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Tuesday 13 September 2016
Pocatello Man Pleads Guilty to Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
BOISE − Corry Blackmoon Bischoff, 39, of Pocatello, Idaho, pleaded guilty today in United States District Court for failing to register as a sex offender, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Bischoff was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 8, 2016.
According to the plea agreement, Bischoff was convicted of rape in Madison County, Idaho in 1997. As a result of the conviction, Bischoff was required to register and update his registration under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). Bischoff last registered as a sex offender in Idaho in August of 2013. In September of 2013, the State of Idaho Commissions of Pardons and Parole issued a warrant for Bischoff’s arrest for violating his parole conditions. On January 4, 2016, officers with the Vancouver, Washington police arrested Bischoff on the State of Idaho parole warrant. Bischoff had not updated his registry in Idaho prior to moving to Washington, and had not registered as a sex offender in the State of Washington.
The charge of failure to register as a sex offender is punishable by up to ten years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000.00, and five years up to lifetime supervised release.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 6, 2016 before Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill.
The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service (USMS), and the Idaho Department of Corrections, Bureau of Probation and Parole.
Bischoff was prosecuted for a violation of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) passed by Congress in 2006. The Act requires sex offenders to register and keep their registration current in each jurisdiction where they reside. Violations of SORNA can be prosecuted in federal court.
Philadelphia Woman Charged with Loan FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Zane David Memeger announced that Tanika V. Little, 37, of Philadelphia, was charged in an Indictment[1] with loan application fraud. According to the indictment, at a time when Little was under the supervision of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and awaiting sentencing, Little allegedly submitted a loan application to PNC Bank, N.A. and falsely represented that she was employed by Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and also provided PNC Bank with fraudulent pay stubs in order to influence the actions of the bank upon a $50,400 cash-out refinance loan.
If convicted the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment, five years’ supervised release, a $1,000,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anita Eve.
[1]An Indictment or Information is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Panamanian National Pleads Guilty to False Statement in a Passport Application and Reentry of Removed AlienRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that CAROL JOHN, a/k/a INES ISABEL RUIZ, a/k/a CAROL ATKINS, age 56, a citizen of Panama, pled guilty today to a two-count Indictment charging her with making a false statement in an application for a U.S. passport and reentry of a removed alien.
According to the Indictment, on or about March 4, 2016, JOHN submitted a false passport application using a fraudulent birth certificate. Further, JOHN was found in the United States after having been officially deported and removed on or about May 24, 1996, after having been convicted of a felony drug offense.
JOHN faces maximum term of imprisonment of ten years for Count 1 and twenty years for Court 2, respectively. JOHN also faces maximum fines of up to $250,000, five years supervised release after imprisonment per count, and a $100 special assessment per count. U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle set sentencing for December 7, 2016.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the United States Diplomatic Security Service in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Irene González is in charge of the prosecution.
Oregon Pastor Indicted for Producing and Transporting Child PornographyRead the Press Release
An Oregon man made his initial appearance in Denver for production and transportation of child pornography, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Bob Troyer of the District of Colorado.
James Parkhurst, 56, of Portland, Oregon, was arrested in Oregon on Aug. 2, 2016, on a federal criminal complaint charging one count of production of child pornography. He was indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in the District of Colorado on Aug. 23, 2016, and appeared yesterday in U.S. District Court in Denver.
According to the indictment, Parkhurst, a pastor, produced images of child pornography in August 2010 and then transported those images using a means of interstate commerce.
The charges and allegations contained in an indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated this case with assistance from investigative analysts in the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section’s (CEOS) High Technology Investigative Unit. The U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of Oregon also provided assistance in the investigation. CEOS Trial Attorney Herbrina D. Sanders and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alecia L. Riewerts of the District of Colorado are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and 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 www.justice.gov/psc.
Oregon Church Executive Director of Camp and Retreat Ministries Indicted in Colorado for Producing and Transporting Child PornographyRead the Press Release
DENVER – An Oregon man made his initial appearance in Denver for production and transportation of child pornography, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Bob Troyer of the District of Colorado.
James Parkhurst, 56, of Portland, Oregon, was arrested in Oregon on Aug. 2, 2016, on a federal criminal complaint charging one count of production of child pornography. He was indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in the District of Colorado on Aug. 23, 2016, and appeared yesterday in U.S. District Court in Denver.
According to the indictment, Parkhurst, a pastor, produced images of child pornography in August 2010 and then transported those images using a means of interstate commerce.
The charges and allegations contained in an indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated this case with assistance from investigative analysts in the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section’s (CEOS) High Technology Investigative Unit. The U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of Oregon also provided assistance in the investigation. CEOS Trial Attorney Herbrina D. Sanders and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alecia L. Riewerts of the District of Colorado are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and 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 www.justice.gov/psc.
Niagara Falls Man Arrested on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. announced today that Daniel Hull, 44 of Niagara Falls, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with receipt and possession of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a fine of $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on February 28, 2016, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a tip involving the uploading of 11 images depicting child pornography to the internet. The images were ultimately traced to the defendant, who was identified as being a registered sex offender currently under the supervision of the Niagara County Probation Office for a previous conviction.
The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was detained. Hull is due back in court on December 12, 2016, at 10:30 a.m.
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Adam S. Cohen, Special Agent in Charge; the Niagara County Probation Department; and the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of James Voutour.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Newark Man Sentenced on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Brandon West, 40 of Newark, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor following a prior conviction for sexual abuse of a minor, was sentenced to 216 months by U.S. District Court Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. West was also sentenced to 25 years of supervised release.“This Office will continue to utilize federal resources to protect the public from those who would harm our children,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig R. Gestring, who handled the case, stated that in 2005, the defendant was convicted in Wayne County, NY of Sexual Abuse, First Degree involving sexual contact he had with an eight-year-old girl. West was sentenced to probation for that offense. In 2014, the defendant became the subject of a new investigation by the New York State Police related to sexual abuse allegations involving a five-year-old girl.During that same time, Special Agents with Homeland Security Investigations received information linking West to online images of a young child. During that investigation, agents learned that West had recently been arrested and sentenced to six months in prison in the Wayne County jail for failure to pay child support. At the time of that arrest, West was in possession of an LG Cellular phone, which agents seized and searched pursuant to a federal warrant. During the forensic examination of West’s phone, HSI recovered sexually explicit photos of the same five-year-old girl that was the victim in the case being investigated by the New York State Police.
In addition to those photos, agents recovered approximately 1,500 images of children, including many prepubescent girls and boys, being raped and subjected to sadistic and masochistic sexual conduct.
The sentence was the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero, and Investigators and Troopers with the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Craig Hanesworth.
New York Man Sentenced to One Year in Prison for Role in Sales of Illegally Diverted Prescription DrugsRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Albert D. Nassar, 59, of New York City, was sentenced to 12 months in prison for conspiring to commit mail and wire fraud in connection with the illegal sale of prescription drugs bearing false pedigrees that misrepresented the sources and origins of the drugs.
Benjamin C. Glassman, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Antoinette Henry, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations, and Christopher White, Assistant Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Sandra S. Beckwith.
Nassar pleaded guilty on April 21, 2015. According to court documents, Nassar, the owner of Worldwide Management Consultants, Inc., participated with others in a scheme between 2007 and 2009 to obtain prescription drugs from various illicit or unknown sources - known as diverted drugs - and then resell the drugs to unwitting wholesale drug companies using false pedigrees. The false pedigrees showed legitimate authorized distributors as the source of the drugs, when, the drugs were obtained outside lawful channels.
Other conspirators included Michael Schoenwald, 71, a Hollywood, Florida-based urologist, and Gregory Pfizenmayer, 46, the owner of G & D Enterprises in Foley, Alabama.
As part of the conspiracy, Schoenwald obtained Lupron, an injectable drug used to treat prostate cancer, from the manufacturer at discounted rates due to his status as a health care provider. Federal law prohibits the resale of such drugs by health care providers.
Nassar directed Schoenwald to ship the Lupron to Pfizenmayer, who in turn sold the drugs to wholesale drug companies, providing false pedigrees that concealed the illicit source of the drugs.
