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11 October 2016
Member of North Idaho Drug Trafficking Organization Pleads Guilty to Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
COEUR D'ALENE – Sherlann Simon, 34, of North Las Vegas, Nevada, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to launder money, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Simon was indicted by a federal grand Jury in Coeur d'Alene on January 20, 2016.
Simon admitted that, since approximately 2010, she laundered $482,955.71 that had been obtained by a drug trafficking organization that was led by Simon’s mother, Loren Toelle. The organization sold drugs in Idaho, Washington, Nevada, Montana, and North Dakota. Simon participated in the conspiracy by depositing the organization’s drug profits into her personal bank accounts and business accounts belonging to Vegas Stylz House of Beauty, a hair salon in Las Vegas, Nevada owned by Simon and Toelle. Simon used a portion of the drug profits deposited into her bank accounts to pay expenses related to the organization, further promoting the drug trafficking organization.
Simon is the second individual to plead guilty out of an indictment which charges 11 individuals. In addition to pleading guilty, Simon agreed to forfeit any interest she has in real property, jewelry, and cash held by herself or co-conspirators, as outlined in the indictment.
The charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.
Sentencing is set for January 19, 2017, before Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill at the federal courthouse in Coeur d'Alene.
The case is the result of a joint investigation and cooperative law enforcement efforts of the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), including the FBI North Idaho Violent Crime Task Force, the Coeur d’Alene Police Department, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, Post Falls Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), U.S. Marshal Service and Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Other agencies involved include the Williston, North Dakota Police Department, the United States Attorney’s Offices in Las Vegas, Nevada and North Dakota, the FBI in North Dakota, Williams County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Border Patrol, Williston Police Department, North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Northwest Narcotics Task Force, the Washington State Patrol, the U.S. Marshal Service in Las Vegas, IRS-CI in Las Vegas, and the DEA in Las Vegas.
The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
Maryland Man Sentenced to over 14 Years in Federal Prison for an Armed Robbery Conspiracy and Robberies of a St. Mary’s County Jewelry Store and PharmacyRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George J. Hazel sentenced Abdelrahim Ayyad, a/k/a Sahid, age 50, of White Plains, Maryland, today to 174 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for an armed robbery conspiracy; two armed commercial robberies; and to using and brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. Judge Hazel also ordered Ayyad to forfeit $79,514.36.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and St. Mary’s County Sheriff Tim Cameron.
According to court documents, in June 2014, Ayyad conspired with Furman Troy, Darrell Lee and Michael Burgess, to rob commercial businesses in St. Mary’s County, Maryland. For example, on June 18, 2014, Ayyad admitted that he drove to Washington, D.C. and picked up Troy, Lee and Burgess and drove them to a jewelry store in Charlotte Hall, Maryland in order to commit a robbery. Ayyad handed Troy a bag containing a gun. Troy and Lee entered the store and Lee brandished a firearm at the owner of the store. Troy subsequently bound the victim with duct tape. The robbers then demanded the key to the jewelry counter from an employee of the store and stole jewelry worth more than $8,800, cash, a laptop computer and other items. On June 22, 2014, Ayyad and Burgess drove to a pharmacy in Mechanicsville, Maryland, with Troy and Lee following in another vehicle. Ayyad and Burgess waited in their vehicle while Troy and Lee robbed the pharmacy. During the robbery Lee again brandished a gun and Troy bound the pharmacy employee with duct tape. Troy and Lee stole cash and prescription bottles containing oxycodone, methadone, hydrocodone and endocet, subsequently valued at $64,325.
Furman Troy, age 45, and Darrell Lee, age 48, both of Charlotte Hall, Maryland, and Michael Burgess, age 54, of Alexandria, Virginia, previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the robberies. Lee and Troy were sentenced to 184 months and10 years in prison, respectively. Burgess is awaiting sentencing.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI and St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office for their work in the investigation and recognized the St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office for its assistance in the case. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Leah J. Bressack and Thomas P. Windom, who are prosecuting the case.
Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Robbing Four Men and Then Shooting at Responding Police OfficersRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Luvell Alverson, 22, of Suitland, Md., pled guilty today to robbing four people at gunpoint last summer in Southeast Washington and then firing a gun at police officers, U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips announced.
Alverson pled guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to four counts of armed robbery and three counts of assaulting a police officer while armed. The plea, which is contingent upon the Court’s approval, calls for a prison sentence of 10 to 16 years. The Honorable Danya A. Dayson scheduled sentencing for Dec. 13, 2016.
According to the government’s evidence, during the evening of July 11, 2016, and into the early morning hours of July 12, 2016, Alverson was with five other individuals; all arrived in a Lincoln Navigator that was parked behind Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School in the area of the 600 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. While behind the school, Alverson retrieved a semi-automatic handgun and went to a nearby basketball court, where four men were playing basketball. Alverson brandished the gun, ordered the men to the ground, and took their cell phones and keys. Before leaving, he fired multiple shots at the ground.
After the robberies, Alverson returned to his group and they all entered the Lincoln Navigator, with Alverson in the rear. As the vehicle attempted to leave the school, it was met by a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) vehicle containing three officers who were responding to a report of shots in the area. The Navigator’s path was blocked by the MPD vehicle, and the Navigator backed up and stopped. Alverson lowered the rear passenger window and fired multiple shots in the direction of the officers. Officers returned fire, and Alverson left the vehicle and fled. He was identified and arrested later on July 12 and has been in custody ever since.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Phillips commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. He also expressed appreciation for the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney William E. Schurmann, who investigated and prosecuted the matter.
Local Man Indicted for Defrauding FedEx of Thousands in Shipping FeesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON ‐ A 31-year-old Pakistani national has been charged with multiple counts of mail and bank fraud for defrauding FedEx for shipping fees he incurred as part of his cell phone and electronics export business, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson.
The indictment alleges that Babar Butt, who resided in multiple locations in Houston and Spring, operated an electronics export business and routinely shipped items to Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Butt was taken into custody this morning and is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy Johnson at 2:00 p.m. today.
The indictment alleges that from February 2015 through August 2016, Butt devised a scheme whereby he defrauded FedEx by opening various shipping accounts. He would allegedly ship one or more packages of cell phones and electronics to Dubai and elsewhere until the charges were declined and he could no longer ship on that account. According to the indictment, he would then open new accounts to continue his scheme and would again not pay his shipping invoices, causing significant losses to FedEx. He also cashed several checks drawn on a closed bank account which caused significant losses to Bank of Texas, according to the indictment.
Butt is charged with 14 counts of mail fraud and three counts of bank fraud. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison for a conviction of mail fraud. The bank fraud counts carry a maximum of 30 years imprisonment as well as a possible $1 million maximum fine. The indictment also seeks a money judgment equal to the total value of the property subject to forfeiture - estimated to be, but not limited to, approximately $287,679.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Winter is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until convicted through due process of law.
Last Defendant in Methamphetamine Distribution Conspiracy Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WORTH, Texas — Oscar Melsan, 31, most recently of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, was sentenced last week by U.S. District Judge John McBryde to 240 months in federal prison, following his plea earlier this year to one count of conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
All 14 defendants in the conspiracy have been sentenced.
Three defendants pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and were sentenced to the following:
Miguel Antonio Martinez, 32, 232 months
Bobbie Frie, Jr., 31, 340 months
Marcus Caldwell, 32, 235 months
Six defendants pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and were sentenced to the following:
David Sheppard, 40, 235 months
Kendra Ward, 28, 220 months
Eric Overstreet, 28, 240 months
Jonathan Morris, 31, 180 months
Robert Baggott, 45, 188 months
Cecil Hindman, 51, 150 months
Two defendants, Susan Williams, 29 and Raymondo Acuna, 32, each pleaded guilty to one substantive count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, as charged in superseding informations and were each sentenced to 200 months.
Co-conspirator Hector Saldivar, 33, and lead defendant Cleto Tarin, 53 were convicted on two counts each of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance at trial in April 2016. Saldivar was sentenced to 400 months and Tarin was sentenced to 420 months.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Wichita Falls Police Department conducted the investigation.
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Junedale Woman Sentenced to 90 Months’ Imprisonment for Acting as Getaway Driver on Four Armed Bank Robberies and the Armed Robbery of A StoreRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Senior United States District Judge James M. Munley sentenced Crystal Serfass, age 32, of Junedale, Carbon County, Pennsylvania on October 7, 2016, to 90 months’ imprisonment for her role as getaway driver in the armed robberies of four banks and the armed robbery of a store.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, on May 4, 2016, Serfass pleaded guilty to the offenses in Federal Court in Scranton. During the guilty plea hearing, Serfass admitted to all charges contained in a five-count Criminal Information which alleges that she helped plan and acted as the getaway driver for David Weaver, age 42, in committing the following armed robberies:
- Jim Thorpe National Bank, Penn Forest Township, Pennsylvania, on September 17, 2013;
- National Penn Bank, Drums, Pennsylvania, on August 8, 2014;
- Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank, Penn Forest Township, Pennsylvania, on November 18, 2014;
- ESSA Bank and Trust, Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania, on December 26, 2014;
- Dollar General, Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania, on November 16, 2014.
During each of the robberies, codefendant Weaver brandished a firearm to intimidate the employees. Judge Munley sentenced Weaver to 121 months’ imprisonment on October 5, 2016.
Judge Munley ordered that Crystal Serfass and Weaver make full restitution of $22,046 which represented the amount of money taken during the robberies.
The case was investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police. Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney John Gurganus.
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- Jim Thorpe National Bank, Penn Forest Township, Pennsylvania, on September 17, 2013;
Hogansburg Man Pleads Guilty to Obstructing a Vessel BoardingRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Abraham C. Lazore, age 37, of Hogansburg, New York, pled guilty on Friday to obstructing the boarding of his vessel on the St. Lawrence River.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent John C. Pfeifer.
Lazore admitted that on September 3, 2016, as Border Patrol Marine Unit agents were attempting to board his vessel for an inspection, he engaged the throttle of his boat while a bowline from his boat became wrapped around an agent’s arm, which could have dragged that agent overboard. Another agent was able to stop Lazore from driving away, and no one was injured.
Agents stopped Lazore because they had observed him enter U.S. waters from Canada on the St. Lawrence River at approximately 12:25 a.m. without any navigation lights.
Lazore faces up to 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of up to 3 years when he is sentenced on February 3, 2017 by U.S. District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case was investigated by the United States Border Patrol and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer.
Four Men Plead Guilty to Tidewater AT&T Store RobberiesRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – Kendrick Perry, 23, Brice Keeling, 24, Breon Berry, 25, and Corey Holmes, 27, all of Norfolk, have pleaded guilty to charges related to their respective roles in robbing three AT&T stores in the Tidewater area in early 2016.
