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26 October 2016
Former CEO of Hollywood Payroll Company Convicted for Tax Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
RIVERSIDE, California – The former CEO of Axium International, Inc., a leading Hollywood payroll services company until its 2008 collapse, was convicted late yesterday afternoon of tax evasion, conspiracy to defraud the IRS, and filing a false tax return.
John Visconti, 74, of Beverly Hills, was convicted by a federal jury following a one-week trial. United States District Judge Jesus G. Bernal, who presided over Visconti’s trial, set sentencing for Visconti on January 23, 2017.
Axium was one of the largest payroll services companies serving the entertainment industry, and its clients included a list of high profile studios, Fortune 500 companies, television and cable companies, and media outlets. At its height, Axium’s gross revenues were well over $1 billion per year.
As the payroll services provider and employer of record for its client entities, Axium regularly submitted payroll tax returns to the IRS and to the taxing authorities of several states. In several instances, those tax returns generated refunds in six-figure dollar amounts. Axium collapsed in 2008, after revelations that its tax delinquencies exceeded $100 million and that, as a result, Axium’s lender foreclosed on its bank accounts. Axium’s tax delinquencies resulted in the IRS assessing a recovery penalty against Visconti of $15 million.
According to the evidence at trial, Visconti and Axium’s former chief operating officer, Ronald Garber, 62, of Santa Monica, used a variety of elaborate mechanisms to divert approximately $5.1 million from Axium during the period 2005-2007, and Visconti took an additional $1.9 million in corporate loans that he did not repay. In one of the schemes, Visconti diverted tax refund checks payable to Axium and its subsidiaries into “shadow bank accounts,” accounts that were in the names of Axium companies but controlled by Visconti and Garber, off the corporate books and records, and not disclosed to the Axium accounting department. Garber and Visconti also diverted over half a million from Axium through a scheme involving a sham construction company that invoiced Axium for purported services. The two men also conspired to have thousands of dollars in cash from Axium delivered to them on a weekly basis.
The various schemes presented during the trial resulted in the diversion of millions of dollars from Axium, and Visconti reported none of the funds pocketed by him on his federal income tax returns. Visconti in several instances arranged for his “cut” to be paid to bank accounts held in the names of entities that Visconti controlled.
“This defendant and his co-conspirator stole millions from Axium over the course of many years and failed to pay taxes on those amounts,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “His conduct victimized not only the employees of Axium who lost their livelihoods when the business collapsed, but all American taxpayers who are paying their fair share.”
At the time of sentencing, Visconti faces a maximum sentence of 13 years of imprisonment and a maximum fine of $750,000.
Ronald Garber pled guilty previously to two counts of subscription to a false tax return and is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Bernal on January 23, 2017. Another former Axium associate, Christina Futak, 60, of Orange, California, pled guilty to tax evasion and is scheduled to be sentenced on December 19, 2016. Futak, a former tax professional, also stipulated to the entry of a civil order enjoining her from engaging in the business of tax preparation.
“Axium was a prominent payroll services business that had millions of dollars of client funds under its control. But instead of safeguarding that money and meeting their legal obligations to their clients and the IRS, Visconti and Garber put their energy into siphoning money from the company for their own personal use,” stated Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony J. Orlando of IRS Criminal Investigation. “Taxpayers and businesses can be assured that IRS Criminal Investigation will vigorously pursue anyone who collects taxes and fails to timely remit those taxes.”
The Chapter 11 bankruptcy case for Axium, initially filed in January 2008, remains an active case proceeding in which thousands of documents have been filed.
The investigation into Axium was conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation, and the case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Angela J. Davis of the Major Frauds Section.
Final Defendant in $3.1 Million Credit Card Fraud Scheme SentencedRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The last of nine people who conspired to use stolen credit card numbers to commit $3,179,329.06 in fraud was sentenced in U.S. District Court today.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Mark Porter, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service, and Kathy Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS), announced that Joey Westbrook, 21, of Columbus was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Watson today to serve 36 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
According to court documents, Reynoldsburg resident Francois Toure, 26, obtained more than 4,700 stolen credit card numbers over the Internet between April 2012 and March 2015. He then re-encoded the magnetic strips of genuine prepaid or gift cards to reflect the stolen credit card numbers. Shoppers used the re-encoded cards to buy genuine gift cards, cigarettes, and other merchandise. Mohamed Mobarak, 27, and Ahmad Mobarak, 22, who operated Beechcroft Newsstand, used the Newsstand’s point-of-sale terminal to fraudulently redeem genuine gift cards purchased by the shoppers. Finally, Mohamed Mobarak filled privately owned ATMs with funds that were in part the proceeds of credit card fraud.
Investigators determined that the intended loss of the fraud scheme was $3,179,329.06. Judge Watson ordered restitution of $928,008.92 to be paid to victims. Investigators seized 46 ATMs, two vehicles, firearms and ammunition, electronic equipment and $599,962.82 in currency during the investigation.
All nine defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and received sentences ranging from 33 to 60 months. The others who pleaded guilty are Robert A. Kamara, 27, of Canal Winchester, Enouch J. Kermue, 27, of Columbus, Asher Merritt, 28, of Columbus, Diddier Mami, 28, of Inkster, Michigan, and Destani T. Cable, 28, of Columbus.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the Secret Service, the IRS, and agencies participating in the 65-member Southern District of Ohio Task Force on electronic crimes created in 2012 for their cooperative investigation, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Bosley and Peter K. Glenn-Applegate, who prosecuted the case.
Federal inmate pleads guilty to escapeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A federal inmate who was caught approximately a mile from Raleigh General Hospital pleaded guilty today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jody Ladd Dellenback, 30, entered his guilty plea to escape.
Dellenback admitted that on August 25, 2016, he ran away from his Bureau of Prisons escort after the completion of his medical examination at Raleigh General Hospital. Law enforcement authorities searched the area and found him about two hours later, slightly over a mile from the hospital. Dellenback was serving an 18-month sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution at Beckley for unauthorized use of a credit card.
Dellenback faces up to an additional five years in federal prison when he is sentenced on February 8, 2017.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons with assistance from the Beckley Police Department, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office, and the West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.
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Federal Jury Finds Bradenton Man Guilty of Armed Robbery and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that a federal jury today found Troy Markeith Griffin (38, Bradenton) guilty of conspiring to commit armed robbery, armed robbery, and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of an armed robbery. He faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 7, 2017.
Griffin was indicted on November 4, 2015, along with four co-conspirators, including his son and nephew.
According to testimony presented at trial, Griffin and his co-conspirators, all of whom previously pleaded guilty, committed at least four armed robberies before they were apprehended. Three of the robberies occurred at bars in Manatee County, including the Oasis Bar, Bubbas Too, and the Three Oaks Bar. The fourth robbery occurred at the Twin Horse Saloon in Pinellas County, during which the defendants repeatedly held a firearm to the head of the bartender, and beat the patrons with a pool stick. Following that robbery, Griffin led police on a high-speed chase for several miles in St. Petersburg before the officers disabled Griffin’s vehicle and, with canine assistance, ultimately apprehended all five individuals.
Troy Markeith Griffin, Jr., Tevin Jamar Marketh Major, Craig Demetrio Koonce, and Juwaan Roberts previously pleaded guilty for their roles in this case and are currently awaiting sentencing.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Natalie Adams and Carlton Gammons.
Federal Jury Convicts Jerome Man for Unlawfully Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
BOISE – Daniel Andrew Mills, 41, of Jerome, Idaho, was convicted today by a federal jury in Boise for unlawful possession of firearms, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Mills was indicted on February 9, 2016.
During the two-day trial, the jury heard evidence that Mills, a convicted felon who was wanted by the U.S. Marshals on a federal warrant for a supervised release violation, was driving through Jerome at 2:15 a.m. on January 11, 2016, when a Jerome County Sheriff’s Office deputy attempted to stop him for a broken taillight. Mills fled in his car, reaching speeds of more than 100 miles per hour. Mills’ car became disabled after he crashed through a fence and hit a parked vehicle. Mills refused all commands to exit the vehicle and repeatedly stuck the barrel of a shotgun outside of the driver’s window. The armed stand-off lasted several hours before a Twin Falls Sheriff’s Office hostage negotiator talked Mills out of the car and he was arrested without incident. Inside of the car, deputies found a loaded shotgun and a loaded .25 pistol. At the time Mills was in possession of the firearms, he was on supervised release for a prior federal conviction for unlawfully possessing a firearm. Mills has previously been convicted of assault with intent to commit a serious felony, aiding and abetting delivery of controlled substance, escape, forgery, and possession of controlled substance.
"I want to thank all the law enforcement officers involved for their efforts and willingness to put themselves in harm’s way in order to bring Mr. Mills to justice,” said Olson. “Their restraint and professionalism in peacefully resolving this armed stand-off is but one example of Idaho law enforcement protecting the community as a whole, to include individuals like Mr. Mills who seek to do them harm.”
Mills faces up to ten years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release for unlawful possession of firearms.
Sentencing is set for January 12, 2017, at 9:30 a.m. before Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge at the federal courthouse in Boise.
