, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Office of Criminal Investigations (OCI), made the announcement.
According to allegations in the Indictment:
Serge Francois, 51, and Patrick Tonge, 40, both of Southwest Ranches, were involved with a scheme to defraud the TRICARE program, a health insurance program for military personnel and their dependents, and the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program (“FEHBP”), a health insurance program for employees of the Federal government. Francois was the owner of Vital RX d/b/A Atlantic Pharmacy, a pharmacy which purportedly provided compounded medication for Tricare and other commercial insurance beneficiaries. Tonge was an employee of Atlantic and the CEO of EL& MORE CONSULTING LLC, a company that received funds from Atlantic.
Francois and Tonge engaged in a conspiracy to submit and cause the submission of false and fraudulent claims to TRICARE and FEHBP for compounded medications which were not medically necessary and not properly prescribed by a licensed medical professional in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349. Francois fraudulently obtained the right to submit claims to TRICARE, through a third party contractor, by making a number of false statements in provider certification and re-certification documents. Francois and Tonge also engaged in a conspiracy to pay kickbacks to patient recruiters who referred TRICARE beneficiaries to Atlantic.
Additionally, Francois and Tonge committed money laundering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1957, by engaging in numerous financial transactions over $10,000 involving the use of fraud proceeds. Atlantic Pharmacy submitted approximately $37,263,519 in false and fraudulent claims to TRICARE and FEHBP and as a result of those claims TRICARE and FEHBP made payments to Atlantic Pharmacy in the approximate amount of $31,034,919.
The Indictment also includes allegations seeking criminal forfeiture of a number of assets including real properties, various bank accounts, and numerous luxury vehicles, including a Rolls Royce, a Ferrari, a Land Rover, a Lamborghini, a Cadillac Escalade and a Mercedes Benz van.
Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of DCIS, USPS-OIG, OPM-OIG, U.S. Army Criminal Investigative Command’s, Major Procurement Fraud Unit, and FDA-OCI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel Bernstein and Evelyn B. Sheehan.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Two Philadelphia Men Sentenced for Human TraffickingRead the Press Release
Brian Wright, 40, of Philadelphia, PA, was sentenced to 21 years and 10 months in prison today following his guilty plea to three counts of sex trafficking by force, announced US Attorney Zane David Memeger. The Honorable C. Darnell Jones II also sentenced Wright to 20 years' supervised release, and to pay a $5000 fine, $631,000 in restitution jointly and severally with his co-defendants, and a $300 special assessment.
In the same case, Judge Jones also sentenced Renato Teixeira, 26, of Philadelphia, following his guilty plea to three counts of sex trafficking by force, to 8 1/2 years in prison, 20 years' supervised release, and to pay a $1000 fine, $631,500 in restitution jointly and severally with his co-defendants, and a $300 special assessment.
According to court testimony, between 2010 and 2013, the defendant and his three co-defendants operated a prostitution website known as "Passionate Touch," which advertised females whom the defendants harbored in a brothel at a leased property in West Philadelphia known as "Club Passions." At that location, they caused numerous females ages 18-19 to engage in prostitution through the use of sadistic acts of torture and sexual violence. The defendants recruited the young women by passing out business cards on the streets of West Philadelphia offering the opportunity to earn money through striptease dancing. Co-defendant Kevino Graham then kept all of the women's earnings from prostitution. Co-defendants Kevino Graham and Raffael Robinson were convicted by a jury in February 2016 and await sentencing.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Philadelphia Police Department Special Victim's Unit and the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle L. Morgan.
Two Men Indicted for Conspiracy to Import Cocaine from MexicoRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Said Imberly Chino Lucero, 28, a permanent resident of the United States residing in San Juan, Mexico, and Carlos Andres Herrera-Fernandez, 35, of Lanham, Maryland, were indicted today by a federal grand jury on charges of conspiracy to import and the importation of cocaine into the United States and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
According to court records, the defendants were arrested October 5, after Chino Lucero attempted to bring 500 grams or more of cocaine into the U.S. through Dulles International Airport. The cocaine was allegedly contained in packaging for candy which Chino Lucero smuggled in his luggage onto a commercial flight. Herrera-Fernandez is identified as a co-conspirator in this scheme.
Herrera-Fernandez and Chino Lucero each face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison if convicted of each count. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Clark E. Settles, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, made the announcement after the grand jury returned the indictment. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Raizza K. Ty is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:16-cr-250.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
Two District Men Found Guilty of Charges in Deadly 2009 Gun Battle in Northeast WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Two men, both from Washington, D.C., were found guilty by a jury today of second-degree murder while armed and other charges stemming from a gun battle in Northeast Washington in which two people were killed, including a 15-year-old innocent bystander, announced U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips and Peter Newsham, Interim Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Sequarn Tibbs, 25, and Earl Jackson, 23, also were found guilty of three counts of assault with intent to kill, two counts of aggravated assault, and related weapons offenses. The verdicts followed a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Michael Ryan scheduled sentencing for Jan. 9, 2017. Tibbs and Jackson remain in custody pending sentencing.
Tibbs and Jackson had pled guilty in 2013 to voluntary manslaughter and other charges for their roles in the crimes, but the pleas were subsequently reversed by the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. That led to the trial and the jury’s verdict. Additionally, a third co-defendant, Antonio Barnes, 25, pled guilty on September 19, 2016 to voluntary manslaughter and other charges for his role in the crimes. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 7, 2016.
According to the government’s evidence, Tibbs and Jackson were part of a group, known as “Young Savage,” associated with the 37th Street/37th Place neighborhood of Southeast Washington. The violence came after the discovery on Oct. 12, 2009 that a burglary took place in the home of Jackson’s mother, located in the Clay Terrace area of Northeast Washington. A .38-caliber revolver, belonging to a juvenile co-conspirator, was stolen during the burglary.
Late Oct. 12, 2009 and early Oct. 13, 2009, Jackson and others, including Tibbs’s brother, Daquan Tibbs, 18, decided that Clay Terrace residents were responsible for the burglary. The group decided to travel to the home of Jackson’s mother in Clay Terrace to identify and find the people responsible and get the property back - with force, if necessary.
They rode to Clay Terrace in a taxicab, while armed with a .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol, a .40-caliber pistol and a .9-mm pistol. Once there, they decided to confront Clay Terrace individuals who were outside in the neighborhood. They demanded the .38-caliber revolver, and, although it remains unclear if money was taken in the burglary as well, they also asked for money.
A male from the Clay Terrace group advised that they did not know who was responsible for the theft, but opined that it was probably a “young’un.” Later, an older Clay Terrace resident came to the Jacksons’ house, and asked about the situation. This person also speculated it was probably “one of the little young’uns,” and left. The older man later came back and returned the gun, not saying where he got it. He said that he did not know anything about the missing money.
Sequarn Tibbs, meanwhile, joined the group in Clay Terrace. Throughout the day, several members of the group smoked marijuana. At one point, Jackson and the juvenile co-conspirator discussed whether they should wait until school was over to see if they could find the “young’uns” responsible for the theft/burglary.
Shortly before 4 p.m. on Oct. 13, 2009, the defendants and others in the group left the house. The group took their guns with them, which included a .45-caliber pistol, a .40-caliber pistol, a .38-caliber revolver, and a .9-mm pistol. They headed to a courtyard known in Clay Terrace as “Briscoe Court,” in the 300 block of 53rd Street NE. A gun battle soon began, with Sequarn Tibbs firing the first shot. During the gunfire, Daquan Tibbs was shot to death by a weapon fired by the juvenile co-conspirator. A 15-year-old boy, Davonta Artis – an innocent bystander – was shot and also killed. Three others were wounded.