Other prescription drugs allegedly involved in the conspiracy included Procrit, used to treat anemia in patients with kidney failure, and Neulasta, used to prevent infections in patients undergoing chemotherapy. The drugs were shipped with the false pedigrees by mail to drug wholesalers in New Jersey, Mississippi and Ohio, and each conspirator received payments including by wire transfer.
Pfizenmayer pleaded guilty on February 2, 2011 and Schoenwald pleaded guilty on February 16, 2012. Both pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and received sentences of one day in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the cooperative investigation by the FDA and Postal Inspectors, as well as Assistant United States Attorney Christy Muncy, who represented the United States in this case.
New Jersey Woman Charged with Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Tracey Moses, 47, of Sicklerville, New Jersey was charged in an indictment1 returned today with ten counts of wire fraud, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. According to the indictment, from August 2010 until early December 2013, when she was fired for suspected embezzlement, defendant Moses worked as an accounting and payroll administrator for a market planning and research firm in Philadelphia. The indictment charges that from April 2011 until October 2013, defendant Moses schemed to defraud that company, identified in the indictment as Company A, by writing herself unauthorized electronic checks drawn on three of Company A’s bank accounts, in the total amount of approximately $117,000. The indictment charges further that defendant Moses also schemed to defraud the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Labor by applying for and obtaining unemployment benefits while she was actually working for Company A and her next two employers, identified in the indictment as Company B and Company C.
If convicted, defendant Moses faces a substantial prison term, restitution and fines, and is subject to criminal forfeiture proceedings.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Labor - Office of the Inspector General, with assistance from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry Internal Audit Division, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mary E. Crawley.
1 An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Nevada Woman Sentenced for Stealing Deceased Mother's Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore. – On Monday, September 12, 2016, the daughter of a deceased Social Security beneficiary was sentenced to probation for stealing more than $48,000 of benefits mistakenly paid to her mother following her death. Michelle Lee Cox, 43, pled guilty to theft of government funds in May, and was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Michael H. Simon on Monday to five years’ probation.
According to court records, Cox’s mother was receiving Social Security benefits at the time of her death in 2009, at the age of 70. The mother’s death was properly recorded in government records, but Treasury checks continued to be mailed each month to the residence the mother shared with Cox. Cox deposited the checks to an account she had jointly owned with her mother and converted the funds to her own use. When Cox moved to Nevada in 2013, she directed the Social Security Administration (SSA) to electronically deposit the benefits to the bank account.
Among Cox’s conditions of probation were several financial conditions and the requirement that Cox participate in a mental health treatment program approved by her probation officer. Cox was also ordered to pay full restitution to the SSA in the amount of $48,700, and to perform 200 hours of community service.
The case was investigated by the SSA Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, and was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Helen Cooper as part of a partnership venture between the SSA Seattle Region, SSA Office of the General Counsel, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Portland, Oregon.
Nashua Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
CONCORD, N.H. – Daniel Quinn, 48, of Nashua, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty in United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire to armed bank robbery, reports United States Attorney Emily Gray Rice.
Shortly before noon on June 25, 2015, Daniel Quinn entered the St. Mary’s Bank at 3 Winnhaven Drive in Hudson, New Hampshire wearing a black hat, a mask and gloves, and carrying a knife in his left hand while keeping a brown leather satchel over his left shoulder hanging by his waist on the right side in which it appeared he had a handgun. Quinn forced all of the patrons and employees, other than those behind the teller counters, to line up against a wall while he robbed one of the tellers using the knife. After getting the money from the teller, Quinn took one of the bank employees hostage in order to make his escape. Shortly after Quinn and the hostage left the bank the hostage was able to get away from Quinn and ran back into the bank, while Quinn ran in the opposite direction. Fortunately, the hostage was not physically harmed.
The Hudson Police Department responded to the bank within minutes of the robbery and a police canine, which quickly picked up Quinn’s scent, led police to a residential neighborhood close to the bank where Quinn was found hiding in the side yard of a home. Quinn was taken into custody without incident and the leather satchel, which was found within a few feet of Quinn partially covered with leaves, was seized. Inside the satchel, the money from the robbery, the knife, the gloves, the mask and other things related to the robbery were recovered. What had been thought to be a handgun, but which turned out to be a BB gun, was also found in the satchel.
Quinn, who is facing a maximum prison sentence of 25 years and a fine of up to $250,000, will be sentenced on January 6, 2017 at 10:00 AM. Quinn has been in custody since his arrest on the day of the robbery and will remain in custody until his sentencing hearing.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Hudson, NH Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold H. Huftalen.
Moundsville woman pleads guilty to embezzlementRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Shawna Tolpa, 48, of Moundsville, West Virginia, pled guilty in federal court today to embezzling over $52,000 from United Bank in Marshall County, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Tolpa pled guilty today to one count of “Bank Theft.” She faces up to thirty years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod J. Douglas prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
Morgantown man pleads guilty to failure to pay taxesRead the Press Release
MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA – Brian E. Dawson, 29, of Morgantown, West Virginia, pled guilty in federal court today to failing to pay $123,166.50 in taxes for his Morgantown business, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Dawson pled guilty today to one count of “Willful Failure to Collect and Pay Over Taxes for 2011 Tax Year.” He faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Internal Revenue Service investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Methamphetamine Trafficker Sentenced to More than 21 YearsRead the Press Release
STATESVILLE, N.C. – U.S. District Judge Richard L. Voorhees sentenced yesterday Eduardo Trejo-Munoz, a/k/a “Lalo,” 24, of Hickory, N.C., to 262 months in prison and five years of supervised release for trafficking high purity crystal methamphetamine worth over $5 million, announced Jill Westmoreland Rose, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. In November 2015, Trejo-Munoz was convicted of five charges following a two-day federal trial, including conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
U.S. Attorney Rose is joined in making today’s announcement by Daniel R. Salter, Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which oversees the Charlotte District Office; Nick Annan, Special Agent in Charge of ICE/Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Georgia and the Carolinas; Sheriff Coy Reid of the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office; Sheriff Alan C. Jones, of the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office; and Chief Thurman Whisnant of the Hickory Police Department.
According to filed court documents, the sentencing hearing and evidence presented at trial, from in or about 2013 through September 2014 in Catawba and Mecklenburg counties and elsewhere, Trejo-Munoz trafficked more than 50 kilograms of near-pure crystal methamphetamine, which constitutes approximately 500,000 dosage units, with a street value of more than $5 million. Evidence presented at trial established that, over the course of the investigation, law enforcement purchased 133 grams of methamphetamine from Trejo-Munoz. According to court records, law enforcement also seized another 54 grams of methamphetamine from the defendant, as well as drug paraphernalia and a handgun with laser site from his residence.
This prosecution stems from investigation of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) that has resulted in the conviction of more than 55 defendants on methamphetamine trafficking and firearms charges. OCDETF is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
Trejo-Munoz has been in federal custody since September 2014 and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. All federal sentences are served without the possibility of parole.
The case was investigated by the DEA, HSI, the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office and Hickory Police Department, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven R. Kaufman.
Mason City Dental Office Manager Pleads Guilty to Stealing Nearly $500,000 from Two DentistsRead the Press Release
An office manager of a small dental practice in Mason City, Iowa who stole nearly $500,000 from her employer over the course of almost a decade pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Pamela Harris f/k/a “Pamela Mahoney,” 58, from Mason City, Iowa, was convicted of Wire Fraud. In a plea agreement, Harris admitted she was a trusted employee of the dental practice for approximately 21 years, from about 1993 until 2014. During such time, she had sole responsibility for the practice’s day-to-day finances. She was fired in 2014 after her fraud was discovered.
The two dentists that formed the practice authorized the creation of rubber stamps bearing their signatures to pay for legitimate expenses. However, the dentists always required Harris to obtain authorization before using the rubber stamps on a check to pay a bill. At no time did the dentists authorize Harris to create checks and use their rubber signature stamps to pay for her personal expenses without their knowledge.
Beginning no later than July 2005, and continuing through about May 2014, Harris devised and executed a scheme to defraud the dentists and their practice. She used the dentists’ rubber signature stamps without their authorization to create forged checks drawn on the practice’s bank account. By means of these forged checks, Harris caused the practice’s bank to make electronic funds transfers by wire directly into her bank account or into the accounts of third parties, including credit card companies, to pay for personal expenses that she or her dependents had incurred. It was also part of Harris’s scheme to maintain and use various credit card accounts in the name of the dental practice to pay for personal expenses without the authorization of the dentists. From time to time, Harris attempted to disguise the illegitimate payments by causing checks to be drawn close in time and in amounts identical to the legitimate rent expenses of the LLC.