The case was investigated by the Jerome County Sheriff’s Office, the Jerome City Police Department, the Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Federal Indictment Charges Suitland Man in Fatal Shooting at the U.S. Census BureauRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury today returned an indictment charging Ronald Anderson, age 48, of Suitland, Maryland, with kidnapping, murder of a federal officer, attempted murder of a federal officer, using and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, causing death by use of a firearm during a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Chief Hank Stawinski of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Interim Chief Peter Newsham of the Metropolitan Police Department; and Director Eric Patterson of the Federal Protective Service, Department of Homeland Security.
The indictment alleges that on April 9, 2015, Anderson abducted Victim One from Washington, D.C. and drove Victim One to Maryland. According to court documents, once in Maryland Victim One got out of Anderson’s vehicle and into a Honda CRV driven by an acquaintance of Anderson’s and they sped away. Anderson pursued the CRV at a high rate of speed.
According to court documents, the acquaintance drove to the U.S. Census Bureau building at 4600 Silver Hill Road in Suitland, with Anderson continuing to pursue the CRV. The Honda CRV crashed into a light pole near two armed security officers. Anderson stopped his vehicle behind the Honda CRV and exchanged gunfire with the two security officers. The indictment alleges that Anderson shot and killed one of the officers and attempted to murder the second officer.
Anderson was subsequently arrested in Washington, D.C. by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers after a vehicle pursuit and gunfight, with Anderson firing numerous times at MPD officers. Anderson was shot multiple times and an MPD officer was struck in the leg. According to court documents, a .45 caliber pistol was recovered from Anderson’s vehicle. The indictment alleges that Anderson has a previous felony conviction and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
If convicted, Anderson faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. An initial appearance has not been scheduled. Anderson continues to undergo medical treatment and remains detained on related charges filed in the Superior Court for the District of Columbia.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the FBI, Prince George’s County Police Department, Metropolitan Police Department, and the Federal Protective Service of the National Protection and Programs Directorate, Department of Homeland Security for their work in the investigation and thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia for its assistance. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas M. Sullivan and Bryan E. Foreman, who are prosecuting the case.
Ellicott City Man Indicted in $3 Million Insurance Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted Glenn R. Fischer, age 69, of Ellicott City, Maryland, on charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft arising from a scheme to defraud businesses seeking insurance. The indictment alleges that as a result of the scheme, Fischer fraudulently collected more than $3 million in insurance premiums. The indictment was returned on September 22, 2016 and unsealed today.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein and Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.
According to the five-count indictment, Fischer was a partner at TriArc Financial Services, Inc., (TriArc Services) which provided automotive and mortgage insurance products, including residual value insurance. Residual Value Insurance (“RVI”) helped companies leasing vehicles to consumers to manage the risk from decreases in the value of the vehicle during the term of an auto lease. RVI typically provided for payments to the owner of a leased vehicle if the value of the vehicle at the end of the lease was less than a certain amount specified in the terms of the insurance coverage when the lease began. In the early 2000s, RVI policies were widely issued by insurance companies and TriArc Services generated substantial revenue for the company and its partners, including Fischer, who served as insurance brokers for RVI products. In 2008 and 2009, in conjunction with the financial recession and changes in consumers’ desires for used automobiles, many insureds suffered substantial losses in conjunction with previously issued RVI insurance policies.
The indictment alleges that from 2009 until 2014, Fischer persuaded victim businesses to purchase RVI insurance coverage, which Fischer knew did not exist, so that Fischer could use a substantial portion of the victims’ insurance premiums for his personal benefit. Specifically, in the summer of 2009, Fischer created a Nevada corporation called TriArc Marketing Solutions (TriArc Solutions) and opened bank accounts for TriArc Solutions. According to the indictment, during the course of the scheme Fischer caused prospective insureds to believe that he was acting on behalf of TriArc Services. Fischer concealed the creation and use of TriArc Solutions from his partners at TriArc Services.
Fischer allegedly created and sent false insurance coverage documents, fraudulent emails, premium invoices, lists of covered vehicles, and other documents to victim companies, causing them to falsely believe that they had purchased RVI insurance through Fischer. Fischer used the identity of an employee of a multinational property and casualty insurance company in furtherance of the fraud, including his name, title and purported signature on the declaration pages of the fake insurance policies. Fischer concealed from the employee and the company that Fischer was pretending to issue RVI insurance policies on behalf of the company.
The indictment alleges that Fischer collected millions in RVI insurance premiums from the victims, which he deposited into the TriArc Solutions bank accounts. According to the indictment, Fischer and his relatives used the proceeds of the insurance premium payments for their personal benefit.
The indictment seeks the forfeiture of all property which constitutes or is derived from the proceeds of the fraud, including: a money judgment of $3 million, six bank accounts, coins, precious metals, a Nitro Z-8 boating vessel, and two vehicles.
If convicted, Fischer faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for each of the four counts of wire fraud, and a mandatory minimum of two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence imposed, for aggravated identity theft.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
Today’s announcement is part of the efforts undertaken in connection with the President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. The task force was established to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices, and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets; and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations. Since fiscal year 2009, the Justice Department has filed over 18,000 financial fraud cases against more than 25,000 defendants. For more information on the task force, please visit www.StopFraud.gov.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI for its work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Gruber and David Metcalf, who are prosecuting the case.
Eight-Time Convicted Felon Sentenced to over 9 Years in Prison for Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Daniel Allen Days has been sentenced to nine years, seven months in prison for possession of five firearms as an eight-time convicted felon. Days used a straw purchaser to obtain firearms, which he then planned to sell in New Jersey.
“Despite his eight prior felony convictions, Days was in possession of multiple firearms in order to illegally traffic the weapons to New Jersey,” said U. S. Attorney John Horn. “This case shows both the dangers of having a repeat felon like Days in illegal possession of a firearm, and also how the use of straw purchasers contributes to the illegal trafficking of guns that head north from Georgia.”
“Days is the poster child for tough federal sentencing for gun possession by convicted felons,” said George Crouch, Acting Special Agent in Charge (A/SAC), FBI Atlanta. “While serving this lengthy sentence, he will no longer pose a threat to anyone.”
According to U.S. Attorney Horn, the charges and other information presented in court: On February 11, 2015, Days was pulled over in a vehicle carrying five firearms, including an assault rifle with a high-capacity magazine in the trunk. Days was transporting the firearms to New Jersey for sale. Days had trafficked firearms to New Jersey on two prior occasions, but was thwarted on his third attempt after FBI surveillance exposed that he used a straw purchaser to obtain firearms earlier that day. Text messages on Days’ cell phone showed he sent photos of numerous firearms, including multiple rifles with high-capacity magazines, to potential buyers.
Daniel Allen Days, 39, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Amy Totenberg to nine years, seven months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Days was convicted of these charges on July 27, 2016, after he pleaded guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Jolee Porter prosecuted the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Eight Men Charged for Their Involvement in the Theft of over 23,000 iPhones from Miami International AirportRead the Press Release
Eight men have been arrested and charged by indictment with two separate conspiracies involving the April 2, 2016 theft of over 23,000 Apple iPhones valued at approximately $6,791,636.81 from the Miami International Airport, LAN Storage facility.
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Mark Selby, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) made the announcement.
Yoan Perez, 34, of Miami, Leonel Padron Bello, 35, of Miami, Emilio Herrera, 41, of Miami, Ricardo Gonzalez, 52, of Miami, Rasiel Perez, 45, of Miami, Eloy Garcia, 42, of Miami Springs, Misael Cabrera Ruiz, 37, of Miami, and Rodolfo Urra, 36, of Cutler Bay, were indicted on charges related to their involvement in a conspiracy to steal and unlawfully sell Apple iPhones.
According to court records, on April 2, 2016, Yoan Perez and Leonel Padron Bello, took part in a conspiracy and stole over 23,000 Apple iPhones valued at approximately $6,791,636.81 from the Miami International Airport, LAN Cargo storage facility. According to the indictment, an unknown co-conspirator drove a tractor and trailer to the LAN Cargo facility and purported to be a driver from a shipping company, used fictitious documents, and left the airport with the stolen iPhones. The indictment further charges that on various dates from May 2016 through September 2016, Yoan Perez, Leonel Padron Bello, Emilio Herrera, Ricardo Gonzalez, Rasiel Perez, Eloy Garcia, Misael Cabrera Ruiz, and Rodolfo Urra conspired together and orchestrated a series of sales of the stolen Apple iPhone 5S and 6S devices.
The United States Attorney’s Office warns all consumers to be cautious when purchasing Apple iPhones from unauthorized individuals, as such individuals may be selling stolen iPhones. If members of the community have additional information related to the crimes charged in this indictment, they are encouraged to contact the FBI.
Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI, ICE-HSI, and the Miami Dade Police Department Airport Investigative Unit. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cary O. Aronovitz.
An indictment is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Danbury Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal Prison for Defrauding InvestorsRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced IAN PARKER BICK, 21, of Danbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer in New Haven to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for defrauding investors of approximately $480,000. Judge Meyer ordered BICK to serve the first one year of his supervised release in home confinement.
On November 25, 2015 a jury found BICK guilty on six counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering.