In August of 2010, Tibbs and Jackson learned that warrants had been issued for their arrests, and they fled the Washington, D.C. area to avoid being apprehended. Tibbs was captured on Sept. 21, 2010 in New York, and Jackson was captured on Jan. 13, 2012, in North Carolina.
In announcing the verdicts, U.S. Attorney Phillips and Interim Chief Newsham commended the work of the detectives, officers and mobile crime scene technicians who investigated the case for the Metropolitan Police Department and also with the U.S. Park Police. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah Sines; former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reagan Taylor, Sean Tonolli, J.P. Cooney, Sharad Khandelwal and Heather Carlton; Liaison and Operations Manager Linda McDonald; Paralegal Specialists Zekiah Wright, Debra Joyner, Kendra Johnson, Alesha Matthews-Yette, Kwasi Fields, Kelly Blakeney, Sharon Newman, Fern Rhedrick, and Marian Russell; Litigation Technology Specialists Leif Hickling, William Henderson, and Joshua Ellen; Victim/Witness Advocates Marcia Rinker and Katina Adams-Washington, former Investigative Analyst Larry Grasso, and Investigative Analysts Zachary McMenamin, Durand Odom, and John Marsh. Finally, they praised the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura Bach and Nebiyu Feleke and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Veronica Noonan, of the District of Columbia Office of the Attorney General, who prosecuted the case.
Two Cubans Plead Guilty to Possession of Stolen Account Numbers and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
This morning, in federal court in Benton, IL, Eriberto Ricardo Gomez (42) and Yasmanis L. Oduardo Fonseco (27) both pled guilty to possession of fifteen or more stolen account numbers and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced. Ricardo Gomez and Oduardo Fonseco, who are both originally from the country of Cuba, are currently residing in Houston, Texas.
The stolen account numbers were discovered by an officer of the Caseyville, Illinois, Police Department on October 8, 2015, during a traffic stop on I-70 in Madison County. At that time, Ricardo Gomez and Oduardo Fonseco had in their possession over 100 gift cards. The magnetic strips on 19 of these gift cards had been re-encoded with account numbers registered to customers of a financial institution in the state of Pennsylvania. During their plea hearings this morning, both Ricardo Gomez and Oduardo Fonseco acknowledged that they used these gift cards to make fraudulent purchases as stores located in Arkansas and Manchester, MO.
The sentencing hearing for both Ricardo Gomez and Oduardo Fonseco are scheduled for March 2, 2017. The charge of possession of 15 or more stolen account numbers is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. The aggravated identity theft charge carries a mandatory sentence of 2 years in prison, which must be served consecutively with any prison sentence imposed for the stolen account number charge.
The investigation is being conducted by the Springfield Division, Fairview Heights Resident Agency, of the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI"). The Caseyville and Pontoon Beach Police Departments are assisting in the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott A. Verseman.
Twelve Arrested for Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin, Meth and CocaineRead the Press Release
Eleven people were arrested yesterday in Washington and Nevada in connection with a large drug smuggling and distribution ring operating in four western Washington counties, announced U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. An additional person was already in immigration custody. The arrests coincided with the execution of 24 court-authorized search warrants for properties located in King, Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom, Yakima, and Franklin Counties. The searched locations included a restaurant in Everett, an auto body shop in Sedro Wooley, and a car dealership in Mount Vernon, Washington. Defendants made their initial appearances in U.S. District Court in Seattle today. Those arrested in Nevada will make their initial appearances there before being transferred to the Western District of Washington.
Ten of the defendants arrested to date are charged in an indictment returned October 26, 2016 with distributing heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine in King, Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom Counties. Additionally, two defendants are charged by criminal complaint.
Over the course of the six-month investigation leading up to the coordinated searches, law enforcement seized eight kilos of methamphetamine, two kilos of cocaine and nearly a kilo of heroin. Law enforcement also seized more than $117,000 in cash. Yesterday alone, agents seized an additional two kilos of cocaine, more than $180,000 cash and more than 20 firearms – including a loaded AK47.
These defendants are currently in custody:
ERIC MARQUEZ; Mt. Vernon, WA - Age 24
HECTOR HUGO GARCIA-GUTIERREZ; Mt. Vernon, WA - Age 26
BALTAZAR REYES-GARCIA; Camano Island, WA - Age 44
ANGEL SERRANO-CARRENO; Mt. Vernon, WA – Age 29
HECTOR CONTRERAS-IBARRA; Pasco, WA – Age 32
IVAN BETANZOS-TORRES; Mt. Vernon, WA – Age 26
PABLO CATANO; Renton, WA, - Age 36
EDGAR GONZALEZ-TORREZ; Mt. Vernon, WA – Age 21
OSCAR LUNA-MERCADO; Everett, WA – Age 31
MIGUEL VALDOVINOS-CISNEROS; Kent, WA – Age 18
RIGOBERTO CASTELLANO-HERRERA, Mt. Vernon, WA – Age 26
ANTONIO GOMEZ, Burien, WA – Age 28
The charges contained in the indictment and complaints are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This was an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation, providing supplemental federal funding to the federal and state agencies involved. The investigation was led by: the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in conjunction with the FBI, Whatcom Gang & Drug Task Force and Skagit County Inter-Agency Drug Task Force. The investigation was supported by: the Auburn Police Department, Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, Snohomish County Regional Drug & Gang Task Force, Mt. Vernon Police Department, Washington State Patrol, Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, Skagit County Sheriff’s Office, Everett Police Department and Seattle Police Department. Additional assistance was provided by HSI; CBP and Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kate Vaughan and Steven Masada.
Tampa Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Ahmid Cecil Lewis (27, Tampa) today pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition while a felon. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, on August 12, 2016, a person called 911 to report a road rage incident on Busch Boulevard, in Tampa. The complainant reported that a man in a car had cut him off and then waved a pistol. An officer with the Tampa Police Department responded to the 911 call, located the car that Lewis was driving, and pulled it over. Lewis was the sole occupant of the vehicle. Upon searching the car, the officer found a loaded .40 caliber pistol under the driver’s seat. At the time, Lewis was a convicted felon and therefore was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tampa Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Taylor G. Stout.
Summit County man charged after being arrested with 24 pounds of cocaineRead the Press Release
A Summit County man was charged in federal court with possession with intent to distribute drugs after he was arrested with more than 24 pounds of cocaine, law enforcement officials said.
Jerry J. Davis, Jr. 35, of New Franklin, was pulled over for speeding on Nov. 1 in Akron. He crashed after attempting to flee police. Davis then ran and jumped off the bridge at East Miller Avenue and Broadway Street, but was arrested near where he jumped from the bridge, according to an affidavit filed in U.S. District Court.
Officers searched Davis’ vehicle and found 11 kilograms of cocaine. They also found a loaded Glock .40-caliber pistol with an extended magazine, according to the complaint.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Howell following an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Akron Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
If convicted, the defendant's sentence will be determined by the court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal record, if any, the defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
A charge is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Stamford Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun OffenseRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CALEEB BROWN, 25, of Stamford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon,
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 8, 2015, Stamford Police searched BROWN’s residence and seized a .22 caliber handgun, a 6.35 mm pistol, 14 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition, a quantity of heroin and items used to package narcotics for distribution.
Prior to October 2015, BROWN had sustained multiple felony convictions for possessing with intent to distribute narcotics. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for April 26, 2017, at which time BROWN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
BROWN has been in federal custody since February 10, 2016.
This matter is being investigated by the Stamford Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Six Southern Missouri Men Indicted for Child PornRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that six southern Missouri men have been indicted by a federal grand jury, in separate and unrelated cases, for receiving and distributing child pornography over the Internet.
Each of the defendants was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo., on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016.