Harris admitted that, in May 2012, she forged a check bearing the signatures of the dentists to pay for a $4,000 white plastic fence at her home. In total, Harris admitted to stealing at least $474,915.54 from the dentists and their practice. Her actions caused the dentists such substantial financial hardship that they needed to take out multiple lines of credit at local financial institutions to keep their dental practice in business. Harris has agreed to make full restitution to her victims, as well as forfeit and abandon the proceeds of her crime.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Harris remains free on certain conditions of release pending sentencing. Harris faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment without the possibility of parole, a maximum fine of twice gross gain or gross loss resulting from the offense, or $250,000, whichever is greater, a $100 in special assessment, and not more than three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tim Vavricek and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Mason City Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 16-CR-3029-LRR.
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Maryland MS-13 Member Pleads Guilty to Violent Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Defendant Admitted to Shooting and Killing an Individual Believed to Be a Rival Gang Member
A Hyattsville, Maryland, man pleaded guilty today, just before trial, to conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise known as La Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, including participating in a murder.
Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein of the District of Maryland; Special Agent in Charge Andre R. Watson of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Chief Hank Stawinski of the Prince George’s County, Maryland, Police Department; Chief Douglas Holland of the Hyattsville Police Department; and Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Angela D. Alsobrooks made the announcement.
Luis Guzman-Ventura, aka Casper, 22, pleaded guilty before Senior U.S. District Judge Roger W. Titus of the District of Maryland to conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 4, 2017.
MS-13 is a national and transnational gang with branches or “cliques” operating throughout the United States, including in Prince George’s County, Montgomery County and Frederick County, Maryland. In pleading guilty, Guzman-Ventura admitted that he was a member of MS-13 and and associate of the MS-13 Weedons Clique.
According to his plea agreement, from at least 2010 through 2013, Guzman-Ventura conspired with members and associates of MS-13 to engage in crimes to further the interests of the gang, including murder, assault, robbery, extortion by threat of violence, obstruction of justice, witness tampering and witness retaliation.
Specifically, Guzman-Ventura admitted that on Dec. 5, 2012, he was the front-seat passenger in a vehicle being driven by another MS-13 member, Jose Rodriguez-Nunez, and Guzman-Ventura shot at three individuals believed to be rival gang members, killing one and wounding another. After the shooting, Rodriguez-Nunez and Guzman-Ventura fled the scene to avoid being identified, according to their plea agreements.
Rodriguez-Nunez, aka Killer, 27, also of Hyattsville, previously pleaded guilty to being the driver in this drive-by shooting and is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 9, 2017. Guzman-Ventura and Rodriguez-Nunez remain detained pending sentencing.
In total, 10 defendants have pleaded guilty and three have been convicted at trial for their roles in the racketeering conspiracy.
HSI Baltimore, the Prince George’s County Police Department, the Hyattsville Police Department and the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office investigated the case. The Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Office, HSI Baltimore’s Operation Community Shield Task Force and the Maryland Department of Corrections Intelligence Unit provided assistance in the investigation. Trial Attorney Catherine Dick of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys William D. Moomau and Lindsay Eyler Kaplan are prosecuting this case.
Maryland MS-13 Member Pleads Guilty to Violent Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland –Luis Guzman-Ventura, a/k/a “Casper,” age 22, of Hyattsville, Maryland, pleaded today, just before the first day of trial, to conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise known as La Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, including participating in a murder.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge Andre R. Watson of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Chief Hank Stawinski of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Chief Douglas Holland of the Hyattsville Police Department; and Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Angela D. Alsobrooks.
MS-13 is a national and transnational gang composed primarily of immigrants or descendants from El Salvador. Branches or “cliques” of MS-13, one of the largest street gangs in the United States, operate throughout Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and Frederick County, Maryland. MS-13 members are required to commit acts of violence to maintain membership and discipline within the gang. One of the principal rules of MS-13 is that its members must attack and kill rivals, known as “chavalas,” whenever possible.
According to his plea agreement and court documents, from at least 2010 through 2013, Guzman-Ventura conspired with members and associates of MS-13 to engage in crimes to further the interests of the gang, including murder, assault, robbery, extortion by threat of violence, obstruction of justice, witness tampering, and witness retaliation. During that time, Guzman-Ventura was a member and associate of MS-13 and of the Weedons Clique of MS-13.
Specifically, Guzman-Ventura admitted that on December 5, 2012, he was the front seat passenger in a vehicle being driven by another MS-13 member, Jose Rodriguez-Nunez. They were driving in the Lewisdale area of Prince George’s County, looking for rival gang members. Guzman-Ventura admitted that he had a hand gun and shot at three individuals believed to be rival gang members, killing one and wounding another. After the shooting, Rodriguez-Nunez drove away from the scene. When police stopped the vehicle a short time later, Guzman-Ventura got out of the vehicle and ran away.
Guzman-Ventura and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts the plea agreement, Guzman-Ventura will be sentenced to between 312 and 360 months in prison. U.S. District Judge Roger W. Titus has scheduled sentencing for January 4, 2017. Guzman-Ventura remains detained pending sentencing.
Jose Rodriguez-Nunez, a/k/a “Killer,” age 27, of Hyattsville, Maryland, previously pleaded guilty to being the driver in this drive-by shooting and is expected to be sentenced to between 216 and 240 months in prison at his sentencing, scheduled on January 9, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. Rodriguez-Nunez also remains detained.
In addition, eight other defendants have pleaded guilty and three have been convicted at trial for their roles in the racketeering conspiracy.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended HSI Baltimore, the Prince George’s County Police Department, the Hyattsville Police Department; and the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein also recognized the Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Office, HSI Baltimore’s Operation Community Shield Task Force, and the Maryland Department of Corrections Intelligence Unit for their assistance. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys William D. Moomau, Lindsay Eyler Kaplan, and Trial Attorney Catherine Dick with the Justice Department Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section, who are prosecuting this case.
Man from Mexico arrested in St. Mary Parish pleads guilty to reentering the U.S. illegallyRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Mexican citizen pleaded guilty last week to a charge that he reentered the United States illegally four times.
Miguel Rosales-Sanchez, 45, of Mexico, pleaded guilty Wednesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Patrick Hanna to one count of illegal reentry of a removed alien. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi. According to the guilty plea, Rosales-Sanchez was arrested in St. Mary Parish on February 7, 2016. He was previously removed from the United States in 1999, 2004, 2006 and 2010.
Rosales-Sanchez faces two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date of December 8, 2016 was set.
United States Immigrations and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominic Rossetti is prosecuting the case.
Liverpool Man Sentenced to 235 Years on Child Exploitation ConvictionsRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Jason Kopp, age 40, of Liverpool, New York, was sentenced today to serve 235 years in prison in connection with his convictions for 22 felony offenses, including the sexual exploitation of an infant and a toddler, distributing images of child exploitation, and the possession of hundreds of images and videos of child pornography obtained from the Internet.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Andrew W. Vale, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
U.S. Attorney Richard S. Hartunian stated: “For over a decade, Kopp sexually exploited young children, including an infant and a toddler. His conduct was so depraved that it is literally off the sentencing chart – higher than the offense level that sets the guideline imprisonment term at life. The 235-year sentence imposed today will ensure that this dangerous predator with an insatiable appetite for sexual abuse will never exploit another child. We owe that to the victims in this case and to all of the most vulnerable and defenseless among us.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Andrew W. Vale stated: “The severity of today’s sentencing should illustrate the utterly horrific nature of Mr. Kopp’s crimes. The damage and pain he inflicted is immeasurable. Thanks to the joint efforts of law enforcement, our community is safe from a truly dangerous predator.”
The 235-year sentence imposed today by Chief United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby reflects a 30-year sentence on the conspiracy count, 15-year consecutive sentences on each of the 10 production counts, 5-year consecutive sentences on each of the 9 distribution counts, and 5-year sentences on each of the 2 possession counts. If ever released, Kopp will be on supervised release for life, and will be required to register as a sex offender.