According to the evidence at trial, BICK was a principal and/or managing member of various Danbury-based entities, including This Is Where It’s At Entertainment, LLC, Planet Youth Entertainment, W&B Wholesale, LLC, and W&B Investments, LLC. Using these entities, BICK solicited investment funds from his friends, former classmates, acquaintances, and their parents by promising high investment returns over relatively short periods of time. BICK falsely represented to victim-investors that he could generate the high investment returns by using their funds to purchase electronics and electronic devices, such as iPhones, tablets and head phones, and by reselling the items for a substantial profit via the Internet. However, the electronic resale business never actually began in earnest and did not return any meaningful profit. BICK also falsely represented to certain victim-investors that he could generate high investment returns by using their funds to organize and promote concerts at various venues in Connecticut and Rhode Island. BICK falsely represented that he had made significant profits organizing and promoting concerts in the past.
BICK failed to invest the funds he received as he had represented and instead used invested funds for unrelated and unsuccessful businesses, and to pay personal expenses, including hotel stays and to purchase jet skis. BICK also used invested funds to issue payments, purportedly as “interest payments” and as “return of principal,” to certain victim-investors.
Through this scheme, BICK defrauded more than 15 investors out of a total of $480,635. Judge Meyer ordered BICK to make full restitution to his victims.
BICK has been detained since October 4, 2016, when his bond was revoked.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Banking, Danbury Police Department and Hartford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael S. McGarry and Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Citizens are encouraged to report any financial fraud schemes by calling, toll free, 855-236-9740, or by sending an email to [email protected].
Dallas County Community Action Committee, Inc. Vice President Indicted on 31 Counts of Mail Fraud, Wire Fraud, Bank Fraud and Aggravated ID TheftRead the Press Release
DALLAS — Special agents with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), along with postal inspectors with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), arrested Francisco Javier Gonzalez, a/k/a “Javier Gonzalez,” Monday morning at his home in Duncanville, Texas, on a federal indictment, returned last week by a grand jury in Dallas, and just unsealed, which charges Gonzalez with 21 counts of mail, wire and bank fraud and aggravated identity theft stemming from his work at the Dallas County Community Action Committee, Inc. (DCCAC). The announcement was made today by U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Gonzalez, 44, made his initial appearance in federal court yesterday afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul D. Stickney, who ordered him detained pending trial.
Specifically, the indictment charges Gonzalez with five counts of mail fraud, six counts of wire fraud, eight counts of bank fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft.
The DCCAC was a non-profit entity, accredited by HUD between October 1990 and mid- February 2016, to provide housing counseling. It was created in 1965 by the Dallas Commissioners Court to support the efforts of the Johnson administration to combat poverty. DCCAC was located on East Jefferson Boulevard in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas. Gonzalez served as DCCAC’s Vice President and one of the directors. Gonzalez also leased space in the DCCAC offices for another entity, known as Residential Counseling FJ LLC.
The indictment alleges that through his work at DCCAC, Gonzalez defrauded numerous homeowners under the guise that he was assisting them with mortgage assistance. Instead, Gonzalez falsified paperwork, stole these homeowners’ mortgage payments, and extracted large payments from these homeowners in a claimed, but untrue, effort to unsuccessfully save their homes from foreclosure. As a result of his fraud, these homeowners were defrauded of tens of thousands of dollars and many lost their homes; HUD also suffered a loss of approximately $659,859.00
Gonzalez, according to the indictment, specifically sought out victims who were facing financial difficulty and who had contacted the DCCAC seeking mortgage loan and foreclosure prevention assistance. He also identified victims facing such financial distress by subscribing to the Foreclosure Listing Service, a/k/a Roddy List, which offers listings of foreclosure and pre-foreclosure homes, by county, through a review of public records. Once identified, Gonzalez would meet with these victims in the DCCAC offices and in the victims’ homes. He would explain a plan to reduce the victim’s mortgage payment and to prevent foreclosure; the plan often included a loan modification application.
In many instances, Gonzalez would prepare and submit a Making Home Affordable Request for Mortgage Assistance modification application, pay stubs, Hardship Affidavits, and verifications of employment in an attempt to obtain the loan modification for these victims. These documents often contained information that had been falsified by Gonzalez and were otherwise incomplete. Banks would often deny these applications because they were incomplete.
On some occasions, the indictment alleges, Gonzales told victims to not communicate with the banks as that would prevent him from effectively obtaining the loan modification. He would tell these victims to stop making their mortgage payments to the bank and instead make the payments directly to him so that he could forward the funds to the bank. Sometimes, he instructed the victim to make a large lump sum payment directly to him to stave off foreclosure, and he also often required a lump sum payment for his own services. On almost all occasions, Gonzalez did not submit this money paid to him by the victims to the banks as he had promised, but instead used the money for his own personal expenses.
As a result of the failure to make mortgage payments and incomplete applications submitted to modify loans, banks would often begin the foreclosure process. In some instances, Gonzalez would then mail a Real Estate Settlement Procedure Act (RESPA) Qualified Written Request to the bank in an effort to delay the foreclosure and extract additional funds from the victim. Gonzalez also instructed some victims to file for bankruptcy in an effort to avoid foreclosure.
On some occasions, when a victim provided Gonzalez with a money order already made out to the bank, Gonzalez would alter it to make it payable to himself.
An indictment is an accusation by a federal grand jury, and a defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty. If convicted, however, each mail fraud count carries a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years and a $250,000 fine. Each wire fraud count and each bank fraud count carries a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years and a $1 million fine. Each aggravated identify theft count carries a mandatory two years and a $250,000 fine.
HUD Office of Inspector General, FHFA Office of Inspector General, and the USPIS are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney P.J. Meitl is in charge of the prosecution.
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Cushing Man Sentenced to 265 Months for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today that BOB GENE HALL, a/k/a Robert Glen Hensley, age 35, of Cushing, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 265 months imprisonment for DRUG CONSPIRACY, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A).
The Indictment alleged that beginning in or about February 2015, the exact date being unknown to the Grand Jury, and continuing until on or about September 1, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendant did knowingly and intentionally combine, conspire, confederate and agree with others, both known and unknown to the Grand Jury, to commit offenses against the United States in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846, as follows: to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II Controlled Substance.
The charges arose from an investigation by the McAlester Police Department, District 18 District Attorney’s Drug Task Force, Seminole Nation Lighthorse Police, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, Seminole Police Department, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, United States Marshal Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. The defendant will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which he will serve his nonparoleable sentence.
Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Henson represented the United States.
Convicted Felon Charged with 3 Counts in Effort to Further Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Sharif Gray, 25 of Easton, Pennsylvania, was charged today by Indictment with one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of convicted felon in possession of a firearm, in violation, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger and Northampton County District Attorney John M. Morganelli.
Gray is alleged to have knowingly possessed a loaded Bersa .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol and 30 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on March 1, 2016, in the City of Easton. Gray also possessed the loaded Bersa .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol after having previously been convicted in a court of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.
If convicted, defendant faces a total maximum penalty of life imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment consecutive to any other sentence imposed and up to a lifetime of supervised release, with a mandatory minimum of 4 years’ of supervised release, a $4,500,000 fine, and a $300 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Allentown Division, the Northampton County District Attorney’s Office, and the City of Easton Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Kelly Lewis Fallenstein and Assistant United States Attorney Kishan Nair.
Columbus, Ohio residents plead guilty to transporting stolen items across state linesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Kionte K. Whatley, 19, and Kasie A. Morgan, 24, both of Columbus, Ohio pled guilty to transporting stolen goods across state lines, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Whatley and Morgan each pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Transport Stolen in Interstate Commerce.” They admitted to conspiring to steal primarily smart phones, tablets, head phones, games stations, and computers from Walmart, Target, and Meijer stores in eight different states, including West Virginia and Ohio. The value of the stolen goods are estimated to be in excess of $500,000.
They face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Columbus, Ohio Police Department investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
Columbia Man Pleads to Sex Trafficking of Under Age FemalesRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Matt Austin (843) 727-4381
Charleston, South Carolina –----- Acting United States Attorney Beth Drake announced today that Da-Shun Curry a/k/a “Dae Dae,” age 23, of Columbia, pleaded guilty in federal court to Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking, a violation of Title 18, U. S. C. §1956(a)(1). U.S. District Judge David Norton, Charleston, South Carolina, presided over the hearing.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that Curry transported female victims in interstate commerce to the North Charleston area for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts knowing or in reckless disregard of the fact that several victims were under the age of 18 and that force, fraud, or coercion would be used against all of the victims, regardless of their age, in order to compel the victims to engage in commercial sex acts. Curry admitted to his role in the conspiracy and to specifically trafficking three female victims under the age of 18.
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date. The minimum sentence Curry could receive for Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking is 15 years in prison. The maximum sentence he could receive is life in prison.
The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security and City of North Charleston Police Department’s Human Trafficking Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Matt Austin of the Charleston office is prosecuting the case.
Information regarding human trafficking should be reported to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC), Polaris – Freedom Happens Now, 24-hour National Hotline: 1-888-373-7888.