Sergio Rivera, 25, an active duty service member stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo., allegedly received and distributed child pornography between Oct. 9, 2015, and May 17, 2016. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the South Central Missouri Computer Task Force.
Martin Vern Ellis, 26, of Carl Junction, Mo., allegedly received and distributed child pornography between April 24, 2015, and Oct. 17, 2016. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force.
William M. Walker, 74, of Branson, Mo., allegedly received and distributed child pornography between June 1 and Aug. 10, 2016. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the South Central Missouri Computer Task Force and the Taney County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.
Casey Robert Caudle, 33, of Oronogo, Mo., allegedly received and distributed child pornography between Aug. 19, 2015, and June 22, 2016.
Brian G. Long, 38, of Oronogo, Mo., allegedly received and distributed child pornography between June 5 and Aug. 31, 2016.
Aaron Sean Fletcher, 31, Aurora, Mo., allegedly received and distributed child pornography between Sept. 11 and Oct. 24, 2016.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. They were investigated by the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force
Dickinson cautioned that the charges contained in these indictments are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Sentencings for October 31 - November 2, 2016Read the Press Release
Terry Ray Hoff, 51, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on November 2, 2016, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Hoff was arrested in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He received 84 months of imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and $400.00 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Gillette Police Department, the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
Jesus Perez-Sanchez, 26, of Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on October 31, 2016, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Perez-Sanchez was arrested in Park County, Wyoming. He received time served, plus ten days, was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment, and is subject to deportation upon release from custody. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Jose Luis Villalpondo, 47, of Mexico, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on October 31, 2016, for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Villalpondo was arrested in Campbell County, Wyoming. He received time served, plus ten days, was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment, and is subject to deportation upon release from custody. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Michael Eugene Dwinell, 43, of Payson, Arizona, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on October 31, 2016, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Dwinell was arrested in Payson, Arizona. He received 120 months of imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and $500.00 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Ty Zimmerschied, 38, of Buffalo, Wyoming, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on October 31, 2016, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Zimmerschied was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received 120 months of imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $200.00 special assessment. This case was investigated by the Casper Police Department, the Wyoming Highway Patrol, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Cynthia Rae Pruett, 44, of Billings, Montana, was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal on October 31, 2016, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Pruett was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. She received 110 months of imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $200.00 special assessment and $500.00 in restitution. This case was investigated by the Casper Police Department, the Wyoming Highway Patrol, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Saratoga Resident Sentenced to A Three Month Prison Term After Pleading Guilty to Managing Elephant Ivory Trafficking OperationRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Shahram “Ron” Roohparvar was sentenced on November 2, 2016, to three months in custody followed by three months of home confinement for illegally trafficking elephant ivory announced United States Attorney Brian J. Stretch and Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS) Law Enforcement Jill Birchell. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Charles Breyer, United States Senior District Judge, following a guilty plea entered in July of this year.
According to his plea agreement, Roohparvar, 61, of Saratoga, admitted he falsified documents in order to illegally sell and ship protected elephant ivory to international purchasers. In addition to the African elephant ivory, Roohpavar admitted that he illegally sold other wildlife protected by law to international purchasers. This wildlife included leopard, helmeted hornbill, and red coral. Roohparvar owned and operated a website through which he sold the protected wildlife.
The sale of elephant ivory has been largely banned and highly regulated since 1976. Federal statutes and international agreements regulate the export of elephant ivory and make it a crime to, among other things, export such products without the proper permits and declarations.
“Illegally wildlife trafficking presents a significant challenge for threatened and endangered wildlife like the African elephant, helmeted hornbill and coral,” said U.S. Attorney Stretch. “This office will vigorously investigate and prosecute those people whose illegal activities threaten to drive these precious resources into extinction.”
"One of the highest priorities of the USFWS Office of Law Enforcement is to investigate individuals and companies that are involved in the unlawful commercial trafficking and smuggling of protected animals and plants here and around the world,” said Special Agent in Charge Jill Birchell. “Many species are teetering on the brink of extinction due to poaching to supply the illegal wildlife trade, and elephants, in particular, have become increasingly susceptible to this unlawful exploitation. This investigation demonstrates our commitment to bring to justice those who violate fish and wildlife laws for personal or commercial gain as well as those who drive the illegal trade nationally and internationally."
In addition to the prison term and home confinement, Judge Breyer sentenced Roohparvar to two years of supervised release, a fine of $20,000, restitution of $20,000 payable to the Lacey Act Reward Fund, and a special assessment of $100. Roohparvar currently is free on bond; Judge Breyer ordered him to surrender on or before February 3, 2017, to begin serving his prison sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Vartain Horn is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Ana Guerra and Theresa Benitez. The prosecution is the result of an investigation conducted by the USFWS Office of Law Enforcement.
Sandusky man charged with trafficking heroin and cocaineRead the Press Release
A Sandusky man was arrested today and charged in federal court with trafficking heroin and cocaine, law enforcement officials said.
Daniel N. Hallingshead, 21, was charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least one kilogram of heroin and possession with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine.
Hallingshead and others sold large amount of heroin and cocaine from several houses in the Sandusky area from at least October 2015 through this week, according to court documents.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alissa M. Sterling and Duncan Brown following an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Sandusky Police Department, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Perkins Township Police Department and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office.
If convicted, the defendant's sentence will be determined by the court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal record, if any, the defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
A charge is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation is ongoing.
San Benito Man Convicted of Posing as Licensed Vocational NurseRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas ‐ A San Benito man has entered a guilty plea to falsely holding himself out as a Licensed Vocational Nurse, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson.
In December 2014, Juan Manuel Perez, 35, obtained employment with Cleveland Health Care LLC in McAllen, claiming to be a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). The license number presented by Perez, however, belonged to another individual of the same name. Perez is not licensed by the Texas Board of Nursing and is not an LVN.
Perez, posing as the LVN, conducted patient home visits and provided medical services from December 2015 through July 2016 while employed with Cleveland Health Care.
Perez pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft which carries a mandatory two‐year prison term. He is scheduled for sentencing on Jan. 24, 2017.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services‐Office of Inspector General, FBI and the Health and Human Services Commission conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Swartz and Michael Day are prosecuting the case.
San Antonio Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Embezzling over $450,000Read the Press Release
In San Antonio today, 44-year-old Helen Benevides Mora Picaso, former office manager for a San Antonio businessman, was sentenced to 20 months in federal prison for embezzling from her employer announced United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr. and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs.
In addition to the prison term, United States District Judge Orlando Garcia ordered that Benevides pay $464,132.27 restitution to her former employer and be placed on supervised release for a period of three years after completing her prison term. Judge Garcia also ordered that Benevides surrender to federal authorities on or before February 9, 2017, in order to begin serving her prison term.
On November 9, 2015, Benevides pleaded guilty to ten counts of embezzlement. By pleading guilty, she admitted that for over six years until she was fired in May 2014, she stole monies from her employer by writing approximately 485 unauthorized business checks to herself, her family members, or to pay her personal credit card bills. Benevides admitted concealing her scheme by making false entries on check stubs with respect to amounts and payees.
This case was investigated by FBI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christina Playton.
Rock Island Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Heroin Distribution Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
Rock Island, Ill. – U.S. District Judge Sara Darrow today sentenced Phil Trent, 52, of Rock Island, to serve 25 years in federal prison for distributing and conspiring to distribute heroin that resulted in the death of a 21 year old man in August 2014.
On July 1, 2016, a jury convicted Trent on all counts charged related to his distributing and conspiring to distribute heroin in the Rock Island area from early July through September 2014. Evidence presented by the government at trial demonstrated that directly or through co-conspirators, Trent distributed heroin to undercover agents on three specific occasions: Aug. 13, Oct. 1, and Oct. 2, 2014. The jury also convicted Trent for distribution of heroin that resulted in the death of Tyler Corzette, on Aug. 29, 2014.