According to the statement of facts filed with the plea agreement, the men conspired with one another to rob the stores of cellphones, tablets and cash. The men entered the stores wearing masks and brandished what appeared to be firearms at the employees. They would subsequently demand money and access to the unsold electronic devices, including cellphones and tablets. They then would make the employees get down on the floor, zip tied their hands and feet, and took the employees personal phones and some form of identification, telling the employees that they now know where the employees live. In total, the men took approximately $370,000 worth of electronic devices and approximately $3,432 in cash during the robberies. Keeling and Holmes conducted two of the robberies, while Keeling and Perry conducted the remaining robbery. Berry was the get-away driver for all three robberies. Their robbery spree came to an end when a construction worker took down the license plate of their fleeing vehicle during their last robbery. The plates came back to Berry who confessed to the robberies and named his co-conspirators. Keeling and Perry were eventually arrested in Columbia, South Carolina, attempting to sell the electronic devices from the last robbery to a third party.
Each man faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison when they are sentenced on separate dates in January 2017. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Jonathan F. Trimble, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after the plea was accepted by Magistrate Judge Douglas E. Miller. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Muhr is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:16-cr-94.
Four Gangster Disciples Collectively Sentenced to More Than 30 Years for Robbing Convenience Store, Drug DealerRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Four members of the Gangster Disciples have been sentenced to more than 30 years for robbing a convenience store and a drug dealer. Two of the defendants were previously on the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s (TBI) "Top 10 Most Wanted" list. Edward L. Stanton III, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentences today.
The defendants and their respective sentences:
• Joe Reed, aka "Four Times," 26, of Ripley, Tennessee, 120 months
• Antwone Crew, aka "Gator," 26, of Ripley, Tennessee, 109 months
• Andreas Wells, aka "Drizzy," 20, of Ripley, Tennessee, 106 months
• Sequna Copeland, aka "Cutthroat," 27, of Ripley, Tennessee, 27 months
According to the information presented in court, on the evening of December 10, 2014, Reed, Wells and Crew robbed the Ripley Express Convenience Store in Ripley, Tennessee. The three defendants entered the store masked and armed with firearms. One of them pointed a shotgun at the store clerk as he took money from the register.
A couple hours later, law enforcement officers were informed that several men wearing masks and carrying guns were outside of a trailer home in the Gates, Tennessee area, and that a robbery was about to take place.
Law enforcement arrived on the scene in time to observe the masked men run inside the trailer and a man run out of the back. Officers knocked on the door, and four people came outside. The officers asked if the individuals had seen anything suspicious. The individuals denied seeing anything, and also denied the officers entry into the residence.
Officers looked around the area and discovered some clothing near the home that matched clothing seen on the surveillance video from the Ripley Express robbery. Officers also looked around a Buick Century that neighbors saw the armed men exit before approaching the trailer. Officers saw a firearm sitting inside the car. The firearm and additional clothing seen in the Ripley Express robbery surveillance video were recovered. The vehicle was towed, and the officers eventually left the area.
Shortly after leaving, an anonymous tip came in notifying the police that they needed to return to the trailer because robbers were still inside the home.
Through witness interviews, search warrants, and GPS information, law enforcement identified the perpetrators. Crew and Wells were subsequently arrested.
Reed and Copeland avoided apprehension collectively for eight months and were placed on TBI’s "Most Wanted" list before being captured.
On July 30, 2015, Copeland, while under oath and testifying as a witness in a proceeding before Grand Jury, made a false statement to prevent the punishment of Reed and Crew.
Between March and June 2016, Reed, Wells and Crew all pleaded guilty to one count of knowingly conspiring with each other to take drugs and drug proceeds from a drug dealer, and one count of aiding and abetting each other while carrying a firearm during the robbery of a drug dealer.
In July 2016, Copeland pleaded guilty to one count of perjury.
The defendants were sentenced by U.S. District Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr. between June and October 2016.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), TBI and the Ripley Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Stringfellow prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf.
Fort Smith Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Investors and the Department of Health and Human ServicesRead the Press Release
Fort Smith, Arkansas - Kenneth Elser, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that William Jackson Moates, Jr., age 49, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, pled guilty today to two counts of Wire Fraud and one count each of Mail Fraud, Theft Concerning a Program Receiving Federal Funds, Money Laundering, and Theft or Embezzlement from an Employee Benefit Plan. The Honorable Chief Judge P.K. Holmes, III accepted the plea in the United States District Court in Fort Smith.
The defendant, WILLIAM JACKSON MOATES, JR., and others owned several businesses operating in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Those businesses included: Trilennium Financial Alliance, an investment, tax and accounting firm; T3Vest, an investment arm of Trilennium; Burrito Brothers, which operated a restaurant called Blaze’n Burrito; and B3NWCR, a credit card processing company operating under the name “Guardian.”
MOATES, with the assistance of others, solicited and received monies from investment clients and employee benefit plans that MOATES represented he would use to invest in various products to include annuities, precious metals, businesses, precious stones, art, automobiles and real estate.
MOATES established bank accounts for the investments, which gave him signature authority on the account and allowed the accounts to be linked to one another utilizing banking software provided by the bank. This software gave MOATES and others the ability to make online transfers from one account to another.
From early-to-mid 2010 to January 2015, MOATES received investments from at least 25 different client investors, which were not invested as represented by MOATES. Instead, those monies were diverted by MOATES to his own personal use, to pay back other investors, and by MOATES and others to the use of the various businesses. MOATES used investor funds to renovate his home, take vacations, make credit card payments, make payments to personal iTunes and Amazon accounts, make contributions to local charitable organizations, and make home mortgage payments. MOATES and others also diverted investor funds to pay operating and other business expenses for the businesses.
MOATES was also an agent of another corporation, Physicians Alliance. Physician’s Alliance was a company that was set up by MOATES and others and initially funded with money received through an Advance Payment Agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The agreement provided for more than $2.5 million to be paid to Physicians Alliance beginning in February 2013, which could only be spent as authorized pursuant to an approved spending plan contained in the agreement.
As to Count Five, MOATES deposited $500,000 in investor funds in the form of a check, which caused an interstate wire to be sent from the Western District of Arkansas to the Federal Reserve Bank in St. Louis, Missouri, in order to settle the check. MOATES did not invest those funds as he had represented to the client.
As to Count Eleven, MOATES sent an email from the Western District of Arkansas to an insurance brokerage firm in Topeka, Kansas, which had documents attached to it representing that an investment client had more than $7.5 million in annuities. The documents were completely fabricated and were used to obtain an insurance policy for that client.
As to Count Twelve, MOATES obtained $200,000 in Federal monies given to Physicians Alliance pursuant to the advance payment agreement, which was not provided for in the approved spending plan. This money was used to pay back an investment client that had given MOATES money that he never invested.
As to Counts Thirteen and Fourteen, MOATES mailed two annuity surrender requests for an investment client from the Western District of Arkansas to Austin, Texas, utilizing UPS, after representing to the client that he would invest the proceeds. MOATES later received the proceeds from the surrender requests and never invested them as represented. MOATES utilized $20,000 of those proceeds to make a credit card payment.
As to Count Twenty-Four, MOATES helped a small, family-owned pool company establish an employee benefit plan subject to ERISA. The company initially funded the plan with a $150,000 check, which was given to MOATES. MOATES established a bank account for the plan and provided the bank with a forged document purporting to have been signed by an agent of the company, which made T3Vest the plan sponsor. This allowed MOATES to deposit the check into an account controlled by him, and he never invested the money on behalf of the plan.
The intended loss amount attributable to the defendant will be determined at a later date. However, the defendant and the government agree that it is at least $3.5 million but less than $9.5 million.
Moates will be sentenced at a later date, and his sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including his prior criminal record (if any), his role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violations. The sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases will be less than the maximum. Each count of Wire Fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000 or both; Mail Fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment, a maximum fine of not more $250,000, or both; ; Theft Concerning Programs Receiving Federal Funds carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment, not more than $250,000 fine, both; Money Laundering carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment, a maximum fine of 250,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, or both; Theft or Embezzlement from Employee Benefit Plan carries a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment, not more than $250,000 fine, or both.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General, and the Department of Labor – Employee Benefits Security Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Aaron Jennen is prosecuting the case for the United States.
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Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records Website at www.Pacer.gov
Former Harris Township Supervisor Sentenced to 18 Years in Federal Prison for Producing Child Pornography and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Christopher G. Lee, age 67, a resident of Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann in Williamsport to 216 months’ (18 years) imprisonment for production, receipt and possession of child pornography as well as obstruction of justice.
According to United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler, Lee was convicted by a jury in March 2016 for producing and receiving child pornography after approximately two hours of deliberation. The jury of six men and six women also convicted Lee of possessing images of child pornography, including images of prepubescent children under the age of 12 years old. Finally, after hearing Lee attempt to have his cousin assist him in having his cellular telephone that was in the custody of the FBI “wiped remotely” in multiple recorded phone calls, the jury convicted Lee of obstruction of justice. Lee is a former Harris Township Supervisor and the ex-director of the Boal Mansion Museum in Boalsburg, PA.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the State College Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Meredith A. Taylor and Francis P. Sempa.
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Former Dentist Indicted on Charges He Sexually Assaulted Former Patients, Who Were Under Nitrous Oxide, and EmployeeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Bilal Ahmed, 44, a former dentist who practiced in downtown Washington, D.C., was indicted by a grand jury today on charges alleging that he sexually assaulted three former dental patients and one former employee and that he improperly touched another former employee.
Mahsa Azimirad, 26, Ahmed’s former dental practice’s office manager, was also indicted today on a charge accusing her of lying to a grand jury during the investigation of Ahmed.
The indictments, which were returned in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, were announced by U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips and Peter Newsham, Interim Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Ahmed, of Potomac, Md., was indicted on 21 counts of sexually abusing, or otherwise improperly touching, former patients and employees. The charges include 14 felony counts of sexual abuse, four misdemeanor counts of sexual abuse, and three misdemeanor counts of assault. Azimirad, of North Bethesda, Md., was indicted on one count of perjury. They are to be arraigned on Oct. 13, 2016, by the Honorable Florence Pan.
According to evidence presented by the government in arrest warrant affidavits, at earlier court hearings, and in public documents, it is alleged that on May 21, 2014, Ahmed was practicing as a dentist at Universal Smiles DC, in the 2300 block of M Street NW. The practice was originally called Bilal Ahmed DDS PC dba Universal Smiles DC. Ahmed is the owner of these dental practices. The government alleges that on that day Ahmed performed dental treatment to the patient, including administering nitrous oxide to him through a face mask. The patient alleges when the mask came off his face, he realized that the defendant was sexually assaulting him. He also realized that the door was closed and no one was in the room with them. He reported the assault to the Metropolitan Police Department.