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Colombian Man Pleads Guilty to Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Dario Renteria-Garcia (41, Colombia, South America) has pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison.
According to the plea agreement, on multiple occasions between 2010 and 2013, Renteria-Garcia organized maritime cocaine shipments. Among other things, he recruited mariners to smuggle cocaine from Colombia by sea in September 2010 and January 2013. Those mariners were subsequently interdicted by the U.S. Coast Guard in the eastern Pacific Ocean with over 1,000 kilograms of cocaine.
Renteria-Garcia was arrested in Colombia, and subsequently extradited to the United States, first arriving at a place in the Middle District of Florida.
This case was investigated by the Panama Express Strike Force, a standing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation comprised of agents and analysts from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and U.S. Southern Command's Joint Interagency Task Force South. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher F. Murray. The Office of International Affairs, Department of Justice, assisted with Renteria-Garcia’s extradition from Colombia.
Changes for INTERPOL Washington LeadershipRead the Press Release
Current Deputy Director Wayne H. Salzgaber will be acting director effective October 31, 2016.Geoffrey S. Shank, Director of the U.S. National Central Bureau of INTERPOL (INTERPOL Washington), will retire from federal government service effective October 31, 2016. Current Deputy Director Wayne H. Salzgaber will be acting director until further notice. The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), the largest international police organization in the world, comprises 190 member countries. INTERPOL Washington is a component of the U.S. Department of Justice, and is co-managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Buffalo Man Sentenced for Stealing Funds Intended for Buffalo SchoolsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Hassan El Saddique, 36, of Atlanta, GA, who was convicted of theft of money in control and possession of a bank, was sentenced to one year supervised release by Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny. The defendant was also ordered to pay $15,120.00 in restitution.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard A. Resnick, who handled the case, stated that between June 2009 and October 2010, the defendant made it appear that he had entered into a contract for consultant services with the Buffalo Board of Education. The alleged contract falsely stated that El Saddique would perform services at the Universal School. The defendant never provided services at the school.
At the beginning of the 2009-2010 school year, El Saddique did begin assisting with the Title I Program at Bishop Timon High School. These services were performed voluntarily and without pay.
However, between October 2009 and October 2010, the defendant submitted 19 fraudulent invoices to the Buffalo Board of Education for payment for services that were never performed or done voluntarily at the Universal School and Bishop Timon high School. El Saddique received 18 checks totaling $15,120 and retained a portion of those funds.
On June 1, 2016, the defendant’s mother, Debbie Buckley, was convicted of theft of government funds. Buckley served as Supervisor of Title I, Office of Federal and State Programs for the Buffalo School District. Title I is a federally funded program that provides assistance to school districts with high numbers of children from low income families. In March 2010, Buckley was promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Federal and State Programs.
Buckley changed the approval process by which a contractor was paid for Title I services provided in non-public schools. She eliminated the need for a signature from an official at the non-public school. Buckley did this so that she could sign the fraudulent invoices submitted by her son authorizing the payment of the invoices. The dates of some of these invoices coincide with the period during which Buckley was promoted to Assistant Superintendent.Debbie Buckley is scheduled to be sentenced on November 30, 2016.
Today’s sentencing is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Adam S. Cohen and the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Assistant Special Agent in Charge Geoff Wood.
Bangor Man Sentenced to More Than a Year for Crack DistributionRead the Press Release
Contact: Joel B. Casey
Assistant United States Attorney
Tel: (207) 945-0373Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced that Syriane Baldwin, a/k/a “Del,” 30, of Bangor, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock Jr. to one year and three months in prison and three years of supervised release for distributing cocaine base, commonly known as “crack.” The defendant pled guilty on May 18, 2016.
According to court records, on September 5, 2014, the defendant sold about three grams of crack for $300 to an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement.
The case was investigated by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency; the New Haven, Connecticut Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the City of New Haven Police Department.
Army Soldier Sentenced for Theft of Military PropertyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced that today in Federal court, Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced CHRISTOPHER A. MANN, 33, of Hampton, Virginia to 20 months imprisonment and ordered him to pay $940,460 in restitution to the United States Army. On May 4, 2016, MANN pleaded guilty to a Criminal Information charging him with one count of theft of government property and aiding and abetting.
"The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command (USACIDC) is pleased with today's sentencing," said Frank Robey, director of the Major Procurement Fraud Unit for USACIDC. "Our special agents go to great lengths to identify and help bring to justice those who think they can rip off the U.S. Government at will. We will continue to aggressively investigate these criminal acts with all assets at our disposal."
"Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Special Agent in Charge John F. Khin, Southeast Field Office, commented, "This former Non-Commissioned Officer assigned as a Supply Sergeant in an elite military unit stole essential supplies and equipment from his unit for personal profit, betraying his position of trust, the military code of conduct, and his fellow Soldiers. Corruption and theft on this large scale undermines the integrity of the Department of Defense, wastes precious American taxpayer dollars, and severely degrades the ability of our Warfighters to conduct combat missions."
“These former soldiers utilized their positions as public officials to steal supplies and equipment for their personal financial gain. Offenses such as these not only cost the Army precious resources, but also cost the taxpayer. The FBI will continue to work with its investigative partners to combat this corruption,” said John Strong, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina.
According to the charges on file, the government’s factual proffer at the plea hearing, and other public information, MANN was a sergeant assigned to the United States Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg. During the offense period, MANN worked as a unit supply specialist in the 98th Civil Affairs Battalion, C Company, with responsibility for ordering military supplies and equipment that was the property of the United States Department of Defense. Between approximately October 2010 and March 2013, MANN systematically abused his position to coordinate the theft of bulk quantities of government property from Fort Bragg. The stolen property, valued at nearly $1 million, consisted of Meals-Ready-to-Eat or “MREs” and assorted military equipment, including weapon sights, knives, and sunglasses. As part of the scheme, MANN generated false and fraudulent requisition memoranda intended to make it appear as if his unit needed the property to train and carry out its mission. In fact, MANN would transport the stolen property off the base to black market purchasers in and around Fayetteville who would buy the items for cash.
Two of MANN’s co-conspirators, Joseph Horner and John McCaa, have entered guilty pleas in related cases and are awaiting sentencing in United States District Court. According to the charges on file, and the government’s factual proffers at their respective plea hearings, Horner was a civilian black market purchaser in Fayetteville to whom MANN routinely sold stolen MREs and other military property which was obtained through the theft scheme. McCaa was a civilian contractor for the Department of Defense who, at the time, was working for the Special Forces dining facility where he was responsible for processing MRE requests from MANN’s unit. In this capacity, McCaa facilitated the MRE theft scheme by authorizing the Army’s release of over 1,700 cases of MREs that he knew had been fraudulently requested by MANN. McCaa further arranged for MANN to sell a portion of the stolen MREs to McCaa’s contacts in black market transactions off base.
Investigation of this case was conducted by the United States Army Criminal Investigation Command, Major Procurement Fraud Unit, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Adam F. Hulbig prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
Arkansas Man Pleads Guilty to Making False Statements About Plan to Steal Rice SeedsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Wengui Yan, 61, of Stuttgart, Arkansas, pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements to the FBI while working as a geneticist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture at the Dale Bumpers National Research Center in Stuttgart.
Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Mary B. McCord and Acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall of the District for Kansas made the announcement.
Yan, a scientist who worked with rice, admitted Monday that he knew about plans to steal samples and send them to China.
In his plea, Yan admitted that on Aug. 7, 2013, agents of U.S. Customs and Border Protection found stolen seeds in the luggage of a group of visitors from China preparing to board a plane to return home. The group had visited the facility in Stuttgart. Yan admitted that before the Chinese group arrived, a co-defendant in Kansas had asked him for seeds and Yan had declined because the seeds were protected. The co-defendant told Yan about other individuals seeking to steal samples of the seeds. When the delegation came to Stuttgart, Yan traveled with them to a rice farm where he knew they would have an opportunity to steal seeds.
After the theft, Yan denied knowing about the plans to steal the seeds or about the theft itself. Investigators also learned that Yan attempted to cover up a trip he made to China to visit the crops research institute that sent the delegation to the United States.
Sentencing will be set for a later date. Under the plea agreement, Yan faces a penalty of up to 20 months in federal prison.
Co-defendant Weiqiang Zhang, 50, of Manhattan, Kansas, is awaiting trial.
Acting Assistant Attorney General McCord and Acting U.S. Attorney Beall commended the FBI’s Little Rock and Kansas City Field Offices, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas.
McCord and Beall also commended Trial Attorney Matt Walczewski for the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, Trial Attorneys Brian Resler and Evan Williams for the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask of the District of Kansas for their work on the case.
Arkansas Man Pleads Guilty to Making False Statements About Plan to Steal Rice SeedsRead the Press Release
Wengui Yan, 61, of Stuttgart, Arkansas, pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements to the FBI while working as a geneticist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture at the Dale Bumpers National Research Center in Stuttgart.
Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Mary B. McCord and Acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall of the District for Kansas made the announcement.
Yan, a scientist who worked with rice, admitted Monday that he knew about plans to steal samples and send them to China.