Two other defendants, Kyle Hull and Curtis Land, both pled guilty in May 2015, to their respective role in distributing the fatal dose of heroin to Corzette. On Aug. 17, 2016, the two were sentenced to federal prison; Hull to serve eight years; Land to serve 11 years.
The Rock Island Police Department, with assistance from the Quad City Metropolitan Enforcement Group, investigated the charges. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Don Allegro and Meredith DeCarlo.
Richmond Heroin Trafficker Sentenced to 27 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – Sylvester R. Booker, 55, of Richmond, was sentenced today to 27 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.
Booker pleaded guilty on May 5. According to court documents, Booker was the leader of a large-scale drug trafficking organization, which was responsible for distributing dozens of kilograms of heroin from 2012 through 2015. Booker used various members of his organization to transport up to 30 kilograms of heroin from Brooklyn for distribution in the Richmond area. As part of the DEA investigation in November and December 2015, law enforcement obtained a court-ordered wiretap on Booker’s cellphone. The DEA intercepted numerous calls that implicated Booker and others in the heroin conspiracy. Federal and state law enforcement conducted surveillance of Booker’s various residences and corroborated his involvement in the conspiracy to distribute large amounts of heroin. Booker was previously convicted for essentially the same crime in 1999 in federal court and much of this conspiracy took place while Booker was on supervised release for his previous conviction.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Karl C. Colder, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James R. Spencer.
This case was investigated by the DEA, with assistance from the Henrico County Police Division, Richmond Police Department, Chesterfield County Police Department and the Virginia State Police, as part of the DEA Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Duffey is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:16-cr-23.
Richmond Actuary Pleads Guilty to Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – James M. DeGrandis, Jr., 54, of Fredericksburg, pleaded guilty to a criminal information charging him with making a false statement in relation to a document required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
According to the statement of facts filed with the plea agreement, DeGrandis was employed as an actuary by a regional actuarial firm located in Richmond but had not satisfied the appropriate legal standards and qualifications to be an enrolled actuary. Nevertheless, DeGrandis signed off as an enrolled actuary on a statement of accuracy and completeness on a Schedule SB for an Employee Retirement Account Plan and Trust in Baltimore. The Schedule SB is part of the IRS Form 5500 and is an actuarial report regarding the plan’s asset valuation, funding target, at-risk status, effective interest rate, and target normal cost.
DeGrandis faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison when sentenced on Feb. 14, 2017. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Michael Schloss, Regional Director for the Philadelphia Regional Office of the Employee Benefits Security Administration, made the announcement after the plea was accepted by U.S. District Judge M. Hannah Lauck. Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Maguire is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:16-cr-134.
Prior Sex Offender from Silver City Facing Federal Child Exploitation and Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – This morning a U.S. Magistrate Judge sitting in Las Cruces, N.M., found probable cause to support a criminal complaint charging Michael Ray Sepulveda, 38, of Silver City, N.M., with child exploitation and child pornography charges. Sepulveda remains in custody pending trial.
Sepulveda was arrested on Oct. 28, 2016, on a criminal complaint alleging that he enticed a child to engage in sexual activity and to produce child pornography, which was transmitted in interstate commerce. According to the criminal complaint, Sepulveda committed these crimes between July 2015 and Nov. 2015. Court filings reflect that law enforcement authorities began investigating Sepulveda for the alleged crimes in the summer of 2016 after learning about the alleged crimes while investigating other conduct.
According to the criminal complaint, Sepulveda allegedly used an online social networking website to engage in sexually explicit communications with a 14-year-old child (victim) between July 2015 and Nov. 2015. In these communications, Sepulveda, who pretended to be a 16-year-old girl, allegedly sent sexually explicit photographs to the victim and persuaded the victim to send him sexually explicit photographs of himself to Sepulveda. Sepulveda also allegedly attempted unsuccessfully to meet with the victim for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity.
If convicted on the charge of enticing a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity, Sepulveda faces a statutory mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison. If convicted on the child pornography charge, Sepulveda faces a statutory mandatory minimum of 25 years and a maximum of 50 years in prison. Sepulveda faces this enhanced sentencing exposure because of his prior conviction on a child sex crime, for which he was required to register as a sex offender.
The charges in the complaint are merely accusations and Sepulveda is presumed innocent unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office and the Las Cruces offices of FBI and HSI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin Segovia of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
The case also was brought as a part of the New Mexico ICAC Task Force’s mission, which is to locate, track, and capture Internet child sexual predators and Internet child pornographers in New Mexico. There are 86 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies associated with the New Mexico ICAC Task Force, which is funded by a grant administered by the New Mexico Office of the Attorney General. Anyone with information relating to suspected child predators and suspected child abuse is encouraged to contact federal or local law enforcement.
Prior Felon from McKinley County Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Steve Coleman, 56, of Thoreau, N.M., pled guilty today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to violating the federal firearms laws. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Coleman will be sentenced to 84 months in prison followed by not more than three years of supervised release.
Coleman was arrested on Feb. 4, 2016, on a criminal complaint charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm on Jan. 21, 2016, in McKinley County, N.M.
Coleman was subsequently indicted on Feb. 24, 2016, and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR). Coleman was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of his previous felony convictions which include, unlawful sale of migratory birds, dangerous use of explosives and bribery/retaliation of a witness.
During today’s proceedings, Coleman pled guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms and admitted that on Jan. 21, 2016, he was in possession of two pistols, which he was not allowed to possess because of his prior felony convictions. Coleman further admitted that he discharged one firearm at his neighbor’s dogs. A sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the New Mexico State Police and the McKinley County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Han is prosecuting the case.
Pensacola Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Online Child ExploitationRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA –Robert M. Grafton Jr., 30, of Pensacola, was sentenced today to 15 years in federal prison and will be required to register as a sex offender. A jury convicted Grafton of attempted enticement of a minor for sex, and Grafton also pled guilty to possession of child pornography just prior to jury selection for the trial. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
At trial, the government presented evidence that, in May 2015, Grafton communicated online with an undercover law enforcement officer for the purpose of meeting a 12-year-old special needs child for sexual activity. Grafton was arrested when he arrived at the arranged meeting location in Pensacola. A search of his cellular telephone and digital media at his residence revealed numerous images and videos of child pornography. This included electronic folders in a hidden partition, which contained child pornography involving infants and toddlers.
“Tragically, the advantages of advanced technology also bring opportunities for child predators to contact and victimize the most vulnerable members of our communities,” said United States Attorney Canova. “Together with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to aggressively pursue and prosecute offenders who seek to harm children.”
“This predator attempted to target the most vulnerable in our society, a special needs child,” said Susan L. McCormick, special agent in charge of HSI Tampa. “The hard work of our HSI special agents and partners prevented him from harming a child, and our communities are safer with him behind bars.”
The case was investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, Pensacola Police Department, Gulf Breeze Police Department, and other agencies that are part of the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
For more information, contact: Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer
(850) 216-3854, [email protected]Pennsylvania man pleads guilty to heroin distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jewel D. Woods, 19, of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, pled guilty to the distribution of heroin in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Woods admitted that he sold heroin in Harrison County, West Virginia in January 2016 and he now faces up to twenty years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. 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 Traci M. Cook prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Palmetto Bay Resident Pleads Guilty and Is Sentenced for Illegal Spearfishing ActivityRead the Press Release
On November 1, 2016, a Palmetto Bay resident pled guilty and was sentenced for illegal spearfishing activity in Key Largo, Florida.
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Tracy Dunn, Assistant Director, NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement, made the announcement.