Emily Oberst was indicted along with Kopp, and her trial is scheduled for November 7, 2016. The charges against her are merely accusations and she is presumed innocent.
As part of his guilty plea on May 20, 2016, Kopp admitted that he and another person conspired to sexually exploit an infant to produce visual depictions of the abuse. In addition to the sexual exploitation of the infant, Kopp admitted that he sexually exploited a male toddler. Kopp admitted that he sexually exploited the two children 10 separate times so that he could produce images and videos of that sexual exploitation. He also pled guilty to 9 counts related to his distribution of the images that he had produced and 2 counts related to his possession of child pornography that he downloaded from the Internet.
While Kopp’s convictions stemmed from his crimes against 2 specific children, the investigation uncovered his exploitation of 8 children over the past 16 years.
This case was investigated by the Albany Division of the FBI (Syracuse Resident Agency), the New York State Police, and the Metropolitan Police Department-Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Task Force (FBI Washington Field Office), and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa Fletcher and Robert Levine.
This case is prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
Lewiston Men Convicted of Robbery and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
Contact: Darcie N. McElwee
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 780-3257Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Kourtney Williams, 26, and Victor Lara Jr, 33, both of Lewiston, Maine were convicted yesterday following a jury trial in U.S. District Court of robbery conspiracy and using a firearm during a crime of violence. Williams was also convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Both were found not guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone.
Court records and trial evidence revealed that on August 2, 2014, at about 11:00 p.m., the defendants and Ismael Douglas broke into a residence on the Garfield Road in Minot, Maine intending to steal drugs and money from its occupants. Williams was armed with a handgun and Lara was armed with a crowbar.
The defendants face up to 20 years in prison on the robbery charge, an additional term of seven years to life on the use of a firearm charge and a $250,000 fine on each count. In addition, Williams faces an enhanced sentence as an armed career criminal of 15 years to life on the firearm possession charge, and a $250,000 fine. They will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. On August 11, 2016, Douglas pled guilty to robbery conspiracy and using a firearm during a crime of violence and awaits sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by the Maine State Police, the Lewiston and Auburn Police Departments, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Leader of Ring that Stole Dozens of Firearms during Burglaries of Southern California Gun Shops Pleads Guilty to Federal ChargesRead the Press Release
SANTA ANA, California – A Los Angeles man has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to a series of burglaries in which well over 100 firearms were stolen from businesses operated by federal firearms licensees.
Eddie Lee Harris Jr., 27, who lives in the Harvard Park district of Los Angeles, pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of conspiracy and one count of theft of firearms from a federally licensed firearms dealer. When he is sentenced by United States District Judge Cormac J. Carney on January 30, Harris faces a statutory maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison.
Over a 2½-month period in late 2015, Harris conspired with several others to steal firearms from gun-related businesses in a series of burglaries and attempted burglaries in Orange, Riverside and Los Angeles counties, according to a plea agreement filed in United States District Court.
Also yesterday, another Los Angeles man who participated in the burglaries was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison. Faizon Azante Donnie, 20, who also resides in the Harvard Park district of Los Angeles, pleaded on June 6 to one count of theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee (FFL) and admitted that he participated in two of the burglaries.
“Participants in this ring that targeted firearms dealers directly contributed to an increase in the number of illegal firearms available on the black market and, therefore, indirectly contributed to an increase in violent crime in our community,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “This case is the latest example of our commitment to reducing violent crime by working with our federal and local law enforcement partners to curtail the illegal weapons trade and firearms theft.”
This case stems from a series of burglaries in which the thieves broke into gun stores in the early morning hours by breaking glass windows or doors to the businesses. Once inside, the burglars quickly stole handguns, rifles, shotguns and silencers, among other items. The burglaries often lasted less than three minutes. Following the thefts, those involved gathered at South Los Angeles residence, where the guns were divided up. During Donnie’s sentencing hearing, Judge Carney described the conduct as “mayhem.”
Donnie became the fourth person sentenced in relation to the spree that led to the theft of 128 firearms. Members of the conspiracy targeted seven firearms-related businesses between August 29 and November 7 last year, including Orange County Firearms and Rifle Gear Company in Fountain Valley, SureFire Institute in Yorba Linda, FMK Firearms in Placentia, Warrior One and American Pacific Rifleworks in Riverside, and ExaTactical Firearms in La Puente.
The three defendants previously sentenced by Judge Carney last month are:
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Kenneth Terell Mullen, 21, of the Mid-City section Los Angeles, who was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison;
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Davell Dejon Mena, 19, of Watts, who was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison; and
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Keon Mena, (Davell Mena’s cousin), 19, of the Florence district of Los Angeles, who was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison.
A sixth defendant in the case – Brittani Nicole Collins – pleaded guilty in January and is pending sentencing.
Another defendant, Derrick Smith, 27, of the Vermont-Slauson section of Los Angeles, is expected to plead guilty later this week.
The final defendant in the case, Teophelus Lee Usher, is currently at large and is wanted by law enforcement. The 20-year-old Usher is a fugitive after fleeing earlier this year from his Exposition Park residence. Usher had been under house arrest after being granted bond following his arrest in this case.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
“This burglary ring caused significant damage to local small businesses and caused a substantial threat to the public and law enforcement as stolen firearms all too often wind up in the hands of violent offenders in the commission of crimes,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Eric D. Harden. “Members of the public should contact their local police department or ATF if they have any information on fugitive Teophelus Usher.”
Anyone with information about Usher is urged to contact the ATF at 1-800-ATF-GUNS.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott D. Tenley of the Santa Ana Branch Office.
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Kuna Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
BOISE – James Brett John, 30, of Kuna, Idaho, pleaded guilty today to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. John was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 10, 2016.
According to information presented in court, Boise police officers stopped a vehicle in Ada County, Idaho on May 4, 2016. John, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was arrested on a warrant for violating his parole. Police officers found a bag in John’s pants that contained over an ounce of methamphetamine, baggies, and a digital scale. Officers also located a glove in the vehicle that contained additional methamphetamine, prescription pain pills, and a synthetic drug known as “a-PVP” or “bath salts.” John admitted to police officers that he intended to sell the methamphetamine.
The crime of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute is punishable by a minimum of five years and up to forty years in prison, a maximum fine of $5,000,000 and at least four years of supervised release. Sentencing is set for November 23, 2016, before Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge at the federal courthouse in Boise.
The case is the result of a joint investigation by the Boise Police Department and the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), which includes the cooperative law enforcement efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; and U.S. Marshals Service. The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
Kankakee Area Felon Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Weapons ChargeRead the Press Release
Urbana, Ill. - Ladonta A. Tucker, 24, of the 200 block of North Greenwood Ave., Kankakee, Ill., has been ordered to serve 84 months in federal prison for illegal possession of a firearm by a felon, as announced by U.S. Attorney Jim Lewis, Central District of Illinois. Tucker was sentenced on Sept. 12. He has been in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since his arrest in December 2015. On April 28, 2016, Tucker entered a plea of guilty to the charge.
According to court documents, around 10:00 p.m. on Dec. 1, 2015, officers with the Bradley Police Department found Tucker and three other individuals in a car with its engine running on Blain Ave., in Bradley, Ill. After smelling the strong odor of marijuana coming from the car, officers searched the car and found in the trunk a fully loaded Taurus, Titanium, .45 caliber five-shot Colt revolver and a loaded Hi-Point, Model JCP, .40 caliber S&W semi-automatic pistol. The revolver had previously been reported stolen and its serial numbers had been obliterated. During a search of Tucker, officers found a baggie containing marijuana, cash, and a black digital scale. Tucker admitted the guns were his and he bought them off the street. At the time of the offense, Tucker had prior felony convictions for aggravated criminal sexual abuse and possession of a controlled substance, both in Kankakee County.
The case is the result of ongoing investigations related to gun violence in the Kankakee area by the Kankakee Area Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Kankakee Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugene L. Miller.
Justice Department Announces over $13 Million in Grants to Improve Adult Drug Courts Across 41 JurisdictionsRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today announced awards totaling more than $13 million to 41 state, local and tribal jurisdictions and courts to help improve drug court programs through evidence-based principles and practices.