In his plea, Yan admitted that on Aug. 7, 2013, agents of U.S. Customs and Border Protection found stolen seeds in the luggage of a group of visitors from China preparing to board a plane to return home. The group had visited the facility in Stuttgart. Yan admitted that before the Chinese group arrived, a co-defendant in Kansas had asked him for seeds and Yan had declined because the seeds were protected. The co-defendant told Yan about other individuals seeking to steal samples of the seeds. When the delegation came to Stuttgart, Yan traveled with them to a rice farm where he knew they would have an opportunity to steal seeds.
After the theft, Yan denied knowing about the plans to steal the seeds or about the theft itself. Investigators also learned that Yan attempted to cover up a trip he made to China to visit the crops research institute that sent the delegation to the United States.
Sentencing will be set for a later date. Under the plea agreement, Yan faces a penalty of up to 20 months in federal prison.
Co-defendant Weiqiang Zhang, 50, of Manhattan, Kansas, is awaiting trial.
Acting Assistant Attorney General McCord and Acting U.S. Attorney Beall commended the FBI’s Little Rock and Kansas City Field Offices, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas.
McCord and Beall also commended Trial Attorney Matt Walczewski for the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, Trial Attorneys Brian Resler and Evan Williams for the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask of the District of Kansas for their work on the case.
A&L Cesspool Service Corporation Pleads Guilty to Felony Clean Water Act Violations and Pays $900,000 in Penalties to Resolve Charges Relating to Wastewater Dumping in the Gowanus Canal and ElsewhereRead the Press Release
Earlier today, A&L Cesspool Service Corporation (A&L Cesspool), a Queens-based cesspool services company, pled guilty at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, New York, to violating the Clean Water Act by dumping waste removed from blocked sewer lines into manholes that flowed directly into the Gowanus Canal, among other locations in New York City. The guilty plea was taken by U.S. District Judge I. Leo Glasser, who immediately following the plea sentenced the company to two years’ probation and criminal financial penalties totaling $900,000, pursuant to a plea agreement entered by the company and the government.
The guilty plea and sentence were announced by Robert L. Capers, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Vernesa Jones-Allen, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigations Division, New York (EPA).
According to court filings and facts presented during the plea proceeding, A&L Cesspool is one of the largest cesspool service providers in New York City. Among other services, A&L Cesspool clears blocked sewer lines by pumping and removing waste. A&L Cesspool held a permit issued by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection that allowed it to dispose of liquid waste removed from sewer lines at designated wastewater treatment facilities. Rather than following the rules set forth in the permit, however, employees of A&L Cesspool repeatedly dumped liquid waste at other locations, including into various manholes at John F. Kennedy International Airport, Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island, a New York City Housing Authority housing development in Brooklyn, and into the Gowanus Canal.
Under the Clean Water Act, it is a crime for anyone to knowingly dump pollutants into a waterway of the United States without a permit or in violation of a permit. As part of the plea resolution, A&L Cesspool pleaded guilty to a criminal information charging the company with one count of conspiracy to violate the Clean Water Act, one count of unlawfully discharging pollutants into a waterway of the United States, namely, the Gowanus Canal, without a permit, and four counts of illegally dumping pumped sewer waste in violation of its permit.
The financial penalties imposed by the court include a $375,000 fine, $350,000 in criminal forfeiture, and a $175,000 community service payment to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to be used toward projects in or directly benefiting the Gowanus area of Brooklyn.
“Today’s felony guilty plea and sentence demonstrate that polluters face serious consequences for violating the Clean Water Act,” stated United States Attorney Capers. “The Department of Justice is committed to prosecuting businesses who ignore their obligation to keep our waterways clean.”
“Environmental laws, such as those violated by A&L Cesspool, are put in place to protect us from grossly negligent practices that threaten the cleanliness of our communities and put the public’s health at risk. Circumventing procedures to properly dispose of pollutants is a serious crime, and those who engage in this type of activity won’t get away with it,” said FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney.
“Waste that is disposed of illegally jeopardizes the health and safety of the entire community, so it’s imperative that septic haulers adhere to the appropriate waste disposal regulations and laws,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Jones-Allen of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in New York. “EPA and its law enforcement partners will continue to pursue those who undermine our efforts to protect public health, and those who ignore the law must be held to account.”
The government’s case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Public Integrity Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Lan Nguyen and Lauren Howard Elbert are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Morris of the Office’s Civil Division, which is responsible for the forfeiture of assets.
The Defendant Company
A&L Cesspool Service Corporation
Queens, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 16-CR-524 (ILG)
$1.3 Million in Forfeiture Funds Delivered to HPDRead the Press Release
HONOLULU -- United States Attorney Florence T. Nakakuni (third from left in attached photo), Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent-in-Charge Joanna K. Ip (second from left), United States Marshal Gervin K. Miyamoto (fourth from left), Federal Bureau of Investigation Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge Tuan M. Nguyen (third from right) and Internal Revenue Service Supervisory Special Agent David Meisenheimer (second from right) today delivered a $1,310,469.86 check to Chief Louis M. Kealoha and Vice Division Lt. Phillip Johnson (far left) of the Honolulu Police Department (HPD), as a portion of the funds equitably shared with HPD, resulting from forfeited assets. The payment was part of a total of over $2.8 million the Department of Justice delivered to HPD from forfeitures in the investigation and prosecution of an internet gambling operation which also committed money laundering and tax violations.
United States Attorney Nakakuni said that starting in 2009, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, Homeland Security Investigations and the Honolulu Police Department conducted a joint undercover investigation into a large-scale internet gambling operation. According to information produced in court, the investigation revealed that, between 2005 and 2012, the illegal operation, established by Allen Yamada and led by Felix Tom, placed gross wagers totaling over approximately $670 million through internet websites based in Costa Rica.
U.S. Attorney Nakakuni said that according to law enforcement investigations, in the last several years, dozens of internet bookmakers have come into existence, many of whom are located in foreign countries where bookmaking activities are not illegal. These bookmakers direct their activities toward bettors in the United States, who are interested in gambling on American sporting events such as baseball, football, and basketball.
The prosecution identified in excess of 20 agents located primarily on Oahu. The investigation also revealed that many agents also recruited sub-agents (lower-level bookies or runners), who also had their own client base. A total of 26 defendants, including Yamada and Tom, pled guilty to gambling, tax, and/or money laundering offenses. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry L. Butrick (far right in photo).
25 October 2016
Vice Lords Leader Pleads Guilty for Gang-Related Shooting of Family of FourRead the Press Release
A leader of the Vice Lords street gang pleaded guilty today for his role in the May 7, 2015, shooting of four members of a family with an AK-47 in Detroit.
Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade of the Eastern District of Michigan, Special Agent in Charge Robin Shoemaker of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Detroit Field Division, Special Agent in Charge David P. Gelios of the FBI’s Detroit Division and Chief James Craig of the Detroit Police Department made the announcement.
Burney Everett, aka Tank, 28, of Detroit, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge David M. Lawson of the Eastern District of Michigan to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering and one count of use and carry of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Sentencing has been scheduled for Feb. 8, 2017.
According to admissions made in connection with Everett’s plea, the Vice Lords is a national gang engaged in a variety of crimes and the gang’s leaders are located in both Chicago and Detroit. The gang is broken down into various “sets,” “decks,” or “branches,” including the Detroit-based Traveling Vice Lords (TVL). The Vice Lords have often targeted members who sought to leave the gang for physical beatings or murder.
Everett admitted that in May 2015, he directed other members of the TVL to search for two brothers who had left or attempted to leave the gang in order to harm them. Everett further admitted that on May 7, 2015, at his direction, members of the TVL traveled in multiple cars to the intended victims’ house. After a brief confrontation with the brothers’ family members, Vice Lords member Antonio Clark admitted in connection with his own plea that he fired an AK-47 23 times, hitting the brothers, their mother and a 15-year-old sister. All of the victims survived the shooting.
Eight other members and leaders of the TVL have pleaded guilty to charges related to the shooting, six of whom have been sentenced: Antonio Clark was sentenced to 240 months in prison; Aramis Wilson was sentenced to 150 months in prison; Tyrone Price was sentenced to 140 months in prison; Dion Robinson was sentenced to 120 months in prison; Jonathan Kinchen was sentenced to 120 months in prison; and Kojuan Lee was sentenced to 97 months in prison. On Sept. 27, 2016, Jamerio Clark, a Vice Lords associate and the brother of Antonio Clark, pleaded guilty to witness tampering, admitting that he obtained private health information from a Detroit medical facility’s database, including addresses, birthdates and emergency contact information, of victims of the TVL shooting, and provided this information to his brother.
The charges and convictions related to the May 7, 2015, shooting are just one component of the federal government’s prosecution of the Vice Lords street gang, which has led to the arrests and convictions of dozens of Vice Lords leaders and members over the last few years. In two trials during March and May 2015, juries convicted eight leaders and members of the Phantom Outlaw Motorcycle Club, many of whom were also leaders and members of the Vice Lords, for various crimes, including a mass-murder plot against a rival organization and the shooting of a member of another rival organization. Among those convicted was Antonio Johnson, aka MT and Mister Tony, the National President of the Phantoms and the Three-Star General over all of the Vice Lords in Michigan. On Sept. 8, 2015, Johnson was sentenced to 35 years in prison for racketeering conspiracy, murder conspiracy in aid of racketeering, assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, aiding and abetting the use and carry of firearms during and in relation to a crime of violence and felon in possession of a firearm.