Tone Calle, 52, of Palmetto Bay, Florida, pled guilty to impeding and interfering with a law enforcement officer within the waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, contrary to the Marine Protection and Sanctuaries Act, Title 16, United States Code, Section 1436(3)(B). Following the plea, United States District Court Judge K. Michael Moore sentenced Calle to two years’ probation and ordered him to pay a criminal fine of $2,500. Calle will forfeit his spearfishing gear to the United States government.
According to the court record, including the criminal Information, a joint factual statement and information presented during proceedings, in May 2014, Calle was aboard his vessel within the Special Management Zone in Key Largo (KLMA), part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. A Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Officer, cross-designated to enforce sanctuary laws and regulations, observed Calle’s anchored vessel and noted it was displaying a “diver down flag.” Calle was seen in the water wearing a camouflage diving suit while tethered to a spearfishing float. As the Officer neared the vessel, Calle dove out of sight, and subsequently resurfaced and boarded his vessel empty-handed. Calle denied engaging in any spearfishing activity at the site, although inspection revealed several spear guns aboard the vessel and speared fish in a cooler. Initially, only a written warning was given by the officer, noting that it was a violation of Sanctuary regulations to be anchored in the KLMA with spearfishing equipment aboard the vessel.
However, further investigation revealed that since Calle had, upon boarding his vessel, immediately weighed anchor, the vessel had drifted from the original point of contact. The officer had marked the initial contact point on a GPS receiver and shortly thereafter returned to the coordinates and dove the site. The officer immediately located a fully rigged customized spear gun on the bottom, similar to those seen on Calle’s vessel.
Later review of a public web site maintained by Calle, to promote his spearfishing guiding activities and his manufacture and sale of spear guns, revealed photographs depicting Calle both in the water and on land, displaying a customized spear gun exhibiting the unique camouflage patter of the weapon seized in the KLMA.
Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Watts-FitzGerald.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Oswego Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Richard S. Buffham, 49, of Oswego, New York, pled guilty today before Senior United States District Judge Norman A. Mordue to three counts of distribution of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Brian Devine, Resident Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, Syracuse Office. Buffham, who was ordered detained pending sentencing, faces a minimum sentence at least five (5) years and up to twenty (20) years imprisonment on each of the distribution counts. Sentences of imprisonment may be concurrent or consecutive at the discretion of the Court. The Court will also impose a term of supervised release of between five (5) years and life, and Buffham will be required to register as a sex offender. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. Sentencing is scheduled for March 13, 2017, in Syracuse, New York.
As part of his guilty plea, Buffham admitted that he distributed images of child pornography to an online chat group on September 23, 2015, September 24, 2015, and September 27, 2015.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey J. L. Brown.
Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Orlando Gas Station Owner Sentenced to Prison for Theft of Postal Money OrdersRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – United States District Court Judge Carlos E. Mendoza today sentenced Meghaj Reddy Kuchakulla (49, Orlando) to 12 months in federal prison for theft of $555,561.69 in United States Postal Service (USPS) money orders. Prior to sentencing, he repaid $275,000 to the USPS. As part of his sentence, he was ordered to repay the balance as restitution.
Kuchakulla pleaded guilty on February 10, 2016.
According to court documents, Kuchakulla was a licensed USPS money order vendor for the four gas stations he owned in Orange and Lake Counties. As a licensed vendor, he had access to create, print, and disburse USPS money orders. From October 2009 through April 2010, Kuchakulla fraudulently created and printed more than 1,100 money orders in his own name, without actually purchasing them. He deposited the funds from the money orders into his personal bank accounts and then used them to pay business expenses, personal expenses, and to pay back the USPS for previous money orders that he had fraudulently created, printed, and deposited.
“This criminal exploited the postal service financial system and embezzled more than half a million dollars,” said Susan L. McCormick, special agent in charge of HSI Tampa. “With the partnership of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, he is now being held accountable for his crimes.”
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn P. Napier.
North Miami Beach Resident Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison for Possessing 225 Stolen IdentitiesRead the Press Release
A North Miami Beach resident was sentenced to 36 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possessing 225 stolen identities.
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Rafiq Ahmad, Special Agent in Charge, United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), Mark Selby, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), Miami Field Office, and William Hernandez, Chief, North Miami Beach Police Department (NMBPD), made the announcement.
Vicky Egalite Pierre, previously pled guilty to one count of possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(a)(3), and one count of aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A(a)(1).
According to court documents, during a probation compliance check of Pierre’s residence, law enforcement located a notebook in her night stand that contained over 225 names, social security numbers and date of births. The notebook containing the personal identifying information was processed for latent prints, and six latent prints from various pages in the notebook belonged to the defendant.
Law enforcement spoke with one individual whose name, date of birth, and Social security number were in the notebook, and confirmed that he/she did not authorize Pierre to be in possession of the personal identifying information. The defendant knew that the names, dates of birth, and social security numbers belonged to real persons.
Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of IRS-CI, DOL-OIG, ICE-HSI, and the NMBPD, and thanked the State of Florida Probation Office for its assistance. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Rothstein.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
North Carolina man pleads guilty to unlawful possession of firearmRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Russell Cary Owens, 51, of Thomasville, North Carolina, pled guilty to illegally possessing a firearm in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Owens, who was previously convicted of a felony in Texas, was discovered in possession of over ten firearms in Monongalia County, West Virginia, in June of this year. He pled guilty to one count of “Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm,” and he now 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 Traci M. Cook prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
North Carolina Woman Sentenced to 48 Months in Prison for Fleeing Country to Avoid Telemarketing Fraud SentenceRead the Press Release
A Greensboro, North Carolina, woman was sentenced to 48 months in prison today for fleeing the United States after being sentenced to 60 months in prison for her role in managing a telemarketing scheme that induced victims to send money for a falsely promised sweepstakes prize, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Jill Westmoreland Rose of the Western District of North Carolina.
Jessica Anne Brown, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert J. Conrad Jr. of the Western District of North Carolina. The 48-month sentence will run consecutive to the previously-issued 60-month sentence. Brown pleaded guilty on June 1, 2016, to one count of failure to surrender for service of sentence and one count of contempt of court.
As part of her guilty plea, Brown admitted that she violated her court-ordered release conditions by removing her location monitor and using an unlawfully-obtained passport to flee to Canada after having been ordered to surrender for a 60-month prison sentence stemming from her role in managing an illegal call center in Costa Rica that defrauded hundreds of U.S. victims. Brown further admitted that she fled to Canada with the intent of avoiding her sentence.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Department of State. Trial Attorneys Gustav Eyler and William Bowne of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case. The Canada Border Services Agency and the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs also provided substantial assistance.
The Fraud Section plays a pivotal role in the Department of Justice’s fight against white collar crime around the country. Today’s sentencing is part of efforts underway by President Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force (FFETF), which was created in November 2009 to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices and state and local partners, it is the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations. Over the past three fiscal years, the Justice Department has filed more than 10,000 financial fraud cases against nearly 15,000 defendants, including more than 2,700 mortgage fraud defendants. For more information on the task force, visit www.stopfraud.gov.
Nine People Indicted for Trafficking Heroin, Fentanyl and CocaineRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM – A federal grand jury last month indicted nine people as part of an illegal drug ring trafficking heroin, fentanyl and cocaine in Jefferson County, announced U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Stephen G. Azzam.
A 57-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges ANTHONY LEVY WARD, 35, of Chelsea, FERLANDO CARMISE MIMS, 19, ONANDAS CARMECE BEARD, 19, ANTHONY LEVY ALEXANDER, 56, BETTY LEVY ALEXANDER, 50, and COREY DARNELLE HAYNES, 36, all of Birmingham, and JOSE AGUSTIN GUTIERREZ, 31, JESUS UBALDO MONTOYA, 22, and MARAHAI ARDIZO ENRIQUEZ, 24, all of Phoenix, Ariz., with conspiracy to distribute the drugs between September 2015 and October 2016.
The indictment seeks a $1.7 million monetary judgment against the defendants as proceeds of illegal activity. A federal judge unsealed the indictment today after Betty Alexander was taken into federal custody.
“These defendants are charged as part of a drug-trafficking ring that brought large quantities of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine, into the Birmingham area,” Vance said. “All of those drugs are dangerous and highly addictive, but heroin and fentanyl are also deadly, and fentanyl profoundly so. A few salt-sized grains of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid about 50 times more potent than heroin, can kill, and most heroin users have no idea whether the drug they are using has been cut with fentanyl or whether the heroin they purchased is actually diluted fentanyl. DEA and its law enforcement partners have saved lives by taking these people off the streets and bringing them forward for prosecution.”
“Even a small amount of fentanyl can be lethal,” Azzam said. “There is a disturbing trend across the nation, including here in the Birmingham area, of heroin dealers adding fentanyl to their heroin to increase the potency. As a result, we have seen an alarming increase in overdoses, many of which have resulted in death. DEA will continue to work with our law enforcement partners, as shown in this investigation, to aggressively pursue those who ruthlessly traffic these and other dangerous drugs.”
The indictment includes special findings of the grand jury regarding the amount of cocaine or heroin attributable to various defendants as part of the drug-trafficking conspiracy.
Ward, his father Anthony Alexander and his aunt Betty Alexander, along with Mims and Gutierrez, are charged with conspiring to traffic 1,000 grams or more of heroin. That charge carries a minimum 10-year prison sentence and a maximum prison penalty of life. Ward, having previously been convicted in state and federal court for drug trafficking, could face a minimum of 20 years and a maximum of life in prison if convicted on the current charges.
Ward, Gutierrez, Montoya and Enriquez are charged with conspiring to traffic five kilograms or more of cocaine, which also carries a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $10 million fine.
Haynes and Beard are charged with conspiring to traffic 100 grams or more of heroin, which carries a minimum prison sentence of five years and a maximum of 40, plus a $5 million fine.
In underlying distribution charges in the indictment, Mims faces two counts of distributing fentanyl in September 2015, and a third count of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute it, along with Beard, in April 2016. Mims also faces five counts of possessing with the intent to distribute or distributing heroin between December 2015 and August 2016.
Beard also faces a separate count of distributing heroin in October 2015.
Haynes faces two counts of possessing with the intent to distribute or distributing heroin, one in November 2015 and one in June 2016.
The indictment charges Gutierrez, Montoya, and Enriquez with possessing with the intent to distribute at least five kilograms, or more than 11 pounds, of cocaine between Aug. 9, 2016, and Aug. 11, 2016.
Betty Alexander faces one count of possessing with the intent to distribute at least one kilogram of heroin on Sept. 28, 2016.
Ward and Anthony Alexander are charged with attempted possession with intent to distribute fentanyl on Sept. 30, 2016.
Ward also faces two counts of illegal gun possession, one for using an FN 5.7x28mm pistol in relation to a drug-trafficking crime, and one for being a convicted felon in possession of the pistol on Oct. 13, 2016. Ward was convicted in Jefferson County Circuit Court in August 2011 for trafficking illegal drugs and was convicted in federal court in the Northern District of Alabama in February of 2011 for distributing cocaine.
Mims faces one illegal gun count for using a Ruger pistol during a drug-trafficking crime on April 26, 2016.
Thirty-eight counts of the indictment charge various defendants with using telephones to facilitate a drug-trafficking crime.
The charges of distributing five kilograms or more of cocaine and distributing a kilogram or more of heroin both carry a minimum 10-year prison sentence and a maximum of life, plus a maximum $10 million fine. The minimum prison term is 20 years if previously convicted of a drug-trafficking crime.
The remaining distribution charges each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
The maximum penalty for using a gun during a drug-trafficking crime is five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, and the maximum penalty for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm is 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Each count of using a telephone in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime carries a maximum penalty of four years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Today’s indictment supersedes a September indictment that charged Ward, Mims, Beard, Gutierrez, Montoya and Enriquez with one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine and fentanyl between April 2016 and August 2016.
The DEA investigated the case in conjunction with the Birmingham and Hoover police departments and the U.S. Marshals Service. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama is prosecuting the case.
Navajo Man from Standing Rock, N.M., Sentenced to 21 Years for Federal Sexual Abuse ConvictionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Julius H. Willie, 31, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation who resides in Standing Rock, N.M., was sentenced this morning in Albuquerque, N.M., to 21 years in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release for his aggravated sexual abuse conviction. Willie will also be required to register as a sex offender after he completes his prison sentence.
The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez, 11th Judicial District Attorney Division 2 Karl Gillson, Special Agent in Charge Terry Wade of the FBI’s Albuquerque Division, Director Jesse Delmar of the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety, and Chief Robert Cron of the Gallup Police Department.
Willie was charged in April 2014, in a five-count indictment with kidnapping, three counts of aggravated sexual abuse, and abusive sexual contact. According to the indictment, Willie committed the crimes on Aug. 26, 2012, on the Navajo Indian Reservation in McKinley County, N.M. He was transferred to federal custody on April 24, 2014, from state custody where he had been held for two years on related state charges.
On June 9, 2016, Willie pled guilty to Count 2 of the indictment charging him with aggravated sexual abuse. In entering the guilty plea, Willie admitted that on Aug. 26, 2012, he forced the victim to engage in a sexual act.
Willie’s 21-year federal term of imprisonment commenced today without credit for the four years he already has served in state primary custody on pending related state charges. The 11th Judicial District Attorney’s Office will now move forward with prosecuting Willie on his pending state charges.
The Crownpoint office of the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety, the Gallup office of the FBI and the Gallup Police Department investigated this case with assistance from the 11th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Novaline D. Wilson and Kyle T. Nayback prosecuted the case as part of the Tribal Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (Tribal SAUSA) Pilot Project in the District of New Mexico, which is sponsored by the Justice Department’s Office on Violence against Women under a grant administered by the Pueblo of Laguna. The Tribal SAUSA Pilot Project seeks to train tribal prosecutors in federal law, procedure and investigative techniques to increase the likelihood that every viable violent offense against Native American women is prosecuted in either federal court or tribal court, or both. The Tribal SAUSA Pilot Project was largely driven by input gathered from annual tribal consultations on violence against women, and is another step in the Justice Department's on-going efforts to increase engagement, coordination and action on public safety in tribal communities.
Multi-agency Operation in Fresno Results in 28 Arrests for Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Following a year-long investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the California Department of Justice’s Bureau of Investigation, Special Operations Unit; the Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC); and the Fresno Police Department, targeting local criminal street gangs in Fresno, 20 defendants were arrested today on federal charges and another eight defendants were arrested on state charges. The various charges include conspiracy to traffic illegally in firearms, illegal possession and sales of firearms, drug trafficking, and promoting prostitution.
Phillip A. Talbert Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California; Jerry Dyer, Fresno Chief of Police; ATF Special Agent in Charge Jill Snyder; FBI Special Agent in Charge Monica M. Miller, and California Attorney General Kamala Harris made the announcement.
Acting U.S. Attorney Talbert stated: “The seven indictments and the arrests today are part of a strategic plan to maximize state and federal resources to reduce gun violence in Fresno and keep its streets safe.”
“Gangs cannot be allowed to operate with impunity, jeopardizing public safety and terrorizing communities in California," said California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris. "I thank our California Department of Justice Special Agents, as well as the Fresno Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the California Highway Patrol for working diligently and collaboratively to keep our communities safe from violent crime.”
“Just as operation Dog Track served to dismantle the notorious Dog Pound gang, Operation Slide Lock will serve to cripple the Strother Boys gang,” said Chief Jerry Dyer. “I look forward to working with our local, state, and federal law-enforcement partners as we prepare to focus on the next targeted street gang.”
“Today’s arrests demonstrate the FBI’s commitment to helping make Fresno a safer place to live,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Monica M. Miller. “The FBI will continue to work with its state, local and federal partners to aggressively pursue those who would traffic in illegal firearms in our neighborhoods.”
“Firearms trafficking is one of the most pressing issues today,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Jill Snyder. “At ATF, our highest priority is reducing violent crime within our communities. Firearms trafficking leads to guns getting into the hands of violent criminals, gangs, drug trafficking organizations and prohibited people. Operations, like the one conducted today, make our neighbors safer by stopping the drivers of violence in our communities. We would like to thank all of the agencies involved in this operation for their hard work and dedication that made today a success.”
The 17 federal defendants are charged as follows:
- Dejohn Wiley, 22, one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license, one count of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license, two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm, 14 counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, three counts of possession of a firearm in a school zone, and nine counts of distribution of methamphetamine;
- Chris Wiley, 24, one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, one count of possession of a firearm in a school zone, and two counts of distribution of methamphetamine;
- Anthony Latimore, 21, one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license, one count of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license, four counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of distribution of methamphetamine;
- Garry Sampson, 38, one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Vonshay Robinson, 29, one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license;
- Rashawn Alkobadi, 22, one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license, one count of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license, five counts of possession of a firearm in a school zone, and two counts of distribution of methamphetamine;
- Federico Garcia, 24, one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license, possession of a firearm in a school zone, and two counts of distribution of methamphetamine.
- Omar Gonzalez, 24, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine;
- Darien Hatcher, 26, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine;
- Charlie Stevenson, 31, one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license, three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
- Jamar Johnson, 21, one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license, two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of use of a cellphone to promote prostitution;
- Khalif Campbell, 33, one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base;
- Raymond Jones, 60, one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base;
- Danny Valenzuela, 50, one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base;
- Anthony Thomas, 24, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Devone Johnson, 30, one count of possession of a firearm after suffering a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction;
Dione Singleton, 39, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, one count of possession of a firearm in a school zone, and one count of distribution of cocaine base.
The following federal defendants were arrested today on criminal complaints: Stephen Hill, 26, and Rashad Halford, 29, are charged with using a cellphone to promote prostitution and using a cellphone to facilitate a drug trafficking offense. Jesus Velazquez, 23, is charged with conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license and possession of an unregistered firearm. Darien Hatcher and Charlie Stevenson who were indicted have also been charged by a criminal complaint along with Robert Gonzalez, 33, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
These federal cases are the product of an investigation by the ATF, the FBI, the Fresno Police Department, MAGEC, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office, and the California Department of Justice, the California Highway Patrol Special Operations Unit (SOU). The Special Operations Unit (SOU) is a collaborative investigative effort between the California Department of Justice and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) that provides statewide enforcement for combating violent career criminals, gangs, and organized crime groups, along with intrastate drug traffickers.
Also assisting today was the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, the Clovis Police Department, Fresno County Probation, and the California Highway Patrol.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly A. Sanchez and Christopher D. Baker are prosecuting the cases.
If convicted the defendants face the following maximum sentences: five years in prison for conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license; five years in prison for engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license; 10 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm; 10 years in prison for possession of a firearm after suffering a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction; five years in prison for possession of a firearm in a school zone; 10 years in prison for possession of an unregistered firearm; 20 years to life in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; 20 years to life in prison for distribution of methamphetamine; 20 years in prison for distribution of cocaine base; 20 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base; 20 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and five years in prison for use of a cellphone to promote prostitution.
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.
Milford Resident Sentenced to 10 Years on Bath Salts and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact: Joel B. Casey
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Edwin Hamel, 60, of Milford was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute bath salts and being a felon in possession of firearms. He pleaded guilty on November 16, 2015.
According to court records, between January 1, 2012 and March 11, 2014, the defendant conspired to distribute the “bath salts” MDPV and Alpha-PVP in Penobscot County. The defendant obtained the drugs from China over the internet, paid for them by wire transfers, had them shipped to the United States, and repackaged them for distribution by dealers who sold them for $100 or more per gram.
In addition, the defendant possessed two rifles which he acquired in exchange for bath salts. They were recovered by law enforcement agents on March 11, 2014 when the defendant was arrested. The defendant was prohibited from possessing the firearms because he had a prior felony marijuana trafficking conviction.
The case was investigated by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
Middleburgh Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Possessing Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Aaron M. Bowman, age 33, of Middleburgh, New York, pled guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Richard S. Hartunian; Special Agent in Charge Ashan M. Benedict of the New York Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); and New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II.
As part of his plea, Bowman admitted that on March 11, 2016, he possessed a Smith & Wesson model 432PD .32 caliber revolver, and ammunition for 3 types of firearms. Six months earlier, Bowman had posted photos of the same revolver to his Facebook page and offered to sell it. Bowman was prohibited from possessing the revolver and ammunition because he has four felony convictions.
Bowman faces up to 10 years in prison, and up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release, when he is sentenced on March 14, 2017 by U.S. District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case was investigated by the ATF and New York State Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.
Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Illegally ReentryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that JAVIER DE JESUS PEREZ-JIMENEZ age 30, a citizen of Mexico, pled guilty today to a one-count Bill of Information for illegal reentry of a removed alien.
According to court documents, on or about August 23, 2010, PEREZ-JIMENEZ was found in the United States after having been officially deported and removed on or about August 4, 2010.
PEREZ-JIMENEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years and a fine of $250,000, one year supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo set sentencing for November 9, 2016.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration Enforcement, in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Irene González is in charge of the prosecution.
Manager of Real Estate Investment Company Sentenced to Prison for Multi-Million Dollar Securities FraudRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – United States District Judge Robert J. Conrad, Jr. today sentenced a Charlotte man to 60 months in prison for his role in a securities fraud scheme involving bogus real estate investments, announced Jill Westmoreland Rose, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Frank Enrique Lleras, 31, was also ordered to serve three years under court supervision after he is released from prison, and to pay $2.7 million dollars in restitution to his victims.
U.S. Attorney Rose is joined in making today’s announcement by John A. Strong, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, and Thomas L. Noyes, Inspector in Charge of the Charlotte Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).
According to documents filed with the court and today’s sentencing hearing, Lleras was the managing member of Optimum Income Property Investments, LLC (Optimum), a real estate investment company that purported to make money for victim investors by purchasing distressed and foreclosed real estate, and then reselling or leasing those properties. From about 2013 to about 2014, Lleras induced more than 20 victim investors from the Dominican Republic medical community to invest approximately $3,000,000 in the fraudulent real estate scheme. According to court records, to execute the scheme, Lleras established bank accounts in the name of limited liability companies (LLCs) associated with each victim-investor, and then purported to purchase property for each victim in the name of those LLCs.
Court documents also show that to convince his victim investors the scheme was legitimate, Lleras provided fraudulent investment statements showing that victim investors had gained interest on their investments. Lleras also provided fabricated deeds and bogus real estate tax bill receipts, causing victim investors to believe that their funds had been used as promised and that taxes on their properties had been paid. Contrary to promises made to investors, court documents indicate that Lleras did not invest victim investor funds but instead diverted their money to other business ventures and to support his personal lifestyle, including to purchase expensive jewelry.