The awards, funded under the 2016 Adult Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program, provide government court systems financial and technical assistance to develop and implement programs for substance abuse treatment, mandatory drug testing, sanctions and incentives, and transitional services for substance abusers.
“Adult drug court” is a court program managed by a multidisciplinary team that responds to the offenses and treatment needs of participants who have a drug addiction.
“Drug court is an effective and cost-efficient alternative to incarceration that encourages accountability, promotes rehabilitation, and gives individuals with a history of substance abuse a meaningful second chance at life,” said Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch. “With these grants, the Department of Justice is deepening its investment in these vital programs, and we are reaffirming our vision of a criminal justice system that is not just an instrument of punishment, but also an agent of positive change.”
Adult Drug Courts enable a participant’s likelihood of successful rehabilitation through early, continuous, and intense judicially-supervised treatment; mandatory periodic drug testing; community supervision; appropriate sanctions and other services.
Additional information about the Drug Court Program is available at http://go.usa.gov/xZHrY.
The Office of Justice Programs (OJP), headed by Assistant Attorney General Karol V. Mason, provides federal leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to prevent and control crime, administer justice, and assist victims. OJP has six bureaus and offices: the Bureau of Justice Assistance; the Bureau of Justice Statistics; the National Institute of Justice; the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; the Office for Victims of Crime, and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking (SMART). More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
Justice Department Announces $17.5 Million in Grants to Support Correctional Reform, Enhance Public SafetyRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today announced awards totaling more than $17.5 million to state justice agencies and technical assistance partners to improve public safety and more effectively manage correctional populations and costs.
This year’s awards include $5.85 million to four state agencies (Nebraska, Ohio, Oregon, and South Dakota) and two organizations that will assist these agencies: the Center for Effective Public Policy, Inc., and the University of Cincinnati. The remaining $11.6 million is being awarded to two non-government partner organizations—the Council of State Governments Justice Center and the Crime and Justice Institute—to provide technical assistance to the 20 states currently receiving support with their data analysis, policy development, and implementation efforts.
“Correctional reform is a vital part of our efforts to make our criminal justice system more efficient, more effective, and more fair,” said Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch. “These awards advance that goal by reducing states’ prison populations and encouraging them to use proven strategies in their approach to criminal justice – changes that will not only ease public finances, but also improve public safety.”
The Justice Reinvestment Initiative provides participating states with a means for all three state government branches and other stakeholders to work together and implement results-oriented, data-driven justice systems reform. This funding also enable state leaders, with the input of stakeholders, to examine their states’ unique sentencing and corrections systems, investments and outcomes and make better-informed decisions about treatment, programs and prison/jail resources. Savings from these reforms are reinvested in high-performing public safety strategies. To date, 30 states have used the Justice Reinvestment Initiative to take a comprehensive look at their criminal justice systems.
The site-based awards, funded under the JRI: Maximizing State Reforms Program, supports states that have already adopted justice reinvestment policies to implement one or more strategies to further the goals of a state’s justice reinvestment reform efforts, including the commitment to data-driven decision making and investment in evidence-based practices and programs.
For more information about the Justice Reinvestment Initiative visit http://go.usa.gov/xZsqe.
The Office of Justice Programs (OJP), headed by Assistant Attorney General Karol V. Mason, provides federal leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to prevent and control crime, administer justice, and assist victims. OJP has six bureaus and offices: the Bureau of Justice Assistance; the Bureau of Justice Statistics; the National Institute of Justice; the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; the Office for Victims of Crime, and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking (SMART). More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
Johnstown Woman Charged in Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa. was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of access device fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The indictment named Deanna Brandon, 39, of Johnstown, Pa., as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment presented to the court, from on or about Feb. 3, 2015, to on or about Feb. 9, 2015, Brandon knowingly, with intent to defraud, used an unauthorized device, namely a credit card, to obtain various household and electronic items, aggregating more than $1,000.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Johnstown Man Charged with Violating Federal Drug LawsRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The four-count indictment named Charles A. Meyer, 35, of Johnstown, Pa.
According to the indictment presented to the court, on Oct. 20, 2015, within 1,000 feet of a playground, and on Dec. 22, 2015, and Jan. 22, 2016, Meyer distributed less than 100 grams of heroin on each of those dates. Also on Jan. 22, 2016, Meyer possessed with the intent to distribute less than 100 grams of heroin.
The law provides for a maximum sentence of 100 years in prison and a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Cambria County Drug Task Force, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Meyer.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Indictment: Accounting Technician Embezzled Kickapoo Tribal FundsRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A former accounting technician for the Kickapoo Tribe of Kansas was indicted Tuesday on a federal charge of embezzling tribal funds, Acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said today.
Heath A. Hopkins, 45, Horton, Kan., is charged with one count of theft from an Indian tribal organization. The indictment alleges that while working for the Kickapoo Tribe Housing Authority Hopkins wrote unauthorized checks to himself on the tribe’s checking account.
If convicted, he faces up to five years in federal prison. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.
OTHER GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS
Mykell A. Mannie, 20, Wichita, Kan., and Tessa M. Smith, 21, Wichita, Kan., are charged with distribution of heroin (count one), possession of heroin with intent to distribute (count five), and unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (count six). In addition, Mannie is charged with distribution of heroin (counts two and three), and carrying a firearm in relation to drug trafficking (count four). The crimes are alleged to have occurred in May 2016 in Wichita, Kan.
Upon convictions, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Counts 1, 2, 3, 5: Not less than 10 years and a dine up to $10 million.
Counts 4 and 6: Not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000.
The Wichita Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is prosecuting.
Richard A. Lara, 47, Wichita, Kan., is charged with five counts of bank fraud and 12 counts of misapplication of bank funds. The crimes are alleged to have occurred from 2009 to 2014 in Sumner County, Kan., while Lara was an employee of Security State Bank of Wellington.
The indictment alleges Lara received unemployment benefits to which he was not entitled.
If convicted, he faces up to 30 years and a fine up to $1 million on each of the counts. The FBI investigated. Assistant U./S. Attorney Welch is prosecuting.
Kortea Gullick, 33, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of ammunition following a felony conviction, and one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Aug. 19, 2016, in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted he faces up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the firearm charge, and up to five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the other count. The FBI Safe Streets Task Force investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch is investigating.
Shawn Eugene Dodson, 28, Grand Island, Neb., is charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crime is alleged to have occurred Aug. 12, 2016, in Wichita, Kan.,
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years a fine up to $1 million. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Rodebaugh is prosecuting.
Sabino Hernandez, Jr., 26. Paramount, Calif., is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The crime is alleged to have occurred Sept. 12, 2016, in Ellis County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces not less than 10 years and a fine up to $4 million. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Rodebaugh is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Indictment filed on bank robberies in Youngstown and BoardmanRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging Rickie Gonzalez, 51, of Campbell, and Michael Zarlingo, 55, of Struthers, with bank robbery.
Count 1 of the indictment alleges that on or about April 18, 2016, Rickie Gonzalez robbed a Huntington Bank in Boardman.
Count 2 of the indictment alleges that on or about April 28, 2016, Michael Zarlingo and Gonzalez robbed a PNC Bank in Youngstown.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force, the Youngstown Police Department, the Boardman Police Department and the Hubbard Police Department. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason M. Katz.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Houston Man Convicted of Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 28-year-old Houston man has entered a plea of guilty to two counts of sex trafficking by the use of force, fraud and coercion, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson.
Roger Maldonado came to the attention of law enforcement after law enforcement found a female at a hospital whom Maldonado had physically assaulted in August 2015. The victim had suffered a forehead laceration, upper and lower eyelid contusions, neck abrasions, a finger contusion and abdominal trauma. At that time, the female advised law enforcement that Maldonado was her boyfriend and that he had assaulted her.
In September 2015, law enforcement found a second female whom Maldonado had also assaulted. The investigation revealed that Maldonado had been trafficking these two victims on Backpage.com as well as at Pink Spa - a sexually-oriented business located in Houston known by law enforcement for prostitution activities.
Through their investigation, law enforcement discovered Maldonado had been taking photographs of these victims and posting advertisements in order to solicit business for these victims. Maldonado would set up the dates for the victims and transport the women in order for them to engage in commercial sex acts. The victims would then turn a portion of the money over to the defendant. Ultimately, Maldonado used force, threats of force, fraud and coercion to have these victims perform commercial sex acts from which he benefited financially.
Maldonado pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Nancy F. Atlas who set sentencing for Nov. 29, 2016. At that time, Maldonado faces a minimum of 15 years and up to life in federal prison.
The FBI and Houston Police Department investigated.
This case, prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly Ann Leo and Sherri Zack, 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."
Heroin and Opioid Awareness Week EventsRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina announces events in observance of the National Heroin & Opioid Awareness Week, September 19-23, 2016.
On September 20, 2016, an Executive Session for Law Enforcement will take place to discuss heroin & opioid abuse, distribution, and overdose issues. All Police Chiefs, Sheriffs, and Federal Law Enforcement Agency heads within the Eastern District of North Carolina are welcome to attend.
The Opiate crisis we face is not just a crime problem, it is a community public health problem. In recognition of the importance of citizen input, our office will host a Community Town Hall on September 22, 2016, at the Pullen Park Community Center in Raleigh. Please join us for this important event.
Hattiesburg Businessman Found Guilty of Fraud Relating to Government Housing ContractRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss – On Monday, September 12, 2016, a federal jury found Kenneth Fairley, 62, of Hattiesburg, guilty of carrying out a scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis. The guilty verdict came after a six day trial in Hattiesburg before U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett.
Fairley was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and two counts of theft of government money. He will be sentenced on November 21, 2016 and faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison and $750,000 fine.
Fairley and his co-conspirator, Artie Fletcher, devised a scheme to defraud HUD in connection with a government contract issued to the City of Hattiesburg for the rehabilitation of two residential properties located within the city limits. The project was supported by federal funding and was executed through sub-contracted work to be completed by Pinebelt Community Services, a local non-profit operated by Fairley. Fairley conspired with co-conspirator Fletcher to fraudulently perform the work for a lesser amount than represented on the HUD contract, with the difference in the bid and actual costs being transferred to Fairley, through Fletcher, for purposes not intended by the government contract.
Artie Fletcher previously pled guilty to a Criminal Information charging him with misprision of a felony. He will be sentenced on December 19, 2016, and faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, IRS – Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Mississippi State Auditor’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jay Golden and Abe McGlothin.
Hardy County man pleads guilty to traveling across state lines to distribute heroinRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Jason Wayne Russell, 39, of Moorefield, West Virginia, pled guilty today for traveling across state lines to the Baltimore area to procure heroin, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Russell pled guilty today to one count of “Interstate Travel in Furtherance of a Drug Crime.” He faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Grayson man pleads guilty to illegally making, selling silencersRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Grayson man pleaded guilty last week to manufacturing and selling firearm silencers.
Dustin B. Demoss, 31, of Grayson, La., pleaded guilty Wednesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen L. Hayes to one count of illegally selling and manufacturing firearm silencers. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. According to the guilty plea, in May 2016, the ATF conducted a controlled purchase of three firearm silencers from a target of the investigation who later identified Demoss as the manufacturer of the silencers. Demoss sold the silencers from a Facebook site called “Angel of Death Tactical,” without having paid the special occupational tax and not having registered the silencers as required by federal law. A search was conducted at Demoss’ residence on May 19, 2016. Several firearms were seized with silencers attached, as well as assorted silencer parts with drilled baffles and end caps, other assorted parts for making silencers, and boxes of parts showing mailing information that they were imported from India. Demoss also had drill presses used to complete the manufacture of silencers.
Demoss faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $10,000 fine. A sentencing date of December 20, 2016 was set.
This investigation and prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which is a Department of Justice initiative to promote firearm safety and to reduce firearm crimes by preventing the possession and use of firearms by dangerous and persistent felons and others not authorized to possess a firearm.
The ATF conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney James C. Cowles Jr. is prosecuting the case.
Grand Jury Indicts Johnstown Man on Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The indictment named Joseph L. Prave, III, 50, of Johnstown, Pa.
According to the indictment presented to the court, on Jan. 26, 2016, Prave distributed less than 100 grams of heroin.
The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Cambria County Drug Task Force, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Prave.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Grand Jury Indicts 2 Erie County Men in Scheme to Defraud Auto Loan ProvidersRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. – Two residents of Erie County, Pennsylvania, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The eleven-count indictment named Adam Brayton Coover, 34, of Erie, Pennsylvania and Brian Alex Vergotz, 49, of Erie, Pennsylvania, as defendants.
According to the indictment presented to the court, from in and around May 2015, to in and around March 2016, the defendants Coover and Vergotz engaged in a scheme to defraud auto loan providers by using straw purchasers to buy cars from Vergotz knowing that the vehicles would not actually be in the possession of the straw purchasers. Vergotz and Coover also falsified the loan applications to make the straw purchasers appear more credit worthy.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both for each defendant. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Erie Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former President of St. Louis Law Enforcement Officer Association Pleads Guilty to Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Darren Randal Wilson pled guilty to nine counts of wire fraud involving his misappropriation of over $80,000 from the Ethical Society of Police, an association of black St. Louis police officers.
According to court documents, Wilson was president of the Ethical Society of Police (ESOP) in 2013 and 2014. As president of ESOP, Wilson had access to funds in the ESOP bank account, which consisted primarily of the monthly dues contributed by the police officer members of ESOP.
Between July 2013 and December 2014, Wilson engaged in a fraud scheme to misappropriate money from the ESOP bank account and to use the money for his own purposes, including funding his business promoting comedy shows featuring nationally known comedians at local night clubs. To further the fraud scheme, Wilson transmitted some of the misappropriated money by Fed Wire, PayPal and Western Union wire transfers. To conceal his fraudulent activity, Wilson presented false information to ESOP officers and members. In April 2014, Wilson was indicted on nine felony counts of wire fraud associated with the fraud scheme.
Wilson, St. Louis, Missouri, appeared before United States District Judge Henry Edward Autrey and pled guilty to all nine counts of wire fraud. As part of the guilty plea, Wilson acknowledged that he abused his position of public and private trust. He agreed to a money judgment against him of $80,934, to account for the losses to ESOP associated with the fraud scheme. He also agreed to surrender his law enforcement certification and to no longer work or seek employment as a law enforcement officer. Sentencing has been set for December 12, 2016.
Each count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and/or a fine up to $250,000. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges substantially lower than the statutory maximum.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Cristian M. Stevens is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Former CFO of Granite Falls Industrial Contractor Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Prison for Embezzling Nearly $6 MillionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger today announced the sentencing of KIRSTEN ANN TJOSAAS, 38, for embezzling $5,773,410 from Fagen, Inc. (Fagen), an industrial contracting company for which she served as Chief Financial Officer. TJOSAAS pleaded guilty on May 6, 2016, to wire fraud and money laundering.
According to her guilty plea, between 2006 and November 2015, TJOSAAS abused her authority as Corporate Controller and Chief Financial Officer of Fagen to issue at least 19 checks and make wire transfers totaling approximately $4.5 million from Fagen to Fairmont Investments, LLC (Fairmont), a Nebraska-based corporation controlled by the defendant.
According to her guilty plea, after registering Fairmont, TJOSAAS opened a bank account at Granite Falls Bank in the name of Fairmont for the purpose of embezzling money from Fagen. TJOSAAS signed these checks using the signature stamp of another Fagen executive without the authority or knowledge of that executive. The defendant also entered false entries into Fagen’s general ledger to disguise the illegitimate checks as payments to Fagen partners or payments to legitimate Fagen vendors. After depositing checks into the Fairmont account, TJOSAAS transferred the funds she had stolen into her own personal bank accounts.
According to her guilty plea, TJOSAAS also fraudulently issued Fagen checks payable to another company. TJOSAAS had access to and control over the bank account of this company. Between June 2006 and November 2015, TJOSAAS issued approximately 25 fraudulent checks into this account, totaling more than $1.2 million.
TJOSAAS used the illicit proceeds to buy homes in Florida, Minnesota, Kentucky, and Arizona. She purchased time-shares in Arizona and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as at least three automobiles, two all-terrain vehicles, a motorcycle, a jet-ski, and a sailboat.