The arrests and convictions in this case are, in part, the result of the Detroit One Initiative, a collaborative effort between law enforcement and the community to reduce homicide and other violent crime in Detroit. Through the lead efforts of the Comprehensive Violence Reduction Partnership Task Force, which consists of representatives of the ATF, Detroit Police Department, Michigan State Police, Michigan Department of Corrections and FBI, law enforcement authorities linked various acts of violence in Detroit to the Vice Lords street gang, and identified the leaders and key members of the gang, who now have been held accountable.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The ATF, FBI and Detroit Police Department are investigating the case. Trial Attorney Joseph Wheatley of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Graveline and Mark Bilkovic of the Eastern District of Michigan are prosecuting the case.
Van Buren Man Pleads Guilty to Five Counts of Interstate Transporation of Minors for Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Fort Smith, Arkansas – Kenneth Elser, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Clarence C. Garretson, age 65, of Van Buren, Arkansas, appeared today in the United States District Court in Fort Smith before The Honorable Chief Judge P.K. Holmes, III and pleaded guilty to five counts of Interstate Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2423(a).
According to court records, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) initiated an investigation after a minor female (Minor #1) disclosed in May, 2016 that she had been raped by Garretson when he took her on a multi-state trip two years earlier. Garretson was an over-the-road truck driver for C & T Trucking company in Van Buren and he had requested and received a “rider waiver” from the trucking company so that the minor could accompany him on the trip. The minor was ten-years-old in 2014 and Garretson was 63 years old. Garretson stipulated and agreed in the plea agreement that he transported the minor in interstate commerce with the intent to engage in sexual activity with her and the sexual activity he engaged in with her was Rape, a Class Y felony.
During the course of the investigation, it was learned that in 1998 Garretson and his wife were approved by Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) to operate a foster home and later to become an adoptive home. The FBI Special Agent learned that DHS had received a report in 2002 from a foster child then living in the home that she had been sexually assaulted by Garretson. Based on that information, the agent began locating individuals who had been in foster care at the Garretson residence. Minor #2 was interviewed in June, 2016 and was a foster child in the home from 2000 to 2004. She disclosed that Garretson had taken her on over-the-road truck trips when she was his foster child. Garretson stipulated and agreed that he transported the minor in interstate commerce with the intent to engage in sexual activity with her, and that the sexual activity he engaged in with her was Violation of a Minor in the First Degree, a Class C felony. At the time of the offense, she was over 13 years of age, and less than 18 and the conduct engaged in was sexual intercourse. Garretson stipulated and agreed that Minor #2 was a foster child in his care, custody, and control when he transported her in interstate commerce with the intent to engage in sexual activity with her.
In 1999, DHS placed Minor #3 and his two older sisters in the Garretson home, and Minor #3 was legally adopted by them in 2001. Minor #3 was interviewed by the FBI Special Agent in July, 2016 and disclosed that Garretson had taken him on long distance truck trips starting in the summer of 2001 when he was 11 years old and that he had sexually assaulted him on multiple trips during summer vacation from school in 2002 and 2003. Garretson stipulated and agreed that he transported the minor in interstate commerce with the intent to engage in sexual activity with him, that the sexual activity he engaged in with him was Rape, a Class Y felony. Garretson stipulated and agreed that Minor #3 was in his care, custody and control when he transported him in interstate commerce with intent to engage in sexual activity with him.
In 1999, DHS placed Minor #5 and her two siblings in the Garretson home and she remained there until 2004. She was interviewed by the FBI Special Agent in July, 2016 and disclosed that she was sexually assaulted by Garretson on an over-the-road trip to California during the summer of 2000 when she was 13 years old. Garretson stipulated and agreed that he transported Minor #5 in interstate commerce with the intent to engage in sexual activity with her, that the sexual activity he engaged in with her was Rape, a Class Y felony, and that Minor #5 was in his care, custody, and control when he transported her in interstate commerce with intent to engage in sexual activity with her.
Minor #8 was born in 1993 and was interviewed by the FBI Special Agent in September, 2016. She stated that Garretson transported her and her siblings between Arkansas and California as a favor to her family since their parents lived in different states. She disclosed that in 2002 when she was 9 years old, Garretson had her sleep nude or partially nude in the bed with him inside the truck and engage in sexual activity with her. Garretson stipulated and agreed that he transported Minor #8 in interstate commerce with the intent to engage in sexual activity with her, and that the sexual activity he engaged in with her was Rape, a Class Y felony. He stipulated and agreed that Minor #8 was in his care, custody and control when he transported her in interstate commerce with the intent to engage in sexual activity with her.
Garretson was charged in a superseding indictment by a federal grand jury on October 4, 2016. Sentencing will be held at a later date.
The maximum penalty for count one of the superseding indictment is a maximum term of imprisonment for Life; a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment for 10 years; a maximum fine of $250,000; both imprisonment and fine. The maximum penalty for counts two, four, eight, and eleven are a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years per count; a maximum fine of $250,000 per count; both imprisonment and fine. The defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record (if any), the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violations.
"Today’s guilty plea sends a clear cut message to those who want to take advantage of our children. We will find you and you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," stated Diane Upchurch, Special Agent in Charge at the FBI in Little Rock. "Garretson’s actions are horrifying and the FBI and the United States Attorney’s Office will work doggedly to put these predators behind bars. I commend the FBI personnel and the USAO in their efforts to bring justice to these young people."
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and assisted by the Van Buren Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Kyra Jenner and Candace Taylor prosecuted the case for the United States.
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Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov
United States Attorney Relating to November 2016 ElectionsRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - United States Attorney Mark F. Green announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Gregory Dean Burris will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general elections. AUSA Burris has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Green said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Green stated that AUSA/DEO Burris will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (918) 684-5100.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (918) 687-7500.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Green said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
United States Attorney Appoints District Election Officers for November 2016 BallotingRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian announced today that Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) Carl Eurenius in Syracuse and Solomon Shinerock in Albany will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general elections. AUSA Eurenius and AUSA Shinerock have been appointed to serve as the District Election Officers (DEOs) for the Northern District of New York and in that capacity are responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Hartunian said, “Our constitutional system of representative government depends on the protection of the right of every citizen to vote. We will act promptly and aggressively to address any efforts to deny or abridge voting rights, and to combat election fraud. Anyone with specific information about fraud, discrimination, or other interference with the integrity of the election process should make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting, may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The right to vote is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to vote exercise that right if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt the voting process are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Hartunian stated that AUSAs/DEOs Eurenius and Shinerock will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. AUSA Carl Eurenius in Syracuse can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (315) 448-0672. AUSA Solomon Shinerock in Albany can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (518) 431-0247.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The Syracuse FBI field office can be reached by the public at (315) 422-0141. The Albany FBI Office can be reached by the public at (518) 465-7551.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Appoints District Election Officer Pursuant to Nationwide Federal Election Day ProgramRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Leo J. Wise has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for Maryland in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general elections. AUSA Wise is responsible for overseeing the federal response to any complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with state authorities, the FBI, and Justice Department Headquarters.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
“The Justice Department’s nationwide election day program deters election fraud and discrimination and promotes public confidence in the election process,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. “Every U.S. Attorney appoints an election officer to review specific allegations of election fraud and voting rights violations, consult with state and federal authorities where appropriate, and pursue any evidence that warrants prosecution.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Rosenstein stated that AUSA/DEO Wise will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at 410-209-4800.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 410-265-8080.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at https://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Announces Program to Combat Election Fraud and Voting Rights ViolationsRead the Press Release
Savannah, GA: United States Attorney Edward J. Tarver announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) R. Brian Tanner will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general elections. AUSA Tanner has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Southern District of Georgia, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Tarver said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Tarver stated that AUSA/DEO Tanner will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at 912-652-4422.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field offices can be reached by the public at 912-790-3100 (Savannah), 912-265-2560 (Brunswick), 706-722-3702 (Augusta), and 912-764-6311 (Statesboro).
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/ complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Tarver said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
US Attorney’s office works to maintain election integrityRead the Press Release
Indianapolis – United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced today his office will lead the efforts in the Southern District of Indiana for the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general election. Minkler has assigned an Assistant United States Attorney to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Southern District of Indiana. The DEO is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Minkler said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to make their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Minkler stated that the DEO will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. The DEO can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: 317-226-6333.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 317-595-4000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or 202- 307-2767, by fax at 202-307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Minkler said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
US Attorney Magidson Names SDTX Election Officer for Upcoming ElectionRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Ruben Perez will lead the efforts of his office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming Nov. 8, 2016, general elections, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson. AUSA Perez has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Southern District of Texas, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the district’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department headquarters in Washington.