During the course of the investigation, and as alleged in the charges, additional victims were identified, including two former male patients and a former male employee. The other former patients also were under nitrous oxide at the time of the incidents, the government alleges. The dates of the alleged assaults span from April 24, 2013, through May 21, 2014.
Ahmed’s D.C. dental license was suspended on Nov. 3, 2014, and his Maryland dental license was suspended on April 6, 2016.
Azimirad, the former office manager at Ahmed’s dental firms, is accused of giving false testimony to a grand jury on Nov. 18, 2014.
Both defendants previously were arrested and charged in criminal complaints in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Ahmed was arrested on Jan. 7, 2016, at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. As one of the conditions of his pre-trial release, Ahmed is precluded from practicing dentistry in any capacity. Azimirad was arrested on June 16, 2016. Both Ahmed and Azimirad pled not guilty at their earlier court appearances.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal laws and every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
In announcing the indictments, U.S. Attorney Phillips and Interim Chief Newsham commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Sexual Assault Unit of the MPD. They also expressed appreciation to the United States Marshals Service for its assistance in the investigation. Finally, they acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sharon Marcus-Kurn and Stuart Allen, who are prosecuting these charges.
Former Chief of Los Angeles Port Police Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for False Statement and Tax Evasion Charges Related to Corruption CaseRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – The former Port of Los Angeles Chief of Police was sentenced today to two years in federal prison for tax evasion and for lying to FBI Agents who were investigating his acceptance of a bribe in connection with the development of an official smart phone app to be marketed to other law enforcement agencies.
Ronald Jerome Boyd, 58, of Torrance, was sentenced today by United States District Judge R. Gary Klausner, who also ordered the defendant to pay $305,054 in restitution.
Boyd pleaded guilty on February 3 to felony charges of tax evasion and making a false statement to the FBI, as well as a misdemeanor offense of failing to file a federal tax return.
Boyd pleaded guilty to the three offenses on the day he was scheduled to go to trial on a 16-count grand jury indictment. Boyd admitted to lying to federal investigators about a scheme related to a smart phone app called Portwatch, which was developed to provide information to the public and to allow citizens to report criminal activity at the port.
In 2011, Boyd and two business partners formed BDB Digital Communications, a company that entered into a revenue-sharing agreement with the company developing Portwatch. The parties involved with BDB intended to generate revenues by marketing and selling a similar app – called Metrowatch – to other government agencies. Boyd was set to receive approximately 13.33 percent of all gross revenues generated by the sale of the Metrowatch application.
“It's of paramount importance that public officials, particularly those in law enforcement, maintain the standards of honesty and trust they owe to the public,” said Lawrence Middleton, the Chief of the Criminal Division at the United States Attorney's Office. “The sentence imposed by the court in this case demonstrates that those who betray such trust shall be met with serious consequences.”
According to the indictment in this case, Boyd received his financial interest in return for guaranteeing that the Portwatch contract would be awarded to the company.
Boyd admitted that he lied to FBI Agents in October 2014 when he denied having any financial interest in Metrowatch or having engaged in a conflict of interest.
“The citizens of Los Angeles must be able to trust that government officials will make decisions based on the needs of the community, rather than using their position of authority to serve their own best interest,” said Deirdre Fike, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “The FBI and our partners will continue to work on restoring that trust by addressing corruption by public officials.”
Boyd also pleaded guilty to tax evasion in relation to his 2011 personal income tax return. In his plea agreement, Boyd admitted receiving income from a security business he operated, At Close Range. The income came from the owner of a company doing business with the Port, American Guard Services. Boyd admitted that he failed to report that income on his personal income tax returns for years 2007 through 2011.
Additionally, Boyd pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of failing to file a 2011 tax return for At Close Range. While he pleaded guilty to one only count of failing to file a tax return for At Close Range, Boyd admitted in his plea agreement that he failed to file tax returns for the business for years 2007 through 2011.
The estimated loss of tax revenue to the Internal Revenue Service for Boyd’s conduct was more than $300,000.
“While occupying a position of trust in the community, Mr. Boyd actively concealed his outside business interests by not disclosing certain income he received on his federal income tax returns,” stated Anthony J. Orlando, Acting Special Agent in Charge for IRS Criminal Investigation. “IRS Criminal Investigation will continue to vigorously pursue those who unjustly enrich themselves in violation of their fiduciary duties.”
The case against Boyd is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and IRS Criminal Investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel J. O’Brien of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section and Assistant United States Attorney Scott Paetty of the General Crimes Section.
Foreign National Pleads Guilty to International Wire Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
CONCORD, N.H. –Mustafa Hasan Arif, an individual with dual citizenship in Pakistan and the United Kingdom, appeared in United States District Court in Concord, NH today where he pled guilty to wire fraud. Arif defrauded individuals by fraudulently selling drugs claiming to cure many serious diseases. Arif targeted individuals around the world, including victims in New Hampshire, announced United States Attorney Emily Rice.
According to court records, while in Lahore, Pakistan, Arif created, maintained and controlled over 1,500 websites that promoted the sale of drugs claiming to cure and treat hundreds of diseases, many of which were incurable, including cerebral palsy, mental retardation, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and emphysema. The websites included falsified cure rates, false clinical research and fabricated testimonials. One series of websites fraudulently claimed to have shown in clinical trials a cure rate of 90 percent, while other websites included links to clinical research that had not been written about the drugs on the websites. Arif falsely represented that the drugs were being sold by entities in Germany, Norway, Italy, Australia, New Zealand and Denmark when in fact the drugs were all being sold and shipped from Pakistan. Arif used those false addresses to make customers more comfortable purchasing the drugs. Documents in the case show that Arif ‘s scheme generated more than $12 million in fraudulent sales.
Arif was originally arrested on a criminal complaint issued in New Hampshire after he flew into New York in February 2014 on a business trip. He appeared in federal court in New York and was transferred to New Hampshire, where he has remained in custody. Arif is scheduled to be sentenced on January 26, 2017.
This investigation was led by the FDA/Office of Criminal Investigations, Cybercrime Investigations Unit along with Homeland Security Investigations. Assistance during the investigation was provided by the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, Portsmouth New Hampshire Police Department, the United States Consulate, Diplomatic Security Service Lagos, Nigeria office, New Zealand Ministry of Health, United Kingdom Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, and the Department of Justice, Office of International Affairs. The investigation is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold H. Huftalen and Senior Counsel Sarah Hawkins of the FDA/Office of Chief Counsel.
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Florida man pleads guilty to manufacturing, distributing performance enhancing drugsRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – William Bagwell, 45, of Petersburg, Florida pled guilty in federal court today to manufacturing and distributing performance enhancing drugs, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Bagwell was the owner and operator of Freedom Pharma, a company that was a manufacturer and distributor of various unapproved prescription drugs to customers throughout the United States, including the Northern District of West Virginia. Freedom Pharma was not registered with the United States Food and Drug Administration as a drug manufacturer. The performance enhancing drugs were misbranded and introduced into interstate commerce.
“Distributing unapproved and misbranded prescription drugs is illegal and puts American consumers at risk,” said Special Agent in Charge Mark McCormack of the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations’ Metro Washington Field Office. “Our office is fully committed to working with the Department of Justice to assure that drugs are safe, effective, and are manufactured in FDA-registered and inspected facilities.”
Bagwell faces 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 Jarod J. Douglas prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Food and Drug Administration investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Final Member of Large Bank Fraud Ring SentencedRead the Press Release
The final member of a large bank fraud ring responsible for nearly a million dollars in fraud was sentenced last week in U.S. District Court in Seattle, announced United States Attorney Annette L. Hayes. SHAWN ANDRE TURNER, 26, of Kent, Washington was sentenced October 7, 2016 to 25 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release. TURNER is the last of five defendants sentenced to prison terms of more than two years. In all, ten defendants were indicted for a fraud scheme involving seven different financial institutions. Between November of 2010 and February 2015, the co-schemers used 219 different bank accounts to steal more than $987,000 from the banks. U.S. District Judge Richard A. Jones imposed the sentence.
According to records in the case, the defendants used stolen and forged checks to make fraudulent deposits into various bank accounts. Using debit cards, the co-schemers would withdraw large amounts of cash before the bank determined the checks used to inflate the balance were no good. Many of the people whose bank accounts were inflated were complicit in the fraud, allowing the co-schemers to use their debit cards. According to law enforcement records, many of the checks were stolen in car prowls and then used for the fraud. Others were fictitious, using otherwise legitimate account information on fabricated checks. The victim banks include: Bank of America, Boeing Employees Credit Union (BECU), TwinStar Credit Union, Wells Fargo Bank, Sound Credit Union, Key Bank, and Banner Bank. All are federally insured financial institutions.
TURNER was responsible for fraud on 15 different bank accounts, causing a loss of about $80,000. TURNER pleaded guilty to three counts of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft on April 28, 2016.
The other defendants previously sentenced by the court include:
Clayton Leon Bias, Jr., 27, Kent, Washington – 2 years in prison
Relonna Dollinn Ward, 36, Tacoma, Washington –25 months in prison
Calvin Dewayne Davis, 28, Federal Way, Washington – 42 months in prison
Arthur Napoleand Wilcher, 31, Tacoma, Washington – 42 months in prisonFour other defendants, Okila Ayanna Malayka Ulmer, 33, of Renton, Avery Edward Lee, 34, of Milton, Sephora Quilyn Watkins, 29, of Tacoma, and Johnathan Marquiel Turner, 24, of Federal Way, were responsible for smaller amounts of fraud and were sentenced to brief periods of incarceration and multi-year terms of court supervision. One defendant successfully completed federal drug court.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Hampton.
Federal Court Terminates Agreement after Delaware Reforms Service System for People with Mental IllnessRead the Press Release
Delaware is the First Jurisdiction in the Nation to Successfully Comply with the Terms of an Olmstead v. L.C. Settlement and be Released from Court Oversight
The Justice Department announced today that the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware terminated the remedial settlement agreement governing the state of Delaware’s service system for people with serious and persistent mental illness. The court agreed with the joint motion of the state and the Justice Department that Delaware had fully complied with the terms of the agreement, based on the assessment of an independent court monitor.
The state significantly expanded and enhanced community-based mental health services for individuals with serious and persistent mental illness under the agreement, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Supreme Court’s Olmstead v. L.C decision. The agreement emphasized the need to transition institutionalized people to the community and prevent people from unnecessarily entering institutions.