TJOSAAS spent more than $500,000 of the stolen money on travel, including $346,000 on airplane tickets, $213,000 on hotel stays and more than $90,000 in restaurants.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson prosecuted the case.
Defendant Information:
KIRSTEN ANN TJOSAAS, 38
Granite Falls, Minn.
Convicted:
- Wire fraud, 1 count
- Money laundering, 1 count
Sentenced:
- 78 months in prison
- 3 years supervised release
- $5,773,420 in restitution
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Former CEO of Essex Holdings Inc. Charged with $30 Million Fraud Scheme Involving Investments in Sugar Transportation and Iron Ore Mining, and Unlawfully Obtaining Economic Development FundsRead the Press Release
The former Chief Executive Officer of Essex Holdings, Inc., was charged with two separate fraud schemes totaling more than $30 million. The first scheme involved nearly 100 investors who purportedly purchased interests in sugar transportation and iron ore mining in Chile. The second scheme involved unlawfully obtaining economic development funds from the State of South Carolina.
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.
Navin Shankar Subramaniam Xavier, a/k/a "Navin Xavier," a/k/a "Dr. Navin Xavier" (Xavier), 44, of Miramar, is charged by Indictment with fifteen counts of wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343. Xavier faces a maximum statutory sentence of twenty years in prison for each count and a fine up to $250,000. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Darrin P. Gayles in Miami.
According to the Indictment, from September 2010 through May 2014, Xavier operated Essex Holdings, Inc., (“Essex Holdings”) from an office in Miami Gardens, and raised more than $29 million from nearly 100 investors for supposed investments in sugar transportation and shipping, as well as iron ore mining in Chile. Xavier used a false financial statement, forged documents, and false promises of fixed rates of return, to induce investors to invest with Essex Holdings. Most of the money was used for purposes other than what was promised, including to support lavish spending by Xavier and his wife for expensive jewelry, luxury vehicles, wedding expenses, and cosmetic surgery. Eventually, Xavier used new investor money to pay old investors in a Ponzi-like fashion before the scheme collapsed.
The second scheme involved Xavier using Essex Holdings to obtain $1.2 million in payments and approximately $1.5 million worth of commercial real estate from the South Carolina Coordinating Council for Economic Development (“SCCCED”), a division of the South Carolina state government, that was supposed to be used to develop a dilapidated industrial property into a diaper plant and rice packaging facility. According to the indictment, Xavier provided false financial documentation to SCCCED in order to obtain the contract, and later provided fake contractor invoices and fake bank statements in order to get paid under the contract. As with the investment fraud scheme, Xavier spent the development money for his personal living expenses, and wired some of it to the same overseas accounts used in the investment fraud.
Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI, the Miami Regional Office of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and the South Carolina Office of Inspector General, for assisting with this matter. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jerrob Duffy and Allison Lehr.
A criminal indictment is merely an allegation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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.
Federal Correctional Officer Arrested on Charges of Assaulting InmateRead the Press Release
RIVERSIDE, California – A correctional officer employed by the U.S. Bureau of Prisons at the Victorville Federal Correctional Complex has been arrested on federal civil rights and assault charges stemming from an incident in which she allegedly kicked a female inmate in the head.
Cynthia Flores, 34, of Victorville, was arrested yesterday afternoon and is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon on charges in a four-count indictment.
Flores is charged in an indictment that was returned by a federal grand jury on September 7. The indictment accuses Flores of deprivation of rights under color of law, assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm, falsifying records and making false statements and concealing material facts in a matter within the jurisdiction of the United States Department of Justice.
The charges stem from an incident in which Flores allegedly assaulted an inmate at the women’s prison camp in Victorville on June 2, 2013. During the evening count, when correctional officers ensure that all inmates are present, Flores initiated a physical altercation with the victim inmate. After the inmate’s hands were placed in restraints behind her back, and she was held chest down on the floor, Flores allegedly kicked the inmate in the head.
“Law enforcement officers have a duty to uphold the civil rights of all Americans, and, when those rights are violated, we must act decisively,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “No citizen should have to suffer the physical abuse by a law enforcement authority alleged in this case. Such abuse not only undermines the integrity of our justice system, but undermines the professional work being done by the vast majority of correctional officers.”
Following the incident, Flores allegedly submitted both a written incident report and a videotaped oral report in which she described a verbal and physical altercation with the inmate. The indictment alleges that Flores falsely stated that the inmate had assaulted her, when it was actually Flores who assaulted the inmate by pushing the inmate into a wall, striking her and kicking her in the head.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If she is convicted on all counts, Flores would face up to 45 years in prison.
This case was investigated by the Justice Department’s Office of the Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sean D. Peterson of the Riverside Branch Office.
Federal Complaint Charges Buncombe County Man with MurderRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. B A federal criminal complaint was filed today charging Seth Willis Pickering, 36, of Leicester, N.C. with murder for the death of his daughter, Lila Pickering, announced Jill Westmoreland Rose, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
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; Neal D. Labrie, Chief Ranger of the Blue Ridge Parkway; and Sheriff Van Duncan of the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office.
The affidavit filed with the criminal complaint alleges that late afternoon on September 9, 2016, Seth Pickering took Lila Pickering from the residence of the custodian where the victim had been placed temporarily by the Buncombe County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Seth Pickering was only authorized to have supervised visitation with his daughter. The complaint alleges that the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call by the victim’s custodian regarding a missing juvenile, and were in the process of gathering information to initiate a report and issue an alert to law enforcement agencies. Meanwhile, two U.S. Park Rangers on routine patrol on the Blue Ridge Parkway (the “Parkway”) observed Seth Pickering’s vehicle parked along the shoulder of the Parkway near mile marker 393. The Rangers also observed a male and a juvenile female (later determined to be Seth and Lila Pickering) walking down a steep embankment. Knowing that there were no trails, picnic areas, or camp sites in the area, the Rangers began to investigate. The complaint alleges that as one of the Rangers approached the area where Seth Pickering and his daughter were located, Seth Pickering stabbed Lila Pickering with a knife, killing her.
Seth Pickering is currently in state custody and is expected to appear in U.S. District Court on the federal charges upon his transfer to federal custody.
A complaint is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in a court of law.
In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorney Rose thanked the FBI, the National Park Service and the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office for their investigation of the case.
The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Don Gast and David Thorneloe of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville.
Ex-postal service contract driver from Lafayette pleads guilty to stealing from DeRidder area mailRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Lafayette woman pleaded guilty last week to stealing from mail while she worked as a contract postal carrier.
Helen J. Nelson, 72, of Lafayette, pleaded guilty Thursday before U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi to one count of theft of mail matter by a postal service employee. According to the guilty plea, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General hotline received a complaint in May of 2016 that a mailed $250 gift card was never received. The missing card was traced to Nelson, who was a contract mail carrier, and an investigation was conducted. She was observed May 26, 2016 driving her Lake Charles/Deridder area route. She stopped at a Lake Charles store’s parking lot where she was seen moving mail from the back of the truck to the front and later throwing away a bag in a trash can. Torn up mail was later found in the retrieved bag. Upon confronting Nelson about the destroyed mail, she admitted to opening mail, searching its contents, taking or discarding some of the mails’ contents and resealing envelopes. She also admitted to taking the $250 gift card.
Nelson faces five years in prison, three years supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution. A sentencing date of December 15, 2016 was set.
The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamilla A. Bynog is prosecuting the case.
Erie Man Charged with Illegally Possessing GunRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on a charge of violating federal firearm laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The one-count indictment named Kevin Dimitri Tate, 23, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment presented to the court, Tate unlawfully possessed a .380 ACP firearm while being prohibited from firearm possession because he is a convicted felon.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Marshall J. Piccinini is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent, deter, and prosecute gun crime.
The Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force, Erie Bureau of Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Erie Auto Dealer, 3 Others Indicted in Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A business located in Erie, Pennsylvania and three residents of Erie County, Pennsylvania, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The twelve-count indictment named Rick Weaver Buick GMC, Inc., 714 West 12th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania; Adam James Weaver, 40, of Fairview, Pennsylvania; Douglas Alan Grooms, 45, of Edinboro, Pennsylvania; and Adam Brayton Coover, 34, of Erie, Pennsylvania, as defendants.
According to the indictment presented to the court, from in and around May 2015, to in and around March 2016, Coover, Grooms and Weaver engaged in a scheme to defraud auto loans providers by utilizing two straw purchasers to buy vehicles in their own names from Rick Weaver Buick GMC. The vehicles would then actually remain in Coover’s possession. The three facilitated the scheme by falsifying the loan applications to make the straw purchasers appear more credit worthy and by not revealing that the straw purchasers were buying multiple vehicles at the same time. The value of many of the vehicles was also inflated to increase the funds received by the co-conspirators.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 240 years in prison, a fine of $3,000,000, or both for Rick Weaver Buick GMC, Inc., Douglas Grooms and Adam Coover and a maximum total sentence of 60 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both for Adam Weaver. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Erie Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Elmira Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. announced today that Jerold “Rocco” Walker, 39, of Elmira, NY, pleaded guilty conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine before U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas E. Gregory, who is handling the case, stated that Walker was arrested after an investigation conducted by the Elmira Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms revealed that the defendant was involved in an ongoing drug trafficking ring. Members of the drug ring sold significant amounts of crack cocaine from various locations in Elmira. Walker utilized several residences, including locations on Columbia Street, Walnut Street and West Gray Street in connection with the drug offenses.
The plea is the culmination of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Charlie J. Patterson, New York Field Division, and the Elmira Police Department, under the direction of Police Chief Joseph Kane.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 14, 2016 before Judge Larimer.
Duenweg Sex Offender Sentenced to 17 Years for Child PornRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a convicted sex offender in Duenweg, Mo., was sentenced in federal court today for receiving child pornography over the Internet.
Paul L. Sipeer, 65, of Duenweg, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 17 years and six months in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Sipeer to a lifetime of supervised release following incarceration.
On March 29, 2016, Sipeer pleaded guilty to receiving child pornography over the Internet. Sipeer has been in federal custody without bond since his arrest in January 2016.
Sipeer is a registered sex offender with a 1992 conviction for sexual abuse in the first degree involving the physical harm of a 7-year-old child. According to court documents, Sipeer admitted that he sexually molested at least three other children besides the victim of the crime resulting in his conviction. Sipeer also admitted that he began accessing child pornography within one year of his release from prison in 1994.
By pleading guilty, Sipeer admitted that he received child pornography between July 1, 2012, and Jan. 26, 2016.
According to court documents, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents learned that Sipeer was conducting online money transfers between $10 and $20 several times a month during the summer of 2015 to individuals in the Philippines. Money transfers, conducted through Western Union and MoneyGram, are often used to send funds to pay for sexual performances by children in the Philippines. In prior investigations conducted by HSI, small amounts of money, typically between $5 and $100, are often sent to individuals in the Philippines. Often the senders would send additional payments for continued and/or repeat performances.
Upon further investigation, agents learned that Sipeer had been making money transfers to various individuals in the Philippines since January 2013, in amounts ranging up to $480.
Law enforcement officers contacted Sipeer at his residence on Jan. 26, 2016. Sipeer told the officers he sent money to the Philippines to pay for “sex shows.” Sipeer said he has sent approximately $1,200 to the Philippines in total. Sipeer also confessed that he had been actively downloading images depicting child pornography from the Internet. Several images of child pornography, depicting children younger than 10 years old, were located on Sipeer’s computer.
This case was 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 Southwest Missouri Cyber Crime Task Force.
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."
Department of Justice to Hold Local Events in Honor of Heroin and Opioid Awareness WeekRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced today that his Office will observe National Heroin and Opioid Awareness Week through the following special events:
Monday, September 19, 2016
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Private screening and panel discussion of the documentary “Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opioid Addict” for St. Bernard Parish students.
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Public screening and panel discussion of the documentary “Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opioid Addict.”
Panel Participants will include:
Kenneth A. Polite, U.S. Attorney, EDLA
Jeffrey Sallet, FBI Special Agent in Charge
Stephen Assam, DEA Special Agent in Charge
Dr. Jeff Rouse, Orleans Parish Coroner
Family members who have lost loved ones to heroin and opioid addiction
Loyola University, Nunemaker Auditorium, Monroe Hall, 6363 St. Charles Avenue, at 7:00 pm.
The event is free and open to the public. Free parking will be available in the West Road garage.
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
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Private screening and panel discussion of the documentary “Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opioid Addict” for Jefferson Parish students.
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U.S. Attorney Polite to tour substance abuse facility and conduct panel discussion with patients of Bridge House, 4150 Earhart Blvd., New Orleans, LA at 2:00 pm.
Thursday, September 22, 2016
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Private screening and panel discussion of the documentary “Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opioid Addict” for Jefferson Parish and St. Tammany Parish students.
Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch has designated the week of September 19-23, 2016, as National Heroin and Opioid Awareness Week to raise awareness of the growing epidemic of heroin and opioid abuse in our country. Heroin overdoses increased 244% between 2007 and 2013. On an average day, 78 people die from an opioid-related overdose.
U.S. Attorney Polite stated, “We look forward to joining with all members of our community – law enforcement, educational institutions, and non-profit advocates – to bring greater attention to the problems and potential solutions to the heroin and opioid epidemic currently facing our region.”
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Delhi man pleads guilty to receiving child pornographyRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Delhi man pleaded guilty Monday to producing child pornography.
Daniel Lee Brown, 28, of Delhi, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert G. James to one count of receiving child pornography. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Brown used the internet and Facebook, pretended to be a teenager, and directed an out-of-state 12-year-old child to produce and send him child pornography. Brown received this child pornography using his computer in Delhi on October 28, 2014.
Brown faces five to 20 years in prison, five years to life of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. He also faces forfeiture of the equipment used to store the child pornography. He also must register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. A sentencing date of December 5, 2016 was set.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations, the Louisiana State Police, the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Bossier City Marshal’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr. is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) also encourage the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at (866) 347-2423. Investigators are available at all hours to answer hotline calls. Tips or other information can also be submitted to ICE online by visiting their website at www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp or through the Operation Predator smartphone application www.ice.gov/predator/smartphone-app. Tips may be submitted anonymously.
Dearborn Heights Resident Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
A 22-year-old Dearborn Heights man pleaded guilty today to charges of making a false statement to acquire a firearm and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade announced today.
McQuade was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge David P. Gelios, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division.
Khalil Abu-Rayyan pleaded guilty before United States District Judge George Caram Steeh in Detroit.
According to court records, on October 5, 2015, Khalil Abu-Rayyan purchased a .22 caliber revolver from a sporting goods store in Dearborn Heights. At the time of purchase, Abu-Rayyan made a false statement on ATF Form 4473, stating “no” in response to a question that asks whether the purchaser is an unlawful user of a controlled substance. On November 15, 2015, Abu-Rayyan attempted to purchase another pistol from a different sporting goods store. However, due to pending state charges, was unable to purchase the pistol. On that occasion, Abu-Rayyan again falsely stated on ATF Form 4473 that he was not an unlawful user of a controlled substance. Abu-Rayyan subsequently admitted to law enforcement that he was an habitual user of marijuana during the time period in which he purchased the .22 caliber revolver. Abu-Rayyan has also since pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana in the state case, and is currently awaiting trial in state court on the charge of carrying a concealed weapon in an automobile.
According to the criminal complaint, photographs and postings on Abu-Rayyan's social media sites, as well as conversations with an undercover FBI employee, indicated his support for the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization, and his desire to conduct a martyrdom operation, including with the use of firearms.
Abu-Rayyan was arrested on February 4, 2016, by FBI agents and remains in custody pending his sentencing which has been scheduled for January 9, 2017. Abu-Rayyan faces a term of up 20 years in federal prison.
Cleveland men charged with robbing Parma bankRead the Press Release
A grand jury returned a one-count indictment charging Richard Joseph Beris, 22, and Alexander Nathaniel Penn, 41, both of Cleveland, with one count of aiding and abetting bank robbery, said Carole S. Rendon, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
The indictment alleges that Beris and Penn robbed the Citizens Bank, located at 5775 Chevrolet Boulevard in Parma, a federally insured financial institution, on August 4, 2016.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to his case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Seabury Gould, and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Parma Police Department.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.