“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud,” said Magidson. “The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on Nov. 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, U.S. Attorney Magidson stated that AUSA/DEO Perez will be on duty in this district until at least 7:00 p.m. He can be reached by the public at 713-567-9344.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The Houston FBI field office can be reached by the public at 713-693-5000. For those in the South Texas area, the main number for the San Antonio FBI office is 210-225-6741.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC, by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
U.S. Attorney Magidson also said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my office, the FBI or the Civil Rights Division.”
U.S. Attorney’s Office to Conduct Election Day MonitoringRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — The U.S. Attorney’s Office will monitor the federal and local elections in Chicago and surrounding suburbs on Nov. 8, 2016, Zachary T. Fardon, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, announced today.
As part of the monitoring effort, the Office will operate a telephone hotline for candidates or the public to report complaints related to the voting process. Assistant U.S. Attorneys and other Office personnel will monitor the hotline and be available to respond to complaints as needed.
The hotline number, staffed on Election Day only, is (312) 469-6157.
“A citizen who is entitled to vote should in no way be prevented from doing so,” said Mr. Fardon. “Our Office will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the voting process.
In addition, the Federal Bureau of Investigation will have special agents available in each field office throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The Chicago FBI Field Office can be reached by phone at (312) 421-6700.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice. Violations of federal voting rights statutes carry penalties ranging from one to ten years in prison and fines of up to $250,000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can also be made directly to the Voting Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C., by phone at (800) 253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by email at [email protected], or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
For information as to the location and hours of polling locations, Illinois residents are advised to contact the Illinois State Board of Elections by logging on to www.elections.il.gov or by calling (312) 814-6440.
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas Releases Information on Election Day Efforts to Protect the Right to Vote and Prosecute Ballot FraudRead the Press Release
DALLAS – U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorney Mattie Compton will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general elections. AUSA Compton has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Northern District of Texas, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Parker. “The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, U.S. Attorney Parker stated that AUSA/DEO Compton will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. The public may reach her at 682-667-6723.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The Dallas FBI field office can be reached by the public at 972-559-5000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
U.S. Attorney Parker said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
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U.S. Attorneys Announce Appointment of District Election OfficersRead the Press Release
United States Attorneys Kerry B. Harvey and John E. Kuhn Jr., announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Ken Taylor and Assistant United States Attorney Tom Dyke, will lead the efforts of their Offices in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general elections. AUSA Taylor has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of Kentucky and AUSA Dyke has been appointed to serve as the DEO for the Western District of Kentucky, and in that capacity they are responsible for overseeing the Districts’ handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Kuhn said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to one of the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
Every citizen has a right to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fairly conducted election,” stated Kerry B. Harvey, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Ken Taylor will be on duty in Lexington, while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: (859) 685-4874 or (859) 321-9488. AUSA/DEO Tom Dyke will be on duty in Louisville, while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: (502) 625-7042 or (502) 381-1886.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field offices can be reached by the public at (859) 246-4700 in Lexington and (502) 263-6000 in Louisville.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
U.S. Attorneys Announce Appointment of District Election OfficersRead the Press Release
United States Attorneys Kerry B. Harvey and John E. Kuhn Jr., announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Ken Taylor and Assistant United States Attorney Tom Dyke, will lead the efforts of their Offices in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general elections. AUSA Taylor has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of Kentucky and AUSA Dyke has been appointed to serve as the DEO for the Western District of Kentucky, and in that capacity they are responsible for overseeing the Districts’ handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Kuhn said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to one of the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
Every citizen has a right to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fairly conducted election,” stated Kerry B. Harvey, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Ken Taylor will be on duty in Lexington, while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: (859) 685-4874 or (859) 321-9488. AUSA/DEO Tom Dyke will be on duty in Louisville, while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: (502) 625-7042 or (502) 381-1886.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field offices can be reached by the public at (859) 246-4700 in Lexington and (502) 263-6000 in Louisville.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
U.S. Attorney Williams Announces November 2016 Election Day Program and Appoints District Election OfficerRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore. – Billy J. Williams, United States Attorney for the District of Oregon, announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Adrian Brown will lead the District of Oregon’s efforts to protect voting rights and address complaints of election fraud and abuse in the upcoming November 8, 2016 general election. As the District Election Officer, AUSA Brown will oversee local implementation of the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program.
“It is the mission of the Department of Justice and all United States Attorney’s Offices to act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of our electoral process,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “Discrimination, voter interference, and election fraud will not be tolerated. I encourage anyone with knowledge of any voting abuses or fraud,” continued Williams, “to immediately contact my office, the FBI, or the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination wherever such acts occur. The Justice Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the electoral process. The appointment of a District Election Officer within each United States Attorney’s Office gives voters an easy way to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating, bribing, or impersonating voters, buying and selling votes, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. The law also contains special protections for the rights of voters and ensures that all voters can vote without the fear of intimidation or harassment. Actions intended to interrupt or intimidate voters violate federal voting rights law. Federal law also protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
To file complaints of election fraud or other voting rights abuses, please contact AUSA Brown at (503) 727-1000 or Special Agent Caleb Williams with the FBI’s Portland Field Office at (503) 224-4181. Additionally, complaints can filed directly with the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone (800-253-3931 or 202-307-2767), fax (202-307-3961), email ([email protected]), or online form (go.usa.gov/xkvn4).
U.S. Attorney Wifredo Ferrer Announces District Election Officer in Connection with the Justice Department’s Nationwide Election Day ProgramRead the Press Release
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Harry Wallace, of the Miami Office, will lead the U.S. Attorney’s Office efforts in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general elections. AUSA Wallace has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Southern District of Florida, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Wifredo Ferrer said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Wifredo Ferrer stated that AUSA/DEO Harry Wallace will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. AUSA Wallace can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (305) 961-9001.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (754) 703-2000.
Complaints about ballot access problems or discrimination can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, or by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Wifredo Ferrer said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
U.S. Attorney Polite Designates District Officer to Handle Voting Rights Complaints or November 8th ElectionsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorney Irene González will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming general elections on November 8, 2016. AUSA González has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of Louisiana. In that capacity she is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
U.S. Attorney Polite said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on Election Day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, U.S. Attorney Polite stated that AUSA Irene González will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. She can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: (504) 680-3000 and (504) 680-3077.
In addition, the FBI will have Special Agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (504) 816-3000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington by phone at (800) 253-3931 toll free or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961 or by TTY (202-305-0082). In addition, individuals may also report complaints, problems or concerns related to voting by fax 202-307-3961, by email to [email protected] and by complaint forms that may be submitted through a link on the department’s website: https://www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section.
U.S. Attorney Polite said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
U.S. Attorney Phillips Announces Appointment of Election Day OfficerRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips today announced the appointment of Assistant U.S. Attorney T. Patrick Martin to lead the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day program for the Nov. 8, 2016 general election.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Martin, who heads the Office’s Fraud and Public Corruption Section, will serve as the District Election Officer for the District of Columbia. In that capacity, he is responsible for overseeing the handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in the District of Columbia, in consultation with Justice Department headquarters.
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, Assistant U.S. Attorney Martin will be on duty in the District of Columbia while the polls are open. Assistant U.S. Attorney Martin can be reached by the public at 202-252-7732.
Nationally, the FBI has Special Agents in each Field Office and Resident Agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses. In the District of Columbia, the FBI’s Washington Field Office can be reached at 202-278-2000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
U.S. Attorney Ortiz Appoints District Election Officer to Monitor Integrity of PollsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – U.S. Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Eugenia M. Carris will lead the efforts of her Office to monitor the upcoming Nov. 8, 2016 general elections. The effort is part of the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program. AUSA Carris has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for Massachusetts, and is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
“Every citizen has the right to vote without interference or discrimination,” said U.S. Attorney Ortiz. “The Department of Justice is committed to preventing fraud on election day in polling locations throughout Massachusetts in order to aggressively protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
Voting is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to vote are able to exercise their right if they choose, and that those who seek to impede that right are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on Nov. 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Carris will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. She can be reached at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Boston at (617) 748-3100.
In addition, the FBI will have Special Agents Kevin Sheahan available in Boston and Joe Brannan available in Springfield to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (413) 732-0159.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
“Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate,” said U.S. Attorney Ortiz. “It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
U.S. Attorney Issues Press Release on Upcoming ElectionsRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI - United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced today that Assistant United States Attorney Alphonso Andrews will lead the efforts of his office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016 general elections. AUSA Andrews has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer for the Virgin Islands, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
"Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud,” U.S. Attorney Sharpe said. “The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, U.S. Attorney Sharpe stated that AUSA Andrews will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached at the following telephone number: 340-344-0503. In addition, the FBI will have special agents available to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The FBI can be reached at 340-777-3363.Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Sharpe said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez Designates District Election Officer for November 2016 ElectionsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez announced today that Assistant U.S. States Attorney (AUSA) Jeremy Peña will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general elections. AUSA Peña has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of New Mexico and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
U.S. Attorney Martinez said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, U.S. Attorney Martinez stated that AUSA/DEO Peña will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: 505-224-1451 (office) and 505-269-2038 (cellphone).
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 505-889-1300.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
U.S. Attorney Martinez said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
U.S. Attorney Benjamin Glassman Appoints District Election OfficersRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS -- United States Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman announced today that he has designated Election Officers in each of the district’s three offices who will lead the efforts in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general elections.