Lleras pleaded guilty in January 2016 to one count of securities fraud and one count of wire fraud. He will be ordered to report to the Federal Bureau of Prisons to begin serving his sentence upon designation of a federal facility. All federal sentences are served without the possibility of parole.
The investigation of the case was led by the FBI and USPIS. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey F. Ellis of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
Man Sentenced for Sugar Land Bank Robbery and Others in Multiple StatesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 50-year-old Louisiana man has been ordered to federal prison in relation to the September 2015 robbery of BBVA Compass Bank in Sugar Land, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson. Charles Wood, of Farmersville, Louisiana, pleaded guilty Aug. 12, 2016, admitting he robbed the local bank and banks in four other states.
Today, U.S. District Judge Sim Lake granted the government’s request for an upward departure and ordered Woods to serve a total of 84 months in prison. Woods will also be required to serve three years of supervised release following completion of the prison term.
On Sept. 14, 2015, Wood entered the BBVA Compass Bank located at 14121 North Southwest Freeway in Sugar Land. He pulled out a black BB gun from his jacket and displayed it to the teller, asking for a withdrawal of 20s, 50s and 100s. The teller complied.
A brief pursuit with law enforcement ensued which resulted in his apprehension a short distance from the bank.
At the time of the plea today, Wood also admitted to committing four additional bank robberies which occurred throughout the country. Those include the Feb. 18, 2015, robbery of U.S. Bank at 4140 John F. Kennedy Blvd. in Little Rock, Arkansas; the Aug. 11, 2015, robbery of Great Western Bank located at 3800 East 15th Street in Loveland, Colorado; the Aug. 15, 2015, robbery of American West Bank located at 1290 South West St. in Woods Cross, Utah; and the Aug. 27, 2015 robbery of Valley View Bank located at 8100 West 151st Street in Overland Park, Kansas.
Woods will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI’s Bank Robbery Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Searle is prosecuting the case.
Liberty Attorney Indicted for Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that a Liberty, Mo., attorney has been indicted by a federal grand jury for obstruction of justice after stealing funds earmarked for victim restitution.
Robert J. Young, II, 47, of Liberty, was charged in an indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016. That indictment was unsealed and made public today upon Young’s arrest and initial court appearance.
According to the indictment, Young represented defendant Rodney J. Tatum, who was indicted by a federal grand jury and convicted of mail fraud in connection with the embezzlement of funds from his employer. The federal indictment alleges that Young obstructed justice by embezzling money that was given to him by Tatum’s family for the purpose of paying restitution in the criminal case.
Young allegedly engaged in a scheme to spend restitution funds to purchase a motorcycle for himself, to make numerous cash withdrawals, to make rent payments and to make retail purchases. Young was not able to provide the restitution at Tatum’s sentencing hearing on Jan. 21, 2016. The total amount of restitution not provided at that time was $62,412, which was later paid. The sentencing hearing was continued to March 3, 2016, at which time the court ordered Tatum to pay a total of $442,810 in restitution. Tatum was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison.
Young utilized an Interest on Lawyers Trust Account to accept four separate deposits from Tatum’s wife for the purpose of making restitution, the indictment says. Tatum’s wife also made one deposit into Young’s business account for restitution purposes. These checks totaled $42,412.
In addition, Young allegedly advised Tatum’s wife to draft a check, made payable to Young, as the FBI was pursuing money laundering charges against Tatum and the Tatums’ joint checking account would be frozen. Young allegedly stated he would be able to protect the funds in his business account. Tatum’s wife gave Young a check for $20,000.
During the scheme, the indictment alleges, Young made numerous transfers of restitution funds from the trust account to his business account.
Dickinson cautioned that the charge contained in this indictment is simply an accusation, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charge must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul S. Becker. It was investigated by the FBI.
Lancaster Man Charged with Obstruction of Justice and PerjuryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Angel Luis Carrasco-Rivera a/k/a Manuel Calcagno, age 54, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was indicted on November 2, 2016, for obstructing justice and committing perjury.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Carrasco-Rivera was charged with obstruction of proceedings and perjury in connection with his recent prosecution and conviction for mail fraud. The fraud prosecution involved Carrasco-Rivera obtaining more than $102,000 by filing false claims for unemployment compensation benefits from 2008 through late 2012. He was sentenced in June 2016 to serve 18 months in prison for that offense.
Today’s indictment alleges that during the official proceedings in federal court, Carrasco-Rivera lied about his identity to influence the court’s decision about the appropriate sentence for his mail fraud conviction.
The case was investigated by the United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations. Prosecution has been assigned to Assistant United States Attorney James T. Clancy.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty for the perjury offense under federal law is five years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine; the maximum penalty for the obstruction offense is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Lafayette man sentenced to 57 months in prison for stealing nearly $1.5 million from disabled sisterRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Lafayette man was sentenced Monday to 57 months in prison for stealing approximately $1.5 million from an insurance settlement his sister received while she was incapacitated.
Kevin Ralph Andrus, 37, of Lafayette, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell on one count of wire fraud. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and must pay $1,449,999.37 in restitution. According to the March 17, 2016 guilty plea, Andrus, after being appointed as the curator for his sister’s estate when an automobile accident left her incapacitated and unable to manager her own affairs, stole almost $1.5 million in settlement funds his sister received from a lawsuit related to the automobile accident. After partially recovering from her injuries, Andrus’ sister discovered that settlement funds had been transferred to the defendant’s own personal and business accounts, and squandered, even though he took an oath to spend the money only on approved expenses for the benefit of his sister.
The U.S. Secret Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Myers P. Namie and David C. Joseph prosecuted the case.
Jury Convicts Conroe Man of Trafficking Cocaine and Conspiring to Launder Drug MoneyRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A federal jury in Houston has convicted a 44-year-old local man of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to launder money, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson. The returned its verdict against Oscar Benitez, 44, of Conroe, following one day of deliberations and three days of trial.
The jury heard that the investigation began in early 2011. At that time, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, seized approximately four kilograms of cocaine from a vehicle that had been driven there from the Houston area. The investigation revealed the vehicle had recently been sold by Bensol Auto Sales in Arcola, Texas - a used car dealership that Benitez owned.
Houston agents then realized one of their confidential sources (CS) had already been speaking to Benitez about trying to buy large amounts of cocaine from him and his drug supplier. Benitez subsequently had told the individual that he moved large amounts of cocaine (25-100 kilograms at a time) and that he had a very well-connected drug supplier who could make such large deals happen.
The jury heard that on June 16, 2011, a North Carolina Highway Patrol trooper pulled over a Ford F-150 pickup truck in Monroe for a traffic violation. Reuben Orozco-Garcia was driving with Juan Gonzalez-Bejar as a passenger. The truck contained 81 kilograms of cocaine. Testimony at trial revealed that Orozco-Garcia had made a deposit of $9,000 into a bank account belonging to Bensol Auto Sales and Benitez the day of the cocaine seizure. The jury also heard that Benitez was using this Bensol Auto Sales account to launder the drug trafficking proceeds and that he supplied vehicles from Bensol to his drug supplier to transport drugs to other parts of the United States.
Orozco-Garcia and Gonzalez-Bejar previously pleaded guilty.
The evidence at trial also showed that in the fall of 2013, an individual delivered approximately 20 kilograms of cocaine to Benitez on a ranch he owns in Conroe. This delivery happened in the early morning hours and was directed by Benitez’ drug supplier, who was then located in Mexico.
The jury convicted Benitez on all accounts as charged.
U.S. District Judge Vanessa Gilmore presided over the trial and set sentencing for Feb. 21, 2017. At that time. Benitez faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison as well as a possible $10 million fine. He was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.
The DEA, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety conducted this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Arthur R. Jones and Richard Magness are prosecuting the case.