“Our agreement prompted Delaware to institute comprehensive reforms and provide services to people with serious and persistent mental illness in integrated community settings,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Throughout this process, we saw the impact of the state’s hard work, leadership and commitment to drive positive change. People with mental illness in Delaware can now live in their own communities, engage with their families and friends and lead meaningful, fulfilling lives.”
Since entry of the agreement, the state has significantly reduced its reliance on institutional care, particularly at the state-run Delaware Psychiatric Center (DPC). It has reduced the number of bed days used by the target population in DPC by 47.2 percent. The number of Medicaid-eligible Delawareans receiving community-based services has increased by 92 percent since the United States began its investigation.
Delaware has developed a strong peer and self-advocacy movement that is incorporated into the entire service system: peers orient individuals upon their admission to DPC, assist them during the course of their hospitalization and provide personal care items upon discharge to the community; operate drop-in centers; conduct quality reviews of mental health services; and are essential members of Assertive Community Treatment, intensive case management, crisis apartment and crisis walk-in center teams.
The state has also established a robust quality assurance and performance improvement system in order to continue the reforms and address issues that may arise for people with mental illness in Delaware. These efforts will be sustained by recently passed legislation that established an independent oversight commission to monitor Delaware’s public mental health system.
These reforms to the state’s mental health system have also helped reduce unnecessary arrests and incarceration of people with SPMI. For instance, Delaware created two statewide mobile crisis teams that typically divert 80 to 90 percent of people they encounter from hospitalization and criminal justice interaction. The state’s crisis walk-in center in Sussex County diverts about 70 percent of people from further hospitalization or criminal justice interaction. This walk-in center reports that it takes law enforcement officers less than 10 minutes on average to drop-off an individual in a mental health crisis, which spares police officers an unnecessary and lengthy emergency room admission or jail booking process. Delaware also operates a peer program in the state’s Mental Health Court that serves people with SPMI or co-occurring disorders. Mental Health Court Peers support individuals throughout the process and help defendants access community resources that are necessary to increased stability in the community, including housing and transportation.
The department initiated its investigation pursuant to the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA), putting a primary focus on obtaining reforms to address violations of the ADA, as interpreted in Olmstead., requiring that individuals with disabilities receive services and supports in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs. On Nov. 9, 2010, the United States issued a findings letter to Delaware that detailed systemic conditions and practices that violated the constitutional and statutory rights of individuals with serious and persistent mental illness in the state’s system. The findings letter, settlement agreement, monitor’s reports and papers related to the instant motion are available here.
The department has additional Olmstead settlement agreements in Georgia, Virginia, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island and the city of Providence.
Delaware Agreement Fact SheetEast St. Louis Woman Sentenced for Heroin OffensesRead the Press Release
Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that Ciera McNeal, 29, of East St. Louis, Illinois, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute heroin.
McNeal was charged in a superseding indictment on December 16, 2015, along with two co-defendants: Alfred Vernon Reeves, Jr., 41 of East St. Louis, Ill. and Lacy Snead, 52, of Chicago, Ill. Records filed in court established that the three travelled from Chicago on June 18, 2015, with approximately 150 grams of heroin that was intended to be distributed in the St. Louis metropolitan area.
Reeves was charged with distributing heroin on March 5, 2013, and for participating in a conspiracy to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin over a three-year period of time. Reeves pled guilty on May 6, 2016. Reeves faces up to 20 years in prison for distributing heroin, but he faces a minimum sentence of 10 years to life for conspiracy when he is sentenced on October 14, 2016.
Snead was charged with participating in the same heroin deal that occurred on March 5, 2013, and he was further charged with conspiracy to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin. Snead pled guilty to distribution of heroin and conspiracy to distribute heroin, on September 19, 2016, and he faces a minimum of 5 to 40 years in prison. It is expected that Snead will be sentenced in March of 2017.
The investigation was conducted by agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Madison County Sheriff’s Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.
Department of Justice Awards over $500,000 to Oregon Law Enforcement Agencies for Body-Worn Camera ProgramsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – On Monday, September 26, 2016, Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch announced awards to establish and enhance law enforcement body-worn camera programs across the United States. Four Oregon law enforcement agencies are among 106 state, city, tribal, and municipal law enforcement organizations to receive funding from the grant program.
Washington County, Marion County, the City of Hillsboro, and Portland State University will receive a combined $511,864 dollars from the Body-Worn Camera Program. The program was launched in 2015 in response to a recommendation by the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing. Research conducted by the Justice Department’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) has shown that law enforcement use of body-worn camera programs improve interactions with the public. Over a two-year period, BJA has provided over $41 million to body-worn camera pilot implementation programs.
Billy J. Williams, United States Attorney for the District of Oregon, commended the local recipients of program funding and other Oregon law enforcement agencies committed to leveraging technology to strengthen relationships with their communities. “The principles of community-oriented policing,” Williams said, “require those of us in law enforcement to seek out new and innovative ways to build accountability with those we serve. Body-worn cameras and the local policies and procedures supporting them are an important tool to increase transparency and improve evidence collection both in Oregon and across the country.”
“The body-worn camera federal grant program,” said Patrick Garrett, Washington County Sheriff, “will greatly help our organization test, develop, and implement body camera technology to enhance a deputy’s ability to gather evidence, increase transparency, and bolster public confidence. I am very grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Department of Justice,” Garrett continued, “for helping us implement this important program.”
“By outfitting our officers with body-worn cameras,” said Lee Dobrowolski, City of Hillsboro Police Chief, “we can demonstrate our commitment to transparency, build trust within the community, and document the good work our officers do every day.”
The Body-Worn Camera Program is funded under the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP). OJP provides federal leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to prevent and control crime, administer justice, and assist victims. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
Department of Justice Awards over $4.2 Million to Improve Public Safety and Victim Services for American Indians in OregonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – On Monday, September 26, 2016, the Department of Justice announced the recipients of grants aimed at improving public safety, supporting victims, and strengthening legal institutions for American Indians and Alaska Natives. Five Oregon tribes and one tribal consortia are among the 131 grantees receiving funding under the Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS).
The Burns Paiute Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Coquille Indian Tribe, the Klamath Tribes, and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission will receive a combined $4,220,070 across six different Justice Department grant programs. Each of the six grant programs target a unique aspect of public safety and the administration of justice in tribal communities, including community-oriented policing, alcohol and substance abuse, violence against women, corrections and correctional alternatives, and juvenile justice.
“Research shows that tribal communities live with disproportionate rates of violence and victimization,” said Billy J. Williams, United States Attorney for the District of Oregon. “These awards are a positive step toward ensuring that all Oregonians have access to community justice programs that are adequately funded, effective, and culturally relevant.”
The Justice Department’s CTAS program provides a single application for tribal-specific grant programs and aims to streamline support provided by its Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, Office of Justice Programs, and Office on Violence Against Women. Since 2010, under CTAS, more than 1,600 grants totaling more than $726 million have been awarded to tribal communities across the country. To learn more about CTAS, please visit www.justice.gov/tribal/grants.
Denise M. Barton, Amy R. Romero Appointed Assistant U.S. AttorneysRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha today announced the appointment of Denise M. Barton and Amy Retsinas Romero as Assistant United States Attorneys for the District of Rhode Island.
Ms. Barton, a criminal prosecutor for more than fourteen years, including five years as a county and state prosecutor in Massachusetts, and nine years as a federal prosecutor in the United States Attorney’s Office in San Francisco, graduated cum laude from the University of Massachusetts in 1991, and earned her Juris Doctor at Tulane Law School, graduating magna cum laude in 1996. Ms. Barton is a native of Medfield, MA. Ms. Barton has been assigned to the Criminal Division.
Prior to her appointment as an Assistant United States Attorney, Ms. Romero clerked for the United States Court of Appeals for the Third District and was a former staff attorney for Rhode Island Legal Services and Community Legal Aid in Worcester, MA. Ms. Romero, a Providence, RI native, graduated from Swathmore College in 2001 and earned her Juris Doctor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Law, graduating cum laude in 2009. Ms. Romero has been assigned to the Civil Division.
In making the announcement, United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha said, “I am enormously pleased to welcome AUSAs Barton and Romero to the Office. Ms. Barton is a talented and experienced federal prosecutor who can ably handle any type of case, and will add great strength to our Criminal Division. Ms. Romero has spent her career using her considerable talents as a civil litigator to help others, particularly those who, due to limited resources, would otherwise have difficulty exercising their legal rights. That is difficult, important, and often unheralded work, and I look forward to relying on her experience in strengthening our civil rights program.”
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Crossett Man Sentenced to 37 Months in Federal Prison for Firearms ViolationRead the Press Release
El Dorado, Arkansas – Kenneth Elser, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Samuel Calvin Richardson, Jr., age 33 of Crossett, Arkansas, was sentenced today to 37 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release for one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The Honorable Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing in the United States District Court in El Dorado.
According to court records, on April 6, 2015, Crossett Police responded to a call of shots fired near a school in Crossett. Multiple officers responded and found Richardson and another individual in the parking lot and noted a strong smell of alcohol. One of the officers advised Richardson that he was going to pat him down for weapons. Richardson responded negatively and began to backup and ran off on foot. Officers caught up to him and took him to the ground when Richardson began reaching for his waist band and would not bring his hands behind his back. Officers were able to get him under control and found a 9 mm pistol in a holster under his jacket when they patted him down. Officers also found Richardson in possession of a badge at the time of his arrest. The weapon had a live round in the chamber with four rounds in the magazine. Richardson was mirandized and interviewed the next day and stated that he knew he was a felon and shouldn’t have the weapon and that he found it in a house he recently moved into. At the time he possessed the firearm, Richardson had a felony conviction for Felon in Possession of a Firearm in January of 2014 which was punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year.
Richardson was indicted by a federal grand jury in July, 2015 and pleaded guilty to the charge in November, 2015.
This case was investigated by the Crossett Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin Wulff 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
Coweta Man Pleads Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today that JESSE KENT COX, age 34, of Coweta, Oklahoma, pled guilty to WIRE FRAUD, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, punishable by not more than 20 years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine or both.
The Indictment alleged that on or about January 1, 2016, and continuing until on or about March 28, 2016, the defendant, JESSE KENT COX, devised and intended to devise a scheme to defraud persons to obtain money and property by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations and promises.
Charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the guilty plea and ordered the completion of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled following its completion.
Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace represented the United States.
Castle Cheese Company Executive Michelle Myrter Sentenced in Adulterated Cheese CaseRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A cheese company executive has been sentenced in federal court to three years’ probation, a $5,000 fine and 200 hours of community service on her conviction of one misdemeanor count of aiding and abetting the introduction of adulterated and misbranded cheese products into interstate commerce, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Michelle Myrter, 44, of Harmony, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, Myrter was a responsible corporate officer of International Packing, LLC and Universal Cheese & Drying, Inc. While she was the responsible corporate officer for both companies, Myrter aided and abetted the companies’ introduction of adulterated and misbranded cheese products into interstate commerce, in violation of provisions of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Universal Cheese & Drying, Inc. and International Packing, LLC each pled guilty to one count of conspiring to introduce misbranded and adulterated cheese products into interstate commerce and to commit money laundering. Sentencing hearings for the two companies will be scheduled by further order of the Court.
Prior to imposing sentence on Michelle Myrter, Judge Hornak stated that the sentence was sufficient but not greater than necessary to fulfill the purposes of sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Food and Drug Administration's Office of Criminal Investigations, and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Myrter.
Cahokia Man Sentenced for Heroin, Methamphetamine and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
On Wednesday, October 5, 2016, Jovon C. Dolly, age 37, of Cahokia was sentenced to a term of 12 months and one day in federal prison for Distribution of Heroin, Methamphetamine and Possession of Firearms by a Felon.
Dolly pled guilty to the federal charges on May 19, 2016. At his change of plea hearing, Dolly admitted that he had sold heroin to a police confidential informant in East St. Louis on two occasions in March 2016, and that he had sold methamphetamine on a third occasion. When Dolly was arrested on March 13, 2016, police seized a loaded revolver and a shotgun from his residence in East St. Louis. Dolly admitted that these firearms belonged to him, and that he had been convicted of a felony prior to his arrest on the federal charges.
Dolly has been continuously confined in federal custody since his arrest. The investigation which resulted in Dolly’s arrest and conviction was conducted by officers assigned to the Illinois State Police Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southern Illinois (MEGSI). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Garrison.
Buisnessman Indicted on Embezzlement and Tax ChargesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA - An indictment was returned today charging David T. Shulick, 46, of Gladwyne, Pennsylvania, with embezzling funds from the School District of Philadelphia. Shulick was also charged in a scheme to defraud PNC Bank, and with filing false tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service.
The indictment charges that between 2010 and 2012, defendant Shulick, and co-conspirator Chaka Fattah, Jr., embezzled funds from the School District of Philadelphia, in part by misrepresenting the educational services that would be provided to students pursuant to a contract between the School District and Shulick’s company, Unique Educational Experiences, Inc. (“UEE”). According to the indictment, Shulick and Fattah Jr. hid the true costs of services provided by UEE by submitting false budgets to the School District of Philadelphia. The indictment alleges that the budgets contained false entries for benefit costs, inflated staff salaries, and salaries for staff positions that were never filled at the school operated by UEE. The indictment alleges that as a result of this scheme, defendant Shulick fraudulently obtained funds from the School District of Philadelphia that were supposed to be used to educate students. According to the indictment, defendant Shulick used those funds to enrich himself, including by paying for contractors who performed work at Shulick’s personal residence and vacation homes.
The indictment also alleges that Shulick and Fattah Jr. devised a scheme to defraud PNC Bank. According to the indictment, Fattah Jr. had defaulted on a loan made by PNC. As part of the scheme, Shulick acted as Fattah Jr.’s lawyer and threatened PNC Bank with the possibility that Fattah Jr. might file bankruptcy if he were unable to resolve his outstanding debts, which would result in the bank receiving little or no repayment on the loan. According to the indictment, defendant Shulick sent a letter to PNC Bank, offering to settle PNC Bank’s claim for $2,500. The letter included a form which represented that Fattah Jr.’s monthly income was $2,500. According to the indictment, Shulick’s companies were paying Fattah, Jr. a salary of $75,000 per year, and Shulick and Fattah Jr. had entered into an agreement to increase Fattah Jr.’s compensation.
Finally, the indictment charges that Shulick filed false federal income tax returns for tax years 2009, 2010, and 2011. According to the indictment, Shulick failed to report all of his taxable income in these years, and improperly claimed itemized deductions.
The charges were announced by United States Attorney Zane David Memeger, FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Michael Harpster, IRS Special Agent-in-Charge Akeia Conner, and Department of Education, Office of Inspector General, Special Agent-in-Charge Geoffrey D. Wood.
If convicted of all charges, Shulick, faces a substantial term of imprisonment, restitution to the School District of Philadelphia and PNC Bank, and a fine of up to $3,800,000.
The case was investigated by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Department of Education, with the cooperation of the Philadelphia School District’s Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael T. Donovan.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Armed Robbery of Guilderland Jewelry StoreRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Aristedes Duartez III, age 37, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for his violent, armed robbery of a Guilderland, New York, jewelry store.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Richard S. Hartunian, Guilderland Police Chief Carol J. Lawlor, and Andrew W. Vale, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
U.S. Attorney Hartunian stated, “During a robbery of $99,000 worth of Rolex watches from a jewelry store, Duartez jabbed a saleswoman in the back and ribs with his handgun and one of his accomplices pepper-sprayed a 77-year-old saleswoman. Thanks to the outstanding, painstaking investigation of federal and local agencies in New York and Pennsylvania, Duartez will now spend many years in prison for this horrible crime. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to make sure that his accomplices are also held accountable.”
Guilderland Police Chief Carol J. Lawlor stated, “On March 15, 2012, an armed robbery at Frank Adams Jewelers in the Town of Guilderland was committed that was so violent it terrorized not only those involved, but residents throughout the town. Only through the diligence of our investigators, one of whom worked untold hours in his off-duty time, and the assistance of the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Aristades Duartez III was arrested and sentenced today for his part in this horrific incident. The Guilderland Police Department is pleased to make this announcement along with our colleagues, and offers sincere thanks to the FBI, the York Area Regional Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their assistance in bringing this individual to justice.”
Andrew W. Vale, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Division of the FBI, stated, “Today’s sentencing is the result of many long hours of dedicated work by the FBI, the Guilderland Police Department and our law enforcement partners. Thanks to the joint efforts of law enforcement, Duartez will see just punishment for his criminal deeds.”
Around 8 p.m. on March 15, 2012, Duartez and three others robbed Frank Adams Jewelers on Western Avenue in Guilderland. Duratez and one of the other men entered the store and asked two saleswomen about some of the jewelry on display. A third man then entered the store, went to the Rolex watch display, smashed the glass display case with a hammer, and then stole 20 watches worth approximately $99,000. A fourth robber waited outside in a getaway car.
As the watches were stolen, Duartez pulled out a handgun, jammed it into the back and ribs of one of the saleswomen, and then shoved her toward a back room. At the same time, another robber shoved the 77-year-old saleswoman to the same back room, pulled her to the floor by her hair and shot pepper spray into her face as she cried and complied with their directions. Duartez and another robber then tied the wrists of the saleswomen with zip-ties and left.
Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy also ordered Duartez to serve 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release; restitution will be assessed at a later date.
This case was investigated by the Town of Guilderland Police Department and the FBI, with assistance from the York Area Regional Police Department in Pennsylvania, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Sharpe.
Brevard County Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that James Long (44, Brevard County) today pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
According to the plea agreement, between 2010 and June 2013, Long and others used the Professional Pain Center located at 860 East State Road 434 in Longwood to conspire and to cause the distribution and dispensation of controlled substances outside the usual course of professional practice and for no legitimate medical purpose.
Long, as president and owner of the clinic, employed approximately 10 physicians who were willing to write unlawful and invalid prescriptions for Schedule II and Schedule III controlled substances. Long admitted that doctors working for his clinic engaged in a repeated pattern of issuing prescriptions for controlled substances without a legitimate medical reason, outside the usual course of professional practice. According to the plea agreement, any reasonably prudent physician would not issue such prescriptions for controlled substances in the quantity and combinations prescribed because of the danger of overdose and death coupled with the likelihood of diversion.
Long and his conspirators conducted financial transactions involving the drug proceeds. As a result, Long has agreed to forfeit numerous assets that he obtained directly from or are traceable to the unlawful operation of the clinic.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilianys Rivera Miranda.
Berkeley County man pleads guilty to failing to register as a sex offenderRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Saul Hicks Williams, 36, of Inwood, West Virginia pled guilty to failing to register as a sex offender in federal court today, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.From September 2015 through November 2015, Williams failed to register and update his registration as a sex offender in Berkeley County, WV. Williams is required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act by reason of a conviction under state law, to wit: Sexual Assault in the Third Degree, in the Circuit Court of Berkeley County, West Virginia. He pled guilty to one count of “Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.”
He faces up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshals Service investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Belleville Man Sentenced for Armed Robbery of Domino'sRead the Press Release
Sterling D. Gould, 38, of Belleville, Illinois, was sentenced in federal district court, in East St. Louis on September 26 for armed robbery.
Gould was sentenced to 130 months’ imprisonment, as well as 5 years’ supervised release after his prison term, and was ordered to pay $368 restitution and a $300 special assessment. Gould previously pled guilty to charges stemming from a July 12, 2015, armed robbery of the Belleville, Illinois, Domino’s Pizza.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Belleville Police Department as part of the Metro East Armed Robbery Initiative and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. Kapsak.
Baltimore Man Sentenced to over 10 Years in Federal Prison for Robbing Three Stores and Three BanksRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Marvin J. Garbis sentenced Gregory George Branch age 42, of Essex, Maryland, today to 130 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for three armed commercial robberies and three bank robberies.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Davis; Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department; Anne Arundel County Police Chief Tim Altomare; Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Wes Adams; Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby.
According to his plea agreement, on June 23 and July 3, 2015, Branch robbed a grocery store in Baltimore and convenience store in Essex, respectively. In each robbery, Branch approached the cashier, pretending to make a purchase, before raising his shirt to display what appeared to be the handle of a black handgun. Branch then demanded money from the cashier, who gave him money from the register and Branch left the store. On July 4, 2015, Branch robbed a discount store in Brooklyn Park, Maryland, displaying what appeared to be a black handgun. Branch ordered the security guard to place guard’s weapon in a trash can, then ordered the security guard and the store manager to open the safe. The manager gave Branch approximately $300 from the safe and Branch ran away.
Branch also admitted that on July 1, July 14 and July 17, 2015, he robbed three banks, stealing a total of approximately $4,402. In each robbery, Branch presented the teller with a note demanding money. In the note presented in the July 14, 2015, robbery Branch claimed to have a gun and in the robbery on July 17, 2015, Branch pointed what appeared to be a handgun at the teller.
When Branch was arrested, he was in possession of a black pellet gun that was used in all three of the store robberies and the bank robbery on July 17, 2015.
Branch also admitted that he committed nine other robberies or attempted robberies of businesses in Baltimore City and Baltimore County during June and July of 2015.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, Baltimore Police Department, Baltimore County Police Department; Anne Arundel County Police Department; Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office, Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office and Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorney Matthew C. Sullivan, who prosecuted the case.
Albuquerque Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Armed Robbery ChargeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Greg Miera, 50, of Albuquerque, N.M., pled guilty this morning in federal court to an armed bank robbery charge under a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Miera was arrested in March 2016, on a criminal complaint charging him and four co-defendants, Martin Huerta, 43, Christian Herrera, 20, Isaiah Gallegos, 20, and Christopher Gallegos, 31, all of Albuquerque, with bank robbery. According to the complaint, a source identified the co-defendants as the individuals involved in robbing the US Bank branch located at 5620 Wyoming Blvd. NE in Albuquerque, on March 30, 2016. The complaint alleged that Albuquerque Police Department (APD) officers conducted surveillance as a vehicle with four men pulled up to the US Bank on the afternoon of March 30, 2016. The complaint further alleged that three of the men remained outside in the vehicle while the fourth entered the US Bank, threatened to shoot the bank employees, and demanded that two bank tellers place cash into a plastic bag.
Miera, Huerta, Herrera, Isaiah Gallegos and Christopher Gallegos were subsequently indicted on an armed bank robbery charge on April 27, 2016.
During today’s proceedings, Miera entered a guilty plea to the indictment and admitted participating in the armed robbery of the U.S. Bank branch in Albuquerque on March 30, 2016.
Co-defendant Huerta previously entered a guilty plea to the indictment on Sept. 9, 2016. Huerta entered his guilty plea without the benefit of a plea agreement.
At sentencing, Miera and Huerta each face a statutory maximum penalty of 25 years in federal prison. Both remain in custody pending sentencing hearings, which have yet to be scheduled.
The three remaining co-defendants have entered pleas of not guilty to the indictment. Charges in complaints and indictments are merely accusations. All criminal defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the FBI and the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Mysliwiec is prosecuting the case.
10 October 2016
Statement from the US AttorneyRead the Press Release
Last week law enforcement within the Central District of California suffered multiple tragedies as peace officers were victimized by senseless violence. The murders of Sergeant Steve Owen of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and Officers Jose Gilbert Vega and Lesley Zerebny of the Palm Springs Police Department serve as a dark reminder of the dangers that police officers face every minute of every day that they are on duty. These three brave officers made the ultimate sacrifice while making the community safer for all of us. Our community is diminished by their absence, but their examples should inspire all of us to work harder to achieve a better society, one worthy of their memories.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California and the Department of Justice offer our thoughts, prayers, and condolences to the families and loved ones of the slain officers. They will not be forgotten.
Statement by Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch on the Passing of Brooklyn District Attorney Kenneth ThompsonRead the Press Release
Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch today released the following statement on the passing of Brooklyn District Attorney Kenneth Thompson:
“With the passing of Kenneth Thompson, the United States has lost a tireless defender of equal rights and a steadfast champion of equal justice. Through our work together as federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York, I came to know Ken as a devoted public servant. That determination was at the center of all his cases, including the prosecution of police officers for the assault upon Abner Louima, a case I had the privilege of working on alongside him. Ken leaves behind a proud legacy of integrity, selflessness and excellence. Our nation is a stronger and safer place because of his dedicated service. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. He will be truly missed.”
Joint Statement from Department of Justice, Department of the Army and Department of the Interior Regarding D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals Decision in Standing Rock Sioux Tribe v. U.S. Army Corps of EngineersRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice, the Department of the Army and the Department of the Interior today issued the following statement regarding the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision in Standing Rock Sioux Tribe v. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:
“We appreciate the D.C. Circuit’s opinion.
“We continue to respect the right to peaceful protest and expect people to obey the law.
“The Army continues to review issues raised by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and other Tribal nations and their members and hopes to conclude its ongoing review soon. In the interim, the Army will not authorize constructing the Dakota Access Pipeline on Corps land bordering or under Lake Oahe. We repeat our request that the pipeline company voluntarily pause all construction activity within 20 miles east or west of Lake Oahe.
“We also look forward to a serious discussion during a series of consultations, starting with a listening session in Phoenix on Tuesday, on whether there should be nationwide reform on the Tribal consultation process for these types of infrastructure projects.”
9 October 2016
Statement by Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch on Fatal Shooting of Police Officers in Palm Springs, CaliforniaRead the Press Release
Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch today released the following statement regarding yesterday’s shooting in Palm Springs, California:
“Our nation’s heart is broken yet again by the appalling act of violence that claimed two brave law enforcement officers on Saturday. Officers Jose Gilbert Vega and Lesley Zerebny were at opposite ends of their careers, but they shared a steadfast devotion to the people they had sworn to serve. In a moment of unimaginable crisis, they stayed true to their oaths, laying down their lives to keep their community safe. My thoughts and prayers – and the thoughts and prayers of the entire U.S. Department of Justice –go out to the family, loved ones and colleagues of these two fallen heroes. Let their sacrifice remind each of us of the dangers that brave men and women in law enforcement confront each and every day on our behalf. And let their example inspire each of us to ask what we can do to create a more peaceful, a more united, and a more just society – one worthy of the memory of Officers Vega and Zerebny.”
8 October 2016
Jury Convicts Man for Role in Transporting Heroin Hidden in Frame of CarRead the Press Release
DAYTON – A U.S. District Court jury convicted Carlos Pavon, 42, an illegal alien from Honduras, of conspiring with others to bring more than 2.5 kilograms of heroin hidden in the frame of a car into the Miami Valley.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and law enforcement agencies in the Homeland Security Bulk Cash Smuggling Task Force, announced the verdict returned late Friday, October 7 following a trial that began October 4 before U.S. District Judge Walter H. Rice.
The jury convicted Pavon of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, a crime punishable by at least ten years and up to life in prison.
According to court testimony, task force officers investigating a lead provided by law enforcement officials in California questioned Pavon and two other men at a Dayton hotel in November 2014. After talking with the men, agents searched a car connected to them at the hotel. Officers found two loaded semi-automatic handguns and items often involved in weighing and repackaging heroin. A drug dog sniffed the car and indicated the presence of illegal drugs. Task force officers took the car to the Fairborn Police Department and found five bricks of heroin, a total of more than 2.5 kilograms, hidden in the frame of the car. Officers arrested the three men on a federal complaint. They have been in custody since their arrest.
“We continue to work with law enforcement agencies to reduce the supply of heroin in our region,” U.S. Attorney Glassman said. “Hidden compartments or ‘traps’ are a common method used by drug traffickers and officers receive constant training on detecting these traps.”
Law enforcement agencies participating in the Bulk Cash Smuggling Task Force led by Homeland Security Investigations include Montgomery County Sheriff Phil Plummer’s Office, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine’s Office, the Butler Township Police Department and the Miami Township Police Department.
"The number one way to target and dismantle a criminal group is to hit them where it hurts the most - in their wallets," said Marlon Miller, special agent in charge for HSI Detroit, which covers Michigan and Ohio. "This conviction and the guilty pleas of the other defendants are a testament to the immeasurable value of the Bulk Cash Smuggling Task Force and the unique expertise and authorities each member agency brings to bear in these complex investigations."
A grand jury indicted Pavon along with Amilcar Antonio Cortez Grande, 32, an illegal alien from El Salvador, and Mario Felix, 45, Spring Valley, California in December 2014. Grande and Felix pleaded guilty before Judge Rice in May 2015 to conspiracy and firearms charges. Grande was sentenced in November 2015 to 90 months in prison. Sentencing is pending for Felix. Evidence showed that Felix had driven the car from California to Ohio to deliver the heroin to Pavon and Grande.
Judge Rice will schedule a sentencing hearing for Pavon. As an illegal alien, Pavon faces deportation after he serves time in prison.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the federal, state and local agencies involved, and Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Healey and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Vipal Patel, who are representing the United States in this case.
7 October 2016
“Honest Relieable” Tax Service Provider Found Guilty of Wire Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that a federal jury has found Donna Demps guilty of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. She faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 3, 2017.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Demps formed the Florida corporation “D&D Honest Relieable [sic] Tax Services LLC.” She then used the corporation to open bank accounts into which she electronically transferred tax refunds obtained by stealing the identities of real people, many of whom were veterans, disabled, elderly, or otherwise unable to care for themselves. Demps never registered her tax preparation service with the Internal Revenue Service since she would have had to reveal that she was an eight-time convicted felon. Through her bank accounts, Demps stole more than $120,000 over a one-year period.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation and the United States Secret Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas N. Palermo and Kristen A. Fiore.
Worcester Man Sentenced on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man was sentenced on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016, in U.S. District Court in Worcester on child pornography charges.
Christopher Rondeau, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 68 months in prison and five years of supervised release. In July 2016, Rondeau pleaded guilty to receiving child pornography.
On Sept. 21, 2015, law enforcement officers executed a federal search warrant at Rondeau’s residence in Worcester. In the home, agents recovered several computers and other storage devices with over 1,700 images and videos containing child pornography. While Rondeau was not home at the time of the warrant, he was located and arrested soon after.
Following his arrest, Rondeau confessed to downloading child pornography and also explained that agents would find sexualized communications with a 14-year-old girl on his cellphone. A search of the phone thereafter confirmed the presence of those messages.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Matthew Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Colonel Richard D. McKeon, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Grady of Ortiz’s Worcester Branch Office prosecuted the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Woodside Resident Sentenced to 31 Months in Prison for StructuringRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Per Alftin was sentenced today to 31 months in prison, and ordered to pay a fine of $10,000, for structuring financial transactions to evade reporting requirements, announced United States Attorney Brian J. Stretch and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Special Agent in Charge Michael T. Batdorf.
Alftin, 52, of Woodside, was charged in an Information with a single count of structuring financial transactions to evade reporting requirements, in violation of 31 U.S.C. § 5324(a)(3). Alftin pleaded guilty to the charge on June 24, 2016.
According to the plea agreement, Alftin admitted skimming at least $1,493,500 in cash from the gross receipts of his business, Alftin Construction, and structuring his bank transactions to conceal his activities, between 2009 and 2012. Alftin admitted knowing that banks have obligations to report certain cash transactions, and that he structured his banking in an effort to prevent such reports.
The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Susan Illston, United States District Court Judge, in San Francisco. In addition to the 31 month sentence and $10,000 fine, Alftin was sentenced to a one-year period of supervised release. The defendant will begin serving the sentence on February 2, 2017.
Assistant US Attorney Michael G. Pitman is prosecuting the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation.
Woodbridge Man who Bought Guns for Drug Dealer Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – McGary Dean Williams, 24, of Woodbridge, was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison, followed by two years of supervised release, for his role in the illegal purchase of two guns for cocaine traffickers.
“Prosecuting straw purchasers is essential because of the critical role these purchasers play in enabling the unlawful possession and use of guns,” said Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Prohibited individuals who cannot buy guns, including convicted felons, rely on straw purchasers to buy the guns for them. Often times the guns then end up in the hands of dangerous individuals, as in this case.”
Williams pleaded guilty on April 25. According to court documents, on Nov. 12, 2015, Williams, at the urging of co-conspirator Francis Joseph Douglas, purchased two guns from a federal firearms dealer located in Woodbridge. At the time of the purchase, Williams completed a firearms transaction form that asked, “Are you the actual transferee/buyer of the firearm(s)?” Williams knowingly lied when he answered “Yes” on the form, because he was unlawfully acquiring the guns for others, not for himself. Law enforcement recovered the firearms less than 24 hours later, when the Prince William County Police Department arrested Douglas at a local storage facility.
Douglas pleaded guilty on September 7, to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Douglas is scheduled to be sentenced on December 2.
Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Michael Boxler, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carina A. Cuellar prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:16-cr-97.
Wisconsin Man Sentenced for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr., announced today that David Whitworth, 44, of Madison, Wisconsin, who was convicted of production of child pornography and receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to 25 years in prison by Senior U.S. District Court Judge William M. Skretny.
“This case demonstrates how unscrupulous predators are willing to take advantage of the innocent dreams of children,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul. “As a result of this sentence, this defendant will no longer have the opportunity to do so.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, who handled the case, stated that in July 2011, a 16 year old contacted the Lancaster Police Department and reported that she had been contacted by several modeling agencies. All of the agencies offered the 16 year old girl the promise of a modeling career and money if she sent photographs of herself in various stages of undress. Lancaster Police then contacted the FBI.
In a subsequent interview, the victim told police that she met a male identified as “Logan” in an AOL chat room. “Logan” offered to take her to New York City and help her become a model. The victim sent photographs to “Logan.” After sending the photos, the victims said she was contacted by 10 other people who indicated they were modeling agents or associates or “Logan.” The victim then sent multiple graphic images to these agents and associates via the internet. Further investigation determined that the defendant was “Logan” as well as the other modeling agents and associates.
The sentencing is the result 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, the Cheektowaga Police Department under the direction of Chief David Zack, and Lancaster Police Department under the direction of Chief Gerald Gill.Winnebago Men Convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Use of a Firearm During a Crime of ViolenceRead the Press Release
United States Attorney, Deborah Gilg, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced the following information for the attention of the media:
A federal jury has found Anthony Whitewater, 24, and Marcus Blackhawk, 27, guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon and use of a firearm during a crime of violence. Whitewater was also convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
In the early morning hours of May 2, 2016, Whitewater and Blackhawk, both enrolled members of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, attended a party at the residence of another enrolled member in Winnebago, Nebraska. While at the party, Whitewater became involved in a conflict with an enrolled member of the Omaha Nation Indian Tribe. The conflict resulted in Whitewater being punched in the face and receiving a bloody nose. Whitewater was kicked out of the party and vowed to return. Believing that the person with whom he had had the conflict was traveling in the vehicle of other Omaha Nation Tribe members, Whitewater, while being driven in a vehicle operated by his brother, Marcus Blackhawk, began a high speed chase of the other vehicle while shooting at that other vehicle. The fleeing vehicle was hit by Whitewater seven times. Fortunately, neither of the occupants of the fleeing vehicle were hit.
Whitewater was prohibited from possessing firearms as a consequence of prior felony convictions. Judge Laurie Smith Camp set sentencing for January 23, 2017.
Whitewater and Blackhawk are both subject to sentencing of up to 10 years on the assault charge to be followed by not less than 10 years consecutive on the use of a firearm during a crime of violence. Whitewater is also subject to 10 years on his felon in possession conviction.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Williamsville Man Sentenced on Fraud ChargeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. announced today that Nicholas Mussolini, 30, Williamsville, NY, who was convicted of wire fraud, was sentenced to 27 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. Musssolini was also ordered to pay $ 1,028,782 in restitution.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell T. Ippolito, Jr., who handled the case, stated that the defendant defrauded investment companies in an advance fee scheme, which resulted in financial losses. The victims included a film production company, Applecreek Productions, located in England which lost more than $400,000. Mussolini, and his co-conspirators, represented to the victim film production company that he could obtain a standby letter of credit from banks outside the United States. The defendant assured representatives of the company that he could monetize the stand by letter of credit which would provide the film production company with $100 million dollars in loans. As part of the scheme, Mussolini required the company to provide him with $500,000 which would purportedly cover the costs associated with the financial transaction. The film production company provided the funds but instead of using the money to obtain financing, the defendant, and his co-conspirators, used the funds for their own purposes. Mussolini committed similar acts with several other companies seeking financial backing.
The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Adam S. Cohen.
United States Attorney’s Office Participating in Events to Mark National Community Policing Week Including ‘Coffee with a Cop’ TodayRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – President Obama has designated this week as National Community Policing Week to “reaffirm our commitment to supporting and advancing the practice of community policing and to fortifying the bonds between police officers and communities.”
The United States Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles is marking National Community Policing Week by participating in numerous programs across the Southland that strengthened the relationship between law enforcement and the communities it serves. This morning federal prosecutors across the Southland participated in “Coffee with a Cop” day, where police officers shared coffee with community members, and United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker participated in a “virtual ride along” with the Los Angeles Police Department’s Community Relations Team.
Throughout the week federal prosecutors were out in the community, building relationships and continuing to open dialogues at community fairs, read-alongs at elementary schools, and a screening and discussion of the FBI film “Chasing the Dragon,” which chronicles the horror of prescription drug abuse.
The United States Attorney and Assistant United States Attorneys are partnering with law enforcement agencies around the region, including the South Pasadena Police Department, the El Monte Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Redondo Beach Police Department, the LAPD, the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office and the San Marino Police Department.
Community policing is a public safety philosophy based on partnership and cooperation between law enforcement and the communities that they are sworn to protect. At the center of community policing is the idea that all members of the community – both sworn officers and civilians – have a stake in the safety of their neighborhoods where they live and work.
The Department of Justice has invested heavily in the concept of community policing. Earlier this week, United States Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch announced $119 million in grant money to 184 law enforcement agencies for the hiring of Community Policing Officers. The grant recipients included the City of Los Angeles ($3.125 million), the City of Santa Ana ($1.25 million), and the San Bernardino Police Department ($2.85 million).
Monday’s announcement follows several grants made in the last two months by the Department of Justice to local governments to improve police community relations:
Recipient
Grant Amount
Purpose of Grant
City of Compton
$95,747
Hire and Train Neighborhood Leaders
City of Covina
$10,645
Community Services Officer
City of Covina
$186,635
Body Worn Cameras
City of Downey
$26,358
Neighborhood Preservation Program, Neighborhood Watch Program, Crime Impact Team
City of El Monte
$28,492
Community Policing Programs
City of Lancaster
$68,883
Good Citizenship Program for At-Risk Youth
City of Long Beach
$259,000
Safe Schools Strategy
City of Los Angeles
$1.87 Million
Community and Law Enforcement Recovery (CLEAR) Program
City of Los Angeles
$331,041
Gang Reduction and Youth Development Program
City of Norwalk
$30,840
Equipment to Increase Safety in City Parks and Other Areas
City of Riverside
$150,000
Body Worn Cameras
City of Rosemead
$11,712
School Resources Officer
City of San Luis Obispo
$74,060
Body Worn Cameras
City of Simi Valley
$187,500
Body Worn Cameras
City of South Gate
$41,484
Overtime for Officers Dealing with Mentally Ill and Homeless Population
City of West Hollywood
$21,903
Overtime for Law Enforcement Presence in Parks
Los Angeles County
$999,600
Body Worn Cameras
County of Riverside
$577,900
Body Worn Cameras
National Community Policing Week builds on President Obama’s efforts to engage with law enforcement and other members of the community to implement key recommendations from the 21st Century Policing Task Force report. Yesterday the Attorney General recognized the LAPD, which was represented by Deputy Chief William Scott and Captain Ruby Flores, for its community policing efforts at the inaugural Attorney General’s Awards for Distinguished Service in Community Policing in Washington, D.C. These awards were given to those “who exemplify remarkable achievements in innovative community policing strategies, criminal investigations, and field operations.”
“National Community Policing Week is an important opportunity to highlight the Department of Justice’s outreach to the communities we serve,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “Developing and maintaining relationships between law enforcement and the communities that it serves are vital to improving transparency and community confidence. Such dialog is critical to addressing both the needs of law enforcement and the concerns of the community."
For more information on National Community Policing Week or the Community Policing Tour, please visit https://www.justice.gov/ag/community-policing-tour.
U.S. Marshal, U.S. Attorney Recognize Local Law Enforcement for Excellence in Community PolicingRead the Press Release
BOISE – The United States Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Marshal Service for the District of Idaho on Wednesday night presented 14 local law enforcement officers with its “Excellence in Community Policing Awards,” as part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Community Policing Week. The awards recognize commitment and excelling in community policing, helping community members live lives of safety, opportunity and purpose.
“These fourteen law enforcement officers represent the best of policing and the commitment that their agencies have to working together to develop positive and lasting relationships between law enforcement officers and the communities we serve,” said Wendy J. Olson, U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho. “We are pleased to be able to highlight for the entire Treasure Valley the great work these officers do.”
“Strengthening the relationship between law enforcement officers and the communities we serve and protect is one of the top priorities of the Department of Justice and for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Idaho,” said Olson, “The purpose of National Community Policing Week and of our forum at the College of Western Idaho is to foster dialogue, promote cooperation, and help citizens and law enforcement officers get to know one another as partners in our shared efforts to build stronger, safer, and more just communities for every American.”
Community policing is a public safety philosophy based on partnership and cooperation between law enforcement and the communities that they are sworn to protect and serve. At the center of community policing is the idea that all members of the community, both officer and civilian, have a stake in the safety of their neighborhoods where they live and work.
The fourteen officers recognized are:
Boise Police Officer Dan Lister, liaison officer for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community. Officer Lister is recognized for his work breaking barriers, improving communication and developing a partnership so that law enforcement can better serve the LGBT community, and, in turn, the entire community.
Boise Police Corporal Brek Orton. Corporal Orton is recognized for his significant community outreach to students, staff and visitors at Boise State University. Among his community outreach programs is the “Red Shirt Ride-along” program, which teaches first-year athletes at Boise State about the real-life realities of policing in Boise.
The eleven officers of the Meridian Police Department School Resource Officer program:
Sergeant Shawn Harper, supervisor
Officer Ray Ellis
Officer Bobby Allison
Officer Leroy Sunada
Officer Dave Gomez
Officer Ryan Rhodes
Officer Mark Payne
Officer Arnel Catic
Officer Courtney Dozier
Officer Greg Kortan
Officer Kirk York
These officers are recognized for their work in Meridian middle schools and high schools. In addition to their daily duties of problem-solving at schools, these SROs donate their time to other community activities such as Shop with a Cop.
ATF Special Agent Ralph Lambright. Special Agent Lambright, an expert in firearms and explosives, is recognized for his outreach at schools and community events where he educates members of the public on the dangers of explosive devices.
“We are fortunate in Idaho to have outstanding community policing efforts at every level of law enforcement,” said U.S. Marshal for the District of Idaho Brian T. Underwood. “These outstanding officers have demonstrated a commitment to working with community members and making their neighborhoods and their schools safer and stronger. The U.S. Department of Justice and its law enforcement agencies are proud to recognize these officers’ excellence in community policing.”
U.S. Attorney’s Office Partners for Second Chance Job FairRead the Press Release
Contact Person: Beth Drake (803) 929-3000
Florence, South Carolina----On Tuesday, September 27, 2016, the South Carolina U.S. Attorney’s office joined with S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, S.C. Vocational Rehabilitation, S.C. Probation, Pardon and Parole and the U.S. Probation office, as well as other state and federal partners, to sponsor a Re-Entry Job and Resource Fair for individuals with criminal records. This is the first in a slate of four planned re-entry fairs intended to support South Carolinians with criminal records in their efforts to gain employment.
The Re-entry Job and Resource Fair was held at the Florence South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Center. The fair featured a variety of employers from various industries, including hospitality, construction, food service, manufacturing, and staffing agencies. The job fair also featured two workshops: Interviewing Skills/ Resumes and the Expungement/ Pardons Process. In addition to the job fair, multiple resource providers and local colleges presented information on their respective organizations, including continuing education and the GED program. More than 300 job-seekers from the community attended the fair.
In addition to the job seekers making application for jobs, employers were also informed about the federal bonding program and the tax benefits associated with hiring a person with a criminal record. The Federal Bonding program provides Fidelity Bonds for “at risk” employees, at no cost to the employer for the first six months of employment. Additionally, employers may be eligible for the “Work Opportunity Tax Credit” of up to $2,400 for each individual they hire with a criminal record.
Acting United States Attorney Beth Drake addressed the importance of the re-entry initiative as a way to build safer communities. “It is vital in reducing recidivism for communities to support formerly incarcerated individuals in their effort to become productive and a positive member of our communities - employment is a major step in that process. Individuals who have a criminal record have a hard time finding employment, which in turn makes it difficult to support themselves and their families. Employment helps ex-offenders reintegrate back into society, decreases the likelihood that an individual will commit further crime, increases community safety, and of course saves tax dollars by decreasing the prison population.”
Critical to the success of these job fairs is the vision and support of Neal Getsinger, Commissioner SC Vocational Rehabilitation; Jerry Adger- Director SCPPP, Chief Dickie Brunson- US Probation, and Director Cheryl Stanton of S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce. Acting U.S. Attorney Beth Drake added, “We work best when we work together. The goal here is stronger, safer communities. The state and federal agencies that put these job fairs together did some great work which has the potential to change lives.”
Job seekers with and without a record can sign up and search for opportunities via www.scworks.org.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania Joins Law Enforcement Partners to Support National Community Policing WeekRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that as part of “National Community Policing Week” a “neighborhood walk” in the Midtown area of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, took place last night. One of the top priorities of the Department of Justice is strengthening relationships between law enforcement officers and the communities we serve and protect. Community policing – public safety efforts built on resilient bonds of mutual trust and respect between law enforcement officers and neighborhood residents – is an essential component of law enforcement work. One way to build trust and legitimacy is for law enforcement officers to engage and collaborate with local residents and community organizations to identify areas of concern and coordinate solutions to community problems.
Participants in the “neighborhood walk” in Midtown Harrisburg were representatives from various federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, along with members of the “Friends of Midtown Community Organization.” Included were representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office, the Harrisburg Mayor’s Office, the Harrisburg Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive, and the United States Marshals Service.
“As the newly appointed United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, one of my key priorities is supporting and promoting strong relationships between law enforcement and the communities we serve and protect. The “neighborhood walk” in midtown Harrisburg is a demonstration of my commitment to that goal.”
“Events such as last night’s neighborhood walk demonstrate that all levels of law enforcement and community members can come together to address crime in our neighborhoods,” said Gary Tuggle, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Philadelphia Field Division. “Strengthening bonds with the community is an important part of the DEA’s mission to raise awareness about the current prescription opioid and heroin epidemic that is ravishing our communities.”
“United with the community we serve, through trust and confidence, we can work as one to root out those who oppose peaceful and safe neighborhoods. The community should know that ATF’s highest priority is reducing and preventing gun violence on our streets. Together, with open dialogue and citizen contributions, we can have stronger bonds with a shared purpose of fighting violent crime and to make certain that where we live and work is a safe place.” Said ATF Special Agent in Charge Sam Rabadi.
“To keep our communities safe, we need everyone on board,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael Harpster. “The FBI is committed to our productive partnerships with law enforcement at every level, and to promoting strong relationships with the citizens we all serve. Events like this support our common cause.”
On November 2015, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with federal, state and local partners announced a renewed strategy for reducing and preventing violent crime and drug activity in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, focusing on the Harrisburg, York, Wilkes-Barre and Williamsport areas. The program, known as “Violent Crime Reduction Partnership,” identifies communities which are most in need of anti-violence and anti-drug solutions and targets high-priority offenders in those communities for aggressive prosecution. The event last night in midtown Harrisburg was meant to demonstrate to the community our awareness of the problems they face, to demonstrate that law enforcement is working together to fight crime in these areas, and most important, to solicit and encourage input from local residents and community organizations for solutions to these problems.
As part of the promoting the dialogue between law enforcement and the community, each federal, state and local law enforcement agency has a “tipline” where local residents can report suspicious activity to the police:
U.S. Marshal Service - tips for fugitives call 1-800-336-0102 or [email protected]
FBI – call 215-418-4000 or https://tips.fbi.gov/
ATF - call 1-888-ATF-TIPS (283-8477) or anonymous tips can be reported to ATF via the Reportit® App (download at Google Play or the Apple App Store)
DEA - “Submit A Tip” at https://www.dea.gov/ops/submit.php
Pennsylvania State Police - PA Crime Stoppers - 1-800-4PA-TIPS; Drug Trafficking Tip Line - 1-877-PA-NODRUGS; Terrorism/Fugitive Tip Line - 1-888-292-1919
Harrisburg Police Bureau - https://dauphin.crimewatchpa.com/hbgpd/3271/submit-tip
In addition, prosecutors and police officers are available to meet with the public in schools, township meetings and other appropriate venues to discuss topics of mutual concern. For example, on September 19, 2016, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs held a well-attended symposium on heroin and prescription drug abuse at Central Penn College in Summerdale, Pennsylvania. Events such as this serve not only to educate the public on public health and safety matters but also to promote a strong relationship between law enforcement and the community.
On October 7, 2016, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in conjunction with our federal, state and local partners, will hold a similar “neighborhood walk” in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Our offices are committed to continuing the process of building strong bonds of trust and respect between law enforcement and the public they serve.
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U.S. Attorney, Birmingham Police Officials Attend National Community Policing AwardsRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM – Officials from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Birmingham Police Department were in the nation’s capital Thursday to take part in the Justice Department’s first Community Policing Awards Ceremony.
As representatives of one of the 12 cities that U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch visited on her Community Policing Tour over the past 15 months, U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance, U.S. Attorney’s Office Law Enforcement Coordination Manager Lyndon J. Laster, Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper and Birmingham Police Deputy Chief Henry Irby III attended the afternoon ceremony in the Great Hall of the Robert F. Kennedy Main Justice Building in Washington, D.C. The awards ceremony took place during National Community Policing Week.
The attorney general presented awards for Distinguished Service in Community Policing to recognize individual state, local or tribal sworn police officers and deputies who exemplify remarkable achievements in innovative community policing strategies, criminal investigations and field operations.
Birmingham was the second city on Lynch’s Community Policing Tour when she visited in June 2015. Birmingham was among the first six cities named in March 2015 as a pilot site for DOJ's National Initiative for Building Community Trust and Justice. The attorney general undertook her tour of cities to highlight important and innovative work in police-community relations, and to examine ways in which those programs can be applied to other jurisdictions.
On her visit to Birmingham, Lynch met with some recent graduates of Birmingham's Youth Citizen's Police Academy, a program of the Birmingham Police Department and the Mayor's Office of Community Policing and Revitalization, in association with the Woodlawn Foundation. She addressed cadets at the Birmingham Police Academy and held a roundtable discussion with community leaders at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.
U.S. Attorney and Distinguished Guests Attend Inaugural Community Policing Awards CeremonyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – On Thursday, October 6, 2016, Billy J. Williams, United States Attorney for the District of Oregon, Captain Kevin Modica from the Portland Police Bureau, and Reverend Dr. LeRoy Haynes Jr. from the Albina Ministerial Alliance attended the inaugural Distinguished Service in Community Policing Awards Ceremony at the Justice Department’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.
U.S. Attorney Williams praised his guests’ hard work and commitment to community policing throughout the Portland area. “Community policing is founded in the commitment of both law enforcement and citizens working together to build trust and safer neighborhoods. I admire Captain Modica and Rev. Dr. Haynes’s leadership in building bridges between our law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. True community-oriented policing,” Williams continued, “is not a goal that can be achieved overnight, but with the hard work of these two men and others in our community, I am confident that our work will be a success.”
Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch and Deputy Attorney General Sally Q. Yates delivered remarks at the inaugural event, along with Ronald Davis, Director of the DOJ Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS). The Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing recognizes individual state, local or tribal sworn police officers and deputies who exemplify remarkable achievements in innovative community policing strategies, criminal investigations, and field operations.
The awards ceremony was held in conjunction with National Community Policing Week. During the week of October 2-8, 2016, the Justice Department will host nearly 400 events to support community policing efforts around the country. To learn more, please visit go.usa.gov/xkxEU.