Glassman appointed:
Deputy Criminal Chief Gary Spartis in Columbus,
Deputy Criminal Chief Emily Glatfelter in Cincinnati,
Deputy Criminal Chief Laura Clemmens in Dayton.
As District Election Officers, they are responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
U.S. Attorney Glassman said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Glassman stated that the District Election Officers will be on duty in this District while the polls are open.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field offices can be reached by the public at 513 421-4310.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Glassman said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
U.S. Attorney Appoints Election OfficerRead the Press Release
HONOLULU -- United States Attorney Florence T. Nakakuni announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Michael Nammar will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general elections. AUSA Nammar has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of Hawaii, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Nakakuni said, "Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process."
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Nakakuni stated that AUSA/DEO Nammar will be on duty in this District while the polls are open (7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.). He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (808) 541-2850.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (808) 566-4300.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Nakakuni said, "Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division."
U.S. Attorney Announces Election Day Efforts to Protect the Right to VoteRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Chris Wansley will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general elections. AUSA Chris Wansley has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Southern District of Mississippi, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Gregory K. Davis said, "Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process."
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Gregory K. Davis stated that AUSA/DEO Chris Wansley will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (601) 965-4480.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (601) 948-5000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Gregory K. Davis said, "Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division."
U.S. Attorney Announces Election Day 2016 ProgramRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – United States Attorney Brian J. Stretch announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Michelle J. Kane will lead the efforts of the United States Attorney’s Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general elections. AUSA Kane has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Northern District of California, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Stretch stated that AUSA/DEO Kane will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. She can be reached by the public at (510) 637-3680.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (415) 553-7400.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
Two Women Found Guilty of Providing Material Support to TerroristsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Two women were convicted today of terrorism crimes related to their material support of al-Shabaab, a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Muna Osman Jama, 36, of Reston, and Hinda Osman Dhirane, 46, of Kent, Washington, were found guilty of conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, and providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization after a bench trial in front of U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga.
“Providing material support to foreign terrorist organizations is a very serious crime,” said Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “These women funneled money to a terrorist organization which was conducting a violent insurgency campaign in Somalia. National security is the top priority in this office and we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who provide material support to terrorists.”
“In addition to money they transferred in direct support of al-Shabaab, these subjects recruited, solicited, and advised an online group located in multiple countries as to how and where to transfer funds to this terrorist organization,” said Paul M. Abbate, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office. “In coordination of the group, these subjects would then track and facilitate donations to ensure the money was received by their co-conspirators located in Nairobi and Somaliland. Today's guilty verdicts send a message that facilitation of financial support to a designated terrorist organization equates to terrorist activity itself.”
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Jama and Dhirane sent money to financiers of al-Shabaab in Somalia and Kenya, which they referred to respectively as the “Hargeisa side” and the “Nairobi side.” The defendants also organized what was called a “Group of Fifteen,” which included women from Somalia, Kenya, Egypt, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Canada, as well as Minneapolis, Minnesota. The “Group of Fifteen” met regularly in a private chatroom that Jama established to organize and track monthly payment of money to the “Hargeisa side,” which was used to finance al-Shabaab military operations in the Golis Mountains in northern Somalia, and the “Nairobi side,” which was used to fund two al-Shabaab safehouses. One of the safehouses was used by al-Shabaab to store weapons and to prepare for attacks. The other was used to treat al-Shabaab fighters who had been wounded in battle.
A substantial part of the government’s case consisted of recorded telephone calls and other communications among the “Group of Fifteen.” These recordings demonstrated that the women had close connections with al-Shabaab leadership and were privy to non-public, inside information concerning al-Shabaab activities. Jama and Dhirane were recorded as they laughed as the carnage at the Westgate Mall in Nairobi was still taking place. Dhirane and co-conspirator were also recorded as they laughed at the Boston Marathon Bombing before it became known who committed the attack.
Jama and Dhirane each face a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison when sentenced on January 19, 2017. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Paul M. Abbate, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office; and Jay S. Tabb, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle Field Office, made the announcement after the verdict was announced. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James P. Gillis and Danya E. Atiyeh are prosecuting the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota also provided assistance with the case.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington, D.C. and Seattle Field Offices. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs also played an essential role in coordinating the arrests and searches with foreign authorities.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:14-cr-230.
Two Indicted for Conspiracy, Wire Fraud, and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced that a federal grand jury in Wilmington, North Carolina returned a five-count indictment charging JONES TYLER MARTIN and HAILEY TYKOSKI with conspiring to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and aiding and abetting.
The Indictment alleges that that from approximately 2013 to May, 2015, MARTIN created fake female identities on internet dating websites for the purpose of defrauding young enlisted male Marines into on-line relationships. TYKOSKI would use the fake female identities to communicate with some of the Marines by telephone and in person. The investigation further revealed that MARTIN and TYKOSKI, using these false identities, persuaded Marine victims to divulge personal identification and financial information, which the defendants subsequently used to their gain to fraudulently make wire transfers of money and to obtain credit in victims’ names.
Both defendants have been arrested. TYKOSKI was arrested in Michigan and has an initial appearance scheduled for November 29, 2016, in Wilmington, North Carolina. MARTIN was arrested in New Mexico and has an initial appearance scheduled for today in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
If convicted, the defendants face up to 30 years imprisonment on each conspiracy and wire fraud count. They also face 2 years consecutive imprisonment on each aggravated identity theft count.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Field Office Carolinas, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Two California Men Sentenced to Prison in Connection with Scheme to Defraud Struggling HomeownersRead the Press Release
Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that KOWIT YUKTANON, also known as “Eric Cannon” and “Aaron Brock,” 32, of Huntington Beach, Calif., and CUONG HUY KING, also known as “James Nolan” and “Jimmy, 32, of Westminster, Calif., have each been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for participating in an extensive mortgage loan modification scheme. YUKTANON was sentenced today and KING was sentenced yesterday. Judge Underhill also ordered both defendants to pay restitution in the amount of $2,390,496.59.
According to court documents and statements made in court, YUKTANON and KING worked at a California-based company that falsely purported to provide home mortgage loan modifications and other consumer debt relief services to numerous homeowners in Connecticut and across the United States in exchange for upfront fees. The company did business, at various times, as “First Choice Financial Group, Inc.,” “First Choice Financial,” “First Choice Debt,” “Legal Modification Firm,” “National Freedom Group,” “Home Care Alliance Group,” “Home Protection Firm,” “Hardship Center,” “Network Solutions Center, Inc.,” “Premiere Financial Center,” “Premiere Financial,” “Rescue Firm,” “International Research Group LLC,” “Hardship Solutions,” “American Loan Center,” “Loan Retention Firm,” “Clear Vision Financial,” “Green Tree Financial Group,” “Green Tree Financial,” “Enigma Fund, Inc.,” “National Aid Group,” “Southern Chapman Group LLC,” “Save Point Financial,” “Best Rate Financial Solutions,” “Best Rate Financial Solution,” “Best Rate Financial,” “Best Rate Finance Group,” and “Nation Star Financial.”
Aria Maleki presided over the entire structure of this scheme, and YUKTANON and KING were junior members of the sales team. Acting as representatives of the above-named entities, YUKTANON, KING and others cold-called homeowners and offered to provide mortgage loan modification services to those who were having difficulty repaying their home mortgage loans. The defendants charged homeowners fees that typically ranged from approximately $2,500 to $4,300 for their services. To induce homeowners to pay these fees, the defendants falsely represented that the homeowners already had been approved for mortgage loan modifications on extremely favorable terms; the mortgage loan modifications already had been negotiated with the homeowners’ lenders; the homeowners qualified for and would receive financial assistance under various government mortgage relief programs, including the Troubled Asset Relief Program and the Home Affordable Modification Program; and if for some reason the mortgage loan modifications fell through, the homeowners would be entitled to a full refund of their fees.
In fact, the homeowners had not been preapproved for mortgage loan modifications with lenders, mortgage loan modifications had not been negotiated with the lenders, homeowners had not qualified for and did not receive any financial assistance through government mortgage relief programs, and homeowners did not receive a refund of their fees upon request. Few homeowners ever received any type of mortgage loan modification through the defendants’ company, and few homeowners received refunds of their fees.
Participants in the scheme used pseudonyms and periodically changed their business and operating names to evade detection. The defendants also directed homeowners to mail their checks to addresses and mail boxes that Maleki and others had set up in states other than California.
As a result of this scheme, more than 1,000 homeowners suffered losses totaling more than $3 million.
On January 21, 2016, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Maleki, YUKATANON, KING and four other California residents with conspiracy and fraud offenses related to this scheme. The defendants were arrested on January 26.
YUKATANON and KING each pleaded guilty to one count of misprision of a felony.
Maleki pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and, on July 18, 2016, he was sentenced to 112 months of imprisonment. He also forfeited approximately $350,000 that investigators seized from various bank accounts, approximately $362,000 sized from a Bitcoin account, a $100,000 cashier’s check, and a 2013 Ferrari 458 Italia.
This matter has been investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Office of the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General, and Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry.